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Dhital S, Deo P, Stuart I, Huang C, Zavan L, Han ML, Kaparakis-Liaskos M, Ramm G, Schittenhelm RB, Howden B, Naderer T. Characterization of outer membrane vesicles released by clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300087. [PMID: 38059892 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The sexually transmitted pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae releases membrane vesicles including outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) during infections. OMVs traffic outer membrane molecules, such as the porin PorB and lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS), into host innate immune cells, eliciting programmed cell death pathways, and inflammation. Little is known, however, about the proteome and LOS content of OMVs released by clinical strains isolated from different infection sites, and whether these vesicles similarly activate immune responses. Here, we characterized OMVs from four N. gonorrhoeae isolates and determined their size, abundance, proteome, LOS content, and activation of inflammatory responses in macrophages. The overall proteome of the OMVs was conserved between the four different isolates, which included major outer membrane and periplasm proteins. Despite this, we observed differences in the rate of OMV biogenesis and the relative abundance of membrane proteins and LOS. Consequently, OMVs from clinical isolates induced varying rates of macrophage cell death and the secretion of interleukin-1 family members, such as IL-1α and IL-1β. Overall, these findings demonstrate that clinical isolates of N. gonorrhoeae utilize membrane vesicles to release proteins and lipids, which affects innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash Dhital
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pankaj Deo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Isabella Stuart
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren Zavan
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles, School of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mei-Ling Han
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Kaparakis-Liaskos
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles, School of Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georg Ramm
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Naderer
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Garcia EM, Lenz JD, Schaub RE, Hackett KT, Salgado-Pabón W, Dillard JP. IL-17C is a driver of damaging inflammation during Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection of human Fallopian tube. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3756. [PMID: 38704381 PMCID: PMC11069574 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48141-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae ascends into the upper female reproductive tract to cause damaging inflammation within the Fallopian tubes and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), increasing the risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. The loss of ciliated cells from the epithelium is thought to be both a consequence of inflammation and a cause of adverse sequelae. However, the links between infection, inflammation, and ciliated cell extrusion remain unresolved. With the use of ex vivo cultures of human Fallopian tube paired with RNA sequencing we defined the tissue response to gonococcal challenge, identifying cytokine, chemokine, cell adhesion, and apoptosis related transcripts not previously recognized as potentiators of gonococcal PID. Unexpectedly, IL-17C was one of the most highly induced genes. Yet, this cytokine has no previous association with gonococcal infection nor pelvic inflammatory disease and thus it was selected for further characterization. We show that human Fallopian tubes express the IL-17C receptor on the epithelial surface and that treatment with purified IL-17C induces pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion in addition to sloughing of the epithelium and generalized tissue damage. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized but critical role of IL-17C in the damaging inflammation induced by gonococci in a human explant model of PID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Garcia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jonathan D Lenz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ryan E Schaub
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kathleen T Hackett
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Wilmara Salgado-Pabón
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Joseph P Dillard
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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3
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Walker E, van Niekerk S, Hanning K, Kelton W, Hicks J. Mechanisms of host manipulation by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1119834. [PMID: 36819065 PMCID: PMC9935845 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1119834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (also known as gonococcus) has been causing gonorrhoea in humans since ancient Egyptian times. Today, global gonorrhoea infections are rising at an alarming rate, in concert with an increasing number of antimicrobial-resistant strains. The gonococcus has concurrently evolved several intricate mechanisms that promote pathogenesis by evading both host immunity and defeating common therapeutic interventions. Central to these adaptations is the ability of the gonococcus to manipulate various host microenvironments upon infection. For example, the gonococcus can survive within neutrophils through direct regulation of both the oxidative burst response and maturation of the phagosome; a concerning trait given the important role neutrophils have in defending against invading pathogens. Hence, a detailed understanding of how N. gonorrhoeae exploits the human host to establish and maintain infection is crucial for combating this pathogen. This review summarizes the mechanisms behind host manipulation, with a central focus on the exploitation of host epithelial cell signaling to promote colonization and invasion of the epithelial lining, the modulation of the host immune response to evade both innate and adaptive defenses, and the manipulation of host cell death pathways to both assist colonization and combat antimicrobial activities of innate immune cells. Collectively, these pathways act in concert to enable N. gonorrhoeae to colonize and invade a wide array of host tissues, both establishing and disseminating gonococcal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Walker
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Stacy van Niekerk
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Kyrin Hanning
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - William Kelton
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand,Te Aka Mātuatua School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Joanna Hicks
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand,*Correspondence: Joanna Hicks,
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Płaczkiewicz J, Adamczyk-Popławska M, Kozłowska E, Kwiatek A. Both Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria sicca Induce Cytokine Secretion by Infected Human Cells, but Only Neisseria gonorrhoeae Upregulates the Expression of Long Non-Coding RNAs. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040394. [PMID: 35456069 PMCID: PMC9031631 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria of the Neisseria genus are Gram-negative diplococci including both pathogenic and commensal species. We focused on pathogenic Neisseria gonorrhoeae and commensal Neisseria sicca. We have demonstrated that not only N. gonorrhoeae, but also N. sicca induce the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and chemokines CXCL8 and CCL20 by infected epithelial cells. However, N. sicca triggers a lesser effect than does N. gonorrhoeae. Furthermore, N. gonorrhoeae and N. sicca invoke distinct effects on the expression of genes (JUNB, FOSB, NFKB1, NFKBIA) encoding protein components of AP-1 and NF-κB transcription factors. We have also shown that the infection of epithelial cells by N. gonorrhoeae leads to significant overexpression of the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), including MALAT1, ERICD, and RP11-510N19.5. This effect was not identified for N. sicca. In conclusion, data on the expression of lncRNAs and cytokine secretion in response to Neisseria spp. exposure indicate new directions for research on Neisseria-host interactions and can provide further insights into virulence of not only pathogenic, but also commensal Neisseria spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagoda Płaczkiewicz
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (J.P.); (M.A.-P.)
- International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Adamczyk-Popławska
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (J.P.); (M.A.-P.)
| | - Ewa Kozłowska
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Kwiatek
- Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (J.P.); (M.A.-P.)
- Correspondence:
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Heydarian M, Rühl E, Rawal R, Kozjak-Pavlovic V. Tissue Models for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Research—From 2D to 3D. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:840122. [PMID: 35223556 PMCID: PMC8873371 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.840122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen that causes gonorrhea, the second most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Disease progression, drug discovery, and basic host-pathogen interactions are studied using different approaches, which rely on models ranging from 2D cell culture to complex 3D tissues and animals. In this review, we discuss the models used in N. gonorrhoeae research. We address both in vivo (animal) and in vitro cell culture models, discussing the pros and cons of each and outlining the recent advancements in the field of three-dimensional tissue models. From simple 2D monoculture to complex advanced 3D tissue models, we provide an overview of the relevant methodology and its application. Finally, we discuss future directions in the exciting field of 3D tissue models and how they can be applied for studying the interaction of N. gonorrhoeae with host cells under conditions closely resembling those found at the native sites of infection.
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Smolarczyk K, Mlynarczyk-Bonikowska B, Rudnicka E, Szukiewicz D, Meczekalski B, Smolarczyk R, Pieta W. The Impact of Selected Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases on Pregnancy and Female Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2170. [PMID: 33671616 PMCID: PMC7926516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium are a common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can lead to tubal factor infertility (TFI). TFI is one of the most common causes of infertility, accounting for 30% of female fertility problems. STIs can also have an impact on pregnancy, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Escalating antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium represents a significant problem and can be therapeutically challenging. We present a comprehensive review of the current treatment options, as well as the molecular approach to this subject. We have given special attention to molecular epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, current and new treatments, and drug resistance.
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MESH Headings
- Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology
- Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
- Chlamydia Infections/drug therapy
- Chlamydia Infections/etiology
- Chlamydia Infections/microbiology
- Drug Resistance, Bacterial/drug effects
- Fallopian Tubes/microbiology
- Fallopian Tubes/pathology
- Female
- Gonorrhea/drug therapy
- Gonorrhea/etiology
- Humans
- Infertility, Female/microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
- Molecular Epidemiology/methods
- Mycoplasma Infections/drug therapy
- Mycoplasma Infections/etiology
- Mycoplasma genitalium/pathogenicity
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/diagnosis
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/drug therapy
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology
- Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/etiology
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial/complications
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial/diagnosis
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial/drug therapy
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial/epidemiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Smolarczyk
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (B.M.-B.)
| | - Beata Mlynarczyk-Bonikowska
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (B.M.-B.)
| | - Ewa Rudnicka
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Szukiewicz
- Department of General and Experimental Pathology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Blazej Meczekalski
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-535 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Roman Smolarczyk
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Wojciech Pieta
- Department of Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
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Pai M, Venkatesh S, Gupta P. The role of infections in infertility: A reviewA tale of in-fecundity and infections. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/ijam.ijam_44_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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8
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Álamos-Musre AS, Escobar A, Tapia CV, Christodoulides M, Rodas PI. Use of Human Fallopian Tube Organ in Culture (FTOC) and Primary Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cells (FTEC) to Study the Biology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1997:377-402. [PMID: 31119635 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9496-0_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cells represent one of the most important physical barriers to many bacterial pathogens. In the case of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the epithelial cell response is critical because they are the main target of the tissue damage triggered by the pathogen, particularly when the organism reaches the Fallopian tube (FT). Although the irreversible damage triggered by N. gonorrhoeae in the FT has been previously reported (ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility), the mechanisms of gonococcal-induced tissue damage are not fully understood. In addition, the lack of animal models that efficiently mimic the human disease and the complexity of gonococcus-host interactions make studying gonococcal pathogenesis particularly difficult. The use of human immortalized cells is also limited, since a variety of commercial FT cell lines is not yet available. Finally, the phase and antigenic variation of many gonococcal surface molecules involved in attachment and invasion of epithelial tissues leads to a failure to reproduce results using different human cells lines used in previous studies. The FT organ in culture (FTOC) and primary human fallopian tube epithelial cell (FTEC) represent the closest ex vivo cell models to explore the biology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae during infection of the FT, since it is a natural host target of the gonococcus. In this chapter, we describe protocols to process human FT samples to obtain FTOC and FTEC and assess their response to infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Said Álamos-Musre
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Concepción, Región del Bío-Bío, Chile
| | - Alejandro Escobar
- Laboratorio Biología celular y molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Odontológicas, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Cecilia V Tapia
- Laboratorio de Especialidad, Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Molecular Microbiology Group, Academic Unit of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paula I Rodas
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Pathogenesis, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello, Concepción, Región del Bío-Bío, Chile.
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Lenz JD, Dillard JP. Pathogenesis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and the Host Defense in Ascending Infections of Human Fallopian Tube. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2710. [PMID: 30524442 PMCID: PMC6258741 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an obligate human pathogen that causes mucosal surface infections of male and female reproductive tracts, pharynx, rectum, and conjunctiva. Asymptomatic or unnoticed infections in the lower reproductive tract of women can lead to serious, long-term consequences if these infections ascend into the fallopian tube. The damage caused by gonococcal infection and the subsequent inflammatory response produce the condition known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Infection can lead to tubal scarring, occlusion of the oviduct, and loss of critical ciliated cells. Consequences of the damage sustained on the fallopian tube epithelium include increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and tubal-factor infertility. Additionally, the resolution of infection can produce new adhesions between internal tissues, which can tear and reform, producing chronic pelvic pain. As a bacterium adapted to life in a human host, the gonococcus presents a challenge to the development of model systems for probing host-microbe interactions. Advances in small-animal models have yielded previously unattainable data on systemic immune responses, but the specificity of N. gonorrhoeae for many known (and unknown) host targets remains a constant hurdle. Infections of human volunteers are possible, though they present ethical and logistical challenges, and are necessarily limited to males due to the risk of severe complications in women. It is routine, however, that normal, healthy fallopian tubes are removed in the course of different gynecological surgeries (namely hysterectomy), making the very tissue most consequentially damaged during ascending gonococcal infection available for laboratory research. The study of fallopian tube organ cultures has allowed the opportunity to observe gonococcal biology and immune responses in a complex, multi-layered tissue from a natural host. Forty-five years since the first published example of human fallopian tube being infected ex vivo with N. gonorrhoeae, we review what modeling infections in human tissue explants has taught us about the gonococcus, what we have learned about the defenses mounted by the human host in the upper female reproductive tract, what other fields have taught us about ciliated and non-ciliated cell development, and ultimately offer suggestions regarding the next generation of model systems to help expand our ability to study gonococcal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Lenz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Joseph P Dillard
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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10
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Antibiotic Targets in Gonococcal Cell Wall Metabolism. Antibiotics (Basel) 2018; 7:antibiotics7030064. [PMID: 30037076 PMCID: PMC6164560 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics7030064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptidoglycan cell wall that encloses the bacterial cell and provides structural support and protection is remodeled by multiple enzymes that synthesize and cleave the polymer during growth. This essential and dynamic structure has been targeted by multiple antibiotics to treat gonococcal infections. Up until now, antibiotics have been used against the biosynthetic machinery and the therapeutic potential of inhibiting enzymatic activities involved in peptidoglycan breakdown has not been explored. Given the major antibiotic resistance problems we currently face, it is crucial to identify other possible targets that are key to maintaining cell integrity and contribute to disease development. This article reviews peptidoglycan as an antibiotic target, how N. gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to currently available antibiotics, and the potential of continuing to target this essential structure to combat gonococcal infections by attacking alternative enzymatic activities involved in cell wall modification and metabolism.
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11
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Rodas PI, Pérez D, Jauffret C, González Y, Carreño C, Tapia CV, Osorio E, Velasquez LA, Christodoulides M. Modified Profile of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 and 9 Production by Human Fallopian Tube Epithelial Cells After Infection In Vitro With Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:452-455. [PMID: 27932616 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial shedding and scarring of fallopian tube mucosa are the main consequences of sexually transmitted Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection and probably involve an imbalance of host extracellular matrix components and their regulators such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In the current study, primary human fallopian tube epithelial cells were infected with N. gonorrhoeae, and MMP patterns were examined. Gonococcal infection induced a significant increase in secreted MMP-9 and an accumulation of cytoplasmic MMP-2 over time, but no significant MMP-3 or MMP-8 production was observed. Thus, MMP-9 in particular could play a role in tubal scarring in response to gonococcal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula I Rodas
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science
| | - Doris Pérez
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science.,School of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine
| | - Claudia Jauffret
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science.,School of Medical Technology, Faculty of Medicine
| | | | - Carolina Carreño
- Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science.,School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Andres Bello
| | - Cecilia V Tapia
- Laboratorio Clínica Dávila.,Laboratorio de Micología Médica, Programa de Microbiología y Micología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile
| | - Eduardo Osorio
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, United Kingdom
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12
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Juica NE, Rodas PI, Solar P, Borda P, Vargas R, Muñoz C, Paredes R, Christodoulides M, Velasquez LA. Neisseria gonorrhoeae Challenge Increases Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Expression in Fallopian Tube Explants. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:399. [PMID: 28932707 PMCID: PMC5592203 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background:Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo) is the etiological agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection that initially infects the female lower genital tract. In untreated women, the bacteria can ascend to the upper genital reproductive tract and infect the fallopian tube (FTs), which is associated with salpingitis and can lead to impaired FT function and infertility. The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in cell migration and differentiation in the female genital tract, and some pathogens modify the ECM to establish successful infections. The ECM is regulated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), their endogenous inhibitors; MMP deregulation causes pathological conditions in a variety of tissues. Results: The aim of this work was to analyze the expression and localization of MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 in FT explants during Ngo infection using real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, zymography and ELISA. No significant variations in MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 transcript levels were observed. In contrast, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed for MMP-8 expression and was accompanied by stromal immunoreactivity in infected explants. ELISA results supported these findings and showed that MMP-8 release increased upon gonococcal infection. Conclusions: Our results indicate that gonococcal infection induces increased MMP-8 expression, which might contribute to FT damage during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia E Juica
- Facultad de Medicina, Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science, Universidad Andres BelloSantiago, Chile
| | - Paula I Rodas
- Facultad de Medicina, Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science, Universidad Andres BelloSantiago, Chile
| | - Paula Solar
- Facultad de Medicina, Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science, Universidad Andres BelloSantiago, Chile
| | - Paula Borda
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital San JoséSantiago, Chile
| | - Renato Vargas
- Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Hospital San JoséSantiago, Chile.,Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Clínica IndisaSantiago, Chile
| | - Cristobal Muñoz
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Andres BelloSantiago, Chile
| | - Rodolfo Paredes
- Facultad de Ecología y Recursos Naturales, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Andres BelloSantiago, Chile
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, Division of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, University of Southampton Medical SchoolSouthampton, United Kingdom
| | - Luis A Velasquez
- Facultad de Medicina, Center for Integrative Medicine and Innovative Science, Universidad Andres BelloSantiago, Chile
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Château A, Seifert HS. Neisseria gonorrhoeae survives within and modulates apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine production of human macrophages. Cell Microbiol 2016; 18:546-60. [PMID: 26426083 PMCID: PMC5240846 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The human-adapted organism Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection. It readily colonizes the genital, rectal and nasalpharyngeal mucosa during infection. While it is well established that N. gonorrhoeae recruits and modulates the functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes during infection, how N. gonorrhoeae interacts with macrophages present in infected tissue is not fully defined. We studied the interactions of N. gonorrhoeae with two human monocytic cell lines, THP-1 and U937, and primary monocytes, all differentiated into macrophages. Most engulfed bacteria were killed in the phagolysosome, but a subset of bacteria was able to survive and replicate inside the macrophages suggesting that those cells may be an unexplored cellular reservoir for N. gonorrhoeae during infection. N. gonorrhoeae was able to modulate macrophage apoptosis: N. gonorrhoeae induced apoptosis in THP-1 cells whereas it inhibited induced apoptosis in U937 cells and primary human macrophages. Furthermore, N. gonorrhoeae induced expression of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages, suggesting a role for macrophages in recruiting polymorphonuclear leukocytes to the site of infection. These results indicate macrophages may serve as a significant replicative niche for N. gonorrhoeae and play an important role in gonorrheal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Château
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - H. Steven Seifert
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611
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Cerny KL, Ribeiro RAC, Jeoung M, Ko C, Bridges PJ. Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ESR1)-Dependent Regulation of the Mouse Oviductal Transcriptome. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147685. [PMID: 26808832 PMCID: PMC4725743 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-α (ESR1) is an important transcriptional regulator in the mammalian oviduct, however ESR1-dependent regulation of the transcriptome of this organ is not well defined, especially at the genomic level. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate estradiol- and ESR1-dependent regulation of the transcriptome of the oviduct using transgenic mice, both with (ESR1KO) and without (wild-type, WT) a global deletion of ESR1. Oviducts were collected from ESR1KO and WT littermates at 23 days of age, or ESR1KO and WT mice were treated with 5 IU PMSG to stimulate follicular development and the production of ovarian estradiol, and the oviducts collected 48 h later. RNA extracted from whole oviducts was hybridized to Affymetrix Genechip Mouse Genome 430–2.0 arrays (n = 3 arrays per genotype and treatment) or reverse transcribed to cDNA for analysis of the expression of selected mRNAs by real-time PCR. Following microarray analysis, a statistical two-way ANOVA and pairwise comparison (LSD test) revealed 2428 differentially expressed transcripts (DEG’s, P < 0.01). Genotype affected the expression of 2215 genes, treatment (PMSG) affected the expression of 465 genes, and genotype x treatment affected the expression of 438 genes. With the goal of determining estradiol/ESR1-regulated function, gene ontology (GO) and bioinformatic pathway analyses were performed on DEG’s in the oviducts of PMSG-treated ESR1KO versus PMSG-treated WT mice. Significantly enriched GO molecular function categories included binding and catalytic activity. Significantly enriched GO cellular component categories indicated the extracellular region. Significantly enriched GO biological process categories involved a single organism, modulation of a measurable attribute and developmental processes. Bioinformatic analysis revealed ESR1-regulation of the immune response within the oviduct as the primary canonical pathway. In summary, a transcriptomal profile of estradiol- and ESR1-regulated gene expression and related bioinformatic analysis is presented to increase our understanding of how estradiol/ESR1 affects function of the oviduct, and to identify genes that may be proven as important regulators of fertility in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katheryn L. Cerny
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, United States of America
| | - Rosanne A. C. Ribeiro
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, United States of America
| | - Myoungkun Jeoung
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States of America
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61802, United States of America
| | - Phillip J. Bridges
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, United States of America
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Goundry ALR, Finlay ER, Llewellyn CD. Talking about links between sexually transmitted infections and infertility with college and university students from SE England, UK: a qualitative study. Reprod Health 2013; 10:47. [PMID: 24020982 PMCID: PMC3847203 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4755-10-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea are largely symptomless diseases which, left untreated, can result in serious complications including infertility. Fertility problems currently affect approximately one in seven couples in the UK and there is increasing demand for couples seeking reproductive technologies. Young people are at greatest risk of contracting STIs, therefore this study aimed to identify young people’s knowledge and beliefs about the link between untreated STIs and infertility. Methods Focus groups were conducted with participants aged 16–24 years old inclusive in college or university settings in the SE of England. Groups were quota sampled on the basis of age and gender. A topic guide was used. The data were analysed using a framework analysis approach. Results Ten single-sex focus groups were conducted with sixty participants: six groups of college students and four groups of university students. Participants were generally aware of the link between STIs and potential infertility and considered the discussion of this subject very relevant at their age. Knowledge about how and why STIs potentially lead to fertility complications was poor. The issues of blame relating to infertility following an STI emerged, although most participants did not think that access to free reproductive technologies after an untreated STI should be limited. Conclusions Young people would benefit from more education in order to improve their understanding of the long-term consequences of untreated STIs, such as infertility. Participants in our sample felt these were extremely relevant and important issues for them to understand alongside current education about STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lauren R Goundry
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer Brighton, Room 317 Mayfield House, East Sussex BN1 9PH, UK.
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16
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Goundry ALR, Finlay ER, Llewellyn CD. Talking about links between sexually transmitted infections and infertility with college and university students from SE England, UK: a qualitative study. Reprod Health 2013. [PMID: 24020982 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4755-10-47; 10.1186/1742-4755-10-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea are largely symptomless diseases which, left untreated, can result in serious complications including infertility. Fertility problems currently affect approximately one in seven couples in the UK and there is increasing demand for couples seeking reproductive technologies. Young people are at greatest risk of contracting STIs, therefore this study aimed to identify young people's knowledge and beliefs about the link between untreated STIs and infertility. METHODS Focus groups were conducted with participants aged 16-24 years old inclusive in college or university settings in the SE of England. Groups were quota sampled on the basis of age and gender. A topic guide was used. The data were analysed using a framework analysis approach. RESULTS Ten single-sex focus groups were conducted with sixty participants: six groups of college students and four groups of university students. Participants were generally aware of the link between STIs and potential infertility and considered the discussion of this subject very relevant at their age. Knowledge about how and why STIs potentially lead to fertility complications was poor. The issues of blame relating to infertility following an STI emerged, although most participants did not think that access to free reproductive technologies after an untreated STI should be limited. CONCLUSIONS Young people would benefit from more education in order to improve their understanding of the long-term consequences of untreated STIs, such as infertility. Participants in our sample felt these were extremely relevant and important issues for them to understand alongside current education about STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lauren R Goundry
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer Brighton, Room 317 Mayfield House, East Sussex BN1 9PH, UK.
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Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is a symbiont of the human nasopharynx. On occasion, meningococci disseminate from the nasopharynx to cause invasive disease. Previous work showed that purified meningococcal peptidoglycan (PG) stimulates human Nod1, which leads to activation of NF-κB and production of inflammatory cytokines. No studies have determined if meningococci release PG or activate Nod1 during infection. The closely related pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae releases PG fragments during normal growth. These fragments induce inflammatory cytokine production and ciliated cell death in human fallopian tubes. We determined that meningococci also release PG fragments during growth, including fragments known to induce inflammation. We found that N. meningitidis recycles PG fragments via the selective permease AmpG and that meningococcal PG recycling is more efficient than gonococcal PG recycling. Comparison of PG fragment release from N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae showed that meningococci release less of the proinflammatory PG monomers than gonococci and degrade PG to smaller fragments. The decreased release of PG monomers by N. meningitidis relative to N. gonorrhoeae is partly due to ampG, since replacement of gonococcal ampG with the meningococcal allele reduced PG monomer release. Released PG fragments in meningococcal supernatants induced significantly less Nod1-dependent NF-κB activity than released fragments in gonococcal supernatants and tended to induce less interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion in primary human fallopian tube explants. These results support a model in which efficient PG recycling and extensive degradation of PG fragments lessen inflammatory responses and may be advantageous for maintaining meningococcal carriage in the nasopharynx.
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Oróstica ML, Zuñiga LM, Utz D, Parada-Bustamante A, Velásquez LA, Cardenas H, Orihuela PA. Tumour necrosis factor-α is the signal induced by mating to shutdown a 2-methoxyestradiol nongenomic action necessary to accelerate oviductal egg transport in the rat. Reproduction 2013; 145:109-17. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mating shut down a 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) nongenomic action necessary to accelerate egg transport in the rat oviduct. Herein, we investigated whether tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) participates in this mating effect. In unmated and mated rats, we determined the concentration of TNF-α in the oviductal fluid and the level of the mRNA for Tnf-a (Tnf) and their receptors Tnfrsf1a and Tnfrsf1b in the oviduct tissues. The distribution of the TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B proteins in the oviduct of unmated and mated was also assessed. Finally, we examined whether 2ME accelerates oviductal egg transport in unmated rats that were previously treated with a rat recombinant TNF-α alone or concomitant with a selective inhibitor of the NF-κB activity. Mating increased TNF-α in the oviductal fluid, but Tnf transcript was not detected in the oviduct. The mRNA for TNF-α receptors as well as their distribution was not affected by mating, although they were mainly localized in the endosalpinx. Administration of TNF-α into the oviduct of unmated rats prevented the effect of 2ME on egg transport. However, the NF-κB activity inhibitor did not revert this effect of TNF-α. These results indicate that mating increased TNF-α in the oviductal fluid, although this not associated with changes in the expression and localization of TNF-α receptors in the oviductal cells. Furthermore, TNF-α mimicked the effect of mating on the 2ME-induced egg transport acceleration, independently of the activation of NF-κB in the oviduct. We concluded that TNF-α is the signal induced by mating to shut down a 2ME nongenomic action in the rat oviduct.
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Chan YA, Hackett KT, Dillard JP. The lytic transglycosylases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Microb Drug Resist 2012; 18:271-9. [PMID: 22432703 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2012.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae encodes five lytic transglycosylases (LTs) in the core genome, and most gonococcal strains also carry the gonococcal genetic island that encodes one or two additional LTs. These peptidoglycan (PG)-degrading enzymes are required for a number of processes that are either involved in the normal growth of the bacteria or affect the pathogenesis and gene transfer aspects of this species that make N. gonorrhoeae highly inflammatory and highly genetically variable. Systematic mutagenesis determined that two LTs are involved in producing the 1,6-anhydro PG monomers that cause the death of ciliated cells in Fallopian tubes. Here, we review the information available on these enzymes and discuss their roles in bacterial growth, cell separation, autolysis, type IV secretion, and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolande A Chan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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20
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Neisseria gonorrhoeae pilus attenuates cytokine response of human fallopian tube explants. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:491298. [PMID: 22318778 PMCID: PMC3270410 DOI: 10.1155/2012/491298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. A role for pilus during attachment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to epithelia of the female reproductive tract is currently assumed. However, Pil− gonococci have been observed during infection of the reproductive tract, which prompted us to examine the effect of pili on the dynamics of infection and the inflammatory responses of mucosal explants of the human Fallopian tube. Methods. Mucosal explants were infected in vitro with Opa negative Pil− and Pil+N. gonorrhoeae strains. Results. Piliation enhanced gonococcal adherence to the epithelium within 3 h of infection (P < 0.05) but thereafter did not offer advantage to gonococci to colonize the epithelial cell surface (P > 0.05). No differences were found between the strains in numbers of gonococci inside epithelial cells. Pil− bacteria induced higher levels (P < 0.05) of IL-1β, TNF-α, GM-CSF, MCP-1, and MIP-1β than Pil+ bacteria. There were no differences between both strains in LOS pattern, and Pil expression did not change after coincubation with mucosal strips. Conclusions. Results show that gonococcal invasion of the human Fallopian tube can occur independently of pilus or Opa expression, and suggest that pilus, by inhibition of several key elements of the initial inflammatory response, facilitates sustained infection of this organ.
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Neisseria gonorrhoeae induced disruption of cell junction complexes in epithelial cells of the human genital tract. Microbes Infect 2011; 14:290-300. [PMID: 22146107 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Revised: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic microorganisms, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, have developed mechanisms to alter epithelial barriers in order to reach subepithelial tissues for host colonization. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of gonococci on cell junction complexes of genital epithelial cells of women. Polarized Ishikawa cells, a cell line derived from endometrial epithelium, were used for experimental infection. Infected cells displayed a spindle-like shape with an irregular distribution, indicating potential alteration of cell-cell contacts. Accordingly, analysis by confocal microscopy and cellular fractionation revealed that gonococci induced redistribution of the adherens junction proteins E-cadherin and its adapter protein β-catenin from the membrane to a cytoplasmic pool, with no significant differences in protein levels. In contrast, gonococcal infection did not induce modification of either expression or distribution of the tight junction proteins Occludin and ZO-1. Similar results were observed for Fallopian tube epithelia. Interestingly, infected Ishikawa cells also showed an altered pattern of actin cytoskeleton, observed in the form of stress fibers across the cytoplasm, which in turn matched a strong alteration on the expression of fibronectin, an adhesive glycoprotein component of extracellular matrix. Interestingly, using western blotting, activation of the ERK pathway was detected after gonococcal infection while p38 pathway was not activated. All effects were pili and Opa independent. Altogether, results indicated that gonococcus, as a mechanism of pathogenesis, induced disruption of junction complexes with early detaching of E-cadherin and β-catenin from the adherens junction complex, followed by a redistribution and reorganization of actin cytoskeleton and fibronectin within the extracellular matrix.
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22
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Mouse strain-dependent differences in susceptibility to Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection and induction of innate immune responses. Infect Immun 2009; 78:433-40. [PMID: 19901062 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00711-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute gonorrhea in women is characterized by a mucopurulent exudate that contains polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) with intracellular gonococci. Asymptomatic infections are also common. Information on the innate response to Neisseria gonorrhoeae in women is limited to studies with cultured cells, isolated immune cells, and analyses of cervicovaginal fluids. 17beta-Estradiol-treated BALB/c mice can be experimentally infected with N. gonorrhoeae, and a vaginal PMN influx occurs in 50 to 80% of mice. Here, we compared the colonization loads and proinflammatory responses of BALB/c, C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice to N. gonorrhoeae. BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were colonized at similar levels following inoculation with 10(6) CFU of N. gonorrhoeae. BALB/c, but not C57BL/6, mice exhibited a marked vaginal PMN influx. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), and keratinocyte-derived chemokine were elevated in vaginal secretions from infected BALB/c mice, but not in those from C57BL/6 mice. MIP-2 levels positively correlated with a vaginal PMN influx. In contrast to BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, C3H/HeN mice were resistant to infection, and there was no evidence of an inflammatory response. We conclude that N. gonorrhoeae causes a productive infection in BALB/c mice that is characterized by the induction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the recruitment of PMNs. Infection of C57BL/6 mice, in contrast, is more similar to asymptomatic infection. C3H/HeN mice are inherently resistant to N. gonorrhoeae infection, and this resistance is not due to an overwhelming inflammatory response to infection. Host genetic factors can therefore impact susceptibility and the immune response to N. gonorrhoeae.
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Shao R, Nutu M, Karlsson-Lindahl L, Benrick A, Weijdegård B, Lager S, Egecioglu E, Fernandez-Rodriguez J, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Ohlsson C, Jansson JO, Billig H. Downregulation of cilia-localized Il-6Rα by 17β-estradiol in mouse and human fallopian tubes. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2009; 297:C140-51. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00047.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The action of interleukin-6 (IL-6) impacts female reproduction. Although IL-6 was recently shown to inhibit cilia activity in human fallopian tubes in vitro, the molecular mechanisms underlying IL-6 signaling to tubal function remain elusive. Here, we investigate the cellular localization, regulation, and possible function of two IL-6 receptors (IL-6Rα and gp130) in mouse and human fallopian tubes in vivo. We show that IL-6Rα is restricted to the cilia of epithelial cells in both mouse and human fallopian tubes. Exogenous 17β-estradiol (E2), but not progesterone (P4), causes a time-dependent decrease in IL-6Rα expression, which is blocked by the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI-182,780. Exposure of different ER-selective agonists propyl-(1H)-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl-trisphenol or 2,3-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile demonstrated an ER subtype-specific regulation of IL-6Rα in mouse fallopian tubes. In contrast to IL-6Rα, gp130 was detected in tubal epithelial cells in mice but not in humans. In humans, gp130 was found in the muscle cells and was decreased in the periovulatory and luteal phases during the reproductive cycles, indicating a species-specific expression and regulation of gp130 in the fallopian tube. Expression of tubal IL-6Rα and gp130 in IL-6 knockout mice was found to be normal; however, E2 treatment increased IL-6Rα, but not gp130, in IL-6 knockout mice when compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, expression levels of IL-6Rα, but not gp130, decreased in parallel with estrogenic accelerated oocyte-cumulus complex (OCC) transport in mouse fallopian tubes. Our findings open the posibility that cilia-specific IL-6Rα may play a role in the regulation of OCC transport and suggest an estrogen-regulatory pathway of IL-6Rα in the fallopian tube.
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Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection protects human endocervical epithelial cells from apoptosis via expression of host antiapoptotic proteins. Infect Immun 2009; 77:3602-10. [PMID: 19546192 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01366-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several microbial pathogens can modulate the host apoptotic response to infection, which may contribute to immune evasion. Various studies have reported that infection with the sexually transmitted disease pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae can either inhibit or induce apoptosis. N. gonorrhoeae infection initiates at the mucosal epithelium, and in women, cells from the ectocervix and endocervix are among the first host cells encountered by this pathogen. In this study, we defined the antiapoptotic effect of N. gonorrhoeae infection in human endocervical epithelial cells (End/E6E7 cells). We first established that N. gonorrhoeae strain FA1090B failed to induce cell death in End/E6E7 cells. Subsequently, we demonstrated that stimulation with N. gonorrhoeae protected these cells from staurosporine (STS)-induced apoptosis. Importantly, only End/E6E7 cells incubated with live bacteria and in direct association with N. gonorrhoeae were protected from STS-induced apoptosis, while heat-killed and antibiotic-killed bacteria failed to induce protection. Stimulation of End/E6E7 cells with live N. gonorrhoeae induced NF-kappaB activation and resulted in increased gene expression of the NF-kappaB-regulated antiapoptotic genes bfl-1, cIAP-2, and c-FLIP. Furthermore, cIAP-2 protein levels also increased in End/E6E7 cells incubated with gonococci. Collectively, our results indicate that the antiapoptotic effect of N. gonorrhoeae in human endocervical epithelial cells results from live infection via expression of host antiapoptotic proteins. Securing an intracellular niche through the inhibition of apoptosis may be an important mechanism utilized by N. gonorrhoeae for microbial survival and immune evasion in cervical epithelial cells.
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Salvador S, Gilks B, Köbel M, Huntsman D, Rosen B, Miller D. The fallopian tube: primary site of most pelvic high-grade serous carcinomas. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2009; 19:58-64. [PMID: 19258943 DOI: 10.1111/igc.0b013e318199009c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common cause of mortality from gynecologic malignancy, and most of epithelial cancers are of serous type. The site of origin of pelvic high-grade serous carcinoma has been the subject of debate for 60 years. This paper reviews the evidence that pelvic serous carcinoma originates from the fallopian tube mucosa and puts forward a theory that inflammation in the tube, caused by menstrual cytokines or infection, is critical to the genesis of these tumors. Other risk factors for pelvic serous carcinoma will be reviewed, including oral contraceptive use, parity, infertility, and tubal ligation.Studies were identified for this review by searching the English language literature in the MEDLINE database between the years 1995 and 2007 using the following keywords: fallopian tube neoplasia, ovarian serous adenocarcinoma, pregnancy, oral contraceptive, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, cytokines, menstruation, and tubal ligation, followed by an extensive review of bibliographies from articles found through the search.The clinical implications of this theory are discussed, and a change in surgical practice is recommended, with salpingectomy at the time of simple hysterectomy. This theory also has implications for the development of new methods of screening for pelvic serous carcinomas, as there are no screening methods that are currently available to find this form of cancer in an early stage. Inflammatory markers could be detected in the vagina from the fallopian tube indicating possible chronic inflammation and a risk factor for mutagenesis leading to serous carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Salvador
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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26
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Deghmane AE, Veckerlé C, Giorgini D, Hong E, Ruckly C, Taha MK. Differential modulation of TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis by Neisseria meningitidis. PLoS Pathog 2009; 5:e1000405. [PMID: 19412525 PMCID: PMC2669886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/31/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections by Neisseria meningitidis show duality between frequent asymptomatic carriage and occasional life-threatening disease. Bacterial and host factors involved in this balance are not fully understood. Cytopathic effects and cell damage may prelude to pathogenesis of isolates belonging to hyper-invasive lineages. We aimed to analyze cell–bacteria interactions using both pathogenic and carriage meningococcal isolates. Several pathogenic isolates of the ST-11 clonal complex and carriage isolates were used to infect human epithelial cells. Cytopathic effect was determined and apoptosis was scored using several methods (FITC-Annexin V staining followed by FACS analysis, caspase assays and DNA fragmentation). Only pathogenic isolates were able to induce apoptosis in human epithelial cells, mainly by lipooligosaccharide (endotoxin). Bioactive TNF-α is only detected when cells were infected by pathogenic isolates. At the opposite, carriage isolates seem to provoke shedding of the TNF-α receptor I (TNF-RI) from the surface that protect cells from apoptosis by chelating TNF-α. Ability to induce apoptosis and inflammation may represent major traits in the pathogenesis of N. meningitidis. However, our data strongly suggest that carriage isolates of meningococci reduce inflammatory response and apoptosis induction, resulting in the protection of their ecological niche at the human nasopharynx. Acquisition of Neisseria meningitidis often leads to asymptomatic colonization (carriage) and rarely results in invasive disease associated with tissue injury. The reasons that make disease-associated isolates (pathogenic isolates) but not asymptomatic carriage isolates able to invade the host to establish disease are not understood. Isolates belonging to the ST-11 clonal complex are most frequently associated with the disease and rarely found in carriers. These hyper-invasive isolates may be able to induce cytopathic effects in target cells. We aimed to investigate the cytopathic effect of meningococcal isolates on epithelial cells using both ST-11 pathogenic isolates and carriage isolates. We showed that cytopathic effects were strongly associated with pathogenic isolates and infected cells exhibited features of apoptosis. This effect is mainly mediated by bacterial endotoxin (lipooligosaccharide) and involved an autocrine signaling mechanism of secreted TNF-α through its receptor TNF-RI. In contrast, carriage isolates down-regulate TNF-RI on the surface of infected cells by increasing TNF-RI shedding into the medium. We suggest that chelating secreted TNF-α protects cells from apoptosis. Our results unravel a differential modulation of TNF-α signaling by meningococcal isolates leading to cell survival or death and would therefore contribute to better understanding of the duality between carriage and invasiveness.
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Regulatory T cells are locally induced during intravaginal infection of mice with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Infect Immun 2008; 76:5456-65. [PMID: 18824531 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00552-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a gram-negative diplococcus that in human beings produces gonorrhea. Much clinical evidence has led to the conclusion that gonococcus has important mechanisms to evade host immune functions; however, these mechanisms are only now beginning to be elucidated. In this study, we determined that the BALB/c mouse is a good animal model to study gonococcus infection and examined the immune response against the bacteria. We determined that after intravaginal inoculation of mice with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria reached and invaded the upper female reproductive tissues and elicited a T-cell-specific immune response associated with a very weak humoral response, altogether resembling gonococcus infection and disease in women. Remarkably, in the draining lymph nodes of the genital tracts of infected mice, we found an increase of regulatory T lymphocytes, namely, transforming growth factor beta1-positive CD4(+) T cells and CD4(+) CD25(+) Foxp3(+) T cells. Altogether, results indicate that N. gonorrhoeae induces regulatory T cells, which might be related to the local survival of the pathogen and the establishment of a chronic asymptomatic infection.
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Pellati D, Mylonakis I, Bertoloni G, Fiore C, Andrisani A, Ambrosini G, Armanini D. Genital tract infections and infertility. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2008; 140:3-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2008.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2007] [Revised: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 03/26/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Papathanasiou A, Djahanbakhch O, Saridogan E, Lyons RA. The effect of interleukin-6 on ciliary beat frequency in the human fallopian tube. Fertil Steril 2007; 90:391-4. [PMID: 17888432 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2007.07.1379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2007] [Revised: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) on ciliary activity within the human fallopian tube in vitro. DESIGN An experimental laboratory-based study. SETTING University teaching hospital. PATIENT(S) Fallopian tube specimens were obtained from eight women undergoing hysterectomy for fibroid uterus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in the human fallopian tube. INTERVENTION(S) After baseline CBF measurements, increasing concentrations of IL-6 (10 pg/mL, 100 pg/mL, and 1000 pg/mL) were applied to fallopian tube mucosa explants and CBF measurements repeated. An anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody was added and CBF measured once more. Negative and antibody-only control samples were used. RESULT(S) The CBF remained unchanged with the addition of IL-6 at concentrations of 10 pg/mL and 100 pg/mL but IL-6 at 1000 pg/mL significantly decreased CBF, an effect abolished by the addition of the specific antibody. CONCLUSION(S) These data suggest that IL-6 has an inhibitory effect on ciliary activity, suggesting a possible role for this cytokine in the subfertility process. This finding may be important in conditions where there are increased IL-6 levels in the peritoneal fluid, such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Papathanasiou
- Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bart's and The London and Newham University Hospitals and Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom
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Tumor necrosis factor-α regulates vascular endothelial growth factor secretion by human oviductal epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts. Fertil Steril 2007; 87:220-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.05.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2006] [Revised: 05/31/2006] [Accepted: 05/31/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Smith JM, Wira CR, Fanger MW, Shen L. Human Fallopian Tube Neutrophils – A Distinct Phenotype from Blood Neutrophils. Am J Reprod Immunol 2006; 56:218-29. [PMID: 16938110 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2006.00410.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM The role of neutrophils in the human Fallopian tube (FT) is unknown. In order to provide insights into their functions in the FT, we systematically compared neutrophils from normal FT and peripheral blood (PB). METHOD OF STUDY Flow cytometric analysis of surface receptors, granule proteins, and intracellular cytokines expressed by neutrophils from enzymatically dispersed FT and PB was performed. RESULTS Fallopian tube neutrophils expressed significantly higher levels of CD64, human class II histocompatibility antigen DR (HLA-DR), gamma-interferon, and vascular endothelial growth factor than those from PB. Fewer FT neutrophils expressed IL-8 receptors compared to PB, while more expressed the receptor for the bacterial-derived chemoattractant formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP). The number of FT neutrophils containing the granule proteins matrix metalloproteinase-9, lactoferrin, and myeloperoxidase was decreased versus PB. CONCLUSION Fallopian tube neutrophils exhibit a phenotype distinct from PB neutrophils, suggesting functional activation of innate immune defense in the female reproductive tract as well as a potential role in maintaining normal FT physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Smith
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dartmouth Medical School, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
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Morales P, Reyes P, Vargas M, Rios M, Imarai M, Cardenas H, Croxatto H, Orihuela P, Vargas R, Fuhrer J, Heckels JE, Christodoulides M, Velasquez L. Infection of human fallopian tube epithelial cells with Neisseria gonorrhoeae protects cells from tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis. Infect Immun 2006; 74:3643-50. [PMID: 16714596 PMCID: PMC1479248 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00012-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Following infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, bacteria may ascend into the Fallopian tubes (FT) and induce salpingitis, a major cause of infertility. In the FT, interactions between mucosal epithelial cells and gonococci are pivotal events in the pathogen's infection cycle and the inflammatory response. In the current study, primary FT epithelial cells were infected in vitro with different multiplicities of infection (MOI) of Pil+ Opa+ gonococci. Bacteria showed a dose-dependent association with cells and induced the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). A significant finding was that gonococcal infection (MOI = 1) induced apoptosis in approximately 30% of cells, whereas increasing numbers of bacteria (MOI = 10 to 100) did not induce apoptosis. Apoptosis was observed in only 11% of cells with associated bacteria, whereas >84% of cells with no adherent bacteria were apoptotic. TNF-alpha was a key contributor to apoptosis, since (i) culture supernatants from cells infected with gonococci (MOI = 1) induced apoptosis in naïve cultures, suggesting that a soluble factor was responsible; (ii) gonococcal infection-induced apoptosis was inhibited with anti-TNF-alpha antibodies; and (iii) the addition of exogenous TNF-alpha induced apoptosis, which was inhibited by the presence of increasing numbers of bacteria (MOI = 10 to 100). These data suggest that TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis of FT epithelial cells is likely a primary host defense mechanism to prevent pathogen colonization. However, epithelial cell-associated gonococci have evolved a mechanism to protect the cells from undergoing TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis, and this modulation of the host innate response may contribute to establishment of infection. Understanding the antiapoptotic mechanisms used by Neisseria gonorrhoeae will inform the pathogenesis of salpingitis and could suggest new intervention strategies for prevention and treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Morales
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de la Reproducción, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Rarick M, McPheeters C, Bright S, Navis A, Skefos J, Sebastiani P, Montano M. Evidence for cross-regulated cytokine response in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to whole gonococcal bacteria in vitro. Microb Pathog 2006; 40:261-70. [PMID: 16626926 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2006.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2005] [Revised: 02/17/2006] [Accepted: 02/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an obligate human pathogen that represents a significant health concern, particularly in the developing world. Although generally associated with an acute inflammatory infection of urogenital epithelia cells, infections have been noted in multiple tissues and many infected individuals can become asymptomatic carriers. Few studies of immune response to N. gonorrhoeae infection in peripheral blood have evaluated the production of T helper cytokines (TH1/TH2) induced early after infection. We developed a quantitative realtime PCR assay based on the gonococcal rmpIII gene to monitor dose-response effects of infection on cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We observed upregulation of CD69 transcription and surface CD25 expression on lymphocytes, consistent with early T-cell activation. We observed dosage-dependent transcription of the chemotactic factor IL-8 and previously unreported activation of the chemoattractant MCP-2. Multiplex analysis of broad cytokine protein production revealed a differential increase in the TH1 and TH2 associated cytokines: IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and MCP-1. Markov models of protein accumulation implicated a cross-regulated response to infection, notably for IL-8, IL-10 and IL-12. Taken together, the cytokine profile we observed early in response to whole gonococcal bacteria was broader than has been previously described and may have relevance for the contribution of antagonistic signaling events early in infection and in understanding peripheral immune mechanisms engaged to control infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Rarick
- Center for HIV-1/AIDS Care and Research, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, 650 Albany Street, EBRC 640, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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Montano M, Rarick M, Sebastiani P, Brinkmann P, Skefos J, Ericksen R. HIV-1 burden influences host response to co-infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae in vitro. Int Immunol 2005; 18:125-37. [PMID: 16352629 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxh355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable evidence that co-infection with the sexually transmitted pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gc) can increase the likelihood of both transmitting and acquiring HIV-1 worldwide. However, less information is available on how host immune response to co-infection differs with immune response to HIV-1 infection alone. To evaluate HIV-1 burden effects on host response to co-infection with Gc, we performed gene-expression profiling of human PBMCs infected over a broad range of viral titers (HIV-1 series) and upon exposure to a single infectious dose of Gc (HIV-1/Gc series). The transcriptional profiles differed substantially between each series (P < 0.0001). Major shifts in the transcriptional landscape were identified in contour plots based on fold stimulation and hierarchical clustering. Prominent regions of transcriptional activity were evaluated for statistical enrichment to identify up-regulated pathways associated with immune response, infection and T-cell stimulation. Notably, gene enrichment was dependent on HIV-1 burden and shifted during co-infection to reveal a disproportionate effect on lymphocyte signaling, apoptosis and proteasome activity. Further evaluation of these findings may help to better understand the role of viral burden in defining cellular contribution to host immune response upon co-infection with secondary sexually transmitted pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monty Montano
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Center for HIV-1/AIDS Care and Research, Boston University School of Medicine, USA
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Imarai M, Varela-Nallar L, Figueroa-Gaete C, González P, Valdés D, Velásquez L, Cárdenas H, Maisey K. Fas ligand in the uterus of the non-pregnant mouse induces apoptosis of CD4+ T cells. J Reprod Immunol 2005; 66:13-32. [PMID: 15949559 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2005.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2004] [Revised: 01/11/2005] [Accepted: 03/17/2005] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The role of FasL in the reproductive tissues of the non-pregnant mouse may be the induction of apoptosis of activated T cells for the prevention of unwanted inflammatory responses secondary to infection. This study was undertaken to identify cell and tissue types that typically express FasL in the uterus and oviduct of the mouse and to establish whether FasL on the surface of these cells was able to induce T cell apoptosis. FasL in the mouse uterus and oviduct was demonstrated using three independent methods: RT-PCR, Western blot and immunocytochemistry. The protein was present in the epithelial and mesenchymal cells of the uterus and showed a granular pattern in the apical epithelial portion. Although this suggests the presence of vesicles, surface expression was also detected by flow cytometry of isolated uterine cells. Exogenous administration of estradiol and progesterone had no significant effect on the expression and localization of FasL. The ability of uterine cells to induce FasL-dependent apoptosis of activated CD4+T cells was examined by incubation of phytohemagglutinin-treated T cells with cultured uterine cells. TUNEL and flow cytometric analyses showed that CD4+T cells experienced apoptosis after 5h of co-incubation. Neutralizing antibodies inhibited apoptosis demonstrating that a biologically active FasL is present in the reproductive tissues of the mouse. Results indicate that FasL is a biologically active molecule present in epithelial and mesenchymal cells of the uterus and the oviduct of the non-pregnant mouse that might restrain local immune response by induction of apoptosis of CD4+T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Imarai
- Laboratorio de Immunología, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Alameda 3363, Correo 40, Casilla 33, Santiago, Chile.
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Falk R, Hacham M, Nyska A, Foley JF, Domb AJ, Polacheck I. Induction of interleukin-1beta, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and apoptosis in mouse organs by amphotericin B is neutralized by conjugation with arabinogalactan. J Antimicrob Chemother 2005; 55:713-20. [PMID: 15814605 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dki090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the possibilities that: (i) organ toxicity of amphotericin B-deoxycholate (AMB-DOC) is related to induction of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and apoptosis in target organs; and (ii) the reduced toxicity resulting from the conjugation of AMB with water-soluble arabinogalactan (AMB-AG), is related to modulation of these parameters. METHODS Organ expression of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in mouse organ biological fluids and in situ by immunohistochemistry. Tissue damage was evaluated histologically, and apoptosis was demonstrated by terminal dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) staining. AMB-AG conjugate was compared with the micellar (AMB-DOC) and liposomal (AmBisome) AMB formulations. RESULTS Treatment with AMB-AG or AmBisome caused no observable histopathological damage in the kidneys. In contrast, treatment with AMB-DOC resulted in disruptive changes and apoptosis in renal tubular cells. These effects were found to correlate with induction of high levels of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in kidney lysates. Unlike AMB-AG, AMB-DOC also induced enhanced IL-1beta and TNF-alpha expression in lysates of lungs, brain, liver and spleen. The marked elevation of these inflammation-apoptosis-promoting cytokines after treatment with AMB-DOC may mediate its systemic and local renal damage. Treatment with AMB-AG (but not AmBisome) appears to uniquely modulate the in situ expression of IL-1beta and enhance secretion of TNF-alpha in kidneys, effects possibly involved in prevention of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS AMB-related toxicity is associated with induction of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and apoptosis in organs. These effects were not observed with AMB-AG conjugate, suggesting its potential as a safer formulation for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Falk
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical Center, PO Box 12000, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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