Requirement of the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis effectors YopH and YopE in colonization and persistence in intestinal and lymph tissues

Pathogenicity and virulence of Yersinia

The genus Yersinia includes human, animal, insect, and plant pathogens as well as many symbionts and harmless bacteria. Within this genus are Yersinia enterocolitica and the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis complex, with four human pathogenic species that are highly related at the genomic level including the causative agent of plague, Yersinia pestis. Extensive laboratory, field work, and clinical research have been conducted to understand the underlying pathogenesis and zoonotic transmission of these pathogens. There are presently more than 500 whole genome sequences from which an evolutionary footprint can be developed that details shared and unique virulence properties. Whereas the virulence of Y. pestis now seems in apparent homoeostasis within its flea transmission cycle, substantial evolutionary changes that affect transmission and disease severity continue to ndergo apparent selective pressure within the other Yersiniae that cause intestinal diseases. In this review, we will summarize the present understanding of the virulence and pathogenesis of Yersinia, highlighting shared mechanisms of virulence and the differences that determine the infection niche and disease severity.

Inflammatory monocytes promote granuloma control of Yersinia infection

Granulomas are organized immune cell aggregates formed in response to chronic infection or antigen persistence. The bacterial pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yp) blocks innate inflammatory signalling and immune defence, inducing neutrophil-rich pyogranulomas (PGs) within lymphoid tissues. Here we uncover that Yp also triggers PG formation within the murine intestinal mucosa. Mice lacking circulating monocytes fail to form defined PGs, have defects in neutrophil activation and succumb to Yp infection. Yersinia lacking virulence factors that target actin polymerization to block phagocytosis and reactive oxygen burst do not induce PGs, indicating that intestinal PGs form in response to Yp disruption of cytoskeletal dynamics. Notably, mutation of the virulence factor YopH restores PG formation and control of Yp in mice lacking circulating monocytes, demonstrating that monocytes override YopH-dependent blockade of innate immune defence. This work reveals an unappreciated site of Yersinia intestinal invasion and defines host and pathogen drivers of intestinal granuloma formation.

Research Progress on Small Molecular Inhibitors of the Type 3 Secretion System

The overuse of antibiotics has led to severe bacterial drug resistance. Blocking pathogen virulence devices is a highly effective approach to combating bacterial resistance worldwide. Type three secretion systems (T3SSs) are significant virulence factors in Gram-negative pathogens. Inhibition of these systems can effectively weaken infection whilst having no significant effect on bacterial growth. Therefore, T3SS inhibitors may be a powerful weapon against resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, and there has been increasing interest in the research and development of T3SS inhibitors. This review outlines several reported small-molecule inhibitors of the T3SS, covering those of synthetic and natural origin, including their sources, structures, and mechanisms of action.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis YopE prevents uptake by M cells and instigates M cell extrusion in human ileal enteroid-derived monolayers

Many pathogens use M cells to access the underlying Peyer's patches and spread to systemic sites via the lymph as demonstrated by ligated loop murine intestinal models. However, the study of interactions between M cells and microbial pathogens has stalled due to the lack of cell culture systems. To overcome this obstacle, we use human ileal enteroid-derived monolayers containing five intestinal cell types including M cells to study the interactions between the enteric pathogen, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yptb), and M cells. The Yptb type three secretion system (T3SS) effector Yops inhibit host defenses including phagocytosis and are critical for colonization of the intestine and Peyer's patches. Therefore, it is not understood how Yptb traverses through M cells to breach the epithelium. By growing Yptb under two physiological conditions that mimic the early infectious stage (low T3SS-expression) or host-adapted stage (high T3SS-expression), we found that large numbers of Yptb specifically associated with M cells, recapitulating murine studies. Transcytosis through M cells was significantly higher by Yptb expressing low levels of T3SS, because YopE and YopH prevented Yptb uptake. YopE also caused M cells to extrude from the epithelium without inducing cell-death or disrupting monolayer integrity. Sequential infection with early infectious stage Yptb reduced host-adapted Yptb association with M cells. These data underscore the strength of enteroids as a model by discovering that Yops impede M cell function, indicating that early infectious stage Yptb more effectively penetrates M cells while the host may defend against M cell penetration of host-adapted Yptb.

Role of the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Virulence Plasmid in Pathogen-Phagocyte Interactions in Mesenteric Lymph Nodes

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is an Enterobacteriaceae family member that is commonly transmitted by the fecal-oral route to cause infections. From the small intestine, Y. pseudotuberculosis can invade through Peyer's patches and lymph vessels to infect the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). Infection of MLNs by Y. pseudotuberculosis results in the clinical presentation of mesenteric lymphadenitis. MLNs are important for immune responses to intestinal pathogens and microbiota in addition to their clinical relevance to Y. pseudotuberculosis infections. A characteristic of Y. pseudotuberculosis infection in MLNs is the formation of pyogranulomas. Pyogranulomas are composed of neutrophils, inflammatory monocytes, and lymphocytes surrounding extracellular microcolonies of Y. pseudotuberculosis. Key elements of the complex pathogen-host interaction in MLNs have been identified using mouse infection models. Y. pseudotuberculosis requires the virulence plasmid pYV to induce the formation of pyogranulomas in MLNs. The YadA adhesin and the Ysc-Yop type III secretion system (T3SS) are encoded on pYV. YadA mediates bacterial binding to host receptors, which engages the T3SS to preferentially translocate seven Yop effectors into phagocytes. The effectors promote pathogenesis by blocking innate immune defenses such as superoxide production, degranulation, and inflammasome activation, resulting in survival and growth of Y. pseudotuberculosis. On the other hand, certain effectors can trigger immune defenses in phagocytes. For example, YopJ triggers activation of caspase-8 and an apoptotic cell death response in monocytes within pyogranulomas that limits dissemination of Y. pseudotuberculosis from MLNs to the bloodstream. YopE can be processed as an antigen by phagocytes in MLNs, resulting in T and B cell responses to Y. pseudotuberculosis. Immune responses to Y. pseudotuberculosis in MLNs can also be detrimental to the host in the form of chronic lymphadenopathy. This review focuses on interactions between Y. pseudotuberculosis and phagocytes mediated by pYV that concurrently promote pathogenesis and host defense in MLNs. We propose that MLN pyogranulomas are immunological arenas in which opposing pYV-driven forces determine the outcome of infection in favor of the pathogen or host.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis YopJ Limits Macrophage Response by Downregulating COX-2-Mediated Biosynthesis of PGE2 in a MAPK/ERK-Dependent Manner

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an essential immunomodulatory lipid released by cells in response to infection with many bacteria, yet its function in macrophage-mediated bacterial clearance is poorly understood. Yersinia overall inhibits the inflammatory circuit, but its effect on PGE2 production is unknown. We hypothesized that one of the Yersinia effector proteins is responsible for the inhibition of PGE2 biosynthesis. We identified that yopB-deficient Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis deficient in the secretion of virulence proteins via a type 3 secretion system (T3SS) failed to inhibit PGE2 biosynthesis in macrophages. Consistently, COX-2-mediated PGE2 biosynthesis is upregulated in cells treated with heat-killed or T3SS-deficient Y. pseudotuberculosis but diminished in the presence of a MAPK/ERK inhibitor. Mutants expressing catalytically inactive YopJ induce similar levels of PGE2 as heat-killed or ΔyopB Y. pseudotuberculosis, reversed by YopJ complementation. Shotgun proteomics discovered host pathways regulated in a YopJ-mediated manner, including pathways regulating PGE2 synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation. Consequently, this study identified that YopJ-mediated inhibition of MAPK signal transduction serves as a mechanism targeting PGE2, an alternative means of inflammasome inhibition by Yersinia. Finally, we showed that EP4 signaling supports macrophage function in clearing intracellular bacteria. In summary, our unique contribution was to determine a bacterial virulence factor that targets COX-2 transcription, thereby enhancing the intracellular survival of yersiniae. Future studies should investigate whether PGE2 or its stable synthetic derivatives could serve as a potential therapeutic molecule to improve the outcomes of specific bacterial infections. Since other pathogens encode YopJ homologs, this mechanism is expected to be present in other infections. IMPORTANCE PGE2 is a critical immunomodulatory lipid, but its role in bacterial infection and pathogen clearance is poorly understood. We previously demonstrated that PGE2 leads to macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype and stimulates inflammasome activation in infected macrophages. Finally, we also discovered that PGE2 improved the clearance of Y. enterocolitica. The fact that Y. enterocolitica hampers PGE2 secretion in a type 3 secretion system (T3SS)-dependent manner and because PGE2 appears to assist macrophage in the clearance of this bacterium indicates that targeting of the eicosanoid pathway by Yersinia might be an adaption used to counteract host defenses. Our study identified a mechanism used by Yersinia that obstructs PGE2 biosynthesis in human macrophages. We showed that Y. pseudotuberculosis interferes with PGE2 biosynthesis by using one of its T3SS effectors, YopJ. Specifically, YopJ targets the host COX-2 enzyme responsible for PGE2 biosynthesis, which happens in a MAPK/ER-dependent manner. Moreover, in a shotgun proteomics study, we also discovered other pathways that catalytically active YopJ targets in the infected macrophages. YopJ was revealed to play a role in limiting host LPS responses, including repression of EGR1 and JUN proteins, which control transcriptional activation of proinflammatory cytokine production such as interleukin-1β. Since YopJ has homologs in other bacterial species, there are likely other pathogens that target and inhibit PGE2 biosynthesis. In summary, our study's unique contribution was to determine a bacterial virulence factor that targets COX-2 transcription. Future studies should investigate whether PGE2 or its stable synthetic derivatives could serve as a potential therapeutic target.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis YopH targets SKAP2-dependent and independent signaling pathways to block neutrophil antimicrobial mechanisms during infection

Yersinia suppress neutrophil responses by using a type 3 secretion system (T3SS) to inject 6–7 Yersinia effector proteins (Yops) effectors into their cytoplasm. YopH is a tyrosine phosphatase that causes dephosphorylation of the adaptor protein SKAP2, among other targets in neutrophils. SKAP2 functions in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, phagocytosis, and integrin-mediated migration by neutrophils. Here we identify essential neutrophil functions targeted by YopH, and investigate how the interaction between YopH and SKAP2 influence Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yptb) survival in tissues. The growth defect of a ΔyopH mutant was restored in mice defective in the NADPH oxidase complex, demonstrating that YopH is critical for protecting Yptb from ROS during infection. The growth of a ΔyopH mutant was partially restored in Skap2-deficient (Skap2KO) mice compared to wild-type (WT) mice, while induction of neutropenia further enhanced the growth of the ΔyopH mutant in both WT and Skap2KO mice. YopH inhibited both ROS production and degranulation triggered via integrin receptor, G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), and Fcγ receptor (FcγR) stimulation. SKAP2 was required for integrin receptor and GPCR-mediated ROS production, but dispensable for degranulation under all conditions tested. YopH blocked SKAP2-independent FcγR-stimulated phosphorylation of the proximal signaling proteins Syk, SLP-76, and PLCγ2, and the more distal signaling protein ERK1/2, while only ERK1/2 phosphorylation was dependent on SKAP2 following integrin receptor activation. These findings reveal that YopH prevents activation of both SKAP2-dependent and -independent neutrophilic defenses, uncouple integrin- and GPCR-dependent ROS production from FcγR responses based on their SKAP2 dependency, and show that SKAP2 is not required for degranulation.

Pathogenic Yersinia species carry a virulence plasmid encoding a type 3 secretion system that translocates 6–7 effector Yops into host cells. We demonstrate that YopH protects Yersinia pseudotuberculosis from neutrophil-produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and degranulation by interfering with signaling pathways downstream of three major receptor classes in neutrophils. We show that a previously identified target of YopH, SKAP2, controls some of the pathways essential for YopH to inactivate during infection. SKAP2 is essential in mediating ROS production downstream of two major receptors; however, it is dispensable for degranulation from the three major receptors tested. Our study illustrates that YopH protects Y. pseudotuberculosis by blocking both SKAP2-dependent and independent signaling pathways that regulate several neutrophil functions.

A horse and a zebra: an atypical clinical picture including Guillain-Barré syndrome, recurrent fever and mesenteric lymphadenopathy caused by two concomitant infections

Background

While Campylobacter jejuni represents the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infections are very rarely diagnosed in adults.

Case

We report on a previously healthy patient who presented several times at our hospital with fever, Guillain-Barré syndrome, recurrent abdominal symptoms and distinct mesenteric lymphadenopathy, respectively. This complicated and diagnostically challenging course of disease was caused by a C. jejuni and Y. pseudotuberculosis coinfection. Antibiotic treatment with doxycycline was effective.

Conclusion

Broad serology testing was crucial to discover that two concomitant infections were causing the symptoms. This case demonstrates that when a clinical picture is not fully explained by one known infection, another infection with the same underlying risk factor has to be considered, hence “a horse and a zebra”.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s15010-020-01397-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Unraveling neutrophil- Yersinia interactions during tissue infection

The human and animal pathogens Yersinia pestis, which causes bubonic and pneumonic plague, and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica, which cause gastroenteritis, share a type 3 secretion system which injects effector proteins, Yops, into host cells. This system is critical for virulence of all three pathogens in tissue infection. Neutrophils are rapidly recruited to infected sites and all three pathogens frequently interact with and inject Yops into these cells during tissue infection. Host receptors, serum factors, and bacterial adhesins appear to collaborate to promote neutrophil- Yersinia interactions in tissues. The ability of neutrophils to control infection is mixed depending on the stage of infection and points to the efficiency of Yops and other bacterial factors to mitigate bactericidal effects of neutrophils. Yersinia in close proximity to neutrophils has higher levels of expression from yop promoters, and neutrophils in close proximity to Yersinia express higher levels of pro-survival genes than migrating neutrophils. In infected tissues, YopM increases neutrophil survival and YopH targets a SKAP2/SLP-76 signal transduction pathway. Yet the full impact of these and other Yops and other Yersinia factors on neutrophils in infected tissues has yet to be understood.

Identification of specific sequence motif of YopN of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis required for systemic infection

Type III secretion systems (T3SSs) are tightly regulated key virulence mechanisms shared by many Gram-negative pathogens. YopN, one of the substrates, is also crucial in regulation of expression, secretion and activation of the T3SS of pathogenic Yersinia species. Interestingly, YopN itself is also targeted into host cells but so far no activity or direct role for YopN inside host cells has been described. Recently, we were able show that the central region of YopN is required for efficient translocation of YopH and YopE into host cells. This was also shown to impact the ability of Yersinia to block phagocytosis. One difficulty in studying YopN is to generate mutants that are not impaired in regulation of the T3SS. In this study we extended our previous work and were able to generate specific mutants within the central region of YopN. These mutants were predicted to be crucial for formation of a putative coiled-coil domain (CCD). Similar to the previously described deletion mutant of the central region, these mutants were all impaired in translocation of YopE and YopH. Interestingly, these YopN variants were not translocated into host cells. Importantly, when these mutants were introduced in cis on the virulence plasmid, they retained full regulatory function of T3SS expression and secretion. This allowed us to evaluate one of the mutants, yopN_GAGA, in the systemic mouse infection model. Using in vivo imaging technology we could verify that the mutant was also attenuated in vivo and highly impaired to establish systemic infection.

The Yersinia Type III secretion effector YopM Is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that induced necrotic cell death by targeting NLRP3

Yersinia pestis uses type III effector proteins to target eukaryotic signaling systems. The Yersinia outer protein (Yop) M effector from the Y. pestis strain is a critical virulence determinant; however, its role in Y. pestis pathogenesis is just beginning to emerge. Here we first identify YopM as the structural mimic of the bacterial IpaH E3 ligase family in vitro, and establish that the conserved CLD motif in its N-terminal is responsible for the E3 ligase function. Furthermore, we show that NLRP3 is a novel target of the YopM protein. Specially, YopM associates with NLRP3, and its CLD ligase motif mediates the activating K63-linked ubiquitylation of NLRP3; as a result, YopM modulates NLRP3-mediated cell necrosis. Mutation of YopM E3 ligase motif dramatically reduces the ability of Y. pestis to induce HMGB1 release and cell necrosis, which ultimately contributes to bacterial virulence. In conclusion, this study has identified a previously unrecognized role for YopM E3 ligase activity in the regulation of host cell necrosis and plague pathogenesis.

The Amino-Terminal Part of the Needle-Tip Translocator LcrV of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Is Required for Early Targeting of YopH and In vivo Virulence

Type III secretion systems (T3SS) are dedicated to targeting anti-host effector proteins into the cytosol of the host cell to promote bacterial infection. Delivery of the effectors requires three specific translocator proteins, of which the hydrophilic translocator, LcrV, is located at the tip of the T3SS needle and is believed to facilitate insertion of the two hydrophobic translocators into the host cell membrane. Here we used Yersinia as a model to study the role of LcrV in T3SS mediated intracellular effector targeting. Intriguingly, we identified N-terminal lcrV mutants that, similar to the wild-type protein, efficiently promoted expression, secretion and intracellular levels of Yop effectors, yet they were impaired in their ability to inhibit phagocytosis by J774 cells. In line with this, the YopH mediated dephosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Kinase early after infection was compromised when compared to the wild type strain. This suggests that the mutants are unable to promote efficient delivery of effectors to their molecular targets inside the host cell upon host cell contact. The significance of this was borne out by the fact that the mutants were highly attenuated for virulence in the systemic mouse infection model. Our study provides both novel and significant findings that establish a role for LcrV in early targeting of effectors in the host cell.

Yersinia enterocolitica YopH-Deficient Strain Activates Neutrophil Recruitment to Peyer's Patches and Promotes Clearance of the Virulent Strain

Yersinia enterocolitica evades the immune response by injecting Yersinia outer proteins (Yops) into the cytosol of host cells. YopH is a tyrosine phosphatase critical for Yersinia virulence. However, the mucosal immune mechanisms subverted by YopH during in vivo orogastric infection with Y. enterocolitica remain elusive. The results of this study revealed neutrophil recruitment to Peyer's patches (PP) after infection with a YopH-deficient mutant strain (Y. enterocolitica ΔyopH). While the Y. enterocolitica wild-type (WT) strain in PP induced the major neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL1 mRNA and protein levels, infection with the Y. enterocolitica ΔyopH mutant strain exhibited a higher expression of the CXCL1 receptor, CXCR2, in blood neutrophils, leading to efficient neutrophil recruitment to the PP. In contrast, migration of neutrophils into PP was impaired upon infection with Y. enterocolitica WT strain. In vitro infection of blood neutrophils revealed the involvement of YopH in CXCR2 expression. Depletion of neutrophils during Y. enterocolitica ΔyopH infection raised the bacterial load in PP. Moreover, the clearance of WT Y. enterocolitica was improved when an equal mixture of Y. enterocolitica WT and Y. enterocolitica ΔyopH strains was used in infecting the mice. This study indicates that Y. enterocolitica prevents early neutrophil recruitment in the intestine and that the effector protein YopH plays an important role in the immune evasion mechanism. The findings highlight the potential use of the Y. enterocolitica YopH-deficient strain as an oral vaccine carrier.

Yersinia virulence factors - a sophisticated arsenal for combating host defences

The human pathogens Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica cause enterocolitis, while Yersinia pestis is responsible for pneumonic, bubonic, and septicaemic plague. All three share an infection strategy that relies on a virulence factor arsenal to enable them to enter, adhere to, and colonise the host while evading host defences to avoid untimely clearance. Their arsenal includes a number of adhesins that allow the invading pathogens to establish a foothold in the host and to adhere to specific tissues later during infection. When the host innate immune system has been activated, all three pathogens produce a structure analogous to a hypodermic needle. In conjunction with the translocon, which forms a pore in the host membrane, the channel that is formed enables the transfer of six ‘effector’ proteins into the host cell cytoplasm. These proteins mimic host cell proteins but are more efficient than their native counterparts at modifying the host cell cytoskeleton, triggering the host cell suicide response. Such a sophisticated arsenal ensures that yersiniae maintain the upper hand despite the best efforts of the host to counteract the infecting pathogen.

CD8(+) T cells specific to a single Yersinia pseudotuberculosis epitope restrict bacterial replication in the liver but fail to provide sterilizing immunity

CD8(+) T cells use contact-dependent cytolysis of target cells to protect the host against intracellular pathogens. We have previously shown that CD8(+) T cells and perforin are required to protect against the extracellular pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Here we establish an experimental system where CD8(+) T cells specific to a single model antigen are the only memory response present at time of challenge. Using mice immunized with a vaccine strain of Listeria monocytogenes that expresses secreted ovalbumin (Lm-OVA), we show that OVA-specific CD8(+) T cells are generated and provide limited protection against challenge with virulent OVA(+)Y. pseudotuberculosis. Perforin expression by OVA-specific CD8(+) T cells was required, as Lm-OVA-immunized perforin-deficient mice showed higher bacterial burden as compared to Lm-OVA-immunized perforin-sufficient mice. Surprisingly, antigen-specific T cell protection waned over time, as Lm-OVA-immune mice eventually succumbed to Yersinia infection. Kinetic analysis of infection in mice with and without OVA-specific CD8(+) T cells revealed that bacterial numbers increased sharply in OVA-naïve mice until death, while OVA-immune mice held bacterial burden to a lower level throughout the duration of illness until death. Clonal analysis of bacterial populations in OVA-naïve and OVA-immune mice at distinct time points revealed equivalent and severe bottle-neck effects for bacteria in both sets of mice immediately after intravenous challenge, demonstrating a dominant role for other aspects of the immune system regardless of CD8(+) T cell status. These studies indicate that CD8(+) T cells against a single antigen can restrict Y. pseudotuberculosis colonization in a perforin-dependent manner, but ultimately are insufficient in their ability to provide sterilizing immunity and protect against death.

The type III secretion system apparatus determines the intracellular niche of bacterial pathogens

Upon entry into host cells, intracellular bacterial pathogens establish a variety of replicative niches. Although some remodel phagosomes, others rapidly escape into the cytosol of infected cells. Little is currently known regarding how professional intracytoplasmic pathogens, including Shigella, mediate phagosomal escape. Shigella, like many other Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, uses a type III secretion system to deliver multiple proteins, referred to as effectors, into host cells. Here, using an innovative reductionist-based approach, we demonstrate that the introduction of a functional Shigella type III secretion system, but none of its effectors, into a laboratory strain of Escherichia coli is sufficient to promote the efficient vacuole lysis and escape of the modified bacteria into the cytosol of epithelial cells. This establishes for the first time, to our knowledge, a direct physiologic role for the Shigella type III secretion apparatus (T3SA) in mediating phagosomal escape. Furthermore, although protein components of the T3SA share a moderate degree of structural and functional conservation across bacterial species, we show that vacuole lysis is not a common feature of T3SA, as an effectorless strain of Yersinia remains confined to phagosomes. Additionally, by exploiting the functional interchangeability of the translocator components of the T3SA of Shigella, Salmonella, and Chromobacterium, we demonstrate that a single protein component of the T3SA translocon-Shigella IpaC, Salmonella SipC, or Chromobacterium CipC-determines the fate of intracellular pathogens within both epithelial cells and macrophages. Thus, these findings have identified a likely paradigm by which the replicative niche of many intracellular bacterial pathogens is established.

Yersinia type III effectors perturb host innate immune responses

The innate immune system is the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Innate immune cells recognize molecular patterns from the pathogen and mount a response to resolve the infection. The production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, phagocytosis, and induced programmed cell death are processes initiated by innate immune cells in order to combat invading pathogens. However, pathogens have evolved various virulence mechanisms to subvert these responses. One strategy utilized by Gram-negative bacterial pathogens is the deployment of a complex machine termed the type III secretion system (T3SS). The T3SS is composed of a syringe-like needle structure and the effector proteins that are injected directly into a target host cell to disrupt a cellular response. The three human pathogenic Yersinia spp. (Y. pestis, Y. enterocolitica, and Y. pseudotuberculosis) are Gram-negative bacteria that share in common a 70 kb virulence plasmid which encodes the T3SS. Translocation of the Yersinia effector proteins (YopE, YopH, YopT, YopM, YpkA/YopO, and YopP/J) into the target host cell results in disruption of the actin cytoskeleton to inhibit phagocytosis, downregulation of proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production, and induction of cellular apoptosis of the target cell. Over the past 25 years, studies on the Yersinia effector proteins have unveiled tremendous knowledge of how the effectors enhance Yersinia virulence. Recently, the long awaited crystal structure of YpkA has been solved providing further insights into the activation of the YpkA kinase domain. Multisite autophosphorylation by YpkA to activate its kinase domain was also shown and postulated to serve as a mechanism to bypass regulation by host phosphatases. In addition, novel Yersinia effector protein targets, such as caspase-1, and signaling pathways including activation of the inflammasome were identified. In this review, we summarize the recent discoveries made on Yersinia effector proteins and their contribution to Yersinia pathogenesis.

Comprehensive identification of virulence factors required for respiratory melioidosis using Tn-seq mutagenesis

Respiratory melioidosis is a disease presentation of the biodefense pathogen, Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is frequently associated with a lethal septicemic spread of the bacteria. We have recently developed an improved respiratory melioidosis model to study the pathogenesis of Burkholderia pseudomallei in the lung (intubation-mediated intratracheal [IMIT] inoculation), which more closely models descriptions of human melioidosis, including prominent septicemic spread from the lung and reduced involvement of the upper respiratory tract. We previously demonstrated that the Type 3 Secretion System cluster 3 (T3SS3) is a critical virulence determinant for B. pseudomallei when delivered directly into the lung. We decided to comprehensively identify all virulence determinants required for respiratory melioidosis using the Tn-seq phenotypic screen, as well as to investigate which virulence determinants are required for dissemination to the liver and spleen. While previous studies have used Tn-seq to identify essential genes for in vitro cultured B. pseudomallei, this represents the first study to use Tn-seq to identify genes required for in vivo fitness. Consistent with our previous findings, we identified T3SS3 as the largest genetic cluster required for fitness in the lung. Furthermore, we identified capsular polysaccharide and Type 6 Secretion System cluster 5 (T6SS5) as the two additional major genetic clusters facilitating respiratory melioidosis. Importantly, Tn-seq did not identify additional, novel large genetic systems supporting respiratory melioidosis, although these studies identified additional small gene clusters that may also play crucial roles in lung fitness. Interestingly, other previously identified virulence determinants do not appear to be required for lung fitness, such as lipopolysaccharide. The role of T3SS3, capsule, and T6SS5 in lung fitness was validated by competition studies, but only T3SS3 was found to be important for respiratory melioidosis when delivered as a single strain challenge, suggesting that competition studies may provide a higher resolution analysis of fitness factors in the lung. The use of Tn-seq phenotypic screening also provided key insights into the selective pressure encountered in the liver.

Enteric pathogens deploy cell cycle inhibiting factors to block the bactericidal activity of Perforin-2

Perforin-2 (MPEG1) is an effector of the innate immune system that limits the proliferation and spread of medically relevant Gram-negative, -positive, and acid fast bacteria. We show here that a cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL) complex containing cullin-1 and βTrCP monoubiquitylates Perforin-2 in response to pathogen associated molecular patterns such as LPS. Ubiquitylation triggers a rapid redistribution of Perforin-2 and is essential for its bactericidal activity. Enteric pathogens such as Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli disarm host cells by injecting cell cycle inhibiting factors (Cifs) into mammalian cells to deamidate the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8. Because CRL activity is dependent upon NEDD8, Cif blocks ubiquitin dependent trafficking of Perforin-2 and thus, its bactericidal activity. Collectively, these studies further underscore the biological significance of Perforin-2 and elucidate critical molecular events that culminate in Perforin-2-dependent killing of both intracellular and extracellular, cell-adherent bacteria.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06505.001

A wide range of bacteria and other microbes can infect animals and cause disease. Throughout evolution, these microbes and their hosts have been fighting never ending arms races in which the microbes deploy ever more elaborate weapons, while the hosts adapt to defend themselves. An animal's first line of defense is provided by its ‘innate’ immune system. This system is activated by the general features of microbial cells; for example, the molecules that make up the walls surrounding most bacteria. Microbes must defeat the innate immune system in order to cause disease, and ultimately to spread from one host to the next.

One component of innate immunity is a protein called Perforin-2 that is present in most, if not all, animal cells. This protein forms pores on bacterial cells, causing them to split open and die. However, it was not clear how Perforin-2 is switched on and what, if anything, bacteria do to counteract it. To address these questions, McCormack et al. infected human and mice cells with bacteria that cause serious diseases of the digestive tract.

The experiments show that when animal cells detect bacteria, or merely a fragment of their cell wall, a specific group of proteins, called the CRL complex, attaches a molecule called ubiquitin to Perforin-2. Ubiquitin works much like the shipping label of a package, enabling the efficient targeting of Perforin-2 to the invading bacteria. McCormack et al. also show that some bacteria use a protein called a cell cycle inhibiting factor (or Cif for short) to inhibit the CRL complex. This blocks the ubiquitin labeling of Perforin-2, which renders it a useless weapon that can no longer be directed towards bacteria.

Mice that are infected with a bacterium called Yersinia pseudotuberculosis become seriously unwell and often die. However, McCormack et al. found that mice infected with mutant Y. pseudotuberculosis that lacked Cif remained healthy. Also, mice that lacked Perforin-2 are highly susceptible to infectious diseases. McCormack et al.'s findings reveal how Perforin-2 is activated during the innate immune response and how some bacteria can defeat this pivotal defense. In the current age of antibiotic resistant bacteria, these studies may spur the development of new drugs that restore or increase the activity of Perforin-2.

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.06505.002

Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Type III Secretion System

Drug-resistant pathogens have presented increasing challenges to the discovery and development of new antibacterial agents. The type III secretion system (T3SS), existing in bacterial chromosomes or plasmids, is one of the most complicated protein secretion systems. T3SSs of animal and plant pathogens possess many highly conserved main structural components comprised of about 20 proteins. Many Gram-negative bacteria carry T3SS as a major virulence determinant, and using the T3SS, the bacteria secrete and inject effector proteins into target host cells, triggering disease symptoms. Therefore, T3SS has emerged as an attractive target for antimicrobial therapeutics. In recent years, many T3SS-targeting small-molecule inhibitors have been discovered; these inhibitors prevent the bacteria from injecting effector proteins and from causing pathophysiology in host cells. Targeting the virulence of Gram-negative pathogens, rather than their survival, is an innovative and promising approach that may greatly reduce selection pressures on pathogens to develop drug-resistant mutations. This article summarizes recent progress in the search for promising small-molecule T3SS inhibitors that target the secretion and translocation of bacterial effector proteins.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis YopD mutants that genetically separate effector protein translocation from host membrane disruption

The Yersinia type III secretion system (T3SS) translocates Yop effector proteins into host cells to manipulate immune defenses such as phagocytosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The T3SS translocator proteins YopB and YopD form pores in host membranes, facilitating Yop translocation. While the YopD amino and carboxy termini participate in pore formation, the role of the YopD central region between amino acids 150-227 remains unknown. We assessed the contribution of this region by generating Y. pseudotuberculosis yopD(Δ150-170) and yopD(Δ207-227) mutants and analyzing their T3SS functions. These strains exhibited wild-type levels of Yop secretion in vitro and enabled robust pore formation in macrophages. However, the yopDΔ150-170 and yopD(Δ207-227) mutants were defective in Yop translocation into CHO cells and splenocyte-derived neutrophils and macrophages. These data suggest that YopD-mediated host membrane disruption and effector Yop translocation are genetically separable activities requiring distinct protein domains. Importantly, the yopD(Δ150-170) and yopD(Δ207-227) mutants were defective in Yop-mediated inhibition of macrophage cell death and ROS production in neutrophil-like cells, and were attenuated in disseminated Yersinia infection. Therefore, the ability of the YopD central region to facilitate optimal effector protein delivery into phagocytes, and therefore robust effector Yop function, is important for Yersinia virulence.

Proinflammatory microenvironments within the intestine regulate the differentiation of tissue-resident CD8⁺ T cells responding to infection

We report that oral infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yptb) results in development of two distinct populations of pathogen-specific CD8 tissue-resident memory T (T_RM) cells in the lamina propria (LP). CD103^– T cells did not require transforming-growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, but were true resident memory cells. Unlike CD103⁺ CD8 T cells, which were TGF-β-dependent and scattered in the tissue, CD103^– T cells clustered with CD4 T cells and CX3CR1⁺ macrophages and/or dendritic cells around areas of bacterial infection. CXCR3-dependent recruitment to inflamed areas was critical for development of the CD103^– population and pathogen clearance. These studies have identified the preferential development of CD103^– LP T_RM cells in inflammatory microenvironments within the LP and suggest that this subset plays a critical role in controlling infection.

Identification of mammalian proteins that collaborate with type III secretion system function: involvement of a chemokine receptor in supporting translocon activity

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a highly conserved protein delivery system found in multiple Gram-negative pathogens, including Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Most studies of Yersinia species type III intoxication of host cells have focused on the bacterial determinants that promote assembly and function of the secretion system. In this study, we performed a pooled RNA interference (RNAi) screen to identify mammalian host proteins required for the cytotoxic effects associated with the Yersinia translocated substrate YopE, a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) that inactivates the small Rho GTPases. Cell populations were positively selected for short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that interfere with YopE activity using a combination of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and flow cytometry, and the degree of enrichment was determined by deep sequencing. Analysis of the candidates identified by the enrichment process revealed that many were important for the initial step of Y. pseudotuberculosis T3SS function, YopB/D pore formation. These candidates included shRNA that depleted downstream effectors of RhoA signaling, coated pit formation, and receptors involved in cell signaling, including the chemokine receptor CCR5 (chemokine [C-C motif] receptor 5). Depletion of CCR5 in 293T cells yielded a defect in YopB/D pore formation and effector translocation, while both phenotypes could be complemented by overexpression of CCR5 protein. Yop effector translocation was also decreased in isolated primary phagocytic cells from a Ccr5^−/− knockout mouse. We postulate that CCR5 acts to promote translocation by modulating cytoskeletal activities necessary for proper assembly of the YopB/D translocation pore. Overall, this study presents a new approach to investigating the contribution of the host cell to T3SS in Y. pseudotuberculosis.

Many Gram-negative bacteria require type III secretion systems (T3SS) for host survival, making these highly specialized secretion systems good targets for antimicrobial agents. After the bacterium binds to host cells, T3SS deposit proteins into the cytosol of host cells through a needle-like appendage and a protein translocon channel. Translocation of proteins via this system is highly regulated, and the contribution of the host cell in promoting assembly and insertion of the channel into the plasma membrane, folding of the bacterial proteins, and trafficking of these substrates are all poorly characterized events. In this study, we identified host cell proteins important for activity of YopE, a Yersinia pseudotuberculosis T3SS-delivered protein. The results demonstrate that insertion and assembly of the translocon are complex processes, requiring a variety of membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal processes, as well as a surprising role for cell surface signaling molecules in supporting proper function.

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase deficiency leads to lipopolysaccharide desensitization and faster weight gain

Animals develop in the presence of complex microbial communities, and early host responses to these microbes can influence key aspects of development, such as maturation of the immune system, in ways that impact adult physiology. We previously showed that the zebrafish intestinal alkaline phosphatase (ALPI) gene alpi.1 was induced by Gram-negative bacterium-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a process dependent on myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MYD88), and functioned to detoxify LPS and prevent excessive host inflammatory responses to commensal microbiota in the newly colonized intestine. In the present study, we examined whether the regulation and function of ALPI were conserved in mammals. We found that among the mouse ALPI genes, Akp3 was specifically upregulated by the microbiota, but through a mechanism independent of LPS or MYD88. We showed that disruption of Akp3 did not significantly affect intestinal inflammatory responses to commensal microbiota or animal susceptibility to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection. However, we found that Akp3(-/-) mice acquired LPS tolerance during postweaning development, suggesting that Akp3 plays an important role in immune education. Finally, we demonstrated that inhibiting LPS sensing with a mutation in CD14 abrogated the accelerated weight gain in Akp3(-/-) mice receiving a high-fat diet, suggesting that the weight gain is caused by excessive LPS in Akp3(-/-) mice.

The GAP activity of type III effector YopE triggers killing of Yersinia in macrophages

The mammalian immune system has the ability to discriminate between pathogens and innocuous microbes by detecting conserved molecular patterns. In addition to conserved microbial patterns, the mammalian immune system may recognize distinct pathogen-induced processes through a mechanism which is poorly understood. Previous studies have shown that a type III secretion system (T3SS) in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis leads to decreased survival of this bacterium in primary murine macrophages by unknown mechanisms. Here, we use colony forming unit assays and fluorescence microscopy to investigate how the T3SS triggers killing of Yersinia in macrophages. We present evidence that Yersinia outer protein E (YopE) delivered by the T3SS triggers intracellular killing response against Yersinia. YopE mimics eukaryotic GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) and inactivates Rho GTPases in host cells. Unlike wild-type YopE, catalytically dead YopER144A is impaired in restricting Yersinia intracellular survival, highlighting that the GAP activity of YopE is detected as a danger signal. Additionally, a second translocated effector, YopT, counteracts the YopE triggered killing effect by decreasing the translocation level of YopE and possibly by competing for the same pool of Rho GTPase targets. Moreover, inactivation of Rho GTPases by Clostridium difficile Toxin B mimics the effect of YopE and promotes increased killing of Yersinia in macrophages. Using a Rac inhibitor NSC23766 and a Rho inhibitor TAT-C3, we show that macrophages restrict Yersinia intracellular survival in response to Rac1 inhibition, but not Rho inhibition. In summary, our findings reveal that primary macrophages sense manipulation of Rho GTPases by Yersinia YopE and actively counteract pathogenic infection by restricting intracellular bacterial survival. Our results uncover a new mode of innate immune recognition in response to pathogenic infection.

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a macromolecular protein export pathway found in gram-negative bacteria. It delivers bacterial toxins into eukaryotic cells to promote pathogenic infection. T3SSs and the bacterial toxins delivered are critical arsenals for many bacterial pathogens of clinical significance, such as Yersinia, Salmonella and Shigella. On the other hand, the mammalian immune system may recognize the T3SS as a danger signal to signify pathogenic infection, and to stimulate appropriate defense against pathogens. Here, we show that the innate immune system recognizes the activity of YopE delivered by the Yersinia T3SS. Modulation of host Rho GTPases by YopE elicits a defensive response, which results in killing of bacteria in host cells. Inhibition of host Rho GTPases by Clostridium difficile Toxin B, another bacterial toxin, mimics the YopE-triggered killing effect. Our study demonstrates that host cells sense manipulation of Rho GTPases by bacterial toxins as a surveillance mechanism, revealing new insights into innate immune recognition of pathogenic infections.

Genome-wide identification of Acinetobacter baumannii genes necessary for persistence in the lung

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes diseases such as pneumonia, bacteremia, and soft tissue infections in hospitalized patients. Relatively little is known about how A. baumannii causes these infections. Thus, we used insertion sequencing (INSeq), a combination of transposon mutagenesis and massively parallel next-generation sequencing, to identify novel virulence factors of A. baumannii. To this end, we generated a random transposon mutant library containing 150,000 unique insertions in A. baumannii strain ATCC 17978. The INSeq analysis identified 453 genes required for growth in rich medium. The library was then used in a murine pneumonia model, and the relative levels of abundance of mutants before and after selection in the mouse were compared. When genes required for growth in rich medium were removed from the analysis, 157 genes were identified as necessary for persistence in the mouse lung. Several of these encode known virulence factors of A. baumannii, such as OmpA and ZnuB, which validated our approach. A large number of the genes identified were predicted to be involved in amino acid and nucleotide metabolism and transport. Other genes were predicted to encode an integration host factor, a transmembrane lipoprotein, and proteins involved in stress response and efflux pumps. Very few genes, when disrupted, resulted in an increase in A. baumannii numbers during host infection. The INSeq approach identified a number of novel virulence determinants of A. baumannii, which are candidate targets for therapeutic interventions.

A. baumannii has emerged as a frequent cause of serious infections in hospitals and community settings. Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, alternative approaches, such as antivirulence strategies, are desperately needed to fight A. baumannii infections. Thorough knowledge of A. baumannii pathogenicity is essential for such approaches but is currently lacking. With the increasingly widespread use of massively parallel sequencing, a class of techniques known as transposon insertion sequencing has been developed to perform comprehensive virulence screens of bacterial genomes in vivo. We have applied one of these approaches (INSeq) to uncover novel virulence factors in A. baumannii. We identified several such factors, including those predicted to encode amino acid and nucleotide metabolism proteins, an integration host factor protein, stress response factors, and efflux pumps. These results greatly expand the number of A. baumannii virulence factors and uncover potential targets for antivirulence treatments.

Colonization of cecum is important for development of persistent infection by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Yersiniosis is a human disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pseudotuberculosis or Yersinia enterocolitica. The infection is usually resolved but can lead to postinfectious sequelae, including reactive arthritis and erythema nodosum. The commonly used Yersinia mouse infection model mimics acute infection in humans to some extent but leads to systemic infection and eventual death. Here, we analyzed sublethal infection doses of Y. pseudotuberculosis in mice in real time using bioluminescent imaging and found that infections using these lower doses result in extended periods of asymptomatic infections in a fraction of mice. In a search for the site for bacterial persistence, we found that the cecum was the primary colonization site and was the site where the organism resided during a 115-day infection period. Persistent infection was accompanied by sustained fecal shedding of cultivable bacteria. Cecal patches were identified as the primary site for cecal colonization during persistence. Y. pseudotuberculosis bacteria were present in inflammatory lesions, in localized foci, or as single cells and also in neutrophil exudates in the cecal lumen. The chronically colonized cecum may serve as a reservoir for dissemination of infection to extraintestinal sites, and a chronic inflammatory state may trigger the onset of postinfectious sequelae. This novel mouse model for bacterial persistence in cecum has potential as an investigative tool to unveil a deeper understanding of bacterial adaptation and host immune defense mechanisms during persistent infection.

Identifying Yersinia YopH-targeted signal transduction pathways that impair neutrophil responses during in vivo murine infection

Identifying molecular targets of Yersinia virulence effectors, or Yops, during animal infection is challenging because few cells are targeted by Yops in an infected organ, and isolating these sparse effector-containing cells is difficult. YopH, a tyrosine phosphatase, is essential for full virulence of Yersinia. Investigating the YopH-targeted signal transduction pathway(s) in neutrophils during infection of a murine host, we find that several host proteins, including the essential signaling adaptor SLP-76, are dephosphorylated in the presence of YopH in neutrophils isolated from infected tissues. YopH inactivated PRAM-1/SKAP-HOM and the SLP-76/Vav/PLCγ2 signal transduction axes, leading to an inhibition of calcium response in isolated neutrophils. Consistent with a failure to mount a calcium response, IL-10 production was reduced in neutrophils containing YopH from infected tissues. Finally, a yopH mutant survived better in the absence of neutrophils, indicating that neutrophil inactivation by YopH by targeting PRAM-1/SKAP-HOM and SLP-76/Vav/PLCγ2 signaling hubs may be critical for Yersinia survival.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis efficiently escapes polymorphonuclear neutrophils during early infection

The human-pathogenic species of the Gram-negative genus Yersinia preferentially target and inactivate cells of the innate immune defense, suggesting that this is a critical step by which these bacteria avoid elimination and cause disease. In this study, bacterial interactions with dendritic cells, macrophages, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in intestinal lymphoid tissues during early Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection were analyzed. Wild-type bacteria were shown to interact mainly with dendritic cells, but not with PMNs, on day 1 postinfection, while avirulent yopH and yopE mutants interacted with PMNs as well as with dendritic cells. To unravel the role of PMNs during the early phase of infection, we depleted mice of PMNs by using an anti-Ly6G antibody, after which we could see more-efficient initial colonization by the wild-type strain as well as by yopH, yopE, and yopK mutants on day 1 postinfection. Dissemination of yopH, yopE, and yopK mutants from the intestinal compartments to mesenteric lymph nodes was faster in PMN-depleted mice than in undepleted mice, emphasizing the importance of effective targeting of PMNs by these Yersinia outer proteins (Yops). In conclusion, escape from interaction with PMNs due to the action of YopH, YopE, and YopK is a key feature of pathogenic Yersinia species that allows colonization and effective dissemination.

The cytotoxic necrotizing factor of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (CNFY) enhances inflammation and Yop delivery during infection by activation of Rho GTPases

Some isolates of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis produce the cytotoxic necrotizing factor (CNF_Y), but the functional consequences of this toxin for host-pathogen interactions during the infection are unknown. In the present study we show that CNF_Y has a strong influence on virulence. We demonstrate that the CNF_Y toxin is thermo-regulated and highly expressed in all colonized lymphatic tissues and organs of orally infected mice. Most strikingly, we found that a cnfY knock-out variant of a naturally toxin-expressing Y. pseudotuberculosis isolate is strongly impaired in its ability to disseminate into the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver and spleen, and has fully lost its lethality. The CNF_Y toxin contributes significantly to the induction of acute inflammatory responses and to the formation of necrotic areas in infected tissues. The analysis of the host immune response demonstrated that presence of CNF_Y leads to a strong reduction of professional phagocytes and natural killer cells in particular in the spleen, whereas loss of the toxin allows efficient tissue infiltration of these immune cells and rapid killing of the pathogen. Addition of purified CNF_Y triggers formation of actin-rich membrane ruffles and filopodia, which correlates with the activation of the Rho GTPases, RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42. The analysis of type III effector delivery into epithelial and immune cells in vitro and during the course of the infection further demonstrated that CNF_Y enhances the Yop translocation process and supports a role for the toxin in the suppression of the antibacterial host response. In summary, we highlight the importance of CNF_Y for pathogenicity by showing that this toxin modulates inflammatory responses, protects the bacteria from attacks of innate immune effectors and enhances the severity of a Yersinia infection.

Various toxins and effector proteins of bacterial pathogens have been found to manipulate eukaryotic cell machineries to promote persistence and proliferation within their hosts. Many of these virulence factors target small Rho GTPases, but their role in pathogenesis is often unknown. Here, we addressed the expression and functional consequences of the CNF_Y toxin found in some isolates of Y. pseudotuberculosis. We found that CNF_Y besides modulating the cell cytoskeleton by activation of the GTPases RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42, contributes to increased inflammation and tissue damage. Moreover, CNF_Y increases the ability of Yersinia to prevent the attack of the immune system, by enhancing the delivery of antiphagocytic and cytotoxic effectors into professional phagocytes. Our findings provide the first insights into the multi-functional action and severe consequences of the CNF_Y toxin on the inflammatory response and disease-associated tissue damage during the natural course of the infection.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis uses Ail and YadA to circumvent neutrophils by directing Yop translocation during lung infection

A Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yptb) murine model of lung infection was previously developed using the serotype III IP2666NdeI strain, which robustly colonized lungs but only sporadically disseminated to the spleen and liver. We demonstrate here that a serotype Ib Yptb strain, IP32953, colonizes the lungs at higher levels and disseminates more efficiently to the spleen and liver compared with IP2666NdeI . The role of adhesins was investigated during IP32953 lung infection by constructing isogenic Δail, Δinv, ΔpsaE and ΔyadA mutants. An IP32953ΔailΔyadA mutant initially colonized but failed to persist in the lungs and disseminate to the spleen and liver. Yptb expressing these adhesins selectively bound to and targeted neutrophils for translocation of Yops. This selective targeting was critical for virulence because persistence of the ΔailΔyadA mutant was restored following intranasal infection of neutropenic mice. Furthermore, Ail and YadA prevented killing by complement-mediated mechanisms during dissemination to and/or growth in the spleen and liver, but not in the lungs. Combined, these results demonstratethat Ail and YadA are critical, redundant virulence factors during lung infection, because they thwart neutrophils by directing Yop-translocation specifically into these cells.

Use of a high-throughput screen to identify Leptospira mutants unable to colonize the carrier host or cause disease in the acute model of infection

The molecular basis for leptospirosis infection and colonization remains poorly understood, with no efficient methods available for screening libraries of mutants for attenuation. We analysed the attenuation of leptospiral transposon mutants in vivo using a high-throughput method by infecting animals with pooled sets of transposon mutants. A total of 95 mutants was analysed by this method in the hamster model of acute infection, and one mutant was identified as attenuated (M1233, lb058 mutant). All virulence factors identified in Leptospira to date have been characterized in the acute model of infection, neglecting the carrier host. To address this, a BALB/c mouse colonization model was established. The lb058 mutant and two mutants defective in LPS synthesis were colonization deficient in the mouse model. By applying the high-throughput screening method, a further five colonization-deficient mutants were identified for the mouse model; these included two mutants in genes encoding proteins with a predicted role in iron uptake (LB191/HbpA and LB194). Two attenuated mutants had transposon insertions in either la0589 or la2786 (encoding proteins of unknown function). The final attenuated mutant had an unexpected deletion of genes la0969–la0975 at the point of transposon insertion. This is the first description of defined, colonization-deficient mutants in a carrier host for Leptospira. These mutants were either not attenuated or only weakly attenuated in the hamster model of acute leptospirosis, thus illustrating that different factors that may be required in the carrier and acute models of leptospiral infection. High-throughput screening can reduce the number of animals used in virulence studies and increase the capacity to screen mutants for attenuation, thereby enhancing the likelihood of detecting unique virulence factors. A comparison of virulence factors required in the carrier and acute models of infection will help to unravel colonization and dissemination mechanisms of leptospirosis.

Early apoptosis of macrophages modulated by injection of Yersinia pestis YopK promotes progression of primary pneumonic plague

Yersinia pestis causes pneumonic plague, a disease characterized by inflammation, necrosis and rapid bacterial growth which together cause acute lung congestion and lethality. The bacterial type III secretion system (T3SS) injects 7 effector proteins into host cells and their combined activities are necessary to establish infection. Y. pestis infection of the lungs proceeds as a biphasic inflammatory response believed to be regulated through the control of apoptosis and pyroptosis by a single, well-conserved T3SS effector protein YopJ. Recently, YopJ-mediated pyroptosis, which proceeds via the NLRP3-inflammasome, was shown to be regulated by a second T3SS effector protein YopK in the related strain Y. pseudotuberculosis. In this work, we show that for Y. pestis, YopK appears to regulate YopJ-mediated apoptosis, rather than pyroptosis, of macrophages. Inhibition of caspase-8 blocked YopK-dependent apoptosis, suggesting the involvement of the extrinsic pathway, and appeared cell-type specific. However, in contrast to yopJ, deletion of yopK caused a large decrease in virulence in a mouse pneumonic plague model. YopK-dependent modulation of macrophage apoptosis was observed at 6 and 24 hours post-infection (HPI). When YopK was absent, decreased populations of macrophages and dendritic cells were seen in the lungs at 24 HPI and correlated with resolution rather than progression of inflammation. Together the data suggest that Y. pestis YopK may coordinate the inflammatory response during pneumonic plague through the regulation of apoptosis of immune cells.

In this work, we studied the mechanism whereby bacteria manipulate innate immune responses by controlling host cell death. Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, requires effector Yops of the Type III Secretion System (T3SS) to evade the innate immune system during infection. We show that Yersinia induces apoptosis of macrophages through two distinct mechanisms, each through the activity of the well-characterized T3SS effector YopJ, yet regulated in an opposing manner through the activity of a second effector protein YopK. In a murine pneumonic plague model, we found evidence that YopK regulates apoptosis of macrophages during the early stage of infection, leading to uncontrolled inflammation and disease. In contrast, the absence of YopK-regulated apoptosis allowed recruitment of lymphocytes and CCR2⁺ immune cells which led to bacterial clearance and resolution of inflammation. Together the data suggest that Yersinia YopK modulates apoptosis of immune cells to control the inflammatory response during plague.

A mutant with aberrant extracellular LcrV-YscF interactions fails to form pores and translocate Yop effector proteins but retains the ability to trigger Yop secretion in response to host cell contact

The plasmid-encoded type three secretion system (TTSS) of Yersinia spp. is responsible for the delivery of effector proteins into cells of the innate immune system, where these effectors disrupt the target cells' activity. Successful translocation of effectors into mammalian cells requires Yersinia to both insert a translocon into the host cell membrane and sense contact with host cells. To probe the events necessary for translocation, we investigated protein-protein interactions among TTSS components of the needle-translocon complex using a chemical cross-linking-based approach. We detected extracellular protein complexes containing YscF, LcrV, and YopD that were dependent upon needle formation. The formation of these complexes was evaluated in a secretion-competent but translocation-defective mutant, the YscFD28AD46A strain (expressing YscF with the mutations D28A and D46A). We found that one of the YscF and most of the LcrV and YopD cross-linked complexes were nearly absent in this mutant. Furthermore, the YscFD28AD46A strain did not support YopB insertion into mammalian membranes, supporting the idea that the LcrV tip complex is required for YopB insertion and translocon formation. However, the YscFD28AD46A strain did secrete Yops in the presence of host cells, indicating that a translocation-competent tip complex is not required to sense contact with host cells to trigger Yop secretion. In conclusion, in the absence of cross-linkable LcrV-YscF interactions, translocon insertion is abolished, but Yersinia still retains the ability to sense cell contact.

Identification of MrtAB, an ABC transporter specifically required for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis to colonize the mesenteric lymph nodes

A highly conserved virulence plasmid encoding a type III secretion system is shared by the three Yersinia species most pathogenic for mammals. Although factors encoded on this plasmid enhance the ability of Yersinia to thrive in their mammalian hosts, the loss of this virulence plasmid does not eliminate growth or survival in host organs. Most notably, yields of viable plasmid-deficient Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yptb) are indistinguishable from wild-type Yptb within mesenteric lymph nodes. To identify chromosomal virulence factors that allow for plasmid-independent survival during systemic infection of mice, we generated transposon insertions in plasmid-deficient Yptb, and screened a library having over 20,000 sequence-identified insertions. Among the previously uncharacterized loci, insertions in mrtAB, an operon encoding an ABC family transporter, had the most profound phenotype in a plasmid-deficient background. The absence of MrtAB, however, had no effect on growth in the liver and spleen of a wild type strain having an intact virulence plasmid, but caused a severe defect in colonization of the mesenteric lymph nodes. Although this result is consistent with lack of expression of the type III secretion system by Wt Yptb in the mesenteric lymph nodes, a reporter for YopE indicated that expression of the system was robust. We demonstrate that the ATPase activity of MrtB is required for growth in mice, indicating that transport activity is required for virulence. Indeed, MrtAB appears to function as an efflux pump, as the ATPase activity enhances resistance to ethidium bromide while increasing sensitivity to pyocyanin, consistent with export across the inner membrane.

Experimental evolution of Legionella pneumophila in mouse macrophages leads to strains with altered determinants of environmental survival

The Gram-negative bacterium, Legionella pneumophila, is a protozoan parasite and accidental intracellular pathogen of humans. We propose a model in which cycling through multiple protozoan hosts in the environment holds L. pneumophila in a state of evolutionary stasis as a broad host-range pathogen. Using an experimental evolution approach, we tested this hypothesis by restricting L. pneumophila to growth within mouse macrophages for hundreds of generations. Whole-genome resequencing and high-throughput genotyping identified several parallel adaptive mutations and population dynamics that led to improved replication within macrophages. Based on these results, we provide a detailed view of the population dynamics of an experimentally evolving bacterial population, punctuated by frequent instances of transient clonal interference and selective sweeps. Non-synonymous point mutations in the flagellar regulator, fleN, resulted in increased uptake and broadly increased replication in both macrophages and amoebae. Mutations in multiple steps of the lysine biosynthesis pathway were also independently isolated, resulting in lysine auxotrophy and reduced replication in amoebae. These results demonstrate that under laboratory conditions, host restriction is sufficient to rapidly modify L. pneumophila fitness and host range. We hypothesize that, in the environment, host cycling prevents L. pneumophila host-specialization by maintaining pathways that are deleterious for growth in macrophages and other hosts.

Legionella pneumophila is an accidental pathogen of humans, responsible for the severe, often-fatal pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease. In the environment, L. pneumophila survives and replicates within protozoa by co-opting the intracellular machinery of these microbial predators. These freshwater encounters between bacteria and protozoa likely provided L. pneumophila with the selective pressures required to evolve into an intracellular pathogen. Many of the host pathways that L. pneumophila manipulates during infection are highly conserved and this is presumably what allows L. pneumophila to infect human cells. It is likely that L. pneumophila is suboptimally adapted to replication within mammalian cells, however, as replication within human cells is thought to be an evolutionary dead end. In this study, we developed an experimental evolution approach to determine what unique selective pressures might be present within mammalian hosts and how these pressures might modify this pathogen. We subjected L. pneumophila to continuous passage within mouse macrophages for several months, selecting for spontaneous mutations that resulted in improved fitness within these cells. We sequenced the genomes of each of the adapted strains, measured the population dynamics of each evolving population, and identified mutations that improve replication in mammalian cells and alter bacterial fitness in amoebae.

Hfq regulates biofilm gut blockage that facilitates flea-borne transmission of Yersinia pestis

The plague bacillus Yersinia pestis can achieve transmission by biofilm blockage of the foregut proventriculus of its flea vector. Hfq is revealed to be essential for biofilm blockage formation and acquisition and fitness of Y. pestis during flea gut infection, consistent with posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms in plague transmission.

A protective epitope in type III effector YopE is a major CD8 T cell antigen during primary infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Virulence in human-pathogenic Yersinia species is associated with a plasmid-encoded type III secretion system that translocates a set of Yop effector proteins into host cells. One effector, YopE, functions as a Rho GTPase-activating protein (GAP). In addition to acting as a virulence factor, YopE can function as a protective antigen. C57BL/6 mice infected with attenuated Yersinia pestis generate a dominant H2-Kb-restricted CD8 T cell response to an epitope in the N-terminal domain of YopE (YopE69-77), and intranasal vaccination with the YopE69-77 peptide and the mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin (CT) elicits CD8 T cells that are protective against lethal pulmonary challenge with Y. pestis. Because YopE69-77 is conserved in many Yersinia strains, we sought to determine if YopE is a protective antigen for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and if primary infection with this enteric pathogen elicits a CD8 T cell response to this epitope. Intranasal immunization with the YopE69-77 peptide and CT elicited a CD8 T cell response that was protective against lethal intragastric Y. pseudotuberculosis challenge. The YopE69-77 epitope was a major antigen (∼30% of splenic CD8 T cells were specific for this peptide at the peak of the response) during primary infection with Y. pseudotuberculosis, as shown by flow cytometry tetramer staining. Results of infections with Y. pseudotuberculosis expressing catalytically inactive YopE demonstrated that GAP activity is dispensable for a CD8 T cell response to YopE69-77. Determining the features of YopE that are important for this response will lead to a better understanding of how protective CD8 T cell immunity is generated against Yersinia and other pathogens with type III secretion systems.

Pathogenesis of Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis in Human Yersiniosis

Yersiniosis is a food-borne illness that has become more prevalent in recent years due to human transmission via the fecal-oral route and prevalence in farm animals. Yersiniosis is primarily caused by Yersinia enterocolitica and less frequently by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Infection is usually characterized by a self-limiting acute infection beginning in the intestine and spreading to the mesenteric lymph nodes. However, more serious infections and chronic conditions can also occur, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis are both heterogeneous organisms that vary considerably in their degrees of pathogenicity, although some generalizations can be ascribed to pathogenic variants. Adhesion molecules and a type III secretion system are critical for the establishment and progression of infection. Additionally, host innate and adaptive immune responses are both required for yersiniae clearance. Despite the ubiquity of enteric Yersinia species and their association as important causes of food poisoning world-wide, few national enteric pathogen surveillance programs include the yersiniae as notifiable pathogens. Moreover, no standard exists whereby identification and reporting systems can be effectively compared and global trends developed. This review discusses yersinial virulence factors, mechanisms of infection, and host responses in addition to the current state of surveillance, detection, and prevention of yersiniosis.

Novel genetic tools for diaminopimelic acid selection in virulence studies of Yersinia pestis

Molecular studies of bacterial virulence are enhanced by expression of recombinant DNA during infection to allow complementation of mutants and expression of reporter proteins in vivo. For highly pathogenic bacteria, such as Yersinia pestis, these studies are currently limited because deliberate introduction of antibiotic resistance is restricted to those few which are not human treatment options. In this work, we report the development of alternatives to antibiotics as tools for host-pathogen research during Yersinia pestis infections focusing on the diaminopimelic acid (DAP) pathway, a requirement for cell wall synthesis in eubacteria. We generated a mutation in the dapA-nlpB(dapX) operon of Yersinia pestis KIM D27 and CO92 which eliminated the expression of both genes. The resulting strains were auxotrophic for diaminopimelic acid and this phenotype was complemented in trans by expressing dapA in single and multi-copy. In vivo, we found that plasmids derived from the p15a replicon were cured without selection, while selection for DAP enhanced stability without detectable loss of any of the three resident virulence plasmids. The dapAX mutation rendered Y. pestis avirulent in mouse models of bubonic and septicemic plague which could be complemented when dapAX was inserted in single or multi-copy, restoring development of disease that was indistinguishable from the wild type parent strain. We further identified a high level, constitutive promoter in Y. pestis that could be used to drive expression of fluorescent reporters in dapAX strains that had minimal impact to virulence in mouse models while enabling sensitive detection of bacteria during infection. Thus, diaminopimelic acid selection for single or multi-copy genetic systems in Yersinia pestis offers an improved alternative to antibiotics for in vivo studies that causes minimal disruption to virulence.

Small molecule inhibitors of LcrF, a Yersinia pseudotuberculosis transcription factor, attenuate virulence and limit infection in a murine pneumonia model

LcrF (VirF), a transcription factor in the multiple adaptational response (MAR) family, regulates expression of the Yersinia type III secretion system (T3SS). Yersinia pseudotuberculosis lcrF-null mutants showed attenuated virulence in tissue culture and animal models of infection. Targeting of LcrF offers a novel, antivirulence strategy for preventing Yersinia infection. A small molecule library was screened for inhibition of LcrF-DNA binding in an in vitro assay. All of the compounds lacked intrinsic antibacterial activity and did not demonstrate toxicity against mammalian cells. A subset of these compounds inhibited T3SS-dependent cytotoxicity of Y. pseudotuberculosis toward macrophages in vitro. In a murine model of Y. pseudotuberculosis pneumonia, two compounds significantly reduced the bacterial burden in the lungs and afforded a dramatic survival advantage. The MAR family of transcription factors is well conserved, with members playing central roles in pathogenesis across bacterial genera; thus, the inhibitors could have broad applicability.

Post-translational modification of the deubiquitinating enzyme otubain 1 modulates active RhoA levels and susceptibility to Yersinia invasion

Microbial pathogens exploit the ubiquitin system to facilitate infection and manipulate the immune responses of the host. In this study, susceptibility to Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis invasion was found to be increased upon overexpression of the deubiquitinating enzyme otubain 1 (OTUB1), a member of the ovarian tumour domain-containing protein family. Conversely, OTUB1 knockdown interfered with Yersinia invasion in HEK293T cells as well as in primary monocytes. This effect was attributed to a modulation of bacterial uptake. We demonstrate that the Yersinia-encoded virulence factor YpkA (YopO) kinase interacts with a post-translationally modified form of OTUB1 that contains multiple phosphorylation sites. OTUB1, YpkA and the small GTPase ras homologue gene family member A (RhoA) were found to be part of the same protein complex, suggesting that RhoA levels are modulated by OTUB1. Our results show that OTUB1 is able to stabilize active RhoA prior to invasion, which is concomitant with an increase in bacterial uptake. This effect is modulated by post-translational modifications of OTUB1, suggesting a new entry point for manipulating Yersinia interactions with the host.

Identification and characterization of small-molecule inhibitors of Yop translocation in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Type three secretion systems (TTSSs) are virulence factors found in many pathogenic Gram-negative species, including the family of pathogenic Yersinia spp. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis requires the translocation of a group of effector molecules, called Yops, to subvert the innate immune response and establish infection. Polarized transfer of Yops from bacteria to immune cells depends on several factors, including the presence of a functional TTSS, the successful attachment of Yersinia to the target cell, and translocon insertion into the target cell membrane. Here we employed a high-throughput screen to identify small molecules that block translocation of Yops into mammalian cells. We identified 6 compounds that inhibited translocation of effectors without affecting synthesis of TTSS components and secreted effectors, assembly of the TTSS, or secretion of effectors. One compound, C20, reduced adherence of Y. pseudotuberculosis to target cells. Additionally, the compounds caused leakage of Yops into the supernatant during infection and thus reduced polarized translocation. Furthermore, several molecules, namely, C20, C22, C24, C34, and C38, also inhibited ExoS-mediated cell rounding, suggesting that the compounds target factors that are conserved between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Y. pseudotuberculosis. In summary, we have identified 6 compounds that specifically inhibit translocation of Yops into mammalian cells but not Yop synthesis or secretion.

The C-terminal tail of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis YopM is critical for interacting with RSK1 and for virulence

Yersinia spp. undermine the immune responses of infected animals by translocating Yops directly into host cells with a type III secretion system. YopM, a leucine-rich repeat protein, is a critical virulence factor in infection. YopM localizes to both the nucleus and the cytoplasm in cultured cells, interacts with mammalian p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1), and causes a decrease in NK cell populations in spleens. Little is known about the molecular interaction between YopM and RSK1 and its significance in pathogenesis. We performed a systematic deletion analysis of YopM in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis to determine which regions are required for RSK1 interactions, nuclear localization, virulence, and changes in immune cell populations during infection of mice. Full-length YopM associated with RSK1 in at least two protein complexes in infected cells, and deletion of its C-terminal tail abrogated all RSK1 interactions. The C-terminal tail was required for tissue colonization, as yopM mutants that failed to interact with RSK1 were as defective for tissue colonization as was a DeltayopM mutant; however, nuclear localization of YopM was not dependent on its RSK1 interaction. Mutants expressing YopM proteins which do not interact with RSK1 caused more pathology than did the DeltayopM mutant, suggesting that there are other RSK1-independent functions of YopM. Histopathological and flow cytometric analyses of spleens showed that infection with wild-type Y. pseudotuberculosis caused an influx of neutrophils, while mice infected with yopM mutants had increased numbers of macrophages. Decreases in NK cells after Y. pseudotuberculosis infection did not correlate with YopM expression. In conclusion, the C terminus of YopM is essential for RSK1 interactions and for virulence.

The presence of professional phagocytes dictates the number of host cells targeted for Yop translocation during infection

Type III secretion systems deliver effector proteins from Gram-negative bacterial pathogens into host cells, where they disarm host defences, allowing the pathogens to establish infection. Although Yersinia pseudotuberculosis delivers its effector proteins, called Yops, into numerous cell types grown in culture, we show that during infection Y. pseudotuberculosis selectively targets Yops to professional phagocytes in Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen, although it colocalizes with B and T cells as well as professional phagocytes. Strikingly, in the absence of neutrophils, the number of cells with translocated Yops was significantly reduced although the bacterial loads were similar, indicating that Y. pseudotuberculosis did not arbitrarily deliver Yops to the available cells. Using isolated splenocytes, selective binding and selective targeting to professional phagocytes when bacteria were limiting was also observed, indicating that tissue architecture was not required for the tropism for professional phagocytes. In isolated splenocytes, YadA and Invasin increased the number of all cells types with translocated Yops, but professional phagocytes were still preferentially translocated with Yops in the absence of these adhesins. Together these results indicate that Y. pseudotuberculosis discriminates among cells it encounters during infection and selectively delivers Yops to phagocytes while refraining from translocation to other cell types.

ROS-inhibitory activity of YopE is required for full virulence of Yersinia in mice

YopE, a type III secreted effector of Yersinia, is a GTPase Activating Protein for Rac1 and RhoA whose catalytic activity is critical for virulence. We found that YopE also inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inactivated Rac2. How YopE distinguishes among its targets and which specific targets are critical for Yersinia survival in different tissues are unknown. A screen identifying YopE mutants in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis that interact with different Rho GTPases showed that YopE residues at positions 102, 106, 109 and 156 discern among switch I and II regions of Rac1, Rac2 and RhoA. Two mutants, which expressed YopE alleles with different antiphagocytic, ROS-inhibitory and cell-rounding activities, YptbL109A and YptbESptP, were studied in animal infections. Inhibition of both phagocytosis and ROS production were required for splenic colonization, whereas fewer YopE activities were required for Peyer's patch colonization. This study shows that Y. pseudotuberculosis encounters multiple host defences in different tissues and uses distinct YopE activities to disable them.

Innate immune recognition of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis type III secretion

Specialized protein translocation systems are used by many bacterial pathogens to deliver effector proteins into host cells that interfere with normal cellular functions. How the host immune system recognizes and responds to this intrusive event is not understood. To address these questions, we determined the mammalian cellular response to the virulence-associated type III secretion system (T3SS) of the human pathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. We found that macrophages devoid of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling regulate expression of 266 genes following recognition of the Y. pseudotuberculosis T3SS. This analysis revealed two temporally distinct responses that could be separated into activation of NFkappaB- and type I IFN-regulated genes. Extracellular bacteria were capable of triggering these signaling events, as inhibition of bacterial uptake had no effect on the ensuing innate immune response. The cytosolic peptidoglycan sensors Nod1 and Nod2 and the inflammasome component caspase-1 were not involved in NFkappaB activation following recognition of the Y. pseudotuberculosis T3SS. However, caspase-1 was required for secretion of the inflammatory cytokine IL-1beta in response to T3SS-positive Y. pseudotuberculosis. In order to characterize the bacterial requirements for induction of this novel TLR-, Nod1/2-, and caspase-1-independent response, we used Y. pseudotuberculosis strains lacking specific components of the T3SS. Formation of a functional T3SS pore was required, as bacteria expressing a secretion needle, but lacking the pore-forming proteins YopB or YopD, did not trigger these signaling events. However, nonspecific membrane disruption could not recapitulate the NFkappaB signaling triggered by Y. pseudotuberculosis expressing a functional T3SS pore. Although host cell recognition of the T3SS did not require known translocated substrates, the ensuing response could be modulated by effectors such as YopJ and YopT, as YopT amplified the response, while YopJ dampened it. Collectively, these data suggest that combined recognition of the T3SS pore and YopBD-mediated delivery of immune activating ligands into the host cytosol informs the host cell of pathogenic challenge. This leads to a unique, multifactorial response distinct from the canonical immune response to a bacterium lacking a T3SS.