Functional analysis of the Streptococcus gordonii DL1 sialic acid-binding adhesin and its essential role in bacterial binding to platelets

Transcriptome and metabolome analyses of Streptococcus gordonii DL1 under acidic conditions

OBJECTIVES

Streptococcus gordonii is associated with the formation of biofilms, especially those that comprise dental plaque. Notably, S. gordonii DL1 causes infective endocarditis (IE). Colonization of this bacterium requires a mechanism that can tolerate a drop in environmental pH by producing acid via its own sugar metabolism. The ability to survive acidic environmental conditions might allow the bacterium to establish vegetative colonization even in the endocardium due to inflammation-induced lowering of pH, increasing the risk of IE. At present, the mechanism by which S. gordonii DL1 survives under acidic conditions is not thoroughly elucidated. The present study was thus conducted to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which S. gordonii DL1 survives under acidic conditions.

METHODS

We analyzed dynamic changes in gene transcription and intracellular metabolites in S. gordonii DL1 exposed to acidic conditions, using transcriptome and metabolome analyses.

RESULTS

Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of genes involved in heat shock response and glycolysis, and down regulation of genes involved in phosphotransferase systems and biosynthesis of amino acids. The most upregulated genes were a beta-strand repeat protein of unknown function (SGO_RS06325), followed by copper-translocating P-type ATPase (SGO_RS09470) and malic enzyme (SGO_RS01850). The latter two of these contribute to cytoplasmic alkalinization. S. gordonii mutant strains lacking each of these genes showed significantly reduced survival under acidic conditions. Metabolome analysis revealed that cytoplasmic levels of several amino acids were reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

S. gordonii survives the acidic conditions by recovering the acidic cytoplasm using the various activities, which are regulated at the transcriptional level.

Alteration of the neuronal and glial cell profiles in Neu1-deficient zebrafish

Neu1 is a glycosidase that releases sialic acids from the non-reducing ends of glycoconjugates, and its enzymatic properties are conserved among vertebrates. Recently, Neu1-KO zebrafish were generated using genome editing technology, and the KO fish showed abnormal emotional behavior, such as low schooling, low aggressiveness, and excess exploratory behavior, accompanied by the downregulation of anxiety-related genes. To examine the alteration of neuronal and glial cells in Neu1-KO zebrafish, we analyzed the molecular profiles in the zebrafish brain, focusing on the midbrain and telencephalon. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that signals of Maackia amurensis (MAM) lectin that recognizes Sia α2-3 linked glycoconjugates were highly increased in Neu1-KO zebrafish brains, accompanied by an increase in Lamp1a. Neu1-KO zebrafish suppressed the gene expression of AMPA-type glutamate receptors such as gria1a, gria2a, and gria3b, and vesicular glutamate transporter 1. Additionally, Neu1-KO zebrafish induced the hyperactivation of astrocytes accompanied by an increase in Gfap and phosphorylated ERK levels, while the mRNA levels of astrocyte glutamate transporters (eaat1a, eaat1c, and eaat2) were downregulated. The mRNA levels of sypb and ho1b, which are markers of synaptic plasticity, were also suppressed by Neu1 deficiency. Abnormal activity of microglia was also revealed by IHC, and the expressions of iNOS and IL-1β, an inflammatory cytokine, were increased in Neu1-KO zebrafish. Furthermore, drastic neuronal degeneration was detected in Neu1-KO zebrafish using Fluoro-Jade B staining. Collectively, the neuronal and glial abnormalities in Neu1-KO zebrafish may be caused by changes in the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and involved in the emotional abnormalities.

Streptococcus oralis Employs Multiple Mechanisms of Salivary Mucin Binding That Differ Between Strains

Streptococcus oralis is an oral commensal and opportunistic pathogen that can enter the bloodstream and cause bacteremia and infective endocarditis. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of S. oralis binding to oral mucins using clinical isolates, isogenic mutants and glycoconjugates. S. oralis bound to both MUC5B and MUC7, with a higher level of binding to MUC7. Mass spectrometry identified 128 glycans on MUC5B, MUC7 and the salivary agglutinin (SAG). MUC7/SAG contained a higher relative abundance of Lewis type structures, including Lewis b/y, sialyl-Lewis a/x and α2,3-linked sialic acid, compared to MUC5B. S. oralis subsp. oralis binding to MUC5B and MUC7/SAG was inhibited by Lewis b and Lacto-N-tetraose glycoconjugates. In addition, S. oralis binding to MUC7/SAG was inhibited by sialyl Lewis x. Binding was not inhibited by Lacto-N-fucopentaose, H type 2 and Lewis x conjugates. These data suggest that three distinct carbohydrate binding specificities are involved in S. oralis subsp. oralis binding to oral mucins and that the mechanisms of binding MUC5B and MUC7 differ. Efficient binding of S. oralis subsp. oralis to MUC5B and MUC7 required the gene encoding sortase A, suggesting that the adhesin(s) are LPXTG-containing surface protein(s). Further investigation demonstrated that one of these adhesins is the sialic acid binding protein AsaA.

Streptococcus gordonii DL1 evades polymorphonuclear leukocyte-mediated killing via resistance to lysozyme

Streptococcus gordonii is an etiological bacterial agent of infective endocarditis. Although the pathogenesis mechanisms are not well understood, the interaction between streptococci and phagocytes is considered important for the development of infective endocarditis. Previous studies show that some S. gordonii strains, including DL1, survive in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), whereas other strains such as SK12 are sensitive to PMN-dependent killing. In this study, we assessed the differences between the sensitivity of S. gordonii DL1 and S. gordonii SK12 to PMN-dependent killing. S. gordonii DL1 showed a higher survival when treated with PMNs than SK12. Both S. gordonii DL1 and S. gordonii SK12 showed high resistance to low pH condition. Compared to S. gordonii SK12, S. gordonii DL1 was sensitive to hydrogen peroxide. However, the resistance of S. gordonii DL1 to the tested bactericidal agents, especially lysozyme, was higher than that of SK12. Furthermore, we performed a bactericidal assay by treating a mixture of S. gordonii DL1 and SK12 with PMNs. S. gordonii DL1 did not enhance the survival of S. gordonii SK12 exposed to PMNs. These results indicated that S. gordonii DL1 is resistant to bactericidal agents that degrade bacteria in phagolysosomes. In addition, there was no secretory factor involved in the resistance to bactericidal agents. The findings of this study may help develop treatments for infective endocarditis caused by S. gordonii.

Expression and diversity of the sialic acid-binding adhesin and its homologs associated with oral streptococcal infection

Streptococcus gordonii, one of the early colonizers of oral biofilms, is involved in the development of dental caries, periodontal disease, and infective endocarditis. The Hsa adhesin of S. gordonii DL1 has the ability to bind strongly to the terminal sialic acid groups of host glycoproteins via the binding region, NR2, which is important for the pathogenicity of S. gordonii DL1. Low similarity with the NR2 of Hsa homologs among other streptococcal species has been reported. However, the reports have been limited to certain strains. This study attempted to assess frequency of the expression on the bacterial cell surface and to analyze the diversity of Hsa homologs among different wild strains of oral streptococci. We isolated 186 wild-type strains of oral streptococci from healthy volunteers and analyzed their hemagglutinating activity on human erythrocytes and their Hsa homologs and NR2 homologous regions by dot immunoblotting using anti-Hsa and anti-NR2 antisera, respectively. We found 30 strains reacted with anti-NR2 antiserum (NR2-positive) and determined the sequence of the NR2 regions. Many strains with high hemagglutinating activity were also NR2-positive, suggesting that the NR2 region may be associated with hemagglutinating activity. Among the NR2-positive strains, four different amino acid sequence patterns were observed, demonstrating diversity in the NR2 region. Notably, S. gordonii strains frequently possessed Hsa homologs and NR2-like antigens compared to other streptococci. It is speculated that the possessing frequency of Hsa homologs and the amino acid sequence of NR2 region may vary among streptococcal species. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of Fibrinolysis by Streptococcal Phage LysinSM1

Expression of bacteriophage lysin_SM1 by Streptococcus oralis strain SF100 is thought to be important for the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis, due to its ability to mediate bacterial binding to fibrinogen. To better define the lysin_SM1 binding site on fibrinogen Aα, and to investigate the impact of binding on fibrinolysis, we examined the interaction of lysin_SM1 with a series of recombinant fibrinogen Aα variants. These studies revealed that lysin_SM1 binds the C-terminal region of fibrinogen Aα spanned by amino acid residues 534 to 610, with an affinity of equilibrium dissociation constant (K_D) of 3.23 × 10^-5 M. This binding site overlaps the known binding site for plasminogen, an inactive precursor of plasmin, which is a key protease responsible for degrading fibrin polymers. When tested in vitro, lysin_SM1 competitively inhibited plasminogen binding to the αC region of fibrinogen Aα. It also inhibited plasminogen-mediated fibrinolysis, as measured by thromboelastography (TEG). These results indicate that lysin_SM1 is a bi-functional virulence factor for streptococci, serving as both an adhesin and a plasminogen inhibitor. Thus, lysin_SM1 may facilitate the attachment of bacteria to fibrinogen on the surface of damaged cardiac valves and may also inhibit plasminogen-mediated lysis of infected thrombi (vegetations) on valve surfaces. IMPORTANCE The interaction of streptococci with human fibrinogen and platelets on damaged endocardium is a central event in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. Streptococcus oralis can bind platelets via the interaction of bacteriophage lysin_SM1 with fibrinogen on the platelet surface, and this process has been associated with increased virulence in an animal model of endocarditis. We now report that lysin_SM1 binds to the αC region of the human fibrinogen Aα chain. This interaction blocks plasminogen binding to fibrinogen and inhibits fibrinolysis. In vivo, this inhibition could prevent the lysis of infected vegetations, thereby promoting bacterial persistence and virulence.

A novel sialic acid-binding adhesin present in multiple species contributes to the pathogenesis of Infective endocarditis

Bacterial binding to platelets is a key step in the development of infective endocarditis (IE). Sialic acid, a common terminal carbohydrate on host glycans, is the major receptor for streptococci on platelets. So far, all defined interactions between streptococci and sialic acid on platelets are mediated by serine-rich repeat proteins (SRRPs). However, we identified Streptococcus oralis subsp. oralis IE-isolates that bind sialic acid but lack SRRPs. In addition to binding sialic acid, some SRRP^- isolates also bind the cryptic receptor β-1,4-linked galactose through a yet unknown mechanism. Using comparative genomics, we identified a novel sialic acid-binding adhesin, here named AsaA (associated with sialic acid adhesion A), present in IE-isolates lacking SRRPs. We demonstrated that S. oralis subsp. oralis AsaA is required for binding to platelets in a sialic acid-dependent manner. AsaA comprises a non-repeat region (NRR), consisting of a FIVAR/CBM and two Siglec-like and Unique domains, followed by 31 DUF1542 domains. When recombinantly expressed, Siglec-like and Unique domains competitively inhibited binding of S. oralis subsp. oralis and directly interacted with sialic acid on platelets. We further demonstrated that AsaA impacts the pathogenesis of S. oralis subsp. oralis in a rabbit model of IE. Additionally, we found AsaA orthologues in other IE-causing species and demonstrated that the NRR of AsaA from Gemella haemolysans blocked binding of S. oralis subsp. oralis, suggesting that AsaA contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple IE-causing species. Finally, our findings provide evidence that sialic acid is a key factor for bacterial-platelets interactions in a broader range of species than previously appreciated, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is typically a bacterial infection of the heart valves that causes high mortality. Infective endocarditis can affect people with preexisting lesions on their heart valves (Subacute IE). These lesions contain platelets and other host factors to which bacteria can bind. Growth of bacteria and accumulation of host factors results in heart failure. Therefore, the ability of bacteria to bind platelets is key to the development of IE. Here, we identified a novel bacterial protein, AsaA, which helps bacteria bind to platelets and contributes to the development of disease. Although this virulence factor was characterized in Streptococcus oralis, a leading cause of IE, we demonstrated that AsaA is also present in several other IE-causing bacterial species and is likely relevant to their ability to cause disease. We showed that AsaA binds to sialic acid, a terminal sugar present on platelets, thereby demonstrating that sialic acid serves as a receptor for a wider range of IE-causing bacteria than previously appreciated, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Serine-rich repeat proteins from gut microbes

Serine-rich repeat proteins (SRRPs) have emerged as an important group of cell surface adhesins found in a growing number of Gram-positive bacteria. Studies focused on SRRPs from streptococci and staphylococci demonstrated that these proteins are O-glycosylated on serine or threonine residues and exported via an accessory secretion (aSec) system. In pathogens, these adhesins contribute to disease pathogenesis and represent therapeutic targets. Recently, the non-canonical aSec system has been identified in the genomes of gut microbes and characterization of their associated SRRPs is beginning to unfold, showing their role in mediating attachment and biofilm formation. Here we provide an update of the occurrence, structure, and function of SRRPs across bacteria, with emphasis on the molecular and biochemical properties of SRRPs from gut symbionts, particularly Lactobacilli. These emerging studies underscore the range of ligands recognized by these adhesins and the importance of SRRP glycosylation in the interaction of gut microbes with the host.

Streptococcal Siglec-like adhesins recognize different subsets of human plasma glycoproteins: implications for infective endocarditis

Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis are typically found among the normal oral microbiota but can also cause infective endocarditis. These organisms express cell surface serine-rich repeat adhesins containing "Siglec-like" binding regions (SLBRs) that mediate attachment to α2-3-linked sialic acids on human glycoproteins. Two known receptors for the Siglec-like adhesins are the salivary mucin MG2/MUC7 and platelet GPIbα, and the interaction of streptococci with these targets may contribute to oral colonization and endocarditis, respectively. The SLBRs display a surprising diversity of preferences for defined glycans, ranging from highly selective to broader specificity. In this report, we characterize the glycoproteins in human plasma recognized by four SLBRs that prefer different α2-3 sialoglycan structures. We found that the SLBRs recognize a surprisingly small subset of plasma proteins that are extensively O-glycosylated. The preferred plasma protein ligands for a sialyl-T antigen-selective SLBR are proteoglycan 4 (lubricin) and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4. Conversely, the preferred ligand for a 3'sialyllactosamine-selective SLBR is glycocalicin (the extracellular portion of platelet GPIbα). All four SLBRs recognize C1 inhibitor but detect distinctly different glycoforms of this key regulator of the complement and kallikrein protease cascades. The four plasma ligands have potential roles in thrombosis and inflammation, and each has been cited as a biomarker for one or more vascular or other diseases. The combined results suggest that the interaction of Siglec-like adhesins with different subsets of plasma glycoproteins could have a significant impact on the propensity of streptococci to establish endocardial infections.

Role of Neuraminidase-Producing Bacteria in Exposing Cryptic Carbohydrate Receptors for Streptococcus gordonii Adherence

Streptococcus gordonii is an early colonizer of the oral cavity. Although a variety of S. gordonii adherence mechanisms have been described, current dogma is that the major receptor for S. gordonii is sialic acid. However, as many bacterial species in the oral cavity produce neuraminidase that can cleave terminal sialic acid, it is unclear whether S. gordonii relies on sialic acid for adherence to oral surfaces or if this species has developed alternative binding strategies. Previous studies have examined adherence to immobilized glycoconjugates and identified binding to additional glycans, but no prior studies have defined the contribution of these different glycan structures in adherence to oral epithelial cells. We determined that the majority of S. gordonii strains tested did not rely on sialic acid for efficient adherence. In fact, adherence of some strains was significantly increased following neuraminidase treatment. Further investigation of representative strains that do not rely on sialic acid for adherence revealed binding not only to sialic acid via the serine-rich repeat protein GspB but also to β-1,4-linked galactose. Adherence to this carbohydrate occurs via an unknown adhesin distinct from those utilized by Streptococcus oralis and Streptococcus pneumoniae Demonstrating the potential biological relevance of binding to this cryptic receptor, we established that S. oralis increases S. gordonii adherence in a neuraminidase-dependent manner. These data suggest that S. gordonii has evolved to simultaneously utilize both terminal and cryptic receptors in response to the production of neuraminidase by other species in the oral environment.

Serine-Rich Repeat Adhesins Mediate Shear-Enhanced Streptococcal Binding to Platelets

The binding of bacteria to platelets is thought to be a central event in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. The serine-rich repeat (SRR) glycoproteins of viridans group streptococci have been shown to mediate platelet binding in vitro and to contribute to virulence in animal models. However, it is not known whether SRR adhesins can mediate streptococcal binding under the high fluidic shear stress conditions present on the endocardial surface. We found that three streptococcal SRR adhesins (GspB, Hsa, and SrpA) with differing structures and sialoglycan binding specificities nevertheless exhibited similar biomechanical properties. All three adhesins mediated shear-enhanced streptococcal binding to immobilized platelets through the platelet receptor GPIbα. Shear-enhanced adhesion was manifested in three ways. First, the number of circulating streptococci binding via SRR adhesins to immobilized platelet receptors peaked at 1 dyn/cm² Second, bound streptococci switched from weak rolling to strong stationary adhesion as shear stress increased to 10 dyn/cm² Third, while a few streptococci detached each time the flow was increased, the majority of streptococci bound to platelets remained firmly attached through 20 to 80 dyn/cm² (shear levels typical of arteries and the endocardium). Thus, all three adhesins mediated shear-enhanced streptococcal binding to platelets under the flow conditions found in heart valves. The ability of the SRR adhesins to mediate shear-enhanced binding strongly suggests that they form catch bonds that are activated by tensile force and provides a mechanism for the selective targeting of bacteria to platelet receptors immobilized on the endocardial surface.

Strains of Group B streptococci from septic patients induce platelet activation via Toll-like Receptor 2

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes life-threatening bacterial sepsis, especially in newborns and pregnant women. Patients suffering from sepsis often display low platelet counts, characterized by thrombocytopenia, because of platelet activation. In the present study, the roles of six GBS strains from septic patients in platelet aggregation, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were investigated. Incubation of platelets with three of the strains induced platelet aggregation, increased the secretion of cellular adhesin molecule CD62P and activation of GPIIb/IIIa. Furthermore, the GBS strains that induced platelet activation also caused an increase in the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 in platelets. Pre-incubation of platelets with anti-TLR2 monoclonal antibody, but not anti-TLR4 monoclonal antibody, inhibited these functional responses induced by GBS. TLR2 stimulation also activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt signalling pathway in platelets, and inhibition of PI3-K significantly reduced GBS-induced platelet responses. Our results indicate that three of the GBS strains from the septic patients can trigger platelet activation by interacting with platelets, which involves the elevation of platelet TLR2 expression.

Serine-Rich Repeat Adhesins Contribute to Streptococcus gordonii-Induced Maturation of Human Dendritic Cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the induction of immunity by recognition, capture, process, and presentation of antigens from infectious microbes. Streptococcus gordonii is able to cause life-threatening systemic diseases such as infective endocarditis. Serine-rich repeat (SRR) glycoproteins of S. gordonii are sialic acid-binding adhesins mediating the bacterial adherence to the host and the development of infective endocarditis. Thus, the SRR adhesins are potentially involved in the bacterial adherence to DCs and the maturation and activation of DCs required for the induction of immunity to S. gordonii. Here, we investigated the phenotypic and functional changes of human monocyte-derived DCs treated with wild-type S. gordonii or the SRR adhesin-deficient mutant. The mutant poorly bound to DCs and only weakly increased the expression of CD83, CD86, MHC class II, and PD-L1 on DCs compared with the wild-type. In addition, the mutant induced lower levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12 than the wild-type in DCs. When DCs sensitized with the mutant were co-cultured with autologous T cells, they induced weaker proliferation and activation of T cells than DCs stimulated with the wild-type. Blockade of SRR adhesin with 3′-sialyllactose markedly reduced S. gordonii binding and internalization, causing attenuation of the bacterial immunostimulatory potency in DC maturation. Collectively, our results suggest that SRR adhesins of S. gordonii are important for maturation and activation of DCs.

Concerted functions of Streptococcus gordonii surface proteins PadA and Hsa mediate activation of human platelets and interactions with extracellular matrix

A range of Streptococcus bacteria are able to interact with blood platelets to form a thrombus (clot). Streptococcus gordonii is ubiquitous within the human oral cavity and amongst the common pathogens isolated from subjects with infective endocarditis. Two cell surface proteins, Hsa and Platelet adherence protein A (PadA), in S. gordonii mediate adherence and activation of platelets. In this study, we demonstrate that PadA binds activated platelets and that an NGR (Asparagine-Glycine-Arginine) motif within a 657 amino acid residue N-terminal fragment of PadA is responsible for this, together with two other integrin-like recognition motifs RGT and AGD. PadA also acts in concert with Hsa to mediate binding of S. gordonii to cellular fibronectin and vitronectin, and to promote formation of biofilms. Evidence is presented that PadA and Hsa are each reliant on the other's active presentation on the bacterial cell surface, suggesting cooperativity in functions impacting both colonization and pathogenesis.

Streptococcus gordonii induces nitric oxide production through its lipoproteins stimulating Toll-like receptor 2 in murine macrophages

Streptococcus gordonii, a Gram-positive commensal in the oral cavity, is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause endodontic and systemic infections resulting in infective endocarditis. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and lipoprotein are major virulence factors of Gram-positive bacteria that are preferentially recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on immune cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of S. gordonii LTA and lipoprotein on the production of the representative inflammatory mediator nitric oxide (NO) by the mouse macrophages. Heat-killed S. gordonii wild-type and an LTA-deficient mutant (ΔltaS) but not a lipoprotein-deficient mutant (Δlgt) induced NO production in mouse primary macrophages and the cell line, RAW 264.7. S. gordonii wild-type and ΔltaS also induced the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) at the mRNA and protein levels. In contrast, the Δlgt mutant showed little effect under the same condition. Furthermore, S. gordonii wild-type and ΔltaS induced NF-κB activation, STAT1 phosphorylation, and IFN-β expression, which are important for the induction of iNOS gene expression, with little activation by Δlgt. S. gordonii wild-type and ΔltaS showed an increased adherence and internalization to RAW 264.7 cells compared to Δlgt. In addition, S. gordonii wild-type and ΔltaS, but not Δlgt, substantially increased TLR2 activation while none of these induced NO production in TLR2-deficient macrophages. Triton X-114-extracted lipoproteins from S. gordonii were sufficient to induce NO production. Collectively, we suggest that lipoprotein is an essential cell wall component of S. gordonii to induce NO production in macrophages through TLR2 triggering NF-κB and STAT1 activation.

Contribution of Streptococcus gordonii Hsa Adhesin to Biofilm Formation

Adhesion of oral mitis group streptococci, such as Streptococcus gordonii, to acquired pellicle on the tooth surface is the first step in oral biofilm formation. S. gordonii strain DL1 possesses an Hsa adhesin, which recognizes the terminal sialic acid of host sialoglycoconjugates. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the Hsa adhesin in biofilm formation. The biofilm-forming ability of a S. gordonii hsa mutant on microtiter plates pre-coated with saliva, fetuin, or mucin was significantly lower than that of wild-type strain DL1. In contrast, no significant difference in biofilm-forming ability was observed in plates pre-coated with bovine serum albumin, which does not contain sialic acid. The biofilm-forming ability of strain DL1 in saliva-coated microtiter plates was also significantly reduced when the plate was pre-treated with neuraminidase. The sialic acid-dependent biofilm-forming ability of different wild-type S. gordonii strains varied. However, Southern and western blot analyses showed that all the tested wild-type strains possessed and expressed hsa homologs, respectively. These results indicate that the binding of Hsa adhesin to sialoglycoconjugates is associated with biofilm formation of S. gordonii DL1, and imply variation in the contribution of Hsa and its homologs to S. gordonii biofilm formation.

Antibodies Targeting Hsa and PadA Prevent Platelet Aggregation and Protect Rats against Experimental Endocarditis Induced by Streptococcus gordonii

Streptococcus gordonii and related species of oral viridans group streptococci (VGS) are common etiological agents of infective endocarditis (IE). We explored vaccination as a strategy to prevent VGS-IE, using a novel antigen-presenting system based on non-genetically modified Lactococcus lactis displaying vaccinogens on its surface. Hsa and PadA are surface-located S. gordonii proteins implicated in platelet adhesion and aggregation, which are key steps in the pathogenesis of IE. This function makes them ideal targets for vaccination against VGS-IE. In the present study, we report the use of nonliving L. lactis displaying at its surface the N-terminal region of Hsa or PadA by means of the cell wall binding domain of Lactobacillus casei A2 phage lysine LysA2 (Hsa-LysA2 and PadA-LysA2, respectively) and investigation of their ability to elicit antibodies in rats and to protect them from S. gordonii experimental IE. Immunized and control animals with catheter-induced sterile aortic valve vegetations were inoculated with 10⁶ CFU of S. gordonii The presence of IE was evaluated 24 h later. Immunization of rats with L. lactis Hsa-LysA2, L. lactis PadA-LysA2, or both protected 6/11 (55%), 6/11 (55%), and 11/12 (91%) animals, respectively, from S. gordonii IE (P < 0.05 versus controls). Protection correlated with the induction of high levels of functional antibodies against both Hsa and PadA that delayed or totally inhibited platelet aggregation by S. gordonii These results support the value of L. lactis as a system for antigen delivery and of Hsa and PadA as promising candidates for a vaccine against VGS-IE.

New Helical Binding Domain Mediates a Glycosyltransferase Activity of a Bifunctional Protein

Serine-rich repeat glycoproteins (SRRPs) conserved in streptococci and staphylococci are important for bacterial colonization and pathogenesis. Fap1, a well studied SRRP is a major surface constituent of Streptococcus parasanguinis and is required for bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Biogenesis of Fap1 is a multistep process that involves both glycosylation and secretion. A series of glycosyltransferases catalyze sequential glycosylation of Fap1. We have identified a unique hybrid protein dGT1 (dual glycosyltransferase 1) that contains two distinct domains. N-terminal DUF1792 is a novel GT-D-type glycosyltransferase, transferring Glc residues to Glc-GlcNAc-modified Fap1. C-terminal dGT1 (CgT) is predicted to possess a typical GT-A-type glycosyltransferase, however, the activity remains unknown. In this study, we determine that CgT is a distinct glycosyltransferase, transferring GlcNAc residues to Glc-Glc-GlcNAc-modified Fap1. A 2.4-Å x-ray crystal structure reveals that CgT has a unique binding domain consisting of three α helices in addition to a typical GT-A-type glycosyltransferase domain. The helical domain is crucial for the oligomerization of CgT. Structural and biochemical studies revealed that the helix domain is required for the protein-protein interaction and crucial for the glycosyltransferase activity of CgT in vitro and in vivo. As the helix domain presents a novel structural fold, we conclude that CgT represents a new member of GT-A-type glycosyltransferases.

Two Arginine Residues of Streptococcus gordonii Sialic Acid-Binding Adhesin Hsa Are Essential for Interaction to Host Cell Receptors

Hsa is a large, serine-rich protein of Streptococcus gordonii DL1 that mediates binding to α2-3-linked sialic acid termini of glycoproteins, including platelet glycoprotein Ibα, and erythrocyte membrane protein glycophorin A, and band 3. The binding of Hsa to platelet glycoprotein Ibα contributes to the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. This interaction appears to be mediated by a second non-repetitive region (NR2) of Hsa. However, the molecular details of the interaction between the Hsa NR2 region and these glycoproteins are not well understood. In the present study, we identified the amino acid residues of the Hsa NR2 region that are involved in sialic acid recognition. To identify the sialic acid-binding site of Hsa NR2 region, we prepared various mutants of Hsa NR2 fused with glutathione transferase. Fusion proteins harboring Arg340 to Asn (R340N) or Arg365 to Asn (R365N) substitutions in the NR2 domain exhibited significantly reduced binding to human erythrocytes and platelets. A sugar-binding assay showed that these mutant proteins abolished binding to α2-3-linked sialic acid. Furthermore, we established S. gordonii DL1 derivatives that encoded the corresponding Hsa mutant protein. In whole-cell assays, these mutant strains showed significant reductions in hemagglutination, in platelet aggregation, and in adhesion to human leukocytes. These results indicate that the Arg340 and Arg365 residues of Hsa play an important role in the binding of Hsa to α2-3-linked sialic acid-containing glycoproteins.

Novel aspects of sialoglycan recognition by the Siglec-like domains of streptococcal SRR glycoproteins

Serine-rich repeat glycoproteins are adhesins expressed by commensal and pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. A subset of these adhesins, expressed by oral streptococci, binds sialylated glycans decorating human salivary mucin MG2/MUC7, and platelet glycoprotein GPIb. Specific sialoglycan targets were previously identified for the ligand-binding regions (BRs) of GspB and Hsa, two serine-rich repeat glycoproteins expressed by Streptococcus gordonii While GspB selectively binds sialyl-T antigen, Hsa displays broader specificity. Here we examine the binding properties of four additional BRs from Streptococcus sanguinis or Streptococcus mitis and characterize the molecular determinants of ligand selectivity and affinity. Each BR has two domains that are essential for sialoglycan binding by GspB. One domain is structurally similar to the glycan-binding module of mammalian Siglecs (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins), including an arginine residue that is critical for glycan recognition, and that resides within a novel, conserved YTRY motif. Despite low sequence similarity to GspB, one of the BRs selectively binds sialyl-T antigen. Although the other three BRs are highly similar to Hsa, each displayed a unique ligand repertoire, including differential recognition of sialyl Lewis antigens and sulfated glycans. These differences in glycan selectivity were closely associated with differential binding to salivary and platelet glycoproteins. Specificity of sialoglycan adherence is likely an evolving trait that may influence the propensity of streptococci expressing Siglec-like adhesins to cause infective endocarditis.

The Sialic Acid Binding Protein, Hsa, in Streptococcus gordonii DL1 also Mediates Intergeneric Coaggregation with Veillonella Species

Dental biofilm development involves initial colonization of the tooth’s surface by pioneer colonizers, followed by cell-cell coaggregation between the pioneer and later colonizers. Streptococcus gordonii is one of the pioneer colonizers. In addition to its role in oral biofilm development, S. gordonii also is a pathogen in infective endocarditis in susceptible humans. A surface adhesin, Hsa, has been shown to play a critical role in colonization of S. gordonii on the heart tissue; however, its role in oral biofilm development has not been reported. In this study we demonstrate that Hsa is essential for coaggregation between S. gordonii and Veillonella sp., which are bridging species connecting the pioneer colonizers to the late colonizers. Interestingly, the same domains shown to be required for Hsa binding to sialic acid on the human cell surface are also required for coaggregation with Veillonella sp. However, sialic acid appeared not to be required for this intergeneric coaggregation. This result suggests that although the same domains of Hsa are involved in binding to eukaryotic as well as Veillonella cells, the binding mechanism is different. The gene expression pattern of hsa was also studied and shown not to be induced by coaggregation with Veillonella sp.

The sweet tooth of bacteria: common themes in bacterial glycoconjugates

Humans have been increasingly recognized as being superorganisms, living in close contact with a microbiota on all their mucosal surfaces. However, most studies on the human microbiota have focused on gaining comprehensive insights into the composition of the microbiota under different health conditions (e.g., enterotypes), while there is also a need for detailed knowledge of the different molecules that mediate interactions with the host. Glycoconjugates are an interesting class of molecules for detailed studies, as they form a strain-specific barcode on the surface of bacteria, mediating specific interactions with the host. Strikingly, most glycoconjugates are synthesized by similar biosynthesis mechanisms. Bacteria can produce their major glycoconjugates by using a sequential or an en bloc mechanism, with both mechanistic options coexisting in many species for different macromolecules. In this review, these common themes are conceptualized and illustrated for all major classes of known bacterial glycoconjugates, with a special focus on the rather recently emergent field of glycosylated proteins. We describe the biosynthesis and importance of glycoconjugates in both pathogenic and beneficial bacteria and in both Gram-positive and -negative organisms. The focus lies on microorganisms important for human physiology. In addition, the potential for a better knowledge of bacterial glycoconjugates in the emerging field of glycoengineering and other perspectives is discussed.

Bacteria-induced intracellular signalling in platelets

Multiple studies have now shown that various species of bacteria can stimulate platelets; many in a strain and donor-dependent manner. The signalling pathways underlying this platelet activation has been the subject of scrutiny for the last decade. The best-delineated pathway is that in response to Streptococcal species, such as Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis), Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii) and Streptococcus oralis (S. oralis), where a pathway is initiated by the engagement of the low affinity IgG receptor, FcγRIIA. This leads to and involves the tyrosine kinase Syk, the adaptor protein Linker of Activated T Cells (LAT) and subsequently both phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI-3-K). Finally, this leads to the expression of the αIIbβ3 integrin, the synthesis and release of thromboxane A2 (T × A2) and the exocytosis of PF4, each of which plays a crucial role in secondary signalling and full platelet activation. Roles for other signalling pathways in Streptococcal-induced platelet activation are less clear, although an ADP-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, a glycoprotein Ib/IX/V-mediated pathway and perhaps a complement-induced pathway have each been proposed. Platelet activation by Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) at least partially shares the FcγRIIA/Syk/PLCγ2/PI-3-K mechanism utilised by Streptococcal species. However, it has also been suggested that P. gingivalis activates platelets by two additional methods; stimulation of the protease-activated receptors leading to activation of phospholipase Cβ (PLCβ), and the engagement of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 by released lipopolysaccharide leading to an ill-defined pathway which may involve PI-3-K. Consequently, it appears that bacteria can stimulate platelets by eliciting multiple signalling pathways some of which are common, and some unique, to individual species.

Physiological adaptations of key oral bacteria

Oral colonising bacteria are highly adapted to the various environmental niches harboured within the mouth, whether that means while contributing to one of the major oral diseases of caries, pulp infections, or gingival/periodontal disease or as part of a commensal lifestyle. Key to these infections is the ability to adhere to surfaces via a range of specialised adhesins targeted at both salivary and epithelial proteins, their glycans and to form biofilm. They must also resist the various physical stressors they are subjected to, including pH and oxidative stress. Possibly most strikingly, they have developed the ability to harvest both nutrient sources provided by the diet and those derived from the host, such as protein and surface glycans. We have attempted to review recent developments that have revealed much about the molecular mechanisms at work in shaping the physiology of oral bacteria and how we might use this information to design and implement new treatment strategies.

Identification of Platelet Receptors for theStreptococcus gordoniiDL1 Sialic Acid-Binding Adhesin

Aggregation of human platelets by Streptococcus gordonii DL1, an interaction implicated in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis, requires the expression of hsa, the gene encoding the sialic acid-binding adhesin (Hsa) of this organism. To identify the sialoglycoproteins on the platelet surface as the receptors for Hsa, intrinsic membrane proteins were assessed by bacterial overlay assay. S. gordonii DL1 adhered to 130-140-kDa proteins, a reaction that was abolished by neuraminidase treatment of immobilized platelet surface proteins. These sialoglycoproteins were identified as platelet glycoprotein Ib alpha (GPIbalpha ) and glycoprotein IIb (GPIIb) by immunoprecipitation with specific monoclonal antibody against each glycoprotein.

Selective transport by SecA2: an expanding family of customized motor proteins

The SecA2 proteins are a special class of transport-associated ATPases that are related to the SecA component of the general Sec system, and are found in an increasingly large number of Gram-positive bacterial species. The SecA2 substrates are typically linked to the cell wall, but may be lipid-linked, peptidoglycan-linked, or non-covalently associated S-layer proteins. These substrates can have a significant impact on virulence of pathogenic organisms, but may also aid colonization by commensals. The SecA2 orthologues range from being highly similar to their SecA paralogues, to being distinctly different in apparent structure and function. Two broad classes of SecA2 are evident. One transports multiple substrates, and may interact with the general Sec system, or with an as yet unidentified transmembrane channel. The second type transports a single substrate, and is a component of the accessory Sec system, which includes the SecY paralogue SecY2 along with the accessory Sec proteins Asp1-3. Recent studies indicate that the latter three proteins may have a unique role in coordinating post-translational modification of the substrate with transport by SecA2. Comparative functional and phylogenetic analyses suggest that each SecA2 may be uniquely adapted for a specific type of substrate. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein trafficking and secretion in bacteria. Guest Editors: Anastassios Economou and Ross Dalbey.

Streptococcus gordonii promotes rapid differentiation of monocytes into dendritic cells through interaction with the sialic acid-binding adhesin

Infective endocarditis is frequently attributed to oral streptococci. Although the pathogenetic mechanisms are not well understood, interaction between streptococci and phagocytes is thought to be important for infective endocarditis. In this study, HL-60 cell-derived monocytes were characterized following interaction with Streptococcus gordonii DL1. Exposure of monocytes to S. gordonii DL1 induced up-regulation of the dendritic cell (DC) markers CD83, CD1a, CD86, and interleukin-12, while monocyte markers PU.1 and MafB, which are typically present at low levels in mature DCs, were down-regulated. Interaction of HL-60-derived monocytes with S. gordonii DL1 was instructive for DC differentiation in the absence of released cytokines. Furthermore, neither the filtered culture medium of S. gordonii nor the hsa mutant, deficient in sialic acid-binding activity, was able to induce the differentiation of HL-60 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that monocytes stimulated with S. gordonii DL1 rapidly undergo monocyte-to-DC differentiation through interaction with the bacterial surface receptor Hsa and that this response may be the initial step in infective endocarditis by oral streptococci.

A role for glycosylated serine-rich repeat proteins in gram-positive bacterial pathogenesis

Bacterial attachment to host surfaces is a pivotal event in the biological and infectious processes of both commensal and pathogenic bacteria, respectively. Serine-rich repeat proteins (SRRPs) are a family of adhesins in Gram-positive bacteria that mediate attachment to a variety of host and bacterial surfaces. As such, they contribute towards a wide-range of diseases including sub-acute bacterial endocarditis, community-acquired pneumonia, and meningitis. SRRPs are unique in that they are glycosylated, require a non-canonical Sec-translocase for transport, and are largely composed of a domain containing hundreds of alternating serine residues. These serine-rich repeats are thought to extend a unique non-repeat (NR) domain outward away from the bacterial surface to mediate adhesion. So far, NR domains have been determined to bind to sialic acid moieties, keratins, or other NR domains of a similar SRRP. This review summarizes how this important family of bacterial adhesins mediates bacterial attachment to host and bacterial cells, contributes to disease pathogenesis, and might be targeted for pharmacological intervention or used as novel protective vaccine antigens. This review also highlights recent structural findings on the NR domains of these proteins.

Role of sialidase in glycoprotein utilization by Tannerella forsythia

The major bacterial pathogens associated with periodontitis include Tannerella forsythia. We previously discovered that sialic acid stimulates biofilm growth of T. forsythia, and that sialidase activity is key to utilization of sialoconjugate sugars and is involved in host–pathogen interactions in vitro. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of the NanH sialidase on initial biofilm adhesion and growth in experiments where the only source of sialic acid was sialoglycoproteins or human oral secretions. After showing that T. forsythia can utilize sialoglycoproteins for biofilm growth, we showed that growth and initial adhesion with sialylated mucin and fetuin were inhibited two- to threefold by the sialidase inhibitor oseltamivir. A similar reduction (three- to fourfold) was observed with a nanH mutant compared with the wild-type. Importantly, these data were replicated using clinically relevant serum and saliva samples as substrates. In addition, the ability of the nanH mutant to form biofilms on glycoprotein-coated surfaces could be restored by the addition of purified NanH, which we show is able to cleave sialic acid from the model glycoprotein fetuin and, much less efficiently, 9-O-acetylated bovine submaxillary mucin. These data show for the first time that glycoprotein-associated sialic acid is likely to be a key in vivo nutrient source for T. forsythia when growing in a biofilm, and suggest that sialidase inhibitors might be useful adjuncts in periodontal therapy.

Carboxypeptidase activity common to viridans group streptococci cleaves angiotensin I to angiotensin II: an activity homologous to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)

We have found that Streptococcus gordonii FSS2, an infective endocarditis (IE) isolate, expresses a dipeptidyl-carboxypeptidase with activity homologous to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The carboxypeptidase activity was purified to homogeneity as a complex/aggregate from a bacterial surface extract and was also active as a 165 kDa monomer. The specific activity for the carboxypeptidase activity was eightfold higher than that for recombinant human ACE. Selected ACE inhibitors, captopril, lisinopril and enalapril, did not inhibit the ACE activity. The carboxypeptidase also hydrolysed the Aα and Bβ-chains of human fibrinogen, which resulted in impaired fibrin formation by thrombin. The gene encoding ACE carboxypeptidase activity was sequenced and the inferred polypeptide product showed 99 % amino acid homology to SGO_0566, sgc, ‘challisin’ of S. gordonii CL1 Challis, and had no significant amino acid sequence homology to human ACE. Homologues of challisin ACE activity were commonly detected among the viridans group streptococci most often associated with IE.

Mechanisms of oral bacteria-induced platelet activation

The oral cavity is inhabited by over 500 different bacterial species that normally exist in ecological balance both with each other and with the host. When this equilibrium is disturbed, an overgrowth of individual organisms can occur, which, in turn, can lead to the onset of pathological processes, notably dental caries and periodontitis. Generally, bacteraemias occur more frequently in individuals with periodontal disease, and these bacteraemias have been implicated in the development of a range of systemic diseases, including atherothrombotic disorders. The mechanism underlying this relationship remains to be precisely defined, although studies have shown a link between bacteria of oral origin and platelet activation. Several orally derived species of bacteria interact with platelets, including those of the Streptococcus ( Streptococcus sanguinis , Streptococcus mutans , Streptococcus agalactiae , Streptococcus pyogenes , Streptococcus gordonii , Streptococcus pneumoniae , Streptococcus mitis ) and Staphylococcus ( Staphylococcus epidermidis , Staphylococcus capitis ) genera, as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Porphyromonas gingivalis . In addition, some members of both the Streptococcus and the Staphylococcus genera, as well as Porphyromonas gingivalis , can activate platelets in vitro. The current review describes the heterogeneous mechanisms of platelet activation employed by individual bacterial species. The pathological and clinical implications of platelet activation by orally derived bacteria are discussed.

Genome-wide analysis of DNA repeats in Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315 identifies a novel adhesin-like gene unique to epidemic-associated strains of the ET-12 lineage

Members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are respiratory pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Close repetitive DNA sequences often associate with surface antigens to promote genetic variability in pathogenic bacteria. The genome of Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315, a CF isolate belonging to the epidemic lineage Edinburgh–Toronto (ET-12), was analysed for the presence of close repetitive DNA sequences. Among the 422 DNA close repeats, 45 genes potentially involved in virulence were identified and grouped into 12 classes; of these, 13 genes were included in the antigens class. Two trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAA) among the 13 putative antigens are absent from the other Burkholderia genomes and are clustered downstream of the cci island that is a marker for transmissible B. cenocepacia strains. This cluster contains four adhesins, one outer-membrane protein, one sensor histidine kinase and two transcriptional regulators. By using PCR, we analysed three genes among 47 Bcc isolates to determine whether the cluster was conserved. These three genes were present in the isolates of the ET-12 lineage but absent in all the other members. Furthermore, the BCAM0224 gene was exclusively detected in this epidemic lineage and may serve as a valuable new addition to the field of Bcc diagnostics. The BCAM0224 gene encodes a putative TAA that demonstrates adhesive properties to the extracellular matrix protein collagen type I. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that BCAM0224 gene expression occurred preferentially for cells grown under high osmolarity, oxygen-limited conditions and oxidative stress. Inactivation of BCAM0224 in B. cenocepacia attenuates the ability of the mutant to promote cell adherence in vitro and impairs the overall bacterial virulence against Galleria mellonella as a model of infection. Together, our data show that BCAM0224 from B. cenocepacia J2315 represents a new collagen-binding TAA with no bacterial orthologues which has an important role in cellular adhesion and virulence.

Human platelets recognize a novel surface protein, PadA, on Streptococcus gordonii through a unique interaction involving fibrinogen receptor GPIIbIIIa

The concept of an infectious agent playing a role in cardiovascular disease is slowly gaining attention. Among several pathogens identified, the oral bacterium Streptococcus gordonii has been implicated as a plausible agent. Platelet adhesion and subsequent aggregation are critical events in the pathogenesis and dissemination of the infective process. Here we describe the identification and characterization of a novel cell wall-anchored surface protein, PadA (397 kDa), of S. gordonii DL1 that binds to the platelet fibrinogen receptor GPIIbIIIa. Wild-type S. gordonii cells induced platelet aggregation and supported platelet adhesion in a GPIIbIIIa-dependent manner. Deletion of the padA gene had no effect on platelet aggregation by S. gordonii but significantly reduced (>75%) platelet adhesion to S. gordonii. Purified N-terminal PadA recombinant polypeptide adhered to platelets. The padA mutant was unaffected in production of other platelet-interactive surface proteins (Hsa, SspA, and SspB), and levels of adherence of the mutant to fetuin or platelet receptor GPIb were unaffected. Wild-type S. gordonii, but not the padA mutant, bound to Chinese hamster ovary cells stably transfected with GPIIbIIIa, and this interaction was ablated by addition of GPIIbIIIa inhibitor Abciximab. These results highlight the growing complexity of interactions between S. gordonii and platelets and demonstrate a new mechanism by which the bacterium could contribute to unwanted thrombosis.

Shear-enhanced oral microbial adhesion

Shear-enhanced adhesion, although not observed for fimbria-mediated adhesion of oral Actinomyces spp., was noted for Hsa-mediated adhesion of Streptococcus gordonii to sialic acid-containing receptors, an interaction implicated in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis.

Streptococcus adherence and colonization

Streptococci readily colonize mucosal tissues in the nasopharynx; the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts; and the skin. Each ecological niche presents a series of challenges to successful colonization with which streptococci have to contend. Some species exist in equilibrium with their host, neither stimulating nor submitting to immune defenses mounted against them. Most are either opportunistic or true pathogens responsible for diseases such as pharyngitis, tooth decay, necrotizing fasciitis, infective endocarditis, and meningitis. Part of the success of streptococci as colonizers is attributable to the spectrum of proteins expressed on their surfaces. Adhesins enable interactions with salivary, serum, and extracellular matrix components; host cells; and other microbes. This is the essential first step to colonization, the development of complex communities, and possible invasion of host tissues. The majority of streptococcal adhesins are anchored to the cell wall via a C-terminal LPxTz motif. Other proteins may be surface anchored through N-terminal lipid modifications, while the mechanism of cell wall associations for others remains unclear. Collectively, these surface-bound proteins provide Streptococcus species with a "coat of many colors," enabling multiple intimate contacts and interplays between the bacterial cell and the host. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated direct roles for many streptococcal adhesins as colonization or virulence factors, making them attractive targets for therapeutic and preventive strategies against streptococcal infections. There is, therefore, much focus on applying increasingly advanced molecular techniques to determine the precise structures and functions of these proteins, and their regulatory pathways, so that more targeted approaches can be developed.

The thrombotic potential of oral pathogens

In recent times the concept of infectious agents playing a role in cardiovascular disease has attracted much attention. Chronic oral disease such as periodontitis, provides a plausible route for entry of bacteria to the circulation. Upon entry to the circulation, the oral bacteria interact with platelets. It has been proposed that their ability to induce platelet aggregation and support platelet adhesion is a critical step in the pathogenesis of the infection process. Many published studies have demonstrated multiple mechanisms through which oral bacteria are able to bind to and activate platelets. This paper will review the various mechanisms oral bacteria use to interact with platelets.

Multiple adhesin proteins on the cell surface of Streptococcus gordonii are involved in adhesion to human fibronectin

Adhesion of bacterial cells to fibronectin (FN) is thought to be a pivotal step in the pathogenesis of invasive infectious diseases. Viridans group streptococci such as Streptococcus gordonii are considered commensal members of the oral microflora, but are important pathogens in infective endocarditis. S. gordonii expresses a battery of cell-surface adhesins that act alone or in concert to bind host receptors. Here, we employed molecular genetic approaches to determine the relative contributions of five known S. gordonii surface proteins to adherence to human FN. Binding levels to FN by isogenic mutants lacking Hsa glycoprotein were reduced by 70 %, while mutants lacking CshA and CshB fibrillar proteins showed approximately 30 % reduced binding. By contrast, disruption of antigen I/II adhesin genes sspA and sspB in a wild-type background did not result in reduced FN binding. Enzymic removal of sialic acids from FN led to reduced S. gordonii DL1 adhesion (>50 %), but did not affect binding by the hsa mutant, indicating that Hsa interacts with sialic acid moieties on FN. Conversely, desialylation of FN did not affect adherence levels of Lactococcus lactis cells expressing SspA or SspB polypeptides. Complementation of the hsa mutant partially restored adhesion to FN. A model is proposed for FN binding by S. gordonii in which Hsa and CshA/CshB are primary adhesins, and SspA or SspB play secondary roles. Understanding the basis of oral streptococcal interactions with FN will provide a foundation for development of new strategies to control infective endocarditis.

Adhesion determinants of the Streptococcus species

Streptococci are clinically important Gram-positive bacteria that are capable to cause a wide variety of diseases in humans and animals. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA sequences of the streptococcal species reveal a clustering pattern, reflecting, with a few exceptions, their pathogenic potential and ecological preferences. Microbial adhesion to host tissues is the initial critical event in the pathogenesis of most infections. Streptococci use multiple adhesins to attach to the epithelium, and their expression is regulated in response to environmental and growth conditions. Bacterial adhesins recognize and bind cell surface molecules and extracellular matrix components through specific domains that for certain adhesin families have been well defined and found conserved across the streptococcal species. In this review, we present the different streptococcal adhesin families categorized on the basis of their adhesive properties and structural characteristics, and, when available, we focus the attention on conserved functional domains.

The Streptococcus pneumoniae adhesin PsrP binds to Keratin 10 on lung cells

Pneumococcal serine-rich repeat protein (PsrP) is a pathogenicity island-encoded adhesin that mediates attachment to lung cells. It is a member of the serine-rich repeat protein family and the largest bacterial protein known. PsrP production by S. pneumoniae was confirmed by immunoblotting and a truncated version of the protein was determined to be glycosylated. Using isogenic psrP mutants complemented with various PsrP constructs and competitive inhibition assays with recombinant proteins, we determined that PsrP requires an extended SRR2 domain for function and that adhesion is mediated through amino acids 273-341 of its basic region (BR) domain. Affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) and immunofluorescent colocalization studies determined that PsrP binds to Keratin 10 (K10) on the surface of lung but not nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Unglycosylated K10 bound to wild type but not psrP deficient pneumococci; suggesting that unlike other serine-rich repeat proteins, PsrP-mediated adhesion is independent of lectin activity. Finally, mice immunized with recombinant (r)PsrP(BR) had significantly less bacteria in their blood and improved survival versus controls following intranasal challenge. We conclude that the BR domain of PsrP binds to K10 in a lectin-independent manner, that K10 is expressed on lung cells and that vaccination with rPsrP(BR) is protective against pneumococcal disease.

Contribution of phosphoglucosamine mutase to the resistance of Streptococcus gordonii DL1 to polymorphonuclear leukocyte killing

Phosphoglucosamine mutase (GlmM; EC 5.4.2.10) catalyzes the interconversion of glucosamine-6-phosphate to glucosamine-1-phosphate, an essential step in the biosynthetic pathway leading to the formation of the peptidoglycan precursor uridine 5'-diphospho-N-acetylglucosamine. We have recently identified the gene (glmM) encoding the enzyme of Streptococcus gordonii, an early colonizer on the human tooth and an important cause of infective endocarditis, and indicated that the glmM mutation in S. gordonii appears to influence bacterial cell growth, morphology, and sensitivity to penicillins. In the present study, we assessed whether the glmM mutation also affects escape from polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-dependent killing. Although no differences in attachment to human PMNs were observed between the glmM mutant and the wild-type S. gordonii, the glmM mutation resulted in increased sensitivity to PMN-dependent killing. Compared with the wild type, the glmM mutant induced increased superoxide anion production and lysozyme release by PMNs. Moreover, the glmM mutant is more sensitive to lysozyme, indicating that the GlmM may be required for synthesis of firm peptidoglycans for resistance to bacterial cell lysis. These findings suggest that the GlmM contributes to the resistance of S. gordonii to PMN-dependent killing. Enzymes such as GlmM could be novel drug targets for this organism.

Molecular dissection of the secA2 locus of group B Streptococcus reveals that glycosylation of the Srr1 LPXTG protein is required for full virulence

In streptococci, the secA2 locus includes genes encoding the following: (i) the accessory Sec components (SecA2, SecY2, and at least three accessory secretion proteins), (ii) two essential glycosyltranferases (GTs) (GtfA and GtfB), (iii) a variable number of dispensable additional GTs, and (iv) a secreted serine-rich LPXTG protein which is glycosylated in the cytoplasm and transported to the cell surface by this accessory Sec system. The secA2 locus of Streptococcus agalactiae strain NEM316 is structurally related to those found in other streptococci and encodes the serine-rich surface protein Srr1. We demonstrated that expression of Srr1 but not that of the SecA2 components and the associated GTs is regulated by the standalone transcriptional regulator Rga. Srr1 is synthesized as a glycosylated precursor, secreted by the SecA2 system, and anchored to the cell wall by the housekeeping sortase A. Srr1 was localized preferentially at the old poles. GtfA and/or GtfB, but not the six additional GTs, is essential for the production of Srr1. These GTs are involved in the attachment of GlcNac and sialic acid to Srr1. Full glycosylation of Srr1 is associated with the cell surface display of a protein that is more resistant to proteolytic attack. Srr1 contributes to bacterial adherence to human epithelial cell lines and virulence in a neonatal rat model. The extent of Srr1 glycosylation by GtfC to -H modulates bacterial adherence and virulence.

Identification of novel LPXTG-linked surface proteins from Streptococcus gordonii

Surface adhesion plays an essential part in the survival of the commensal organism Streptococcus gordonii in the oral cavity as well as during opportunistic infections such as endocarditis. At least two types of cell surface protein involved in adhesion are found on the surface of Gram-positive bacteria: those anchored via an LPXTG motif by the enzyme sortase A (SrtA) and those associated with the cell surface by, as yet, unknown mechanisms. In srtA(-) mutants, LPXTG-containing proteins have been shown to be released rather than cross-linked to the cell wall. We have therefore used 2D gel electrophoresis of released proteins from an srtA(-) mutant as well as the wild-type strain, followed by peptide identification by MS, to identify a set of novel proteins predicted to be present on the surface of S. gordonii DL1. This includes two large LPXTG-linked proteins (SGO_0707 and SGO_1487), which both contain tandemly repeated sequences similar to those present in known fibrillar adhesins. A 5'-nucleotidase and a protein with a putative collagen-binding domain, both containing LPXTG motifs, were also identified. Anchorless proteins with known chaperone, stress response and elongation factor functions, apparently responsible for bacterial binding to keratinocytes and saliva-coated surfaces in the absence of the LPXTG-linked adhesins, were also associated with the cell surface. These data reveal a range of proteins to be present on the S. gordonii DL1 cell surface, the expression of which plays an important role in adhesion to epithelia and which represent likely candidates for novel virulence factors in S. gordonii.

Characterization of exosome-like vesicles released from human tracheobronchial ciliated epithelium: a possible role in innate defense

Airway mucus forms the structural basis of the local innate immune defense mechanism. It is an integrated, active, viscoelastic gel matrix evolved to protect the exposed lung from physical, chemical, and pathological erosion. Exosomes are biologically active vesicles secreted by different cell types including epithelial, hematopoietic, and some tumor cells. They are also present in some biological fluids such as serum, urine, breast milk, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that exosome-like vesicles with antiviral properties are present in human tracheobronchial epithelial (HTBE) cell culture secretions. These vesicles have been isolated by differential centrifugation and are characterized further by mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, electron microscopy, and light-scattering methods. HTBE vesicles exhibited characteristic exosomal size (30-100 nm) and morphology (cup-shaped) with a buoyant density in sucrose of 1.12-1.18 g/ml. Biochemical characterization further revealed typical surface, cytoskeletal, and cytoplasmic proteins characteristic of exosomes, including the multivesicular and late endosomal membrane markers Tsg101 and CD63. The presence of RNA was also observed. The epithelial mucins MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 also contributed to the vesicles' structure. Notably, alpha-2,6-linked sialic acid was associated with these mucin molecules and subsequent functional analysis showed that these vesicles have a neutralizing effect on human influenza virus, which is known to bind sialic acid. Taken together, these findings suggest that airway epithelial cells release exosome-like vesicles and that these structures may be involved in diverse physiological processes in airway biology, including innate mucosal defense.

Glycosylation and biogenesis of a family of serine-rich bacterial adhesins

Glycosylation of bacterial proteins is an important process for bacterial physiology and pathophysiology. Both O- and N-linked glycan moieties have been identified in bacterial glycoproteins. The N-linked glycosylation pathways are well established in Gram-negative bacteria. However, the O-linked glycosylation pathways are not well defined due to the complex nature of known O-linked glycoproteins in bacteria. In this review, we examine a new family of serine-rich O-linked glycoproteins which are represented by fimbriae-associated adhesin Fap1 of Streptococcus parasanguinis and human platelet-binding protein GspB of Streptococcus gordonii. This family of glycoproteins is conserved in streptococcal and staphylococcal species. A gene cluster coding for glycosyltransferases and accessory Sec proteins has been implicated in the protein glycosylation. A two-step glycosylation model is proposed. Two glycosyltransferases interact with each other and catalyse the first step of the protein glycosylation in the cytoplasm; the cross-talk between glycosylation-associated proteins and accessory Sec components mediates the second step of the protein glycosylation, an emerging mechanism for bacterial O-linked protein glycosylation. Dissecting the molecular mechanism of this conserved biosynthetic pathway offers opportunities to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting this previously unrecognized pathway, as serine-rich glycoproteins have been shown to play a role in bacterial pathogenesis.

A conserved domain of previously unknown function in Gap1 mediates protein-protein interaction and is required for biogenesis of a serine-rich streptococcal adhesin

Fap1-like serine-rich proteins are a new family of bacterial adhesins found in a variety of streptococci and staphylococci that have been implicated in bacterial pathogenesis. A gene cluster encoding glycosyltransferases and accessory Sec components is required for Fap1 glycosylation and biogenesis in Streptococcus parasanguinis. Here we report that the glycosylation-associated protein, Gap1, contributes to glycosylation and biogenesis of Fap1 by interacting with another glycosylation-associated protein, Gap3. Gap1 shares structural homology with glycosyltransferases. The gap1 mutant, like the gap3 mutant, produced an aberrantly glycosylated Fap1 precursor and failed to produce mature Fap1, suggesting that Gap1 and Gap3 might function in concert in the Fap1 glycosylation and biogenesis. Indeed, Gap1 interacted with Gap3 in vitro and in vivo. A Gap1 N-terminal motif, within a highly conserved domain of unknown function (DUF1975) identified in many bacterial glycosyltransferases, was required for the Gap1-Gap3 interaction. Deletion of one, four and nine amino acids within the conserved motif gradually inhibited the Gap1-Gap3 interaction and diminished production of mature Fap1 and concurrently increased production of the Fap1 precursor. Consequently, bacterial adhesion to an in vitro tooth model was also reduced. These data demonstrate that the Gap1-Gap3 interaction is required for Fap1 biogenesis and Fap1-dependent bacterial adhesion.

Hsa, an adhesin of Streptococcus gordonii DL1, binds to alpha2-3-linked sialic acid on glycophorin A of the erythrocyte membrane

Bacterial recognition of host sialic acid-containing receptors plays an important role in microbial colonization of the human oral cavity. The aggregation of human platelets by Streptococcus gordonii DL1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis. In addition, we consider that hemagglutination of this organism may act as an additive factor to increase the severity of this disease. We previously reported that this interaction requires the bacterial expression of a 203-kDa protein (Hsa), which has sialic acid-binding activity. In the present study, we confirmed that erythrocyte surface sialoglycoproteins are the receptors for Hsa. We examined the effects of proteinase K, chymotrypsin, phospholipase C, and alpha(2-3) or alpha(2-3, 6, 8) neuraminidase on hemagglutination activity and found that the interaction occurs between Hsa and alpha2-3-linked sialic acid-containing proteins of erythrocytes. We expressed recombinant NR2, which is the putative binding domain of Hsa, fused with GST in Escherichia coli BL21. Dot-blot analysis demonstrated that GST-HsaNR2 binds both glycophorin A (GPA) and band 3. Moreover, GPA and a small amount of band 3 were detected by GST pull-down assays. These findings indicate that S. gordonii Hsa specifically binds to GPA and band 3, alpha2-3-linked sialic acid membrane glycoproteins.

Binding of the Streptococcus gordonii DL1 surface protein Hsa to the host cell membrane glycoproteins CD11b, CD43, and CD50

Infective endocarditis is frequently attributed to oral streptococci. The mechanisms of pathogenesis, however, are not well understood, although interaction between streptococci and phagocytes are thought to be very important. A highly expressed surface component of Streptococcus gordonii, Hsa, which has sialic acid-binding activity, contributes to infective endocarditis in vivo. In the present study, we found that S. gordonii DL1 binds to HL-60 cells differentiated into monocytes, granulocytes, and macrophages. Using a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion to the NR2 domain, which is the sialic acid-binding region of Hsa, we confirmed that the Hsa NR2 domain also binds to differentiated HL-60 cells. To identify which sialoglycoproteins on the surface of differentiated HL-60 cells are receptors for Hsa, intrinsic membrane proteins were assessed by bacterial overlay and far-Western blotting. S. gordonii DL1 adhered to 100- to 150-kDa proteins, a reaction that was abolished by neuraminidase treatment. These sialoglycoproteins were identified as CD11b, CD43, and CD50 by GST pull-down assay and immunoprecipitation with each specific monoclonal antibody. These data suggest that S. gordonii DL1 Hsa specifically binds to three glycoproteins as receptors and that this interaction may be the initial bacterial binding step in infective endocarditis by oral streptococci.

Role of Streptococcus gordonii surface proteins SspA/SspB and Hsa in platelet function

Streptococcus gordonii colonization of damaged heart surfaces in infective endocarditis is dependent upon the recognition of host receptors by specific bacterial surface proteins. However, despite several attempts to identify the mechanisms involved in this interaction, the nature of the bacterial proteins required remains poorly understood. This study provides clear evidence that several S. gordonii surface proteins participate in the interaction with platelets to support platelet adhesion and induce platelet aggregation. S. gordonii strains were found to support strong (DL1-Challis, SK12, SK184, and Blackburn) or moderate (UB1545 delta hsa and CH1-Challis) adhesion or failed to support platelet adhesion (M5, M99, and Channon). In addition, under flow conditions, platelets rolled and subsequently adhered to immobilized S. gordonii at low shear (50 s(-1)) in an Hsa-dependent manner but did not interact with S. gordonii DL1 at any shear rate of >50 s(-1). S. gordonii strains either induced (DL1-Challis, SK12, SK184, UB1545 delta hsa, and M99) or failed to induce (M5, CH1-Challis, Channon, and Blackburn) platelet aggregation. Using a proteomic approach to identify differential cell wall protein expression between aggregating (DL1) and nonaggregating (Blackburn) strains, we identified antigen I/antigen II family proteins SspA and SspB. The overexpression of SspA or SspB in platelet-nonreactive Lactococcus lactis induced GPIIb/GPIIIa-dependent platelet aggregation similar to that seen with S. gordonii DL1. However, they failed to support platelet adhesion. Thus, S. gordonii has distinct mechanisms for supporting platelet adhesion and inducing platelet aggregation. Differential protein expression between strains may be important for the pathogenesis of invasive diseases such as infective endocarditis.