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Lepesheva A, Grobarcikova M, Osickova A, Jurnecka D, Knoblochova S, Cizkova M, Osicka R, Sebo P, Masin J. Modification of the RTX domain cap by acyl chains of adapted length rules the formation of functional hemolysin pores. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2024; 1866:184311. [PMID: 38570122 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2024.184311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The acylated pore-forming Repeats in ToXin (RTX) cytolysins α-hemolysin (HlyA) and adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) preferentially bind to β2 integrins of myeloid leukocytes but can also promiscuously bind and permeabilize cells lacking the β2 integrins. We constructed a HlyA1-563/CyaA860-1706 chimera that was acylated either by the toxin-activating acyltransferase CyaC, using sixteen carbon-long (C16) acyls, or by the HlyC acyltransferase using fourteen carbon-long (C14) acyls. Cytolysin assays with the C16- or C14-acylated HlyA/CyaA chimeric toxin revealed that the RTX domain of CyaA can functionally replace the RTX domain of HlyA only if it is modified by C16-acyls on the Lys983 residue of CyaA. The C16-monoacylated HlyA/CyaA chimera was as pore-forming and cytolytic as native HlyA, whereas the C14-acylated chimera exhibited very low pore-forming activity. Hence, the capacity of the RTX domain of CyaA to support the insertion of the N-terminal pore-forming domain into the target cell membrane, and promote formation of toxin pores, strictly depends on the modification of the Lys983 residue by an acyl chain of adapted length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lepesheva
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Grobarcikova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adriana Osickova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Jurnecka
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Knoblochova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Cizkova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Osicka
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Sebo
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiri Masin
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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2
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Cané L, Saffioti NA, Genetet S, Daza Millone MA, Ostuni MA, Schwarzbaum PJ, Mouro-Chanteloup I, Herlax V. Alpha hemolysin of E. coli induces hemolysis of human erythrocytes independently of toxin interaction with membrane proteins. Biochimie 2024; 216:3-13. [PMID: 37820991 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Alpha hemolysin (HlyA) is a hemolytic and cytotoxic protein secreted by uropathogenic strains of E. coli. The role of glycophorins (GPs) as putative receptors for HlyA binding to red blood cells (RBCs) has been debated. Experiments using anti-GPA/GPB antibodies and a GPA-specific epitope nanobody to block HlyA-GP binding on hRBCs, showed no effect on hemolytic activity. Similarly, the hemolysis induced by HlyA remained unaffected when hRBCs from a GPAnull/GPBnull variant were used. Surface Plasmon Resonance experiments revealed similar values of the dissociation constant between GPA and either HlyA, ProHlyA (inactive protoxin), HlyAΔ914-936 (mutant of HlyA lacking the binding domain to GPA) or human serum albumin, indicating that the binding between the proteins and GPA is not specific. Although far Western blot followed by mass spectroscopy analyses suggested that HlyA interacts with Band 3 and spectrins, hemolytic experiments on spectrin-depleted hRBCs and spherocytes, indicated these proteins do not mediate the hemolytic process. Our results unequivocally demonstrate that neither glycophorins, nor Band 3 and spectrins mediate the cytotoxic activity of HlyA on hRBCs, thereby challenging the HlyA-receptor hypothesis. This finding holds significant relevance for the design of anti-toxin therapeutic strategies, particularly in light of the growing antibiotic resistance exhibited by bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Cané
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CCT- La Plata, CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Andrés Saffioti
- Instituto de Química y Fisico-Química Biológicas (IQUIFIB) "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini", Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Nanosistemas, Universidad de General San Martín, Avenida 25 de Mayo 1021, San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandrine Genetet
- Université Paris Cité and Université des Antilles, INSERM, BIGR, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - María Antonieta Daza Millone
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), CCT- La Plata, CONICET. Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Sucursal 4 Casilla de Correo 16, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mariano A Ostuni
- Université Paris Cité and Université des Antilles, INSERM, BIGR, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Pablo J Schwarzbaum
- Instituto de Química y Fisico-Química Biológicas (IQUIFIB) "Prof. Alejandro C. Paladini", Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Vanesa Herlax
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CCT- La Plata, CONICET. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina.
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3
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Osickova A, Knoblochova S, Bumba L, Man P, Kalaninova Z, Lepesheva A, Jurnecka D, Cizkova M, Biedermannova L, Goldsmith JA, Maynard JA, McLellan JS, Osicka R, Sebo P, Masin J. A conserved tryptophan in the acylated segment of RTX toxins controls their β 2 integrin-independent cell penetration. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104978. [PMID: 37390987 PMCID: PMC10392135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The acylated Repeats in ToXins (RTX) leukotoxins, the adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) or α-hemolysin (HlyA), bind β2 integrins of leukocytes but also penetrate cells lacking these receptors. We show that the indoles of conserved tryptophans in the acylated segments, W876 of CyaA and W579 of HlyA, are crucial for β2 integrin-independent membrane penetration. Substitutions of W876 by aliphatic or aromatic residues did not affect acylation, folding, or the activities of CyaA W876L/F/Y variants on cells expressing high amounts of the β2 integrin CR3. However, toxin activity of CyaA W876L/F/Y on cells lacking CR3 was strongly impaired. Similarly, a W579L substitution selectively reduced HlyA W579L cytotoxicity towards cells lacking β2 integrins. Intriguingly, the W876L/F/Y substitutions increased the thermal stability (Tm) of CyaA by 4 to 8 °C but locally enhanced the accessibility to deuteration of the hydrophobic segment and of the interface of the two acylated loops. W876Q substitution (showing no increase in Tm), or combination of W876F with a cavity-filling V822M substitution (this combination decreasing the Tm closer to that of CyaA), yielded a milder defect of toxin activity on erythrocytes lacking CR3. Furthermore, the activity of CyaA on erythrocytes was also selectively impaired when the interaction of the pyrrolidine of P848 with the indole of W876 was ablated. Hence, the bulky indoles of residues W876 of CyaA, or W579 of HlyA, rule the local positioning of the acylated loops and enable a membrane-penetrating conformation in the absence of RTX toxin docking onto the cell membrane by β2 integrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Osickova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Knoblochova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Bumba
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Man
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Kalaninova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Lepesheva
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Jurnecka
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Cizkova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lada Biedermannova
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jory A Goldsmith
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Jennifer A Maynard
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Jason S McLellan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA
| | - Radim Osicka
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Sebo
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiri Masin
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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4
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Rahman WU, Fiser R, Osicka R. Kingella kingae RtxA toxin interacts with sialylated gangliosides. Microb Pathog 2023:106200. [PMID: 37315629 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The membrane-damaging RTX family cytotoxin RtxA is a key virulence factor of the emerging pediatric pathogen Kingella kingae, but little is known about the mechanism of RtxA binding to host cells. While we have previously shown that RtxA binds cell surface glycoproteins, here we demonstrate that the toxin also binds different types of gangliosides. The recognition of gangliosides by RtxA depended on sialic acid side groups of ganglioside glycans. Moreover, binding of RtxA to epithelial cells was significantly decreased in the presence of free sialylated gangliosides, which inhibited cytotoxic activity of the toxin. These results suggest that RtxA utilizes sialylated gangliosides as ubiquitous cell membrane receptor molecules on host cells to exert its cytotoxic action and support K. kingae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waheed Ur Rahman
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radovan Fiser
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Osicka
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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5
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Nakamura Y, Watanabe K, Yoshioka Y, Ariyoshi W, Yamasaki R. Persister Cell Formation and Elevated lsrA and lsrC Gene Expression upon Hydrogen Peroxide Exposure in a Periodontal Pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1402. [PMID: 37374903 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic dental treatment, on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, the main causative agent of localized invasive periodontitis, was investigated. Hydrogen peroxide treatment (0.06%, 4× minimum inhibitory concentration) resulted in the persistence and survival of approximately 0.5% of the bacterial population. The surviving bacteria did not genetically acquire hydrogen peroxide resistance but exhibited a known persister behavior. Sterilization with mitomycin C significantly reduced the number of A. actinomycetemcomitans persister survivors. RNA sequencing of hydrogen peroxide-treated A. actinomycetemcomitans showed elevated expression of Lsr family members, suggesting a strong involvement of autoinducer uptake. In this study, we found a risk of A. actinomycetemcomitans persister residual from hydrogen peroxide treatment and hypothesized associated genetic mechanisms of persister from RNA sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Nakamura
- Division of Infections and Molecular Biology, Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu 803-8580, Fukuoka, Japan
- Division of Developmental Stomatognathic Function Science, Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu 803-8580, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koji Watanabe
- Division of Developmental Stomatognathic Function Science, Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu 803-8580, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshie Yoshioka
- Division of Infections and Molecular Biology, Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu 803-8580, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Wataru Ariyoshi
- Division of Infections and Molecular Biology, Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu 803-8580, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryota Yamasaki
- Division of Infections and Molecular Biology, Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu 803-8580, Fukuoka, Japan
- Collaborative Research Centre for Green Materials on Environmental Technology, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 1-1 Sensui-chou, Tobata-ku, Kitakyushu 804-8550, Fukuoka, Japan
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6
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Chacko FM, Schmitt L. Interaction of RTX toxins with the host cell plasma membrane. Biol Chem 2023:hsz-2022-0336. [PMID: 36907826 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2022-0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Repeats in ToXins (RTX) protein family is a group of exoproteins secreted by Type 1 secretion system (T1SS) of several Gram-negative bacteria. The term RTX is derived from the characteristic nonapeptide sequence (GGxGxDxUx) present at the C-terminus of the protein. This RTX domain binds to calcium ions in the extracellular medium after being secreted out of the bacterial cells, and this facilitates folding of the entire protein. The secreted protein then binds to the host cell membrane and forms pores via a complex pathway, which eventually leads to the cell lysis. In this review, we summarize two different pathways in which RTX toxins interact with host cell membrane and discuss the possible reasons for specific and unspecific activity of RTX toxins to different types of host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feby M Chacko
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lutz Schmitt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr. 1, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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7
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Heterologously secreted MbxA from Moraxella bovis induces a membrane blebbing response of the human host cell. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17825. [PMID: 36280777 PMCID: PMC9592583 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Many proteins of the Repeats in Toxins (RTX) protein family are toxins of Gram-negative pathogens including hemolysin A (HlyA) of uropathogenic E. coli. RTX proteins are secreted via Type I secretion systems (T1SS) and adopt their native conformation in the Ca2+-rich extracellular environment. Here we employed the E. coli HlyA T1SS as a heterologous surrogate system for the RTX toxin MbxA from the bovine pathogen Moraxella bovis. In E. coli the HlyA system successfully activates the heterologous MbxA substrate by acylation and secretes the precursor proMbxA and active MbxA allowing purification of both species in quantities sufficient for a variety of investigations. The activating E. coli acyltransferase HlyC recognizes the acylation sites in MbxA, but unexpectedly in a different acylation pattern as for its endogenous substrate HlyA. HlyC-activated MbxA shows host species-independent activity including a so-far unknown toxicity against human lymphocytes and epithelial cells. Using live-cell imaging, we show an immediate MbxA-mediated permeabilization and a rapidly developing blebbing of the plasma membrane in epithelial cells, which is associated with immediate cell death.
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8
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Goldsmith JA, DiVenere AM, Maynard JA, McLellan JS. Structural basis for non-canonical integrin engagement by Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111196. [PMID: 35977491 PMCID: PMC9416875 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrins are ubiquitous cell-surface heterodimers that are exploited by pathogens and toxins, including leukotoxins that target β2 integrins on phagocytes. The Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin (ACT) uses the αMβ2 integrin as a receptor, but the structural basis for integrin binding and neutralization by antibodies is poorly understood. Here, we use cryoelectron microscopy to determine a 2.7 Å resolution structure of an ACT fragment bound to αMβ2. This structure reveals that ACT interacts with the headpiece and calf-2 of the αM subunit in a non-canonical manner specific to bent, inactive αMβ2. Neutralizing antibody epitopes map to ACT residues involved in αM binding, providing the basis for antibody-mediated attachment inhibition. Furthermore, binding to αMβ2 positions the essential ACT acylation sites, which are conserved among toxins exported by type I secretion systems, at the cell membrane. These findings reveal a structural mechanism for integrin-mediated attachment and explain antibody-mediated neutralization of ACT intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jory A Goldsmith
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea M DiVenere
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jennifer A Maynard
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Jason S McLellan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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9
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Filipi K, Rahman WU, Osickova A, Osicka R. Kingella kingae RtxA Cytotoxin in the Context of Other RTX Toxins. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10030518. [PMID: 35336094 PMCID: PMC8953716 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10030518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacterium Kingella kingae is part of the commensal oropharyngeal flora of young children. As detection methods have improved, K. kingae has been increasingly recognized as an emerging invasive pathogen that frequently causes skeletal system infections, bacteremia, and severe forms of infective endocarditis. K. kingae secretes an RtxA cytotoxin, which is involved in the development of clinical infection and belongs to an ever-growing family of cytolytic RTX (Repeats in ToXin) toxins secreted by Gram-negative pathogens. All RTX cytolysins share several characteristic structural features: (i) a hydrophobic pore-forming domain in the N-terminal part of the molecule; (ii) an acylated segment where the activation of the inactive protoxin to the toxin occurs by a co-expressed toxin-activating acyltransferase; (iii) a typical calcium-binding RTX domain in the C-terminal portion of the molecule with the characteristic glycine- and aspartate-rich nonapeptide repeats; and (iv) a C-proximal secretion signal recognized by the type I secretion system. RTX toxins, including RtxA from K. kingae, have been shown to act as highly efficient ‘contact weapons’ that penetrate and permeabilize host cell membranes and thus contribute to the pathogenesis of bacterial infections. RtxA was discovered relatively recently and the knowledge of its biological role remains limited. This review describes the structure and function of RtxA in the context of the most studied RTX toxins, the knowledge of which may contribute to a better understanding of the action of RtxA in the pathogenesis of K. kingae infections.
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10
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Lepesheva A, Osickova A, Holubova J, Jurnecka D, Knoblochova S, Espinosa-Vinals C, Bumba L, Skopova K, Fiser R, Osicka R, Sebo P, Masin J. Different roles of conserved tyrosine residues of the acylated domains in folding and activity of RTX toxins. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19814. [PMID: 34615931 PMCID: PMC8494930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99112-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pore-forming repeats in toxins (RTX) are key virulence factors of many Gram-negative pathogens. We have recently shown that the aromatic side chain of the conserved tyrosine residue 940 within the acylated segment of the RTX adenylate cyclase toxin-hemolysin (CyaA, ACT or AC-Hly) plays a key role in target cell membrane interaction of the toxin. Therefore, we used a truncated CyaA-derived RTX719 construct to analyze the impact of Y940 substitutions on functional folding of the acylated segment of CyaA. Size exclusion chromatography combined with CD spectroscopy revealed that replacement of the aromatic side chain of Y940 by the side chains of alanine or proline residues disrupted the calcium-dependent folding of RTX719 and led to self-aggregation of the otherwise soluble and monomeric protein. Intriguingly, corresponding alanine substitutions of the conserved Y642, Y643 and Y639 residues in the homologous RtxA, HlyA and ApxIA hemolysins from Kingella kingae, Escherichia coli and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, affected the membrane insertion, pore-forming (hemolytic) and cytotoxic capacities of these toxins only marginally. Activities of these toxins were impaired only upon replacement of the conserved tyrosines by proline residues. It appears, hence, that the critical role of the aromatic side chain of the Y940 residue is highly specific for the functional folding of the acylated domain of CyaA and determines its capacity to penetrate target cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lepesheva
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adriana Osickova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Holubova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Jurnecka
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Knoblochova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Ladislav Bumba
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Skopova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radovan Fiser
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Osicka
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Sebo
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Masin
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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11
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Chang EH, Brown AC. Epigallocatechin gallate alters leukotoxin secretion and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans virulence. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:505-514. [PMID: 33793838 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgaa051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We and others have previously shown that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) inhibits the activity of an important virulence factor, leukotoxin (LtxA), produced by the oral bacterium Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, suggesting the potential use of this molecule as an anti-virulence strategy to treat periodontal infections. Here, we sought to better understand the effects of EGCg on toxin secretion and A. actinomycetemcomitans pathogenicity in a co-culture model. METHODS We used a quantitative immunoblot assay to determine the concentrations of LtxA in the bacterial supernatant and on the bacterial cell surface. Using a co-culture model, consisting of A. actinomycetemcomitans and THP-1 cells, we studied the impact of EGCg-mediated changes in LtxA secretion on the toxicity of A. actinomycetemcomitans. KEY FINDINGS EGCg increased production of LtxA and changed the localization of secreted LtxA from the supernatant to the surface of the bacterial cells. In the co-culture model, a single low dose of EGCg did not protect host THP-1 cells from A. actinomycetemcomitans-mediated cytotoxicity, but a multiple dosing strategy had improved effects. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results demonstrate that EGCg has important, but complicated, effects on toxin secretion and activity; new dosing strategies and comprehensive model systems may be required to properly develop these anti-virulence activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- En Hyung Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
| | - Angela C Brown
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, USA
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12
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Krueger E, Brown AC. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin: From mechanism to targeted anti-toxin therapeutics. Mol Oral Microbiol 2020; 35:85-105. [PMID: 32061022 PMCID: PMC7359886 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a Gram-negative bacterium associated with localized aggressive periodontitis, as well as other systemic diseases. This organism produces a number of virulence factors, all of which provide some advantage to the bacterium. Several studies have demonstrated that clinical isolates from diseased patients, particularly those of African descent, frequently belong to specific clones of A. actinomycetemcomitans that produce significantly higher amounts of a protein exotoxin belonging to the repeats-in-toxin (RTX) family, leukotoxin (LtxA), whereas isolates from healthy patients harbor minimally leukotoxic strains. This finding suggests that LtxA might play a key role in A. actinomycetemcomitans pathogenicity. Because of this correlation, much work over the past 30 years has been focused on understanding the mechanisms by which LtxA interacts with and kills host cells. In this article, we review those findings, highlight the remaining open questions, and demonstrate how knowledge of these mechanisms, particularly the toxin's interactions with lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and cholesterol, enables the design of targeted anti-LtxA strategies to prevent/treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Krueger
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Angela C. Brown
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
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13
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Masin J, Osickova A, Jurnecka D, Klimova N, Khaliq H, Sebo P, Osicka R. Retargeting from the CR3 to the LFA-1 receptor uncovers the adenylyl cyclase enzyme-translocating segment of Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:9349-9365. [PMID: 32393579 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bordetella adenylate cyclase toxin-hemolysin (CyaA) and the α-hemolysin (HlyA) of Escherichia coli belong to the family of cytolytic pore-forming Repeats in ToXin (RTX) cytotoxins. HlyA preferentially binds the αLβ2 integrin LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) of leukocytes and can promiscuously bind and also permeabilize many other cells. CyaA bears an N-terminal adenylyl cyclase (AC) domain linked to a pore-forming RTX cytolysin (Hly) moiety, binds the complement receptor 3 (CR3, αMβ2, CD11b/CD18, or Mac-1) of myeloid phagocytes, penetrates their plasma membrane, and delivers the AC enzyme into the cytosol. We constructed a set of CyaA/HlyA chimeras and show that the CyaC-acylated segment and the CR3-binding RTX domain of CyaA can be functionally replaced by the HlyC-acylated segment and the much shorter RTX domain of HlyA. Instead of binding CR3, a CyaA1-710/HlyA411-1024 chimera bound the LFA-1 receptor and effectively delivered AC into Jurkat T cells. At high chimera concentrations (25 nm), the interaction with LFA-1 was not required for CyaA1-710/HlyA411-1024 binding to CHO cells. However, interaction with the LFA-1 receptor strongly enhanced the specific capacity of the bound CyaA1-710/HlyA411-1024 chimera to penetrate cells and deliver the AC enzyme into their cytosol. Hence, interaction of the acylated segment and/or the RTX domain of HlyA with LFA-1 promoted a productive membrane interaction of the chimera. These results help delimit residues 400-710 of CyaA as an "AC translocon" sufficient for translocation of the AC polypeptide across the plasma membrane of target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Masin
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adriana Osickova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Jurnecka
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nela Klimova
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Humaira Khaliq
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Sebo
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Osicka
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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14
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RTX Toxins Ambush Immunity's First Cellular Responders. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11120720. [PMID: 31835552 PMCID: PMC6950748 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11120720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The repeats-in-toxin (RTX) family represents a unique class of bacterial exoproteins. The first family members described were toxins from Gram-negative bacterial pathogens; however, additional members included exoproteins with diverse functions. Our review focuses on well-characterized RTX family toxins from Aggregatibacteractinomycetemcomitans (LtxA), Mannheimiahaemolytica (LktA), Bordetella pertussis (CyaA), uropathogenic Escherichia coli (HlyA), and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (ApxIIIA), as well as the studies that have honed in on a single host cell receptor for RTX toxin interactions, the β2 integrins. The β2 integrin family is composed of heterodimeric members with four unique alpha subunits and a single beta subunit. β2 integrins are only found on leukocytes, including neutrophils and monocytes, the first responders to inflammation following bacterial infection. The LtxA, LktA, HlyA, and ApxIIIA toxins target the shared beta subunit, thereby targeting all types of leukocytes. Specific β2 integrin family domains are required for the RTX toxin’s cytotoxic activity and are summarized here. Research examining the domains of the RTX toxins required for cytotoxic and hemolytic activity is also summarized. RTX toxins attack and kill phagocytic immune cells expressing a single integrin family, providing an obvious advantage to the pathogen. The critical question that remains, can the specificity of the RTX-β2 integrin interaction be therapeutically targeted?
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15
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Belibasakis GN, Maula T, Bao K, Lindholm M, Bostanci N, Oscarsson J, Ihalin R, Johansson A. Virulence and Pathogenicity Properties of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Pathogens 2019; 8:E222. [PMID: 31698835 PMCID: PMC6963787 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is a periodontal pathogen colonizing the oral cavity of a large proportion of the human population. It is equipped with several potent virulence factors that can cause cell death and induce or evade inflammation. Because of the large genetic diversity within the species, both harmless and highly virulent genotypes of the bacterium have emerged. The oral condition and age, as well as the geographic origin of the individual, influence the risk to be colonized by a virulent genotype of the bacterium. In the present review, the virulence and pathogenicity properties of A. actinomycetemcomitans will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios N. Belibasakis
- Division of Oral Diseases, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, S-141 04 Huddinge, Sweden; (G.N.B.); (K.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Terhi Maula
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland; (T.M.); (R.I.)
| | - Kai Bao
- Division of Oral Diseases, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, S-141 04 Huddinge, Sweden; (G.N.B.); (K.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Mark Lindholm
- Department of Odontology, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (M.L.); (J.O.)
| | - Nagihan Bostanci
- Division of Oral Diseases, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, S-141 04 Huddinge, Sweden; (G.N.B.); (K.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Jan Oscarsson
- Department of Odontology, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (M.L.); (J.O.)
| | - Riikka Ihalin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland; (T.M.); (R.I.)
| | - Anders Johansson
- Department of Odontology, Umeå University, S-901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (M.L.); (J.O.)
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16
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Vega BA, Belinka BA, Kachlany SC. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Leukotoxin (LtxA; Leukothera ®): Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Applications. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090489. [PMID: 31454891 PMCID: PMC6784247 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an oral pathogen that produces the RTX toxin, leukotoxin (LtxA; Leukothera®). A. actinomycetemcomitans is strongly associated with the development of localized aggressive periodontitis. LtxA acts as a virulence factor for A. actinomycetemcomitans to subvert the host immune response by binding to the β2 integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18) on white blood cells (WBCs), causing cell death. In this paper, we reviewed the state of knowledge on LtxA interaction with WBCs and the subsequent mechanisms of induced cell death. Finally, we touched on the potential therapeutic applications of LtxA (trade name Leukothera®) toxin therapy for the treatment of hematological malignancies and immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Vega
- Department of Oral Biology, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
- Actinobac Biomed, Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | | | - Scott C Kachlany
- Department of Oral Biology, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
- Actinobac Biomed, Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.
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