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Jiang B, Zhang Y, Li G, Quan Y, Shu J, Feng H, He Y. Research Progress on Immune Evasion of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1439. [PMID: 39065207 PMCID: PMC11279058 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
As the main pathogen associated with enzootic pneumonia (EP), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) is globally prevalent and inflicts huge financial losses on the worldwide swine industry each year. However, the pathogenicity of Mhp has not been fully explained to date. Mhp invasion usually leads to long-term chronic infection and persistent lung colonization, suggesting that Mhp has developed effective immune evasion strategies. In this review, we offer more detailed information than was previously available about its immune evasion mechanisms through a systematic summary of the extant findings. Genetic mutation and post-translational protein processing confer Mhp the ability to alter its surface antigens. With the help of adhesins, Mhp can achieve cell invasion. And Mhp can modulate the host immune system through the induction of inflammation, incomplete autophagy, apoptosis, and the suppression of immune cell or immune effector activity. Furthermore, we offer the latest views on how we may treat Mhp infections and develop novel vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yulong He
- Department of Biopharmacy, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China; (B.J.); (Y.Z.); (G.L.); (Y.Q.); (J.S.); (H.F.)
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2
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Torres-Puig S, Crespo-Pomar S, Akarsu H, Yimthin T, Cippà V, Démoulins T, Posthaus H, Ruggli N, Kuhnert P, Labroussaa F, Jores J. Functional surface expression of immunoglobulin cleavage systems in a candidate Mycoplasma vaccine chassis. Commun Biol 2024; 7:779. [PMID: 38942984 PMCID: PMC11213901 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06497-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The Mycoplasma Immunoglobulin Binding/Protease (MIB-MIP) system is a candidate 'virulence factor present in multiple pathogenic species of the Mollicutes, including the fast-growing species Mycoplasma feriruminatoris. The MIB-MIP system cleaves the heavy chain of host immunoglobulins, hence affecting antigen-antibody interactions and potentially facilitating immune evasion. In this work, using -omics technologies and 5'RACE, we show that the four copies of the M. feriruminatoris MIB-MIP system have different expression levels and are transcribed as operons controlled by four different promoters. Individual MIB-MIP gene pairs of M. feriruminatoris and other Mollicutes were introduced in an engineered M. feriruminatoris strain devoid of MIB-MIP genes and were tested for their functionality using newly developed oriC-based plasmids. The two proteins are functionally expressed at the surface of M. feriruminatoris, which confirms the possibility to display large membrane-associated proteins in this bacterium. However, functional expression of heterologous MIB-MIP systems introduced in this engineered strain from phylogenetically distant porcine Mollicutes like Mesomycoplasma hyorhinis or Mesomycoplasma hyopneumoniae could not be achieved. Finally, since M. feriruminatoris is a candidate for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, we confirmed its safety in vivo in domestic goats, which are the closest livestock relatives to its native host the Alpine ibex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Torres-Puig
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Silvia Crespo-Pomar
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hatice Akarsu
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thatcha Yimthin
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Cippà
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Démoulins
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Horst Posthaus
- Institute of Animal Pathology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147, Mittelhäusern, Schweiz
| | - Peter Kuhnert
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabien Labroussaa
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID), University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES), Lyon Laboratory, VetAgro Sup, UMR Animal Mycoplasmosis, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jörg Jores
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases (MCID), University of Bern, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.
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3
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Raheem A, Lu D, Khalid AK, Zhao G, Fu Y, Chen Y, Chen X, Hu C, Chen J, Chen H, Guo A. The Identification of a Novel Nucleomodulin MbovP467 of Mycoplasmopsis bovis and Its Potential Contribution in Pathogenesis. Cells 2024; 13:604. [PMID: 38607043 PMCID: PMC11011252 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmopsis bovis is a causative agent of crucial diseases in both dairy and beef cattle leading to substantial economic losses. However, limited control measures for M. bovis-related diseases exist due to a lack of understanding about the virulence factors of this pathogen, a common challenge in mycoplasma research. Consequently, this study aimed to characterize a novel nucleomodulin as a virulence-related factor of M. bovis. Employing bioinformatic tools, we initially predicted MbovP467 to be a secreted protein with a nuclear localization signal based on SignalP scores and the cNLS (Nuclear Localization Signal) Mapper, respectively. Subsequently, the MbovP467 gene was synthesized and cloned into a pEGFP plasmid with EGFP labeling to obtain a recombinant plasmid (rpEGFP-MbovP467) and then was also cloned in pET-30a with a consideration for an Escherichia coli codon bias and expressed and purified for the production of polyclonal antibodies against the recombinant MbovP467 protein. Confocal microscopy and a Western blotting assay confirmed the nuclear location of MbovP467 in bovine macrophages (BoMacs). RNA-seq data revealed 220 up-regulated and 20 down-regulated genes in the rpEGFP-MbovP467-treated BoMac group compared to the control group (pEGFP). A GO- and KEGG-enrichment analysis identified associations with inflammatory responses, G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways, nuclear receptor activity, sequence-specific DNA binding, the regulation of cell proliferation, IL-8, apoptotic processes, cell growth and death, the TNF signaling pathway, the NF-κB signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, and protein families of signaling and cellular processes among the differentially expressed up-regulated mRNAs. Further experiments, investigating cell viability and the inflammatory response, demonstrated that MbovP467 reduces BoMac cell viability and induces the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and apoptosis in BoMac cells. Further, MbovP467 increased the promoter activity of TNF-α. In conclusion, this study identified a new nucleomodulin, MbovP467, for M. bovis, which might have an important role in M. bovis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Raheem
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (A.R.); (D.L.); (A.K.K.); (Y.F.); (Y.C.); (X.C.); (C.H.); (J.C.); (H.C.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Doukun Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (A.R.); (D.L.); (A.K.K.); (Y.F.); (Y.C.); (X.C.); (C.H.); (J.C.); (H.C.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Abdul Karim Khalid
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (A.R.); (D.L.); (A.K.K.); (Y.F.); (Y.C.); (X.C.); (C.H.); (J.C.); (H.C.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, China;
| | - Yingjie Fu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (A.R.); (D.L.); (A.K.K.); (Y.F.); (Y.C.); (X.C.); (C.H.); (J.C.); (H.C.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yingyu Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (A.R.); (D.L.); (A.K.K.); (Y.F.); (Y.C.); (X.C.); (C.H.); (J.C.); (H.C.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xi Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (A.R.); (D.L.); (A.K.K.); (Y.F.); (Y.C.); (X.C.); (C.H.); (J.C.); (H.C.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Changmin Hu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (A.R.); (D.L.); (A.K.K.); (Y.F.); (Y.C.); (X.C.); (C.H.); (J.C.); (H.C.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jianguo Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (A.R.); (D.L.); (A.K.K.); (Y.F.); (Y.C.); (X.C.); (C.H.); (J.C.); (H.C.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Huanchun Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (A.R.); (D.L.); (A.K.K.); (Y.F.); (Y.C.); (X.C.); (C.H.); (J.C.); (H.C.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Aizhen Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (A.R.); (D.L.); (A.K.K.); (Y.F.); (Y.C.); (X.C.); (C.H.); (J.C.); (H.C.)
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Hubei International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Veterinary Epidemiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- International Research Center for Animal Disease, Ministry of Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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4
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Bernauer H, Maier J, Bannert N, Ivanusic D. tANCHOR cell-based ELISA approach as a surrogate for antigen-coated plates to monitor specific IgG directed to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain. Biol Methods Protoc 2024; 9:bpae001. [PMID: 38332985 PMCID: PMC10850845 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems use plates coated with peptides or expressed and purified proteins to monitor immunoglobulins derived from patient serum. However, there is currently no easy, flexible, and fast adaptive ELISA-based system for testing antibodies directed against new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. In this study, we utilized the tANCHOR protein display system that provides a cell surface decorated with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) to monitor specific antibodies derived from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent and vaccinated individuals directed against it. To test sera from vaccinees or convalescent individuals, only the RBD coding sequence needs to be cloned in the tANCHOR vector system and transfected into HeLa cells. Time-consuming protein expression, isolation, and purification followed by coating assay plates are not necessary. With this technique, the immune evasion of new SARS-CoV-2 variants from current vaccination regimes can be examined quickly and reliably.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josef Maier
- ATG:biosynthetics GmbH, 79249 Merzhausen, Germany
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens and HIV (FG18), Robert Koch-Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Ivanusic
- Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens and HIV (FG18), Robert Koch-Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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Zhong L, Wu C, Liao L, Wu Y. Mycoplasma synoviae induce spleen tissue damage and inflammatory response of chicken through oxidative stress and apoptosis. Virulence 2023:2283895. [PMID: 37963095 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2283895] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma synovium (MS) is a prominent avian pathogen known to elicit robust inflammatory responses in birds while evading immune detection, often leading to chronic infection and immune compromise. The mechanisms underpinning MS-mediated splenic tissue damage in chickens, however, remain undefined. In our investigation with 7-day-old SPF chickens, we administered an MS-Y bacterial solution (200 µl, 1 × 109 CCU/ml) through eye and nose droplets, collecting spleen samples on days 3, 6, and 12 post-infection. Comprehensive analyses utilizing histopathology, electron microscopy, TUNEL assay, qRT-PCR, and western blot were employed. Results demonstrated that MS-infection downregulated T-SOD, GSH-PX, and CAT, while concurrently elevating iNOS, NO, and MDA levels. Evidently, MS-induced oxidative stress compromised the spleen's antioxidant defences. Histological examinations pinpointed splenic damage characterized by lymphocyte reduction and increased inflammatory cell infiltration. Ultrastructural observations revealed clear apoptotic markers, including mitochondrial perturbations and nuclear anomalies. Importantly, MS induced significant spleen tissue apoptosis, as supported by TUNEL assay outputs and gene expression profiles associated with apoptosis. Concurrently, we observed upregulated expressions of mRNAs and proteins affiliated with the NF-κB/MAPK signalling cascade (p < 0.05). Collectively, our data elucidate that MS infection induces splenic apoptosis and oxidative disturbances, perturbs tissue integrity, and potentiates the NF-κB/MAPK-mediated inflammatory cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemiao Zhong
- University Key Laboratory for Integrated ChineseTraditional and Western Veterinary Medicine and Animal Healthcare, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Fujian Agriculture And Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Chunlin Wu
- University Key Laboratory for Integrated ChineseTraditional and Western Veterinary Medicine and Animal Healthcare, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Fujian Agriculture And Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lvyan Liao
- University Key Laboratory for Integrated ChineseTraditional and Western Veterinary Medicine and Animal Healthcare, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Fujian Agriculture And Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yijian Wu
- University Key Laboratory for Integrated ChineseTraditional and Western Veterinary Medicine and Animal Healthcare, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Fujian Agriculture And Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
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Lan S, Li Z, Hao H, Liu S, Huang Z, Bai Y, Li Y, Yan X, Gao P, Chen S, Chu Y. A genome-wide transposon mutagenesis screening identifies LppB as a key factor associated with Mycoplasma bovis colonization and invasion into host cells. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23176. [PMID: 37665592 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300678r] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma spp., the smallest self-replicating and genome-reduced organisms, have raised a great concern in both the medical and veterinary fields due to their pathogenicity. The molecular determinants of these wall-less bacterium efficiently use their limited genes to ensure successful infection of the host remain unclear. In the present study, we used the ruminant pathogen Mycoplasma bovis as a model to identify the key factors for colonization and invasion into host cells. We constructed a nonredundant fluorescent transposon mutant library of M. bovis using a modified transposon plasmid, and identified 34 novel adhesion-related genes based on a high-throughput screening approach. Among them, the ΔLppB mutant exhibited the most apparent decrease in adhesion to embryonic bovine lung (EBL) cells. The surface-localized lipoprotein LppB, which is highly conserved in Mycoplasma species, was then confirmed as a key factor for M. bovis adhesion with great immunogenicity. LppB interacted with various components (fibronectin, vitronectin, collagen IV, and laminin) of host extracellular matrix (ECM) and promoted plasminogen activation through tPA to degrade ECM. The 439-502 amino acid region of LppB is a critical domain, and F465 and Y493 are important residues for the plasminogen activation activity. We further revealed LppB as a key factor facilitating internalization through clathrin- and lipid raft-mediated endocytosis, which helps the Mycoplasma invade the host cells. Our study indicates that LppB plays a key role in Mycoplasma infection and is a potential new therapeutic and vaccine target for Mycoplasma species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimei Lan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhangcheng Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Huafang Hao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhicheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yutong Bai
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanzhao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xinmin Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengcheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shengli Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuefeng Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Research Center for Basic Disciplines of Pathogen Biology, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biosafety Risk Warning and Control (North), Key Laboratory of Ruminant Disease Prevention and Control (West), Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou, China
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Guiraud J, Le Roy C, Rideau F, Sirand-Pugnet P, Lartigue C, Bébéar C, Arfi Y, Pereyre S. Improved transformation efficiency in Mycoplasma hominis enables disruption of the MIB-MIP system targeting human immunoglobulins. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0187323. [PMID: 37737635 PMCID: PMC10581049 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01873-23] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenicity of Mycoplasma hominis is poorly understood, mainly due to the absence of efficient genetic tools. A polyethylene glycol-mediated transformation protocol was recently developed for the M. hominis reference strain M132 using the pMT85-Tet plasmid. The transformation efficiency remained low, hampering generation of a large mutant library. In this study, we improved transformation efficiency by designing M. hominis-specific pMT85 derivatives. Using the Gibson Assembly, the Enterococcus-derived tet(M) gene of the pMT85-Tet plasmid was replaced by that of a M. hominis clinical isolate. Next, the Spiroplasma-derived spiralin gene promoter driving tet(M) expression was substituted by one of three putative regulatory regions (RRs): the M. hominis arginine deiminase RR, the M. hominis elongation factor Tu RR, or the 68 bp SynMyco synthetic RR. SynMyco-based construction led to a 100-fold increase in transformation efficiency in M. hominis M132. This construct was also transformed into the M. hominis PG21 reference strain and three other clinical isolates. The transposon insertion locus was determined for 128 M132-transformants. The majority of the impacted coding sequences encoded lipoproteins and proteins involved in DNA repair or in gene transfer. One transposon integration site was in the mycoplasma immunoglobulin protease gene. Phenotypic characterization of the mutant showed complete disruption of the human antibody cleavage ability of the transformant. These results demonstrate that our M. hominis-optimized plasmid can be used to generate large random transposon insertion libraries, enabling future studies of the pathogenicity of M. hominis. IMPORTANCE Mycoplasma hominis is an opportunistic human pathogen, whose physiopathology is poorly understood and for which genetic tools for transposition mutagenesis have been unavailable for years. A PEG-mediated transformation protocol was developed using the pMT85-Tet plasmid, but the transformation efficiency remained low. We designed a modified pMT85-Tet plasmid suitable for M. hominis. The use of a synthetic regulatory region upstream of the antibiotic resistance marker led to a 100-fold increase in the transformation efficiency. The generation and characterization of large transposon mutagenesis mutant libraries will provide insight into M. hominis pathogenesis. We selected a transformant in which the transposon was integrated in the locus encoding the immunoglobulin cleavage system MIB-MIP. Phenotypic characterization showed that the wild-type strain has a functional MIB-MIP system, whereas the mutant strain had lost the ability to cleave human immunoglobulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Guiraud
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), UMR 5234 Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Bacteriology Department, National Reference Centre for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Chloé Le Roy
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), UMR 5234 Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Fabien Rideau
- INRAE, BFP, UMR 1332, Univ. Bordeaux, Villenave d Ornon, France
| | | | - Carole Lartigue
- INRAE, BFP, UMR 1332, Univ. Bordeaux, Villenave d Ornon, France
| | - Cécile Bébéar
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), UMR 5234 Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Bacteriology Department, National Reference Centre for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yonathan Arfi
- INRAE, BFP, UMR 1332, Univ. Bordeaux, Villenave d Ornon, France
| | - Sabine Pereyre
- Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), UMR 5234 Fundamental Microbiology and Pathogenicity, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Bacteriology Department, National Reference Centre for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections, Bordeaux University Hospital, Bordeaux, France
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8
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Ahamad A, Zervou FN, Aguero-Rosenfeld ME. Extra-urogenital infection by Mycoplasma hominis in transplant patients: two case reports and literature review. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:601. [PMID: 37710154 PMCID: PMC10503128 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08593-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycoplasma hominis is a facultative anaerobic bacterium commonly present in the urogenital tract. In recent years, M. hominis has increasingly been associated with extra-urogenital tract infections, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. Detecting M. hominis in a diagnostic laboratory can be challenging due to its slow growth rate, absence of a cell wall, and the requirements of specialized media and conditions for optimal growth. Consequently, it is necessary to establish guidelines for the detection of this microorganism and to request the appropriate microbiological work-up of immunosuppressed patients. CASE PRESENTATION We hereby present two cases of solid organ transplant patients who developed M. hominis infection. Microscopic examination of the bronchial lavage and pleural fluid showed no microorganisms. However, upon inoculating the specimens onto routine microbiology media, the organism was successfully identified and confirmation was performed using 16S rDNA sequencing. Both patients received appropriate treatment resulting in the resolution of M. hominis infection. CONCLUSIONS The prompt detection of M. hominis in a clinical specimen can have a significant impact on patient care by allowing for early intervention and ultimately resulting in more favorable clinical outcomes, especially in transplant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afrinash Ahamad
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program, School of Health Profession, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Maria E Aguero-Rosenfeld
- Department of Pathology, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Wang J, Liang K, Chen L, Su X, Liao D, Yu J, He J. Unveiling the stealthy tactics: mycoplasma's immune evasion strategies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1247182. [PMID: 37719671 PMCID: PMC10502178 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1247182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas, the smallest known self-replicating organisms, possess a simple structure, lack a cell wall, and have limited metabolic pathways. They are responsible for causing acute or chronic infections in humans and animals, with a significant number of species exhibiting pathogenicity. Although the innate and adaptive immune responses can effectively combat this pathogen, mycoplasmas are capable of persisting in the host, indicating that the immune system fails to eliminate them completely. Recent studies have shed light on the intricate and sophisticated defense mechanisms developed by mycoplasmas during their long-term co-evolution with the host. These evasion strategies encompass various tactics, including invasion, biofilm formation, and modulation of immune responses, such as inhibition of immune cell activity, suppression of immune cell function, and resistance against immune molecules. Additionally, antigen variation and molecular mimicry are also crucial immune evasion strategies. This review comprehensively summarizes the evasion mechanisms employed by mycoplasmas, providing valuable insights into the pathogenesis of mycoplasma infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Wang
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Keying Liang
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Li Chen
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoling Su
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Daoyong Liao
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jianwei Yu
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jun He
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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10
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Thézé J, Ambroset C, Barry S, Masseglia S, Colin A, Tricot A, Tardy F, Bailly X. Genome-wide phylodynamic approach reveals the epidemic dynamics of the main Mycoplasma bovis subtype circulating in France. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen001067. [PMID: 37486749 PMCID: PMC10438803 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001067] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma bovis is a major aetiological agent of bovine respiratory disease worldwide. Genome-based analyses are increasingly being used to monitor the genetic diversity and global distribution of M. bovis, complementing existing subtyping schemes based on locus sequencing. However, these analyses have so far provided limited information on the spatiotemporal and population dynamics of circulating subtypes. Here we applied a genome-wide phylodynamic approach to explore the epidemic dynamics of 88 French M. bovis strains collected between 2000 and 2019 in France and belonging to the currently dominant polC subtype 2 (st2). A strong molecular clock signal detected in the genomic data enabled robust phylodynamic inferences, which estimated that the M. bovis st2 population in France is composed of two lineages that successively emerged from independent introductions of international strains. The first lineage appeared around 2000 and supplanted the previously established antimicrobial-susceptible polC subtype 1. The second lineage, which is likely more transmissible, progressively replaced the first M. bovis st2 lineage population from 2005 onward and became predominant after 2010. Analyses also showed a brief decline in this second M. bovis st2 lineage population in around 2011, possibly due to the challenge from the concurrent emergence of M. bovis polC subtype 3 in France. Finally, we identified non-synonymous mutations in genes associated with lineages, which raises prospects for identifying new surveillance molecular markers. A genome-wide phylodynamic approach provides valuable resources for monitoring the evolution and epidemic dynamics of circulating M. bovis subtypes, and may prove critical for developing more effective surveillance systems and disease control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Thézé
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR EPIA, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Chloé Ambroset
- Université de Lyon, ANSES, VetAgro Sup, UMR Mycoplasmoses animales, Lyon, France
| | - Séverine Barry
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR EPIA, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Sébastien Masseglia
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR EPIA, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Adélie Colin
- Université de Lyon, ANSES, VetAgro Sup, UMR Mycoplasmoses animales, Lyon, France
| | - Agnès Tricot
- Université de Lyon, ANSES, VetAgro Sup, UMR Mycoplasmoses animales, Lyon, France
| | - Florence Tardy
- Université de Lyon, ANSES, VetAgro Sup, UMR Mycoplasmoses animales, Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Bailly
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR EPIA, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
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11
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Wood GE, Bradshaw CS, Manhart LE. Update in Epidemiology and Management of Mycoplasma genitalium Infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2023; 37:311-333. [PMID: 37105645 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium is a frequent cause of urogenital syndromes in men and women and is associated with adverse sequelae in women. M genitalium also infects the rectum, and may cause proctitis, but rarely infects the pharynx. Diagnosis requires nucleic acid amplification testing. Antibiotic resistance is widespread: more than half of infections are resistant to macrolides and fluoroquinolone resistance is increasing. Resistance-guided therapy is recommended for symptomatic patients, involving initial treatment with doxycycline to reduce organism load followed by azithromycin for macrolide-sensitive infections or moxifloxacin for macrolide-resistant infections. Neither screening nor tests of cure are recommended in asymptomatic persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn E Wood
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Center for AIDS and STD, Box 359779, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Central Clinical School, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lisa E Manhart
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Center for AIDS and STD, Box 359931, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
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12
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Zhao G, Lu D, Li M, Wang Y. Gene editing tools for mycoplasmas: references and future directions for efficient genome manipulation. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1191812. [PMID: 37275127 PMCID: PMC10232828 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1191812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas are successful pathogens that cause debilitating diseases in humans and various animal hosts. Despite the exceptionally streamlined genomes, mycoplasmas have evolved specific mechanisms to access essential nutrients from host cells. The paucity of genetic tools to manipulate mycoplasma genomes has impeded studies of the virulence factors of pathogenic species and mechanisms to access nutrients. This review summarizes several strategies for editing of mycoplasma genomes, including homologous recombination, transposons, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas system, and synthetic biology. In addition, the mechanisms and features of different tools are discussed to provide references and future directions for efficient manipulation of mycoplasma genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, Yinchuan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Doukun Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, Yinchuan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yujiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources in the Western China, Yinchuan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, China
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13
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Yueyue W, Feichen X, Yixuan X, Lu L, Yiwen C, Xiaoxing Y. Pathogenicity and virulence of Mycoplasma genitalium: Unraveling Ariadne's Thread. Virulence 2022; 13:1161-1183. [PMID: 35791283 PMCID: PMC9262362 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2095741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma genitalium, a pathogen from class Mollicutes, has been linked to sexually transmitted diseases and sparked widespread concern. To adapt to its environment, M. genitalium has evolved specific adhesins and motility mechanisms that allow it to adhere to and invade various eukaryotic cells, thereby causing severe damage to the cells. Even though traditional exotoxins have not been identified, secreted nucleases or membrane lipoproteins have been shown to cause cell death and inflammatory injury in M. genitalium infection. However, as both innate and adaptive immune responses are important for controlling infection, the immune responses that develop upon infection do not necessarily eliminate the organism completely. Antigenic variation, detoxifying enzymes, immunoglobulins, neutrophil extracellular trap-degrading enzymes, cell invasion, and biofilm formation are important factors that help the pathogen overcome the host defence and cause chronic infections in susceptible individuals. Furthermore, M. genitalium can increase the susceptibility to several sexually transmitted pathogens, which significantly complicates the persistence and chronicity of M. genitalium infection. This review aimed to discuss the virulence factors of M. genitalium to shed light on its complex pathogenicity and pathogenesis of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu Yueyue
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiu Feichen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xi Yixuan
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Liu Lu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Chen Yiwen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - You Xiaoxing
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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14
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Long COVID and the Neuroendocrinology of Microbial Translocation Outside the GI Tract: Some Treatment Strategies. ENDOCRINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3040058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Similar to previous pandemics, COVID-19 has been succeeded by well-documented post-infectious sequelae, including chronic fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, myalgia, and concentration difficulties, which may last 5 to 12 weeks or longer after the acute phase of illness. Both the psychological stress of SARS-CoV-2 infection and being diagnosed with COVID-19 can upregulate cortisol, a stress hormone that disrupts the efferocytosis effectors, macrophages, and natural killer cells, leading to the excessive accumulation of senescent cells and disruption of biological barriers. This has been well-established in cancer patients who often experience unrelenting fatigue as well as gut and blood–brain barrier dysfunction upon treatment with senescence-inducing radiation or chemotherapy. In our previous research from 2020 and 2021, we linked COVID-19 to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) via angiotensin II upregulation, premature endothelial senescence, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and microbial translocation from the gastrointestinal tract into the systemic circulation. In 2021 and 2022, these hypotheses were validated and SARS-CoV-2-induced cellular senescence as well as microbial translocation were documented in both acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID, and ME/CFS, connecting intestinal barrier dysfunction to disabling fatigue and specific infectious events. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize what is currently known about host immune responses to translocated gut microbes and how these responses relate to fatiguing illnesses, including long COVID. To accomplish this goal, we examine the role of intestinal and blood–brain barriers in long COVID and other illnesses typified by chronic fatigue, with a special emphasis on commensal microbes functioning as viral reservoirs. Furthermore, we discuss the role of SARS-CoV-2/Mycoplasma coinfection in dysfunctional efferocytosis, emphasizing some potential novel treatment strategies, including the use of senotherapeutic drugs, HMGB1 inhibitors, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) blockers, and membrane lipid replacement.
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