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Jiang Q, Chen Y, Zheng S, Sui L, Yu D, Qing F, He W, Xiao Q, Guo T, Xu L, Liu Z, Liu Z. AIM2 enhances Candida albicans infection through promoting macrophage apoptosis via AKT signaling. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:280. [PMID: 38918243 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05326-9] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans is among the most prevalent invasive fungal pathogens for immunocompromised individuals and novel therapeutic approaches that involve immune response modulation are imperative. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), a pattern recognition receptor for DNA sensing, is well recognized for its involvement in inflammasome formation and its crucial role in safeguarding the host against various pathogenic infections. However, the role of AIM2 in host defense against C. albicans infection remains uncertain. This study reveals that the gene expression of AIM2 is induced in human and mouse innate immune cells or tissues after C. albicans infection. Furthermore, compared to their wild-type (WT) counterparts, Aim2-/- mice surprisingly exhibit resistance to C. albicans infection, along with reduced inflammation in the kidneys post-infection. The resistance of Aim2-/- mice to C. albicans infection is not reliant on inflammasome or type I interferon production. Instead, Aim2-/- mice display lower levels of apoptosis in kidney tissues following infection than WT mice. The deficiency of AIM2 in macrophages, but not in dendritic cells, results in a phenocopy of the resistance observed in Aim2-/- mice against C. albican infection. The treatment of Clodronate Liposome, a reagent that depletes macrophages, also shows the critical role of macrophages in host defense against C. albican infection in Aim2-/- mice. Furthermore, the reduction in apoptosis is observed in Aim2-/- mouse macrophages following infection or treatment of DNA from C. albicans in comparison with controls. Additionally, higher levels of AKT activation are observed in Aim2-/- mice, and treatment with an AKT inhibitor reverses the host resistance to C. albicans infection. The findings collectively demonstrate that AIM2 exerts a negative regulatory effect on AKT activation and enhances macrophage apoptosis, ultimately compromising host defense against C. albicans infection. This suggests that AIM2 and AKT may represent promising therapeutic targets for the management of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Jiang
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- School of Nursing, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yayun Chen
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Siping Zheng
- School of Graduate, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lina Sui
- School of Graduate, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dalang Yu
- School of Graduate, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Furong Qing
- School of Graduate, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenji He
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiuxiang Xiao
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tianfu Guo
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Li Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
- Center for Scientific Research, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhichun Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Zhiping Liu
- School of Graduate, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
- Center for Scientific Research, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
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Katsipoulaki M, Stappers MHT, Malavia-Jones D, Brunke S, Hube B, Gow NAR. Candida albicans and Candida glabrata: global priority pathogens. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024:e0002123. [PMID: 38832801 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00021-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYA significant increase in the incidence of Candida-mediated infections has been observed in the last decade, mainly due to rising numbers of susceptible individuals. Recently, the World Health Organization published its first fungal pathogen priority list, with Candida species listed in medium, high, and critical priority categories. This review is a synthesis of information and recent advances in our understanding of two of these species-Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Of these, C. albicans is the most common cause of candidemia around the world and is categorized as a critical priority pathogen. C. glabrata is considered a high-priority pathogen and has become an increasingly important cause of candidemia in recent years. It is now the second most common causative agent of candidemia in many geographical regions. Despite their differences and phylogenetic divergence, they are successful as pathogens and commensals of humans. Both species can cause a broad variety of infections, ranging from superficial to potentially lethal systemic infections. While they share similarities in certain infection strategies, including tissue adhesion and invasion, they differ significantly in key aspects of their biology, interaction with immune cells, host damage strategies, and metabolic adaptations. Here we provide insights on key aspects of their biology, epidemiology, commensal and pathogenic lifestyles, interactions with the immune system, and antifungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Katsipoulaki
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark H T Stappers
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Dhara Malavia-Jones
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Neil A R Gow
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Zhu C, Xu S, Jiang R, Yu Y, Bian J, Zou Z. The gasdermin family: emerging therapeutic targets in diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:87. [PMID: 38584157 PMCID: PMC10999458 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01801-8] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The gasdermin (GSDM) family has garnered significant attention for its pivotal role in immunity and disease as a key player in pyroptosis. This recently characterized class of pore-forming effector proteins is pivotal in orchestrating processes such as membrane permeabilization, pyroptosis, and the follow-up inflammatory response, which are crucial self-defense mechanisms against irritants and infections. GSDMs have been implicated in a range of diseases including, but not limited to, sepsis, viral infections, and cancer, either through involvement in pyroptosis or independently of this process. The regulation of GSDM-mediated pyroptosis is gaining recognition as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of various diseases. Current strategies for inhibiting GSDMD primarily involve binding to GSDMD, blocking GSDMD cleavage or inhibiting GSDMD-N-terminal (NT) oligomerization, albeit with some off-target effects. In this review, we delve into the cutting-edge understanding of the interplay between GSDMs and pyroptosis, elucidate the activation mechanisms of GSDMs, explore their associations with a range of diseases, and discuss recent advancements and potential strategies for developing GSDMD inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Zhu
- Faculty of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ruoyu Jiang
- School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yizhi Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Immunity & Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jinjun Bian
- Faculty of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Zui Zou
- Faculty of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- School of Anesthesiology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Sonnberger J, Kasper L, Lange T, Brunke S, Hube B. "We've got to get out"-Strategies of human pathogenic fungi to escape from phagocytes. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:341-358. [PMID: 37800630 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Human fungal pathogens are a deadly and underappreciated risk to global health that most severely affect immunocompromised individuals. A virulence attribute shared by some of the most clinically relevant fungal species is their ability to survive inside macrophages and escape from these immune cells. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms behind intracellular survival and elaborate how escape is mediated by lytic and non-lytic pathways as well as strategies to induce programmed host cell death. We also discuss persistence as an alternative to rapid host cell exit. In the end, we address the consequences of fungal escape for the host immune response and provide future perspectives for research and development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Sonnberger
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Theresa Lange
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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Zhang FY, Lian N, Li M. Macrophage pyroptosis induced by Candida albicans. Pathog Dis 2024; 82:ftae003. [PMID: 38499444 PMCID: PMC11162155 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftae003] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is a prevalent opportunistic pathogen that causes mucocutaneous and systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Macrophages play a crucial role in eliminating C. albicans in local and bloodstream contexts, while also regulating antifungal immune responses. However, C. albicans can induce macrophage lysis through pyroptosis, a type of regulated cell death. This process can enable C. albicans to escape from immune cells and trigger the release of IL-1β and IL-18, which can impact both the host and the pathogen. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which C. albicans triggers pyroptosis in macrophages and the key factors involved in this process remain unclear. In this review, we will explore various factors that may influence or trigger pyroptosis in macrophages induced by C. albicans, such as hypha, ergosterol, cell wall remodeling, and other virulence factors. We will also examine the possible immune response following macrophage pyroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-yuan Zhang
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 12th. JiangWangmiao street, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Ni Lian
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 12th. JiangWangmiao street, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Min Li
- Hospital for Skin Diseases, Institute of Dermatology,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 12th. JiangWangmiao street, Nanjing, 210042, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101st. LongMian Avenue, Nanjing, 211166, China
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6
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Li L, Huang X, Chen H. Unveiling the hidden players: exploring the role of gut mycobiome in cancer development and treatment dynamics. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2328868. [PMID: 38485702 PMCID: PMC10950292 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2328868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of gut fungal species in tumor-related processes remains largely unexplored, with most studies still focusing on fungal infections. This review examines the accumulating evidence suggesting the involvement of commensal and pathogenic fungi in cancer biological process, including oncogenesis, progression, and treatment response. Mechanisms explored include fungal influence on host immunity, secretion of bioactive toxins/metabolites, interaction with bacterial commensals, and migration to other tissues in certain types of cancers. Attempts to utilize fungal molecular signatures for cancer diagnosis and fungal-derived products for treatment are discussed. A few studies highlight fungi's impact on the responsiveness and sensitivity to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and fecal microbiota transplant. Given the limited understanding and techniques in fungal research, the studies on gut fungi are still facing great challenges, despite having great potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
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7
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Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Yu C, Yang P, Xu M, Ling J, Wu Y, Zhu Z, Chen Y, Shi A, Liu X, Zhang J, Yu P, Zhang D. Food-derived peptides as novel therapeutic strategies for NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases: a systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-32. [PMID: 38153262 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2294164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3), a member of the nucleotide-binding domain (NOD) and leucine-rich repeat sequence (LRR) protein (NLR) family, plays an essential role in the inflammation initiation and inflammatory mediator secretion, and thus is also associated with many disease progressions. Food-derived bioactive peptides (FDBP) exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory activity in both in vivo and in vitro models. They are encrypted in plant, meat, and milk proteins and can be released under enzymatic hydrolysis or fermentation conditions, thereby hindering the progression of hyperuricemia, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease, neurological disorders, lung injury and periodontitis by inactivating the NLRP3. However, there is a lack of systematic review around FDBP, NLRP3, and NLRP3-related diseases. Therefore, this review summarized FDBP that exert inhibiting effects on NLRP3 inflammasome from different protein sources and detailed their preparation and purification methods. Additionally, this paper also compiled the possible inhibitory mechanisms of FDBP on NLRP3 inflammasomes and its regulatory role in NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases. Finally, the progress of cutting-edge technologies, including nanoparticle, computer-aided screening strategy and recombinant DNA technology, in the acquisition or encapsulation of NLRP3 inhibitory FDBP was discussed. This review provides a scientific basis for understanding the anti-inflammatory mechanism of FDBP through the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and also provides guidance for the development of therapeutic adjuvants or functional foods enriched with these FDBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meiying Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- Branch of Nationlal Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Nanchang, China
| | - Chenfeng Yu
- Huankui College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
| | - Pingping Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- Branch of Nationlal Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Nanchang, China
| | - Minxuan Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- Branch of Nationlal Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Nanchang, China
| | - Jitao Ling
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- Branch of Nationlal Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Nanchang, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- Branch of Nationlal Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Nanchang, China
| | - Zicheng Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ao Shi
- School of Medicine, St. George University of London, London, UK
| | - Xiao Liu
- Cardiology Department, The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Institute for the Study of Endocrinology and Metabolism in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
- Branch of Nationlal Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Nanchang, China
| | - Deju Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, China
- Food and Nutritional Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Li S, Liu Y, Weng L, Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Yang Y, Chen Q, Liu X, Zhang H. The F 1F o-ATP synthase α subunit of Candida albicans induces inflammatory responses by controlling amino acid catabolism. Virulence 2023; 14:2190645. [PMID: 36914568 PMCID: PMC10072111 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2190645] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a leading cause of fatality in invasive candidiasis. The magnitude of the inflammatory response is a determinant of sepsis outcomes, and inflammatory cytokine imbalances are central to the pathophysiological processes. We previously demonstrated that a Candida albicans F1Fo-ATP synthase α subunit deletion mutant was nonlethal to mice. Here, the potential effects of the F1Fo-ATP synthase α subunit on host inflammatory responses and the mechanism were studied. Compared with wild-type strain, the F1Fo-ATP synthase α subunit deletion mutant failed to induce inflammatory responses in Galleria mellonella and murine systemic candidiasis models and significantly decreased the mRNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and increased those of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 in the kidney. During C. albicans-macrophage co-culture, the F1Fo-ATP synthase α subunit deletion mutant was trapped inside macrophages in yeast form, and its filamentation, a key factor in inducing inflammatory responses, was inhibited. In the macrophage-mimicking microenvironment, the F1Fo-ATP synthase α subunit deletion mutant blocked the cAMP/PKA pathway, the core filamentation-regulating pathway, because it failed to alkalinize environment by catabolizing amino acids, an important alternative carbon source inside macrophages. The mutant downregulated Put1 and Put2, two essential amino acid catabolic enzymes, possibly due to severely impaired oxidative phosphorylation. Our findings reveal that the C. albicans F1Fo-ATP synthase α subunit induces host inflammatory responses by controlling its own amino acid catabolism and it is significant to find drugs that inhibit F1Fo-ATP synthase α subunit activity to control the induction of host inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuixiu Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Luobei Weng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yajing Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yishan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhanpeng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiaoxin Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaocong Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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9
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Mori T, Kataoka H, Into T. Effect of NLRP3 deficiency on cytotoxic and IL-1β-producing activities of synthetic candidalysin peptide. J Oral Biosci 2023; 65:287-292. [PMID: 37659475 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2023.08.007] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Candidalysin (CL), a hydrophobic peptide toxin secreted by Candida albicans, is a key virulence factor that contributes to cytolysis, tissue damage, and immune activation. CL is thought to exert some of its biological activities, including IL-1β production, through the activation of the NLRP3-inflammasome pathway. To date, the mechanism by which CL affects human NLRP3 is not fully understood. We investigated specific activities of synthetic CL peptides using human-derived NLRP3-deficient cells. METHODS Two distinct synthetic CL peptide solutions were prepared: CLd, with CL completely solubilized as nanoparticles in dimethyl sulfoxide, and CLw, with CL partly solubilized in water, and including insoluble microparticles. THP-1 human monocytic cells and NLRP3-deficient THP-1 cells were differentiated into macrophages and stimulated with these peptide solutions. Cell membrane damage, lactate dehydrogenase release, IL-1β production, and caspase-1 activation in stimulated cells were subsequently evaluated. RESULTS Both CLd and CLw exhibited cytotoxic activities independent of NLRP3. Importantly, CLd induced IL-1β production and caspase-1 activation in an NLRP3-independent manner, whereas these activities in CLw-stimulated cells were entirely NLRP3-dependent, suggesting that the NLRP3-dependent response might be triggered by insoluble microparticles. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that inherent CL activities can cause cell damage and IL-1β production in an NLRP3-independent manner. Our research advances the elucidation of the role of NLRP3 in CL biological activity, underscoring the necessity for further exploration of the precise mechanisms underlying the NLRP3-independent effects of CL and providing novel insights into the complexity of host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Mori
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Division of Oral Infections Health Sciences, Asahi University School of Dentistry, 1851 Hozumi, Mizuho, Gifu 501-0296, Japan
| | - Hideo Kataoka
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Division of Oral Infections Health Sciences, Asahi University School of Dentistry, 1851 Hozumi, Mizuho, Gifu 501-0296, Japan
| | - Takeshi Into
- Department of Oral Microbiology, Division of Oral Infections Health Sciences, Asahi University School of Dentistry, 1851 Hozumi, Mizuho, Gifu 501-0296, Japan.
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10
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Ng AWR, Li L, Ng EWL, Li C, Qiao Y. Molecular Docking Reveals Critical Residues in Candida albicans Cyr1 for Peptidoglycan Recognition and Hyphal Growth. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1362-1371. [PMID: 37318518 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00115] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The key virulent characteristic of Candida albicans, the major fungal pathogen in humans, lies in its ability to switch between the benign yeast state and the invasive hyphal form upon exposure to specific stimuli. Among the numerous hyphal-inducing signals, bacterial peptidoglycan fragments (PGNs) represent the most potent inducers of C. albicans hyphal growth. The sole adenylyl cyclase Cyr1 in C. albicans is a known sensor for PGNs and activates downstream signaling of hyphal growth, yet the molecular details of PGN-Cyr1 interactions have remained unclear. In this study, we performed in silico docking of a PGN motif to the modeled structure of the Cyr1 leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain and uncovered four putative PGN-interacting residues in Cyr1_LRR. The critical roles of these residues in PGN binding and supporting C. albicans hyphal growth were demonstrated by in-gel fluorescence binding assay and hyphal induction assay, respectively. Remarkably, the C. albicans mutant harboring the cyr1 variant allele that is defective for PGN recognition exhibits significantly reduced cytotoxicity in macrophage infection assay. Overall, our work offered important insights into the molecular recognition of PGNs by C. albicans Cyr1 sensor protein, establishing that disruption of PGN recognition by Cyr1 results in defective hyphal growth and reduced virulence of C. albicans. Our findings provide an exciting starting point for the future development of Cyr1 antagonists as novel anti-virulence therapeutics to combat C. albicans invasive growth and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Wee Ren Ng
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore S637371, Singapore
| | - Lanxin Li
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore S637371, Singapore
| | - Evan Wei Long Ng
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore S637371, Singapore
| | - Chenyu Li
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore S637371, Singapore
| | - Yuan Qiao
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore S637371, Singapore
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11
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Zhu W, Zhang H, Dong Q, Song H, Zhao L. Dual wave of neutrophil recruitment determines the outcome of C. albicans infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1239593. [PMID: 37492529 PMCID: PMC10364056 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1239593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a ubiquitous fungus that can cause superficial and systemic infections in humans. Neutrophils play a crucial role in controlling C. albicans infections. When C. albicans enters the bloodstream, it tends to get trapped in capillary vessels. However, the behavior of neutrophils in combating capillary-residing fungi has not been fully characterized. In this study, we used transgenic mice and whole mount imaging to investigate the growth of C. albicans and its interaction with innate immune cells in different organs. We observed that C. albicans rapidly grows hyphae within hours of infection. Following intravenous infection, we observed two waves of neutrophil recruitment, both of which significantly contributed to the elimination of the fungi. The first wave of neutrophils was induced by complement activation and could be prevented by C5aR blockade. Interestingly, we discovered that the fungicidal effect in the lungs was independent of adhesion molecules such as Mac-1, LFA-1, and ICAM-1. However, these molecules played a more significant role in the optimal killing of C. albicans in the kidney. Importantly, the initial difference in killing efficiency resulted in significantly reduced survival in knockout mice lacking these adhesion molecules. We identified a second wave of neutrophil recruitment associated with hyphal growth and tissue damage, which was independent of the aforementioned adhesion molecules. Overall, this study elucidates the dual wave of neutrophil recruitment during C. albicans infection and highlights the importance of early fungal clearance for favorable disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Huifang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiming Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Towson, MD, United States
| | - Hongyong Song
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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12
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Fang X, Lian H, Liu S, Dong J, Hua X, Li W, Liao C, Yuan X. A positive feedback cycle between the alarmin S100A8/A9 and NLRP3 inflammasome-GSDMD signalling reinforces the innate immune response in Candida albicans keratitis. Inflamm Res 2023:10.1007/s00011-023-01757-5. [PMID: 37335321 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01757-5] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fungal keratitis is a severe sight-threatening ocular infection, without effective treatment strategies available now. Calprotectin S100A8/A9 has recently attracted great attention as a critical alarmin modulating the innate immune response against microbial challenges. However, the unique role of S100A8/A9 in fungal keratitis is poorly understood. METHODS Experimental fungal keratitis was established in wild-type and gene knockout (TLR4-/- and GSDMD-/-) mice by infecting mouse corneas with Candida albicans. The degree of mouse cornea injuries was evaluated by clinical scoring. To interrogate the molecular mechanism in vitro, macrophage RAW264.7 cell line was challenged with Candida albicans or recombinant S100A8/A9 protein. Label-free quantitative proteomics, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were conducted in this research. RESULTS Herein, we characterized the proteome of mouse corneas infected with Candida albicans and found that S100A8/A9 was robustly expressed at the early stage of the disease. S100A8/A9 significantly enhanced disease progression by promoting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Caspase-1 maturation, accompanied by increased accumulation of macrophages in infected corneas. In response to Candida albicans infection, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) sensed extracellular S100A8/A9 and acted as a bridge between S100A8/A9 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse corneas. Furthermore, the deletion of TLR4 resulted in noticeable improvement in fungal keratitis. Remarkably, NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated macrophage pyroptosis in turn facilitates S100A8/A9 secretion during Candida albicans keratitis, thus forming a positive feedback cycle that amplifies the proinflammatory response in corneas. CONCLUSIONS The present study is the first to reveal the critical roles of the alarmin S100A8/A9 in the immunopathology of Candida albicans keratitis, highlighting a promising approach for therapeutic intervention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Fang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huifang Lian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baoding First Central Hospital, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingcun Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Hua
- Aier Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenguang Li
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyang Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiaoyong Yuan
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin, China.
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13
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Wang L, Zhang K, Zeng Y, Luo Y, Peng J, Zhang J, Kuang T, Fan G. Gut mycobiome and metabolic diseases: The known, the unknown, and the future. Pharmacol Res 2023; 193:106807. [PMID: 37244385 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity, have become a major public health problem worldwide. In recent years, most research on the role of gut microbes in metabolic diseases has focused on bacteria, whereas fungal microbes have been neglected. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of gut fungal alterations in T2DM, obesity, and NAFLD, and to discuss the mechanisms associated with disease development. In addition, several novel strategies targeting gut mycobiome and/or their metabolites to improve T2DM, obesity and NAFLD, including fungal probiotics, antifungal drugs, dietary intervention, and fecal microbiota transplantation, are critically discussed. The accumulated evidence suggests that gut mycobiome plays an important role in the occurrence and development of metabolic diseases. The possible mechanisms by which the gut mycobiome affects metabolic diseases include fungal-induced immune responses, fungal-bacterial interactions, and fungal-derived metabolites. Candida albicans, Aspergillus and Meyerozyma may be potential pathogens of metabolic diseases because they can activate the immune system and/or produce harmful metabolites. Moreover, Saccharomyces boulardii, S. cerevisiae, Alternaria, and Cochliobolus fungi may have the potential to improve metabolic diseases. The information may provide an important reference for the development of new therapeutics for metabolic diseases based on gut mycobiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yujiao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuting Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jiayan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tingting Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Gang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy and School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Meishan Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meishan, 620010, China.
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14
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Gaziano R, Sabbatini S, Monari C. The Interplay between Candida albicans, Vaginal Mucosa, Host Immunity and Resident Microbiota in Health and Disease: An Overview and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1211. [PMID: 37317186 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is primarily caused by Candida albicans, is an infection that affects up to 75% of all reproductive-age women worldwide. Recurrent VVC (RVVC) is defined as >3 episodes per year and affects nearly 8% of women globally. At mucosal sites of the vagina, a delicate and complex balance exists between Candida spp., host immunity and local microbial communities. In fact, both immune response and microbiota composition play a central role in counteracting overgrowth of the fungus and maintaining homeostasis in the host. If this balance is perturbed, the conditions may favor C. albicans overgrowth and the yeast-to-hyphal transition, predisposing the host to VVC. To date, the factors that affect the equilibrium between Candida spp. and the host and drive the transition from C. albicans commensalism to pathogenicity are not yet fully understood. Understanding the host- and fungus-related factors that drive VVC pathogenesis is of paramount importance for the development of adequate therapeutic interventions to combat this common genital infection. This review focuses on the latest advances in the pathogenic mechanisms implicated in the onset of VVC and also discusses novel potential strategies, with a special focus on the use of probiotics and vaginal microbiota transplantation in the treatment and/or prevention of recurrent VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Samuele Sabbatini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Monari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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15
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Doron I, Kusakabe T, Iliev ID. Immunoglobulins at the interface of the gut mycobiota and anti-fungal immunity. Semin Immunol 2023; 67:101757. [PMID: 37003056 PMCID: PMC10192079 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic and complex community of microbes that colonizes the intestines is composed of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. At the mucosal surfaces, immunoglobulins play a key role in protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens, and their toxins. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is the most abundantly produced antibody at the mucosal surfaces, while Immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotypes play a critical role in systemic protection. IgA and IgG antibodies with reactivity to commensal fungi play an important role in shaping the mycobiota and host antifungal immunity. In this article, we review the latest evidence that establishes a connection between commensal fungi and B cell-mediated antifungal immunity as an additional layer of protection against fungal infections and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itai Doron
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Takato Kusakabe
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Iliyan D Iliev
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; The Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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16
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Wang X, Zhang W, Wu W, Wu S, Young A, Yan Z. Is Candida albicans a contributor to cancer? A critical review based on the current evidence. Microbiol Res 2023; 272:127370. [PMID: 37028206 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The association between Candida albicans (C. albicans) and cancer has been noticed for decades. Whether C. albicans infection is a complication of cancer status or as a contributor to cancer development remains to be discussed. This review systematically summarized the up-to-date knowledge about associations between C. albicans and various types of cancer, and discussed the role of C. albicans in cancer development. Most of the current clinical and animal evidence support the relationship between C. albicans and oral cancer development. However, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate the role of C. albicans in other types of cancer. Moreover, this review explored the underlying mechanisms for C. albicans promoting cancer. It was hypothesized that C. albicans may promote cancer progression by producing carcinogenic metabolites, inducing chronic inflammation, remodeling immune microenvironment, activating pro-cancer signals, and synergizing with bacteria.
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17
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Lange T, Kasper L, Gresnigt MS, Brunke S, Hube B. "Under Pressure" - How fungi evade, exploit, and modulate cells of the innate immune system. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101738. [PMID: 36878023 PMCID: PMC10109127 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The human immune system uses an arsenal of effector mechanisms to prevent and counteract infections. Yet, some fungal species are extremely successful as human pathogens, which can be attributed to a wide variety of strategies by which these fungi evade, exploit, and modulate the immune system. These fungal pathogens normally are either harmless commensals or environmental fungi. In this review we discuss how commensalism, but also life in an environmental niche without human contact, can drive the evolution of diverse and specialized immune evasion mechanisms. Correspondingly, we discuss the mechanisms contributing to the ability of these fungi to cause superficial to life-threatening infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Lange
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
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18
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Garbe E, Thielemann N, Hohner S, Kumar A, Vylkova S, Kurzai O, Martin R. Functional analysis of the Candida albicans ECE1 Promoter. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0025323. [PMID: 36786567 PMCID: PMC10100963 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00253-23] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of hyphae is a key virulence attribute of Candida albicans as they are required for adhesion to and invasion of host cells, and ultimately deep-tissue dissemination. Hyphae also secrete the peptide toxin candidalysin, which is crucial for destruction of host cell membranes. The peptide is derived from a precursor protein encoded by the gene ECE1 which is strongly induced during hyphal growth. Previous studies revealed a very complex regulation of this gene involving several transcription factors. However, the promoter of the gene is still not characterized. Here, we present a functional analysis of the intergenic region upstream of the ECE1 gene. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE)-PCR was performed to identify the 5' untranslated region, which has a size of 49 bp regardless of the hyphae-inducing condition. By using green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter constructs we further defined a minimal promoter length of 1,500 bp which was verified by RT-qPCR. Finally, we identified the TATA element required for the expression of the gene. It is located 106 to 109 bp upstream of the ECE1 start codon. Our results illustrate that despite a very short 5' UTR, a relatively long promoter is required to secure ECE1 transcription, indicating a complex regulatory machinery tightly controlling the expression of the gene. IMPORTANCE In recent years it was shown that secretion of the toxic peptide candidalysin from hyphae of the major human fungal pathogen Candida albicans contributes heavily to its virulence. The peptide is derived from a precursor protein which is encoded by the ECE1 gene whose transcription is known to be closely associated with formation of hyphae. Here, we used a GFP reporter system to determine the length of the ECE1 promoter and were able to show that it has a minimal size of 1,500 bp. Surprisingly, the gene has a very short 5' UTR of only 49 bp. In accordance with this, the TATA element required for transcription is located 106 to 109 bp upstream of the start codon. This indicates that ECE1 expression is controlled by a very long promoter allowing a complex network of transcription factors to contribute to the gene's regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Garbe
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Nadja Thielemann
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sina Hohner
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Animesh Kumar
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Slavena Vylkova
- Septomics Research Center, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Research Group Fungal Septomics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ronny Martin
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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19
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Russell CM, Rybak JA, Miao J, Peters BM, Barrera FN. Candidalysin: Connecting the pore forming mechanism of this virulence factor to its immunostimulatory properties. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102829. [PMID: 36581211 PMCID: PMC9852700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a deadly pathogen responsible for millions of mucosal and systemic infections per year. The pathobiology of C. albicans is largely dependent on the damaging and immunostimulatory properties of the peptide candidalysin (CL), a key virulence factor. When CL forms pores in the plasma membrane of epithelial cells, it activates a response network grounded in activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Prior reviews have characterized the resulting CL immune activation schemas but lacked insights into the molecular mechanism of CL membrane damage. We recently demonstrated that CL functions by undergoing a unique self-assembly process; CL forms polymers and loops in aqueous solution prior to inserting and forming pores in cell membranes. This mechanism, the first of its kind to be observed, informs new therapeutic avenues to treat Candida infections. Recently, variants of CL were identified in other Candida species, providing an opportunity to identify the residues that are key for CL to function. In this review, we connect the ability of CL to damage cell membranes to its immunostimulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Russell
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer A Rybak
- School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jian Miao
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brian M Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Francisco N Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
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20
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Lin P, Zhang J, Xie G, Li J, Guo C, Lin H, Zhang Y. Innate Immune Responses to Sporothrix schenckii: Recognition and Elimination. Mycopathologia 2022; 188:71-86. [PMID: 36329281 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-022-00683-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii (S. schenckii), a ubiquitous thermally dimorphic fungus, is the etiological agent of sporotrichosis, affecting immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Despite current antifungal regimens, sporotrichosis results in prolonged treatment and significant mortality rates in the immunosuppressed population. The innate immune system forms the host's first and primary line of defense against S. schenckii, which has a bi-layered cell wall structure. Many components act as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in pathogen-host interactions. PAMPs are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as toll-like receptors, C-type lectin receptors, and complement receptors, triggering innate immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells to phagocytize or produce mediators, contributing to S. schenckii elimination. The ultrastructure of S. schenckii and pathogen-host interactions, including PRRs and innate immune cells, are summarized in this review, promoting a better understanding of the innate immune response to S. schenckii and aiding in the development of protective and therapeutic strategies to combat sporotrichosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Lin
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Guinan Xie
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Junchen Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenqi Guo
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Haiyue Lin
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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21
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Olivier FAB, Hilsenstein V, Weerasinghe H, Weir A, Hughes S, Crawford S, Vince JE, Hickey MJ, Traven A. The escape of Candida albicans from macrophages is enabled by the fungal toxin candidalysin and two host cell death pathways. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111374. [PMID: 36130496 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The egress of Candida hyphae from macrophages facilitates immune evasion, but it also alerts macrophages to infection and triggers inflammation. To better define the mechanisms, here we develop an imaging assay to directly and dynamically quantify hyphal escape and correlate it to macrophage responses. The assay reveals that Candida escapes by using two pore-forming proteins to permeabilize macrophage membranes: the fungal toxin candidalysin and Nlrp3 inflammasome-activated Gasdermin D. Candidalysin plays a major role in escape, with Nlrp3 and Gasdermin D-dependent and -independent contributions. The inactivation of Nlrp3 does not reduce hyphal escape, and we identify ETosis via macrophage extracellular trap formation as an additional pathway facilitating hyphal escape. Suppressing hyphal escape does not reduce fungal loads, but it does reduce inflammatory activation. Our findings explain how Candida escapes from macrophages by using three strategies: permeabilizing macrophage membranes via candidalysin and engaging two host cell death pathways, Gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis and ETosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françios A B Olivier
- Infection Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800 VIC, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | - Harshini Weerasinghe
- Infection Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800 VIC, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ashley Weir
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sebastian Hughes
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Simon Crawford
- Monash Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - James E Vince
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Michael J Hickey
- Monash Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University Department of Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Ana Traven
- Infection Program, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton 3800 VIC, Australia; Centre to Impact AMR, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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22
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Solubility affects IL-1β-producing activity of the synthetic candidalysin peptide. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273663. [PMID: 36040970 PMCID: PMC9426886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Candidalysin, a peptide toxin produced specifically from hyphae of Candida albicans, plays a crucial role in C. albicans pathogenesis in the oral cavity and vagina. Synthetic peptides have been widely used in previous studies to investigate the bioactivity of candidalysin. Although the solubility of the peptide, which is expected to have a hydrophobic property, has not been well characterized, candidalysin solutions are usually prepared in water. In this study, we prepared the synthetic peptide candidalysin in water (CLw) or in dimethyl sulfoxide (CLd) and compared their cytotoxicity and interleukin (IL)-1β-producing activity to determine whether the activity of the peptide would be affected. In addition, we evaluated whether the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway or other pathways were involved in their activities. Unexpectedly, we found that CLw was not completely solubilized and contained abundant insoluble microparticles. CLw was active at comparably high concentrations (≥ 10 μM). In contrast, CLd is completely solubilized and sufficiently active at low concentrations, that is, 1 μM or less. CLw showed weak cytotoxicity and NLRP3-dependent and cathepsin B-dependent IL-1β-producing activity, whereas CLd showed strong cytotoxicity and cathepsin B-dependent IL-1β-producing activity. Fractionation of CLw revealed that NLRP3-dependent activity was caused by insoluble microparticles. Furthermore, nanoparticle tracking of CLd revealed that the peptide was present as nanoparticles with a size of 96 nm. CLw contained a small amount of such nanoparticles. Thus, the bioactivities of the synthetic peptide candidalysin, especially the IL-1β-producing activity, are affected by the solubility of the peptide depending on the solvent employed. The NLRP3-dependent activity of the synthetic peptide is caused by insoluble microparticles and may not be the intrinsic activity of candidalysin.
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Gut Non-Bacterial Microbiota: Emerging Link to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090596. [PMID: 36136534 PMCID: PMC9503233 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) significantly affects personal health and imposes a substantial economic burden on society, but the current understanding of its occurrence and treatment is still inadequate. Emerging evidence suggests that IBS is associated with gut microbial dysbiosis, but most studies focus on the bacteria and neglect other communities of the microbiota, including fungi, viruses, archaea, and other parasitic microorganisms. This review summarizes the latest findings that link the nonbacterial microbiota with IBS. IBS patients show less fungal and viral diversity but some alterations in mycobiome, virome, and archaeome, such as an increased abundance of Candida albicans. Moreover, fungi and methanogens can aid in diagnosis. Fungi are related to distinct IBS symptoms and induce immune responses, intestinal barrier disruption, and visceral hypersensitivity via specific receptors, cells, and metabolites. Novel therapeutic methods for IBS include fungicides, inhibitors targeting fungal pathogenic pathways, probiotic fungi, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. Additionally, viruses, methanogens, and parasitic microorganisms are also involved in the pathophysiology and treatment. Therefore, the gut nonbacterial microbiota is involved in the pathogenesis of IBS, which provides a novel perspective on the noninvasive diagnosis and precise treatment of this disease.
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Le Bars P, Kouadio AA, Bandiaky ON, Le Guéhennec L, de La Cochetière MF. Host's Immunity and Candida Species Associated with Denture Stomatitis: A Narrative Review. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071437. [PMID: 35889156 PMCID: PMC9323190 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Denture-related Candida stomatitis, which has been described clinically in the literature, is either localized or generalized inflammation of the oral mucosa in connection with a removable prosthesis. During this inflammatory process, the mycobacterial biofilm and the host’s immune response play an essential role. Among microorganisms of this mixed biofilm, the Candida species proliferates easily and changes from a commensal to an opportunistic pathogen. In this situation, the relationship between the Candida spp. and the host is influenced by the presence of the denture and conditioned both by the immune response and the oral microbiota. Specifically, this fungus is able to hijack the innate immune system of its host to cause infection. Additionally, older edentulous wearers of dentures may experience an imbalanced and decreased oral microbiome diversity. Under these conditions, the immune deficiency of these aging patients often promotes the spread of commensals and pathogens. The present narrative review aimed to analyze the innate and adaptive immune responses of patients with denture stomatitis and more particularly the involvement of Candida albicans sp. associated with this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Le Bars
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Nantes University, 1 Place Alexis Ricordeau, 44042 Nantes, France; (A.A.K.); (O.N.B.); (L.L.G.)
- Correspondence: authors:
| | - Alain Ayepa Kouadio
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Nantes University, 1 Place Alexis Ricordeau, 44042 Nantes, France; (A.A.K.); (O.N.B.); (L.L.G.)
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, CHU, Abidjan P.O. Box 612, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Octave Nadile Bandiaky
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Nantes University, 1 Place Alexis Ricordeau, 44042 Nantes, France; (A.A.K.); (O.N.B.); (L.L.G.)
| | - Laurent Le Guéhennec
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Nantes University, 1 Place Alexis Ricordeau, 44042 Nantes, France; (A.A.K.); (O.N.B.); (L.L.G.)
| | - Marie-France de La Cochetière
- EA 3826 Thérapeutiques Cliniques Et expérimentales des Infections, Faculté de Médecine, CHU Hôtel-Dieu, Université de Nantes, 1, rue G. Veil, 44000 Nantes, France;
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Galectin-3 Is a Crucial Immunological Disease Marker in Patients with Fungal Keratitis. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:1380560. [PMID: 35845133 PMCID: PMC9286934 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1380560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis, one of the most common infectious eye diseases in China, often results in a poor prognosis due to a delayed diagnosis and the insufficiency of effective therapy. There is an urgent need to identify specific biomarkers for the disease. In this study, we screened out tear proteins in patients with fungal keratitis by microsphere-based immunoassay analysis. Levels of cytokine expression were determined in both human corneal epithelial cell models in vitro and the corneas of patients by western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and immunofluorescence analysis. Neutrophil activation was examined by flow cytometry analysis. The relationship between the cytokine expression and neutrophils was evaluated by immunofluorescence costaining and correlation analysis. These results demonstrated that the galectin-3 expression level was increased in both cell model and patient samples at the early and late stages of fungal keratitis. The neutrophils were significantly activated during the disease course of fungal keratitis. Meanwhile, colocalization and a positive correlation between galectin-3 and neutrophils were observed, suggesting that galectin-3 may play a crucial role in the recruitment of neutrophils and immune regulation of fungal keratitis. In conclusion, galectin-3 could be a key disease marker implying a beneficial immune response in the pathogenesis of fungal keratitis, which might be a target of therapeutic strategy in the future.
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Begum R, Thota S, Abdulkadir A, Kaur G, Bagam P, Batra S. NADPH oxidase family proteins: signaling dynamics to disease management. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:660-686. [PMID: 35585127 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00858-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are pervasive signaling molecules in biological systems. In humans, a lack of ROS causes chronic and extreme bacterial infections, while uncontrolled release of these factors causes pathologies due to excessive inflammation. Professional phagocytes such as neutrophils (PMNs), eosinophils, monocytes, and macrophages use superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase (NOX) as part of their arsenal of antimicrobial mechanisms to produce high levels of ROS. NOX is a multisubunit enzyme complex composed of five essential subunits, two of which are localized in the membrane, while three are localized in the cytosol. In resting phagocytes, the oxidase complex is unassembled and inactive; however, it becomes activated after cytosolic components translocate to the membrane and are assembled into a functional oxidase. The NOX isoforms play a variety of roles in cellular differentiation, development, proliferation, apoptosis, cytoskeletal control, migration, and contraction. Recent studies have identified NOX as a major contributor to disease pathologies, resulting in a shift in focus on inhibiting the formation of potentially harmful free radicals. Therefore, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and the transduction pathways involved in NOX-mediated signaling is essential for the development of new therapeutic agents that minimize the hyperproduction of ROS. The current review provides a thorough overview of the various NOX enzymes and their roles in disease pathophysiology, highlights pharmacological strategies, and discusses the importance of computational modeling for future NOX-related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwana Begum
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunotoxicology, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, 70813, USA
| | - Shilpa Thota
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunotoxicology, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, 70813, USA
| | - Abubakar Abdulkadir
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunotoxicology, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, 70813, USA
| | - Gagandeep Kaur
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunotoxicology, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, 70813, USA.,Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Prathyusha Bagam
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunotoxicology, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, 70813, USA.,Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Sanjay Batra
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunotoxicology, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, 70813, USA.
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Banerjee SK, Chatterjee A, Gupta S, Nagar A. Activation and Regulation of NLRP3 by Sterile and Infectious Insults. Front Immunol 2022; 13:896353. [PMID: 35663964 PMCID: PMC9161712 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.896353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nod-Like Receptor (NLR) is the largest family of Pathogen Recognition Receptors (PRRs) that patrols the cytosolic environment. NLR engagement drives caspase-1 activation that cleaves pro-IL-1B which then gets secreted. Released IL-1B recruits immune cells to the site of infection/injury. Caspase-1 also cleaves Gasdermin-D (GSDM-D) that forms pores within the plasma membrane driving inflammatory cell death called pyroptosis. NLRP3 is the most extensively studied NLR. The NLRP3 gene is encoded by 9 exons, where exon 1 codes for pyrin domain, exon 3 codes for NACHT domain, and Leucine Rich Repeat (LRR) domain is coded by exon 4-9. Exon 2 codes for a highly disorganized loop that connects the rest of the protein to the pyrin domain and may be involved in NLRP3 regulation. The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated by many structurally divergent agonists of microbial, environmental, and host origin. Activated NLRP3 interacts with an adaptor protein, ASC, that bridges it to pro-Caspase-1 forming a multi-protein complex called inflammasome. Dysregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activity is a hallmark of pathogenesis in several human diseases, indicating its highly significant clinical relevance. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge about the mechanism of activation of NLRP3 and its regulation during activation by infectious and sterile triggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srijon K. Banerjee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ayan Chatterjee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shamba Gupta
- Division of Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Abhinit Nagar
- Flow Cytometry, Luminex Corporation, Austin, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Abhinit Nagar,
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Zhao W, Deng Z, Barkema HW, Xu M, Gao J, Liu G, Lin Y, Kastelic JP, Han B. Nrf2 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathways are involved in Prototheca bovis infections of mouse mammary gland tissue and mammary epithelial cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 184:148-157. [PMID: 35417750 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Prototheca bovis is a serious pathogen for animals, but pathogenesis of P. bovis mastitis is unclear. The objective was to characterize how P. bovis induces inflammatory responses in mouse mammary gland tissue and mammary epithelial cells (mMECs). Prototheca bovis damaged mammary gland tissue and mitochondrial structure, and induced oxidative stress, as evident by significant increases in mtROS and MDA concentrations and significant decreases in T-SOD activity in both mammary gland tissue and mMECs. Expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and Keap1 proteins was significantly changed in mammary gland tissue and mMECs after P. bovis infection. Additionally, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18) and protein expressions in NF-κB and in the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway were significantly increased in mammary gland tissue and mMECs. In the P. bovis group, treatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) significantly decreased protein expression in NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, as well as IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18, whereas protein expression in the Nrf2 pathway was significantly changed. Inhibition of NF-κB or NLRP3 significantly decreased expression of IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in mMECs infected with P. bovis. Additionally, activating Nrf2 inhibited expression of NLRP3 and IL-1β. In conclusion, P. bovis induced an inflammatory response via the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway; however, scavenging ROS or activating Nrf2 mitigated the inflammatory response in infected mMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Zhao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Zhaoju Deng
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Herman W Barkema
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Maolin Xu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yushan Lin
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - John P Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
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Wang Y, Xu H, Chen N, Yang J, Zhou H. LncRNA: A Potential Target for Host-Directed Therapy of Candida Infection. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030621. [PMID: 35335994 PMCID: PMC8954347 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite various drugs work against Candida, candidiasis represents clinical management challenges worldwide due to the rising incidence and recurrence rate, as well as epidemics, of new drug-resistant pathogens. Recent insights into interactions between Candida and hosts contribute to exploring novel therapeutic strategies, termed host-directed therapies (HDTs). HDTs are viable adjuncts with good efficacy for the existing standard antifungal regimens. However, HDTs induce other response unintendedly, thus requiring molecular targets with highly specificity. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with highly specific expression patterns could affect biological processes, including the immune response. Herein, this review will summarize recent advances of HDTs based on the Candida–host interaction. Especially, the findings and application strategies of lncRNAs related to the host response are emphasized. We propose it is feasible to target lncRNAs to modulate the host defense during Candida infection, which provides a new perspective in identifying options of HDTs for candidiasis.
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Abstract
Candidalysin is the first cytolytic peptide toxin identified in any human fungal pathogen. Candidalysin is secreted by Candida albicans and is critical for driving infection and host immune responses in several model systems. However, Candida infections are also caused by non-C. albicans species. Here, we identify and characterize orthologs of C. albicans candidalysin in C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis. The candidalysins have different amino acid sequences, are amphipathic, and adopt a predominantly α-helical secondary structure in solution. Comparative functional analysis demonstrates that each candidalysin causes epithelial damage and calcium influx and activates intracellular signaling pathways and cytokine secretion. Importantly, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis candidalysins have higher damaging and activation potential than C. albicans candidalysin and exhibit more rapid membrane binding and disruption, although both fungal species cause less damage to epithelial cells than C. albicans. This study identifies the first family of peptide cytolysins in human-pathogenic fungi. IMPORTANCE Pathogenic fungi kill an estimated 1.5 million people every year. Recently, we discovered that the fungal pathogen Candida albicans secretes a peptide toxin called candidalysin during mucosal infection. Candidalysin causes damage to host cells, a process that supports disease progression. However, fungal infections are also caused by Candida species other than C. albicans. In this work, we identify and characterize two additional candidalysin toxins present in the related fungal pathogens C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis. While the three candidalysins have different amino acid sequences, all three toxins are α-helical and amphipathic. Notably, the candidalysins from C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis are more potent at inducing cell damage, calcium influx, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, and cytokine responses than C. albicans candidalysin, with the C. dubliniensis candidalysin having the most rapid membrane binding kinetics. These observations identify the candidalysins as the first family of peptide toxins in human-pathogenic fungi.
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Herman A, Herman AP. Could Candida Overgrowth Be Involved in the Pathophysiology of Autism? J Clin Med 2022; 11:442. [PMID: 35054136 PMCID: PMC8778531 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize the current acquiredknowledge of Candida overgrowth in the intestine as a possible etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The influence of Candida sp. on the immune system, brain, and behavior of children with ASD isdescribed. The benefits of interventions such as a carbohydrates-exclusion diet, probiotic supplementation, antifungal agents, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and microbiota transfer therapy (MTT) will be also discussed. Our literature query showed that the results of most studies do not fully support the hypothesis that Candida overgrowth is correlated with gastrointestinal (GI) problems and contributes to autism behavioral symptoms occurrence. On the one hand, it was reported that the modulation of microbiota composition in the gut may decrease Candida overgrowth, help reduce GI problems and autism symptoms. On the other hand, studies on humans suggesting the beneficial effects of a sugar-free diet, probiotic supplementation, FMT and MTT treatment in ASD are limited and inconclusive. Due to the increasing prevalence of ASD, studies on the etiology of this disorder are extremely needed and valuable. However, to elucidate the possible involvement of Candida in the pathophysiology of ASD, more reliable and well-designed research is certainly required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Herman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Warsaw School of Engineering and Health, Bitwy Warszawskiej 20 18, 19 Street, 02-366 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Przemysław Herman
- Department of Genetic Engineering, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3 Street, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland;
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Yang M, Solis NV, Marshall M, Garleb R, Zhou T, Wang D, Swidergall M, Pearlman E, Filler SG, Liu H. Control of β-glucan exposure by the endo-1,3-glucanase Eng1 in Candida albicans modulates virulence. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010192. [PMID: 34995333 PMCID: PMC8775328 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major opportunistic pathogen of humans. It can grow as morphologically distinct yeast, pseudohyphae and hyphae, and the ability to switch reversibly among different forms is critical for its virulence. The relationship between morphogenesis and innate immune recognition is not quite clear. Dectin-1 is a major C-type lectin receptor that recognizes β-glucan in the fungal cell wall. C. albicans β-glucan is usually masked by the outer mannan layer of the cell wall. Whether and how β-glucan masking is differentially regulated during hyphal morphogenesis is not fully understood. Here we show that the endo-1,3-glucanase Eng1 is differentially expressed in yeast, and together with Yeast Wall Protein 1 (Ywp1), regulates β-glucan exposure and Dectin-1-dependent immune activation of macrophage by yeast cells. ENG1 deletion results in enhanced Dectin-1 binding at the septa of yeast cells; while eng1 ywp1 yeast cells show strong overall Dectin-1 binding similar to hyphae of wild-type and eng1 mutants. Correlatively, hyphae of wild-type and eng1 induced similar levels of cytokines in macrophage. ENG1 expression and Eng1-mediated β-glucan trimming are also regulated by antifungal drugs, lactate and N-acetylglucosamine. Deletion of ENG1 modulates virulence in the mouse model of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis in a Dectin-1-dependent manner. The eng1 mutant exhibited attenuated lethality in male mice, but enhanced lethality in female mice, which was associated with a stronger renal immune response and lower fungal burden. Thus, Eng1-regulated β-glucan exposure in yeast cells modulates the balance between immune protection and immunopathogenesis during disseminated candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Yang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Norma V. Solis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, United States of America
| | - Michaela Marshall
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Rachel Garleb
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Daidong Wang
- Amgen Inc. Thousand Oaks, California, United States of America
| | - Marc Swidergall
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, United States of America
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Eric Pearlman
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Institute of Immunology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Scott G. Filler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, United States of America
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Haoping Liu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Institute of Immunology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Lactobacillus iners Cell-Free Supernatant Enhances Biofilm Formation and Hyphal/Pseudohyphal Growth by Candida albicans Vaginal Isolates. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122577. [PMID: 34946178 PMCID: PMC8706969 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal fungus of the vaginal mucosa and the principal etiological agent of vaginal candidiasis. Vaginal dysbiosis has been reported during vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), with a progressive decrease in Lactobacillus crispatus population and an increase in L. iners population. To date, the role of L. iners in VVC pathogenesis remains scarcely explored. Herein we investigated the in vitro effect of L. iners cell-free supernatant (CFS) on the ability of C. albicans to form biofilms. Biomass and metabolic activity were measured by crystal violet and XTT assays. Further, light microscopy was performed to determine the effect of L. iners CFS on biofilm cellular morphology. We found that L. iners CFS induced a significant increase in biofilm formation by C. albicans clinical isolates which were categorized as moderate or weak biofilm producers. This effect was associated with an enhancement of hyphal/pseudohyphal growth, and the expression levels of HWP1 and ECE1, which are typical hyphae-associated genes, were upregulated. Overall, these results suggest that L. iners contributes to the pathogenesis of VVC and highlight the complexity of the interaction between C. albicans and vaginal lactobacilli. Understanding these interactions could prove essential for the development of new strategies for treating VVC.
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Ding X, Kambara H, Guo R, Kanneganti A, Acosta-Zaldívar M, Li J, Liu F, Bei T, Qi W, Xie X, Han W, Liu N, Zhang C, Zhang X, Yu H, Zhao L, Ma F, Köhler JR, Luo HR. Inflammasome-mediated GSDMD activation facilitates escape of Candida albicans from macrophages. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6699. [PMID: 34795266 PMCID: PMC8602704 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27034-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common cause of fungal sepsis. Inhibition of inflammasome activity confers resistance to polymicrobial and LPS-induced sepsis; however, inflammasome signaling appears to protect against C. albicans infection, so inflammasome inhibitors are not clinically useful for candidiasis. Here we show disruption of GSDMD, a known inflammasome target and key pyroptotic cell death mediator, paradoxically alleviates candidiasis, improving outcomes and survival of Candida-infected mice. Mechanistically, C. albicans hijacked the canonical inflammasome-GSDMD axis-mediated pyroptosis to promote their escape from macrophages, deploying hyphae and candidalysin, a pore-forming toxin expressed by hyphae. GSDMD inhibition alleviated candidiasis by preventing C. albicans escape from macrophages while maintaining inflammasome-dependent but GSDMD-independent IL-1β production for anti-fungal host defenses. This study demonstrates key functions for GSDMD in Candida's escape from host immunity in vitro and in vivo and suggests that GSDMD may be a potential therapeutic target in C. albicans-induced sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xionghui Ding
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Hiroto Kambara
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Rongxia Guo
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, CAMS Key laboratory for prevention and control of hematological disease treatment related infection, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Apurva Kanneganti
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Maikel Acosta-Zaldívar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jiajia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, CAMS Key laboratory for prevention and control of hematological disease treatment related infection, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, CAMS Key laboratory for prevention and control of hematological disease treatment related infection, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Ting Bei
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wanjun Qi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xuemei Xie
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wenli Han
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ningning Liu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Cunling Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hongbo Yu
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 1400 VFW Parkway West Roxbury, Boston, MA, 02132, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Fengxia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, CAMS Key laboratory for prevention and control of hematological disease treatment related infection, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Julia R Köhler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hongbo R Luo
- Department of Pathology, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Enders Research Building, Room 814, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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35
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He Y, Tang R, Deng J, Cai T, He P, Wu J, Cao Y. Effects of oestrogen on vulvovaginal candidosis. Mycoses 2021; 65:4-12. [PMID: 34699636 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
As a frequently occurring infectious disease mainly caused by Candida albicans, vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) affects more than 100 million women worldwide every year. Multiple factors that influence C. albicans colonisation have been linked to the incidence of VVC, including high levels of circulating oestrogen due to pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the mechanism(s) by which oestrogen contributes to VVC, which might provide meaningful guidance to the prevention and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei He
- Department of Dermatology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Vascular Disease, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruoyu Tang
- Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Institute of Vascular Disease, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tongkai Cai
- Shanghai Diacart Biomedical Science and Technology Limited Company, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping He
- Renji Hospital, Medical School of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongbing Cao
- Institute of Vascular Disease, Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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36
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From pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis to PANoptosis: A mechanistic compendium of programmed cell death pathways. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:4641-4657. [PMID: 34504660 PMCID: PMC8405902 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis are the most genetically well-defined programmed cell death (PCD) pathways, and they are intricately involved in both homeostasis and disease. Although the identification of key initiators, effectors and executioners in each of these three PCD pathways has historically delineated them as distinct, growing evidence has highlighted extensive crosstalk among them. These observations have led to the establishment of the concept of PANoptosis, defined as an inflammatory PCD pathway regulated by the PANoptosome complex with key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis and/or necroptosis that cannot be accounted for by any of these PCD pathways alone. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the research history of pyroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis. We then examine the intricate crosstalk among these PCD pathways to discuss the current evidence for PANoptosis. We also detail the molecular evidence for the assembly of the PANoptosome complex, a molecular scaffold for contemporaneous engagement of key molecules from pyroptosis, apoptosis, and/or necroptosis. PANoptosis is now known to be critically involved in many diseases, including infection, sterile inflammation and cancer, and future discovery of novel PANoptotic components will continue to broaden our understanding of the fundamental processes of cell death and inform the development of new therapeutics.
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37
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Liu J, Willems HME, Sansevere EA, Allert S, Barker KS, Lowes DJ, Dixson AC, Xu Z, Miao J, DeJarnette C, Tournu H, Palmer GE, Richardson JP, Barrera FN, Hube B, Naglik JR, Peters BM. A variant ECE1 allele contributes to reduced pathogenicity of Candida albicans during vulvovaginal candidiasis. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009884. [PMID: 34506615 PMCID: PMC8432879 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), caused primarily by the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, results in significant quality-of-life issues for women worldwide. Candidalysin, a toxin derived from a polypeptide (Ece1p) encoded by the ECE1 gene, plays a crucial role in driving immunopathology at the vaginal mucosa. This study aimed to determine if expression and/or processing of Ece1p differs across C. albicans isolates and whether this partly underlies differential pathogenicity observed clinically. Using a targeted sequencing approach, we determined that isolate 529L harbors a similarly expressed, yet distinct Ece1p isoform variant that encodes for a predicted functional candidalysin; this isoform was conserved amongst a collection of clinical isolates. Expression of the ECE1 open reading frame (ORF) from 529L in an SC5314-derived ece1Δ/Δ strain resulted in significantly reduced vaginopathogenicity as compared to an isogenic control expressing a wild-type (WT) ECE1 allele. However, in vitro challenge of vaginal epithelial cells with synthetic candidalysin demonstrated similar toxigenic activity amongst SC5314 and 529L isoforms. Creation of an isogenic panel of chimeric strains harboring swapped Ece1p peptides or HiBiT tags revealed reduced secretion with the ORF from 529L that was associated with reduced virulence. A genetic survey of 78 clinical isolates demonstrated a conserved pattern between Ece1p P2 and P3 sequences, suggesting that substrate specificity around Kex2p-mediated KR cleavage sites involved in protein processing may contribute to differential pathogenicity amongst clinical isolates. Therefore, we present a new mechanism for attenuation of C. albicans virulence at the ECE1 locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Liu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Hubertine M. E. Willems
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Emily A. Sansevere
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knöll Institute, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
| | - Katherine S. Barker
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - David J. Lowes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Andrew C. Dixson
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Zhenbo Xu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jian Miao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Christian DeJarnette
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Helene Tournu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Glen E. Palmer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jonathan P. Richardson
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco N. Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knöll Institute, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Julian R. Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Brian M. Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
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Chow EWL, Pang LM, Wang Y. From Jekyll to Hyde: The Yeast-Hyphal Transition of Candida albicans. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070859. [PMID: 34358008 PMCID: PMC8308684 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans, accounting for 15% of nosocomial infections with an estimated attributable mortality of 47%. C. albicans is usually a benign member of the human microbiome in healthy people. Under constant exposure to highly dynamic environmental cues in diverse host niches, C. albicans has successfully evolved to adapt to both commensal and pathogenic lifestyles. The ability of C. albicans to undergo a reversible morphological transition from yeast to filamentous forms is a well-established virulent trait. Over the past few decades, a significant amount of research has been carried out to understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms, signaling pathways, and transcription factors that govern the C. albicans yeast-to-hyphal transition. This review will summarize our current understanding of well-elucidated signal transduction pathways that activate C. albicans hyphal morphogenesis in response to various environmental cues and the cell cycle machinery involved in the subsequent regulation and maintenance of hyphal morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Wai Ling Chow
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore;
| | - Li Mei Pang
- National Dental Centre Singapore, National Dental Research Institute Singapore (NDRIS), 5 Second Hospital Ave, Singapore 168938, Singapore;
| | - Yue Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore;
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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39
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Zhang Y, Tang C, Zhang Z, Li S, Zhao Y, Weng L, Zhang H. Deletion of the ATP2 Gene in Candida albicans Blocks Its Escape From Macrophage Clearance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:643121. [PMID: 33937095 PMCID: PMC8085345 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.643121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages provide the first-line defense against invasive fungal infections and, therefore, escape from macrophage becomes the basis for the establishment of Candida albicans invasive infection. Here, we found that deletion of ATP2 (atp2Δ/Δ) in C. albicans resulted in a dramatic decrease from 69.2% (WT) to 1.2% in the escape rate in vitro. The effect of ATP2 on macrophage clearance stands out among the genes currently known to affect clearance. In the normal mice, the atp2Δ/Δ cells were undetectable in major organs 72 h after systemic infection, while WT cells persisted in vivo. However, in the macrophage-depleted mice, atp2Δ/Δ could persist for 72 h at an amount comparable to that at 24 h. Regarding the mechanism, WT cells sustained growth and switched to hyphal form, which was more conducive to escape from macrophages, in media that mimic the glucose-deficient environment in macrophages. In contrast, atp2Δ/Δ cells can remained viable but were unable to complete morphogenesis in these media, resulting in them being trapped within macrophages in the yeast form. Meanwhile, atp2Δ/Δ cells were killed by oxidative stress in alternative carbon sources by 2- to 3-fold more than WT cells. Taken together, ATP2 deletion prevents C. albicans from escaping macrophage clearance, and therefore ATP2 has a functional basis as a drug target that interferes with macrophage clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanyan Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanpeng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuixiu Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajing Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luobei Weng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Mycology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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40
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Brown R, Priest E, Naglik JR, Richardson JP. Fungal Toxins and Host Immune Responses. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:643639. [PMID: 33927703 PMCID: PMC8076518 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.643639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi are ubiquitous organisms that thrive in diverse natural environments including soils, plants, animals, and the human body. In response to warmth, humidity, and moisture, certain fungi which grow on crops and harvested foodstuffs can produce mycotoxins; secondary metabolites which when ingested have a deleterious impact on health. Ongoing research indicates that some mycotoxins and, more recently, peptide toxins are also produced during active fungal infection in humans and experimental models. A combination of innate and adaptive immune recognition allows the host to eliminate invading pathogens from the body. However, imbalances in immune homeostasis often facilitate microbial infection. Despite the wide-ranging effects of fungal toxins on health, our understanding of toxin-mediated modulation of immune responses is incomplete. This review will explore the current understanding of fungal toxins and how they contribute to the modulation of host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jonathan P. Richardson
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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41
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Williams TJ, Gonzales-Huerta LE, Armstrong-James D. Fungal-Induced Programmed Cell Death. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7030231. [PMID: 33804601 PMCID: PMC8003624 DOI: 10.3390/jof7030231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are a cause of morbidity in humans, and despite the availability of a range of antifungal treatments, the mortality rate remains unacceptably high. Although our knowledge of the interactions between pathogenic fungi and the host continues to grow, further research is still required to fully understand the mechanism underpinning fungal pathogenicity, which may provide new insights for the treatment of fungal disease. There is great interest regarding how microbes induce programmed cell death and what this means in terms of the immune response and resolution of infection as well as microbe-specific mechanisms that influence cell death pathways to aid in their survival and continued infection. Here, we discuss how programmed cell death is induced by fungi that commonly cause opportunistic infections, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Cryptococcus neoformans, the role of programmed cell death in fungal immunity, and how fungi manipulate these pathways.
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42
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Briard B, Malireddi RKS, Kanneganti TD. Role of inflammasomes/pyroptosis and PANoptosis during fungal infection. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009358. [PMID: 33735255 PMCID: PMC7971547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Briard
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - R K Subbarao Malireddi
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Thirumala-Devi Kanneganti
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
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43
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Wu X, Xia Y, He F, Zhu C, Ren W. Intestinal mycobiota in health and diseases: from a disrupted equilibrium to clinical opportunities. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:60. [PMID: 33715629 PMCID: PMC7958491 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01024-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi establish a complex ecosystem in the gut. Like other microbiota, gut mycobiota plays an indispensable role in modulating intestinal physiology. Notably, the most striking characteristics of intestinal fungi are their extraintestinal functions. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the importance of gut fungi in the regulation of intestinal, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, pancreatic, and brain functions, and we present possible opportunities for the application of gut mycobiota to alleviate/treat human diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
| | - Yaoyao Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
| | - Fang He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716 China
| | - Congrui Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS USA
| | - Wenkai Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China
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44
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Peters BM, Coleman BM, Willems HME, Barker KS, Aggor FEY, Cipolla E, Verma AH, Bishu S, Huppler AH, Bruno VM, Gaffen SL. The Interleukin (IL) 17R/IL-22R Signaling Axis Is Dispensable for Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Regardless of Estrogen Status. J Infect Dis 2021; 221:1554-1563. [PMID: 31805183 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, a ubiquitous commensal fungus that colonizes human mucosal tissues and skin, can become pathogenic, clinically manifesting most commonly as oropharyngeal candidiasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Studies in mice and humans convincingly show that T-helper 17 (Th17)/interleukin 17 (IL-17)-driven immunity is essential to control oral and dermal candidiasis. However, the role of the IL-17 pathway during VVC remains controversial, with conflicting reports from human data and mouse models. Like others, we observed induction of a strong IL-17-related gene signature in the vagina during estrogen-dependent murine VVC. As estrogen increases susceptibility to vaginal colonization and resulting immunopathology, we asked whether estrogen use in the standard VVC model masks a role for the Th17/IL-17 axis. We demonstrate that mice lacking IL-17RA, Act1, or interleukin 22 showed no evidence for altered VVC susceptibility or immunopathology, regardless of estrogen administration. Hence, these data support the emerging consensus that Th17/IL-17 axis signaling is dispensable for the immunopathogenesis of VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Bianca M Coleman
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hubertine M E Willems
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Katherine S Barker
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Felix E Y Aggor
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ellyse Cipolla
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Akash H Verma
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Srinivas Bishu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Anna H Huppler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Vincent M Bruno
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah L Gaffen
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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45
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Van Dyck K, Viela F, Mathelié-Guinlet M, Demuyser L, Hauben E, Jabra-Rizk MA, Vande Velde G, Dufrêne YF, Krom BP, Van Dijck P. Adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to Candida albicans During Co-Infection Promotes Bacterial Dissemination Through the Host Immune Response. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:624839. [PMID: 33604309 PMCID: PMC7884861 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.624839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Interspecies interactions greatly influence the virulence, drug tolerance and ultimately the outcome of polymicrobial biofilm infections. A synergistic interaction is observed between the fungus Candida albicans and the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. These species are both normal commensals of most healthy humans and co-exist in several niches of the host. However, under certain circumstances, they can cause hospital-acquired infections with high morbidity and mortality rates. Using a mouse model of oral co-infection, we previously showed that an oral infection with C. albicans predisposes to a secondary systemic infection with S. aureus. Here, we unraveled this intriguing mechanism of bacterial dissemination. Using static and dynamic adhesion assays in combination with single-cell force spectroscopy, we identified C. albicans Als1 and Als3 adhesins as the molecular players involved in the interaction with S. aureus and in subsequent bacterial dissemination. Remarkably, we identified the host immune response as a key element required for bacterial dissemination. We found that the level of immunosuppression of the host plays a critical yet paradoxical role in this process. In addition, secretion of candidalysin, the C. albicans peptide responsible for immune activation and cell damage, is required for C. albicans colonization and subsequent bacterial dissemination. The physical interaction with C. albicans enhances bacterial uptake by phagocytic immune cells, thereby enabling an opportunity to disseminate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien Van Dyck
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Felipe Viela
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UC Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marion Mathelié-Guinlet
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UC Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Demuyser
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Esther Hauben
- Laboratory for Pathology, UZ Leuven and Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mary Ann Jabra-Rizk
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical MRI/MoSAIC, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yves F Dufrêne
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UC Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Bastiaan P Krom
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Patrick Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Botany and Microbiology, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,VIB Center for Microbiology, Leuven, Belgium
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46
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Ho J, Camilli G, Griffiths JS, Richardson JP, Kichik N, Naglik JR. Candida albicans and candidalysin in inflammatory disorders and cancer. Immunology 2021; 162:11-16. [PMID: 32880925 PMCID: PMC7730014 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As our understanding of mycology progresses, the impact of fungal microbes on human health has become increasingly evident. Candida albicans is a common commensal fungus that gives rise to local and systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients where it can result in mortality. However, C. albicans has also been quietly linked with a variety of inflammatory disorders, to which it has traditionally been considered incidental; recent studies may now provide new aspects of these relationships for further consideration. This review provides a novel perspective on the impact of C. albicans and its peptide toxin, candidalysin, on human health, exploring their contributions to pathology within a variety of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemima Ho
- Centre for Host‐Microbiome InteractionsFaculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Giorgio Camilli
- Centre for Host‐Microbiome InteractionsFaculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - James S. Griffiths
- Centre for Host‐Microbiome InteractionsFaculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Jonathan P. Richardson
- Centre for Host‐Microbiome InteractionsFaculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Nessim Kichik
- Centre for Host‐Microbiome InteractionsFaculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Julian R. Naglik
- Centre for Host‐Microbiome InteractionsFaculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
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47
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García-Carnero LC, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Salazar-García LM, Lozoya-Pérez NE, González-Hernández SE, Tamez-Castrellón AK. Recognition of Fungal Components by the Host Immune System. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:245-264. [PMID: 31889486 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666191231105546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
By being the first point of contact of the fungus with the host, the cell wall plays an important role in the pathogenesis, having many molecules that participate as antigens that are recognized by immune cells, and also that help the fungus to establish infection. The main molecules reported to trigger an immune response are chitin, glucans, oligosaccharides, proteins, melanin, phospholipids, and others, being present in the principal pathogenic fungi with clinical importance worldwide, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Sporothrix schenckii. Knowledge and understanding of how the immune system recognizes and responds to fungal antigens are relevant for the future research and development of new diagnostic tools and treatments for the control of mycosis caused by these fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C García-Carnero
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Luis M Salazar-García
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Nancy E Lozoya-Pérez
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | - Alma K Tamez-Castrellón
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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48
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Weber ANR, Bittner ZA, Shankar S, Liu X, Chang TH, Jin T, Tapia-Abellán A. Recent insights into the regulatory networks of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/23/jcs248344. [PMID: 33273068 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.248344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a fascinating cellular machinery endowed with the capacity for rapid proteolytic processing of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and the cell death effector gasdermin D (GSDMD). Although its activity is essential to fight infection and support tissue homeostasis, the inflammasome complex, which consists of the danger sensor NLRP3, the adaptor apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC; also known as PYCARD), caspase-1 and probably other regulatory proteins, also bears considerable potential for detrimental inflammation, as observed in human conditions such as gout, heart attack, stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Thus, multi-layered regulatory networks are required to ensure the fine balance between rapid responsiveness versus erroneous activation (sufficient and temporally restricted versus excessive and chronic activity) of the inflammasome. These involve multiple activation, secretion and cell death pathways, as well as modulation of the subcellular localization of NLRP3, and its structure and activity, owing to post-translational modification by other cellular proteins. Here, we discuss the exciting progress that has recently been made in deciphering the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Additionally, we highlight open questions and describe areas of research that warrant further exploration to obtain a more comprehensive molecular and cellular understanding of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N R Weber
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany .,iFIT - Cluster of Excellence (EXC 2180) 'Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', University Hospital Tübingen - Internal Medicine VIII, Otfried-Müller-Str. 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Zsófia A Bittner
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sangeetha Shankar
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xiao Liu
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tzu-Hsuan Chang
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026 China
| | - Ana Tapia-Abellán
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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49
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Austermeier S, Kasper L, Westman J, Gresnigt MS. I want to break free – macrophage strategies to recognize and kill Candida albicans, and fungal counter-strategies to escape. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:15-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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50
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Ward RA, Vyas JM. The first line of defense: effector pathways of anti-fungal innate immunity. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:160-165. [PMID: 33217703 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The innate immune system is critical to proper host defense against fungal pathogens, which is highlighted by increased susceptibility to invasive disease in immunocompromised patients. Innate cells (e.g. macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, eosinophils) are equipped with intricate cell machinery to detect invading fungi and facilitate fungal killing, recruit additional immune cells, and direct the adaptive immune system responses. Understanding the mechanisms that govern a protective response will enable the development of novel treatment strategies. This review focuses on recent insights of signaling and regulation of C-type lectin receptors and their effector mechanisms enabling an effective host antifungal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Ward
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jatin M Vyas
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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