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Georgakopoulou VE, Lempesis IG, Sklapani P, Trakas N, Spandidos DA. Exploring the pathogenetic mechanisms of Mycoplasmapneumoniae (Review). Exp Ther Med 2024; 28:271. [PMID: 38765654 PMCID: PMC11097136 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas, the smallest self-replicating prokaryotes without a cell wall, are the most prevalent and extensively studied species in humans. They significantly contribute to chronic respiratory tract illnesses and pneumonia, with children and adolescents being particularly vulnerable. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) infections typically tend to be self-limiting and mild but can progress to severe or even life-threatening conditions in certain individuals. Extrapulmonary effects often occur without pneumonia, and both intrapulmonary and extrapulmonary complications operate through separate pathological mechanisms. The indirect immune-mediated damage of the immune system, vascular blockages brought on by vasculitis or thrombosis and direct harm from invasion or locally induced inflammatory cytokines are potential causes of extrapulmonary manifestations due to M. pneumoniae. Proteins associated with adhesion serve as the primary factor crucial for the pathogenicity of M. pneumoniae, relying on a specialized polarized terminal attachment organelle. The type and density of these host receptors significantly impact the adhesion and movement of M. pneumoniae, subsequently influencing the pathogenic mechanism and infection outcomes. Adjacent proteins are crucial for the proper assembly of the attachment organelle, with variations in the genetic domains of P1, P40 and P90 surfaces contributing to the variability of clinical symptoms and offering new avenues for developing vaccines against M. pneumoniae infections. M. pneumoniae causes oxidative stress within respiratory tract epithelial cells by adhering to host cells and releasing hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals. This oxidative stress enhances the vulnerability of host cells to harm induced by oxygen molecules. The lack of superoxide dismutase and catalase of bacteria allows it to hinder the catalase activity of the host cell, leading to the reduced breakdown of peroxides. Lung macrophages play a significant role in managing M. pneumoniae infection, identifying it via Toll-like receptor 2 and initiating the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88-nuclear factor κΒ signaling cascade. However, the precise mechanisms enabling M. pneumoniae to evade intracellular host defenses remain unknown, necessitating further exploration of the pathways involved in intracellular survival. The present comprehensive review delves into the pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae infection within the pulmonary system and into extrapulmonary areas, outlining its impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodisttrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodisttrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Pagona Sklapani
- Department of Biochemistry, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Trakas
- Department of Biochemistry, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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Wang J, Liang K, Chen L, Su X, Liao D, Yu J, He J. Unveiling the stealthy tactics: mycoplasma's immune evasion strategies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1247182. [PMID: 37719671 PMCID: PMC10502178 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1247182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas, the smallest known self-replicating organisms, possess a simple structure, lack a cell wall, and have limited metabolic pathways. They are responsible for causing acute or chronic infections in humans and animals, with a significant number of species exhibiting pathogenicity. Although the innate and adaptive immune responses can effectively combat this pathogen, mycoplasmas are capable of persisting in the host, indicating that the immune system fails to eliminate them completely. Recent studies have shed light on the intricate and sophisticated defense mechanisms developed by mycoplasmas during their long-term co-evolution with the host. These evasion strategies encompass various tactics, including invasion, biofilm formation, and modulation of immune responses, such as inhibition of immune cell activity, suppression of immune cell function, and resistance against immune molecules. Additionally, antigen variation and molecular mimicry are also crucial immune evasion strategies. This review comprehensively summarizes the evasion mechanisms employed by mycoplasmas, providing valuable insights into the pathogenesis of mycoplasma infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Wang
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Keying Liang
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Li Chen
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoling Su
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Daoyong Liao
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jianwei Yu
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
- Department of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Jun He
- The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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Kenri T, Yamazaki T, Ohya H, Jinnai M, Oda Y, Asai S, Sato R, Ishiguro N, Oishi T, Horino A, Fujii H, Hashimoto T, Nakajima H, Shibayama K. Genotyping of Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains isolated in Japan during 2019 and 2020: spread of p1 gene type 2c and 2j variant strains. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1202357. [PMID: 37405159 PMCID: PMC10316025 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1202357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We characterized 118 Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains isolated from three areas of Japan (Saitama, Kanagawa, and Osaka) during the period of 2019 and 2020. Genotyping of the p1 gene in these strains revealed that 29 of them were type 1 lineage (29/118, 24.6%), while 89 were type 2 lineage (89/118, 75.4%), thereby indicating that type 2 lineage was dominant in this period. The most prevalent variant of type 2 lineage was type 2c (57/89, 64%), while the second-most was type 2j, a novel variant identified in this study (30/89, 33.7%). Type 2j p1 is similar to type 2 g p1, but cannot be distinguished from reference type 2 (classical type 2) using the standard polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) with HaeIII digestion. Thus, we used MboI digestion in the PCR-RFLP analysis and re-examined the data from previous genotyping studies as well. This revealed that most strains reported as classical type 2 after 2010 in our studies were actually type 2j. The revised genotyping data showed that the type 2c and 2j strains have been spreading in recent years and were the most prevalent variants in Japan during the time-period of 2019 and 2020. We also analyzed the macrolide-resistance (MR) mutations in the 118 strains. MR mutations in the 23S rRNA gene were detected in 29 of these strains (29/118, 24.6%). The MR rate of type 1 lineage (14/29, 48.3%) was still higher than that of type 2 lineage (15/89, 16.9%); however, the MR rate of type 1 lineage was lower than that found in previous reports published in the 2010s, while that of type 2 lineage strains was slightly higher. Thus, there is a need for continuous surveillance of the p1 genotype and MR rate of M. pneumoniae clinical strains, to better understand the epidemiology and variant evolution of this pathogen, although M. pneumoniae pneumonia cases have decreased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Kenri
- Department of Bacteriology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hitomi Ohya
- Kanagawa Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Michio Jinnai
- Kanagawa Prefectural Institute of Public Health, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Rikako Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Nobuhisa Ishiguro
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Oishi
- Department of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsuko Horino
- Department of Bacteriology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Hiroshi Nakajima
- Okayama Prefectural Institute for Environmental Science and Public Health, Okayama, Japan
| | - Keigo Shibayama
- Department of Bacteriology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Shi J, Ma C, Hao X, Luo H, Li M. Reserve of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Alleviates Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1-C-induced Inflammation in airway epithelial cells and lungs of mice. Mol Immunol 2023; 153:60-74. [PMID: 36444819 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is the most common pathogen of respiratory tract infections in both children and adults. M. pneumoniae P1 adhesin plays an important role in the pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae infection by mediating the attachment of pathogen to host cells. The inoculation of C-terminal residuals of P1 (P1-C) showed a protective role from M. pneumoniae infection. Accumulated evidence suggests that the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling is implicated in regulation of inflammatory responses to bacterial infections. However, mechanisms underlying the regulatory roles of Wnt signaling in host cells in response to M. pneumoniae infections are incompletely understood. In the present study, the impact and molecular mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in immune responses induced by M. pneumoniae P1-C were investigated. The results demonstrated that the P1-C could activate Wnt/β-catenin and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in primary mouse airway epithelial cells cultured in an air-liquid interface (ALI) state. Interestingly, the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by an adenovirus-mediated Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) gene transduction alleviated the P1-C induced inflammation fibrosis in mouse lung, accompanied by the reduced expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Mechanistical analysis further demonstrated that the Dkk1 could suppress the expression of JAK2/STAT1-STAT3 and Caspase3, 8/Bax signaling in mouse lung tissues. In vitro study further revealed that XAV939, a small molecule of Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor, inhibited the P1-C-activated TLR4/MyD88 signaling and cytokine productions in primary mouse airway ALI epithelial cells. This study thus provides an insight into the function of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in regulation of the pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae infection, suggesting that targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling by gene transduction of Dkk1, or pharmacological molecules of inhibitor may be a promised approach that worthy of further investigation in the treatment of M. pneumoniae pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources of Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China; Department of Ningxia Key Laboratory of Clinical Pathogenic Microbiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Chunji Ma
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources of Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiujing Hao
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources of Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Haixia Luo
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources of Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Conservation and Utilization of Special Biological Resources of Western China, College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
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5
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Jiang Z, Zhou R, Leung PHM, Deng Z, Li S. An attenuated multiple genetic mutant of Mycoplasma pneumoniae imparts good immuno-protection against M. pneumoniae pneumonia in BALB/c mice. Microb Pathog 2022; 165:105463. [PMID: 35240287 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105463] [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: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is the causative agent of both upper and lower respiratory infections that can lead to pneumonia, extrapulmonary complications and devastating sequela. With the increasing rate of macrolide-resistant strains, the severe clinical consequence of refractory mycoplasma pneumonia in children health calls for the need of vaccine research for this pathogen. In this report, the immunomodulatory effectiveness of a live attenuated M. pneumoniae vaccine was evaluated. The vaccine strain was a mutant strain of M. pneumoniae, MUT129, obtained after multiple passages of M129 strain in PPLO broth. The SNP/InDel detection results showed that mutations were present in genes encoding the adhesion organelle-associated proteins and lipoproteins of M. pneumoniae MUT129. Upon intranasal challenge of BALB/c mice with 1 × 107 CFU of MUT129, there were very small amount of Mycoplasma antigens and almost no M. pneumoniae present in the lung tissues of BALB/c mice. Besides, there was almost no inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissue. Results of the M. pneumoniae challenge study showed that mice immunized with MUT129 presented with less inflammation, lower detectable number of M. pneumoniae in the lungs when compared with the unimmunized mice. These results indicated that the live attenuated vaccine can efficiently prevent the proliferation of M. pneumonia in the lungs, reduce but not completely prevent the pulmonary inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhulin Jiang
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Runjie Zhou
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Polly H M Leung
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Zhongliang Deng
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
| | - Shuihong Li
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
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6
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Yoshikawa E, Tamiya S, Inoue Y, Suzuki K, Yoshioka Y. Vaccine using community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome toxin as an antigen against Mycoplasma pneumoniae in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 594:81-87. [PMID: 35078111 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) is one of the most common causes of bacterial community-acquired pneumonia in humans. Because of the frequent epidemics and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant Mp, vaccines for Mp are urgently needed to ameliorate the pneumonia and secondary complications. The community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin produced by Mp is a pathogenic factor that induces severe inflammatory responses in lung. Although blocking CARDS toxin is expected to mitigate the severity of Mp pneumonia, the potential of CARDS toxin as a vaccine antigen has not been assessed. Here, we examined the effectiveness of vaccine using recombinant CARDS toxin (rCARDS toxin) as an antigen in mice. Immunization with rCARDS toxin induced both rCARDS toxin- and Mp-specific antibody responses, indicating that CARDS toxin is located on the surface of Mp. In addition, immunization with rCARDS toxin decreased not only lung injury, neutrophil infiltration, and the production of inflammatory cytokines but also the persistence of Mp in lung after Mp challenge. Furthermore, we elucidated that the CARDS toxin on the surface of Mp facilitates the adherence of Mp to epithelial cells. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the potential of rCARDS toxin as a vaccine antigen to ameliorate Mp pneumonia by suppressing the inflammatory responses induced by Mp and the persistence of Mp in lung. These data support the development of novel vaccines for Mp pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eisuke Yoshikawa
- Laboratory of Nano-design for Innovative Drug Development, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Vaccine Creation Group, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Tamiya
- Laboratory of Nano-design for Innovative Drug Development, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Vaccine Creation Group, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuji Inoue
- The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Koichiro Suzuki
- The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuo Yoshioka
- Laboratory of Nano-design for Innovative Drug Development, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Vaccine Creation Group, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Vaccine Creation Group, BIKEN Innovative Vaccine Research Alliance Laboratories, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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Chen Y, Wu Y, Qin L, Yu L, Luo H, Li Y, Wang K, Chen L, Zhu C, He J, Zeng Y, Huang L, You X. T-B cell epitope peptides induce protective immunity against Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory tract infection in BALB/c mice. Immunobiology 2021; 226:152077. [PMID: 33831654 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2021.152077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common pathogen of community-acquired pneumonia in humans. Due to its high rates of antibiotic resistance, vaccination has become the best method to control the dissemination of M. pneumoniae. The recombinant carboxyl terminus of the P1 (P1C) protein is an immunodominant antigen, but it has negative effects such as poor stability and lower purity. In the current study, T-B epitopes of the P1C protein were predicted according to bioinformatics analysis and assessed for efficacy in peptide vaccination. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously inoculated with the T-B epitope peptides four times and then infected with M. pneumoniae through the respiratory tract. The results showed that the T-B epitope peptides of the P1C protein (P1C103-117, P1C155-169, P1C224-238 and P1C244-258) induced strong antigen-specific serum antibody responses and cellular immune responses with high levels of serum IgG, IgA antibodies and Th1-biased (IFN-γ and IL-2) cytokines. Immunization with T-B epitope peptides significantly reduced the M. pneumoniae burden and the degree of inflammation in the challenged mice. Furthermore, the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α in the supernatants of lung homogenates were observably reduced compared to those in the PBS group. Overall, our findings demonstrate that T-B epitopes (P1C103-117, P1C155-169, P1C224-238 and P1C244-258) play significant roles in the P1C protein and can be used to induce powerful humoral and cellular immune responses to provide significant protection against M. pneumoniae pulmonary infection, which provides new insight into the design of potential multiepitope vaccines to prevent host infection by M. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yueyue Wu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lianmei Qin
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lan Yu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China; Department of Blood Transfusion, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Haodang Luo
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Kegeng Wang
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Liesong Chen
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Cuiming Zhu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yanhua Zeng
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lijun Huang
- Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hunan Province Innovative Training Base for Postgraduates, University of South China and Nanyue Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiaoxing You
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control; Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang 421001, China.
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8
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Kim YI, Kim D, Yu KM, Seo HD, Lee SA, Casel MAB, Jang SG, Kim S, Jung W, Lai CJ, Choi YK, Jung JU. Development of Spike Receptor-Binding Domain Nanoparticles as a Vaccine Candidate against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Ferrets. mBio 2021; 12:e00230-21. [PMID: 33653891 PMCID: PMC8092224 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00230-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a causative agent of the CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, enters host cells via the interaction of its receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein with host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Therefore, the RBD is a promising vaccine target to induce protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we report the development of an RBD protein-based vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 using self-assembling Helicobacter pylori-bullfrog ferritin nanoparticles as an antigen delivery system. RBD-ferritin protein purified from mammalian cells efficiently assembled into 24-mer nanoparticles. Sixteen- to 20-month-old ferrets were vaccinated with RBD-ferritin nanoparticles (RBD nanoparticles) by intramuscular or intranasal inoculation. All vaccinated ferrets with RBD nanoparticles produced potent neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Strikingly, vaccinated ferrets demonstrated efficient protection from SARS-CoV-2 challenge, showing no fever, body weight loss, or clinical symptoms. Furthermore, vaccinated ferrets showed rapid clearance of infectious virus in nasal washes and lungs as well as of viral RNA in respiratory organs. This study demonstrates that spike RBD-nanoparticles are an effective protein vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Il Kim
- College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dokyun Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Kwang-Min Yu
- College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hogyu David Seo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shin-Ae Lee
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Mark Anthony B Casel
- College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Gyu Jang
- College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephanie Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - WooRam Jung
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Chih-Jen Lai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Young Ki Choi
- College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae U Jung
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Global Center for Pathogen Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Kim YI, Kim D, Yu KM, Seo HD, Lee SA, Casel MAB, Jang SG, Kim S, Jung W, Lai CJ, Choi YK, Jung JU. Development of spike receptor-binding domain nanoparticle as a vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 infection in ferrets. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021:2021.01.28.428743. [PMID: 33532767 PMCID: PMC7852231 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.28.428743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a causative agent of COVID-19 pandemic, enters host cells via the interaction of its Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) of Spike protein with host Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). Therefore, RBD is a promising vaccine target to induce protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we report the development of RBD protein-based vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 using self-assembling H. pylori -bullfrog ferritin nanoparticles as an antigen delivery. RBD-ferritin protein purified from mammalian cells efficiently assembled into 24-mer nanoparticles. 16-20 months-old ferrets were vaccinated with RBD-ferritin nanoparticles (RBD-nanoparticles) by intramuscular or intranasal inoculation. All vaccinated ferrets with RBD-nanoparticles produced potent neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Strikingly, vaccinated ferrets demonstrated efficient protection from SARS-CoV-2 challenge, showing no fever, body weight loss and clinical symptoms. Furthermore, vaccinated ferrets showed rapid clearance of infectious viruses in nasal washes and lungs as well as viral RNA in respiratory organs. This study demonstrates the Spike RBD-nanoparticle as an effective protein vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Il Kim
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dokyun Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology and Global Center for Pathogens Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kwang-Min Yu
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hogyu David Seo
- Department of Cancer Biology and Global Center for Pathogens Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Shin-Ae Lee
- Department of Cancer Biology and Global Center for Pathogens Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Mark Anthony B. Casel
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Gyu Jang
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephanie Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology and Global Center for Pathogens Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - WooRam Jung
- Department of Cancer Biology and Global Center for Pathogens Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Chih-Jen Lai
- Department of Cancer Biology and Global Center for Pathogens Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Young Ki Choi
- College of Medicine and Medical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Zoonotic Infectious Disease Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae U. Jung
- Department of Cancer Biology and Global Center for Pathogens Research and Human Health, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections: Pathogenesis and Vaccine Development. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020119. [PMID: 33503845 PMCID: PMC7911756 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia which can lead to both acute upper and lower respiratory tract inflammation, and extrapulmonary syndromes. Refractory pneumonia caused by M. pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in infants and the elderly. Here, based on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature related to the respective area, we summarize the virulence factors of M. pneumoniae and the major pathogenic mechanisms mediated by the pathogen: adhesion to host cells, direct cytotoxicity against host cells, inflammatory response-induced immune injury, and immune evasion. The increasing rate of macrolide-resistant strains and the harmful side effects of other sensitive antibiotics (e.g., respiratory quinolones and tetracyclines) in young children make it difficult to treat, and increase the health risk or re-infections. Hence, there is an urgent need for development of an effective vaccine to prevent M. pneumoniae infections in children. Various types of M. pneumoniae vaccines have been reported, including whole-cell vaccines (inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines), subunit vaccines (involving M. pneumoniae protein P1, protein P30, protein P116 and CARDS toxin) and DNA vaccines. This narrative review summarizes the key pathogenic mechanisms underlying M. pneumoniae infection and highlights the relevant vaccines that have been developed and their reported effectiveness.
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Early Pattern of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in Gastric Epithelial Cells by "Cell-in-cell". Virol Sin 2019; 34:253-261. [PMID: 30911896 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-019-00097-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an important human dsDNA virus, which has been shown to be associated with several malignancies including about 10% of gastric carcinomas. How EBV enters an epithelial cell has been an interesting project for investigation. "Cell-in-cell" infection was recently reported an efficient way for the entry of EBV into nasopharynx epithelial cells. The present approach was to explore the feasibility of this mode for EBV infection in gastric epithelial cells and the dynamic change of host inflammatory reaction. The EBV-positive lymphoblastic cells of Akata containing a GFP tag in the viral genome were co-cultured with the gastric epithelial cells (GES-1). The infection situation was observed under fluorescence and electron microscopies. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western-blotting assay were employed to detect the expression of a few specific cytokines and inflammatory factors. The results demonstrated that EBV could get into gastric epithelial cells by "cell-in-cell" infection but not fully successful due to the host fighting. IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 played prominent roles in the cellular response to the infection. The activation of NF-κB and HSP70 was also required for the host antiviral response. The results imply that the gastric epithelial cells could powerfully resist the virus invader via cell-in-cell at the early stage through inflammatory and innate immune responses.
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12
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Meyer Sauteur PM, Unger WWJ, Nadal D, Berger C, Vink C, van Rossum AMC. Infection with and Carriage of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Children. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:329. [PMID: 27047456 PMCID: PMC4803743 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
“Atypical” pneumonia was described as a distinct and mild form of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) already before Mycoplasma pneumoniae had been discovered and recognized as its cause. M. pneumoniae is detected in CAP patients most frequently among school-aged children from 5 to 15 years of age, with a decline after adolescence and tapering off in adulthood. Detection rates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or serology in children with CAP admitted to the hospital amount 4–39%. Although the infection is generally mild and self-limiting, patients of every age can develop severe or extrapulmonary disease. Recent studies indicate that high rates of healthy children carry M. pneumoniae in the upper respiratory tract and that current diagnostic PCR or serology cannot discriminate between M. pneumoniae infection and carriage. Further, symptoms and radiologic features are not specific for M. pneumoniae infection. Thus, patients may be unnecessarily treated with antimicrobials against M. pneumoniae. Macrolides are the first-line antibiotics for this entity in children younger than 8 years of age. Overall macrolides are extensively used worldwide, and this has led to the emergence of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae, which may be associated with severe clinical features and more extrapulmonary complications. This review focuses on the characteristics of M. pneumoniae infections in children, and exemplifies that simple clinical decision rules may help identifying children at high risk for CAP due to M. pneumoniae. This may aid physicians in prescribing appropriate first-line antibiotics, since current diagnostic tests for M. pneumoniae infection are not reliably predictive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Meyer Sauteur
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical CenterRotterdam, Netherlands; Laboratory of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical CenterRotterdam, Netherlands; Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of ZurichZurich, Switzerland
| | - Wendy W J Unger
- Laboratory of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - David Nadal
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Berger
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelis Vink
- Erasmus University College, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemarie M C van Rossum
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Netherlands
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14
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15
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Comparative genomics and immunoinformatics approach for the identification of vaccine candidates for enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7. Infect Immun 2014; 82:2016-26. [PMID: 24595137 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01437-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 strains are major human food-borne pathogens, responsible for bloody diarrhea and hemolytic-uremic syndrome worldwide. Thus far, there is no vaccine for humans against EHEC infections. In this study, a comparative genomics analysis was performed to identify EHEC-specific antigens useful as potential vaccines. The genes present in both EHEC EDL933 and Sakai strains but absent in nonpathogenic E. coli K-12 and HS strains were subjected to an in silico analysis to identify secreted or surface-expressed proteins. We obtained a total of 65 gene-encoding protein candidates, which were subjected to immunoinformatics analysis. Our criteria of selection aided in categorizing the candidates as high, medium, and low priority. Three members of each group were randomly selected and cloned into pVAX-1. Candidates were pooled accordingly to their priority group and tested for immunogenicity against EHEC O157:H7 using a murine model of gastrointestinal infection. The high-priority (HP) pool, containing genes encoding a Lom-like protein (pVAX-31), a putative pilin subunit (pVAX-12), and a fragment of the type III secretion structural protein EscC (pVAX-56.2), was able to induce the production of EHEC IgG and sIgA in sera and feces. HP candidate-immunized mice displayed elevated levels of Th2 cytokines and diminished cecum colonization after wild-type challenge. Individually tested HP vaccine candidates showed that pVAX-12 and pVAX-56.2 significantly induced Th2 cytokines and production of fecal EHEC sIgA, with pVAX-56.2 reducing EHEC cecum colonization. We describe here a bioinformatics approach able to identify novel vaccine candidates potentially useful for preventing EHEC O157:H7 infections.
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Zhu C, Wang S, Hu S, Yu M, Zeng Y, You X, Xiao J, Wu Y. Protective efficacy of a Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1C DNA vaccine fused with the B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin. Can J Microbiol 2012; 58:802-10. [DOI: 10.1139/w2012-051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the immunomodulatory responses of a DNA vaccine constructed by fusing Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1 protein carboxy terminal region (P1C) with the Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin B subunit (LTB). BALB/c mice were immunized by intranasal inoculation with control DNAs, the P1C DNA vaccine or the LTB–P1C fusion DNA vaccine. Levels of the anti-M. pneumoniae antibodies and levels of interferon-γ and IL-4 in mice were increased significantly upon inoculation of the LTB–P1C fusion DNA vaccine when compared with the inoculation with P1C DNA vaccine. The LTB–P1C fusion DNA vaccine efficiently enhanced the M. pneumoniae-specific IgA and IgG levels. The IgG2a/IgG1 ratio was significantly higher in bronchoalveolar lavages fluid and sera from mice fusion with LTB and P1C than mice receiving P1C alone. When the mice were challenged intranasally with 107 CFU M. pneumoniae strain (M129), the LTB–P1C fusion DNA vaccine conferred significantly better protection than P1C DNA vaccine (P < 0.05), as suggested by the results, such as less inflammation, lower histopathological score values, lower detectable number of M. pneumoniae strain, and lower mortality of challenging from 5 × 108 CFU M. pneumoniae. These results indicated that the LTB–P1C fusion DNA vaccine efficiently improved protective efficacy against M. pneumoniae infection and effectively attenuated development of M. pneumoniae in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiming Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathogenic Biology Institute, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Shiping Wang
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Shihai Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathogenic Biology Institute, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Minjun Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathogenic Biology Institute, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yanhua Zeng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathogenic Biology Institute, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiaoxing You
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathogenic Biology Institute, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Jinhong Xiao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathogenic Biology Institute, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yimou Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathogenic Biology Institute, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
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