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James MR, Doss KE, Cramer RA. New developments in Aspergillus fumigatus and host reactive oxygen species responses. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 80:102521. [PMID: 39079399 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a filamentous fungus abundant in the environment and the most common causative agent of a spectrum of human diseases collectively termed aspergillosis. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is caused by deficiencies in innate immune function that result in the inability of the host to clear inhaled Aspergillus conidia that then germinate and form invasive hyphae. Myeloid cells, and their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), are essential for conidia clearance from the host. To combat ROS, A. fumigatus employs an expansive antioxidant system, though how these canonical antioxidant mechanisms contribute to infection initiation and disease progression remain to be fully defined. Recent research has identified noncanonical pathways in the A. fumigatus ROS response and new host populations with ROS deficiencies that are at-risk for invasive aspergillosis. Here, we highlight recent developments in the understanding of ROS at the interface of the dynamic A. fumigatus-host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R James
- Geisel School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Katherine E Doss
- Geisel School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Robert A Cramer
- Geisel School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.
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2
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Rodriguez P, Abbondante S, Marshall M, Abdelmeseh J, Tombola F, Pearlman E. An essential role for the Hv1 voltage-gated proton channel in Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.15.603631. [PMID: 39071375 PMCID: PMC11275807 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.15.603631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Assembly of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) proteins in neutrophils plays an essential role in controlling microbial infections by producing high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, the role of the Hv1 voltage-gated proton channel that is required for sustained NOX2 activity is less well characterized. We examined the role of Hv1 in a murine model of blinding Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal infection and found that in contrast to C57BL/6 mice, Hvcn1 -/- mice exhibit an impaired ability to kill bacteria and regulate disease severity. In vitro , we used a novel Hv1 Inhibitor Flexible (HIF) to block ROS production by human and murine neutrophils and found that HIF inhibits ROS production in a dose-dependent manner following stimulation with PMA or infection with P. aeruginosa . Collectively, these findings demonstrate an important role for Hv1 on controlling bacterial growth in a clinically relevant bacterial infection model.
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3
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Tang Y, Qu S, Ning Z, Wu H. Immunopeptides: immunomodulatory strategies and prospects for ocular immunity applications. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1406762. [PMID: 39076973 PMCID: PMC11284077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1406762] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunopeptides have low toxicity, low immunogenicity and targeting, and broad application prospects in drug delivery and assembly, which are diverse in application strategies and drug combinations. Immunopeptides are particularly important for regulating ocular immune homeostasis, as the eye is an immune-privileged organ. Immunopeptides have advantages in adaptive immunity and innate immunity, treating eye immune-related diseases by regulating T cells, B cells, immune checkpoints, and cytokines. This article summarizes the application strategies of immunopeptides in innate immunity and adaptive immunity, including autoimmunity, infection, vaccine strategies, and tumors. Furthermore, it focuses on the mechanisms of immunopeptides in mediating ocular immunity (autoimmune diseases, inflammatory storms, and tumors). Moreover, it reviews immunopeptides' application strategies and the therapeutic potential of immunopeptides in the eye. We expect the immune peptide to get attention in treating eye diseases and to provide a direction for eye disease immune peptide research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hong Wu
- Eye Center of Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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4
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Yu B, Wang Q, Zhang L, Lin J, Feng Z, Wang Z, Gu L, Tian X, Luan S, Li C, Zhao G. Ebselen improves fungal keratitis through exerting anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, and antifungal effects. Redox Biol 2024; 73:103206. [PMID: 38796864 PMCID: PMC11152752 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103206] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal keratitis is a severely vision-threatening corneal infection, where the prognosis depends on both fungal virulence and host immune defense. Inappropriate host responses can induce substantial inflammatory damage to the cornea. Therefore, in the treatment of fungal keratitis, it is important to concurrently regulate the immune response while efforts are made to eliminate the pathogen. Ebselen is a widely studied organo-selenium compound and has been demonstrated to have antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and oxidative stress-regulatory properties. The effectiveness of ebselen for the treatment of fungal keratitis remains unknown. In this study, ebselen was demonstrated to produce a marked inhibitory effect on Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus), including spore germination inhibition, mycelial growth reduction, and fungal biofilm disruption. The antifungal activity of ebselen was related to the cell membrane damage caused by thioredoxin (Trx) system inhibition-mediated oxidative stress. On the contrary, ebselen enhanced the antioxidation of Trx system in mammalian cells. Further, ebselen was proven to suppress the expressions of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, and CCL2) and reduce the production of oxidative stress-associated indicators (ROS, NO, and MDA) in fungi-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, ebselen regulated PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which contributed to the improvement of inflammation and oxidative stress. Finally, we verified the therapeutic effect of ebselen on mouse fungal keratitis. Ebselen improved the prognosis and reduced the fungal burden in mouse corneas. Expressions of inflammatory mediators, as well as the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils in the cornea were also obviously decreased by ebselen. In summary, ebselen exerted therapeutic effects by reducing fungal load and protecting host tissues in fungal keratitis, making it a promising treatment for fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Zhuhui Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Xue Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Songying Luan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China.
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, Shandong Province, 266003, China.
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Mpakosi A, Kaliouli-Antonopoulou C. Immune Mechanisms of Filamentous Fungal Keratitis. Cureus 2024; 16:e61954. [PMID: 38855487 PMCID: PMC11162199 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungal keratitis is a particularly serious eye infection that often results in ulceration, corneal perforation, and blindness. The cornea acts as a natural barrier against harmful agents due to the close connection of its epithelial cells. In addition, on its surface, there is a large number of substances with anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, such as secretory IgA and mucin glycoproteins, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) and LL-37, which are especially increased in filamentous fungal keratitis. The interaction between pathogenic fungi and the host's immune mechanisms is a complex process: pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) molecules (chitin, β-glucan, and mannan) found in the fungal cell wall are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) (toll-like receptors {TLRs}, C-type lectin receptors {CLRs}, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors {NLRs}, and scavenger receptors {SR}) found in host defense cells, triggering the secretion of various types of cytokines, such as interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), and chemokines, which recruit macrophages and neutrophils to migrate to the site of infection and activate inflammatory responses. In addition, the interaction of hyphae and corneal epithelial cells can activate cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells and induce secretion of T-helper (Th)-type cytokines 2 (IL-4 and IL-13) and IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Mpakosi
- Department of Microbiology, General Hospital of Nikaia "Agios Panteleimon", Piraeus, GRC
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Hou X, Li C, Liu J, Yang S, Peng X, Wang Q, Liu C, Liu X, Luan J, Zhao G, Lin J. Cathelicidin boosts the antifungal activity of neutrophils and improves prognosis during Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0048323. [PMID: 38501672 PMCID: PMC11003229 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00483-23] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is one of the common pathogens of fungal keratitis. Fungal growth and invasion cause excessive inflammation and corneal damage, leading to severe vision loss. Neutrophils are the primary infiltrating cells critical for fungal clearance. Cathelicidin [LL-37 in humans and cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) in mice], a natural antimicrobial peptide, can directly inhibit the growth of many pathogens and regulate immune responses. However, the role of cathelicidin and its effect on neutrophils in A. fumigatus keratitis remain unclear. By establishing A. fumigatus keratitis mouse models, we found that cathelicidin was increased in A. fumigatus keratitis. It could reduce fungal loads, lower clinical scores, and improve corneal transparency. Restriction of CRAMP on fungal proliferation was largely counteracted in CD18-/- mice, in which neutrophils cannot migrate into infected sites. When WT neutrophils were transferred into CD18-/- mice, corneal fungal loads were distinctly reduced, indicating that neutrophils are vital for CRAMP-mediated resistance. Furthermore, cathelicidin promoted neutrophils to phagocytose and degrade conidia both in vitro and in vivo. CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) was reported to be a functional receptor of LL-37 on neutrophils. CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 or phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 weakened LL-37-induced phagocytosis. Meanwhile, LL-37 induced PLC γ phosphorylation, which was attenuated by SB225002. SB225002 or the autophagy inhibitors Bafilomycin-A1 and 3-Methyladenine weakened LL-37-induced degradation of conidia. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observed that LL-37 increased autophagosomes in Aspergillus-infected neutrophils. Consistently, LL-37 elevated autophagy-associated protein expressions (Beclin-1 and LC3-II), but this effect was weakened by SB225002. Collectively, cathelicidin reduces fungal loads and improves the prognosis of A. fumigatus keratitis. Both in vitro and in vivo, cathelicidin promotes neutrophils to phagocytose and degrade conidia. LL-37/CXCR2 activates PLC γ to amplify neutrophils' phagocytosis and induces autophagy to eliminate intracellular conidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xudong Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chengxiu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Junjie Luan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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7
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Lightfoot JD, Adams EM, Kamath MM, Wells BL, Fuller KK. Aspergillus fumigatus Hypoxia Adaptation Is Critical for the Establishment of Fungal Keratitis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:31. [PMID: 38635243 PMCID: PMC11044834 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.4.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The poor visual outcomes associated with fungal keratitis (FK) underscore a need to identify fungal pathways that can serve as novel antifungal targets. In this report, we investigated whether hypoxia develops in the FK cornea and, by extension, if fungal hypoxia adaptation is essential for virulence in this setting. Methods C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium solani var. petroliphilum via topical overlay or intrastromal injection. At various time points post-inoculation (p.i.), animals were injected with pimonidazole for the detection of tissue hypoxia through immunofluorescence imaging. The A. fumigatus srbA gene was deleted through Cas9-mediated homologous recombination and its virulence was assessed in the topical infection model using slit-lamp microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results Topical inoculation with A. fumigatus resulted in diffuse pimonidazole staining across the epithelial and endothelial layers within 6 hours. Stromal hypoxia was evident by 48 hours p.i., which corresponded to leukocytic infiltration. Intrastromal inoculation with either A. fumigatus or F. solani similarly led to diffuse staining patterns across all corneal cell layers. The A. fumigatus srbA deletion mutant was unable to grow at oxygen levels below 3% in vitro, and corneas inoculated with the mutant failed to develop signs of corneal opacification, inflammation, or fungal burden. Conclusions These results suggest that fungal antigen rapidly drives the development of corneal hypoxia, thus rendering fungal SrbA or related pathways essential for the establishment of infection. Such pathways may therefore serve as targets for novel antifungal intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge D. Lightfoot
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Emily M. Adams
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Manali M. Kamath
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Becca L. Wells
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Kevin K. Fuller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
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Duan H, Meng F, Liu X, Qi P, Peng X, Li C, Wang Q, Zhao G, Lin J. Extracellular vesicles from Candida albicans modulate immune cells function and play a protective role in fungal keratitis. Microb Pathog 2024; 189:106606. [PMID: 38437994 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106606] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) is a highly blinding infectious corneal disease caused by pathogenic fungi. Candida albicans (C. albicans) is one of the main pathogens of fungal keratitis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid bilayer compartments released by almost all living cells, including fungi, have garnered attention for their role in pathogenic microbial infection and host immune responses in recent years. Studies have reported that pretreating the host with fungal EVs can reduce the inflammatory response of the host when attacked by fungi and reduce the lethality of fungal infection. However, there are no studies that have evaluated whether C. albicans EVs can modulate the inflammatory response associated with C. albicans keratitis. Our study revealed that C. albicans EVs could activate the polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and promote their secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO), enhance their phagocytic and fungicidal abilities against C. albicans. C. albicans EVs also induced a proinflammatory response in RAW264.7 cells, which was characterized by increased production of inflammatory cytokines and elevated expression of the chemokine CCL2. Similarly, stimulation of C. albicans EVs to RAW264.7 cells also enhanced the phagocytosis and killing ability of cells against C. albicans. Besides, in our in vivo experiments, after receiving subconjunctival injection of C. albicans EVs, C57BL/6 mice were infected with C. albicans. The results demonstrated that pre-exposure to C. albicans EVs could effectively diminish the severity of keratitis, reduce fungal load and improve prognosis. Overall, we conclude that C. albicans EVs can modulate the function of immune cells and play a protective role in C. albicans keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijin Duan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Fanyue Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Pingli Qi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xudong Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Tashiro M, Takazono T, Izumikawa K. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: comprehensive insights into epidemiology, treatment, and unresolved challenges. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2024; 11:20499361241253751. [PMID: 38899061 PMCID: PMC11186400 DOI: 10.1177/20499361241253751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a challenging respiratory infection caused by the environmental fungus Aspergillus. CPA has a poor prognosis, with reported 1-year mortality rates ranging from 7% to 32% and 5-year mortality rates ranging from 38% to 52%. A comprehensive understanding of the pathogen, pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, surgery, hemoptysis treatment, pharmacological therapy, and prognosis is essential to manage CPA effectively. In particular, Aspergillus drug resistance and cryptic species pose significant challenges. CPA lacks tissue invasion and has specific features such as aspergilloma. The most critical risk factor for the development of CPA is pulmonary cavitation. Diagnostic approaches vary by CPA subtype, with computed tomography (CT) imaging and Aspergillus IgG antibodies being key. Treatment strategies include surgery, hemoptysis management, and antifungal therapy. Surgery is the curative option. However, reported postoperative mortality rates range from 0% to 5% and complications range from 11% to 63%. Simple aspergilloma generally has a low postoperative mortality rate, making surgery the first choice. Hemoptysis, observed in 50% of CPA patients, is a significant symptom and can be life-threatening. Bronchial artery embolization achieves hemostasis in 64% to 100% of cases, but 50% experience recurrent hemoptysis. The efficacy of antifungal therapy for CPA varies, with itraconazole reported to be 43-76%, voriconazole 32-80%, posaconazole 44-61%, isavuconazole 82.7%, echinocandins 42-77%, and liposomal amphotericin B 52-73%. Combinatorial treatments such as bronchoscopic triazole administration, inhalation, or direct injection of amphotericin B at the site of infection also show efficacy. A treatment duration of more than 6 months is recommended, with better efficacy reported for periods of more than 1 year. In anticipation of improvements in CPA management, ongoing advances in basic and clinical research are expected to contribute to the future of CPA management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Tashiro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8501, Japan
- Infection Control and Education Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Takazono
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Koichi Izumikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Infection Control and Education Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
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Dong QQ, Wu Q, Lu Y, Shi Y, Yang KD, Xu XL, Chen W. Exploring β-glucan as a micro-nano system for oral delivery targeted the colon. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 253:127360. [PMID: 37827417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127360] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The critical role of oral colon-specific delivery systems (OCDDS) is important for delivering active agents to the colon and rectum specifically via the oral route. The use of micro/nanostructured OCDDS further improves drug stability, bioavailability, and retention time, leading to enhanced therapeutic effects. However, designing micro/nanoscale OCDDSs is challenging due to pH changes, enzymatic degradation, and systemic absorption and metabolism. Biodegradable natural polysaccharides are a promising solution to these problems, and β-glucan is one of the most promising natural polysaccharides due to its unique structural features, conformational flexibility, and specific processing properties. This review covers the diverse chemical structures of β-glucan, its benefits (biocompatibility, easy modification, and colon-specific degradation), and various β-glucan-based micro/nanosized OCDDSs, as well as their drawbacks. The potential of β-glucan offers exciting new opportunities for colon-specific drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Dong
- Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, PR China; Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, PR China
| | - Qian Wu
- Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Yi Lu
- Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Yi Shi
- Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, PR China
| | - Ke-Da Yang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ling Xu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, PR China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, PR China.
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11
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Earle K, Valero C, Conn DP, Vere G, Cook PC, Bromley MJ, Bowyer P, Gago S. Pathogenicity and virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. Virulence 2023; 14:2172264. [PMID: 36752587 PMCID: PMC10732619 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2172264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary infections caused by the mould pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Compromised lung defences arising from immunosuppression, chronic respiratory conditions or more recently, concomitant viral or bacterial pulmonary infections are recognised risks factors for the development of pulmonary aspergillosis. In this review, we will summarise our current knowledge of the mechanistic basis of pulmonary aspergillosis with a focus on emerging at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh Earle
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Clara Valero
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel P. Conn
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - George Vere
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter C. Cook
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Michael J. Bromley
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Kamath MM, Lightfoot JD, Adams EM, Kiser RM, Wells BL, Fuller KK. The Aspergillus fumigatus UPR is variably activated across nutrient and host environments and is critical for the establishment of corneal infection. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011435. [PMID: 37906600 PMCID: PMC10637725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The Aspergillus fumigatus unfolded protein response (UPR) is a two-component relay consisting of the ER-bound IreA protein, which splices and activates the mRNA of the transcription factor HacA. Spliced hacA accumulates under conditions of acute ER stress in vitro, and UPR null mutants are hypovirulent in a murine model of invasive pulmonary infection. In this report, we demonstrate that a hacA deletion mutant (ΔhacA) is furthermore avirulent in a model of fungal keratitis, a corneal infection, and an important cause of ocular morbidity and unilateral blindness worldwide. Interestingly, we demonstrate that A. fumigatus hacA is spliced in infected lung samples, but not in the cornea, suggesting the amount of ER stress experienced by the fungus varies upon the host niche. To better understand how the UPR contributes to fungal cell biology across a spectrum of ER-stress levels, we employed transcriptomics on the wild-type and ΔhacA strains in glucose minimal media (low stress), glucose minimal media with dithiothreitol (high stress), and gelatin minimal media as a proxy for the nutrient stress encountered in the cornea (mid-level stress). These data altogether reveal a unique HacA-dependent transcriptome under each condition, suggesting that HacA activity is finely-tuned and required for proper fungal adaptation in each environment. Taken together, our results indicate that the fungal UPR could serve as an important antifungal target in the setting of both invasive pulmonary and corneal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manali M. Kamath
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Jorge D. Lightfoot
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Emily M. Adams
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Ryan M. Kiser
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Becca L. Wells
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Kevin K. Fuller
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
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13
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Zhao K, Hu F, Zhang Z, Yin X, Wang H, Li M. 0.01% Hypochlorous Acid Treats Aspergillus fumigatus Keratitis in Rats by Reducing Fungal Load and Inhibiting the Inflammatory Response. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2023; 12:3. [PMID: 37531113 PMCID: PMC10405862 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.8.3] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects of 0.01% hypochlorous acid (HCLO) on rats with Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. Methods The time-kill assay and broth microdilution procedures were used in vitro to demonstrate that 0.01% HCLO was fungicidal and fungistatic. The severity of the disease was evaluated in vivo using a clinical score and slit-lamp photographs. Fungal load, polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration, and the production of related proteins were determined using colony plate counting, in vivo confocal microscopy, periodic acid-Schiff staining, fungal fluorescence staining, immunofluorescence staining, myeloperoxidase assay, and Western blotting. Result In vitro, 0.01% HCLO can destroy A. fumigatus spores in 1 minute. The optical density of the 0.01% HCLO group was significantly lower than that of the phosphate-buffered saline control group (P < 0.01), and no visible mycelium was observed using a fluorescence microscope. 0.01% HCLO reduced the severity of A. fumigatus keratitis in rats by decreasing the clinical score, fungal loading (periodic acid-Schiff, plate count, and fungal fluorescence staining), and inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and activity (immunofluorescence staining and myeloperoxidase). Furthermore, the Western blot analysis revealed that 0.01% HCO decreased protein expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β. Conclusions According to our findings, 0.01% HCLO can kill A. fumigatus spores in vitro. It has antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects on A. fumigatus keratitis in rats. It also inhibited A. fumigatus growth; decreased neutrophil infiltration, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1β expression; and provided a potential treatment for fungal keratitis. Translational Relevance This study provides a potential treatment for fungal keratitis in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fen Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhaowei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyue Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - He Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Mingxin Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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14
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Lionakis MS, Drummond RA, Hohl TM. Immune responses to human fungal pathogens and therapeutic prospects. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:433-452. [PMID: 36600071 PMCID: PMC9812358 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00826-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi have emerged as significant causes of infectious morbidity and death in patients with acquired immunodeficiency conditions such as HIV/AIDS and following receipt of chemotherapy, immunosuppressive agents or targeted biologics for neoplastic or autoimmune diseases, or transplants for end organ failure. Furthermore, in recent years, the spread of multidrug-resistant Candida auris has caused life-threatening outbreaks in health-care facilities worldwide and raised serious concerns for global public health. Rapid progress in the discovery and functional characterization of inborn errors of immunity that predispose to fungal disease and the development of clinically relevant animal models have enhanced our understanding of fungal recognition and effector pathways and adaptive immune responses. In this Review, we synthesize our current understanding of the cellular and molecular determinants of mammalian antifungal immunity, focusing on observations that show promise for informing risk stratification, prognosis, prophylaxis and therapies to combat life-threatening fungal infections in vulnerable patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail S Lionakis
- Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Rebecca A Drummond
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tobias M Hohl
- Infectious Disease Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Abbondante S, Leal SM, Clark HL, Ratitong B, Sun Y, Ma LJ, Pearlman E. Immunity to pathogenic fungi in the eye. Semin Immunol 2023; 67:101753. [PMID: 37060806 PMCID: PMC10508057 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101753] [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] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Fusarium, Aspergillus and Candida are important fungal pathogens that cause visual impairment and blindness in the USA and worldwide. This review will summarize the epidemiology and clinical features of corneal infections and discuss the immune and inflammatory responses that play an important role in clinical disease. In addition, we describe fungal virulence factors that are required for survival in infected corneas, and the activities of neutrophils in fungal killing, tissue damage and cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Abbondante
- Department of Ophthalmology, and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sixto M Leal
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Bridget Ratitong
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute and Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Li-Jun Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Eric Pearlman
- Department of Ophthalmology, and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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16
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Hazlett LD, Xu S, Somayajulu M, McClellan SA. Host-microbe interactions in cornea. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:413-423. [PMID: 34619389 PMCID: PMC8977393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2021.09.008] [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: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Corneal infections result through interaction between microbes and host innate immune receptors. Damage to the cornea occurs as a result of microbial virulence factors and is often exacerbated by lack of a controlled host immune response; the latter contributing to bystander damage to corneal structure. Understanding mechanisms involved in host microbial interactions is critical to development of novel therapeutic targets, ultimate control of microbial pathogenesis, and restoration of tissue homeostasis. Studies on these interactions continue to provide exciting findings directly related to this ultimate goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda D Hazlett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - Shunbin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Mallika Somayajulu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Sharon A McClellan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
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17
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Sitnova A, Svetozarskiy S. Modern Technologies in Diagnosis of Fungal Keratitis (Review). Sovrem Tekhnologii Med 2023; 15:73-84. [PMID: 37389020 PMCID: PMC10306968 DOI: 10.17691/stm2023.15.2.07] [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: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumas and infectious diseases of the eye play a leading role in the development of corneal blindness responsible for 1.5-2 million cases of vision loss per year. To date, the issue of reducing the incidence of fungal keratitis is acute and needs to be solved worldwide. Trauma as a risk factor for corneal fungal disease is thought to be prevalent in developing countries due to agricultural involvement, while in developed countries the onset of the disease is predisposed by medical advances such as contact vision correction and modern ophthalmic surgery. Thorough analysis of the pathogenesis gives the possibility to describe the action of fungal enzymes, biofilm formation, and the resistance mechanism, which on the one hand explains the aggressive course of the disease and difficulties in its diagnosis, and on the other hand, it encourages searching for new methods of diagnosis and treatment. The non-specific clinical picture of fungal keratitis, the variety and availability of antibiotics nowadays become an obstacle for rapid detection of this pathology. Low public awareness and late visit to an ophthalmologist are also a barrier to successful combating the increasing incidence of fungal keratitis. Belated diagnosis, increasing resistance of fungi to antibiotics, and lack of registered antifungal ophthalmic drugs justify poor treatment efficacy resulting in decreased visual acuity or vision loss. Existing diagnostic methods need systematization and detailed comparison, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each. This review considers causative agents and their influence on pathogenesis of the disease, describes difficulties of fungal keratitis diagnosis and possible ways of overcoming these problems using new developments, and also outlines further prospects of research in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.V. Sitnova
- 6-year Student, Medical Faculty; Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
| | - S.N. Svetozarskiy
- Ophthalmologist; Privolzhsky District Medical Center of the Federal Medico-Biological Agency (FMBA), 14 Ilyinskaya St., Nizhny Novgorod, 603000, Russia Tutor, Department of Eye Diseases; Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
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18
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Teng X, Xiong X, Sha X, Lei Y, Diao Y, Liu J, Tian Y, Liu L, Zhong J. Identification of hub genes and pathways of ferroptosis in Fusarium keratitis by bioinformatics methods. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1103471. [PMID: 36798084 PMCID: PMC9927021 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1103471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fungal keratitis is a common blinding eye disease, and Fusarium is one of the main species that cause fungal keratitis. As is well known, oxidative stress plays an important role in Fusarium keratitis and it is also a significant initiating factor of ferroptosis. But the relationship between Fusarium keratitis and ferroptosis is currently unclear. This study aimed to speculate and validate potential ferroptosis-related genes in Fusarium keratitis using bioinformatics analysis, which provided ideas for further research on its specific mechanism and new targets for its treatment. Methods The microarray expression profiling dataset (GSE58291) came from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by the limma package of the R software. The DEGs were performed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Then, the DEGs were intersected with the genes in the ferroptosis database. The top 5 hub genes were obtained by the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and the cytoHubba plug-in of Cytoscape software. The hub genes were subjected to GSEA analysis. Then we analyzed the immune infiltration of the samples by CIBERSORT and ssGSEA algorithm. Finally, we validated the mRNA of hub genes by qPCR. Results A total of 1,368 DEGs were identified and 26 ferroptosis-related DEGs were obtained. At the same time, ferroptosis-related pathways were enriched by GO and KEGG using DEGs. HMOX1, CYBB, GPX2, ALOX5 and SRC were obtained by the PPI network analysis and the cytoHubba plug-in of Cytoscape software. The iron metabolism and immune response related pathways were enriched using GSEA. They included hematopoietic cell lineage, lysosome and FC gamma R mediated phagocytosis. T cells follicular helper, monocytes, macrophages and mast cells might play an important role in Fusarium keratitis using analysis of immune infiltration. Finally, qPCR confirmed that the expression of HMOX1, CYBB, ALOX5 mRNA in the DON group was significantly elevated, while the expression of GPX2 were significantly decreased. Conclusions Ferroptosis may play an important role in Fusarium keratitis. HMOX1, CYBB, ALOX5 and GPX2 may be key ferroptosis-related genes in the pathogenesis of Fusarium keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingbo Teng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuewei Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Sha
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yahui Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyao Diao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayan Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Jingxiang Zhong, ; Lian Liu,
| | - Jingxiang Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China,The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Dongguan, China,*Correspondence: Jingxiang Zhong, ; Lian Liu,
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19
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Gómez-Gaviria M, Ramírez-Sotelo U, Mora-Montes HM. Non- albicans Candida Species: Immune Response, Evasion Mechanisms, and New Plant-Derived Alternative Therapies. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010011. [PMID: 36675832 PMCID: PMC9862154 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections caused by Candida species have become a constant threat to public health, especially for immunocompromised patients, who are considered susceptible to this type of opportunistic infections. Candida albicans is known as the most common etiological agent of candidiasis; however, other species, such as Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Nakaseomyces glabrata (previously known as Candida glabrata), Candida auris, Candida guilliermondii, and Pichia kudriavzevii (previously named as Candida krusei), have also gained great importance in recent years. The increasing frequency of the isolation of this non-albicans Candida species is associated with different factors, such as constant exposure to antifungal drugs, the use of catheters in hospitalized patients, cancer, age, and geographic distribution. The main concerns for the control of these pathogens include their ability to evade the mechanisms of action of different drugs, thus developing resistance to antifungal drugs, and it has also been shown that some of these species also manage to evade the host's immunity. These biological traits make candidiasis treatment a challenging task. In this review manuscript, a detailed update of the recent literature on the six most relevant non-albicans Candida species is provided, focusing on the immune response, evasion mechanisms, and new plant-derived compounds with antifungal properties.
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20
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Hatmaker EA, Rangel-Grimaldo M, Raja HA, Pourhadi H, Knowles SL, Fuller K, Adams EM, Lightfoot JD, Bastos RW, Goldman GH, Oberlies NH, Rokas A. Genomic and Phenotypic Trait Variation of the Opportunistic Human Pathogen Aspergillus flavus and Its Close Relatives. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0306922. [PMID: 36318036 PMCID: PMC9769809 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03069-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases affect millions of humans annually, yet fungal pathogens remain understudied. The mold Aspergillus flavus can cause both aspergillosis and fungal keratitis infections, but closely related species are not considered clinically relevant. To study the evolution of A. flavus pathogenicity, we examined genomic and phenotypic traits of two strains of A. flavus and three closely related species, Aspergillus arachidicola (two strains), Aspergillus parasiticus (two strains), and Aspergillus nomiae (one strain). We identified >3,000 orthologous proteins unique to A. flavus, including seven biosynthetic gene clusters present in A. flavus strains and absent in the three nonpathogens. We characterized secondary metabolite production for all seven strains under two clinically relevant conditions, temperature and salt concentration. Temperature impacted metabolite production in all species, whereas salinity did not affect production of any species. Strains of the same species produced different metabolites. Growth under stress conditions revealed additional heterogeneity within species. Using the invertebrate fungal disease model Galleria mellonella, we found virulence of strains of the same species varied widely; A. flavus strains were not more virulent than strains of the nonpathogens. In a murine model of fungal keratitis, we observed significantly lower disease severity and corneal thickness for A. arachidicola compared to other species at 48 h postinfection, but not at 72 h. Our work identifies variations in key phenotypic, chemical, and genomic attributes between A. flavus and its nonpathogenic relatives and reveals extensive strain heterogeneity in virulence that does not correspond to the currently established clinical relevance of these species. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus flavus is a filamentous fungus that causes opportunistic human infections, such as aspergillosis and fungal keratitis, but its close relatives are considered nonpathogenic. To begin understanding how this difference in pathogenicity evolved, we characterized variation in infection-relevant genomic, chemical, and phenotypic traits between strains of A. flavus and its relatives. We found extensive variation (or strain heterogeneity) within the pathogenic A. flavus as well as within its close relatives, suggesting that strain-level differences may play a major role in the ability of these fungi to cause disease. Surprisingly, we also found that the virulence of strains from species not considered to be pathogens was similar to that of A. flavus in both invertebrate and murine models of disease. These results contrast with previous studies on Aspergillus fumigatus, another major pathogen in the genus, for which significant differences in infection-relevant chemical and phenotypic traits are observed between closely related pathogenic and nonpathogenic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Anne Hatmaker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Manuel Rangel-Grimaldo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Huzefa A. Raja
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hadi Pourhadi
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sonja L. Knowles
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kevin Fuller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Emily M. Adams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jorge D. Lightfoot
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Rafael W. Bastos
- Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Nicholas H. Oberlies
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Evolutionary Studies Initiative, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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21
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Espinosa V, Dutta O, Heung LJ, Wang K, Chang YJ, Soteropoulos P, Hohl TM, Siracusa MC, Rivera A. Cutting Edge: Neutrophils License the Maturation of Monocytes into Effective Antifungal Effectors. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1827-1831. [PMID: 36216513 PMCID: PMC10115354 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neutrophils are critical for the direct eradication of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia, but whether they mediate antifungal defense beyond their role as effectors is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that neutrophil depletion impairs the activation of protective antifungal CCR2+ inflammatory monocytes. In the absence of neutrophils, monocytes displayed limited differentiation into monocyte-derived dendritic cells, reduced formation of reactive oxygen species, and diminished conidiacidal activity. Upstream regulator analysis of the transcriptional response in monocytes predicted a loss of STAT1-dependent signals as the potential basis for the dysfunction seen in neutrophil-depleted mice. We find that conditional removal of STAT1 on CCR2+ cells results in diminished antifungal monocyte responses, whereas exogenous administration of IFN-γ to neutrophil-depleted mice restores monocyte-derived dendritic cell maturation and reactive oxygen species production. Altogether, our findings support a critical role for neutrophils in antifungal immunity not only as effectors but also as important contributors to antifungal monocyte activation, in part by regulating STAT1-dependent functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Espinosa
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - Orchi Dutta
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - Lena J Heung
- Department of Medicine, Women's Guild Lung Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Keyi Wang
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - Yun-Juan Chang
- Genomics Research Program, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - Patricia Soteropoulos
- Genomics Research Program, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - Tobias M Hohl
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; and
| | - Mark C Siracusa
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
- Department of Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - Amariliz Rivera
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ;
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22
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Idol RA, Bhattacharya S, Huang G, Song Z, Huttenlocher A, Keller NP, Dinauer MC. Neutrophil and Macrophage NADPH Oxidase 2 Differentially Control Responses to Inflammation and to Aspergillus fumigatus in Mice. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1960-1972. [PMID: 36426951 PMCID: PMC9643661 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an important opportunistic fungal pathogen and causes invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in conditions with compromised innate antifungal immunity, including chronic granulomatous disease, which results from inherited deficiency of the superoxide-generating leukocyte NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2). Derivative oxidants have both antimicrobial and immunoregulatory activity and, in the context of A. fumigatus, contribute to both fungal killing and dampening inflammation induced by fungal cell walls. As the relative roles of macrophage versus neutrophil NOX2 in the host response to A. fumigatus are incompletely understood, we studied mice with conditional deletion of NOX2. When NOX2 was absent in alveolar macrophages as a result of LysM-Cre-mediated deletion, germination of inhaled A. fumigatus conidia was increased. Reducing NOX2 activity specifically in neutrophils via S100a8 (MRP8)-Cre also increased fungal burden, which was inversely proportional to the level of neutrophil NOX2 activity. Moreover, diminished NOX2 in neutrophils synergized with corticosteroid immunosuppression to impair lung clearance of A. fumigatus. Neutrophil-specific reduction in NOX2 activity also enhanced acute inflammation induced by inhaled sterile fungal cell walls. These results advance understanding into cell-specific roles of NOX2 in the host response to A. fumigatus. We show that alveolar macrophage NOX2 is a nonredundant effector that limits germination of inhaled A. fumigatus conidia. In contrast, reducing NOX2 activity only in neutrophils is sufficient to enhance inflammation to fungal cell walls as well as to promote invasive A. fumigatus. This may be relevant in clinical settings with acquired defects in NOX2 activity due to underlying conditions, which overlap risk factors for invasive aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Idol
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sourav Bhattacharya
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Guangming Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Zhimin Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Anna Huttenlocher
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Nancy P. Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Mary C. Dinauer
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Man M, Zhu Y, Liu L, Luo L, Han X, Qiu L, Li F, Ren M, Xing Y. Defense Mechanisms of Cotton Fusarium and Verticillium Wilt and Comparison of Pathogenic Response in Cotton and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12217. [PMID: 36293072 PMCID: PMC9602609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cotton is an important economic crop. Fusarium and Verticillium are the primary pathogenic fungi that threaten both the quality and sustainable production of cotton. As an opportunistic pathogen, Fusarium causes various human diseases, including fungal keratitis, which is the most common. Therefore, there is an urgent need to study and clarify the resistance mechanisms of cotton and humans toward Fusarium in order to mitigate, or eliminate, its harm. Herein, we first discuss the resistance and susceptibility mechanisms of cotton to Fusarium and Verticillium wilt and classify associated genes based on their functions. We then outline the characteristics and pathogenicity of Fusarium and describe the multiple roles of human neutrophils in limiting hyphal growth. Finally, we comprehensively compare the similarities and differences between animal and plant resistance to Fusarium and put forward new insights into novel strategies for cotton disease resistance breeding and treatment of Fusarium infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwu Man
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Yaqian Zhu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Lulu Liu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Lei Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Xinpei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Fuguang Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Maozhi Ren
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya 572000, China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Yadi Xing
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
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Abdelhamed H, Ramachandran R, Narayanan L, Islam S, Ozan O, Freitag N, Lawrence ML. Role of FruR transcriptional regulator in virulence of Listeria monocytogenes and identification of its regulon. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274005. [PMID: 36054213 PMCID: PMC9439231 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous opportunistic foodborne pathogen capable of survival in various adverse environmental conditions. Pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes is tightly controlled by a complex regulatory network of transcriptional regulators that are necessary for survival and adaptations to harsh environmental conditions both inside and outside host cells. Among these regulatory pathways are members of the DeoR-family transcriptional regulators that are known to play a regulatory role in sugar metabolism. In this study, we deciphered the role of FruR, a DeoR family protein, which is a fructose operon transcriptional repressor protein, in L. monocytogenes pathogenesis and growth. Following intravenous (IV) inoculation in mice, a mutant strain with deletion of fruR exhibited a significant reduction in bacterial burden in liver and spleen tissues compared to the parent strain. Further, the ΔfruR strain had a defect in cell-to-cell spread in L2 fibroblast monolayers. Constitutive activation of PrfA, a pleiotropic activator of L. monocytogenes virulence factors, did not restore virulence to the ΔfruR strain, suggesting that the attenuation was not a result of impaired PrfA activation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that FruR functions as a positive regulator for genes encoding enzymes involved in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and as a repressor for genes encoding enzymes in the glycolysis pathway. These results suggested that FruR may function to facilitate NADPH regeneration, which is necessary for full protection from oxidative stress. Interestingly, deletion of fruR increased sensitivity of L. monocytogenes to H2O2, confirming a role for FruR in survival of L. monocytogenes during oxidative stress. Using anti-mouse neutrophil/monocyte monoclonal antibody RB6-8C5 (RB6) in an in vivo infection model, we found that FruR has a specific function in protecting L. monocytogenes from neutrophil/monocyte-mediated killing. Overall, this work clarifies the role of FruR in controlling L. monocytogenes carbon flow between glycolysis and PPP for NADPH homeostasis, which provides a new mechanism allowing metabolic adaptation of L. monocytogenes to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam Abdelhamed
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Reshma Ramachandran
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States of America
- Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States of America
| | - Lakshmi Narayanan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States of America
| | - Shamima Islam
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States of America
| | - Ozdemir Ozan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States of America
| | - Nancy Freitag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Mark L. Lawrence
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States of America
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Huang L, Tang H, Hu J. METTL3 Attenuates Inflammation in Fusarium solani-Induced Keratitis via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:20. [PMID: 36169946 PMCID: PMC9526359 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.10.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Our previous investigations revealed a significant role of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the development of corneal inflammation in Fusarium infection, but the exact mechanism is unknown. Therefore, this research aimed to explore how METTL3 affects the inflammatory process of fungal keratitis (FK) in mice. Methods We established in vitro and in vivo models by inoculating mice and primary corneal stromal cells with F. solani. METTL3 expression was confirmed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. After that, siRNAMETTL3 and AAV-sh-METTL3 were transfected into cells and mice to explore the role of METTL3 in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inflammation. PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT expression was analyzed by western blotting. Viability of corneal stromal cells was measured using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Additionally, we detected interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels in corneal tissues and analyzed the role of METTL3 in inflammation in FK using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results Here, our results show that METTL3 increased in mouse FK, and the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT decreased when METTL3 was downregulated. We also found that knockdown of METTL3 expression attenuated the inflammatory response and decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression in corneal-infected mice. Furthermore, inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway attenuated the inflammatory response of FK, decreased the expression of the above inflammatory factors, and enhanced the viability of corneal stromal cells. Conclusions Based on the study results, METTL3 downregulation attenuates Fusarium-induced corneal inflammation via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fu Zhou, China
| | - Hanfeng Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fu Zhou, China
| | - Jianzhang Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fu Zhou, China
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Aspergillus Endophthalmitis: Epidemiology, Pathobiology, and Current Treatments. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8070656. [PMID: 35887412 PMCID: PMC9318612 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070656] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal endophthalmitis is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide. Post-operative and traumatic injuries are major contributing factors resulting in ocular fungal infections in healthy and, more importantly, immunocompromised individuals. Among the fungal pathogens, the Aspergillus species, Aspergillus fumigatus, continues to be more prevalent in fungal endophthalmitis patients. However, due to overlapping clinical symptoms with other endophthalmitis etiology, fungal endophthalmitis pose a challenge in its diagnosis and treatment. Hence, it is critical to understand its pathobiology to develop and deploy proper therapeutic interventions for combating Aspergillus infections. This review highlights the different modes of Aspergillus transmission and the host immune response during endophthalmitis. Additionally, we discuss recent advancements in the diagnosis of fungal endophthalmitis. Finally, we comprehensively summarize various antifungal regimens and surgical options for the treatment of Aspergillus endophthalmitis.
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Haist M, Ries F, Gunzer M, Bednarczyk M, Siegel E, Kuske M, Grabbe S, Radsak M, Bros M, Teschner D. Neutrophil-Specific Knockdown of β2 Integrins Impairs Antifungal Effector Functions and Aggravates the Course of Invasive Pulmonal Aspergillosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:823121. [PMID: 35734179 PMCID: PMC9207500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.823121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
β2-integrins are heterodimeric surface receptors that are expressed specifically by leukocytes and consist of a variable α (CD11a-d) and a common β-subunit (CD18). Functional impairment of CD18, which causes leukocyte adhesion deficiency type-1 results in an immunocompromised state characterized by severe infections, such as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). The underlying immune defects have largely been attributed to an impaired migratory and phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN). However, the exact contribution of β2-integrins for PMN functions in-vivo has not been elucidated yet, since the mouse models available so far display a constitutive CD18 knockout (CD18-/- or CD18hypo). To determine the PMN-specific role of β2-integrins for innate effector functions and pathogen control, we generated a mouse line with a Ly6G-specific knockdown of the common β-subunit (CD18Ly6G cKO). We characterized CD18Ly6G cKO mice in-vitro to confirm the PMN-specific knockdown of β2-integrins. Next, we investigated the clinical course of IPA in A. fumigatus infected CD18Ly6G cKO mice with regard to the fungal burden, pulmonary inflammation and PMN response towards A. fumigatus. Our results revealed that the β2-integrin knockdown was restricted to PMN and that CD18Ly6G cKO mice showed an aggravated course of IPA. In accordance, we observed a higher fungal burden and lower levels of proinflammatory innate cytokines, such as TNF-α, in lungs of IPA-infected CD18Ly6G cKO mice. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed higher levels of CXCL1, a stronger PMN-infiltration, but concomitantly elevated apoptosis of PMN in lungs of CD18Ly6G cKO mice. Ex-vivo analysis further unveiled a strong impairment of PMN effector function, as reflected by an attenuated phagocytic activity, and a diminished generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neutrophil-extracellular traps (NET) in CD18-deficient PMN. Overall, our study demonstrates that β2-integrins are required specifically for PMN effector functions and contribute to the clearance of A. fumigatus by infiltrating PMN, and the establishment of an inflammatory microenvironment in infected lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Haist
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- *Correspondence: Maximilian Haist,
| | - Frederic Ries
- Department of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Gunzer
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften ISAS -e.V, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Monika Bednarczyk
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ekkehard Siegel
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Kuske
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Radsak
- Department of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Teschner
- Department of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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28
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Si W, Xie Y, Dong J, Wang C, Zhang F, Yue J, Jian S, Wei J, Liu S, Wang L, Zhang H. AMPK activation enhances neutrophil's fungicidal activity in vitro and improves the clinical outcome of Fusarium solani keratitis in vivo. Curr Eye Res 2022; 47:1131-1143. [PMID: 35575029 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2078494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Juan Yue
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 450003, China.
| | - Shoujun Jian
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 450003, China.
| | - Jingjing Wei
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 450003, China.
| | - Susu Liu
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 450003, China.
| | - Liya Wang
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 450003, China.
| | - Hongmin Zhang
- Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Key Laboratory for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 450003, China.
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Lin H, Wang Q, Niu Y, Gu L, Hu L, Li C, Zhao G. Antifungal and Anti-inflammatory Effect of Punicalagin on Murine Aspergillus fumigatus Keratitis. Curr Eye Res 2021; 47:517-524. [PMID: 34797193 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2021.2008982] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and antifungal effect of punicalagin in murine fungal keratitis. METHODS We used in vitro and in vivo protocols to assess the anti-inflammatory effect and antifungal effect of punicalagin. In vitro, time kill and mycelial stain were done. In vivo, murine fungal keratitis was established and treated with PBS or PUN. Clinical scores were taken on days 1, 3, and 5 post infection. The mRNA and protein levels of inflammatory factors were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, and the number and location of macrophages were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Also, fungal plate counting was used to assess the antifungal effect. The DCFH-DA fluorescence probe detected the ROS level. RESULTS In vitro, PUN showed activity against A.fumigatus. (A.F.), with MIC90 values of 250 μg/ml, and significantly reduced A.F. biofilm formation (p < .001). In vivo, the mouse fungal keratitis model after punicalagin treatment exhibited less disease, lower clinical scores (p < .05), lower reduced macrophage infiltrate (p < .001), and fungal load (p < .001) than those treated with PBS. Treatment with punicalagin also reduced the mRNA expression and protein level of pro-inflammatory factors. At the cellular level, PUN significantly reduced the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and ROS production caused by the stimulation of mycelia in RAW264.7 (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS The results show that punicalagin is beneficial in the treatment of murine fungal keratitis. The mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effect was synthetical, including antifungal activity, an inhibitory effect of proinflammatory factor and macrophages, and anti-oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yawen Niu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lingwen Gu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liting Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Ratitong B, Pearlman E. Pathogenic Aspergillus and Fusarium as important causes of blinding corneal infections - the role of neutrophils in fungal killing, tissue damage and cytokine production. Curr Opin Microbiol 2021; 63:195-203. [PMID: 34419783 PMCID: PMC10492570 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi Aspergillus and Fusarium species are major causes of visual impairment and blindness in immune competent individuals. Once conidia penetrate the corneal epithelium and enter the stroma, they undergo germination, and exposure of cell wall components induces a pronounced neutrophil-rich cellular infiltrate. In this review, we discuss Aspergillus and novel Fusarium virulence factors that are required for corneal infection, and describe the multiple functions of neutrophils in limiting hyphal growth in the cornea. This review will also discuss the role of neutrophils as an important source of cytokines in fungal keratitis, and highlight recent studies identifying unique characteristics of neutrophil secretion of IL-1α and IL-1β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Ratitong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Eric Pearlman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States.
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31
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Chaves ALS, Trilles L, Alves GM, Figueiredo-Carvalho MHG, Brito-Santos F, Coelho RA, Martins IS, Almeida-Paes R. A case-series of bloodstream infections caused by the Meyerozyma guilliermondii species complex at a reference center of oncology in Brazil. Med Mycol 2021; 59:235-243. [PMID: 32497174 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by Candida species are the fourth cause of healthcare associated infections worldwide. Non-albicans Candida species emerged in the last decades as agents of serious diseases. In this study, clinical and microbiological aspects of six patients with BSI due to the Meyerozyma (Candida) guilliermondii species complex from an oncology reference center in Brazil, were evaluated. To describe demographic and clinical characteristics, medical records of the patients were reviewed. Molecular identification of the isolates was performed by ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility was evaluated by the EUCAST method and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) assessed according to the epidemiological cutoff values. Virulence associated phenotypes of the isolates were also studied. Ten isolates from the six patients were evaluated. Five of them were identified as Meyerozyma guilliermondii and the others as Meyerozyma caribbica. One patient was infected with two M. caribbica isolates with different genetic backgrounds. High MICs were observed for fluconazole and echinocandins. Non-wild type isolates to voriconazole appeared in one patient previously treated with this azole. Additionally, two patients survived, despite infected with non-wild type strains for fluconazole and treated with this drug. All isolates produced hemolysin, which was not associated with a poor prognosis, and none produced phospholipases. Aspartic proteases, phytase, and esterase were detected in a few isolates. This study shows the reduced antifungal susceptibility and a variable production of virulence-related enzymes by Meyerozyma spp. In addition, it highlights the poor prognosis of neutropenic patients with BSI caused by this emerging species complex. LAY ABSTRACT Our manuscript describes demographic, clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with bloodstream infection by the Meyerozyma guilliermondii species complex at a reference center in oncology in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Leal Silva Chaves
- Clinical Pathology Laboratory, HCI, National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Mycology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciana Trilles
- Mycology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Machado Alves
- Mycology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Fábio Brito-Santos
- Mycology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rowena Alves Coelho
- Mycology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ianick S Martins
- Nosocomial Infection Surveillance and Control Program, National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Medical School of Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Almeida-Paes
- Mycology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Staerck C, Yaakoub H, Vandeputte P, Tabiasco J, Godon C, Gastebois A, Giraud S, Guillemette T, Calenda A, Delneste Y, Fleury M, Bouchara JP. The Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Superoxide Dismutase of Scedosporium apiospermum Protects the Conidia from Oxidative Stress. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:575. [PMID: 34356954 PMCID: PMC8304446 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Scedosporium species are common fungal pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). To colonize the CF lungs, fungi must cope with the host immune response, especially the reactive oxygen species (ROS) released by phagocytic cells. To this aim, pathogens have developed various antioxidant systems, including superoxide dismutases (SODs) which constitute the first-line protection against oxidative stress. Interestingly, one of the S. apiospermum SOD-encoding genes (SODD gene) exhibits a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor-binding site and encodes a conidial-specific surface SOD. In this study, a SODDΔ mutant was engineered from a non-homologous end joining-deficient strain (KU70Δ) of S. apiospermum. Compared to its parent strain, the double mutant KU70Δ/SODDΔ exhibited increased susceptibility to various oxidizing agents and triazole antifungals. In addition, the loss of SodD resulted in an increased intracellular killing of the conidia by M1 macrophages derived from human blood monocytes, suggesting the involvement of this superoxide dismutase in the evasion to the host defenses. Nevertheless, one cannot disregard an indirect role of the enzyme in the synthesis or assembly of the cell wall components since transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed a thickening of the inner cell wall layer of the conidia. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of this enzyme in the pathogenesis of Scedosporium infections, including the production of a recombinant protein and study of its protective effect against the infection in a mouse model of scedosporiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Staerck
- Université d’Angers, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU Angers, Groupe d’Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA3142), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (H.Y.); (P.V.); (C.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Hajar Yaakoub
- Université d’Angers, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU Angers, Groupe d’Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA3142), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (H.Y.); (P.V.); (C.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Patrick Vandeputte
- Université d’Angers, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU Angers, Groupe d’Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA3142), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (H.Y.); (P.V.); (C.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Julie Tabiasco
- Université d’Angers, Université de Nantes, CHU Angers, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (J.T.); (Y.D.)
| | - Charlotte Godon
- Université d’Angers, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU Angers, Groupe d’Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA3142), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (H.Y.); (P.V.); (C.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Amandine Gastebois
- Université d’Angers, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU Angers, Groupe d’Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA3142), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (H.Y.); (P.V.); (C.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Sandrine Giraud
- Université d’Angers, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU Angers, Groupe d’Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA3142), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (H.Y.); (P.V.); (C.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Thomas Guillemette
- Université d’Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAV, F-49000 Angers, France;
| | - Alphonse Calenda
- Université d’Angers, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU Angers, Groupe d’Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA3142), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (H.Y.); (P.V.); (C.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Yves Delneste
- Université d’Angers, Université de Nantes, CHU Angers, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (J.T.); (Y.D.)
| | - Maxime Fleury
- Université d’Angers, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU Angers, Groupe d’Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA3142), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (H.Y.); (P.V.); (C.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- Université d’Angers, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU Angers, Groupe d’Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA3142), SFR ICAT, F-49000 Angers, France; (C.S.); (H.Y.); (P.V.); (C.G.); (A.G.); (S.G.); (A.C.); (M.F.)
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Leal SM, Rodino KG, Fowler WC, Gilligan PH. Practical Guidance for Clinical Microbiology Laboratories: Diagnosis of Ocular Infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e0007019. [PMID: 34076493 PMCID: PMC8262805 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00070-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The variety and complexity of ocular infections have increased significantly in the last decade since the publication of Cumitech 13B, Laboratory Diagnosis of Ocular Infections (L. D. Gray, P. H. Gilligan, and W. C. Fowler, Cumitech 13B, Laboratory Diagnosis of Ocular Infections, 2010). The purpose of this practical guidance document is to review, for individuals working in clinical microbiology laboratories, current tools used in the laboratory diagnosis of ocular infections. This document begins by describing the complex, delicate anatomy of the eye, which often leads to limitations in specimen quantity, requiring a close working bond between laboratorians and ophthalmologists to ensure high-quality diagnostic care. Descriptions are provided of common ocular infections in developed nations and neglected ocular infections seen in developing nations. Subsequently, preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic aspects of laboratory diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are explored in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixto M. Leal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kyle G. Rodino
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - W. Craig Fowler
- Department of Surgery, Campbell University School of Medicine, Lillington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Peter H. Gilligan
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Desamero MJM, Chung SH, Kakuta S. Insights on the Functional Role of Beta-Glucans in Fungal Immunity Using Receptor-Deficient Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4778. [PMID: 33946381 PMCID: PMC8125483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the host anti-fungal immunity induced by beta-glucan has been one of the most challenging conundrums in the field of biomedical research. During the last couple of decades, insights on the role of beta-glucan in fungal disease progression, susceptibility, and resistance have been greatly augmented through the utility of various beta-glucan cognate receptor-deficient mouse models. Analysis of dectin-1 knockout mice has clarified the downstream signaling pathways and adaptive effector responses triggered by beta-glucan in anti-fungal immunity. On the other hand, assessment of CR3-deficient mice has elucidated the compelling action of beta-glucans in neutrophil-mediated fungal clearance, and the investigation of EphA2-deficient mice has highlighted its novel involvement in host sensing and defense to oral mucosal fungal infection. Based on these accounts, this review focuses on the recent discoveries made by these gene-targeted mice in beta-glucan research with particular emphasis on the multifaceted aspects of fungal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Joseph Maranan Desamero
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan;
- Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Soo-Hyun Chung
- Division of Experimental Animal Immunology, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2669 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-0022, Japan;
| | - Shigeru Kakuta
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan;
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Chu S, McCormick TS, Lazarus HM, Leal LO, Ghannoum MA. Invasive fungal disease and the immunocompromised host including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: Improved understanding and new strategic approach with sargramostim. Clin Immunol 2021; 228:108731. [PMID: 33892201 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In hosts with damaged or impaired immune systems such as those undergoing hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) or intensive chemotherapy, breakthrough fungal infections can be fatal. Risk factors for breakthrough infections include severe neutropenia, use of corticosteroids, extended use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and intensive care unit admission. An individual's cumulative state of immunosuppression directly contributes to the likelihood of experiencing increased infection risk. Incidence of invasive fungal infection (IFI) after HCT may be up to 5-8%. Early intervention may improve IFI outcomes, although many infections are resistant to standard therapies (voriconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, amphotericin B, posaconazole or itraconazole, as single agents or in combination). We review herein several contributing factors that may contribute to the net state of immunosuppression in recipients of HCT. We also review a new approach for IFI utilizing adjunctive therapy with sargramostim, a yeast-derived recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherman Chu
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Northwest (COMP), Lebanon, OR, USA.
| | - Thomas S McCormick
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Hillard M Lazarus
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Luis O Leal
- Partner Therapeutics, Inc., 19 Muzzey St, Lexington, MA, USA.
| | - Mahmoud A Ghannoum
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Center for Medical Mycology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Yaakoub H, Staerck C, Mina S, Godon C, Fleury M, Bouchara JP, Calenda A. Repurposing of auranofin and honokiol as antifungals against Scedosporium species and the related fungus Lomentospora prolificans. Virulence 2021; 12:1076-1090. [PMID: 33825667 PMCID: PMC8032236 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1909266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The slowing-down de novo drug-discovery emphasized the importance of repurposing old drugs. This is particularly true when combating infections caused by therapy-refractory microorganisms, such as Scedosporium species and Lomentospora prolificans. Recent studies on Scedosporium responses to oxidative stress underscored the importance of targeting the underlying mechanisms. Auranofin, ebselen, PX-12, honokiol, and to a lesser extent, conoidin A are known to disturb redox-homeostasis systems in many organisms. Their antifungal activity was assessed against 27 isolates belonging to the major Scedosporium species: S. apiospermum, S. aurantiacum, S. boydii, S. dehoogii, S. minutisporum, and Lomentospora prolificans. Auranofin and honokiol were the most active against all Scedosporium species (mean MIC50 values of 2.875 and 6.143 μg/ml, respectively) and against L. prolificans isolates (mean MIC50 values of 4.0 and 3.563μg/ml respectively). Combinations of auranofin with voriconazole or honokiol revealed additive effects against 9/27 and 18/27 isolates, respectively. Synergistic interaction between auranofin and honokiol was only found against one isolate of L. prolificans. The effects of auranofin upon exposure to oxidative stress were also investigated. For all species except S. dehoogii, the maximal growth in the presence of auranofin significantly decreased when adding a sublethal dose of menadione. The analysis of the expression of genes encoding oxidoreductase enzymes upon exposure of S. apiospermum to honokiol unveiled the upregulation of many genes, especially those coding peroxiredoxins, thioredoxin reductases, and glutaredoxins. Altogether, these data suggest that auranofin and honokiol act via dampening the redox balance and support their repurposing as antifungals against Scedosporium species and L. prolificans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Yaakoub
- Groupe d'Etude Des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA 3142), SFR ICAT 4208, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Institut De Biologie En Santé-IRIS, CHU Angers,Angers, France
| | - Cindy Staerck
- Groupe d'Etude Des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA 3142), SFR ICAT 4208, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Institut De Biologie En Santé-IRIS, CHU Angers,Angers, France
| | - Sara Mina
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Charlotte Godon
- Groupe d'Etude Des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA 3142), SFR ICAT 4208, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Institut De Biologie En Santé-IRIS, CHU Angers,Angers, France
| | - Maxime Fleury
- Groupe d'Etude Des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA 3142), SFR ICAT 4208, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Institut De Biologie En Santé-IRIS, CHU Angers,Angers, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- Groupe d'Etude Des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA 3142), SFR ICAT 4208, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Institut De Biologie En Santé-IRIS, CHU Angers,Angers, France.,Département de biologie des agents infectieux , Laboratoire De Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Angers, France
| | - Alphonse Calenda
- Groupe d'Etude Des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (GEIHP, EA 3142), SFR ICAT 4208, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Institut De Biologie En Santé-IRIS, CHU Angers,Angers, France
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Mousa HM, Saban DR, Perez VL. The cornea IV immunology, infection, neovascularization, and surgery chapter 1: Corneal immunology. Exp Eye Res 2021; 205:108502. [PMID: 33607075 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE of Review: This review offers an informed and up-to-date insight on the immune profile of the cornea and the factors that govern the regulation of such a unique immune environment. SUMMARY The cornea is a unique tissue that performs the specialized task of allowing light to penetrate for visual interpretation. To accomplish this, the ocular surface requires a distinct immune environment that is achieved through unique structural, cellular and molecular factors. Not only must the cornea be able to fend off invasive infectious agents but also control the inflammatory response as to avoid collateral, and potentially blinding damage; particularly of post-mitotic cells such as the corneal endothelium. To combat infections, both innate and adaptive arms of the inflammatory immune response are at play in the cornea. Dendritic cells play a critical role in coordinating both these responses in order to fend off infections. On the other side of the spectrum, the ocular surface is also endowed with a variety of anatomic and physiologic components that aid in regulating the immune response to prevent excessive, potentially damaging, inflammation. This attenuation of the immune response is termed immune privilege. The balance between pro and anti-inflammatory reactions is key for preservation of the functional integrity of the cornea. RECENT FINDINGS The understanding of the molecular and cellular factors governing corneal immunology and its response to antigens is a growing field. Dendritic cells in the normal cornea play a crucial role in combating infections and coordinating the inflammatory arms of the immune response, particularly through coordination with T-helper cells. The role of neuropeptides is recently becoming more highlighted with different factors working on both sides of the inflammatory balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem M Mousa
- Foster Center for Ocular Immunology at Duke Eye Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Daniel R Saban
- Foster Center for Ocular Immunology at Duke Eye Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Victor L Perez
- Foster Center for Ocular Immunology at Duke Eye Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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Ma X, Hu J, Yu Y, Wang C, Gu Y, Cao S, Huang X, Wen Y, Zhao Q, Wu R, Zuo Z, Deng J, Ren Z, Yu S, Shen L, Zhong Z, Peng G. Assessment of the pulmonary adaptive immune response to Cladosporium cladosporioides infection using an experimental mouse model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:909. [PMID: 33441700 PMCID: PMC7806624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79642-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cladosporium cladosporioides causes asthma and superficial and deep infections, mostly in immunodeficient individuals and animals. This study aimed to investigate whether C. cladosporioides spores can enter the lungs through pulmonary circulation and influence pulmonary immune response. We intravenously injected mice with C. cladosporioides spore suspension and conducted several assays on the lungs. Pulmonary hemorrhage symptoms and congestion were most severe on days 1, 2, and 3 post-inoculation (PI). Extensive inflammatory cell infiltration occurred throughout the period of infection. More spores and hyphae colonizing the lungs were detected on days 1, 2, and 3 PI, and fewer spores and hyphae were observed within 21 d of infection. Numerous macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils were observed on day 5 PI, along with upregulation of CD54, an intercellular adhesion molecule. Th1 and Th2 cells increased after infection; specifically, Th2 cells increased considerably on day 5 PI. These results suggest that days 2 and 5 PI represent the inflammatory peak in the lungs and that the Th2 and Th1 signaling pathways are potentially involved in pulmonary immune responses. In conclusion, the further adaptive immune responses played important roles in establishing effective pulmonary immunity against C. cladosporioides systemic infections based on innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Chengdong Wang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Chengdu, 611800, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yu Gu
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Sanjie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yiping Wen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhicai Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Junliang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhihua Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shumin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Liuhong Shen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Guangneng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
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Mills B, Radhakrishnan N, Karthikeyan Rajapandian SG, Rameshkumar G, Lalitha P, Prajna NV. The role of fungi in fungal keratitis. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108372. [PMID: 33249061 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) accounts for approximately half of the microbial keratitis encountered in low middle income countries (LMICs) and predominantly affect the working rural-poor. FK causes significant morbidity with the majority of patients left with moderate or worse visual impairment and approximately 25% requiring expensive and often unsuccessful surgical interventions. The severity of FK and the resultant corneal damage or resolution can be attributed to i) the virulence and bioburden of the fungal pathogen, ii) the host defense mechanism and immune response and iii) sub-optimal diagnostics and anti-fungal treatment strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted components that drive FK progression and resolution, highlighting where knowledge gaps exist and areas that warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Mills
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Naveen Radhakrishnan
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India
| | | | | | - Prajna Lalitha
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India
| | - N Venkatesh Prajna
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India.
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EphA2 Is a Neutrophil Receptor for Candida albicans that Stimulates Antifungal Activity during Oropharyngeal Infection. Cell Rep 2020; 28:423-433.e5. [PMID: 31291578 PMCID: PMC6638578 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), Candida albicans proliferates and invades the superficial oral epithelium. Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) functions as an oral epithelial cell β-glucan receptor that triggers the production of proinflammatory mediators in response to fungal infection. Because EphA2 is also expressed by neutrophils, we investigated its role in neutrophil candidacidal activity during OPC. We found that EphA2 on stromal cells is required for the accumulation of phagocytes in the oral mucosa of mice with OPC. EphA2 on neutrophils is also central to host defense against OPC. The interaction of neutrophil EphA2 with serum- opsonized C. albicans yeast activates the MEK-ERK signaling pathway, leading to NADPH subunit p47phox site-specific phospho-priming. This priming increases intracellular reactive oxygen species production and enhances fungal killing. Thus, in neutrophils, EphA2 serves as a receptor for β-glucans that augments Fcγ receptor-mediated antifungal activity and controls early fungal proliferation during OPC. In oral epithelial cells, EphA2 functions as a β-glucan receptor that triggers the production of proinflammatory mediators in response to oropharyngeal candidiasis. Here, Swidergall et al. show that, in neutrophils, EphA2 recognition of β-glucans augments Fcγ receptor-mediated antifungal activity and prevents fungal proliferation during the initiation of oropharyngeal infection.
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Novak Babič M, Gostinčar C, Gunde-Cimerman N. Microorganisms populating the water-related indoor biome. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6443-6462. [PMID: 32533304 PMCID: PMC7347518 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Modernisation of our households created novel opportunities for microbial growth and thus changed the array of microorganisms we come in contact with. While many studies have investigated microorganisms in the air and dust, tap water, another major input of microbial propagules, has received far less attention. The quality of drinking water in developed world is strictly regulated to prevent immediate danger to human health. However, fungi, algae, protists and bacteria of less immediate concern are usually not screened for. These organisms can thus use water as a vector of transmission into the households, especially if they are resistant to various water treatment procedures. Good tolerance of unfavourable abiotic conditions is also important for survival once microbes enter the household. Limitation of water availability, high or low temperatures, application of antimicrobial chemicals and other measures are taken to prevent indoor microbial overgrowth. These conditions, together with a large number of novel chemicals in our homes, shape the diversity and abundance of indoor microbiota through constant selection of the most resilient species, resulting in a substantial overlap in diversity of indoor and natural extreme environments. At least in fungi, extremotolerance has been linked to human pathogenicity, explaining why many species found in novel indoor habitats (such as dishwasher) are notable opportunistic pathogens. As a result, microorganisms that often enter our households with water and are then enriched in novel indoor habitats might have a hitherto underestimated impact on the well-being of the increasingly indoor-bound human population. KEY POINTS: Domestic environment harbours a large diversity of microorganisms. Microbiota of water-related indoor habitats mainly originates from tap water. Bathrooms, kitchens and household appliances select for polyextremotolerant species. Many household-related microorganisms are human opportunistic pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Novak Babič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cene Gostinčar
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Lars Bolund Institute of Regenerative Medicine, BGI-Qingdao, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Nina Gunde-Cimerman
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Binder J, Shadkchan Y, Osherov N, Krappmann S. The Essential Thioredoxin Reductase of the Human Pathogenic Mold Aspergillus fumigatus Is a Promising Antifungal Target. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1383. [PMID: 32670238 PMCID: PMC7330004 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of cellular targets for antifungal compounds is a cornerstone for the development of novel antimycotics, for which a significant need exists due to increasing numbers of susceptible patients, emerging pathogens, and evolving resistance. For the human pathogenic mold Aspergillus fumigatus, the causative agent of the opportunistic disease aspergillosis, only a limited number of established targets and corresponding drugs are available. Among several targets that were postulated from a variety of experimental approaches, the conserved thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity encoded by the trxR gene was assessed in this study. Its essentiality could be confirmed following a conditional TetOFF promoter replacement strategy. Relevance of the trxR gene product for oxidative stress resistance was revealed and, most importantly, its requirement for full virulence of A. fumigatus in two different models of infection resembling invasive aspergillosis. Our findings complement the idea of targeting the reductase component of the fungal thioredoxin system for antifungal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Binder
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Yana Shadkchan
- Aspergillus and Antifungal Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Nir Osherov
- Aspergillus and Antifungal Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Sven Krappmann
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen Center of Infection Research, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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43
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Xu Y, Yang XL, Yang XL, Ren YR, Zhuang XY, Zhang L, Zhang XF. Functional Annotations of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)-Based and Gene-Based Genome-Wide Association Studies Show Genes Affecting Keratitis Susceptibility. MEDICAL SCIENCE MONITOR : INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2020; 26:e922710. [PMID: 32450567 PMCID: PMC7269196 DOI: 10.12659/msm.922710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Keratitis is a complex condition in humans and is the second most common cause of legal blindness worldwide. Material/Methods To reveal the genomic loci underlying keratitis, we performed functional annotations of SNP-based and gene-based genome-wide association studies of keratitis in the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort with 337 199 subjects of European ancestry. Results The publicly available SNP-based association results showed a total of 34 SNPs, from 14 distinct loci, associated with keratitis in the UKB. Gene-based association analysis identified 2 significant genes: IQCF3 (p=2.0×10−6) and SOD3 (p=2.0×10−6). Thirty-two candidate genes were then prioritized using information from multiple sources. The overlap of IQCF3 in these 2 analyses resulted in a total of 33 hub genes. Functional annotation of hub genes was performed and transcriptional factors of IQCF3 and SOD3 were predicted. Conclusions A total of 34 SNPs from 14 distinct loci were identified as being associated with keratitis, and 32 candidate genes were then prioritized. In addition, IQCF3 and SOD3 were identified by their p values through gene-based tests on the basis of individual SNP-based tests. The functional relationship between these suspect genes and keratitis suggest that IQCF3 and SOD3 are candidate genes underlying keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Xiao-Lin Yang
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Xiao-Long Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Ya-Ru Ren
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Xin-Yu Zhuang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Lei Zhang
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology and Genomics, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Xiao-Feng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
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44
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Zhu BB, Zhou J, Zheng J, Zhang Y, Wan T, Huang XD, Lin L, Jin XM. Corneal graft melting: a systematic review. Int J Ophthalmol 2020; 13:493-502. [PMID: 32309189 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2020.03.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal graft melting is a severe complication of keratoplasty. This review is to summarize the incidence, the pathogenesis, the risk factors, the prognosis and the prevention of corneal graft melting after keratoplasty. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science and WanFang database to retrieve potentially eligible articles about relevant clinical reports and animal experiments. We read the full texts to identify eligible articles. The selection of studies and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. In conclusion, the pathogenesis of corneal graft melting is complicated, and many risk factors are closely related to corneal graft melting. Analysis of pathogenesis and risk factors of corneal graft melting can facilitate the development of targeted therapies to better guide clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Bin Zhu
- Eye Center, the Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Eye Center, the Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiao Zheng
- Eye Center, the Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Eye Center, the Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ting Wan
- Eye Center, the Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Huang
- Eye Center, the Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Eye Center, the Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiu-Ming Jin
- Eye Center, the Affiliated Second Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
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45
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The genome of opportunistic fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum carries a unique set of lineage-specific chromosomes. Commun Biol 2020; 3:50. [PMID: 32005944 PMCID: PMC6994591 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0770-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium oxysporum is a cross-kingdom fungal pathogen that infects plants and humans. Horizontally transferred lineage-specific (LS) chromosomes were reported to determine host-specific pathogenicity among phytopathogenic F. oxysporum. However, the existence and functional importance of LS chromosomes among human pathogenic isolates are unknown. Here we report four unique LS chromosomes in a human pathogenic strain NRRL 32931, isolated from a leukemia patient. These LS chromosomes were devoid of housekeeping genes, but were significantly enriched in genes encoding metal ion transporters and cation transporters. Homologs of NRRL 32931 LS genes, including a homolog of ceruloplasmin and the genes that contribute to the expansion of the alkaline pH-responsive transcription factor PacC/Rim1p, were also present in the genome of NRRL 47514, a strain associated with Fusarium keratitis outbreak. This study provides the first evidence, to our knowledge, for genomic compartmentalization in two human pathogenic fungal genomes and suggests an important role of LS chromosomes in niche adaptation. Zhang, Yang et al. compare a Fusarium oxysporum isolate obtained clinically to a phytopathogenic strain to examine transfer of lineage-specific chromosomes in determining host specificity. They find four unique lineage-specific chromosomes that seem to contribute to fungal adaptation to human hosts.
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46
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This capacity has helped the fungus to resist and survive against human host defenses and, further, to be responsible for one of the most devastating lung infections in terms of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will provide (i) a description of the biological cycle of A. fumigatus; (ii) a historical perspective of the spectrum of aspergillus disease and the current epidemiological status of these infections; (iii) an analysis of the modes of immune response against Aspergillus in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients; (iv) an understanding of the pathways responsible for fungal virulence and their host molecular targets, with a specific focus on the cell wall; (v) the current status of the diagnosis of different clinical syndromes; and (vi) an overview of the available antifungal armamentarium and the therapeutic strategies in the clinical context. In addition, the emergence of new concepts, such as nutritional immunity and the integration and rewiring of multiple fungal metabolic activities occurring during lung invasion, has helped us to redefine the opportunistic pathogenesis of A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Latgé
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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47
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Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Modulate Peripheral Stress-Induced Innate Immune Activation Indirectly Limiting the Emergence of Neuroinflammation-Driven Depressive and Anxiety-like Behaviors. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:712-724. [PMID: 31521333 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperactivation of innate immunity has been implicated in the etiology of mood disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have demonstrated potent immunomodulatory capabilities in the context of chronic inflammatory disease and injury but have yet to be evaluated in stress-based preclinical models of MDD. We sought to test the ability of intravenous MSCs to modulate innate immune activation and behavioral patterns associated with repeated social defeat (RSD). METHODS Murine RSD-induced innate immune activation as well as depressive and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed in unstressed, RSD, and RSD + human MSC groups. Biodistribution and fate studies were performed to inform potential mechanisms of action. RESULTS MSCs reduced stress-induced circulating proinflammatory cytokines, monocytes, neuroinflammation, and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. Biodistribution analyses indicated that infused MSCs distributed within peripheral organs without homing to the brain. Murine neutrophils targeted MSCs in the lungs within hours of administration. MSCs and recipient neutrophils were cleared by recipient macrophages promoting a switch toward a regulatory phenotype and systemic resolution of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Peripheral delivery of MSCs modulates central nervous system inflammatory processes and aberrant behavioral patterns in a stress-based rodent model of MDD and anxiety. Recent studies suggest that host immune cell-mediated phagocytosis of MSCs in vivo can trigger an immunomodulatory cascade, resulting in resolution of inflammation. Our data suggest that similar mechanisms may protect distal organs, including the brain, from systemic, stress-induced proinflammatory spikes and may uncover unexpected targets in the periphery for novel or adjunct treatment for a subset of patients with MDD.
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48
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Niu L, Liu X, Ma Z, Yin Y, Sun L, Yang L, Zheng Y. Fungal keratitis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis and prevention. Microb Pathog 2019; 138:103802. [PMID: 31626916 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
As a kind of serious, potentially sight-threatening corneal infections with poor prognosis, fungal keratitis can bring a heavy economic burden to patients and seriously affect the quality of life, especially those in developing countries where fungal keratitis is more prevalent. Typical clinical features include immune rings, satellite lesions, pseudopods, hypha moss, hypopyon and endothelial plaques. The ideal therapeutic effects could not be achieved by current treatments for many reasons. Therefore, under the current status, understanding the pathogenesis, early diagnosis and prevention strategies might be of great importance. Here, in this review, we discuss the recent progresses that may advance our understanding of pathogenesis, early diagnosis and prevention of fungal keratitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Niu
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Zhiming Ma
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Yuan Yin
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Lixia Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yanbian University Affiliated Hospital, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133000, China
| | - Longfei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
| | - Yajuan Zheng
- Eye Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
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49
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Hosseinzadeh A, Stylianou M, Lopes JP, Müller DC, Häggman A, Holmberg S, Grumaz C, Johansson A, Sohn K, Dieterich C, Urban CF. Stable Redox-Cycling Nitroxide Tempol Has Antifungal and Immune-Modulatory Properties. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1843. [PMID: 31481939 PMCID: PMC6710993 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive mycoses remain underdiagnosed and difficult to treat. Hospitalized individuals with compromised immunity increase in number and constitute the main risk group for severe fungal infections. Current antifungal therapy is hampered by slow and insensitive diagnostics and frequent toxic side effects of standard antifungal drugs. Identification of new antifungal compounds with high efficacy and low toxicity is therefore urgently required. We investigated the antifungal activity of tempol, a cell-permeable nitroxide. To narrow down possible mode of action we used RNA-seq technology and metabolomics to probe for pathways specifically disrupted in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans due to tempol administration. We found genes upregulated which are involved in iron homeostasis, mitochondrial stress, steroid synthesis, and amino acid metabolism. In an ex vivo whole blood infection, tempol treatment reduced C. albicans colony forming units and at the same time increased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 8 (IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor). In a systemic mouse model, tempol was partially protective with a significant reduction of fungal burden in the kidneys of infected animals during infection onset. The results obtained propose tempol as a promising new antifungal compound and open new opportunities for the future development of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marios Stylianou
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - José Pedro Lopes
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Daniel C Müller
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - André Häggman
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sandra Holmberg
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christian Grumaz
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anders Johansson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kai Sohn
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Christoph Dieterich
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Klaus Tschira Institute for Integrative Computational Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Constantin F Urban
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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50
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Silva JC, Rodrigues NC, Thompson‐Souza GA, Muniz VDS, Neves JS, Figueiredo RT. Mac‐1 triggers neutrophil DNA extracellular trap formation to
Aspergillus fumigatus
independently of PAD4 histone citrullination. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 107:69-83. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4a0119-009rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C. Silva
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de GóesUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Najara C. Rodrigues
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de GóesUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | | | - Valdirene de S. Muniz
- Instituto de Ciências BiomédicasUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Josiane S. Neves
- Instituto de Ciências BiomédicasUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Rodrigo T. Figueiredo
- Campus de Duque de CaxiasUniversidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Duque de Caxias Brazil
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