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Fettucciari K, Spaterna A, Marconi P, Bassotti G. Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Enhanced In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Clostridioides difficile Toxin B in Enteric Glial Cells: The Achilles Heel of Clostridioides difficile Infection? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:958. [PMID: 38256032 PMCID: PMC10815653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020958] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections are characterized by an inflammatory response, which is essential for infection containment but is also responsible for negative effects on the host. The pathogen itself may have evolved molecular mechanisms to antagonize the antimicrobial effects of an inflammatory response and to enhance its pathogenicity using inflammatory response mediators, such as cytokines. Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (CDI) causes gastrointestinal diseases with markedly increasing global incidence and mortality rates. The main C. difficile virulence factors, toxin A and B (TcdA/TcdB), cause cytopathic/cytotoxic effects and inflammation. We previously demonstrated that TcdB induces enteric glial cell (EGC) apoptosis, which is enhanced by the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha plus interferon gamma (CKs). However, it is unknown whether CKs-enhanced TcdB cytotoxicity (apoptosis/necrosis) is affected by the timing of the appearance of the CKs. Thus, we simulated in vitro, in our experimental model with TcdB and EGCs, three main situations of possible interactions between TcdB and the timing of CK stimulation: before TcdB infection, concomitantly with infection, or at different times after infection and persisting over time. In these experimental conditions, which all represent situations of possible interactions between C. difficile and the timing of CK stimulation, we evaluated apoptosis, necrosis, and cell cycle phases. The CKs, in all of these conditions, enhanced TcdB cytotoxicity, which from apoptosis became necrosis when CK stimulation persisted over time, and was most relevant after 48 h of TcdB:EGCs interaction. Particularly, the enhancement of apoptosis by CKs was dependent on the TcdB dose and in a less relevant manner on the CK stimulation time, while the enhancement of necrosis occurred always independently of the TcdB dose and CK stimulation time. However, since in all conditions stimulation with CKs strongly enhanced the TcdB cytotoxicity, it always had a negative impact on C. difficile pathogenicity. This study might have important implications for the treatment of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Fettucciari
- Biosciences & Medical Embryology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Andrea Spaterna
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62024 Macerata, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Marconi
- Biosciences & Medical Embryology Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Gabrio Bassotti
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Digestive Endoscopy Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit, Santa Maria Della Misericordia Hospital, 06129 Perugia, Italy
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Bratkovič T, Zahirović A, Bizjak M, Rupnik M, Štrukelj B, Berlec A. New treatment approaches for Clostridioides difficile infections: alternatives to antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2337312. [PMID: 38591915 PMCID: PMC11005816 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2337312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile causes a range of debilitating intestinal symptoms that may be fatal. It is particularly problematic as a hospital-acquired infection, causing significant costs to the health care system. Antibiotics, such as vancomycin and fidaxomicin, are still the drugs of choice for C. difficile infections, but their effectiveness is limited, and microbial interventions are emerging as a new treatment option. This paper focuses on alternative treatment approaches, which are currently in various stages of development and can be divided into four therapeutic strategies. Direct killing of C. difficile (i) includes beside established antibiotics, less studied bacteriophages, and their derivatives, such as endolysins and tailocins. Restoration of microbiota composition and function (ii) is achieved with fecal microbiota transplantation, which has recently been approved, with standardized defined microbial mixtures, and with probiotics, which have been administered with moderate success. Prevention of deleterious effects of antibiotics on microbiota is achieved with agents for the neutralization of antibiotics that act in the gut and are nearing regulatory approval. Neutralization of C. difficile toxins (iii) which are crucial virulence factors is achieved with antibodies/antibody fragments or alternative binding proteins. Of these, the monoclonal antibody bezlotoxumab is already in clinical use. Immunomodulation (iv) can help eliminate or prevent C. difficile infection by interfering with cytokine signaling. Small-molecule agents without bacteriolytic activity are usually selected by drug repurposing and can act via a variety of mechanisms. The multiple treatment options described in this article provide optimism for the future treatment of C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaž Bratkovič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Abida Zahirović
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maruša Bizjak
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Rupnik
- National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Prvomajska 1, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Borut Štrukelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Berlec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Soveral LF, Korczaguin GG, Schmidt PS, Nunes IS, Fernandes C, Zárate-Bladés CR. Immunological mechanisms of fecal microbiota transplantation in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:4762-4772. [PMID: 36156924 PMCID: PMC9476857 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i33.4762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a successful method for treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection (rCDI) with around 90% efficacy. Due to the relative simplicity of this approach, it is being widely used and currently, thousands of patients have been treated with FMT worldwide. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying its effects are just beginning to be understood. Data indicate that FMT effectiveness is due to a combination of microbiological direct mechanisms against C. difficile, but also through indirect mechanisms including the production of microbiota-derived metabolites as secondary bile acids and short chain fatty acids. Moreover, the modulation of the strong inflammatory response triggered by C. difficile after FMT seems to rely on a pivotal role of regulatory T cells, which would be responsible for the reduction of several cells and soluble inflammatory mediators, ensuing normalization of the intestinal mucosal immune system. In this minireview, we analyze recent advances in these immunological aspects associated with the efficacy of FMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas F Soveral
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Center for Dysbiosis Control, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88037-000, Brazil
| | - Gabriela G Korczaguin
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Center for Dysbiosis Control, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88037-000, Brazil
| | - Pedro S Schmidt
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Center for Dysbiosis Control, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88037-000, Brazil
| | - Isabel S Nunes
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Center for Dysbiosis Control, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88037-000, Brazil
| | - Camilo Fernandes
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Center for Dysbiosis Control, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88037-000, Brazil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Nereu Ramos, Florianopolis 88025-301, Brazil
| | - Carlos R Zárate-Bladés
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Center for Dysbiosis Control, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis 88037-000, Brazil
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Schnizlein MK, Young VB. Capturing the environment of the Clostridioides difficile infection cycle. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:508-520. [PMID: 35468953 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) infection is a substantial health and economic burden worldwide. Great strides have been made over the past several years in characterizing the physiology of C. difficile infection, particularly regarding how gut microorganisms and their host work together to provide colonization resistance. As mammalian hosts and their indigenous gut microbiota have co-evolved, they have formed a complex yet stable relationship that prevents invading microorganisms from establishing themselves. In this Review, we discuss the latest advances in our understanding of C. difficile physiology that have contributed to its success as a pathogen, including its versatile survival factors and ability to adapt to unique niches. Using discoveries regarding microorganism-host and microorganism-microorganism interactions that constitute colonization resistance, we place C. difficile within the fiercely competitive gut environment. A comprehensive understanding of these relationships is required to continue the development of precision medicine-based treatments for C. difficile infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K Schnizlein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vincent B Young
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Pardi
- Ryan PardiDivision of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Nibbering B, Gerding DN, Kuijper EJ, Zwittink RD, Smits WK. Host Immune Responses to Clostridioides difficile: Toxins and Beyond. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:804949. [PMID: 34992590 PMCID: PMC8724541 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.804949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is often resistant to the actions of antibiotics to treat other bacterial infections and the resulting C. difficile infection (CDI) is among the leading causes of nosocomial infectious diarrhea worldwide. The primary virulence mechanism contributing to CDI is the production of toxins. Treatment failures and recurrence of CDI have urged the medical community to search for novel treatment options. Strains that do not produce toxins, so called non-toxigenic C. difficile, have been known to colonize the colon and protect the host against CDI. In this review, a comprehensive description and comparison of the immune responses to toxigenic C. difficile and non-toxigenic adherence, and colonization factors, here called non-toxin proteins, is provided. This revealed a number of similarities between the host immune responses to toxigenic C. difficile and non-toxin proteins, such as the influx of granulocytes and the type of T-cell response. Differences may reflect genuine variation between the responses to toxigenic or non-toxigenic C. difficile or gaps in the current knowledge with respect to the immune response toward non-toxigenic C. difficile. Toxin-based and non-toxin-based immunization studies have been evaluated to further explore the role of B cells and reveal that plasma cells are important in protection against CDI. Since the success of toxin-based interventions in humans to date is limited, it is vital that future research will focus on the immune responses to non-toxin proteins and in particular non-toxigenic strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Nibbering
- Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dale N Gerding
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Research Service, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL, United States
| | - Ed J Kuijper
- Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Romy D Zwittink
- Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Wiep Klaas Smits
- Center for Microbiome Analyses and Therapeutics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Phanchana M, Harnvoravongchai P, Wongkuna S, Phetruen T, Phothichaisri W, Panturat S, Pipatthana M, Charoensutthivarakul S, Chankhamhaengdecha S, Janvilisri T. Frontiers in antibiotic alternatives for Clostridioides difficile infection. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7210-7232. [PMID: 34876784 PMCID: PMC8611198 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i42.7210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a gram-positive, anaerobic spore-forming bacterium and a major cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Humans are naturally resistant to C. difficile infection (CDI) owing to the protection provided by healthy gut microbiota. When the gut microbiota is disturbed, C. difficile can colonize, produce toxins, and manifest clinical symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic diarrhea and colitis to death. Despite the steady-if not rising-prevalence of CDI, it will certainly become more problematic in a world of antibiotic overuse and the post-antibiotic era. C. difficile is naturally resistant to most of the currently used antibiotics as it uses multiple resistance mechanisms. Therefore, current CDI treatment regimens are extremely limited to only a few antibiotics, which include vancomycin, fidaxomicin, and metronidazole. Therefore, one of the main challenges experienced by the scientific community is the development of alternative approaches to control and treat CDI. In this Frontier article, we collectively summarize recent advances in alternative treatment approaches for CDI. Over the past few years, several studies have reported on natural product-derived compounds, drug repurposing, high-throughput library screening, phage therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation. We also include an update on vaccine development, pre- and pro-biotics for CDI, and toxin antidote approaches. These measures tackle CDI at every stage of disease pathology via multiple mechanisms. We also discuss the gaps and concerns in these developments. The next epidemic of CDI is not a matter of if but a matter of when. Therefore, being well-equipped with a collection of alternative therapeutics is necessary and should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Phanchana
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Supapit Wongkuna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tanaporn Phetruen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Wichuda Phothichaisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Supakan Panturat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Methinee Pipatthana
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sitthivut Charoensutthivarakul
- School of Bioinnovation and Bio-based Product Intelligence, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Tavan Janvilisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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