1
|
Bennasar-Figueras A. The Natural and Clinical History of Plague: From the Ancient Pandemics to Modern Insights. Microorganisms 2024; 12:146. [PMID: 38257973 PMCID: PMC10818976 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The human pathogen Yersinia pestis is responsible for bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague. A deeply comprehensive overview of its historical context, bacteriological characteristics, genomic analysis based on ancient DNA (aDNA) and modern strains, and its impact on historical and actual human populations, is explored. The results from multiple studies have been synthesized to investigate the origins of plague, its transmission, and effects on different populations. Additionally, molecular interactions of Y. pestis, from its evolutionary origins to its adaptation to flea-born transmission, and its impact on human and wild populations are considered. The characteristic combinations of aDNA patterns, which plays a decisive role in the reconstruction and analysis of ancient genomes, are reviewed. Bioinformatics is fundamental in identifying specific Y. pestis lineages, and automated pipelines are among the valuable tools in implementing such studies. Plague, which remains among human history's most lethal infectious diseases, but also other zoonotic diseases, requires the continuous investigation of plague topics. This can be achieved by improving molecular and genetic screening of animal populations, identifying ecological and social determinants of outbreaks, increasing interdisciplinary collaborations among scientists and public healthcare providers, and continued research into the characterization, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Bennasar-Figueras
- Microbiologia—Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Campus UIB, Carretera de Valldemossa, Km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain; ; Tel.: +34-971172778
- Facultat de Medicina, Hospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE), Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Carretera de Valldemossa, 79, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mohammad-Rafiei F, Moadab F, Mahmoudi A, Navashenaq JG, Gheibihayat SM. Efferocytosis: a double-edged sword in microbial immunity. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:370. [PMID: 37925389 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Efferocytosis is characterized as the rapid and efficient process by which dying or dead cells are removed. This type of clearance is initiated via "find-me" signals, and then, carries on by "eat-me" and "don't-eat-me" ones. Efferocytosis has a critical role to play in tissue homeostasis and innate immunity. However, some evidence suggests it as a double-edged sword in microbial immunity. In other words, some pathogens have degraded efferocytosis by employing efferocytic mechanisms to bypass innate immune detection and promote infection, despite the function of this process for the control and clearance of pathogens. In this review, the efferocytosis mechanisms from the recognition of dying cells to phagocytic engulfment are initially presented, and then, its diverse roles in inflammation and immunity are highlighted. In this case, much focus is also laid on some bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), Mycobacterium marinum (M. marinum), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP), Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP), Influenza A virus (IAV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Leishmania, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Mohammad-Rafiei
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Moadab
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ali Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Mohammad Gheibihayat
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cooper KN, Potempa J, Bagaitkar J. Dying for a cause: The pathogenic manipulation of cell death and efferocytic pathways. Mol Oral Microbiol 2023:10.1111/omi.12436. [PMID: 37786286 PMCID: PMC10985052 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell death is a natural consequence of infection. However, although the induction of cell death was solely thought to benefit the pathogen, compelling data now show that the activation of cell death pathways serves as a nuanced antimicrobial strategy that couples pathogen elimination with the generation of inflammatory cytokines and the priming of innate and adaptive cellular immunity. Following cell death, the phagocytic uptake of the infected dead cell by antigen-presenting cells and the subsequent lysosomal fusion of the apoptotic body containing the pathogen serve as an important antimicrobial mechanism that furthers the development of downstream adaptive immune responses. Despite the complexity of regulated cell death pathways, pathogens are highly adept at evading them. Here, we provide an overview of the remarkable diversity of cell death and efferocytic pathways and discuss illustrative examples of virulence strategies employed by pathogens, including oral pathogens, to counter their activation and persist within the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelley N Cooper
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Jan Potempa
- Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Juhi Bagaitkar
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dubyak GR, Miller BA, Pearlman E. Pyroptosis in neutrophils: Multimodal integration of inflammasome and regulated cell death signaling pathways. Immunol Rev 2023; 314:229-249. [PMID: 36656082 PMCID: PMC10407921 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13186] [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] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Pyroptosis is a proinflammatory mode of lytic cell death mediated by accumulation of plasma membrane (PM) macropores composed of gasdermin-family (GSDM) proteins. It facilitates two major functions in innate immunity: (i) elimination of intracellular replicative niches for pathogenic bacteria; and (ii) non-classical secretion of IL-1 family cytokines that amplify host-beneficial inflammatory responses to microbial infection or tissue damage. Physiological roles for gasdermin D (GSDMD) in pyroptosis and IL-1β release during inflammasome signaling have been extensively characterized in macrophages. This involves cleavage of GSDMD by caspase-1 to generate GSDMD macropores that mediate IL-1β efflux and progression to pyroptotic lysis. Neutrophils, which rapidly accumulate in large numbers at sites of tissue infection or damage, become the predominant local source of IL-1β in coordination with their potent microbiocidal capacity. Similar to macrophages, neutrophils express GSDMD and utilize the same spectrum of diverse inflammasome platforms for caspase-1-mediated cleavage of GSDMD. Distinct from macrophages, neutrophils possess a remarkable capacity to resist progression to GSDMD-dependent pyroptotic lysis to preserve their viability for efficient microbial killing while maintaining GSDMD-dependent mechanisms for export of bioactive IL-1β. Rather, neutrophils employ cell-specific mechanisms to conditionally engage GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in response to bacterial pathogens that use neutrophils as replicative niches. GSDMD and pyroptosis have also been mechanistically linked to induction of NETosis, a signature neutrophil pathway that expels decondensed nuclear DNA into extracellular compartments for immobilization and killing of microbial pathogens. This review summarizes a rapidly growing number of recent studies that have produced new insights, unexpected mechanistic nuances, and some controversies regarding the regulation of, and roles for, neutrophil inflammasomes, pyroptosis, and GSDMs in diverse innate immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George R. Dubyak
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Brandon A. Miller
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Eric Pearlman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang R, Atkinson S, Chen Z, Cui Y, Du Z, Han Y, Sebbane F, Slavin P, Song Y, Yan Y, Wu Y, Xu L, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Hinnebusch BJ, Stenseth NC, Motin VL. Yersinia pestis and Plague: some knowns and unknowns. ZOONOSES (BURLINGTON, MASS.) 2023; 3:5. [PMID: 37602146 PMCID: PMC10438918 DOI: 10.15212/zoonoses-2022-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Since its first identification in 1894 during the third pandemic in Hong Kong, there has been significant progress of understanding the lifestyle of Yersinia pestis, the pathogen that is responsible for plague. Although we now have some understanding of the pathogen's physiology, genetics, genomics, evolution, gene regulation, pathogenesis and immunity, there are many unknown aspects of the pathogen and its disease development. Here, we focus on some of the knowns and unknowns relating to Y. pestis and plague. We notably focus on some key Y. pestis physiological and virulence traits that are important for its mammal-flea-mammal life cycle but also its emergence from the enteropathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Some aspects of the genetic diversity of Y. pestis, the distribution and ecology of plague as well as the medical countermeasures to protect our population are also provided. Lastly, we present some biosafety and biosecurity information related to Y. pestis and plague.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruifu Yang
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Steve Atkinson
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ziqi Chen
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yujun Cui
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zongmin Du
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yanping Han
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Florent Sebbane
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Philip Slavin
- Division of History and Politics, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LJ, UK
| | - Yajun Song
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yanfeng Yan
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yarong Wu
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chutian Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - B. Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Nils Chr. Stenseth
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Vladimir L. Motin
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hampton MB, Dickerhof N. Inside the phagosome: A bacterial perspective. Immunol Rev 2023; 314:197-209. [PMID: 36625601 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The neutrophil phagosome is one of the most hostile environments that bacteria must face and overcome if they are to succeed as pathogens. Targeting bacterial defense mechanisms should lead to new therapies that assist neutrophils to kill pathogens, but this has not yet come to fruition. One of the limiting factors in this effort has been our incomplete knowledge of the complex biochemistry that occurs within the rapidly changing environment of the phagosome. The same compartmentalization that protects host tissue also limits our ability to measure events within the phagosome. In this review, we highlight the limitations in our knowledge, and how the contribution of bacteria to the phagosomal environment is often ignored. There appears to be significant heterogeneity among phagosomes, and it is important to determine whether survivors have more efficient defenses or whether they are ingested into less threatening environments than other bacteria. As part of these efforts, we discuss how monitoring or recovering bacteria from phagosomes can provide insight into the conditions they have faced. We also encourage the use of unbiased screening approaches to identify bacterial genes that are essential for survival inside neutrophil phagosomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Hampton
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Nina Dickerhof
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Single-cell transcriptomics of immune cells in lymph nodes reveals their composition and alterations in functional dynamics during the early stages of bubonic plague. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:110-126. [PMID: 35943690 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-2119-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Bubonic plague caused by Yersinia pestis is highly infectious and often fatal. Characterization of the host immune response and its subsequent suppression by Y. pestis is critical to understanding the pathogenesis of Y. pestis. Here, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to systematically profile the transcriptomes of immune cells in draining lymph nodes (dLNs) during the early stage of Y. pestis infection. Dendritic cells responded to Y. pestis within 2 h post-infection (hpi), followed by the activation of macrophages/monocytes (Mφs/Mons) and recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) to dLNs at 24 hpi. Analysis of cell-to-cell communication suggests that PMNs may be recruited to lymph nodes following the secretion of CCL9 by Mφs/Mons stimulated through CCR1-CCL9 interaction. Significant functional suppression of all the three innate immune cell types occurred during the early stage of infection. In summary, we present a dynamic immune landscape, at single-cell resolution, of murine dLNs involved in the response to Y. pestis infection, which may facilitate the understanding of the plague pathogenesis of during the early stage of infection.
Collapse
|
8
|
Peters DT, Reifs A, Alonso-Caballero A, Madkour A, Waller H, Kenny B, Perez-Jimenez R, Lakey JH. Unraveling the molecular determinants of the anti-phagocytic protein cloak of plague bacteria. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010447. [PMID: 35358289 PMCID: PMC9004762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenic bacterium Yersina pestis is protected from macrophage engulfment by a capsule like antigen, F1, formed of long polymers of the monomer protein, Caf1. However, despite the importance of this pathogen, the mechanism of protection was not understood. Here we demonstrate how F1 protects the bacteria from phagocytosis. First, we show that Escherichia coli expressing F1 showed greatly reduced adherence to macrophages. Furthermore, the few cells that did adhere remained on the macrophage surface and were not engulfed. We then inserted, by mutation, an “RGDS” integrin binding motif into Caf1. This did not change the number of cells adhering to macrophages but increased the fraction of adherent cells that were engulfed. Therefore, F1 protects in two separate ways, reducing cell adhesion, possibly by acting as a polymer brush, and hiding innate receptor binding sites needed for engulfment. F1 is very robust and we show that E. coli expressing weakened mutant polymers are engulfed like the RGDS mutant. This suggests that innate attachment sites on the native cell surface are exposed if F1 is weakened. Single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) experiments revealed that wild-type F1 displays a very high mechanical stability of 400 pN. However, the mechanical resistance of the destabilised mutants, that were fully engulfed, was only 20% weaker. By only marginally exceeding the mechanical force applied to the Caf1 polymer during phagocytosis it may be that the exceptional tensile strength evolved to resist the forces applied at this stage of engulfment. Macrophages, a type of white blood cell, form an important element of our immune defence. They interrogate other cells’ surfaces for molecular clues and ingest those presenting a threat in a process known as phagocytosis. Not surprisingly, pathogenic bacteria have developed ways to evade this fate. The plague bacterium, Yersinia pestis, produces the long polymeric F1 coat protein which enables it to avoid ingestion, but the mechanism was unclear. We show that equipping Escherichia coli cells with an F1 coat protected them from phagocytosis by two separate mechanisms, reducing contact with the macrophage surface and hiding the signals that tell the macrophages they are targets. F1 is also a very stable protein polymer and using single molecule force spectroscopy we showed it also has a very high resistance to pulling forces. Surprisingly, mutations which reduced this by only 20% caused adherent bacteria to be fully ingested, indicating that cells are subject to significant forces prior to recognition and ingestion. Thus, F1 has evolved three notable properties (i) physical; creation of a hydrated polymer brush to inhibit surface interactions, (ii) chemical; absence of molecular recognition clues needed for engulfment and (iii) mechanical; strength that maintains the camouflage layer during surface stretching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. Peters
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Azzeldin Madkour
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Waller
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Brendan Kenny
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Raul Perez-Jimenez
- CIC nanoGUNE BRTA, San Sebastian, Spain
- Ikerbasque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jeremy H. Lakey
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Parker HA, Forrester L, Kaldor CD, Dickerhof N, Hampton MB. Antimicrobial Activity of Neutrophils Against Mycobacteria. Front Immunol 2021; 12:782495. [PMID: 35003097 PMCID: PMC8732375 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.782495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mycobacterium genus contains a broad range of species, including the human pathogens M. tuberculosis and M. leprae. These bacteria are best known for their residence inside host cells. Neutrophils are frequently observed at sites of mycobacterial infection, but their role in clearance is not well understood. In this review, we discuss how neutrophils attempt to control mycobacterial infections, either through the ingestion of bacteria into intracellular phagosomes, or the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Despite their powerful antimicrobial activity, including the production of reactive oxidants such as hypochlorous acid, neutrophils appear ineffective in killing pathogenic mycobacteria. We explore mycobacterial resistance mechanisms, and how thwarting neutrophil action exacerbates disease pathology. A better understanding of how mycobacteria protect themselves from neutrophils will aid the development of novel strategies that facilitate bacterial clearance and limit host tissue damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mark B. Hampton
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bekere I, Huang J, Schnapp M, Rudolph M, Berneking L, Ruckdeschel K, Grundhoff A, Günther T, Fischer N, Aepfelbacher M. Yersinia remodels epigenetic histone modifications in human macrophages. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010074. [PMID: 34793580 PMCID: PMC8639070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Various pathogens systematically reprogram gene expression in macrophages, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We investigated whether the enteropathogen Yersinia enterocolitica alters chromatin states to reprogram gene expression in primary human macrophages. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) seq analyses showed that pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) induced up- or down-regulation of histone modifications (HMod) at approximately 14500 loci in promoters and enhancers. Effectors of Y. enterocolitica reorganized about half of these dynamic HMod, with the effector YopP being responsible for about half of these modulatory activities. The reorganized HMod were associated with genes involved in immune response and metabolism. Remarkably, the altered HMod also associated with 61% of all 534 known Rho GTPase pathway genes, revealing a new level in Rho GTPase regulation and a new aspect of bacterial pathogenicity. Changes in HMod were associated to varying degrees with corresponding gene expression, e. g. depending on chromatin localization and cooperation of the HMod. In summary, infection with Y. enterocolitica remodels HMod in human macrophages to modulate key gene expression programs of the innate immune response. Human pathogenic bacteria can affect epigenetic histone modifications to modulate gene expression in host cells. However, a systems biology analysis of this bacterial virulence mechanism in immune cells has not been performed. Here we analyzed genome-wide epigenetic histone modifications and associated gene expression changes in primary human macrophages infected with enteropathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica. We demonstrate that Yersinia virulence factors extensively modulate histone modifications and associated gene expression triggered by the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) of the bacteria. The epigenetically modulated genes are involved in several key pathways of the macrophage immune response, including the Rho GTPase pathway, revealing a novel level of Rho GTPase regulation by a bacterial pathogen. Overall, our findings provide an in-depth view of epigenetic and gene expression changes during host-pathogen interaction and might have further implications for understanding of the innate immune memory in macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indra Bekere
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (IB); (MA)
| | - Jiabin Huang
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marie Schnapp
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maren Rudolph
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura Berneking
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Ruckdeschel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute (HPI), Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Research Group Virus Genomics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Günther
- Heinrich-Pette-Institute (HPI), Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Research Group Virus Genomics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Aepfelbacher
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (IB); (MA)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Finafloxacin Is an Effective Treatment for Inhalational Tularemia and Plague in Mouse Models of Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:AAC.02294-20. [PMID: 33753342 PMCID: PMC8315961 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02294-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with aerosolized Francisella tularensis or Yersinia pestis can lead to lethal disease in humans if treatment is not initiated promptly. Finafloxacin is a novel fluoroquinolone which has demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against a range of bacterial species in vitro, in vivo, and in humans, activity which is superior in acidic, infection-relevant conditions. Human-equivalent doses of finafloxacin or ciprofloxacin were delivered at 24 h (representing prophylaxis) or at 72 or 38 h (representing treatment) postchallenge with F. tularensis or Y. pestis, respectively, in BALB/c mouse models. In addition, a short course of therapy (3 days) was compared to a longer course (7 days). Both therapies provided a high level of protection against both infections when administered at 24 h postchallenge, irrespective of the length of the dosing regimen; however, differences were observed when therapy was delayed. A benefit was demonstrated with finafloxacin compared to ciprofloxacin in both models when therapy was delivered later in the infection. These studies suggest that finafloxacin is an effective alternative therapeutic for the prophylaxis and treatment of inhalational infections with F. tularensis or Y. pestis.
Collapse
|
12
|
Dalboni LC, Alvares Saraiva AM, Konno FTDC, Perez EC, Codeceira JF, Spadacci-Morena DD, Lallo MA. Encephalitozoon cuniculi takes advantage of efferocytosis to evade the immune response. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247658. [PMID: 33667240 PMCID: PMC7935246 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are recognized as opportunistic pathogens in individuals with immunodeficiencies, especially related to T cells. Although the activity of CD8+ T lymphocytes is essential to eliminate these pathogens, earlier studies have shown significant participation of macrophages at the beginning of the infection. Macrophages and other innate immunity cells play a critical role in activating the acquired immunity. After programmed cell death, the cell fragments or apoptotic bodies are cleared by phagocytic cells, a phenomenon known as efferocytosis. This process has been recognized as a way of evading immunity by intracellular pathogens. The present study evaluated the impact of efferocytosis of apoptotic cells either infected or not on macrophages and subsequently challenged with Encephalitozoon cuniculi microsporidia. Macrophages were obtained from the bone marrow monocytes from C57BL mice, pre-incubated with apoptotic Jurkat cells (ACs), and were further challenged with E. cuniculi spores. The same procedures were performed using the previously infected Jurkat cells (IACs) and challenged with E. cuniculi spores before macrophage pre-incubation. The average number of spores internalized by macrophages in phagocytosis was counted. Macrophage expression of CD40, CD206, CD80, CD86, and MHCII, as well as the cytokines released in the culture supernatants, was measured by flow cytometry. The ultrastructural study was performed to analyze the multiplication types of pathogens. Macrophages pre-incubated with ACs and challenged with E. cuniculi showed a higher percentage of phagocytosis and an average number of internalized spores. Moreover, the presence of stages of multiplication of the pathogen inside the macrophages, particularly after efferocytosis of infected apoptotic bodies, was observed. In addition, pre-incubation with ACs or IACs and/or challenge with the pathogen decreased the viability of macrophages, reflected as high percentages of apoptosis. The marked expression of CD206 and the release of large amounts of IL-10 and IL-6 indicated the polarization of macrophages to an M2 profile, compatible with efferocytosis and favorable for pathogen development. We concluded that the pathogen favored efferocytosis and polarized the macrophages to an M2 profile, allowing the survival and multiplication of E. cuniculi inside the macrophages and explaining the possibility of macrophages acting as Trojan horses in microsporidiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciane Costa Dalboni
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental da Universidade Paulista–Unip, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anuska Marcelino Alvares Saraiva
- Mestrado e Doutorado Interdisciplinar em Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Anete Lallo
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental da Universidade Paulista–Unip, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail: ,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The Diverse Roles of the Global Transcriptional Regulator PhoP in the Lifecycle of Yersinia pestis. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9121039. [PMID: 33322274 PMCID: PMC7764729 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9121039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, has a complex infectious cycle that alternates between mammalian hosts (rodents and humans) and insect vectors (fleas). Consequently, it must adapt to a wide range of host environments to achieve successful propagation. Y. pestis PhoP is a response regulator of the PhoP/PhoQ two-component signal transduction system that plays a critical role in the pathogen’s adaptation to hostile conditions. PhoP is activated in response to various host-associated stress signals detected by the sensor kinase PhoQ and mediates changes in global gene expression profiles that lead to cellular responses. Y. pestis PhoP is required for resistance to antimicrobial peptides, as well as growth under low Mg2+ and other stress conditions, and controls a number of metabolic pathways, including an alternate carbon catabolism. Loss of phoP function in Y. pestis causes severe defects in survival inside mammalian macrophages and neutrophils in vitro, and a mild attenuation in murine plague models in vivo, suggesting its role in pathogenesis. A Y. pestisphoP mutant also exhibits reduced ability to form biofilm and to block fleas in vivo, indicating that the gene is also important for establishing a transmissible infection in this vector. Additionally, phoP promotes the survival of Y. pestis inside the soil-dwelling amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii, a potential reservoir while the pathogen is quiescent. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge on the mechanisms of PhoP-mediated gene regulation in Y. pestis and examine the significance of the roles played by the PhoP regulon at each stage of the Y. pestis life cycle.
Collapse
|
14
|
Banerjee SK, Crane SD, Pechous RD. A Dual Role for the Plasminogen Activator Protease During the Preinflammatory Phase of Primary Pneumonic Plague. J Infect Dis 2020; 222:407-416. [PMID: 32128567 PMCID: PMC7336565 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Early after inhalation, Yersinia pestis replicates to high numbers in the airways in the absence of disease symptoms or notable inflammatory responses to cause primary pneumonic plague. The plasminogen activator protease (Pla) is a critical Y. pestis virulence factor that is important for early bacterial growth in the lung via an unknown mechanism. In this article, we define a dual role for Pla in the initial stages of pulmonary infection. We show that Pla functions as an adhesin independent of its proteolytic function to suppress early neutrophil influx into the lungs, and that Pla enzymatic activity contributes to bacterial resistance to neutrophil-mediated bacterial killing. Our results suggest that the fate of Y. pestis infection of the lung is decided extremely early during infection and that Pla plays a dual role to tilt the balance in favor of the pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srijon K Banerjee
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Samantha D Crane
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Roger D Pechous
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA,Correspondence: Roger D. Pechous, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, 4301 W. Markham St., Slot 511, Little Rock, AR 72205 ()
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Engelen-Lee JY, Koopmans MM, Brouwer MC, Aronica E, van de Beek D. Histopathology of Listeria Meningitis. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2019; 77:950-957. [PMID: 30169667 PMCID: PMC6140438 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nly077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is the third most common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults and has high mortality and morbidity rates. We describe the clinical course and score brain pathology of 5 patients who died of listeria meningitis. All patients were immunocompromised and ages ranged between 48 and 76 years. Three cases were confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid culture; one was confirmed by brain culture; and one diagnosis was based on a positive blood culture and neuropathological findings. Mild inflammation of meningeal arteries was found in 3 of 5 cases (60%). Moderate/severe ventriculitis was seen in 4 of 4 cases (100%), abscesses in 3 of 4 cases (75%), mild vascular inflammation in 4 of 5 cases (80%), mild/moderate hemorrhage in 2 of 4 cases (50%), mild/moderate thrombosis of meningeal artery in 3 of 5 cases (60%), and 1 case (25%) showed a moderate infarct. The inflammatory cells present in the meninges were characterized by a mix of monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils and removal of apoptotic inflammatory cells by macrophages (efferocytosis). Gram stain showed intra- and extracellular presence of rod-shaped bacteria in 3 cases. Pathological examination was characterized by moderate to severe ventriculitis, abscesses and abundant efferocytosis which has been suggested to be exploited by L. monocytogenes for cell-to-cell spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Yeon Engelen-Lee
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Merel M Koopmans
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs C Brouwer
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
| | - Diederik van de Beek
- Department of Neurology, Academic Medical Center, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pazhakh V, Ellett F, Croker BA, O’Donnell JA, Pase L, Schulze KE, Greulich RS, Gupta A, Reyes-Aldasoro CC, Andrianopoulos A, Lieschke GJ. β-glucan-dependent shuttling of conidia from neutrophils to macrophages occurs during fungal infection establishment. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000113. [PMID: 31483778 PMCID: PMC6746390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The initial host response to fungal pathogen invasion is critical to infection establishment and outcome. However, the diversity of leukocyte–pathogen interactions is only recently being appreciated. We describe a new form of interleukocyte conidial exchange called “shuttling.” In Talaromyces marneffei and Aspergillus fumigatus zebrafish in vivo infections, live imaging demonstrated conidia initially phagocytosed by neutrophils were transferred to macrophages. Shuttling is unidirectional, not a chance event, and involves alterations of phagocyte mobility, intercellular tethering, and phagosome transfer. Shuttling kinetics were fungal-species–specific, implicating a fungal determinant. β-glucan serves as a fungal-derived signal sufficient for shuttling. Murine phagocytes also shuttled in vitro. The impact of shuttling for microbiological outcomes of in vivo infections is difficult to specifically assess experimentally, but for these two pathogens, shuttling augments initial conidial redistribution away from fungicidal neutrophils into the favorable macrophage intracellular niche. Shuttling is a frequent host–pathogen interaction contributing to fungal infection establishment patterns. Imaging of the behaviour of white blood cells in living zebrafish embryos infected with fungi reveals “shuttling,” a specific and previously undescribed form of microorganism exchange between neutrophils and macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Pazhakh
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Felix Ellett
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Cancer and Haematology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ben A. Croker
- Cancer and Haematology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Joanne A. O’Donnell
- Cancer and Haematology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luke Pase
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Cancer and Haematology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Keith E. Schulze
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - R. Stefan Greulich
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aakash Gupta
- Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Alex Andrianopoulos
- Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graham J. Lieschke
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Cancer and Haematology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Behar SM, Briken V. Apoptosis inhibition by intracellular bacteria and its consequence on host immunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2019; 60:103-110. [PMID: 31228759 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2019.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Regulated cell death via apoptosis not only is important for organismal homeostasis but also serves as an innate defense mechanism. The engulfment of apoptotic infected cells, a process known as efferocytosis, is a common pathway for the destruction of many intracellular bacteria. Some pathogens take advantage of efferocytosis to prevent activation of macrophages and thereby facilitate their dissemination. Conversely, many obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens and some facultative-intracellular bacteria inhibit apoptosis, preventing efferocytosis, and evading innate host defenses. The molecular mechanism of bacterial effectors includes secreted proteins that bind to and inhibit apoptosis cell signaling pathways. We provide an overview of the known bacterial effectors, their host cell targets and their importance for the virulence of human pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Behar
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Volker Briken
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Demeure C, Dussurget O, Fiol GM, Le Guern AS, Savin C, Pizarro-Cerdá J. Yersinia pestis and plague: an updated view on evolution, virulence determinants, immune subversion, vaccination and diagnostics. Microbes Infect 2019; 21:202-212. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
19
|
Yersinia pestis and plague: an updated view on evolution, virulence determinants, immune subversion, vaccination, and diagnostics. Genes Immun 2019; 20:357-370. [PMID: 30940874 PMCID: PMC6760536 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-019-0065-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Plague is a vector-borne disease caused by Yersinia pestis. Transmitted by fleas from rodent reservoirs, Y. pestis emerged <6000 years ago from an enteric bacterial ancestor through events of gene gain and genome reduction. It is a highly remarkable model for the understanding of pathogenic bacteria evolution, and a major concern for public health as highlighted by recent human outbreaks. A complex set of virulence determinants, including the Yersinia outer-membrane proteins (Yops), the broad-range protease Pla, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and iron capture systems play critical roles in the molecular strategies that Y. pestis employs to subvert the human immune system, allowing unrestricted bacterial replication in lymph nodes (bubonic plague) and in lungs (pneumonic plague). Some of these immunogenic proteins as well as the capsular antigen F1 are exploited for diagnostic purposes, which are critical in the context of the rapid onset of death in the absence of antibiotic treatment (less than a week for bubonic plague and <48 h for pneumonic plague). Here, we review recent research advances on Y. pestis evolution, virulence factor function, bacterial strategies to subvert mammalian innate immune responses, vaccination, and problems associated with pneumonic plague diagnosis.
Collapse
|
20
|
Andrianaivoarimanana V, Rajerison M, Jambou R. Exposure to Yersinia pestis increases resistance to plague in black rats and modulates transmission in Madagascar. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:898. [PMID: 30551741 PMCID: PMC6295079 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3984-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In Madagascar, plague (Yersinia pestis infection) is endemic in the central highlands, maintained by the couple Rattus rattus/flea. The rat is assumed to die shortly after infection inducing migration of the fleas. However we previously reported that black rats from endemic areas can survive the infection whereas those from non-endemic areas remained susceptible. We investigate the hypothesis that lineages of rats can acquire resistance to plague and that previous contacts with the bacteria will affect their survival, allowing maintenance of infected fleas. For this purpose, laboratory-born rats were obtained from wild black rats originating either from plague-endemic or plague-free zones, and were challenged with Y. pestis. Survival rate and antibody immune responses were analyzed. RESULTS Inoculation of low doses of Y. pestis greatly increase survival of rats to subsequent challenge with a lethal dose. During challenge, cytokine profiles support activation of specific immune response associated with the bacteria control. In addition, F1 rats from endemic areas exhibited higher survival rates than those from non-endemic ones, suggesting a selection of a resistant lineage. In Madagascar, these results support the role of black rat as long term reservoir of infected fleas supporting maintenance of plague transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Voahangy Andrianaivoarimanana
- Unité Peste, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Ambatofotsikely, P.O. Box 1274, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Unité d’Immunologie, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Ambatofotsikely, P.O. Box 1274, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Minoarisoa Rajerison
- Unité Peste, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Ambatofotsikely, P.O. Box 1274, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Ronan Jambou
- Unité d’Immunologie, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Ambatofotsikely, P.O. Box 1274, Antananarivo, Madagascar
- Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Pasteur Institute, 28 rue Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bobrov AG, Kirillina O, Fosso MY, Fetherston JD, Miller MC, VanCleave TT, Burlison JA, Arnold WK, Lawrenz MB, Garneau-Tsodikova S, Perry RD. Zinc transporters YbtX and ZnuABC are required for the virulence of Yersinia pestis in bubonic and pneumonic plague in mice. Metallomics 2018; 9:757-772. [PMID: 28540946 DOI: 10.1039/c7mt00126f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
A number of bacterial pathogens require the ZnuABC Zinc (Zn2+) transporter and/or a second Zn2+ transport system to overcome Zn2+ sequestration by mammalian hosts. Previously we have shown that in addition to ZnuABC, Yersinia pestis possesses a second Zn2+ transporter that involves components of the yersiniabactin (Ybt), siderophore-dependent iron transport system. Synthesis of the Ybt siderophore and YbtX, a member of the major facilitator superfamily, are both critical components of the second Zn2+ transport system. Here we demonstrate that a ybtX znu double mutant is essentially avirulent in mouse models of bubonic and pneumonic plague while a ybtX mutant retains high virulence in both plague models. While sequestration of host Zn is a key nutritional immunity factor, excess Zn appears to have a significant antimicrobial role in controlling intracellular bacterial survival. Here, we demonstrate that ZntA, a Zn2+ exporter, plays a role in resistance to Zn toxicity in vitro, but that a zntA zur double mutant retains high virulence in both pneumonic and bubonic plague models and survival in macrophages. We also confirm that Ybt does not directly bind Zn2+in vitro under the conditions tested. However, we detect a significant increase in Zn2+-binding ability of filtered supernatants from a Ybt+ strain compared to those from a strain unable to produce the siderophore, supporting our previously published data that Ybt biosynthetic genes are involved in the production of a secreted Zn-binding molecule (zincophore). Our data suggest that Ybt or a modified Ybt participate in or promote Zn-binding activity in culture supernatants and is involved in Zn acquisition in Y. pestis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Bobrov
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yersinia pestis Targets the Host Endosome Recycling Pathway during the Biogenesis of the Yersinia-Containing Vacuole To Avoid Killing by Macrophages. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.01800-17. [PMID: 29463656 PMCID: PMC5821078 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01800-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis has evolved many strategies to evade the innate immune system. One of these strategies is the ability to survive within macrophages. Upon phagocytosis, Y. pestis prevents phagolysosome maturation and establishes a modified compartment termed the Yersinia-containing vacuole (YCV). Y. pestis actively inhibits the acidification of this compartment, and eventually, the YCV transitions from a tight-fitting vacuole into a spacious replicative vacuole. The mechanisms to generate the YCV have not been defined. However, we hypothesized that YCV biogenesis requires Y. pestis interactions with specific host factors to subvert normal vesicular trafficking. In order to identify these factors, we performed a genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screen to identify host factors required for Y. pestis survival in macrophages. This screen revealed that 71 host proteins are required for intracellular survival of Y. pestis. Of particular interest was the enrichment for genes involved in endosome recycling. Moreover, we demonstrated that Y. pestis actively recruits Rab4a and Rab11b to the YCV in a type three secretion system-independent manner, indicating remodeling of the YCV by Y. pestis to resemble a recycling endosome. While recruitment of Rab4a was necessary to inhibit YCV acidification and lysosomal fusion early during infection, Rab11b appeared to contribute to later stages of YCV biogenesis. We also discovered that Y. pestis disrupts global host endocytic recycling in macrophages, possibly through sequestration of Rab11b, and this process is required for bacterial replication. These data provide the first evidence that Y. pestis targets the host endocytic recycling pathway to avoid phagolysosomal maturation and generate the YCV. Yersinia pestis can infect and survive within macrophages. However, the mechanisms that the bacterium use to subvert killing by these phagocytes have not been defined. To provide a better understanding of these mechanisms, we used an RNAi approach to identify host factors required for intracellular Y. pestis survival. This approach revealed that the host endocytic recycling pathway is essential for Y. pestis to avoid clearance by the macrophage. We further demonstrate that Y. pestis remodels the phagosome to resemble a recycling endosome, allowing the bacterium to avoid the normal phagolysosomal maturation pathway. Moreover, we show that infection with Y. pestis disrupts normal recycling in the macrophage and that disruption is required for bacterial replication. These findings provide the first evidence that Y. pestis targets the host endocytic recycling pathway in order to evade killing by macrophages.
Collapse
|
23
|
VanCleave TT, Pulsifer AR, Connor MG, Warawa JM, Lawrenz MB. Impact of Gentamicin Concentration and Exposure Time on Intracellular Yersinia pestis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:505. [PMID: 29312891 PMCID: PMC5732358 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of intracellular bacterial pathogens in cell culture hinges on inhibiting extracellular growth of the bacteria in cell culture media. Aminoglycosides, like gentamicin, were originally thought to poorly penetrate eukaryotic cells, and thus, while inhibiting extracellular bacteria, these antibiotics had limited effect on inhibiting the growth of intracellular bacteria. This property led to the development of the antibiotic protection assay to study intracellular pathogens in vitro. More recent studies have demonstrated that aminoglycosides slowly penetrate eukaryotic cells and can even reach intracellular concentrations that inhibit intracellular bacteria. Therefore, important considerations, such as antibiotic concentration, incubation time, and cell type need to be made when designing the antibiotic protection assay to avoid potential false positive/negative observations. Yersinia pestis, which causes the human disease known as the plague, is a facultative intracellular pathogen that can infect and replicate in macrophages. Y. pestis is sensitive to gentamicin and this antibiotic is often employed in the antibiotic protection assay to study the Y. pestis intracellular life cycle. However, a large variety of gentamicin concentrations and incubation periods have been reported in the Y. pestis literature without a clear characterization of the potential influences that variations in the gentamicin protection assay could have on intracellular growth of this pathogen. This raised concerns that variations in the gentamicin protection assay could influence phenotypes and reproducibility of data. To provide a better understanding of the potential consequences that variations in the gentamicin protection assay could have on Y. pestis, we systematically examined the impact of multiple variables of the gentamicin protection assay on Y. pestis intracellular survival in macrophages. We found that prolonged incubation periods with low concentrations of gentamicin, or short incubation periods with higher concentrations of the antibiotic, have a dramatic impact on intracellular growth. Furthermore, the degree of sensitivity of intracellular Y. pestis to gentamicin was also cell type dependent. These data highlight the importance to empirically establish cell type specific gentamicin protection assays to avoid potential artificial data in Y. pestis intracellular studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiva T VanCleave
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Amanda R Pulsifer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Michael G Connor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jonathan M Warawa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Matthew B Lawrenz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Regli IB, Passelli K, Hurrell BP, Tacchini-Cottier F. Survival Mechanisms Used by Some Leishmania Species to Escape Neutrophil Killing. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1558. [PMID: 29250059 PMCID: PMC5715327 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in human blood. Upon microbial infection, they are massively and rapidly recruited from the circulation to sites of infection where they efficiently kill pathogens. To this end, neutrophils possess a variety of weapons that can be mobilized and become effective within hours following infection. However, several microbes including some Leishmania spp. have evolved a variety of mechanisms to escape neutrophil killing using these cells as a basis to better invade the host. In addition, neutrophils are also present in unhealing cutaneous lesions where their role remains to be defined. Here, we will review recent progress in the field and discuss the different strategies applied by some Leishmania parasites to escape from being killed by neutrophils and as recently described for Leishmania mexicana, even replicate within these cells. Subversion of neutrophil killing functions by Leishmania is a strategy that allows parasite spreading in the host with a consequent deleterious impact, transforming the primary protective role of neutrophils into a deleterious one.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivo B Regli
- Department of Biochemistry, WHO Immunology Research and Training Collaborative Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Katiuska Passelli
- Department of Biochemistry, WHO Immunology Research and Training Collaborative Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin P Hurrell
- Department of Biochemistry, WHO Immunology Research and Training Collaborative Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Tacchini-Cottier
- Department of Biochemistry, WHO Immunology Research and Training Collaborative Center, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
As a pathogen of plague, Yersinia pestis caused three massive pandemics in history that killed hundreds of millions of people. Yersinia pestis is highly invasive, causing severe septicemia which, if untreated, is usually fatal to its host. To survive in the host and maintain a persistent infection, Yersinia pestis uses several stratagems to evade the innate and the adaptive immune responses. For example, infections with this organism are biphasic, involving an initial "noninflammatory" phase where bacterial replication occurs initially with little inflammation and following by extensive phagocyte influx, inflammatory cytokine production, and considerable tissue destruction, which is called "proinflammatory" phase. In contrast, the host also utilizes its immune system to eliminate the invading bacteria. Neutrophil and macrophage are the first defense against Yersinia pestis invading through phagocytosis and killing. Other innate immune cells also play different roles, such as dendritic cells which help to generate more T helper cells. After several days post infection, the adaptive immune response begins to provide organism-specific protection and has a long-lasting immunological memory. Thus, with the cooperation and collaboration of innate and acquired immunity, the bacterium may be eliminated from the host. The research of Yersinia pestis and host immune systems provides an important topic to understand pathogen-host interaction and consequently develop effective countermeasures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Bi
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, No. Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Dudte SC, Hinnebusch BJ, Shannon JG. Characterization of Yersinia pestis Interactions with Human Neutrophils In vitro. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:358. [PMID: 28848716 PMCID: PMC5552669 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis is a gram-negative, zoonotic, bacterial pathogen, and the causative agent of plague. The bubonic form of plague occurs subsequent to deposition of bacteria in the skin by the bite of an infected flea. Neutrophils are recruited to the site of infection within the first few hours and interactions between neutrophils and Y. pestis have been demonstrated in vivo. In contrast to macrophages, neutrophils have been considered non-permissive to Y. pestis intracellular survival. Several studies have shown killing of the vast majority of Y. pestis ingested by human neutrophils. However, survival of 10–15% of Y. pestis after phagocytosis by neutrophils is consistently observed. Furthermore, these surviving bacteria eventually replicate within and escape from the neutrophils. We set out to further characterize the interactions between Y. pestis and human neutrophils by (1) determining the effects of known Y. pestis virulence factors on bacterial survival after uptake by neutrophils, (2) examining the mechanisms employed by the neutrophil to kill the majority of intracellular Y. pestis, (3) determining the activation phenotype of Y. pestis-infected neutrophils, and (4) characterizing the Y. pestis-containing phagosome in neutrophils. We infected human neutrophils in vitro with Y. pestis and assayed bacterial survival and uptake. Deletion of the caf1 gene responsible for F1 capsule production resulted in significantly increased uptake of Y. pestis. Surprisingly, while the two-component regulator PhoPQ system is important for survival of Y. pestis within neutrophils, pre-induction of this system prior to infection did not increase bacterial survival. We used an IPTG-inducible mCherry construct to distinguish viable from non-viable intracellular bacteria and determined the association of the Y. pestis-containing phagosome with neutrophil NADPH-oxidase and markers of primary, secondary and tertiary granules. Additionally, we show that inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or Src family kinases increased survival of intracellular bacteria indicating that both ROS and granule-phagosome fusion contribute to neutrophil killing of Y. pestis. The data presented here further our understanding of the Y. pestis neutrophil interactions and suggest the existence of still unknown virulence factors involved in Y. pestis survival within neutrophils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia C Dudte
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamilton, MT, United States
| | - B Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamilton, MT, United States
| | - Jeffrey G Shannon
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of HealthHamilton, MT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
The engulfment of apoptotic cells by phagocytes, a process referred to as efferocytosis, is essential for maintenance of normal tissue homeostasis and a prerequisite for the resolution of inflammation. Neutrophils are the predominant circulating white blood cell in humans, and contain an arsenal of toxic substances that kill and degrade microbes. Neutrophils are short-lived and spontaneously die by apoptosis. This review will highlight how the engulfment of apoptotic neutrophils by human phagocytes occurs, how heterogeneity of phagocyte populations influences efferocytosis signaling, and downstream consequences of efferocytosis. The efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages promotes anti-inflammatory signaling, prevents neutrophil lysis, and dampens immune responses. Given the immunomodulatory properties of efferocytosis, understanding pathways that regulate and enhance efferocytosis could be harnessed to combat infection and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallary C Greenlee-Wacker
- Inflammation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine University of Iowa, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kinkead LC, Fayram DC, Allen LAH. Francisella novicida inhibits spontaneous apoptosis and extends human neutrophil lifespan. J Leukoc Biol 2017; 102:815-828. [PMID: 28550119 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.4ma0117-014r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella novicida is a Gram-negative bacterium that is closely related to the highly virulent facultative intracellular pathogen, Francisella tularensis Data published by us and others demonstrate that F. tularensis virulence correlates directly with its ability to impair constitutive apoptosis and extend human neutrophil lifespan. In contrast, F. novicida is attenuated in humans, and the mechanisms that account for this are incompletely defined. Our published data demonstrate that F. novicida binds natural IgG that is present in normal human serum, which in turn, elicits NADPH oxidase activation that does not occur in response to F. tularensis As it is established that phagocytosis and oxidant production markedly accelerate neutrophil death, we predicted that F. novicida may influence the neutrophil lifespan in an opsonin-dependent manner. To test this hypothesis, we quantified bacterial uptake, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, and changes in nuclear morphology, as well as the kinetics of procaspase-3, -8, and -9 processing and activation. To our surprise, we discovered that F. novicida not only failed to accelerate neutrophil death but also diminished and delayed apoptosis in a dose-dependent, but opsonin-independent, manner. In keeping with this, studies of conditioned media (CM) showed that neutrophil longevity could be uncoupled from phagocytosis and that F. novicida stimulated neutrophil secretion of CXCL8. Taken together, the results of this study reveal shared and unique aspects of the mechanisms used by Francisella species to manipulate neutrophil lifespan and as such, advance understanding of cell death regulation during infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C Kinkead
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Drew C Fayram
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Lee-Ann H Allen
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; .,Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA; and
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Karaji N, Sattentau QJ. Efferocytosis of Pathogen-Infected Cells. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1863. [PMID: 29312342 PMCID: PMC5743670 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The prompt and efficient clearance of unwanted and abnormal cells by phagocytes is termed efferocytosis and is crucial for organism development, maintenance of tissue homeostasis, and regulation of the immune system. Dying cells are recognized by phagocytes through pathways initiated via "find me" signals, recognition via "eat me" signals and down-modulation of regulatory "don't eat me" signals. Pathogen infection may trigger cell death that drives phagocytic clearance in an immunologically silent, or pro-inflammatory manner, depending on the mode of cell death. In many cases, efferocytosis is a mechanism for eliminating pathogens and pathogen-infected cells; however, some pathogens have subverted this process and use efferocytic mechanisms to avoid innate immune detection and assist phagocyte infection. In parallel, phagocytes can integrate signals received from infected dying cells to elicit the most appropriate effector response against the infecting pathogen. This review focuses on pathogen-induced cell death signals that drive infected cell recognition and uptake by phagocytes, and the outcomes for the infected target cell, the phagocyte, the pathogen and the host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Karaji
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Quentin J Sattentau
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yin C, Kim Y, Argintaru D, Heit B. Rab17 mediates differential antigen sorting following efferocytosis and phagocytosis. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2529. [PMID: 28005073 PMCID: PMC5261003 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages engulf and destroy pathogens (phagocytosis) and apoptotic cells (efferocytosis), and can subsequently initiate adaptive immune responses by presenting antigens derived from engulfed materials. Both phagocytosis and efferocytosis share a common degradative pathway in which the target is engulfed into a membrane-bound vesicle, respectively, termed the phagosome and efferosome, where they are degraded by sequential fusion with endosomes and lysosomes. Despite this shared maturation pathway, macrophages are immunogenic following phagocytosis but not efferocytosis, indicating that differential processing or trafficking of antigens must occur. Mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence microscopy of efferosomes and phagosomes in macrophages demonstrated that efferosomes lacked the proteins required for antigen presentation and instead recruited the recycling regulator Rab17. As a result, degraded materials from efferosomes bypassed the MHC class II loading compartment via the recycling endosome - a process not observed in phagosomes. Combined, these results indicate that macrophages prevent presentation of apoptotic cell-derived antigens by preferentially trafficking efferocytosed, but not phagocytosed, materials away from the MHC class II loading compartment via the recycling endosome pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Yin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and The Centre for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1
| | - Yohan Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and The Centre for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1
| | - Dean Argintaru
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and The Centre for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1
| | - Bryan Heit
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and The Centre for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Capasso D, Pepe MV, Rossello J, Lepanto P, Arias P, Salzman V, Kierbel A. Elimination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa through Efferocytosis upon Binding to Apoptotic Cells. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1006068. [PMID: 27977793 PMCID: PMC5158079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For opportunistic pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the mucosal barrier represents a formidable challenge. Infections develop only in patients with altered epithelial barriers. Here, we showed that P. aeruginosa interacts with a polarized epithelium, adhering almost exclusively at sites of multi-cellular junctions. In these sites, numerous bacteria attach to an extruded apoptotic cell or apoptotic body. This dead cell tropism is independent of the type of cell death, as P. aeruginosa also binds to necrotic cells. We further showed that P. aeruginosa is internalized through efferocytosis, a process in which surrounding epithelial cells engulf and dispose of extruded apoptotic cells. Intracellularly, along with apoptotic cell debris, P. aeruginosa inhabits an efferocytic phagosome that acquires lysosomal features, and is finally killed. We propose that elimination of P. aeruginosa through efferocytosis is part of a host defense mechanism. Our findings could be relevant for the study of cystic fibrosis, which is characterized by an exacerbated number of apoptotic cells and ineffective efferocytosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that infects vulnerable patients, such as those with cystic fibrosis or hospitalized in intensive care units. An advance towards understanding infections caused by P. aeruginosa would be to fully elucidate the mechanisms that operate in the bacteria-epithelial barrier interplay. Here, we showed that P. aeruginosa exhibits a remarkable tropism towards dead cells. As bacteria interact with a polarized epithelium, they attach and aggregate almost exclusively on apoptotic cells extruded from the epithelium, while the rest of the surface seems reluctant to bacterial adhesion. We further showed that P. aeruginosa is internalized by epithelial cells surrounding the infected apoptotic cell through efferocytosis, a process in which apoptotic cells are engulfed and disposed of by other cells. Bacteria are eliminated intracellularly. Our findings may help to understand why contexts such as cystic fibrosis, where apoptotic cells are unusually produced and efferocytosis fails, favor P. aeruginosa colonization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darío Capasso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Pepe
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Paula Arias
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valentina Salzman
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Arlinet Kierbel
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (UNSAM-CONICET), San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Du Z, Wang X. Pathology and Pathogenesis of Yersinia pestis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 918:193-222. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-0890-4_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
33
|
Resistance of Mice of the 129 Background to Yersinia pestis Maps to Multiple Loci on Chromosome 1. Infect Immun 2016; 84:2904-13. [PMID: 27481241 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00488-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis is a Gram-negative bacterium that is the causative agent of bubonic and pneumonic plague. It is commonly acquired by mammals such as rodents and humans via the bite of an infected flea. We previously reported that multiple substrains of the 129 mouse background are resistant to pigmentation locus-negative (pgm(-)) Yersinia pestis and that this phenotype maps to a 30-centimorgan (cM) region located on chromosome 1. In this study, we have further delineated this plague resistance locus to a region of less than 20 cM through the creation and phenotyping of recombinant offspring arising from novel crossovers in this region. Furthermore, our experiments have revealed that there are at least two alleles in this initial locus, both of which are required for resistance on a susceptible C57BL/6 background. These two alleles work in trans since resistance is restored in offspring possessing one allele contributed by each parent. Our studies also indicated that the Slc11a1 gene (formerly known as Nramp1) located within the chromosome1 locus is not responsible for conferring resistance to 129 mice.
Collapse
|
34
|
Martínez-Chavarría LC. Yersinia pestis-Host Immune Cells Interactions at Early Events During Bubonic Plague Infection. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-016-0071-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
35
|
Chen S, Thompson KM, Francis MS. Environmental Regulation of Yersinia Pathophysiology. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:25. [PMID: 26973818 PMCID: PMC4773443 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hallmarks of Yersinia pathogenesis include the ability to form biofilms on surfaces, the ability to establish close contact with eukaryotic target cells and the ability to hijack eukaryotic cell signaling and take over control of strategic cellular processes. Many of these virulence traits are already well-described. However, of equal importance is knowledge of both confined and global regulatory networks that collaborate together to dictate spatial and temporal control of virulence gene expression. This review has the purpose to incorporate historical observations with new discoveries to provide molecular insight into how some of these regulatory mechanisms respond rapidly to environmental flux to govern tight control of virulence gene expression by pathogenic Yersinia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan, China
| | - Karl M Thompson
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Howard University Washington, DC, USA
| | - Matthew S Francis
- Umeå Centre for Microbial Research, Umeå UniversityUmeå, Sweden; Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå UniversityUmeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chung LK, Bliska JB. Yersinia versus host immunity: how a pathogen evades or triggers a protective response. Curr Opin Microbiol 2015; 29:56-62. [PMID: 26638030 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The human pathogenic Yersinia species cause diseases that represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Despite this, specific mechanisms underlying Yersinia pathogenesis and protective host responses remain poorly understood. Recent studies have shown that Yersinia disrupt cell death pathways, perturb inflammatory processes and exploit immune cells to promote disease. The ensuing host responses following Yersinia infection include coordination of innate and adaptive immune responses in an attempt to control bacterial replication. Here, we highlight current advances in our understanding of the interactions between the pathogenic yersiniae and host cells, as well as the protective host responses mobilized to counteract these pathogens. Together, these studies enhance our understanding of Yersinia pathogenesis and highlight the ongoing battle between host and microbe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawton K Chung
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5120, United States
| | - James B Bliska
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5120, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Role of Tellurite Resistance Operon in Filamentous Growth of Yersinia pestis in Macrophages. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141984. [PMID: 26536670 PMCID: PMC4633105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Yersinia pestis initiates infection by parasitism of host macrophages. In response to macrophage infections, intracellular Y. pestis can assume a filamentous cellular morphology which may mediate resistance to host cell innate immune responses. We previously observed the expression of Y. pestis tellurite resistance proteins TerD and TerE from the terZABCDE operon during macrophage infections. Others have observed a filamentous response associated with expression of tellurite resistance operon in Escherichia coli exposed to tellurite. Therefore, in this study we examine the potential role of Y. pestis tellurite resistance operon in filamentous cellular morphology during macrophage infections. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In vitro treatment of Y. pestis culture with sodium tellurite (Na2TeO3) caused the bacterial cells to assume a filamentous phenotype similar to the filamentous phenotype observed during macrophage infections. A deletion mutant for genes terZAB abolished the filamentous morphologic response to tellurite exposure or intracellular parasitism, but without affecting tellurite resistance. However, a terZABCDE deletion mutant abolished both filamentous morphologic response and tellurite resistance. Complementation of the terZABCDE deletion mutant with terCDE, but not terZAB, partially restored tellurite resistance. When the terZABCDE deletion mutant was complemented with terZAB or terCDE, Y. pestis exhibited filamentous morphology during macrophage infections as well as while these complemented genes were being expressed under an in vitro condition. Further in E. coli, expression of Y. pestis terZAB, but not terCDE, conferred a filamentous phenotype. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the role of Y. pestis terZAB mediation of the filamentous response phenotype; whereas, terCDE confers tellurite resistance. Although the beneficial role of filamentous morphological responses by Y. pestis during macrophage infections is yet to be fully defined, it may be a bacterial adaptive strategy to macrophage associated stresses.
Collapse
|
38
|
Connor MG, Pulsifer AR, Price CT, Abu Kwaik Y, Lawrenz MB. Yersinia pestis Requires Host Rab1b for Survival in Macrophages. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1005241. [PMID: 26495854 PMCID: PMC4619670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis is a facultative intracellular pathogen that causes the disease known as plague. During infection of macrophages Y. pestis actively evades the normal phagosomal maturation pathway to establish a replicative niche within the cell. However, the mechanisms used by Y. pestis to subvert killing by the macrophage are unknown. Host Rab GTPases are central mediators of vesicular trafficking and are commonly targeted by bacterial pathogens to alter phagosome maturation and killing by macrophages. Here we demonstrate for the first time that host Rab1b is required for Y. pestis to effectively evade killing by macrophages. We also show that Rab1b is specifically recruited to the Yersinia containing vacuole (YCV) and that Y. pestis is unable to subvert YCV acidification when Rab1b expression is knocked down in macrophages. Furthermore, Rab1b knockdown also altered the frequency of association between the YCV with the lysosomal marker Lamp1, suggesting that Rab1b recruitment to the YCV directly inhibits phagosome maturation. Finally, we show that Rab1b knockdown also impacts the pH of the Legionella pneumophila containing vacuole, another pathogen that recruits Rab1b to its vacuole. Together these data identify a novel role for Rab1b in the subversion of phagosome maturation by intracellular pathogens and suggest that recruitment of Rab1b to the pathogen containing vacuole may be a conserved mechanism to control vacuole pH. Yersinia pestis is the bacterial agent that causes the human disease known as plague. While often considered a historic disease, Y. pestis is endemic in rodent populations on several continents and the World Health Organization considers plague to be a reemerging disease. Much of the success of this pathogen comes from its ability to evade clearance by the innate immune system of its host. One weapon in the Y. pestis arsenal is its ability to resist killing when engulfed by macrophages. Upon invasion of macrophages, Y. pestis actively manipulates the cell to generate a protective vacuolar compartment, called the Yersinia containing vacuole (YCV) that allows the bacterium to evade the normal pathogen killing mechanisms of the macrophage. Here we demonstrate that the host protein Rab1b is recruited to the YCV and is required for Y. pestis to inhibit both the acidification and normal maturation of the phagosome to establish a protective niche within the cell. Rab1b is the first protein, either from the host or Y. pestis, shown to contribute to the biogenesis of the YCV. Furthermore, our data suggest a previously unknown impact of Rab1b recruitment in the phagosome maturation pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G. Connor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Amanda R. Pulsifer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Christopher T. Price
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Yousef Abu Kwaik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Matthew B. Lawrenz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Spinner JL, Hasenkrug AM, Shannon JG, Kobayashi SD, Hinnebusch BJ. Role of the Yersinia YopJ protein in suppressing interleukin-8 secretion by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Microbes Infect 2015; 18:21-9. [PMID: 26361732 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphonuclear leukocytes, in addition to their direct bactericidal activities, produce cytokines involved in the activation and regulation of the innate and adaptive immune response to infection. In this study we evaluated the cytokine response of human PMNs following incubation with the pathogenic Yersinia species. Yersinia pestis strains with the pCD1 virulence plasmid, which encodes cytotoxic Yop proteins that are translocated into host cells, stimulated little or no cytokine production compared to pCD1-negative strains. In particular, PMNs incubated with pCD1-negative Y. pestis secreted 1000-fold higher levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8 or CXCL8), a proinflammatory chemokine important for PMN recruitment and activation. Deletion of yopE, -H, -T, -M or ypkA had no effect on pCD1-dependent inhibition, whereas deletion of yopJ resulted in significantly increased IL-8 production. Like Y. pestis, the enteropathogenic Yersinia species inhibited IL-8 secretion by PMNs, and strains lacking the virulence plasmid induced high levels of IL-8. Our results show that virulence plasmid-encoded effector Yops, particularly YopJ, prevent IL-8 secretion by human PMNs. Suppression of the chemotactic IL-8 response by Y. pestis may contribute to the delayed PMN recruitment to the infected lymph node that typifies bubonic plague.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Spinner
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 905 S. 4th St., Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA
| | - Aaron M Hasenkrug
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 905 S. 4th St., Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Shannon
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 905 S. 4th St., Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA
| | - Scott D Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Human Bacterial Pathogenesis, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 905 S. 4th St., Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA
| | - B Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 905 S. 4th St., Hamilton, Montana 59840, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sivaraman V, Pechous RD, Stasulli NM, Eichelberger KR, Miao EA, Goldman WE. Yersinia pestis activates both IL-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist to modulate lung inflammation during pneumonic plague. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1004688. [PMID: 25781467 PMCID: PMC4363893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumonic plague is the most rapid and lethal form of Yersinia pestis infection. Increasing evidence suggests that Y. pestis employs multiple levels of innate immune evasion and/or suppression to produce an early “pre-inflammatory” phase of pulmonary infection, after which the disease is highly inflammatory in the lung and 100% fatal. In this study, we show that IL-1β/IL-18 cytokine activation occurs early after bacteria enter the lung, and this activation eventually contributes to pulmonary inflammation and pathology during the later stages of infection. However, the inflammatory effects of IL-1β/IL-1-receptor ligation are not observed during this first stage of pneumonic plague. We show that Y. pestis also activates the induction of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), and this activation likely contributes to the ability of Y. pestis to establish the initial pre-inflammatory phase of disease. Inhalation of respiratory droplets containing Yersinia pestis results in a rapidly developing and lethal pneumonia. Interestingly, early interactions between Y. pestis and host cells in the lung contribute to significant immune evasion, but also ultimately result in severe innate immune activation. Our results demonstrate that Y. pestis activates pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 in the lung early during infection. However, there is very little early pulmonary inflammation while Y. pestis continues to multiply in the lung compartment. We show that the host protein IL-1RA is activated concurrently with IL-1β, attenuating early immune activation by this cytokine. We propose that this allows the organism to replicate to high titers, eventually triggering a vigorous inflammatory response and facilitating aerosol transmission. Therefore, evaluating early host activation of IL-1RA by Y. pestis may provide therapeutic targets against pneumonic plague.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Sivaraman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Biology, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Roger D. Pechous
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nikolas M. Stasulli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kara R. Eichelberger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Edward A. Miao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - William E. Goldman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Shannon JG, Bosio CF, Hinnebusch BJ. Dermal neutrophil, macrophage and dendritic cell responses to Yersinia pestis transmitted by fleas. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1004734. [PMID: 25781984 PMCID: PMC4363629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is typically transmitted by the bite of an infected flea. Many aspects of mammalian innate immune response early after Y. pestis infection remain poorly understood. A previous study by our lab showed that neutrophils are the most prominent cell type recruited to the injection site after intradermal needle inoculation of Y. pestis, suggesting that neutrophil interactions with Y. pestis may be important in bubonic plague pathogenesis. In the present study, we developed new tools allowing for intravital microscopy of Y. pestis in the dermis of an infected mouse after transmission by its natural route of infection, the bite of an infected flea. We found that uninfected flea bites typically induced minimal neutrophil recruitment. The magnitude of neutrophil response to flea-transmitted Y. pestis varied considerably and appeared to correspond to the number of bacteria deposited at the bite site. Macrophages migrated towards flea bite sites and interacted with small numbers of flea-transmitted bacteria. Consistent with a previous study, we observed minimal interaction between Y. pestis and dendritic cells; however, dendritic cells did consistently migrate towards flea bite sites containing Y. pestis. Interestingly, we often recovered viable Y. pestis from the draining lymph node (dLN) 1 h after flea feeding, indicating that the migration of bacteria from the dermis to the dLN may be more rapid than previously reported. Overall, the innate cellular host responses to flea-transmitted Y. pestis differed from and were more variable than responses to needle-inoculated bacteria. This work highlights the importance of studying the interactions between fleas, Y. pestis and the mammalian host to gain a better understanding of the early events in plague pathogenesis. Flea-borne transmission is central to the natural history of the plague bacillus Yersinia pestis, and infection within the context of flea feeding may affect the pathogenesis of bubonic plague. We analyzed the mammalian host response to Y. pestis in the skin immediately after transmission by its natural vector, the rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis, to observe differences relative to the response to needle-inoculated bacteria. Our results show that uninfected flea bites induce minimal inflammation, but flea-transmitted Y. pestis cause the recruitment of neutrophils roughly in proportion to the number of bacteria deposited in the skin. We observed interactions of flea-transmitted bacteria with macrophages, a cell type much more permissive than neutrophils for survival and growth of Y. pestis. We found that dendritic cells, important sentinel antigen presenting cells, were recruited to, but had minimal interaction with, flea-transmitted bacteria. Additionally, we found that Y. pestis could disseminate from the flea bite site to the draining lymph node and spleen as early as 1 h after flea feeding, significantly earlier than has been previously reported. This study reveals important differences between needle-inoculated and flea-transmitted Y. pestis in the immediate host response to infection and improves our understanding of the early host-bacterium interactions in plague pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey G. Shannon
- Plague Section, Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Christopher F. Bosio
- Plague Section, Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - B. Joseph Hinnebusch
- Plague Section, Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
van Lier CJ, Tiner BL, Chauhan S, Motin VL, Fitts EC, Huante MB, Endsley JJ, Ponnusamy D, Sha J, Chopra AK. Further characterization of a highly attenuated Yersinia pestis CO92 mutant deleted for the genes encoding Braun lipoprotein and plasminogen activator protease in murine alveolar and primary human macrophages. Microb Pathog 2015; 80:27-38. [PMID: 25697665 PMCID: PMC4363157 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We recently characterized the Δlpp Δpla double in-frame deletion mutant of Yersinia pestis CO92 molecularly, biologically, and immunologically. While Braun lipoprotein (Lpp) activates toll-like receptor-2 to initiate an inflammatory cascade, plasminogen activator (Pla) protease facilitates bacterial dissemination in the host. The Δlpp Δpla double mutant was highly attenuated in evoking bubonic and pneumonic plague, was rapidly cleared from mouse organs, and generated humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to provide subsequent protection to mice against a lethal challenge dose of wild-type (WT) CO92. Here, we further characterized the Δlpp Δpla double mutant in two murine macrophage cell lines as well as in primary human monocyte-derived macrophages to gauge its potential as a live-attenuated vaccine candidate. We first demonstrated that the Δpla single and the Δlpp Δpla double mutant were unable to survive efficiently in murine and human macrophages, unlike WT CO92. We observed that the levels of Pla and its associated protease activity were not affected in the Δlpp single mutant, and, likewise, deletion of the pla gene from WT CO92 did not alter Lpp levels. Further, our study revealed that both Lpp and Pla contributed to the intracellular survival of WT CO92 via different mechanisms. Importantly, the ability of the Δlpp Δpla double mutant to be phagocytized by macrophages, to stimulate production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, and to activate the nitric oxide killing pathways of the host cells remained unaltered when compared to the WT CO92-infected macrophages. Finally, macrophages infected with either the WT CO92 or the Δlpp Δpla double mutant were equally efficient in their uptake of zymosan particles as determined by flow cytometric analysis. Overall, our data indicated that although the Δlpp Δpla double mutant of Y. pestis CO92 was highly attenuated, it retained the ability to elicit innate and subsequent acquired immune responses in the host similar to that of WT CO92, which are highly desirable in a live-attenuated vaccine candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina J van Lier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Bethany L Tiner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Sadhana Chauhan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Vladimir L Motin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Eric C Fitts
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Matthew B Huante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Janice J Endsley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Duraisamy Ponnusamy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jian Sha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Ashok K Chopra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gonzalez RJ, Lane MC, Wagner NJ, Weening EH, Miller VL. Dissemination of a highly virulent pathogen: tracking the early events that define infection. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1004587. [PMID: 25611317 PMCID: PMC4303270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The series of events that occurs immediately after pathogen entrance into the body is largely speculative. Key aspects of these events are pathogen dissemination and pathogen interactions with the immune response as the invader moves into deeper tissues. We sought to define major events that occur early during infection of a highly virulent pathogen. To this end, we tracked early dissemination of Yersinia pestis, a highly pathogenic bacterium that causes bubonic plague in mammals. Specifically, we addressed two fundamental questions: (1) do the bacteria encounter barriers in disseminating to draining lymph nodes (LN), and (2) what mechanism does this nonmotile bacterium use to reach the LN compartment, as the prevailing model predicts trafficking in association with host cells. Infection was followed through microscopy imaging in addition to assessing bacterial population dynamics during dissemination from the skin. We found and characterized an unexpected bottleneck that severely restricts bacterial dissemination to LNs. The bacteria that do not pass through this bottleneck are confined to the skin, where large numbers of neutrophils arrive and efficiently control bacterial proliferation. Notably, bottleneck formation is route dependent, as it is abrogated after subcutaneous inoculation. Using a combination of approaches, including microscopy imaging, we tested the prevailing model of bacterial dissemination from the skin into LNs and found no evidence of involvement of migrating phagocytes in dissemination. Thus, early stages of infection are defined by a bottleneck that restricts bacterial dissemination and by neutrophil-dependent control of bacterial proliferation in the skin. Furthermore, and as opposed to current models, our data indicate an intracellular stage is not required by Y. pestis to disseminate from the skin to draining LNs. Because our findings address events that occur during early encounters of pathogen with the immune response, this work can inform efforts to prevent or control infection. The earliest stage of any infection takes place when a pathogen enters the body (inoculation) at an initial site of contact. From this point, the pathogen can spread into deeper tissues where the pathogen itself and the immune responses against it cause disease. Very little is known about the events that follow inoculation and how pathogens move from the initial site of contact into deeper tissues. A better understanding of this process can potentially result in strategies to control or prevent disease. We studied the highly infectious bacterium that causes bubonic plague (Yersinia pestis) and how it spreads inside the body, from the skin into lymph nodes. We found that movement from the skin is highly restricted as only a small fraction of the bacteria that are deposited into this tissue are found in lymph nodes. While it is currently thought that Y. pestis spreads from the skin inside trafficking cells of the innate immune response, our work suggests these cells are not required for the bacteria to move into lymph nodes. Our findings can influence vaccine development efforts as these strategies are based on the study of early pathogen interactions with cells of the immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo J. Gonzalez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - M. Chelsea Lane
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nikki J. Wagner
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Eric H. Weening
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Virginia L. Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
McCracken JM, Allen LAH. Regulation of human neutrophil apoptosis and lifespan in health and disease. J Cell Death 2014; 7:15-23. [PMID: 25278783 PMCID: PMC4167320 DOI: 10.4137/jcd.s11038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils (also called polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMNs) are the most abundant white blood cells in humans and play a central role in innate host defense. Another distinguishing feature of PMNs is their short lifespan. Specifically, these cells survive for less than 24 hours in the bloodstream and are inherently pre-programed to die by constitutive apoptosis. Recent data indicate that this process is regulated by intracellular signaling and changes in gene expression that define an “apoptosis differentiation program.” Infection typically accelerates neutrophil turnover, and as such, phagocytosis-induced cell death (PICD) and subsequent clearance of the corpses by macrophages are essential for control of infection and resolution of the inflammatory response. Herein we reprise recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of neutrophil apoptosis with a focus on regulatory factors and pathway intermediates that are specific to this cell type. In addition, we summarize mechanisms whereby perturbation of PMN death contributes directly to the pathogenesis of many infectious and inflammatory disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M McCracken
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. ; Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Lee-Ann H Allen
- Inflammation Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. ; Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. ; Department of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. ; Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Fukuto HS, Bliska JB. Editorial: Yersinia pestis survives in neutrophils and sends a PS to macrophages: bon appetit! J Leukoc Biol 2014; 95:383-5. [PMID: 24586037 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1013556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hana S Fukuto
- 1.Stony Brook University, 238 Centers for Molecular Medicine, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|