Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa express and secrete human surfactant proteins

Quorum-sensing regulation of virulence factors in bacterial biofilm

Chronic polymicrobial wound infections are often characterized by the presence of bacterial biofilms. They show considerable structural and functional heterogeneity, which influences the choice of antimicrobial therapy and wound healing dynamics. The hallmarks of biofilm-associated bacterial infections include elevated antibiotic resistance and extreme pathogenicity. Biofilm helps bacteria to evade the host defense mechanisms and persist longer in the host. Quorum-sensing (QS)-mediated cell signaling primarily regulates biofilm formation in chronic infections and plays a major role in eliciting virulence. This review focuses on the QS mechanisms of two major bacterial pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and explains how they interact in the wound microenvironment to regulate biofilm development and virulence. The review also provides an insight into the treatment modalities aimed at eradicating polymicrobial biofilms. This information will help us develop better diagnostic modalities and devise effective treatment regimens to successfully manage and overcome severe life-threatening bacterial infections.

Immunolocalization of Surfactant Proteins SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D in Infantile Labial Glands and Mucosa

Surfactant proteins in different glandular structures of the oral cavity display antimicrobial activity for protection of invading microorganisms. Moreover, they are involved in lowering liquid tension in fluids and facilitate secretion flows. Numerous investigations for studying the occurrence of surfactant proteins in glandular tissues were performed using different methods. In the oral cavity, minor salivary glands secrete saliva continuously for the maintenance of a healthy oral environment. For the first time, we could show that infantile labial glands show expression of the surfactant proteins (SP) SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D in acinar cells and the duct system in different intensities. The stratified squamous epithelium of the oral mucosa revealed positive staining for SPs in various cell layers.

Structure, genetics and function of the pulmonary associated surfactant proteins A and D: The extra-pulmonary role of these C type lectins

The collectins family encompasses several collagenous Ca²⁺-dependent defense lectins that are described as pathogen recognition molecules. They play an important role in both adaptive and innate immunity. Surfactant proteins A and D are two of these proteins which were initially discovered in association with surfactant in the pulmonary system. The structure, immune and inflammatory functions, and genetic variations have been well described in relation to their roles, function and pathophysiology in the pulmonary system. Subsequently, these proteins have been discovered in a wide range of other organs and organ systems. The role of these proteins outside the pulmonary system is currently an active area of research. This review intends to provide a current overview of the genetics, structure and extra-pulmonary functions of the surfactant collectin proteins.

The importance of surfactant proteins-New aspects on macrophage phagocytosis

Surfactant and its components have multiple functions. The so called collectins are surfactant proteins which opsonize bacteria and improve pulmonary host defense via the phagocytosis and clearance of microorganisms and particles. In this special issue of the Annals of Anatomy a new surfactant protein, Surfactant Associated 3, is highlighted. As outlined in this mini review Surfactant Associated 3 is regarded as an enhancer of phagocytosis. In addition, the role played by SP-A is updated and open research questions raised.

Evolution, Development, and Function of the Pulmonary Surfactant System in Normal and Perturbed Environments

Surfactant lipids and proteins form a surface active film at the air-liquid interface of internal gas exchange organs, including swim bladders and lungs. The system is uniquely positioned to meet both the physical challenges associated with a dynamically changing internal air-liquid interface, and the environmental challenges associated with the foreign pathogens and particles to which the internal surface is exposed. Lungs range from simple, transparent, bag-like units to complex, multilobed, compartmentalized structures. Despite this anatomical variability, the surfactant system is remarkably conserved. Here, we discuss the evolutionary origin of the surfactant system, which likely predates lungs. We describe the evolution of surfactant structure and function in invertebrates and vertebrates. We focus on changes in lipid and protein composition and surfactant function from its antiadhesive and innate immune to its alveolar stability and structural integrity functions. We discuss the biochemical, hormonal, autonomic, and mechanical factors that regulate normal surfactant secretion in mature animals. We present an analysis of the ontogeny of surfactant development among the vertebrates and the contribution of different regulatory mechanisms that control this development. We also discuss environmental (oxygen), hormonal and biochemical (glucocorticoids and glucose) and pollutant (maternal smoking, alcohol, and common "recreational" drugs) effects that impact surfactant development. On the adult surfactant system, we focus on environmental variables including temperature, pressure, and hypoxia that have shaped its evolution and we discuss the resultant biochemical, biophysical, and cellular adaptations. Finally, we discuss the effect of major modern gaseous and particulate pollutants on the lung and surfactant system.

The novel surfactant protein SP-H enhances the phagocytosis efficiency of macrophage-like cell lines U937 and MH-S

Background

Surfactant proteins (SP) secreted by alveolar type 2 cells, play an essential role in maintaining the air-liquid barrier of the lung and are also involved in the opsonisation and clearance of bacteria by phagocytes. We have recently described a novel surfactant protein, SP-H (SFTA3). Expression of SP-H was earlier demonstrated to be upregulated by LPS and negatively regulated by IL-1β and IL-23 in vitro. The influence of SP-H on phagocytosis was measured using a murine and a human phagocytic cell line and fluorescent latex beads.

Findings

SP-H markedly increases phagocytosis in vitro in the murine-derived alveolar macrophage cell lines MH-S and in human-derived differentiated U937 cells.

Conclusion

It can be assumed that SP-H is involved in regulating phagocytic activity of macrophages. SP-H is a new player in pulmonary host defence.

Collagen and hyaluronan at wound sites influence early polymicrobial biofilm adhesive events

BACKGROUND

Wounds can easily become chronically infected, leading to secondary health complications, which occur more frequently in individuals with diabetes, compromised immune systems, and those that have suffered severe burns. When wounds become chronically infected, biofilm producing microbes are often isolated from these sites. The presence of a biofilm at a wound site has significant negative impact on the treatment outcomes, as biofilms are characteristically recalcitrant to removal, in part due to the formation of a protective matrix that shield residents organisms from inimical forces. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are two of the organisms most prevalently isolated from wound sites, and are of particular concern due to their elevated levels of antibiotic resistance, rapid growth, and exotoxin production. In order to understand the biofilm forming abilities of these microbes in a simulated wound environment we used a microtiter plate assay to assess the ability of these two organisms to bind to proteins that are typically found at wound sites: collagen and hyaluronan.

RESULTS

Collagen and hyaluronan were used to coat the wells of 96-well plates in collagen:hyaluronan ratios of 0:1, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, and 1:0 . P. aeruginosa and MRSA were inoculated as mono- and co-cultures (1:1 and a 3:1 MRSA: P. aeruginosa). We determined that coating the wells with collagen and/or hyaluronan significantly increased the biofilm biomass of attached cells compared to an uncoated control, although no one coating formulation showed a significant increase compared to any other combination. We also noted that the fold-change increase for MRSA upon coating was greater than for P. aeruginosa.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that the presence of collagen and/or hyaluronan at wound sites may be an important factor that influences the attachment and subsequent biofilm formation of notorious biofilm-formers, such as MRSA and P. aeruginosa. Understanding the kinetics of binding may aid in our comprehension of recalcitrant wound infection development, better enabling our ability to design therapies that would prevent or mitigate the negative outcomes associated with such infections.

The detection of surfactant proteins A, B, C and D in the human brain and their regulation in cerebral infarction, autoimmune conditions and infections of the CNS

Surfactant proteins (SP) have been studied intensively in the respiratory system. Surfactant protein A and surfactant protein D are proteins belonging to the family of collectins each playing a major role in the innate immune system. The ability of surfactant protein A and surfactant protein D to bind various pathogens and facilitate their elimination has been described in a vast number of studies. Surfactant proteins are very important in modulating the host's inflammatory response and participate in the clearance of apoptotic cells. Surfactant protein B and surfactant protein C are proteins responsible for lowering the surface tension in the lungs. The aim of this study was an investigation of expression of surfactant proteins in the central nervous system to assess their specific distribution patterns. The second aim was to quantify surfactant proteins in cerebrospinal fluid of healthy subjects compared to patients suffering from different neuropathologies. The expression of mRNA for the surfactant proteins was analyzed with RT-PCR done with samples from different parts of the human brain. The production of the surfactant proteins in the brain was verified using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The concentrations of the surfactant proteins in cerebrospinal fluid from healthy subjects and patients suffering from neuropathologic conditions were quantified using ELISA. Our results revealed that surfactant proteins are present in the central nervous system and that the concentrations of one or more surfactant proteins in healthy subjects differed significantly from those of patients affected by central autoimmune processes, CNS infections or cerebral infarction. Based on the localization of the surfactant proteins in the brain, their different levels in normal versus pathologic samples of cerebrospinal fluid and their well-known functions in the lungs, it appears that the surfactant proteins may play roles in host defense of the brain, facilitation of cerebrospinal fluid secretion and maintenance of the latter's rheological properties.