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Goh KJ, Altuvia Y, Argaman L, Raz Y, Bar A, Lithgow T, Margalit H, Gan YH. RIL-seq reveals extensive involvement of small RNAs in virulence and capsule regulation in hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae440. [PMID: 38804271 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) can infect healthy individuals, in contrast to classical strains that commonly cause nosocomial infections. The recent convergence of hypervirulence with carbapenem-resistance in K. pneumoniae can potentially create 'superbugs' that are challenging to treat. Understanding virulence regulation of hvKp is thus critical. Accumulating evidence suggest that posttranscriptional regulation by small RNAs (sRNAs) plays a role in bacterial virulence, but it has hardly been studied in K. pneumoniae. We applied RIL-seq to a prototypical clinical isolate of hvKp to unravel the Hfq-dependent RNA-RNA interaction (RRI) network. The RRI network is dominated by sRNAs, including predicted novel sRNAs, three of which we validated experimentally. We constructed a stringent subnetwork composed of RRIs that involve at least one hvKp virulence-associated gene and identified the capsule gene loci as a hub target where multiple sRNAs interact. We found that the sRNA OmrB suppressed both capsule production and hypermucoviscosity when overexpressed. Furthermore, OmrB base-pairs within kvrA coding region and partially suppresses translation of the capsule regulator KvrA. This agrees with current understanding of capsule as a major virulence and fitness factor. It emphasizes the intricate regulatory control of bacterial phenotypes by sRNAs, particularly of genes critical to bacterial physiology and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwok Jian Goh
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yael Altuvia
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Liron Argaman
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Yair Raz
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Amir Bar
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Trevor Lithgow
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hanah Margalit
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Yunn-Hwen Gan
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
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Zhang B, Xiao L, Lyu L, Zhao F, Miao M. Exploring the landscape of symbiotic diversity and distribution in unicellular ciliated protists. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:96. [PMID: 38790063 PMCID: PMC11127453 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01809-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The eukaryotic-bacterial symbiotic system plays an important role in various physiological, developmental, and evolutionary processes. However, our current understanding is largely limited to multicellular eukaryotes without adequate consideration of diverse unicellular protists, including ciliates. RESULTS To investigate the bacterial profiles associated with unicellular organisms, we collected 246 ciliate samples spanning the entire Ciliophora phylum and conducted single-cell based metagenome sequencing. This effort has yielded the most extensive collection of bacteria linked to unicellular protists to date. From this dataset, we identified 883 bacterial species capable of cohabiting with ciliates, unveiling the genomes of 116 novel bacterial cohabitants along with 7 novel archaeal cohabitants. Highlighting the intimate relationship between ciliates and their cohabitants, our study unveiled that over 90% of ciliates coexist with bacteria, with individual hosts fostering symbiotic relationships with multiple bacteria concurrently, resulting in the observation of seven distinct symbiotic patterns among bacteria. Our exploration of symbiotic mechanisms revealed the impact of host digestion on the intracellular diversity of cohabitants. Additionally, we identified the presence of eukaryotic-like proteins in bacteria as a potential contributing factor to their resistance against host digestion, thereby expanding their potential host range. CONCLUSIONS As the first large-scale analysis of prokaryotic associations with ciliate protists, this study provides a valuable resource for future research on eukaryotic-bacterial symbioses. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute of Zoology, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liwen Xiao
- Institute of Zoology, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Liping Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), and Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Fangqing Zhao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute of Zoology, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Miao Miao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Institute of Zoology, Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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3
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Abbas R, Chakkour M, Zein El Dine H, Obaseki EF, Obeid ST, Jezzini A, Ghssein G, Ezzeddine Z. General Overview of Klebsiella pneumonia: Epidemiology and the Role of Siderophores in Its Pathogenicity. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:78. [PMID: 38392297 PMCID: PMC10886558 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) can colonize mucosal surfaces and spread from mucosae to other tissues, causing fatal infections. Medical equipment and the healthcare setting can become colonized by Klebsiella species, which are widely distributed in nature and can be found in water, soil, and animals. Moreover, a substantial number of community-acquired illnesses are also caused by this organism worldwide. These infections are characterized by a high rate of morbidity and mortality as well as the capacity to spread metastatically. Hypervirulent Klebsiella strains are thought to be connected to these infections. Four components are critical to this bacterium's pathogenicity-the capsule, lipopolysaccharide, fimbriae, and siderophores. Siderophores are secondary metabolites that allow iron to sequester from the surrounding medium and transport it to the intracellular compartment of the bacteria. A number of variables may lead to K. pneumoniae colonization in a specific area. Risk factors for infection include local healthcare practices, antibiotic use and misuse, infection control procedures, nutrition, gender, and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rim Abbas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut P.O. Box 11-5020, Lebanon
| | - Mohamed Chakkour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Hiba Zein El Dine
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Soumaya T Obeid
- Laboratory Sciences Department, Faculty of Public Health, Islamic University of Lebanon (IUL), Khalde P.O. Box 30014, Lebanon
| | - Aya Jezzini
- Laboratory Sciences Department, Faculty of Public Health, Islamic University of Lebanon (IUL), Khalde P.O. Box 30014, Lebanon
| | - Ghassan Ghssein
- Laboratory Sciences Department, Faculty of Public Health, Islamic University of Lebanon (IUL), Khalde P.O. Box 30014, Lebanon
| | - Zeinab Ezzeddine
- Laboratory Sciences Department, Faculty of Public Health, Islamic University of Lebanon (IUL), Khalde P.O. Box 30014, Lebanon
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4
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Maciejewska B, Squeglia F, Latka A, Privitera M, Olejniczak S, Switala P, Ruggiero A, Marasco D, Kramarska E, Drulis-Kawa Z, Berisio R. Klebsiella phage KP34gp57 capsular depolymerase structure and function: from a serendipitous finding to the design of active mini-enzymes against K. pneumoniae. mBio 2023; 14:e0132923. [PMID: 37707438 PMCID: PMC10653864 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01329-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In this work, we determined the structure of Klebsiella phage KP34p57 capsular depolymerase and dissected the role of individual domains in trimerization and functional activity. The crystal structure serendipitously revealed that the enzyme can exist in a monomeric state once deprived of its C-terminal domain. Based on the crystal structure and site-directed mutagenesis, we localized the key catalytic residues in an intra-subunit deep groove. Consistently, we show that C-terminally trimmed KP34p57 variants are monomeric, stable, and fully active. The elaboration of monomeric, fully active phage depolymerases is innovative in the field, as no previous example exists. Indeed, mini phage depolymerases can be combined in chimeric enzymes to extend their activity ranges, allowing their use against multiple serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Maciejewska
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Flavia Squeglia
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Latka
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Mario Privitera
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sebastian Olejniczak
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paulina Switala
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Eliza Kramarska
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Rita Berisio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Napoli, Italy
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5
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Wantuch PL, Rosen DA. Klebsiella pneumoniae: adaptive immune landscapes and vaccine horizons. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:826-844. [PMID: 37704549 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the most common antibiotic-resistant pathogens causing nosocomial infections. Additionally, it is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and childhood mortality across the globe. Despite its clinical importance, we are only beginning to understand how the mammalian adaptive immune system responds to this pathogen. Further, many studies investigating potential K. pneumoniae vaccine candidates or alternative therapies have been launched in recent years. Here, we review the current state of knowledge on the adaptive immune response to K. pneumoniae infections and progress towards developing vaccines and other therapies to combat these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paeton L Wantuch
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David A Rosen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Hoque MM, Espinoza-Vergara G, McDougald D. Protozoan predation as a driver of diversity and virulence in bacterial biofilms. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad040. [PMID: 37458768 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoa are eukaryotic organisms that play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and maintaining balance in the food web. Predation, symbiosis and parasitism are three types of interactions between protozoa and bacteria. However, not all bacterial species are equally susceptible to protozoan predation as many are capable of defending against predation in numerous ways and may even establish either a symbiotic or parasitic life-style. Biofilm formation is one such mechanism by which bacteria can survive predation. Structural and chemical components of biofilms enhance resistance to predation compared to their planktonic counterparts. Predation on biofilms gives rise to phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity in prey that leads to trade-offs in virulence in other eukaryotes. Recent advances, using molecular and genomics techniques, allow us to generate new information about the interactions of protozoa and biofilms of prey bacteria. This review presents the current state of the field on impacts of protozoan predation on biofilms. We provide an overview of newly gathered insights into (i) molecular mechanisms of predation resistance in biofilms, (ii) phenotypic and genetic diversification of prey bacteria, and (iii) evolution of virulence as a consequence of protozoan predation on biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mozammel Hoque
- Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Gustavo Espinoza-Vergara
- Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Diane McDougald
- Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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Liu Y, Koudelka G. O-Polysaccharides of LPS Modulate E. coli Uptake by Acanthamoeba castellanii. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1377. [PMID: 37374879 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan grazing is a major cause of bacterial mortality and controls bacterial population size and composition in the natural environment. To enhance their survival, bacteria evolved many defense strategies to avoid grazing by protists. Cell wall modification is one of the defense strategies that helps bacteria escape from recognition and/or internalization by its predators. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the major component of Gram-negative bacterial cell wall. LPS is divided into three regions: lipid A, oligosaccharide core and O-specific polysaccharide. O-polysaccharide as the outermost region of E. coli LPS provides protection against predation by Acanthamoeba castellanii; however, the characteristics of O-polysaccharide contribute to this protection remain unknown. Here, we investigate how length, structure and composition of LPS affect E. coli recognition and internalization by A. castellanii. We found that length of O-antigen does not play a significant role in regulating bacterial recognition by A. castellanii. However, the composition and structure of O-polysaccharide play important roles in providing resistance to A. castellanii predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Gerald Koudelka
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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8
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Wantuch PL, Knoot CJ, Robinson LS, Vinogradov E, Scott NE, Harding CM, Rosen DA. Capsular polysaccharide inhibits vaccine-induced O-antigen antibody binding and function across both classical and hypervirulent K2:O1 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011367. [PMID: 37146068 PMCID: PMC10191323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae presents as two circulating pathotypes: classical K. pneumoniae (cKp) and hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp). Classical isolates are considered urgent threats due to their antibiotic resistance profiles, while hvKp isolates have historically been antibiotic susceptible. Recently, however, increased rates of antibiotic resistance have been observed in both hvKp and cKp, further underscoring the need for preventive and effective immunotherapies. Two distinct surface polysaccharides have gained traction as vaccine candidates against K. pneumoniae: capsular polysaccharide and the O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide. While both targets have practical advantages and disadvantages, it remains unclear which of these antigens included in a vaccine would provide superior protection against matched K. pneumoniae strains. Here, we report the production of two bioconjugate vaccines, one targeting the K2 capsular serotype and the other targeting the O1 O-antigen. Using murine models, we investigated whether these vaccines induced specific antibody responses that recognize K2:O1 K. pneumoniae strains. While each vaccine was immunogenic in mice, both cKp and hvKp strains exhibited decreased O-antibody binding in the presence of capsule. Further, O1 antibodies demonstrated decreased killing in serum bactericidal assays with encapsulated strains, suggesting that the presence of K. pneumoniae capsule blocks O1-antibody binding and function. Finally, the K2 vaccine outperformed the O1 vaccine against both cKp and hvKp in two different murine infection models. These data suggest that capsule-based vaccines may be superior to O-antigen vaccines for targeting hvKp and some cKp strains, due to capsule blocking the O-antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paeton L. Wantuch
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Cory J. Knoot
- Omniose, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | - Evgeny Vinogradov
- National Research Council Canada, Human Health Therapeutics Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nichollas E. Scott
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - David A. Rosen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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9
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van der Geest R, Fan H, Peñaloza HF, Bain WG, Xiong Z, Kohli N, Larson E, Sullivan MLG, Franks JM, Stolz DB, Ito R, Chen K, Doi Y, Harriff MJ, Lee JS. Phagocytosis is a primary determinant of pulmonary clearance of clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1150658. [PMID: 37056705 PMCID: PMC10086180 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1150658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a common cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Although previous studies have suggested that evasion of phagocytic uptake is a virulence determinant of Kp, few studies have examined phagocytosis sensitivity in clinical Kp isolates. Methods We screened 19 clinical respiratory Kp isolates that were previously assessed for mucoviscosity for their sensitivity to macrophage phagocytic uptake, and evaluated phagocytosis as a functional correlate of in vivo Kp pathogenicity. Results The respiratory Kp isolates displayed heterogeneity in the susceptibility to macrophage phagocytic uptake, with 14 out of 19 Kp isolates displaying relative phagocytosis-sensitivity compared to the reference Kp strain ATCC 43816, and 5 out of 19 Kp isolates displaying relative phagocytosis-resistance. Intratracheal infection with the non-mucoviscous phagocytosis-sensitive isolate S17 resulted in a significantly lower bacterial burden compared to infection with the mucoviscous phagocytosis-resistant isolate W42. In addition, infection with S17 was associated with a reduced inflammatory response, including reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count, and reduced BAL TNF, IL-1β, and IL-12p40 levels. Importantly, host control of infection with the phagocytosis-sensitive S17 isolate was impaired in alveolar macrophage (AM)-depleted mice, whereas AM-depletion had no significant impact on host defense against infection with the phagocytosis-resistant W42 isolate. Conclusion Altogether, these findings show that phagocytosis is a primary determinant of pulmonary clearance of clinical Kp isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick van der Geest
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Hongye Fan
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Hernán F. Peñaloza
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - William G. Bain
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zeyu Xiong
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Naina Kohli
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Emily Larson
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Mara L. G. Sullivan
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jonathan M. Franks
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Donna B. Stolz
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ryota Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Aichi Medical Center Nagoya Daiichi Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kong Chen
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yohei Doi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Departments of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Melanie J. Harriff
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health State University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Janet S. Lee
- Acute Lung Injury Center of Excellence, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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10
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Pertics BZ, Kovács T, Schneider G. Characterization of a Lytic Bacteriophage and Demonstration of Its Combined Lytic Effect with a K2 Depolymerase on the Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain 52145. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030669. [PMID: 36985241 PMCID: PMC10051899 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a nosocomial pathogen. Among its virulence factors is the capsule with a prominent role in defense and biofilm formation. Bacteriophages (phages) can evoke the lysis of bacterial cells. Due to the mode of action of their polysaccharide depolymerase enzymes, phages are typically specific for one bacterial strain and its capsule type. In this study, we characterized a bacteriophage against the capsule-defective mutant of the nosocomial K. pneumoniae 52145 strain, which lacks K2 capsule. The phage showed a relatively narrow host range but evoked lysis on a few strains with capsular serotypes K33, K21, and K24. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the newly isolated Klebsiella phage 731 belongs to the Webervirus genus in the Drexlerviridae family; it has a 31.084 MDa double-stranded, linear DNA with a length of 50,306 base pairs and a G + C content of 50.9%. Out of the 79 open reading frames (ORFs), we performed the identification of orf22, coding for a trimeric tail fiber protein with putative capsule depolymerase activity, along with the mapping of other putative depolymerases of phage 731 and homologous phages. Efficacy of a previously described recombinant K2 depolymerase (B1dep) was tested by co-spotting phage 731 on K. pneumoniae strains, and it was demonstrated that the B1dep-phage 731 combination allows the lysis of the wild type 52145 strain, originally resistant to the phage 731. With phage 731, we showed that B1dep is a promising candidate for use as a possible antimicrobial agent, as it renders the virulent strain defenseless against other phages. Phage 731 alone is also important due to its efficacy on K. pneumoniae strains possessing epidemiologically important serotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botond Zsombor Pertics
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti St. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kovács
- Department of Biotechnology, Nanophagetherapy Center, Enviroinvest Corporation, Kertváros St. 2., H-7632 Pécs, Hungary
| | - György Schneider
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti St. 12., H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-72-536-200 (ext. 1908)
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11
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The Oligosaccharide Region of LPS Governs Predation of E. coli by the Bacterivorous Protist, Acanthamoeba castellanii. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0293022. [PMID: 36648221 PMCID: PMC9927288 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02930-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoan predation is a major cause of bacterial mortality. The first step of predation for phagocytic amoebae is the recognition of their prey. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major component of Gram-negative bacteria and is only present on the outer leaflet of the outer membrane lipid bilayer. LPS consists of three distinct regions: lipid A, an oligosaccharide core, and O-polysaccharide. Previous research in our lab determined that the oligosaccharide (OS) region of LPS mediates the recognition and internalization of Escherichia coli by Acanthamoeba castellanii. The oligosaccharide region is conceptually divided into the inner core and outer core. The LPS of any given E. coli strain contains only one of five different OS structures: K-12 and R1 to R4. All OSs contain the same inner core sugars but different outer core sugars. Here, we show that the Kdo2 moiety of the inner core is necessary and sufficient for E. coli recognition and internalization by A. castellanii. We also show that the precise composition of the variable outer core OS region modulates the efficiency with which A. castellanii consumes bacteria. The latter finding indicates that outer core OS composition plays a role in bacterial defense against phagocytic predators. IMPORTANCE Rather than being transmitted from host to host, most opportunistic bacterial pathogens reside in the environment for significant amounts of time. Protist predation is a major cause of bacterial mortality. To enhance their survival in the environment, bacteria have evolved various defense strategies such as filamentation, increased motility, biofilm formation, toxin release, and modification of cell wall structure; strategies which also enhance their virulence to humans. This work shows that the major component of the bacterial cell wall, LPS, also known as bacterial endotoxin, is a "dual use" factor, regulating amoeba predation of bacteria in addition to its well-known role as a human virulence factor. Both these functions are governed by the same parts of LPS. Thus, the structure and composition of this "dual use" factor likely evolved as a response to constant voracious protist grazing pressure in the environment, rather than during short-term infections of human and animals.
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12
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Dai P, Hu D. The making of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24743. [PMID: 36347819 PMCID: PMC9757020 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a notorious bacterium in clinical practice. Virulence, carbapenem-resistance and their convergence among K. pneumoniae are extensively discussed in this article. Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (HvKP) has spread from the Asian Pacific Rim to the world, inducing various invasive infections, such as pyogenic liver abscess, endophthalmitis, and meningitis. Furthermore, HvKP has acquired more and more drug resistance. Among multidrug-resistant HvKP, hypervirulent carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (Hv-CRKP), and carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-HvKP) are both devastating for their extreme drug resistance and virulence. The hypervirulence of HvKP is primarily attributed to hypercapsule, macromolecular exopolysaccharides, or excessive siderophores, although it has many other factors, for example, lipopolysaccharides, fimbriae, and porins. In contrast with classical determination of HvKP, that is, animal lethality test, molecular determination could be an optional and practical method after improvement. HvKP, including Hv-CRKP and CR-HvKP, has been progressing. R-M and CRISPR-Cas systems may play pivotal roles in such evolutions. Hv-CRKP and CR-HvKP, in particular the former, should be of severe concern due to their being more and more prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piaopiao Dai
- Department of Laboratory MedicineTaizhou Municipal HospitalTaizhouChina
| | - Dakang Hu
- Department of Laboratory MedicineTaizhou Municipal HospitalTaizhouChina
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13
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Dumigan A, Cappa O, Morris B, Sá Pessoa J, Calderon‐Gonzalez R, Mills G, Lancaster R, Simpson D, Kissenpfennig A, Bengoechea JA. In vivo single-cell transcriptomics reveal Klebsiella pneumoniae skews lung macrophages to promote infection. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e16888. [PMID: 36337046 PMCID: PMC9727930 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The strategies deployed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria to counteract host defences are poorly understood. Here, we elucidate a novel host-pathogen interaction resulting in skewing lung macrophage polarisation by the human pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae. We identify interstitial macrophages (IMs) as the main population of lung macrophages associated with Klebsiella. Single-cell transcriptomics and trajectory analysis of cells reveal type I IFN and IL10 signalling, and macrophage polarisation are characteristic of infected IMs, whereas Toll-like receptor (TLR) and Nod-like receptor signalling are features of infected alveolar macrophages. Klebsiella-induced macrophage polarisation is a singular M2-type we termed M(Kp). To rewire macrophages, Klebsiella hijacks a TLR-type I IFN-IL10-STAT6 axis. Absence of STAT6 limits Klebsiella intracellular survival and facilitates the clearance of the pathogen in vivo. Glycolysis characterises M(Kp) metabolism, and inhibition of glycolysis results in clearance of intracellular Klebsiella. Capsule polysaccharide governs M(Kp). Klebsiella also skews human macrophage polarisation towards M(Kp) in a type I IFN-IL10-STAT6-dependent manner. Klebsiella induction of M(Kp) represents a novel strategy to overcome host restriction, and identifies STAT6 as target to boost defences against Klebsiella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Dumigan
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Oisin Cappa
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Brenda Morris
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Joana Sá Pessoa
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Ricardo Calderon‐Gonzalez
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Grant Mills
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Rebecca Lancaster
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - David Simpson
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Adrien Kissenpfennig
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Jose A Bengoechea
- Wellcome‐Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
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14
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Ifrid E, Ouertatani-Sakouhi H, Jauslin T, Kicka S, Chiriano G, Harrison CF, Hilbi H, Scapozza L, Soldati T, Cosson P. 5-ethyl-2'-deoxyuridine fragilizes Klebsiella pneumoniae outer wall and facilitates intracellular killing by phagocytic cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269093. [PMID: 36315510 PMCID: PMC9621411 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is the causative agent of a variety of severe infections. Many K. pneumoniae strains are resistant to multiple antibiotics, and this situation creates a need for new antibacterial molecules. K. pneumoniae pathogenicity relies largely on its ability to escape phagocytosis and intracellular killing by phagocytic cells. Interfering with these escape mechanisms may allow to decrease bacterial virulence and to combat infections. In this study, we used Dictyostelium discoideum as a model phagocyte to screen a collection of 1,099 chemical compounds. Phg1A KO D. discoideum cells cannot feed upon K. pneumoniae bacteria, unless bacteria bear mutations decreasing their virulence. We identified 3 non-antibiotic compounds that restored growth of phg1A KO cells on K. pneumoniae, and we characterized the mode of action of one of them, 5-ethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (K2). K2-treated bacteria were more rapidly killed in D. discoideum phagosomes than non-treated bacteria. They were more sensitive to polymyxin and their outer membrane was more accessible to a hydrophobic fluorescent probe. These results suggest that K2 acts by rendering the membrane of K. pneumoniae accessible to antibacterial effectors. K2 was effective on three different K. pneumoniae strains, and acted at concentrations as low as 3 μM. K2 has previously been used to treat viral infections but its precise molecular mechanism of action in K. pneumoniae remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Ifrid
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hajer Ouertatani-Sakouhi
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tania Jauslin
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sebastien Kicka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gianpaolo Chiriano
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christopher F. Harrison
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, Department of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hubert Hilbi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Department of Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Scapozza
- Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thierry Soldati
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierre Cosson
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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15
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Wei S, Xu T, Chen Y, Zhou K. Autophagy, cell death, and cytokines in K. pneumoniae infection: Therapeutic Perspectives. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 12:2140607. [DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2140607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sha Wei
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Jiangsu University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Second Clinical Medical College (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital (Shenzhen People's Hospital), Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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16
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Coya JM, Fraile-Ágreda V, de Tapia L, García-Fojeda B, Sáenz A, Bengoechea JA, Kronqvist N, Johansson J, Casals C. Cooperative action of SP-A and its trimeric recombinant fragment with polymyxins against Gram-negative respiratory bacteria. Front Immunol 2022; 13:927017. [PMID: 36159837 PMCID: PMC9493720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.927017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The exploration of therapies combining antimicrobial lung proteins and conventional antibiotics is important due to the growing problem of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate whether human SP-A and a recombinant trimeric fragment (rfhSP-A) have cooperative antimicrobial activity with antibiotics against pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. We found that SP-A bound the cationic peptide polymyxin B (PMB) with an apparent dissociation constant (K D) of 0.32 ± 0.04 µM. SP-A showed synergistic microbicidal activity with polymyxin B and E, but not with other antibiotics, against three SP-A-resistant pathogenic bacteria: Klebsiella pneumoniae, non-typable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. SP-A was not able to bind to K. pneumoniae, NTHi, or to mutant strains thereof expressing long-chain lipopolysaccharides (or lipooligosaccharides) and/or polysaccharide capsules. In the presence of PMB, SP-A induced the formation of SP-A/PMB aggregates that enhance PMB-induced bacterial membrane permeabilization. Furthermore, SP-A bound to a molecular derivative of PMB lacking the acyl chain (PMBN) with a K D of 0.26 ± 0.02 μM, forming SP-A/PMBN aggregates. PMBN has no bactericidal activity but can bind to the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Surprisingly, SP-A and PMBN showed synergistic bactericidal activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Unlike native supratrimeric SP-A, the trimeric rfhSP-A fragment had small but significant direct bactericidal activity against K. pneumoniae, NTHi, and P. aeruginosa. rfhSP-A did not bind to PMB under physiological conditions but acted additively with PMB and other antibiotics against these pathogenic bacteria. In summary, our results significantly improve our understanding of the antimicrobial actions of SP-A and its synergistic action with PMB. A peptide based on SP-A may aid the therapeutic use of PMB, a relatively cytotoxic antibiotic that is currently being reintroduced into clinics due to the global problem of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Coya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Fraile-Ágreda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia de Tapia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén García-Fojeda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Sáenz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Bengoechea
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Kronqvist
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Neo, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jan Johansson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Neo, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cristina Casals
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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17
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Feriotti C, Sá-Pessoa J, Calderón-González R, Gu L, Morris B, Sugisawa R, Insua JL, Carty M, Dumigan A, Ingram RJ, Kissenpfening A, Bowie AG, Bengoechea JA. Klebsiella pneumoniae hijacks the Toll-IL-1R protein SARM1 in a type I IFN-dependent manner to antagonize host immunity. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111167. [PMID: 35947948 PMCID: PMC9638020 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial pathogens antagonize host defense responses by translocating effector proteins into cells. It remains an open question how those pathogens not encoding effectors counteract anti-bacterial immunity. Here, we show that Klebsiella pneumoniae exploits the evolutionary conserved innate protein SARM1 to regulate negatively MyD88- and TRIF-governed inflammation, and the activation of the MAP kinases ERK and JNK. SARM1 is required for Klebsiella induction of interleukin-10 (IL-10) by fine-tuning the p38-type I interferon (IFN) axis. SARM1 inhibits the activation of Klebsiella-induced absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome to limit IL-1β production, suppressing further inflammation. Klebsiella exploits type I IFNs to induce SARM1 in a capsule and lipopolysaccharide O-polysaccharide-dependent manner via the TLR4-TRAM-TRIF-IRF3-IFNAR1 pathway. Absence of SARM1 reduces the intracellular survival of K. pneumoniae in macrophages, whereas sarm1-deficient mice control the infection. Altogether, our results illustrate an anti-immunology strategy deployed by a human pathogen. SARM1 inhibition will show a beneficial effect to treat Klebsiella infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Feriotti
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, UK
| | - Joana Sá-Pessoa
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, UK
| | - Ricardo Calderón-González
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, UK
| | - Lili Gu
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Brenda Morris
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, UK
| | - Ryoichi Sugisawa
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jose L Insua
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, UK
| | - Michael Carty
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Amy Dumigan
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, UK
| | - Rebecca J Ingram
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, UK
| | - Adrien Kissenpfening
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, UK
| | - Andrew G Bowie
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - José A Bengoechea
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, UK.
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18
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Yang F, Wang L, Zhao Q, Wu J, Jiang L, Sheng L, Zhang L, Xue Z, Yi M. Epidemiological Features of Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection in the Hepatobiliary System of Patients in Yantai, China, Based on Clinical and Genetic Analyses. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:3427-3436. [PMID: 35800122 PMCID: PMC9253619 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s369988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the epidemiological features of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection of the hepatobiliary system of patients in Yantai, China. Methods This retrospective study was conducted from January to December 2019 in Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital. Patients for whom K. pneumoniae was isolated from the hepatobiliary system were considered for inclusion. The clinical features and genetic analyses were conducted to explore the epidemiological characteristics. Results A total of 88 cases were enrolled, including 69 cases of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKP) and 19 cases of classical K. pneumoniae (cKP). Community-acquired infections, fever, liver abscess, and C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were significantly higher, while biliary tract disease was lower in the hvKP group compared with the cKP group. Among the 69 hvKP infections, 61 developed a liver abscess. Community-acquired infections, fever, and CRP and PCT levels were higher, whereas biliary tract disease and malignancy were lower in the liver abscess group compared with the non-liver abscess group. All strains were susceptible to the majority of antibiotics tested. All hvKP strains possessed the blaSHV, oqxA, oqxB and fosA resistance genes. K1 and K2 accounted for 78% of hvKP strains. K1 strains belonged to sequence types ST23 and ST700, whereas K2 strains belonged to ST65, ST86 and ST5212. K1 isolates possessed the most virulence determinants, followed by K2 and non-K1/K2 isolates. K2 isolates lacked the allS gene, which was rare in non K1/K2 isolates, but present in most K1 isolates. The mceG gene was only detected in K1 isolates. AllS and virulence determinants were significantly more prevalent in the liver abscess group than in the non-liver abscess group. Conclusion The prevalence of hvKP among K. pneumoniae infections of the hepatobiliary system is high in Yantai, China. Greater vigilance of hvKP infection is required in clinical and microbiological laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengzhen Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lipeng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinying Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Sheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Leyan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoping Xue
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Maoli Yi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao University Medical College Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, People's Republic of China
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Zheng X, Guo J, Cao C, Qin T, Zhao Y, Song X, Lv M, Hu L, Zhang L, Zhou D, Fang T, Yang W. Time-Course Transcriptome Analysis of Lungs From Mice Infected With Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae via Aerosolized Intratracheal Inoculation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:833080. [PMID: 35573776 PMCID: PMC9097095 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.833080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) can cause life-threatening community-acquired infections among healthy young individuals and is thus of concern for global dissemination. In this study, a mouse model of acute primary hvKp pneumonia was established via aerosolized intratracheal (i.t.) inoculation, laying the foundation for conducting extensive studies related to hvKp. Subsequently, a time-course transcriptional profile was created of the lungs from the mouse model at 0, 12, 24, 48 and 60 hours post-infection (hpi) using RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq). RNA-Seq data were analyzed with the use of Mfuzz time clustering, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Immune Cell Abundance Identifier for mouse (ImmuCellAI-mouse). A gradual change in the transcriptional profile of the lungs was observed that reflected expected disease progression. At 12 hpi, genes related to acute phase inflammatory response increased in expression and lipid metabolism appeared to have a pro-inflammatory effect. At 24 hpi, exacerbation of inflammation was observed and active IFN-γ suggested that signaling promoted activation and recruitment of macrophages occurred. Genes related to maintaining the structural integrity of lung tissues showed a sustained decrease in expression after infection and the decrease was especially marked at 48 hpi. TNF, IL-17, MAPK and NF-kB signaling pathways may play key roles in the immunopathogenesis mechanism at all stages of infection. Natural killer (NK) cells consistently decreased in abundance after infection, which has rarely been reported in hvKp infection and could provide a new target for treatment. Genes Saa1 and Slpi were significantly upregulated during infection. Both Saa1, which is associated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that elicits host inflammatory response, and Slpi, which encodes an antimicrobial protein, have not previously been reported in hvKp infections and could be important targets for subsequent studies. To t our knowledge, this paper represents the first study to investigate the pulmonary transcriptional response to hvKp infection. The results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of hvKp pulmonary infection that can contribute to the development of therapies to reduce hvKp pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Zheng
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jianshu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoyue Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Lingfei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Tongyu Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Tongyu Fang, ; Wenhui Yang,
| | - Wenhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Tongyu Fang, ; Wenhui Yang,
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20
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Lam MMC, Wick RR, Judd LM, Holt KE, Wyres KL. Kaptive 2.0: updated capsule and lipopolysaccharide locus typing for the Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex. Microb Genom 2022; 8:000800. [PMID: 35311639 PMCID: PMC9176290 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer polysaccharide capsule and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antigens are key targets for novel control strategies targeting Klebsiella pneumoniae and related taxa from the K. pneumoniae species complex (KpSC), including vaccines, phage and monoclonal antibody therapies. Given the importance and growing interest in these highly diverse surface antigens, we had previously developed Kaptive, a tool for rapidly identifying and typing capsule (K) and outer LPS (O) loci from whole genome sequence data. Here, we report two significant updates, now freely available in Kaptive 2.0 (https://github.com/katholt/kaptive): (i) the addition of 16 novel K locus sequences to the K locus reference database following an extensive search of >17 000 KpSC genomes; and (ii) enhanced O locus typing to enable prediction of the clinically relevant O2 antigen (sub)types, for which the genetic determinants have been recently described. We applied Kaptive 2.0 to a curated dataset of >12 000 public KpSC genomes to explore for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the distribution of predicted O (sub)types across species, sampling niches and clones, which highlighted key differences in the distributions that warrant further investigation. As the uptake of genomic surveillance approaches continues to expand globally, the application of Kaptive 2.0 will generate novel insights essential for the design of effective KpSC control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M. C. Lam
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
- *Correspondence: Margaret M. C. Lam,
| | - Ryan R. Wick
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Louise M. Judd
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Kathryn E. Holt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Kelly L. Wyres
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kelly L. Wyres,
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21
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Woods A, Parker D, Glick MM, Peng Y, Lenoir F, Mulligan E, Yu V, Piizzi G, Lister T, Lilly MD, Dzink-Fox J, Jansen JM, Ryder NS, Dean CR, Smith TM. High-Throughput Screen for Inhibitors of Klebsiella pneumoniae Virulence Using a Tetrahymena pyriformis Co-Culture Surrogate Host Model. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:5401-5414. [PMID: 35187355 PMCID: PMC8851646 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The continuing emergence of antibacterial resistance reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics and drives an ongoing search for effective replacements. Screening compound libraries for antibacterial activity in standard growth media has been extensively explored and may be showing diminishing returns. Inhibition of bacterial targets that are selectively important under in vivo (infection) conditions and, therefore, would be missed by conventional in vitro screens might be an alternative. Surrogate host models of infection, however, are often not suitable for high-throughput screens. Here, we adapted a medium-throughput Tetrahymena pyriformis surrogate host model that was successfully used to identify inhibitors of a hyperviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae strain to a high-throughput format and screened circa 1.2 million compounds. The screen was robust and identified confirmed hits from different chemical classes with potent inhibition of K. pneumoniae growth in the presence of T. pyriformis that lacked any appreciable direct antibacterial activity. Several of these appeared to inhibit capsule/mucoidy, which are key virulence factors in hypervirulent K. pneumoniae. A weakly antibacterial inhibitor of LpxC (essential for the synthesis of the lipid A moiety of lipopolysaccharides) also appeared to be more active in the presence of T. pyriformis, which is consistent with the role of LPS in virulence as well as viability in K. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela
L. Woods
- Infectious
Diseases, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical
Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - David Parker
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Meir M. Glick
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Yunshan Peng
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Francois Lenoir
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Evan Mulligan
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Vincent Yu
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Grazia Piizzi
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Troy Lister
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Maria-Dawn Lilly
- Infectious
Diseases, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical
Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - JoAnn Dzink-Fox
- Infectious
Diseases, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical
Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Johanna M. Jansen
- Global
Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research Inc, Emeryville California 94608-2916, United States
| | - Neil S. Ryder
- Infectious
Diseases, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical
Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Charles R. Dean
- Infectious
Diseases, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical
Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Thomas M. Smith
- Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes
for Biomedical Research Inc, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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22
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Ormondes de Farias J, Resende Ferreira AC, Cardoso Kostopoulos AG, Berto Rezende TM, Dias SC. Synergistic activity and immunomodulatory potential of levofloxacin and Synoeca-MP peptide against multi-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microb Pathog 2022; 163:105403. [PMID: 35033636 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to study the isolated and combined effect of the peptides Synoeca-MP and IDR-1018 against multi-resistant clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae (Kp2177569 - LACEN) in vitro. The bactericidal activity of the peptide Synoeca-MP in combination with three different classes of commercial antimicrobials and its immunomodulatory potential was also evaluated. Synoeca-MP showed better antimicrobial activity than IDR-1018 and presented synergistic action combined with levofloxacin. Therefore, Synoeca-MP and levofloxacin, and the combination of both, were used in subsequent analyses. In the presence of heat-killed antigens, cellular viability and TNF-α levels was maintained, the production of NO increased and a reduction in IL-10 production was observed. The synergistic antibacterial effect between Synoeca-MP and levofloxacin was effective against multidrug-resistant strains of K. pneumoniae. The association of Synoeca-MP and levofloxacin may present a low modulating action of pro and anti-inflammatory mediators, based on these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Ormondes de Farias
- Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências de Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro s/n - Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Arthur Corrêa Resende Ferreira
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, SHAN 916 Módulo B Avenida W5 - Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Taia Maria Berto Rezende
- Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências de Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro s/n - Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, SHAN 916 Módulo B Avenida W5 - Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Curso de Odontologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, QS 07 Lote 01, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, SHAN 916 Módulo B Avenida W5 - Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil; Pós-graduação em Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro s/n - Asa Norte, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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23
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Dey J, Mahapatra SR, Lata S, Patro S, Misra N, Suar M. Exploring Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule polysaccharide proteins to design multiepitope subunit vaccine to fight against pneumonia. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:569-587. [PMID: 34932430 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2021882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Klebsiella pneumoniae is an emerging human pathogen causing neonatal lung disease, catheter-associated infections, and nosocomial outbreaks with high fatality rates. Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) protein plays a major determinant in virulence and is considered as a promising target for vaccine development. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this study, we used immunoinformatic approaches to design a multi-peptide vaccine against K. pneumonia. The epitopes were selected through several immune filters, such as antigenicity, conservancy, nontoxicity, non-allergenicity, binding affinity to HLA alleles, overlapping epitopes, and peptides having common epitopes. RESULTS Finally, a construct comprising 2 B-Cell, 8 CTL, 2 HTL epitopes, along with adjuvant, linkers was designed. Peptide-HLA interaction analysis showed strong binding of these epitopes with several common HLA molecules. The in silico immune simulation and population coverage analysis of the vaccine showed its potential to evoke strong immune responses.. Further, the interaction between vaccine and immune was evaluated by docking and simulation, revealing high affinity and complex stability. Codon adaptation and in silico cloning revealed higher expression of vaccine in E. coli K12 expression system. CONCLUSIONS Conclusively, the findings of the present study suggest that the designed novel multi-epitopic vaccine holds potential for further experimental validation against the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotirmayee Dey
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Soumya Ranjan Mahapatra
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - S Lata
- Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Shubhransu Patro
- Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, KIIT Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Namrata Misra
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar, India.,KIIT-Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Mrutyunjay Suar
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar, India.,KIIT-Technology Business Incubator (KIIT-TBI), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Deemed to Be University, Bhubaneswar, India
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24
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Liu B, Guo X, Wang J, Wu P, Li S, Feng L, Liu B, Wang L. Development of a Molecular Serotyping Scheme for Morganella morganii. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:791165. [PMID: 34887844 PMCID: PMC8649690 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.791165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Morganella morganii, which is often regarded as a human commensal organism, can be an opportunistic pathogen, causing a variety of clinical infections with serious morbidity and mortality. An efficient and convenient method for subtyping and identifying M. morganii strains in epidemiological surveillance and control is urgently needed. Serotyping based on bacterial surface polysaccharide antigens (O-antigen or K-antigens) is a standard subtyping method for many gram-negative bacteria. Here, through whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics analysis of 27 strains, we developed a molecular serotyping scheme based on the genetic variation of O-antigen gene clusters (O-AGC) in M. morganii, and 11 distinct O-AGC types were identified. A conventional serotyping scheme was also developed by the production of antisera and agglutination experiments, which was shown to be perfectly consistent with the molecular serotyping scheme, confirming that the variation in M. morganii O-AGC correlated with phenotypic O-antigen diversification. Furthermore, a microsphere-based suspension array (MSA) with high specificity was developed based on the specific genes within each O-AGC type. The sensitivity of MSA was determined to be 0.1 ng of genomic DNA and 103 CFU of pure culture. We further analyzed 104 M. morganii genomes available in GenBank, and an additional six novel O-AGC types were identified, indicating that the extension of this molecular serotyping scheme is convenient. Our work provides an important tool for the detection and epidemiological surveillance of M. morganii, and this method has the potential to be widely utilized, especially for bacterial genera/species without an efficient typing approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, The Institute of Translational Medicine Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Nankai University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Guo
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, The Institute of Translational Medicine Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Nankai University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, The Institute of Translational Medicine Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Pan Wu
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, The Institute of Translational Medicine Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shujie Li
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, The Institute of Translational Medicine Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Feng
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, The Institute of Translational Medicine Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Nankai University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, The Institute of Translational Medicine Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Nankai University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, The Institute of Translational Medicine Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Nankai University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
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25
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Wang J, Jiao H, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Sun N, Yang Y, Wei Y, Hu B, Guo X. Two Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains Representing Novel Serotypes and Investigation of Their Roles in Adhesion. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 31:1191-1199. [PMID: 34261855 PMCID: PMC9705854 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2105.05016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), which belongs to the attaching and effacing diarrheagenic E. coli strains, is a major causative agent of life-threatening diarrhea in infants in developing countries. Most EPEC isolates correspond to certain O serotypes; however, many strains are nontypeable. Two EPEC strains, EPEC001 and EPEC080, which could not be serotyped during routine detection, were isolated. In this study, we conducted an in-depth characterization of their putative O-antigen gene clusters (O-AGCs) and also performed constructed mutagenesis of the O-AGCs for functional analysis of O-antigen (OAg) synthesis. Sequence analysis revealed that the occurrence of O-AGCs in EPEC001 and E. coli O132 may be mediated by recombination between them, and EPEC080 and E. coli O2/O50 might acquire each O-AGC from uncommon ancestors. We also indicated that OAgknockout bacteria were highly adhesive in vitro, except for the EPEC001 wzy derivative, whose adherent capability was less than that of its wild-type strain, providing direct evidence that OAg plays a key role in EPEC pathogenesis. Together, we identified two EPEC O serotypes in silico and experimentally, and we also studied the adherent capabilities of their OAgs, which highlighted the fundamental and pathogenic role of OAg in EPEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, P.R. China,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, P.R. China
| | - HongBo Jiao
- LanLing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 City Huibao Road, Lanling 276000, Lanling Shandong, P.R. China
| | - XinFeng Zhang
- Taian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 33 Changcheng Road, Taian 271000, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - YuanQing Zhang
- Jinan KeJia Medical Laboratory, Inc., 800 Minghu West Road, Jinan 250001, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Na Sun
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 16992 City Ten Road, Jinan 250014, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Ying Yang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 16992 City Ten Road, Jinan 250014, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Yi Wei
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, P.R. China,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, P.R. China
| | - Bin Hu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 16992 City Ten Road, Jinan 250014, Shandong, P.R. China,Corresponding authors B. Hu Phone: +86-0531-82679738 Fax: +86-531-82679750 E-mail:
| | - Xi Guo
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, P.R. China,The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, P.R. China,
X. Guo Phone: +86-22-66229574 Fax: +86-22-66229584 E-mail:
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26
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Flores-Valdez M, Ares MA, Rosales-Reyes R, Torres J, Girón JA, Weimer BC, Mendez-Tenorio A, De la Cruz MA. Whole Genome Sequencing of Pediatric Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Reveals Important Insights Into Their Virulence-Associated Traits. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:711577. [PMID: 34489901 PMCID: PMC8418058 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.711577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is recognized as a common cause of nosocomial infections and outbreaks causing pneumonia, septicemia, and urinary tract infections. This opportunistic bacterium shows an increasing acquisition of antibiotic-resistance genes, which complicates treatment of infections. Hence, fast reliable strain typing methods are paramount for the study of this opportunistic pathogen’s multi-drug resistance genetic profiles. In this study, thirty-eight strains of K. pneumoniae isolated from the blood of pediatric patients were characterized by whole-genome sequencing and genomic clustering methods. Genes encoding β-lactamase were found in all the bacterial isolates, among which the blaSHV variant was the most prevalent (53%). Moreover, genes encoding virulence factors such as fimbriae, capsule, outer membrane proteins, T4SS and siderophores were investigated. Additionally, a multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) analysis revealed 24 distinct sequence types identified within the isolates, among which the most frequently represented were ST76 (16%) and ST70 (11%). Based on LPS structure, serotypes O1 and O3 were the most prevalent, accounting for approximately 63% of all infections. The virulence capsular types K10, K136, and K2 were present in 16, 13, and 8% of the isolates, respectively. Phylogenomic analysis based on virtual genome fingerprints correlated with the MLST data. The phylogenomic reconstruction also denoted association between strains with a higher abundance of virulence genes and virulent serotypes compared to strains that do not possess these traits. This study highlights the value of whole-genomic sequencing in the surveillance of virulence attributes among clinical K. pneumoniae strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Flores-Valdez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Bioinformática Genómica, Escuela Nacional De Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel A Ares
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.,Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Roberto Rosales-Reyes
- Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Javier Torres
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge A Girón
- Centro de Detección Biomolecular, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Bart C Weimer
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, 100K Pathogen Genome Project, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Alfonso Mendez-Tenorio
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Bioinformática Genómica, Escuela Nacional De Ciencias Biológicas (ENCB), Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel A De la Cruz
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
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27
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Amoebae as Targets for Toxins or Effectors Secreted by Mammalian Pathogens. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080526. [PMID: 34437397 PMCID: PMC8402458 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous microorganisms, pathogenic for mammals, come from the environment where they encounter predators such as free-living amoebae (FLA). The selective pressure due to this interaction could have generated virulence traits that are deleterious for amoebae and represents a weapon against mammals. Toxins are one of these powerful tools that are essential for bacteria or fungi to survive. Which amoebae are used as a model to study the effects of toxins? What amoeba functions have been reported to be disrupted by toxins and bacterial secreted factors? Do bacteria and fungi effectors affect eukaryotic cells similarly? Here, we review some studies allowing to answer these questions, highlighting the necessity to extend investigations of microbial pathogenicity, from mammals to the environmental reservoir that are amoebae.
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28
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Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Lytic Bacteriophage against the K2 Capsule-Expressing Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain 52145, and Identification of Its Functional Depolymerase. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030650. [PMID: 33801047 PMCID: PMC8003838 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is among the leading bacteria that cause nosocomial infections. The capsule of this Gram-negative bacterium is a dominant virulence factor, with a prominent role in defense and biofilm formation. Bacteriophages, which are specific for one bacterial strain and its capsule type, can evoke the lysis of bacterial cells, aided by polysaccharide depolymerase enzymes. In this study, we isolated and characterized a bacteriophage against the nosocomial K. pneumoniae 52145 strain with K2 capsular serotype. The phage showed a narrow host range and stable lytic activity, even when exposed to different temperatures or detergents. Preventive effect of the phage in a nasal colonization model was investigated in vivo. Phlyogenetic analysis showed that the newly isolated Klebsiella phage B1 belongs to the Webervirus genus in Drexlerviridae family. We identified the location of the capsule depolymerase gene of the new phage, which was amplified, cloned, expressed, and purified. The efficacy of the recombinant B1dep depolymerase was tested by spotting on K. pneumoniae strains and it was confirmed that the extract lowers the thickness of the bacterium lawn as it degrades the protective capsule on bacterial cells. As K. pneumoniae strains possessing the K2 serotype have epidemiological importance, the B1 phage and its depolymerase are promising candidates for use as possible antimicrobial agents.
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29
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Townsend EM, Kelly L, Gannon L, Muscatt G, Dunstan R, Michniewski S, Sapkota H, Kiljunen SJ, Kolsi A, Skurnik M, Lithgow T, Millard AD, Jameson E. Isolation and Characterization of Klebsiella Phages for Phage Therapy. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2021; 2:26-42. [PMID: 33796863 PMCID: PMC8006926 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2020.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Klebsiella is a clinically important pathogen causing a variety of antimicrobial resistant infections in both community and nosocomial settings, particularly pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and sepsis. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is being considered a primary option for the treatment of drug-resistant infections of these types. Methods: We report the successful isolation and characterization of 30 novel, genetically diverse Klebsiella phages. Results: The isolated phages span six different phage families and nine genera, representing both lysogenic and lytic lifestyles. Individual Klebsiella phage isolates infected up to 11 of the 18 Klebsiella capsule types tested, and all 18 capsule-types were infected by at least one of the phages. Conclusions: Of the Klebsiella-infecting phages presented in this study, the lytic phages are most suitable for phage therapy, based on their broad host range, high virulence, short lysis period and given that they encode no known toxin or antimicrobial resistance genes. Phage isolates belonging to the Sugarlandvirus and Slopekvirus genera were deemed most suitable for phage therapy based on our characterization. Importantly, when applied alone, none of the characterized phages were able to suppress the growth of Klebsiella for more than 12 h, likely due to the inherent ease of Klebsiella to generate spontaneous phage-resistant mutants. This indicates that for successful phage therapy, a cocktail of multiple phages would be necessary to treat Klebsiella infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor M. Townsend
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Kelly
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Gannon
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - George Muscatt
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Rhys Dunstan
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Slawomir Michniewski
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Hari Sapkota
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Saija J. Kiljunen
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Helsinki University Hospital, HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Kolsi
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikael Skurnik
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Helsinki University Hospital, HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Trevor Lithgow
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew D. Millard
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Jameson
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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30
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The PTS Components in Klebsiella pneumoniae Affect Bacterial Capsular Polysaccharide Production and Macrophage Phagocytosis Resistance. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020335. [PMID: 33567595 PMCID: PMC7914778 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is a crucial virulence factor for Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. We demonstrated an association of CPS production with two phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase systems (PTSs). Deficiency of crr, encoding enzyme IIA of PTS, in K. pneumoniae enhanced the transcriptional activities of galF, wzi and gnd, which are in the cps gene cluster, leading to high CPS production. A crr mutant exhibited a higher survival rate in 1% hydrogen peroxide than the wild-type. The crr mutant showed less sensitivity to engulfment by macrophage (RAW 264.7) than the wild-type by observing the intracellular bacteria using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and by calculating the colony-forming units (CFU) of intracellular bacteria. After long-term incubation, the survival rate of the intracellular crr mutant was higher than that of the wild-type. Deficiency of crr enhanced the transcriptional activities of etcABC which encodes another putative enzyme II complex of a PTS. Deletion of etcABC in the crr mutant reduced CPS production and the transcriptional activities of galF compared to those of the crr mutant. These results indicated that one PTS component, Crr, represses CPS production by repressing another PTS component, EtcABC, in K. pneumoniae. In addition, PTS plays a role in bacterial resistance to macrophage phagocytosis.
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Bruchmann S, Feltwell T, Parkhill J, Short FL. Identifying virulence determinants of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Galleria mellonella. Pathog Dis 2021; 79:6123718. [PMID: 33512418 PMCID: PMC7981267 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are a major public health threat. Extensively drug-resistant and even pan-resistant strains have been reported. Understanding K. pneumoniae pathogenesis is hampered by the fact that murine models of infection offer limited resolution for non-hypervirulent strains which cause the majority of infections. The insect Galleria mellonella larva is a widely used alternative model organism for bacterial pathogens. We have performed genome-scale fitness profiling of a multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae ST258 strain during infection of G. mellonella, to determine if this model is suitable for large-scale virulence factor discovery in this pathogen. Our results demonstrated a dominant role for surface polysaccharides in infection, with contributions from siderophores, cell envelope proteins, purine biosynthesis genes and additional genes of unknown function. Comparison with a hypervirulent strain, ATCC 43816, revealed substantial overlap in important infection-related genes, as well as additional putative virulence factors specific to ST258, reflecting strain-dependent fitness effects. Our analysis also identified a role for the metalloregulatory protein NfeR (YqjI) in virulence. Overall, this study offers new insight into the infection fitness landscape of K. pneumoniae, and provides a framework for using the highly flexible and easily scalable G. mellonella infection model to dissect molecular virulence mechanisms of bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Bruchmann
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK.,Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Theresa Feltwell
- Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, The Old Schools, Cambridge, CB2 3PU, UK
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Francesca L Short
- Pathogen Genomics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, The Old Schools, Cambridge, CB2 3PU, UK.,Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
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Townsend EM, Moat J, Jameson E. CAUTI's next top model - Model dependent Klebsiella biofilm inhibition by bacteriophages and antimicrobials. Biofilm 2020; 2:100038. [PMID: 33381752 PMCID: PMC7762788 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioflm.2020.100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella infections, including catheter associated urinary tract infections, are a considerable burden on health care systems. This is due to their difficulty to treat, caused by antimicrobial resistance and their ability to form biofilms. In this study, we investigated the use of a Klebsiella phage cocktail to reduce biofilm viability. We used two methodologies to investigate this, a standard 96-well plate assay and a more complicated Foley catheter-based model. The phage cocktail was used alone and in combination with clinically relevant antibiotic treatments. Viability was measured by both a resazurin based stain and colony forming unit counts, of cells sloughed off from the biofilm. We showed that phage infection dynamics and host survival vary significantly in different standard laboratory media, presumably due to the expression of different surface receptors and capsule composition by the bacteria effecting phage binding. This underscores the importance of a realistic model for developing phage therapy. We demonstrate that bacteriophage-based treatments are a viable option for preventing Klebsiella colonisation and biofilm formation on urinary catheters. Phage cocktails were able to significantly reduce the amount of biofilm that formed when they were present during early biofilm formation. The phages used in this study were unable to significantly reduce a pre-formed mature biofilm, despite encoding depolymerases. Phages applied together with antimicrobial treatments, showed synergistic interactions, in some cases the combined treatment was much more effective than antimicrobial treatments alone. We show that phage cocktails have the potential to prevent Klebsiella biofilms in catheters, if used early or as a preventative treatment and will work well alongside standard antibiotics in the treatment of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor M. Townsend
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - John Moat
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Jameson
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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Rahmat Ullah S, Majid M, Rashid MI, Mehmood K, Andleeb S. Immunoinformatics Driven Prediction of Multiepitopic Vaccine Against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Coinfection and Its Validation via In Silico Expression. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020; 27:987-999. [PMID: 33281529 PMCID: PMC7703501 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10144-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosis coinfection is one of the most lethal combinations that has been becoming frequent yet, not diagnosed and reported properly. Due to the simultaneous occurrence of both infections, diagnosis is delayed leading to inadequate treatments and mortality. With the rise of MDR Klebsiella and Mycobacterium, a prophylactic and an immunotherapeutic vaccine has to be entailed for preemptive and adroit therapeutic approach. In this study, we aim to implement reverse vaccinology approach that encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of vital aspects of the pathogens to explore immunogenic epitopes against Omp A of Klebsiella and Rv1698, Rv1973 of Mtb that may help in vaccine development. The designed multi-epitopic vaccine was assessed for antigenicity, allergenicity and various physiochemical parameters. Molecular docking and simulations were executed to assess the immunogenicity and complex stability of the vaccine. The final multi-epitopic vaccine is validated to be highly immunogenic and can serve as a valuable proactive remedy for subject pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Rahmat Ullah
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mahnoor Majid
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim Rashid
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Mehmood
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, University of Hail, Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Saadia Andleeb
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
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Liu B, Furevi A, Perepelov AV, Guo X, Cao H, Wang Q, Reeves PR, Knirel YA, Wang L, Widmalm G. Structure and genetics of Escherichia coli O antigens. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:655-683. [PMID: 31778182 PMCID: PMC7685785 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli includes clonal groups of both commensal and pathogenic strains, with some of the latter causing serious infectious diseases. O antigen variation is current standard in defining strains for taxonomy and epidemiology, providing the basis for many serotyping schemes for Gram-negative bacteria. This review covers the diversity in E. coli O antigen structures and gene clusters, and the genetic basis for the structural diversity. Of the 187 formally defined O antigens, six (O31, O47, O67, O72, O94 and O122) have since been removed and three (O34, O89 and O144) strains do not produce any O antigen. Therefore, structures are presented for 176 of the 181 E. coli O antigens, some of which include subgroups. Most (93%) of these O antigens are synthesized via the Wzx/Wzy pathway, 11 via the ABC transporter pathway, with O20, O57 and O60 still uncharacterized due to failure to find their O antigen gene clusters. Biosynthetic pathways are given for 38 of the 49 sugars found in E. coli O antigens, and several pairs or groups of the E. coli antigens that have related structures show close relationships of the O antigen gene clusters within clades, thereby highlighting the genetic basis of the evolution of diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjing 300457, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Axel Furevi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrei V Perepelov
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect, 47, Moscow, Russia
| | - Xi Guo
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjing 300457, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Hengchun Cao
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjing 300457, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Quan Wang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjing 300457, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Peter R Reeves
- School of Molecular and Microbial Bioscience, University of Sydney, 2 Butilin Ave, Darlington NSW 2008, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yuriy A Knirel
- N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prospect, 47, Moscow, Russia
| | - Lei Wang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjing 300457, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Göran Widmalm
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Svante Arrhenius väg 16C, Stockholm University, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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Huang J, Zhang S, Zhang S, Zhao Z, Cao Y, Chen M, Li B. A Comparative Study of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli Lineages Portrays Indistinguishable Pathogenicity- and Survivability-Associated Phenotypic Characteristics Between ST1193 and ST131. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:4167-4175. [PMID: 33244246 PMCID: PMC7685377 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s277681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sequence type 1193 is a new such lineage among fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli, which has risen dramatically within the last several years. However, reasons for rapid emergence and successful spread of E. coli ST1193 remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the pathogenicity and survivability features of E. coli ST1193 with global epidemic lineage, ST131. Methods A total of 30 E. coli were used in this study. Isolates were divided into two groups, ST1193 (n=15) and ST131 (n=15). Adhesion and invasion to T24 cells and resistance to serum were quantified and compared among two groups. Biofilm formation capacity was assessed by crystal violet assay. Macrocolony formation was assessed on macrocolony formation plates. Resistance to hydrogen peroxide was performed by broth microdilution. RAW264.7 cells were used to assess the anti-phagocytic function of different isolates. Results Adhesion and invasion assays revealed that E. coli ST1193 could adhere and invade T24 cells (p <0.05). 93.3% of E. coli ST1193 could form biofilms. The majority of E. coli ST1193 (66.7%) possessed no curli/no cellulose on macrocolony formation plates. E. coli ST1193 showed significant growth in serum and hydrogen peroxide and illustrated higher anti-phagocytic function to RAW264.7 cells (p <0.05). Group analysis showed that E. coli ST1193 was similar to ST131 in pathogenicity- and survivability-associated phenotypic characteristics (p >0.05). Conclusion Our study provided more insights into pathogenicity and survivability features of E. coli ST1193, which was similar to ST131. Our study could be of great importance in understanding the emergence of global spread E. coli ST1193. Strategic and continued surveillance should be carried out to prevent the infections caused by E. coli ST1193.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangqing Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengcen Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhichang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingping Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, People's Republic of China
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Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae has been singled out as an urgent threat to human health due to the increasing isolation of strains resistant to “last-line” antimicrobials, narrowing the treatment options against Klebsiella infections. Unfortunately, at present, we cannot identify candidate compounds in late-stage development for treatment of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella infections; this pathogen is exemplary of the mismatch between unmet medical needs and the current antimicrobial research and development pipeline. Furthermore, there is still limited evidence on K. pneumoniae pathogenesis at the molecular and cellular levels in the context of the interactions between bacterial pathogens and their hosts. In this research, we have uncovered a sophisticated strategy employed by Klebsiella to subvert the activation of immune defenses by controlling the modification of proteins. Our research may open opportunities to develop new therapeutics based on counteracting this Klebsiella-controlled immune evasion strategy. Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important cause of multidrug-resistant infections worldwide. Understanding the virulence mechanisms of K. pneumoniae is a priority and timely to design new therapeutics. Here, we demonstrate that K. pneumoniae limits the SUMOylation of host proteins in epithelial cells and macrophages (mouse and human) to subvert cell innate immunity. Mechanistically, in lung epithelial cells, Klebsiella increases the levels of the deSUMOylase SENP2 in the cytosol by affecting its K48 ubiquitylation and its subsequent degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome. This is dependent on Klebsiella preventing the NEDDylation of the Cullin-1 subunit of the ubiquitin ligase complex E3-SCF-βTrCP by exploiting the CSN5 deNEDDylase. Klebsiella induces the expression of CSN5 in an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) signaling pathway-dependent manner. In macrophages, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-TRAM-TRIF-induced type I interferon (IFN) via IFN receptor 1 (IFNAR1)-controlled signaling mediates Klebsiella-triggered decrease in the levels of SUMOylation via let-7 microRNAs (miRNAs). Our results revealed the crucial role played by Klebsiella polysaccharides, the capsule, and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-polysaccharide, to decrease the levels of SUMO-conjugated proteins in epithelial cells and macrophages. A Klebsiella-induced decrease in SUMOylation promotes infection by limiting the activation of inflammatory responses and increasing intracellular survival in macrophages.
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de Faria LV, do Carmo PHF, da Costa MC, Peres NTA, Rodrigues Chagas IA, Furst C, Ferreira GF, Costa AO, Santos DA. Acanthamoeba castellanii as an alternative interaction model for the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum. Mycoses 2020; 63:1331-1340. [PMID: 32869415 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trichophyton rubrum (Tr) is the main aetiological agent of human dermatophytosis, being isolated from the environment and keratinised tissues. In the environment, Tr can interact with other organisms, such as free-living amoebas (FLA), which can act as an alternative host system to study the interaction between microbes and phagocytic cells. OBJECTIVES To characterise the Acanthamoeba castellanii (ALX)-Tr interaction. METHODS Interaction was characterised in three conditions: trophozoites (PYG), late (PYG/NES) and early (NES) encystation stimulus, evaluating encystation kinetics, phagocytosis, exocytosis and fungicidal activity dynamics. RESULTS Tr was able to induce ALX encystation and be internalised by ALX. The number of internalised conidia was high at 1 hour, and ALX presented fungicidal activity with increased intracellular ROS production and exocytosis. In PYG/NES, phagocytosis and ROS production were reduced, with decreased ALX's fungicidal activity. However, in NES there was an increased fungal engulfment, and a reduced ROS production and higher fungal burden. Furthermore, exogenous mannose decreased phagocytosis of Tr conidia, and divalent cations induced ROS production and increased ALX's fungicidal activity. Interestingly, phagocytosis was reduced in the presence of cytoskeleton inhibitor, but exocytosis was increased, suggesting that Tr conidia may have alternative pathways to escape ALX's cells. CONCLUSION A castellanii is a proper model for studying Tr-FLA interaction, since ALX can engulf, produce ROS and kill Tr, and all these parameters are influenced by an encystation stimulus and divalent cations. Moreover, this interaction is likely to occur in the environment implicating in the adaptation to environmental stressful conditions in both organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas V de Faria
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Paulo H F do Carmo
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marliete C da Costa
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Nalu T A Peres
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Isabela A Rodrigues Chagas
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cinthia Furst
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Gabriella F Ferreira
- Programa Multicêntrico de Pós Graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Adriana O Costa
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Santos
- Laboratório de Micologia, Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Ai W, Yang Z, Ma Y, Han X, Chen Y, Zhu K, Wang Z. Combined tetraphenylethylene fluorogens with positive charge for imaging capsule-covered pathogens. Analyst 2020; 145:6435-6440. [PMID: 32760975 DOI: 10.1039/d0an00349b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Capsule-covered pathogens can cause serious infectious diseases, and are highly pathogenic to humans. Herein, we developed four positively charged tetraphenylethylene derivatives (PC-TPEgens) that in certain combinations were applied to identify capsule-bearing pathogens using fluorescence imaging. The dual-charged probes were used to visualize the entire process of phagocytosis of pathogens into macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing 100029, China.
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Structural and Functional Studies of a Klebsiella Phage Capsule Depolymerase Tailspike: Mechanistic Insights into Capsular Degradation. Structure 2020; 28:613-624.e4. [PMID: 32386574 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Capsule polysaccharide is a major virulence factor of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a nosocomial pathogen associated with a wide range of infections. It protects bacteria from harsh environmental conditions, immune system response, and phage infection. To access cell wall-located receptors, some phages possess tailspike depolymerases that degrade the capsular polysaccharide. Here, we present the crystal structure of a tailspike against Klebsiella, KP32gp38, whose primary sequence shares no similarity to other proteins of known structure. In the trimeric structure of KP32gp38, each chain contains a flexible N-terminal domain, a right-handed parallel β helix domain and two β sandwiches with carbohydrate binding features. The crystal structure and activity assays allowed us to locate the catalytic site. Also, our data provide experimental evidence of a branching architecture of depolymerases in KP32 Klebsiella viruses, as KP32gp38 displays nanomolar affinity to another depolymerase from the same phage, KP32gp37. Results provide a structural framework for enzyme engineering to produce serotype-broad-active enzyme complexes against K. pneumoniae.
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M Campos JC, Antunes LCM, Ferreira RBR. Global priority pathogens: virulence, antimicrobial resistance and prospective treatment options. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:649-677. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are part of a group of pathogens that pose a major threat to human health due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. Moreover, these bacteria have several virulence factors that allow them to successfully colonize their hosts, such as toxins and the ability to produce biofilms, resulting in an urgent need to develop new strategies to fight these pathogens. In this review, we compile the most up-to-date information on the epidemiology, virulence and resistance of these clinically important microorganisms. Additionally, we address new therapeutic alternatives, with a focus on molecules with antivirulence activity, which are considered promising to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C de M Campos
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luis CM Antunes
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Inovação em Doenças de Populações Negligenciadas, Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosana BR Ferreira
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Nguyen GT, Shaban L, Mack M, Swanson KD, Bunnell SC, Sykes DB, Mecsas J. SKAP2 is required for defense against K. pneumoniae infection and neutrophil respiratory burst. eLife 2020; 9:56656. [PMID: 32352382 PMCID: PMC7250567 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a respiratory, blood, liver, and bladder pathogen of significant clinical concern. We show that the adaptor protein, SKAP2, is required for protection against K. pneumoniae (ATCC 43816) pulmonary infections. Skap2-/- mice had 100-fold higher bacterial burden when compared to wild-type and burden was controlled by SKAP2 expression in innate immune cells. Skap2-/- neutrophils and monocytes were present in infected lungs, and the neutrophils degranulated normally in response to K. pneumoniae infection in mice; however, K. pneumoniae-stimulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in vitro was abolished. K. pneumoniae-induced neutrophil ROS response required the activity of SFKs, Syk, Btk, PLCγ2, and PKC. The loss of SKAP2 significantly hindered the K. pneumoniae-induced phosphorylation of SFKs, Syk, and Pyk2 implicating SKAP2 as proximal to their activation in pathogen-signaling pathways. In conclusion, SKAP2-dependent signaling in neutrophils is essential for K. pneumoniae-activated ROS production and for promoting bacterial clearance during infection. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections – including pneumonia, blood stream infections, and urinary tract infections – in hospitalized patients. These infections can be difficult to treat because some K. pneumoniae are resistant to antibiotics. The bacteria are normally found in the human intestine, and they do not usually cause infections in healthy people. This implies that healthy people’s immune systems are better able to fend off K. pneumoniae infections; learning how could help scientists develop new ways to treat or prevent infections in hospitalized patients. In healthy people, a type of immune cell called neutrophils are the first line of defense against bacterial infections. Several different proteins are needed to activate neutrophils, including a protein called SKAP2. But the role of this protein in fighting K. pneumoniae infections is not clear. To find out what role SKAP2 plays in the defense against pneumonia caused by K. pneumoniae, Nguyen et al. compared infections in mice with and without the protein. Mice lacking SKAP2 in their white blood cells had more bacteria in their lungs than normal mice. The experiments showed that neutrophils from mice with SKAP2 produce a burst of chemicals called “reactive oxygen species”, which can kill bacteria. But neutrophils without the protein do not. Without SKAP2, several proteins that help produce reactive oxygen species do not work. Understanding the role of SKAP2 in fighting infections may help scientists better understand the immune system. This could help clinicians to treat conditions that cause it to be hyperactive or ineffective. More studies are needed to determine if SKAP2 works the same way in human neutrophils and if it works against all types of K. pneumoniae. If it does, then scientists might be able use this information to develop therapies that help the immune system fight infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giang T Nguyen
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, United States
| | - Lamyaa Shaban
- Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, United States
| | - Matthias Mack
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kenneth D Swanson
- Brain Tumor Center and Neuro-Oncology Unit, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, United States
| | - Stephen C Bunnell
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, United States.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, United States
| | - David B Sykes
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Joan Mecsas
- Graduate Program in Immunology, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, United States.,Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, United States.,Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, United States
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42
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Li Y, Huang J, Wang X, Xu C, Han T, Guo X. Genetic Characterization of the O-Antigen and Development of a Molecular Serotyping Scheme for Enterobacter cloacae. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:727. [PMID: 32411106 PMCID: PMC7198725 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterobacter cloacae is a well-characterized opportunistic pathogen that is closely associated with various nosocomial infections. The O-antigen, which is one of the most variable constituents on the cell surface, has been used widely and traditionally for serological classification of many gram-negative bacteria. E. cloacae is divided into 30 serotypes, based on its O-antigen diversity. In this study, by using genomic and comparative-genomic approaches, we analyzed the O-antigen gene clusters of 26 E. cloacae serotypes in depth. We also identified the sero-specific gene for each serotype and developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The sensitivity of the assay was 0.1 ng for genomic DNA and 103 colony forming units for pure cultures. The assay reliability was evaluated by double-blinded testing with 81 clinical strains. Furthermore, we established a valid, genome-based tool for in silico serotyping of E. cloacae. By screening 431 E. cloacae genomes deposited in GenBank, 304 were classified into current antigenic scheme, and 112 were allocated into 55 putative novel serotypes. Our results represent the first genetic basis of the O-antigen diversity and variation of E. cloacae, providing a rationale for studying the O-antigen associated evolution and pathogenesis of this bacterium. In addition, we extended the current serotyping system for E. cloacae, which is important for detection and epidemiological surveillance purposes for this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayue Li
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin, China
| | - Junjie Huang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaotong Wang
- Tianjin Children's Hospital, Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Cong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Han
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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43
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Global Trends in Proteome Remodeling of the Outer Membrane Modulate Antimicrobial Permeability in Klebsiella pneumoniae. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.00603-20. [PMID: 32291303 PMCID: PMC7157821 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00603-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a pathogen of humans with high rates of mortality and a recognized global rise in incidence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP). The outer membrane of K. pneumoniae forms a permeability barrier that modulates the ability of antibiotics to reach their intracellular target. OmpK35, OmpK36, OmpK37, OmpK38, PhoE, and OmpK26 are porins in the outer membrane of K. pneumoniae, demonstrated here to have a causative relationship to drug resistance phenotypes in a physiological context. The data highlight that currently trialed combination treatments with a carbapenem and β-lactamase inhibitors could be effective on porin-deficient K. pneumoniae. Together with structural data, the results reveal the role of outer membrane proteome remodeling in antimicrobial resistance of K. pneumoniae and point to the role of extracellular loops, not channel parameters, in drug permeation. This significant finding warrants care in the development of phage therapies for K. pneumoniae infections, given the way porin expression will be modulated to confer phage-resistant—and collateral drug-resistant—phenotypes in K. pneumoniae. In Gram-negative bacteria, the permeability of the outer membrane governs rates of antibiotic uptake and thus the efficacy of antimicrobial treatment. Hydrophilic drugs like β-lactam antibiotics depend on diffusion through pore-forming outer membrane proteins to reach their intracellular targets. In this study, we investigated the distribution of porin genes in more than 2,700 Klebsiella isolates and found a widespread loss of OmpK35 functionality, particularly in those strains isolated from clinical environments. Using a defined set of outer-membrane-remodeled mutants, the major porin OmpK35 was shown to be largely responsible for β-lactam permeation. Sequence similarity network analysis characterized the porin protein subfamilies and led to discovery of a new porin family member, OmpK38. Structure-based comparisons of OmpK35, OmpK36, OmpK37, OmpK38, and PhoE showed near-identical pore frameworks but defining differences in the sequence characteristics of the extracellular loops. Antibiotic sensitivity profiles of isogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, each expressing a different porin as its dominant pore, revealed striking differences in the antibiotic permeability characteristics of each channel in a physiological context. Since K. pneumoniae is a nosocomial pathogen with high rates of antimicrobial resistance and concurrent mortality, these experiments elucidate the role of porins in conferring specific drug-resistant phenotypes in a global context, informing future research to combat antimicrobial resistance in K. pneumoniae.
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Oyanedel D, Labreuche Y, Bruto M, Amraoui H, Robino E, Haffner P, Rubio T, Charrière GM, Le Roux F, Destoumieux-Garzón D. Vibrio splendidus O-antigen structure: a trade-off between virulence to oysters and resistance to grazers. Environ Microbiol 2020; 22:4264-4278. [PMID: 32219965 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A major debate in evolutionary biology is whether virulence is maintained as an adaptive trait and/or evolves to non-virulence. In the environment, virulence traits of non-obligatory parasites are subjected to diverse selective pressures and trade-offs. Here, we focus on a population of Vibrio splendidus that displays moderate virulence for oysters. A MARTX (Multifunctional-autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin) and a type-six secretion system (T6SS) were found to be necessary for virulence toward oysters, while a region (wbe) involved in O-antigen synthesis is necessary for resistance to predation against amoebae. Gene inactivation within the wbe region had major consequences on the O-antigen structure, conferring lower immunogenicity, competitive advantage and increased virulence in oyster experimental infections. Therefore, O-antigen structures that favour resistance to environmental predators result in an increased activation of the oyster immune system and a reduced virulence in that host. These trade-offs likely contribute to maintaining O-antigen diversity in the marine environment by favouring genomic plasticity of the wbe region. The results of this study indicate an evolution of V. splendidus towards moderate virulence as a compromise between fitness in the oyster as a host, and resistance to its predators in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oyanedel
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
| | - Yannick Labreuche
- Ifremer, Unité Physiologie Fonctionnelle des Organismes Marins, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, F-29280, Plouzané, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Paris 06, CNRS, UMR 8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CS 90074, F-29688, Roscoff cedex, France
| | - Maxime Bruto
- Ifremer, Unité Physiologie Fonctionnelle des Organismes Marins, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, F-29280, Plouzané, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Paris 06, CNRS, UMR 8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CS 90074, F-29688, Roscoff cedex, France
| | - Hajar Amraoui
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
| | - Etienne Robino
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Haffner
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
| | - Tristan Rubio
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France.,Molecular Microbiology and Structural Biochemistry (UMR 5086). CNRS, University of Lyon, 69367, Lyon, France
| | - Guillaume M Charrière
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
| | - Frédérique Le Roux
- Ifremer, Unité Physiologie Fonctionnelle des Organismes Marins, ZI de la Pointe du Diable, CS 10070, F-29280, Plouzané, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Paris 06, CNRS, UMR 8227, Integrative Biology of Marine Models, Station Biologique de Roscoff, CS 90074, F-29688, Roscoff cedex, France
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45
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Kumar A, Harjai K, Chhibber S. Early cytokine response to lethal challenge of Klebsiella pneumoniae averted the prognosis of pneumonia in FyuA immunized mice. Microb Pathog 2020; 144:104161. [PMID: 32194179 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae, a multi drug resistant nosocomial pathogen is associated with pneumonia and immunization gives a hope to fight its infections. A possible vaccine candidate is the conserved protein, yersiniabactin receptor FyuA. Its expression along with the siderophore yersiniabactin increases in bacteria under iron starving conditions prevailing in lungs. In this study, the potential of recombinant FyuA of K. pneumoniae has been evaluated against lung infection in BALB/c mice. Immunization generated both humoral and cell mediated response which conferred protection against the lethal dose of bacteria. Bacterial burden in lungs reduced by 6 log10 CFU/ml after 2nd day post infection as compared to control. Similarly, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17, TNF-α and IL-1β were also reduced significantly; reduced tissue damage was evident from histopathology of lungs in immunized mice. These results indicate the protective role of FyuA which can be a potential vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kusum Harjai
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjay Chhibber
- Department of Microbiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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46
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The Role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharide in Bacterial Pathogenesis and Physiology. Pathogens 2019; 9:pathogens9010006. [PMID: 31861540 PMCID: PMC7168646 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The major constituent of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria is lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is comprised of lipid A, core oligosaccharide, and O antigen, which is a long polysaccharide chain extending into the extracellular environment. Due to the localization of LPS, it is a key molecule on the bacterial cell wall that is recognized by the host to deploy an immune defence in order to neutralize invading pathogens. However, LPS also promotes bacterial survival in a host environment by protecting the bacteria from these threats. This review explores the relationship between the different LPS glycoforms of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the ability of this organism to cause persistent infections, especially in the genetic disease cystic fibrosis. We also discuss the role of LPS in facilitating biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and how LPS may be targeted by new antimicrobial therapies.
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47
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Abstract
The implementation of infection models that approximate human disease is essential to understand infections and for testing new therapies before they enter into clinical stages. Rodents are used in most preclinical studies, although the differences between mice and humans have fueled the conclusion that murine studies are unreliable predictors of human outcomes. In this study, we have developed a whole-lung porcine model of infection using the ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) system established to recondition human lungs for transplant. As a proof of principle, we provide evidence demonstrating that infection of the porcine EVLP with the human pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae recapitulates the known features of Klebsiella-triggered pneumonia. Moreover, our data revealed that the porcine EVLP model is useful to reveal features of the virulence of K. pneumoniae, including the manipulation of immune cells. Together, the findings of this study support the utility of the EVLP model using pig lungs as a surrogate host for assessing respiratory infections. The use of animal infection models is essential to understand microbial pathogenesis and to develop and test treatments. Insects and two-dimensional (2D) and 3D tissue models are increasingly being used as surrogates for mammalian models. However, there are concerns about whether these models recapitulate the complexity of host-pathogen interactions. In this study, we developed the ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) model of infection using porcine lungs to investigate Klebsiella pneumoniae-triggered pneumonia as a model of respiratory infections. The porcine EVLP model recapitulates features of K. pneumoniae-induced pneumonia lung injury. This model is also useful to assess the pathogenic potential of K. pneumoniae, as we observed that the attenuated Klebsiella capsule mutant strain caused less pathological tissue damage with a concomitant decrease in the bacterial burden compared to that in lungs infected with the wild type. The porcine EVLP model allows assessment of inflammatory responses following infection; similar to the case with the mouse pneumonia model, we observed an increase of il-10 in the lungs infected with the wild type and an increase of ifn-γ in lungs infected with the capsule mutant. This model also allows monitoring of phenotypes at the single-cell level. Wild-type K. pneumoniae skews macrophages toward an M2-like state. In vitro experiments probing pig bone marrow-derived macrophages uncovered the role for the M2 transcriptional factor STAT6 and that Klebsiella-induced il-10 expression is controlled by p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Klebsiella-induced macrophage polarization is dependent on the capsule. Together, the findings of this study support the utility of the EVLP model using pig lungs as a platform to investigate the infection biology of respiratory pathogens.
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48
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Guilhen C, Miquel S, Charbonnel N, Joseph L, Carrier G, Forestier C, Balestrino D. Colonization and immune modulation properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm-dispersed cells. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2019; 5:25. [PMID: 31583108 PMCID: PMC6760147 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-019-0098-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-dispersal is a key determinant for further dissemination of biofilm-embedded bacteria. Recent evidence indicates that biofilm-dispersed bacteria have transcriptional features different from those of both biofilm and planktonic bacteria. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo phenotypic properties of Klebsiella pneumoniae cells spontaneously dispersed from biofilm were compared with those of planktonic and sessile cells. Biofilm-dispersed cells, whose growth rate was the same as that of exponential planktonic bacteria but significantly higher than those of sessile and stationary planktonic forms, colonized both abiotic and biotic surfaces more efficiently than their planktonic counterparts regardless of their initial adhesion capabilities. Microscopy studies suggested that dispersed bacteria initiate formation of microcolonies more rapidly than planktonic bacteria. In addition, dispersed cells have both a higher engulfment rate and better survival/multiplication inside macrophages than planktonic cells and sessile cells. In an in vivo murine pneumonia model, the bacterial load in mice lungs infected with biofilm-dispersed bacteria was similar at 6, 24 and 48 h after infection to that of mice lungs infected with planktonic or sessile bacteria. However, biofilm-dispersed and sessile bacteria trend to elicit innate immune response in lungs to a lesser extent than planktonic bacteria. Collectively, the findings from this study suggest that the greater ability of K. pneumoniae biofilm-dispersed cells to efficiently achieve surface colonization and to subvert the host immune response confers them substantial advantages in the first steps of the infection process over planktonic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Guilhen
- 1Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS 6023, LMGE, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,3Present Address: Université de Genève, Centre Médical Universitaire, Département de Physiologie Cellulaire et Métabolisme, Genève, Suisse
| | - Sylvie Miquel
- 1Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS 6023, LMGE, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nicolas Charbonnel
- 1Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS 6023, LMGE, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laura Joseph
- 1Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS 6023, LMGE, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guillaume Carrier
- 2Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm U1071, USC-INRA 2018, M2iSH, CRNH Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,4Present Address: Department of Surgical Oncology, Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Damien Balestrino
- 1Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS 6023, LMGE, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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49
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Jensen TS, Opstrup KV, Christiansen G, Rasmussen PV, Thomsen ME, Justesen DL, Schønheyder HC, Lausen M, Birkelund S. Complement mediated Klebsiella pneumoniae capsule changes. Microbes Infect 2019; 22:19-30. [PMID: 31473336 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen, which can cause life-threatening infections such as sepsis. Worldwide, emerging multidrug resistant K. pneumoniae infections are challenging to treat, hence leading to increased mortality. Therefore, understanding the interactions between K. pneumoniae and the immune system is important to develop new treatment options. We characterized ten clinical K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from blood of bacteremia patients. The interaction of the isolates with human serum was investigated to elucidate how K. pneumoniae escapes the host immune system, and how complement activation by K. pneumoniae changed the capsule structure. All K. pneumoniae isolates activated the alternative complement pathway despite serum resistance of seven isolates. One serum sensitive isolate activated two or all three pathways, and this isolate was lysed and had numerous membrane attack complexes in the outer membrane. However, we also found deposition of complement components in the capsule of serum resistant isolates resulting in morphological capsule changes and capsule shedding. These bacteria did not lyse, and no membrane attack complex was observed despite deposition of C5b-9 within the capsule, indicating that the capsule of serum resistant K. pneumoniae isolates is a defense mechanism against complement-mediated lysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine S Jensen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3b, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Katharina V Opstrup
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3b, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Gunna Christiansen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Wilhelms Meyers Alle 4, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Pernille V Rasmussen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3b, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mikkel E Thomsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3b, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Daniel L Justesen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3b, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Henrik C Schønheyder
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Mølleparkvej 10, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mads Lausen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3b, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Svend Birkelund
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 3b, 9220, Aalborg, Denmark.
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50
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Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is considered a nosocomial pathogen, usually infecting immunocompromised patients. However, a pathotype of K. pneumoniae, termed hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp), has emerged and is spreading throughout the community, causing severe, often fatal, disease in healthy individuals. Moreover, reports on multidrug-resistant hvKp isolates are increasing in frequency. It is imperative that strategies to combat hvKp begin immediately to prevent further dissemination of this new class of “superbugs.” Here, we show that bioconjugate vaccines targeting the capsule of hvKp can provide immunity and protection against extremely lethal hvKp strains. Further, we demonstrate that bioconjugation is a promising technology for rapid development of efficacious vaccines against emerging bacterial threats. Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) is globally disseminating as a community-acquired pathogen causing life-threatening infections in healthy individuals. The fact that a dose as little as 50 bacteria is lethal to mice illustrates the dramatic increase of virulence associated with hvKp strains compared with classical K. pneumoniae (cKp) strains, which require lethal doses greater than 107 bacteria. Until recently, these virulent strains were mostly antibiotic-susceptible. However, multidrug-resistant (MDR) hvKp strains have been emerging, spawning a new generation of hypervirulent “superbugs.” The mechanisms of hypervirulence are not fully defined, but overproduction of capsular polysaccharide significantly impedes host clearance, resulting in increased pathogenicity of hvKp strains. While there are more than 80 serotypes of K. pneumoniae, the K1 and K2 serotypes cause the vast majority of hypervirulent infections. Therefore, a glycoconjugate vaccine targeting these 2 serotypes could significantly reduce hvKp infection. Conventionally, glycoconjugate vaccines are manufactured using intricate chemical methodologies to covalently attach purified polysaccharides to carrier proteins, which is widely considered to be technically challenging. Here we report on the recombinant production and analytical characterization of bioconjugate vaccines, enzymatically produced in glycoengineered Escherichia coli cells, against the 2 predominant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae serotypes, K1 and K2. The K. pneumoniae bioconjugates are immunogenic and efficacious, protecting mice against lethal infection from 2 hvKp strains, NTUH K-2044 and ATCC 43816. This preclinical study constitutes a key step toward preventing further global dissemination of hypervirulent MDR hvKp strains.
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