Viral Inhibition of Bacterial Phagocytosis by Human Macrophages: Redundant Role of CD36

Integrated multi-omics analysis and machine learning developed diagnostic markers and prognostic model based on Efferocytosis-associated signatures for septic cardiomyopathy

Septic cardiomyopathy (SCM) is characterized by an abnormal inflammatory response and increased mortality. The role of efferocytosis in SCM is not well understood. We used integrated multi-omics analysis to explore the clinical and genetic roles of efferocytosis in SCM. We identified six module genes (ATP11C, CD36, CEBPB, MAPK3, MAPKAPK2, PECAM1) strongly associated with SCM, leading to an accurate predictive model. Subgroups defined by EFFscore exhibited distinct clinical features and immune infiltration levels. Survival analysis showed that the C1 subtype with a lower EFFscore had better survival outcomes. scRNA-seq analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from sepsis patients identified four genes (CEBPB, CD36, PECAM1, MAPKAPK2) associated with high EFFscores, highlighting their role in SCM. Molecular docking confirmed interactions between diagnostic genes and tamibarotene. Experimental validation supported our computational results. In conclusion, our study identifies a novel efferocytosis-related SCM subtype and diagnostic biomarkers, offering new insights for clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Interactions between respiratory syncytial virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of childhood respiratory infections: a systematic review

Lower respiratory tract infections, commonly caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), pose a substantial global health burden, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. A deeper understanding of the relationship between RSV and pneumococcus would aid the development of health-care approaches to disease prevention and management. We completed a systematic review to identify and assess evidence pertaining to the relationship between RSV and pneumococcus in the pathogenesis of childhood respiratory infections. We found mechanistic evidence for direct pathogen-pathogen interactions and for indirect interactions involving host modulation. We found a strong seasonal epidemiological association between these two pathogens, which was recently confirmed by a parallel decrease and a subsequent resurgence of both RSV and pneumococcus-associated disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, we found that pneumococcal vaccination was associated with reduced RSV hospitalisations in infants, further supporting the relevance of their interaction in modulating severe disease. Overall evidence supports a broad biological and clinical interaction between pneumococcus and RSV in the pathogenesis of childhood respiratory infections. We hypothesise that the implementation of next-generation pneumococcal and RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies targeting RSV will act synergistically to reduce global morbidity and mortality related to childhood respiratory infections.

The function of CD36 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

CD36 is a scavenger receptor that has been reported to function as a signaling receptor that responds to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and could integrate metabolic pathways and cell signaling through its dual functions. Thereby influencing activation to regulate the immune response and immune cell differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that CD36 plays critical roles in the process of lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and immune process caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This review will comprehensively investigate CD36's functions in lipid uptake and processing, inflammatory response, immune response and therapeutic targets and biomarkers in the infection process of M. tuberculosis. The study also raised outstanding issues in this field to designate future directions.

Advancements in the Management of Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Pneumonia, classified as a lower respiratory tract illness, affects different parts of the bronchial system as well as alveoli and can present with varying severities depending on co-morbidities and causative pathogens. It can be broadly classified using the setting in which it was acquired, namely the community or hospital setting, the former being more common and spreading through person-to-person droplet transmission. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, and its high mortality makes continual insight into the management of the condition worthwhile. This review explores the literature specifically for severe CAP (sCAP) and delves into the diagnosis, various modalities of treatment, and management of the condition. This condition can be defined as pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation in the ICU and/or presenting with sepsis and organ failure due to pneumonia. The disease process is characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma, initiated by a combination of pathogens and lowered local defenses. Acute diagnosis of the condition is vital in reducing negative patient outcomes, namely through clinical presentation, blood/sputum cultures, imaging modalities such as computed tomography scan, and inflammatory markers, identifying common causative pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, rhinovirus, Legionella, and viral influenza. Pathogens such as Escherichia coli should also be investigated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The mainstay of treating sCAP includes rapid ICU admission once a diagnosis has been confirmed, initiating sepsis protocol, and treatment with combined empiric antibiotic regimens consisting of beta-lactams and macrolides. Corticosteroid use alongside antibiotics shows promise in reducing inflammation, but its use has to be judged on a case-by-case basis. New drugs such as omadacycline, delafloxacin, and zabofloxacin have shown valid evidence for the treatment of resistant causative organisms. The main guidelines for preventing sCAP include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and annual pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are recommended for the most vulnerable patient groups, such as those with COPD and immunosuppression.

Macrophages Orchestrate Airway Inflammation, Remodeling, and Resolution in Asthma

Asthma is a heterogenous chronic inflammatory lung disease with endotypes that manifest different immune system profiles, severity, and responses to current therapies. Regardless of endotype, asthma features increased immune cell infiltration, inflammatory cytokine release, and airway remodeling. Lung macrophages are also heterogenous in that there are separate subsets and, depending on the environment, different effector functions. Lung macrophages are important in recruitment of immune cells such as eosinophils, neutrophils, and monocytes that enhance allergic inflammation and initiate T helper cell responses. Persistent lung remodeling including mucus hypersecretion, increased airway smooth muscle mass, and airway fibrosis contributes to progressive lung function decline that is insensitive to current asthma treatments. Macrophages secrete inflammatory mediators that induce airway inflammation and remodeling. Additionally, lung macrophages are instrumental in protecting against pathogens and play a critical role in resolution of inflammation and return to homeostasis. This review summarizes current literature detailing the roles and existing knowledge gaps for macrophages as key inflammatory orchestrators in asthma pathogenesis. We also raise the idea that modulating inflammatory responses in lung macrophages is important for alleviating asthma.

Towards an artificial human lung: modelling organ-like complexity to aid mechanistic understanding

Respiratory diseases account for over 5 million deaths yearly and are a huge burden to healthcare systems worldwide. Murine models have been of paramount importance to decode human lung biology in vivo, but their genetic, anatomical, physiological and immunological differences with humans significantly hamper successful translation of research into clinical practice. Thus, to clearly understand human lung physiology, development, homeostasis and mechanistic dysregulation that may lead to disease, it is essential to develop models that accurately recreate the extraordinary complexity of the human pulmonary architecture and biology. Recent advances in micro-engineering technology and tissue engineering have allowed the development of more sophisticated models intending to bridge the gap between the native lung and its replicates in vitro Alongside advanced culture techniques, remarkable technological growth in downstream analyses has significantly increased the predictive power of human biology-based in vitro models by allowing capture and quantification of complex signals. Refined integrated multi-omics readouts could lead to an acceleration of the translational pipeline from in vitro experimental settings to drug development and clinical testing in the future. This review highlights the range and complexity of state-of-the-art lung models for different areas of the respiratory system, from nasal to large airways, small airways and alveoli, with consideration of various aspects of disease states and their potential applications, including pre-clinical drug testing. We explore how development of optimised physiologically relevant in vitro human lung models could accelerate the identification of novel therapeutics with increased potential to translate successfully from the bench to the patient's bedside.

Interrupting the Conversation: Implications for Crosstalk Between Viral and Bacterial Infections in the Asthmatic Airway

Asthma is a heterogeneous, chronic respiratory disease affecting 300 million people and is thought to be driven by different inflammatory endotypes influenced by a myriad of genetic and environmental factors. The complexity of asthma has rendered it challenging to develop preventative and disease modifying therapies and it remains an unmet clinical need. Whilst many factors have been implicated in asthma pathogenesis and exacerbations, evidence indicates a prominent role for respiratory viruses. However, advances in culture-independent detection methods and extensive microbial profiling of the lung, have also demonstrated a role for respiratory bacteria in asthma. In particular, airway colonization by the Proteobacteria species Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Moraxella catarrhalis (Mcat) is associated with increased risk of developing recurrent wheeze and asthma in early life, poor clinical outcomes in established adult asthma and the development of more severe inflammatory phenotypes. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that bacterial-viral interactions may influence exacerbation risk and disease severity, highlighting the need to consider the impact chronic airway colonization by respiratory bacteria has on influencing host responses to viral infection. In this review, we first outline the currently understood role of viral and bacterial infections in precipitating asthma exacerbations and discuss the underappreciated potential impact of bacteria-virus crosstalk in modulating host responses. We discuss the mechanisms by which early life infection may predispose to asthma development. Finally, we consider how infection and persistent airway colonization may drive different asthma phenotypes, with a view to identifying pathophysiological mechanisms that may prove tractable to new treatment modalities.

Cannabis compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory activity in vitro in COVID-19-related inflammation in lung epithelial cells and pro-inflammatory activity in macrophages

Cannabis sativa is widely used for medical purposes and has anti-inflammatory activity. This study intended to examine the anti-inflammatory activity of cannabis on immune response markers associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inflammation. An extract fraction from C. sativa Arbel strain (F_CBD) substantially reduced (dose dependently) interleukin (IL)-6 and -8 levels in an alveolar epithelial (A549) cell line. F_CBD contained cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and multiple terpenes. Treatments with F_CBD and a F_CBD formulation using phytocannabinoid standards (F_CBD:std) reduced IL-6, IL-8, C-C Motif Chemokine Ligands (CCLs) 2 and 7, and angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in the A549 cell line. Treatment with F_CBD induced macrophage (differentiated KG1 cell line) polarization and phagocytosis in vitro, and increased CD36 and type II receptor for the Fc region of IgG (FcγRII) expression. F_CBD treatment also substantially increased IL-6 and IL-8 expression in macrophages. F_CBD:std, while maintaining anti-inflammatory activity in alveolar epithelial cells, led to reduced phagocytosis and pro-inflammatory IL secretion in macrophages in comparison to F_CBD. The phytocannabinoid formulation may show superior activity versus the cannabis-derived fraction for reduction of lung inflammation, yet there is a need of caution proposing cannabis as treatment for COVID-19.

Influenza Infection Induces Alveolar Macrophage Dysfunction and Thereby Enables Noninvasive Streptococcus pneumoniae to Cause Deadly Pneumonia

Secondary Streptococcus pneumoniae infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality during influenza epidemics and pandemics. Multiple pathogenic mechanisms, such as lung epithelial damage and dysregulation of neutrophils and alveolar macrophages (AMs), have been suggested to contribute to the severity of disease. However, the fundamental reasons for influenza-induced susceptibility to secondary bacterial pneumonia remain unclear. In this study, we revisited these controversies over key pathogenic mechanisms in a lethal model of secondary bacterial pneumonia with an S. pneumoniae strain that is innocuous to mice in the absence of influenza infection. Using a series of in vivo models, we demonstrate that rather than a systemic suppression of immune responses or neutrophil function, influenza infection activates IFN-γR signaling and abrogates AM-dependent bacteria clearance and thereby causes extreme susceptibility to pneumococcal infection. Importantly, using mice carrying conditional knockout of Ifngr1 gene in different myeloid cell subsets, we demonstrate that influenza-induced IFN-γR signaling in AMs impairs their antibacterial function, thereby enabling otherwise noninvasive S. pneumoniae to cause deadly pneumonia.

Therapeutic Potentials of Scavenger Receptor CD36 Mediated Innate Immune Responses Against Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases

CD36 is a multifunctional glycoprotein, expressed in different types of cells and known to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of the host. The structural studies revealed that the scavenger receptor consists of short cytosolic domains, two transmembrane domains, and a large ectodomain. The ectodomain serves as a receptor for a diverse number of endogenous and exogenous ligands. The CD36-specific ligands are involved in regulating the immune response during infectious and non-infectious diseases in the host. The role of CD36 in regulating the innate immune response during Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, HIV, and Sepsis in a ligand- mediated fashion. Apart from infectious diseases, it is also considered to be involved in metabolic disorders such as Atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's, cancer, and Diabetes. The ligand binding to scavenger receptor modulates the CD36 down-stream innate immune response, and it can be exploited to design suitable immuno-modulators. Hence, the current review focused on the role of the CD36 in innate immune response and therapeutic potentials of novel heterocyclic compounds as CD36 ligands during infectious and non-infectious diseases.

The Role of Alveolar Macrophages in the Improved Protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Pneumococcal Superinfection Induced by the Peptidoglycan of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505

The nasal priming with nonviable Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL1505 (NV1505) or its purified peptidoglycan (PG1505) differentially modulates the respiratory innate immune response in infant mice, improving their resistance to primary respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and secondary pneumococcal pneumonia. In association with the protection against RSV-pneumococcal superinfection, it was found that NV1505 or PG1505 significantly enhance the numbers of CD11c⁺SiglecF⁺ alveolar macrophages (AMs) producing interferon (IFN)-β. In this work, we aimed to further advance in the characterization of the beneficial effects of NV1505 and PG1505 in the context of a respiratory superinfection by evaluating whether their immunomodulatory properties are dependent on AM functions. Macrophage depletion experiments and a detailed study of their production of cytokines and antiviral factors clearly demonstrated the key role of this immune cell population in the improvement of both the reduction of pathogens loads and the protection against lung tissue damage induced by the immunobiotic CRL1505 strain. Studies at basal conditions during primary RSV or S. pneumoniae infections, as well as during secondary pneumococcal pneumonia, brought the following five notable findings regarding the immunomodulatory effects of NV1505 and PG1505: (a) AMs play a key role in the beneficial modulation of the respiratory innate immune response and protection against RSV infection, (b) AMs are necessary for improved protection against primary and secondary pneumococcal pneumonia, (c) the generation of activated/trained AMs would be essential for the enhanced protection against respiratory pathogens, (d) other immune and nonimmune cell populations in the respiratory tract may contribute to the protection against bacterial and viral infections, and (e) the immunomodulatory properties of NV1505 and PG1505 are strain-specific. These findings significantly improve our knowledge about the immunological mechanisms involved in the modulation of respiratory immunity induced by beneficial microbes.

Human Rhinovirus Impairs the Innate Immune Response to Bacteria in Alveolar Macrophages in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rationale: Human rhinovirus (HRV) is a common cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations. Secondary bacterial infection is associated with more severe symptoms and delayed recovery. Alveolar macrophages clear bacteria from the lung and maintain lung homeostasis through cytokine secretion. These processes are defective in COPD. The effect of HRV on macrophage function is unknown. Objectives: To investigate the effect of HRV on phagocytosis and cytokine response to bacteria by alveolar macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) in COPD and healthy control subjects. Methods: Alveolar macrophages were obtained by bronchoscopy and MDM by adherence. Macrophages were exposed to HRV16 (multiplicity of infection 5), polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) 30 μg/ml, IFN-β 10 μg/ml, IFN-γ 10 μg/ml, or medium control for 24 hours. Phagocytosis of fluorescently labeled Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae was assessed by fluorimetry. CXCL8 (IL-8), IL-6, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), and IL-10 release was measured by ELISA. Measurements and Main Results: HRV significantly impaired phagocytosis of H. influenzae by 23% in MDM (n = 37; P = 0.004) and 18% in alveolar macrophages (n = 20; P < 0.0001) in COPD. HRV also significantly reduced phagocytosis of S. pneumoniae by 33% in COPD MDM (n = 20; P = 0.0192). There was no effect in healthy control subjects. Phagocytosis of H. influenzae was also impaired by poly I:C but not IFN-β or IFN-γ in COPD MDM. HRV significantly reduced cytokine responses to H. influenzae. The IL-10 response to H. influenzae was significantly impaired by poly I:C, IFN-β, and IFN-γ in COPD cells. Conclusions: HRV impairs phagocytosis of bacteria in COPD, which may lead to an outgrowth of bacteria. HRV also impairs cytokine responses to bacteria via the TLR3/IFN pathway, which may prevent resolution of inflammation leading to prolonged exacerbations in COPD.

Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Influenza Activity in a Pediatric Population: Impact of PCV13 Vaccination in Pandemic and Nonpandemic Influenza Periods

The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence, clinical presentation, and severity of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)-causing serotypes and the impact of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination during epidemic and nonepidemic influenza periods in Catalonia, Spain. This was a prospective study in persons aged <18 years diagnosed with IPD between 2012 and 2015 in three Catalan pediatric hospitals. IPD was defined as clinical infection together with isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae by culture and/or detection by reverse transcription-PCR in a normally sterile sample. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and the fraction of IPD prevented associated with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) were calculated. The bivariate analysis used the χ² test and the multivariate analysis nonconditional logistic regression. A total of 229 cases of IPD were recorded. The incidence was higher during influenza epidemic periods (IRR, 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.05 to 3.55; P < 0.001), especially for pneumonia (IRR, 3.25; 95% CI, 2.36 to 4.47; P < 0.001), with no differences in the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes. Complications during admission and sequel at discharge were greater during epidemic periods (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.00; 95% CI, 1.06 to 3.77; P = 0.03) than at nonepidemic periods (aOR, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.37 to 8.29; P = 0.01). The prevented fraction for the population (PFp) of IPD in children aged 7 to 59 months was 48% to 49.4%. The PFp was higher in influenza epidemic than nonepidemic periods and increased when ≥2 doses of PCV13 or ≥1 after 24 months were administered. Influenza virus circulation increases the incidence of IPD in persons aged <18 years. In influenza epidemic periods, IPD cases were more severe. Increased PCV13 coverage might increase the fraction of IPD prevented in epidemic and nonepidemic periods.

CD36 tango in cancer: signaling pathways and functions

CD36, a scavenger receptor expressed in multiple cell types, mediates lipid uptake, immunological recognition, inflammation, molecular adhesion, and apoptosis. CD36 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that contains several posttranslational modification sites and binds to diverse ligands, including apoptotic cells, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), and fatty acids (FAs). Beyond fueling tumor metastasis and therapy resistance by enhancing lipid uptake and FA oxidation, CD36 attenuates angiogenesis by binding to TSP-1 and thereby inducing apoptosis or blocking the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 pathway in tumor microvascular endothelial cells. Moreover, CD36-driven lipid metabolic reprogramming and functions in tumor-associated immune cells lead to tumor immune tolerance and cancer development. Notable advances have been made in demonstrating the regulatory networks that govern distinct physiological properties of CD36, and this has identified targeting CD36 as a potential strategy for cancer treatment. Here, we provide an overview on the structure, regulation, ligands, functions, and clinical trials of CD36 in cancer.

Host-Pathogen Interactions in Gram-Positive Bacterial Pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite broad literature including basic and translational scientific studies, many gaps in our understanding of host-pathogen interactions remain. In this review, pathogen virulence factors that drive lung infection and injury are discussed in relation to their associated host immune pathways. CAP epidemiology is considered, with a focus on Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae as primary pathogens. Bacterial factors involved in nasal colonization and subsequent virulence are illuminated. A particular emphasis is placed on bacterial pore-forming toxins, host cell death, and inflammasome activation. Identified host-pathogen interactions are then examined by linking pathogen factors to aberrant host response pathways in the context of acute lung injury in both primary and secondary infection. While much is known regarding bacterial virulence and host immune responses, CAP management is still limited to mostly supportive care. It is likely that improvements in therapy will be derived from combinatorial targeting of both pathogen virulence factors and host immunomodulation.

Human CD49a+ Lung Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity in Response to Influenza A Virus

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a major global public health burden due to its routine evasion of immunization strategies. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic cells with important antiviral activity in the human body, yet the function of these cells in the control of IAV infection is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the role of lung NK cell cytotoxic responses to IAV. Human lung explants were infected ex vivo with IAV, and lung NK cell activation was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytotoxic responses of NK cell subsets against IAV-infected macrophages were measured by flow cytometry and ELISA. Despite reports of hypofunctionality in the pulmonary environment, human lung-associated NK cells responded rapidly to ex vivo IAV infection, with upregulation of surface CD107a 24 h post-infection. The lung NK cell phenotype is similar in maturity and differentiation to NK cells of the peripheral blood but a unique CD56^brightCD49a⁺CD103⁺CD69⁺ NK cell population was identified in the lung, indicating NK cell residency within this organ. In response to ex vivo IAV infection a greater proportion of resident CD56^brightCD49a⁺ NK cells expressed surface CD107a compared with CD56^brightCD49a⁻ NK cells, suggesting a hyperfunctional NK cell population may be present within human lung tissue and could be the result of innate immunological training. Furthermore, NK cells provided significant antiviral, cytotoxic activity following contact with influenza-infected cells, including the production and release of IFN-γ and granzyme-B resulting in macrophage cell death. These results suggest that a resident, trained NK cell population are present in the human lung and may provide early and important control of viral infection. A greater understanding of this resident mucosal population may provide further insight into the role of these cells in controlling viral infection and generating appropriate adaptive immunity to IAV.