The Group B Streptococcal surface antigen I/II protein, BspC, interacts with host vimentin to promote adherence to brain endothelium and inflammation during the pathogenesis of meningitis

Streptococcus intermedius: an underestimated pathogen in brain infection?

Streptococcus intermedius is an oral commensal organism belonging to the Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG). S. intermedius causes periodontitis as well as invasive, pyogenic infection of the central nervous system, pleural space or liver. Compared with other SAG organisms, S. intermedius has a higher mortality as well as a predilection for intracranial infection, suggesting it is likely to possess virulence factors that mediate specific interactions with the host resulting in bacteria reaching the brain. The mechanisms involved are not well described. Intracranial suppuration (ICS) due to S. intermedius infection can manifest as an abscess within the brain parenchyma, or a collection of pus (empyema) in the sub- or extra-dural space. These infections necessitate neurosurgery and prolonged antibiotic treatment and are associated with a considerable burden of morbidity and mortality. The incidence of ICS is increasing in several settings, with SAG species accounting for an increasing proportion of cases. There is a paucity of published literature regarding S. intermedius pathogenesis as well as few published genomes, hampering molecular epidemiological research. This perspective evaluates what is known about the clinical features and pathogenesis of ICS due to S. intermedius and explores hypothetical explanations why the incidence of these infections may be increasing.

Current research update on group B streptococcal infection related to obstetrics and gynecology

Group B streptococcal (GBS) is a Gram-positive bacterium that is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and urogenital tract. GBS infestation during pregnancy is a significant contributor to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality globally. This article aims to discuss the infectious diseases caused by GBS in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, as well as the challenges associated with the detection, treatment, and prevention of GBS.

Streptococcus agalactiae glycolipids promote virulence by thwarting immune cell clearance

Streptococcus agalactiae [group B Streptococcus (GBS)] is a leading cause of neonatal meningitis, with late-onset disease (LOD) occurring after gastrointestinal tract colonization in infants. Bacterial membrane lipids are essential for host-pathogen interactions, and the functions of glycolipids are yet to be fully elucidated. GBS synthesizes three major glycolipids: glucosyl-diacylglycerol (Glc-DAG), diglucosyl-DAG (Glc2-DAG), and lysyl-Glc-DAG (Lys-Glc-DAG). Here, we identify the enzyme, IagB, as responsible for biosynthesis of Glc-DAG, the precursor for the two other glycolipids in GBS. To examine the collective role of glycolipids to GBS virulence, we adapted a murine model of neonatal meningitis to simulate LOD. The GBS∆iagB mutant traversed the gut-epithelial barrier comparable to wild type but was severely attenuated in bloodstream survival, resulting in decreased bacterial loads in the brain. The GBS∆iagB mutant was more susceptible to neutrophil killing and membrane targeting by host antimicrobial peptides. This work reveals an unexplored function of GBS glycolipids with their ability to protect the bacterial cell from host antimicrobial killing.

Bacterial and host factors involved in zoonotic Streptococcal meningitis

Zoonotic streptococci cause several invasive diseases with high mortality rates, especially meningitis. Numerous studies elucidated the meningitis pathogenesis of zoonotic streptococci, some specific to certain bacterial species. In contrast, others are shared among different bacterial species, involving colonization and invasion of mucosal barriers, survival in the bloodstream, breaching the blood-brain and/or blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier to access the central nervous system, and triggering inflammation of the meninges. This review focuses on the recent advancements in comprehending the molecular and cellular events of five major zoonotic streptococci responsible for causing meningitis in humans or animals, including Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus, Streptococcus suis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Streptococcus iniae. The underlying mechanism was summarized into four themes, including 1) bacterial survival in blood, 2) brain microvascular endothelial cell adhesion and invasion, 3) penetration of the blood-brain barrier, and 4) activation of the immune system and inflammatory reaction within the brain. This review may contribute to developing therapeutics to prevent or mitigate injury of streptococcal meningitis and improve risk stratification.

Cross-talk between Vimentin and autophagy regulates blood-testis barrier disruption induced by cadmium

The blood-testis barrier (BTB) plays a vital role in mammalian spermatogenesis by separating the seminiferous epithelium into an adluminal and a basal compartment. Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that is widely present in the environment. We observed that Cd can induce BTB disruption, leading to apoptosis of testicular cells. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to BTB injury induced by Cd have not yet been fully clarified. Vimentin (Vim) is an important desmosome-like junction protein that mediates robust adhesion in the BTB. In this study, we investigated how Vim responds to Cd. We found that Cd treatment led to a significant decrease in Vim expression, accompanied by a marked increase in LC3-II expression and a higer number of autophagosomes. Interestingly, we also observed that Cd-induced autophagy was associated with decreased Vim activity and enhanced apoptosis of testicular cells. To further investigate the role of autophagy in Vim regulation under Cd exposure, we treated cells with an autophagy inhibitor called 3-MA. We found that 3-MA treatment enhanced Vim expression and improved the disruption of the BTB under Cd exposure. Additionally, the inhibition of Vim confirmed the role of autophagy in modulating Vim expression. These results reveal a previously unknown regulatory mechanism of Cd involving the interplay between a heavy metal and a protein.

Extracellular vimentin as a modulator of the immune response and an important player during infectious diseases

Vimentin, an intermediate filament protein primarily recognized for its intracellular role in maintaining cellular structure, has recently garnered increased attention and emerged as a pivotal extracellular player in immune regulation and host-pathogen interactions. While the functions of extracellular vimentin were initially overshadowed by its cytoskeletal role, accumulating evidence now highlights its significance in diverse physiological and pathological events. This review explores the multifaceted role of extracellular vimentin in modulating immune responses and orchestrating interactions between host cells and pathogens. It delves into the mechanisms underlying vimentin's release into the extracellular milieu, elucidating its unconventional secretion pathways and identifying critical molecular triggers. In addition, the future perspectives of using extracellular vimentin in diagnostics and as a target protein in the treatment of diseases are discussed.

Vimentin cage - A double-edged sword in host anti-infection defense

Vimentin, a type III intermediate filament, reorganizes into what is termed the 'vimentin cage' in response to various pathogenic infections. This cage-like structure provides an envelope to key components of the pathogen's life cycle. In viral infections, the vimentin cage primarily serves as a scaffold and organizer for the replication factory, promoting viral replication. However, it also occasionally contributes to antiviral functions. For bacterial infections, the cage mainly supports bacterial proliferation in most observed cases. These consistent structural alterations in vimentin, induced by a range of viruses and bacteria, highlight the vimentin cage's crucial role. Pathogen-specific factors add complexity to this interaction. In this review, we provide a thorough overview of the functions and mechanisms of the vimentin cage and speculate on vimentin's potential as a novel target for anti-pathogen strategies.

The molecular biophysics of extracellular vimentin and its role in pathogen-host interactions

Vimentin, an intermediate filament protein typically located in the cytoplasm of mesenchymal cells, can also be secreted as an extracellular protein. The organization of extracellular vimentin strongly determines its functions in physiological and pathological conditions, making it a promising target for future therapeutic interventions. The extracellular form of vimentin has been found to play a role in the interaction between host cells and pathogens. In this review, we first discuss the molecular biophysics of extracellular vimentin, including its structure, secretion, and adhesion properties. We then provide a general overview of the role of extracellular vimentin in mediating pathogen-host interactions, with a focus on its interactions with viruses and bacteria. We also discuss the implications of these findings for the development of new therapeutic strategies for combating infectious diseases.

Uncovering the role of cytoskeleton proteins in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps

Neutrophils are a type of lymphocyte involved in innate immune defense. In response to specific stimuli, these phagocytic cells undergo a unique form of cell death, NETosis, during which they release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) composed of modified chromatin structures decorated with cytoplasmic and granular proteins. Multiple proteins and pathways have been implicated in the formation of NETs. The cytoskeleton, an interconnected network of filamentous polymers and regulatory proteins, plays a crucial role in resisting deformation, transporting intracellular cargo, and changing shape during movement of eukaryotic cells. It may also have evolved to defend eukaryotic organisms against infection. Recent research focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying NETs formation and how cytoskeletal networks contribute to this process, by identifying enzymes that trigger NETosis or interact with NETs and influence cellular behavior through cytoskeletal dynamics. An enhanced understanding of the complex relationship between the cytoskeleton and NET formation will provide a framework for future research and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies, and supports the notion that the long-lived cytoskeleton structures may have a lasting impact on this area of research.

Membrane vesicle delivery of a streptococcal M protein disrupts the blood-brain barrier by inducing autophagic endothelial cell death

M family proteins are critical virulence determinants of Streptococci. Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (SEZ) are Group C streptococci that cause meningitis in animals and humans. SzM, the M protein of SEZ, has been linked to SEZ brain invasion. Here, we demonstrate that SzM is important in SEZ disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). SEZ release SzM-bound membrane vesicles (MVs), and endocytosis of these vesicles by human brain endothelial microvascular cells (hBMECs) results in SzM-dependent cytotoxicity. Furthermore, administration of SzM-bound MVs disrupted the murine BBB. A CRISPR screen revealed that SzM cytotoxicity in hBMECs depends on PTEN-related activation of autophagic cell death. Pharmacologic inhibition of PTEN activity prevented SEZ disruption of the murine BBB and delayed mortality. Our data show that MV delivery of SzM to host cells plays a key role in SEZ pathogenicity and suggests that MV delivery of streptococcal M family proteins is likely a common streptococcal virulence mechanism.

Vimentin Is an Attachment Receptor for Mycoplasma pneumoniae P1 Protein

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common pathogen causing respiratory tract infection, and the P1 protein on its adhesion organelle plays a crucial role during the pathogenic process. Currently, there are many studies on P1 and receptors on host cells, but the adhesion mechanism of P1 protein is still unclear. In this study, a modified virus overlay protein binding assay (VOPBA) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were performed to screen for proteins that specifically bind to the region near the carboxyl terminus of the recombinant P1 protein (rP1-C). The interaction between rP1-C and vimentin or β-4-tubulin were confirmed by far-Western blotting and coimmunoprecipitation. Results verified that vimentin and β-4-tubulin were mainly distributed on the cell membrane and cytoplasm of human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells, but only vimentin could interact with rP1-C. The results of the adhesion and adhesion inhibition assays indicated that the adhesion of M. pneumoniae and rP1-C to cells could be partly inhibited by vimentin and its antibody. When vimentin was downregulated with the corresponding small interfering RNA (siRNA) or overexpressed in BEAS-2B cells, the adhesion of M. pneumoniae and rP1-C to cells was decreased or increased, respectively, which indicated that vimentin was closely associated with the adhesion of M. pneumoniae and rP1-C to BEAS-2B cells. Our results demonstrate that vimentin could be a receptor on human bronchial epithelial cells for the P1 protein and plays an essential role in the adhesion of M. pneumoniae to cells, which may clarify the pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae. IMPORTANCE Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common pathogen causing respiratory tract infection, and the P1 protein on its adhesion organelle plays a crucial role during the pathogenic process. A variety of experiments, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), coimmunoprecipitation, adhesion, and adhesion inhibition assay, have demonstrated that the M. pneumoniae P1 protein can interact with vimentin, that the adhesion of M. pneumoniae and recombinant P1 protein to BEAS-2B cells was affected by the expression level of vimentin. This provides a new idea for the prevention and treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.

Bacteria hijack a meningeal neuroimmune axis to facilitate brain invasion

The meninges are densely innervated by nociceptive sensory neurons that mediate pain and headache1,2. Bacterial meningitis causes life-threatening infections of the meninges and central nervous system, affecting more than 2.5 million people a year3-5. How pain and neuroimmune interactions impact meningeal antibacterial host defences are unclear. Here we show that Nav1.8+ nociceptors signal to immune cells in the meninges through the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) during infection. This neuroimmune axis inhibits host defences and exacerbates bacterial meningitis. Nociceptor neuron ablation reduced meningeal and brain invasion by two bacterial pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus agalactiae. S. pneumoniae activated nociceptors through its pore-forming toxin pneumolysin to release CGRP from nerve terminals. CGRP acted through receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) on meningeal macrophages to polarize their transcriptional responses, suppressing macrophage chemokine expression, neutrophil recruitment and dural antimicrobial defences. Macrophage-specific RAMP1 deficiency or pharmacological blockade of RAMP1 enhanced immune responses and bacterial clearance in the meninges and brain. Therefore, bacteria hijack CGRP-RAMP1 signalling in meningeal macrophages to facilitate brain invasion. Targeting this neuroimmune axis in the meninges can enhance host defences and potentially produce treatments for bacterial meningitis.

Comparative Genome Analysis of Enterococcus cecorum Reveals Intercontinental Spread of a Lineage of Clinical Poultry Isolates

Enterococcus cecorum is an emerging pathogen responsible for osteomyelitis, spondylitis, and femoral head necrosis causing animal suffering and mortality and requiring antimicrobial use in poultry. Paradoxically, E. cecorum is a common inhabitant of the intestinal microbiota of adult chickens. Despite evidence suggesting the existence of clones with pathogenic potential, the genetic and phenotypic relatedness of disease-associated isolates remains little investigated. Here, we sequenced and analyzed the genomes and characterized the phenotypes of more than 100 isolates, the majority of which were collected over the last 10 years from 16 French broiler farms. Comparative genomics, genome-wide association studies, and the measured susceptibility to serum, biofilm-forming capacity, and adhesion to chicken type II collagen were used to identify features associated with clinical isolates. We found that none of the tested phenotypes could discriminate the origin of the isolates or the phylogenetic group. Instead, we found that most clinical isolates are grouped phylogenetically, and our analyses selected six genes that discriminate 94% of isolates associated with disease from those that are not. Analysis of the resistome and the mobilome revealed that multidrug-resistant clones of E. cecorum cluster into a few clades and that integrative conjugative elements and genomic islands are the main carriers of antimicrobial resistance. This comprehensive genomic analysis shows that disease-associated clones of E. cecorum belong mainly to one phylogenetic clade. IMPORTANCE Enterococcus cecorum is an important pathogen of poultry worldwide. It causes a number of locomotor disorders and septicemia, particularly in fast-growing broilers. Animal suffering, antimicrobial use, and associated economic losses require a better understanding of disease-associated E. cecorum isolates. To address this need, we performed whole-genome sequencing and analysis of a large collection of isolates responsible for outbreaks in France. By providing the first data set on the genetic diversity and resistome of E. cecorum strains circulating in France, we pinpoint an epidemic lineage that is probably also circulating elsewhere that should be targeted preferentially by preventive strategies in order to reduce the burden of E. cecorum-related diseases.

Vimentin affects inflammation and neutrophil recruitment in airway epithelium during Streptococcus suis serotype 2 infection

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) frequently colonizes the swine upper respiratory tract and can cause Streptococcal disease in swine with clinical manifestations of pneumonia, meningitis, and septicemia. Previously, we have shown that vimentin, a kind of intermediate filament protein, is involved in the penetration of SS2 through the tracheal epithelial barrier. The initiation of invasive disease is closely related to SS2-induced excessive local inflammation; however, the role of vimentin in airway epithelial inflammation remains unclear. Here, we show that vimentin deficient mice exhibit attenuated lung injury, diminished production of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and the IL-8 homolog, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and substantially reduced neutrophils in the lungs following intranasal infection with SS2. We also found that swine tracheal epithelial cells (STEC) without vimentin show decreased transcription of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8. SS2 infection caused reassembly of vimentin in STEC, and pharmacological disruption of vimentin filaments prevented the transcription of those proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, deficiency of vimentin failed to increase the transcription of nucleotide oligomerization domain protein 2 (NOD2), which is known to interact with vimentin, and the phosphorylation of NF-κB protein p65. This study provides insights into how vimentin promotes excessive airway inflammation, thereby exacerbating airway injury and SS2-induced systemic infection.

Group B Streptococcus adaptation promotes survival in a hyperinflammatory diabetic wound environment

Diabetic wounds have poor healing outcomes due to the presence of numerous pathogens and a dysregulated immune response. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is commonly isolated from diabetic wound infections, but the mechanisms of GBS virulence during these infections have not been investigated. Here, we develop a murine model of GBS diabetic wound infection and, using dual RNA sequencing, demonstrate that GBS infection triggers an inflammatory response. GBS adapts to this hyperinflammatory environment by up-regulating virulence factors including those known to be regulated by the two-component system covRS, such as the surface protein pbsP, and the cyl operon, which is responsible for hemolysin/pigmentation production. We recover hyperpigmented/hemolytic GBS colonies from the murine diabetic wound, which we determined encode mutations in covR. We further demonstrate that GBS mutants in cylE and pbsP are attenuated in the diabetic wound. This foundational study provides insight into the pathogenesis of GBS diabetic wound infections.

Different Involvement of Vimentin during Invasion by Listeria monocytogenes at the Blood–Brain and the Blood–Cerebrospinal Fluid Barriers In Vitro

The human central nervous system (CNS) is separated from the blood by distinct cellular barriers, including the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) barrier (BCSFB). Whereas at the center of the BBB are the endothelial cells of the brain capillaries, the BCSFB is formed by the epithelium of the choroid plexus. Invasion of cells of either the BBB or the BCSFB is a potential first step during CNS entry by the Gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (Lm). Lm possesses several virulence factors mediating host cell entry, such as the internalin protein family—including internalin (InlA), which binds E-cadherin (Ecad) on the surface of target cells, and internalin B (InlB)—interacting with the host cell receptor tyrosine kinase Met. A further family member is internalin (InlF), which targets the intermediate filament protein vimentin. Whereas InlF has been shown to play a role during brain invasion at the BBB, its function during infection at the BCSFB is not known. We use human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) and human choroid plexus epithelial papilloma (HIBCPP) cells to investigate the roles of InlF and vimentin during CNS invasion by Lm. Whereas HBMEC present intracellular and surface vimentin (besides Met), HIBCPP cells do not express vimentin (except Met and Ecad). Treatment with the surface vimentin modulator withaferin A (WitA) inhibited invasion of Lm into HBMEC, but not HIBCPP cells. Invasion of Lm into HBMEC and HIBCPP cells is, however, independent of InlF, since a deletion mutant of Lm lacking InlF did not display reduced invasion rates.

The Group B Streptococcal Adhesin BspC Interacts with Host Cytokeratin 19 To Promote Colonization of the Female Reproductive Tract

Streptococcus agalactiae, otherwise known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is an opportunistic pathogen that vaginally colonizes approximately one third of healthy women. During pregnancy, this can lead to in utero infection, resulting in premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, and stillbirths. Furthermore, GBS causes serious infection in newborns, including sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Previous studies have indicated that GBS antigen (Ag) I/II family proteins promote interaction with vaginal epithelial cells; thus, we hypothesized that the Ag I/II Group B streptococcal surface protein C (BspC) contributes to GBS colonization of the female reproductive tract (FRT). Here, we show that a ΔbspC mutant has decreased bacterial adherence to vaginal, ecto-, and endocervical cells, as well as decreased auto-aggregation and biofilm-like formation on cell monolayers. Using a murine model of vaginal colonization, we observed that the ΔbspC mutant strain exhibited a significant fitness defect compared to wild-type (WT) GBS and was less able to ascend to the cervix and uterus in vivo, resulting in reduced neutrophil chemokine signaling. Furthermore, we determined that BspC interacts directly with the host intermediate filament protein cytokeratin 19 (K19). Surface localization of K19 was increased during GBS infection, and interaction was mediated by the BspC variable (V) domain. Finally, mice treated with a drug that targets the BspC V-domain exhibited reduced bacterial loads in the vaginal lumen and reproductive tissues. These results demonstrate the importance of BspC in promoting GBS colonization of the FRT and that it may be targeted therapeutically to reduce GBS vaginal persistence and ascending infection. IMPORTANCE Group B Streptococcus (GBS) asymptomatically colonizes the female reproductive tract (FRT) of up to one third of women, but GBS carriage can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, and chorioamnionitis. GBS colonization during pregnancy is also the largest predisposing factor for neonatal GBS disease, including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. The molecular interactions between bacterial surface proteins and the host cell receptors that promote GBS colonization are vastly understudied, and a better understanding would facilitate development of novel therapeutics to prevent GBS colonization and disease. Here, we characterize the role of the GBS surface protein BspC in colonization of the FRT. We show for the first time that GBS infection induces cytokeratin 19 (K19) surface localization on vaginal epithelial cells; GBS then uses the BspC V-domain to interact with K19 to promote colonization and ascending infection. Furthermore, this interaction can be targeted therapeutically to reduce GBS carriage.

Vimentin as a potential target for diverse nervous system diseases

Vimentin is a major type III intermediate filament protein that plays important roles in several basic cellular functions including cell migration, proliferation, and division. Although vimentin is a cytoplasmic protein, it also exists in the extracellular matrix and at the cell surface. Previous studies have shown that vimentin may exert multiple physiological effects in different nervous system injuries and diseases. For example, the studies of vimentin in spinal cord injury and stroke mainly focus on the formation of reactive astrocytes. Reduced glial scar, increased axonal regeneration, and improved motor function have been noted after spinal cord injury in vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein knockout (GFAP^-/-VIM^-/-) mice. However, attenuated glial scar formation in post-stroke in GFAP^-/- VIM^-/- mice resulted in abnormal neuronal network restoration and worse neurological recovery. These opposite results have been attributed to the multiple roles of glial scar in different temporal and spatial conditions. In addition, extracellular vimentin may be a neurotrophic factor that promotes axonal extension by interaction with the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor. In the pathogenesis of bacterial meningitis, cell surface vimentin is a meningitis facilitator, acting as a receptor of multiple pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli K1, Listeria monocytogenes, and group B streptococcus. Compared with wild type mice, VIM^-/- mice are less susceptible to bacterial infection and exhibit a reduced inflammatory response, suggesting that vimentin is necessary to induce the pathogenesis of meningitis. Recently published literature showed that vimentin serves as a double-edged sword in the nervous system, regulating axonal regrowth, myelination, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. This review aims to provide an overview of vimentin in spinal cord injury, stroke, bacterial meningitis, gliomas, and peripheral nerve injury and to discuss the potential therapeutic methods involving vimentin manipulation in improving axonal regeneration, alleviating infection, inhibiting brain tumor progression, and enhancing nerve myelination.

Streptococcal autolysin promotes dysfunction of swine tracheal epithelium by interacting with vimentin

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is a major zoonotic pathogen resulting in manifestations as pneumonia and septic shock. The upper respiratory tract is typically thought to be the main colonization and entry site of SS2 in pigs, but the mechanism through which it penetrates the respiratory barrier is still unclear. In this study, a mutant with low invasive potential to swine tracheal epithelial cells (STECs) was screened from the TnYLB-1 transposon insertion mutant library of SS2, and the interrupted gene was identified as autolysin (atl). Compared to wild-type (WT) SS2, Δatl mutant exhibited lower ability to penetrate the tracheal epithelial barrier in a mouse model. Purified Atl also enhanced SS2 translocation across STEC monolayers in Transwell inserts. Furthermore, Atl redistributed the tight junctions (TJs) in STECs through myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) signaling, which led to increased barrier permeability. Using mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), pull-down, bacterial two-hybrid and saturation binding experiments, we showed that Atl binds directly to vimentin. CRISPR/Cas9-targeted deletion of vimentin in STECs (VIM KO STECs) abrogated the capacity of SS2 to translocate across the monolayers, SS2-induced phosphorylation of myosin II regulatory light chain (MLC) and MLCK transcription, indicating that vimentin is indispensable for MLCK activation. Consistently, vimentin null mice were protected from SS2 infection and exhibited reduced tracheal and lung injury. Thus, MLCK-mediated epithelial barrier opening caused by the Atl-vimentin interaction is found to be likely the key mechanism by which SS2 penetrates the tracheal epithelium.

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2), an emerging zoonotic agent, can breach the respiratory barrier and cause invasive disease in pigs. Here, we identified the novel role of autolysin Atl in penetration of the respiratory barrier by SS2 and its systemic dissemination and identified its binding partner, vimentin, a type III intermediate filament protein. Atl contributed to the MLCK-triggered redistribution of tight junctions to open the tracheal epithelial barrier. Knockout of vimentin abolished the ability of SS2 to penetrate the monolayer barrier and the activation of MLCK. Furthermore, vimentin null mice were protected from infection by intranasally administered SS2. This study is the first to demonstrate that the interaction between the GBS Bsp-like domain of Atl and vimentin promotes MLCK-mediated dysfunction of the epithelial barrier, which may provide theoretical information for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments against diseases caused by similar respiratory pathogens.

SssP1, a Fimbria-like component of Streptococcus suis, binds to the vimentin of host cells and contributes to bacterial meningitis

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is one of the important pathogens that cause bacterial meningitis in pigs and humans. Evading host immune defences and penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are the preconditions for S. suis to cause meningitis, while the underlying mechanisms during these pathogenic processes are not fully understood. By detecting the red blood and white blood cells counts, IL-8 expression, and the pathological injury of brain in a mouse infection model, a serine-rich repeat (SRR) glycoprotein, designated as SssP1, was identified as a critical facilitator in the process of causing meningitis in this study. SssP1 was exported to assemble a fimbria-like component, thus contributed to the bacterial adhesion to and invasion into human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), and activates the host inflammatory response during meningitis but is not involved in the actin cytoskeleton rearrangement and the disruption of tight junctions. Furthermore, the deletion of sssP1 significantly attenuates the ability of S. suis to traverse the BBB in vivo and in vitro. A pull-down analysis identified vimentin as the potential receptors of SssP1 during meningitis and following Far-Western blot results confirmed this ligand-receptor binding mediated by the NR2 (the second nonrepeat region) region of SssP1. The co-localisation of vimentin and S. suis observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy with multiplex fluorescence indicated that vimentin significantly enhances the interaction between SssP1 and BBB. Further study identified that the NR_216-781 and NR_1711-2214 fragments of SssP1 play critical roles to bind to the BBB depending on the sialylation of vimentin, and this binding is significantly attenuated when the antiserum of NR_216-781 or NR_1711-2214 blocked the bacterial cells, or the vimentin antibody blocked the BBB. Similar binding attenuations are observed when the bacterial cells were preincubated with the vimentin, or the BBB was preincubated with the recombinant protein NR_216-781, NR_1711-2214 or sialidase. In conclusion, these results reveal a novel receptor-ligand interaction that enhances adhesion to and penetration of the BBB to cause bacterial meningitis in the S. suis infection and highlight the importance of vimentin in host-pathogen interactions.

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is considered an important zoonotic pathogen capable of causing meningitis in humans. Penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the preconditions for S. suis to cause meningitis, while its underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. Here we identified a previously uncharacterised pathogenic mechanism associated with S. suis meningitis mediated by the interaction between bacterial SRR glycoproteins and a host cytoskeletal component. During the bacterial infection, SRR protein SssP1 is exported to assemble a fimbria-like component, which drives a strong binding effect with the BBB depending on the sialylation of vimentin. This interaction contributes to the bacterial adhesion to and penetration of the BBB and induces a robust inflammatory response during meningitis. This overall observation underscores the significance of host cell surface vimentin interactions in microbial pathogenesis and markedly improves our understanding of host barrier penetration during meningitis.

Cell surface detection of vimentin, ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins reveals selective colocalization at primary cilia

The SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein mediates docking of the virus onto cells prior to viral invasion. Several cellular receptors facilitate SARS-CoV-2 Spike docking at the cell surface, of which ACE2 plays a key role in many cell types. The intermediate filament protein vimentin has been reported to be present at the surface of certain cells and act as a co-receptor for several viruses; furthermore, its potential involvement in interactions with Spike proteins has been proposed. Nevertheless, the potential colocalization of vimentin with Spike and its receptors on the cell surface has not been explored. Here we have assessed the binding of Spike protein constructs to several cell types. Incubation of cells with tagged Spike S or Spike S1 subunit led to discrete dotted patterns at the cell surface, which consistently colocalized with endogenous ACE2, but sparsely with a lipid raft marker. Vimentin immunoreactivity mostly appeared as spots or patches unevenly distributed at the surface of diverse cell types. Of note, vimentin could also be detected in extracellular particles and in the cytoplasm underlying areas of compromised plasma membrane. Interestingly, although overall colocalization of vimentin-positive spots with ACE2 or Spike was moderate, a selective enrichment of the three proteins was detected at elongated structures, positive for acetylated tubulin and ARL13B. These structures, consistent with primary cilia, concentrated Spike binding at the top of the cells. Our results suggest that a vimentin-Spike interaction could occur at selective locations of the cell surface, including ciliated structures, which can act as platforms for SARS-CoV-2 docking.

Group B Streptococcal Neonatal Meningitis

Neonatal bacterial meningitis is a devastating disease, associated with high mortality and neurological disability, in both developed and developing countries. Streptococcus agalactiae, commonly referred to as group B Streptococcus (GBS), remains the most common bacterial cause of meningitis among infants younger than 90 days. Maternal colonization with GBS in the gastrointestinal and/or genitourinary tracts is the primary risk factor for neonatal invasive disease. Despite prophylactic intrapartum antibiotic administration to colonized women and improved neonatal intensive care, the incidence and morbidity associated with GBS meningitis have not declined since the 1970s. Among meningitis survivors, a significant number suffer from complex neurological or neuropsychiatric sequelae, implying that the pathophysiology and pathogenic mechanisms leading to brain injury and devastating outcomes are not yet fully understood. It is imperative to develop new therapeutic and neuroprotective approaches aiming at protecting the developing brain. In this review, we provide updated clinical information regarding the understanding of neonatal GBS meningitis, including epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and human evidence of the disease's underlying mechanisms. Finally, we explore the experimental models used to study GBS meningitis and discuss their clinical and physiologic relevance to the complexities of human disease.

Bacterial and Host Determinants of Group B Streptococcal Infection of the Neonate and Infant

Group B streptococci (GBS) are Gram-positive β-hemolytic bacteria that can cause serious and life-threatening infections in neonates manifesting as sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis, and/or septic arthritis. Invasive GBS infections in neonates in the first week of life are referred to as early-onset disease (EOD) and thought to be acquired by the fetus through exposure to GBS in utero or to vaginal fluids during birth. Late-onset disease (LOD) refers to invasive GBS infections between 7 and 89 days of life. LOD transmission routes are incompletely understood, but may include breast milk, household contacts, nosocomial, or community sources. Invasive GBS infections and particularly meningitis may result in significant neurodevelopmental injury and long-term disability that persists into childhood and adulthood. Globally, EOD and LOD occur in more than 300,000 neonates and infants annually, resulting in 90,000 infant deaths and leaving more than 10,000 infants with a lifelong disability. In this review, we discuss the clinical impact of invasive GBS neonatal infections and then summarize virulence and host factors that allow the bacteria to exploit the developing neonatal immune system and target organs. Specifically, we consider the mechanisms known to enable GBS invasion into the neonatal lung, blood vessels and brain. Understanding mechanisms of GBS invasion and pathogenesis relevant to infections in the neonate and infant may inform the development of therapeutics to prevent or mitigate injury, as well as improve risk stratification.

Targeting the BspC-vimentin interaction to develop anti-virulence therapies during Group B streptococcal meningitis

Bacterial infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and the rise of antibiotic resistance necessitates development of alternative treatments. Pathogen adhesins that bind to host cells initiate disease pathogenesis and represent potential therapeutic targets. We have shown previously that the BspC adhesin in Group B Streptococcus (GBS), the leading cause of bacterial neonatal meningitis, interacts with host vimentin to promote attachment to brain endothelium and disease development. Here we determined that the BspC variable (V-) domain contains the vimentin binding site and promotes GBS adherence to brain endothelium. Site directed mutagenesis identified a binding pocket necessary for GBS host cell interaction and development of meningitis. Using a virtual structure-based drug screen we identified compounds that targeted the V-domain binding pocket, which blocked GBS adherence and entry into the brain in vivo. These data indicate the utility of targeting the pathogen-host interface to develop anti-virulence therapeutics.

A Jack of All Trades: The Role of Pneumococcal Surface Protein A in the Pathogenesis of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), or the pneumococcus, is a Gram-positive bacterium that colonizes the upper airway. Spn is an opportunistic pathogen capable of life-threatening disease should it become established in the lungs, gain access to the bloodstream, or disseminate to vital organs including the central nervous system. Spn is encapsulated, allowing it to avoid phagocytosis, and current preventative measures against infection include polyvalent vaccines composed of capsular polysaccharide corresponding to its most prevalent serotypes. The pneumococcus also has a plethora of surface components that allow the bacteria to adhere to host cells, facilitate the evasion of the immune system, and obtain vital nutrients; one family of these are the choline-binding proteins (CBPs). Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is one of the most abundant CBPs and confers protection against the host by inhibiting recognition by C-reactive protein and neutralizing the antimicrobial peptide lactoferricin. Recently our group has identified two new roles for PspA: binding to dying host cells via host-cell bound glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and co-opting of host lactate dehydrogenase to enhance lactate availability. These properties have been shown to influence Spn localization and enhance virulence in the lower airway, respectively. Herein, we review the impact of CBPs, and in particular PspA, on pneumococcal pathogenesis. We discuss the potential and limitations of using PspA as a conserved vaccine antigen in a conjugate vaccine formulation. PspA is a vital component of the pneumococcal virulence arsenal - therefore, understanding the molecular aspects of this protein is essential in understanding pneumococcal pathogenesis and utilizing PspA as a target for treating or preventing pneumococcal pneumonia.

Mendonça J, Villarreal R, Nagao PE, Doran KS, Palmer KL, Guan Z. Identification of a novel cationic glycolipid in Streptococcus agalactiae that contributes to brain entry and meningitis

Bacterial membrane lipids are critical for membrane bilayer formation, cell division, protein localization, stress responses, and pathogenesis. Despite their critical roles, membrane lipids have not been fully elucidated for many pathogens. Here, we report the discovery of a novel cationic glycolipid, lysyl-glucosyl-diacylglycerol (Lys-Glc-DAG), which is synthesized in high abundance by the bacterium Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS). To our knowledge, Lys-Glc-DAG is more positively charged than any other known lipids. Lys-Glc-DAG carries 2 positive net charges per molecule, distinct from the widely described lysylated phospholipid lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol (Lys-PG) that carries one positive net charge due to the presence of a negatively charged phosphate moiety. We use normal phase liquid chromatography (NPLC) coupled with electrospray ionization (ESI) high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) and genetic approaches to determine that Lys-Glc-DAG is synthesized by the enzyme MprF in GBS, which covalently modifies the neutral glycolipid Glc-DAG with the cationic amino acid lysine. GBS is a leading cause of neonatal meningitis, which requires traversal of the endothelial blood–brain barrier (BBB). We demonstrate that GBS strains lacking mprF exhibit a significant decrease in the ability to invade BBB endothelial cells. Further, mice challenged with a GBSΔmprF mutant developed bacteremia comparably to wild-type (WT) infected mice yet had less recovered bacteria from brain tissue and a lower incidence of meningitis. Thus, our data suggest that Lys-Glc-DAG may contribute to bacterial uptake into host cells and disease progression. Importantly, our discovery provides a platform for further study of cationic lipids at the host–pathogen interface.

Bacterial membrane lipids are critical for membrane bilayer formation, cell division, protein localization, stress responses, and pathogenesis. This study shows that the enzyme MprF in Streptococcus agalactiae synthesizes a novel cationic lipid, Lysyl-Glucosyl-Diacylglycerol, which aids meningitis progression in vivo.

Vimentin Regulates Chemokine Expression and NOD2 Activation in Brain Endothelium during Group B Streptococcal Infection

Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, or GBS) is an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing invasive disease in susceptible individuals, including the newborn. Currently, GBS is the leading cause of meningitis in the neonatal period. We have recently shown that GBS interacts directly with host type III intermediate filament vimentin to gain access to the central nervous system. This results in characteristic meningeal inflammation and disease progression; however, the specific role of vimentin in the inflammatory process is unknown. Here, we investigate the contribution of vimentin to the pathogenesis of GBS meningitis. We show that a CRISPR-targeted deletion of vimentin in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC) reduced GBS induction of neutrophil attractants interleukin-8 (IL-8) and CXCL-1 as well as NF-κB activation. We further show that inhibition of vimentin localization also prevented similar chemokine activation by GBS. One known chemokine regulator is the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing protein 2 (NOD2), which is known to interact directly with vimentin. Thus, we hypothesized that NOD2 would also promote GBS chemokine induction. We show that GBS infection induced NOD2 transcription in hCMEC comparably to the muramyl dipeptide (MDP) NOD2 agonist, and the chemokine induction was reduced in the presence of a NOD2 inhibitor. Using a mouse model of GBS meningitis, we also observed increased NOD2 transcript and NOD2 activation in brain tissue of infected mice. Lastly, we show that NOD2-mediated IL-8 and CXCL1 induction required vimentin, further indicating the importance of vimentin in mediating inflammatory responses in brain endothelium.

Community-acquired bacterial meningitis

Progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of community-acquired bacterial meningitis during the past three decades but the burden of the disease remains high globally. Conjugate vaccines against the three most common causative pathogens (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae) have reduced the incidence of disease, but with the replacement by non-vaccine pneumococcal serotypes and the emergence of bacterial strains with reduced susceptibility to antimicrobial treatment, meningitis continues to pose a major health challenge worldwide. In patients presenting with bacterial meningitis, typical clinical characteristics (such as the classic triad of neck stiffness, fever, and an altered mental status) might be absent and cerebrospinal fluid examination for biochemistry, microscopy, culture, and PCR to identify bacterial DNA are essential for the diagnosis. Multiplex PCR point-of-care panels in cerebrospinal fluid show promise in accelerating the diagnosis, but diagnostic accuracy studies to justify routine implementation are scarce and randomised, controlled studies are absent. Early administration of antimicrobial treatment (within 1 hour of presentation) improves outcomes and needs to be adjusted according to local emergence of drug resistance. Adjunctive dexamethasone treatment has proven efficacy beyond the neonatal age but only in patients from high-income countries. Further progress can be expected from implementing preventive measures, especially the development of new vaccines, implementation of hospital protocols aimed at early treatment, and new treatments targeting checkpoints of the inflammatory cascade.

Structure-function characterization of Streptococcus intermedius surface antigen Pas

Streptococcus intermedius, an oral commensal bacterium, is found at various sites including subgingival dental plaque, purulent infections, and in cystic fibrosis lungs. Oral streptococci utilize proteins on their surface to adhere to tissues and/or surfaces localizing the bacteria, which subsequently leads to the development of biofilms, colonization and infection. Among the 19 genomically annotated cell-wall attached surface proteins on S. intermedius, Pas is an adhesin that belongs to the Antigen I/II (AgI/II) family. Here we have structurally and functionally characterized Pas, particularly focusing on its microbial-host as well as microbial-microbial interactions. The crystal structures of V^Pas and C₁₂₃^Pas show high similarity with AgI/II of S. mutans. V^Pas hosts a conserved metal binding site, and likewise the C₁₂₃^Pas structure retains its conserved metal binding sites and isopeptide bonds within its three DEv-IgG domains. Pas interacts with nanomolar affinity to lung alveolar glycoprotein 340 (Gp340), its scavenger receptor cysteine rich domains (SRCRs) and with fibrinogen. Both Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the opportunistic pathogens that cohabitate with S. intermedius in the lungs of CFTR patients were studied in dual-species biofilm studies. The Pas deficient mutant (Δpas) displayed significant reduction in dual biofilm formation with C. albicans. In similar studies with P. aeruginosa, Pas did not mediate the biofilm formation with either the acute isolate (PAO1), or the chronic isolate (FRD1). However, the Sortase A deficient mutant (ΔsrtA) displayed reduced biofilm formation with both C. albicans and P. aeruginosa FRD1. Taken together, our findings highlight the role of Pas in both microbial-host and interkingdom interactions and expose its potential role in disease outcomes. Importance Streptococcus intermedius, an oral commensal bacterium, has been clinically observed in subgingival dental plaque, purulent infections, and in cystic fibrosis lungs. In this study, we have (a) determined the crystal structure of the V- and C-regions of Pas; (b) shown that its surface protein Pas adheres to fibrinogen, which could potentially ferry the microbe through the blood stream from the oral cavity; (c) characterized Pas's high affinity adherence to lung alveolar protein Gp340 that could fixate the microbe on lung epithelial cells; and (d) most importantly shown that these surface proteins on the oral commensal S. intermedius enhances biofilms of known pathogens Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Molecular Characteristics of IS1216 Carrying Multidrug Resistance Gene Cluster in Serotype III/Sequence Type 19 Group B Streptococcus

Streptococcus agalactiae is the leading cause of meningitis in newborns and a significant cause of invasive diseases in pregnant women and adults with underlying diseases. Antibiotic resistance against erythromycin and clindamycin in group B streptococcus (GBS) isolates has been increasing worldwide. GBS expresses the Srr1 and Srr2 proteins, which have important roles in bacterial infection. They have been investigated as novel vaccine candidates against GBS infection, with promising results. But a recent study detected non-srr1/2-expressing clinical isolates belonging to serotype III. Thus, we aimed to analyze the genotypes of non-srr1/2 GBS clinical isolates collected between 2013 and 2016 in South Korea. Forty-one (13.4%) of the 305 serotype III isolates were identified as non-srr1/2 strains, including sequence type 19 (ST19) (n = 16) and ST27 (n = 18) strains. The results of the comparative genomic analysis of the ST19/serotype III/non-srr1/2 strains further revealed four unique gene clusters. Site 4 in the srr1 gene locus was replaced by an lsa(E)-lnu(B)-aadK-aac-aph-aadE-carrying multidrug-resistant gene cluster flanked by two IS1216 transposases with 99% homology to the enterococcal plasmid pKUB3007-1. Despite the Srr1 and Srr2 deficiencies, which resulted in reduced fibrinogen binding, the adherence of non-srr1/2 strains to endothelial and epithelial cells was comparable to that of Srr1- or Srr2-expressing strains. Moreover, their virulence in mouse models of meningitis was not significantly affected. Furthermore, additional adhesin-encoding genes, including a gene encoding a BspA-like protein, which may contribute to colonization by non-srr1/2 strains, were identified via whole-genome analysis. Thus, our study provides important findings that can aid in the development of vaccines and antibiotics against GBS. IMPORTANCE Most previously isolated group B streptococcus (GBS) strains express either the Srr1 or Srr2 glycoprotein, which plays an important role in bacterial colonization and invasion. These glycoproteins are potential protein vaccine candidates. In this study, we first report GBS clinical isolates in which the srr1/2 gene was deleted or replaced with foreign genes. Despite Srr1/2 deficiency, in vitro adherence to mammalian cells and in vivo virulence in murine models were not affected, suggesting that the isolates might have another adherence mechanism that enhanced their virulence aside from Srr1/2-fibrinogen-mediated adherence. In addition, several non-srr1/2 isolates replaced the srr1/2 gene with the lnu(B) and lsa(E) antibiotic resistance genes flanked by IS1216, effectively causing multidrug resistance. Collectively, we believe that our study identifies the underlying genes responsible for the pathogenesis of new GBS serotype III. Furthermore, our study emphasizes the need for alternative antibiotics for patients who are allergic to β-lactams and for those who are pregnant.

Living on the Edge of the CNS: Meninges Cell Diversity in Health and Disease

The meninges are the fibrous covering of the central nervous system (CNS) which contain vastly heterogeneous cell types within its three layers (dura, arachnoid, and pia). The dural compartment of the meninges, closest to the skull, is predominantly composed of fibroblasts, but also includes fenestrated blood vasculature, an elaborate lymphatic system, as well as immune cells which are distinct from the CNS. Segregating the outer and inner meningeal compartments is the epithelial-like arachnoid barrier cells, connected by tight and adherens junctions, which regulate the movement of pathogens, molecules, and cells into and out of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and brain parenchyma. Most proximate to the brain is the collagen and basement membrane-rich pia matter that abuts the glial limitans and has recently be shown to have regional heterogeneity within the developing mouse brain. While the meninges were historically seen as a purely structural support for the CNS and protection from trauma, the emerging view of the meninges is as an essential interface between the CNS and the periphery, critical to brain development, required for brain homeostasis, and involved in a variety of diseases. In this review, we will summarize what is known regarding the development, specification, and maturation of the meninges during homeostatic conditions and discuss the rapidly emerging evidence that specific meningeal cell compartments play differential and important roles in the pathophysiology of a myriad of diseases including: multiple sclerosis, dementia, stroke, viral/bacterial meningitis, traumatic brain injury, and cancer. We will conclude with a list of major questions and mechanisms that remain unknown, the study of which represent new, future directions for the field of meninges biology.

Role of Intermediate Filaments in Blood-Brain Barrier in Health and Disease

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective cellular monolayer unique to the microvasculature of the central nervous system (CNS), and it mediates the communication of the CNS with the rest of the body by regulating the passage of molecules into the CNS microenvironment. Limitation of passage of substances through the BBB is mainly due to tight junctions (TJ) and adherens junctions (AJ) between brain microvascular endothelial cells. The importance of actin filaments and microtubules in establishing and maintaining TJs and AJs has been indicated; however, recent studies have shown that intermediate filaments are also important in the formation and function of cell–cell junctions. The most common intermediate filament protein in endothelial cells is vimentin. Vimentin plays a role in blood–brain barrier permeability in both cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions by affecting the actin and microtubule reorganization and by binding directly to VE-cadherin or integrin proteins. The BBB permeability increases due to the formation of stress fibers and the disruption of VE–cadherin interactions between two neighboring cells in various diseases, disrupting the fiber network of intermediate filament vimentin in different ways. Intermediate filaments may be long ignored key targets in regulation of BBB permeability in health and disease.

Bacterial protein domains with a novel Ig-like fold target human CEACAM receptors

Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as group B Streptococcus (GBS), is the major cause of neonatal sepsis in humans. A critical step to infection is adhesion of bacteria to epithelial surfaces. GBS adhesins have been identified to bind extracellular matrix components and cellular receptors. However, several putative adhesins have no host binding partner characterised. We report here that surface-expressed β protein of GBS binds to human CEACAM1 and CEACAM5 receptors. A crystal structure of the complex showed that an IgSF domain in β represents a novel Ig-fold subtype called IgI3, in which unique features allow binding to CEACAM1. Bioinformatic assessment revealed that this newly identified IgI3 fold is not exclusively present in GBS but is predicted to be present in adhesins from other clinically important human pathogens. In agreement with this prediction, we found that CEACAM1 binds to an IgI3 domain found in an adhesin from a different streptococcal species. Overall, our results indicate that the IgI3 fold could provide a broadly applied mechanism for bacteria to target CEACAMs.

A current review of pathogenicity determinants of Streptococcus sp

The genus Streptococcus comprises important pathogens, many of them are part of the human or animal microbiota. Advances in molecular genetics, taxonomic approaches and phylogenomic studies have led to the establishment of at least 100 species that have a severe impact on human health and are responsible for substantial economic losses to agriculture. The infectivity of the pathogens is linked to cell-surface components and/or secreted virulence factors. Bacteria have evolved sophisticated and multifaceted adaptation strategies to the host environment, including biofilm formation, survival within professional phagocytes, escape the host immune response, amongst others. This review focuses on virulence mechanism and zoonotic potential of Streptococcus species from pyogenic (S. agalactiae, S. pyogenes) and mitis groups (S. pneumoniae).

The Multifaceted Nature of Streptococcal Antigen I/II Proteins in Colonization and Disease Pathogenesis

Streptococci are Gram-positive bacteria that belong to the natural microbiota of humans and animals. Certain streptococcal species are known as opportunistic pathogens with the potential to cause severe invasive disease. Antigen I/II (AgI/II) family proteins are sortase anchored cell surface adhesins that are nearly ubiquitous across streptococci and contribute to many streptococcal diseases, including dental caries, respiratory tract infections, and meningitis. They appear to be multifunctional adhesins with affinities to various host substrata, acting to mediate attachment to host surfaces and stimulate immune responses from the colonized host. Here we will review the literature including recent work that has demonstrated the multifaceted nature of AgI/II family proteins, focusing on their overlapping and distinct functions and their important contribution to streptococcal colonization and disease.

The Coxiella burnetii T4SS Effector AnkF Is Important for Intracellular Replication

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. Following uptake by alveolar macrophages, the pathogen replicates in an acidic phagolysosomal vacuole, the C. burnetii-containing vacuole (CCV). Effector proteins translocated into the host cell by the type IV secretion system (T4SS) are important for the establishment of the CCV. Here we focus on the effector protein AnkF and its role in establishing the CCV. The C. burnetii AnkF knock out mutant invades host cells as efficiently as wild-type C. burnetii, but this mutant is hampered in its ability to replicate intracellularly, indicating that AnkF might be involved in the development of a replicative CCV. To unravel the underlying reason(s), we searched for AnkF interactors in host cells and identified vimentin through a yeast two-hybrid approach. While AnkF does not alter vimentin expression at the mRNA or protein levels, the presence of AnkF results in structural reorganization and vesicular co-localization with recombinant vimentin. Ectopically expressed AnkF partially accumulates around the established CCV and endogenous vimentin is recruited to the CCV in a time-dependent manner, suggesting that AnkF might attract vimentin to the CCV. However, knocking-down endogenous vimentin does not affect intracellular replication of C. burnetii. Other cytoskeletal components are recruited to the CCV and might compensate for the lack of vimentin. Taken together, AnkF is essential for the establishment of the replicative CCV, however, its mode of action is still elusive.

Identification of Zinc-Dependent Mechanisms Used by Group B Streptococcus To Overcome Calprotectin-Mediated Stress

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) asymptomatically colonizes the female reproductive tract but is a common causative agent of meningitis. GBS meningitis is characterized by extensive infiltration of neutrophils carrying high concentrations of calprotectin, a metal chelator. To persist within inflammatory sites and cause invasive disease, GBS must circumvent host starvation attempts. Here, we identified global requirements for GBS survival during calprotectin challenge, including known and putative systems involved in metal ion transport. We characterized the role of zinc import in tolerating calprotectin stress in vitro and in a mouse model of infection. We observed that a global zinc uptake mutant was less virulent than the parental GBS strain and found calprotectin knockout mice to be equally susceptible to infection by wild-type (WT) and mutant strains. These findings suggest that calprotectin production at the site of infection results in a zinc-limited environment and reveals the importance of GBS metal homeostasis to invasive disease.

Nutritional immunity is an elegant host mechanism used to starve invading pathogens of necessary nutrient metals. Calprotectin, a metal-binding protein, is produced abundantly by neutrophils and is found in high concentrations within inflammatory sites during infection. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonizes the gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts and is commonly associated with severe invasive infections in newborns such as pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. Although GBS infections induce robust neutrophil recruitment and inflammation, the dynamics of GBS and calprotectin interactions remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that disease and colonizing isolate strains exhibit susceptibility to metal starvation by calprotectin. We constructed a mariner transposon (Krmit) mutant library in GBS and identified 258 genes that contribute to surviving calprotectin stress. Nearly 20% of all underrepresented mutants following treatment with calprotectin are predicted metal transporters, including known zinc systems. As calprotectin binds zinc with picomolar affinity, we investigated the contribution of GBS zinc uptake to overcoming calprotectin-imposed starvation. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed a significant upregulation of genes encoding zinc-binding proteins, adcA, adcAII, and lmb, following calprotectin exposure, while growth in calprotectin revealed a significant defect for a global zinc acquisition mutant (ΔadcAΔadcAIIΔlmb) compared to growth of the GBS wild-type (WT) strain. Furthermore, mice challenged with the ΔadcAΔadcAIIΔlmb mutant exhibited decreased mortality and significantly reduced bacterial burden in the brain compared to mice infected with WT GBS; this difference was abrogated in calprotectin knockout mice. Collectively, these data suggest that GBS zinc transport machinery is important for combatting zinc chelation by calprotectin and establishing invasive disease.

Mechanical and Non-Mechanical Functions of Filamentous and Non-Filamentous Vimentin

Intermediate filaments (IFs) formed by vimentin are less understood than their cytoskeletal partners, microtubules and F-actin, but the unique physical properties of IFs, especially their resistance to large deformations, initially suggest a mechanical function. Indeed, vimentin IFs help regulate cell mechanics and contractility, and in crowded 3D environments they protect the nucleus during cell migration. Recently, a multitude of studies, often using genetic or proteomic screenings show that vimentin has many non-mechanical functions within and outside of cells. These include signaling roles in wound healing, lipogenesis, sterol processing, and various functions related to extracellular and cell surface vimentin. Extracellular vimentin is implicated in marking circulating tumor cells, promoting neural repair, and mediating the invasion of host cells by viruses, including SARS-CoV, or bacteria such as Listeria and Streptococcus. These findings underscore the fundamental role of vimentin in not only cell mechanics but also a range of physiological functions. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/YPfoddqvz-g.

Vimentin as a Multifaceted Player and Potential Therapeutic Target in Viral Infections

Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein that plays key roles in integration of cytoskeletal functions, and therefore in basic cellular processes such as cell division and migration. Consequently, vimentin has complex implications in pathophysiology. Vimentin is required for a proper immune response, but it can also act as an autoantigen in autoimmune diseases or as a damage signal. Although vimentin is a predominantly cytoplasmic protein, it can also appear at extracellular locations, either in a secreted form or at the surface of numerous cell types, often in relation to cell activation, inflammation, injury or senescence. Cell surface targeting of vimentin appears to associate with the occurrence of certain posttranslational modifications, such as phosphorylation and/or oxidative damage. At the cell surface, vimentin can act as a receptor for bacterial and viral pathogens. Indeed, vimentin has been shown to play important roles in virus attachment and entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV), dengue and encephalitis viruses, among others. Moreover, the presence of vimentin in specific virus-targeted cells and its induction by proinflammatory cytokines and tissue damage contribute to its implication in viral infection. Here, we recapitulate some of the pathophysiological implications of vimentin, including the involvement of cell surface vimentin in interaction with pathogens, with a special focus on its role as a cellular receptor or co-receptor for viruses. In addition, we provide a perspective on approaches to target vimentin, including antibodies or chemical agents that could modulate these interactions to potentially interfere with viral pathogenesis, which could be useful when multi-target antiviral strategies are needed.

Dissecting Streptococcus pyogenes interaction with human

Streptococcus pyogenes is a species of Gram-positive bacteria. It is also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS) that causes pathogenesis to humans only. The GAS infection has several manifestations including invasive illness. Current research has linked the molecular modes of GAS virulence with substantial sequencing determinations for the isolation of genomes. These advances help to comprehend the molecular evolution resulting in the pandemic strains. Thus, it is indispensable to reconsider the philosophy that involves GAS pathogenesis. The recent investigations involve studying GAS in the nasopharynx and its capability to cause infection or asymptomatically reside in the host. These advances have been discussed in this article with an emphasis on the natural history of GAS and the evolutionary change in the pandemic strains. In addition, this review describes the unique functions for major pathogenicity determinants to comprehend their physiological effects.

Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Transendothelial Migration Proceeds at Blood-Brain Barrier in Neonatal Meningitis

Neonatal bacterial meningitis remains a life-threatening and causative sequelae disease in newborns, despite the effective usage of antibiotics and improved critical medical care. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) transendothelial migration across the blood-brain barrier, one of the three hallmarks of bacterial meningitis, now is considered as a “double-edge sword”. When participating in host immune system defending against virulent pathogens, it results in tissue inflammation and following severe damage of central nervous system at the same time, which contributes to a disastrous consequence. Recently, several researches have focused on this multi-step process and the mechanism of how the virulent factors of different pathogens influence PMN migration. The great progression they made has enlightened a new research hotspot and a novel therapeutic strategy. This mini review outlines the determinants and progression of PMN transmigration in neonatal meningitis caused by different predominant pathogens.

Dynamic monitoring of CD45-/CD31+/DAPI+ circulating endothelial cells aneuploid for chromosome 8 during neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer

Background:

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). The aim of this study was to verify this relationship, and to estimate the clinical value of aneuploid circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in LABC patients with different NCT responses.

Methods:

Breast cancer patients received an EC4-T4 NCT regimen. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained before NCT, and after the first and last NCT courses. A novel subtraction enrichment and immunostaining fluorescence in situ hybridization (SE-iFISH) strategy was applied for detection of circulating rare cells (CRCs). CECs (CD45–/CD31+/DAPI+) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with different cytogenetic abnormalities related to chromosome 8 aneuploidy were analyzed in LABC patients subjected to NCT.

Results:

A total of 41 patients were enrolled. Firstly, CD31+/EpCAM+ aneuploid endothelial-epithelial fusion cells were observed in LABC patients. Further, aneuploid CECs in the peripheral blood showed a biphasic response during NCT, as they initially increased and then decreased, whereas a strong positive correlation was observed between aneuploid CECs and CTC numbers.

Conclusion:

We determined that aneuploid CEC dynamics vary in patients with different response to chemotherapy. Elucidating the potential cross-talk between CTCs and aneuploid CECs may help characterize the process associated with the development of chemotherapy resistance and metastasis.

Genome-Wide Screens Identify Group A Streptococcus Surface Proteins Promoting Female Genital Tract Colonization and Virulence

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a major pathogen that impacts health and economic affairs worldwide. Although the oropharynx is the primary site of infection, GAS can colonize the female genital tract and cause severe diseases, such as puerperal sepsis, neonatal infections, and necrotizing myometritis. Our understanding of how GAS genes contribute to interaction with the primate female genital tract is limited by the lack of relevant animal models. Using two genome-wide transposon mutagenesis screens, we identified 69 GAS genes required for colonization of the primate vaginal mucosa in vivo and 96 genes required for infection of the uterine wall ex vivo. We discovered a common set of 39 genes important for GAS fitness in both environments. They include genes encoding transporters, surface proteins, transcriptional regulators, and metabolic pathways. Notably, the genes that encode the surface-exclusion protein (SpyAD) and the immunogenic secreted protein 2 (Isp2) were found to be crucial for GAS fitness in the female primate genital tract. Targeted gene deletion confirmed that isogenic mutant strains ΔspyAD and Δisp2 are significantly impaired in ability to colonize the primate genital tract and cause uterine wall pathologic findings. Our studies identified novel GAS genes that contribute to female reproductive tract interaction that warrant translational research investigation.

Meningitic Escherichia coli Induction of ANGPTL4 in Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells Contributes to Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption via ARHGAP5/RhoA/MYL5 Signaling Cascade

Bacterial meningitis is currently recognized as one of the most important life-threatening infections of the central nervous system (CNS) with high morbidity and mortality, despite the advancements in antimicrobial treatment. The disruption of blood–brain barrier (BBB) induced by meningitis bacteria is crucial for the development of bacterial meningitis. However, the complete mechanisms involving in the BBB disruption remain to be elucidated. Here, we found meningitic Escherichia coli induction of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) contributes to BBB disruption via ARHGAP5/RhoA/MYL5 signaling cascade, by the demonstration that ANGPTL4 was significantly upregulated in meningitis E. coli infection of BMECs as well as mice, and treatment of the recombinant ANGPTL4 protein led to an increased permeability of the BBB in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we found that ANGPTL4 did not affect the expression of tight junction proteins involved in BBB disruption, but it increased the expression of MYL5, which was found to have a negative role on the regulation of barrier function during meningitic E. coli infection, through the activation of RhoA signaling pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the disruption of BBB induced by ANGPTL4 through the ARHGAP5/RhoA/MYL5 pathway, which largely supports the involvement of ANGPTL4 during meningitic E. coli invasion and further expands the theoretical basis for the mechanism of bacterial meningitis.

Strategies used by bacterial pathogens to cross the blood-brain barrier

The skull, spine, meninges, and cellular barriers at the blood-brain and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid interfaces well protect the brain and meningeal spaces against microbial invasion. However, once in the bloodstream, a range of pathogenic bacteria is able to reach the brain and cause meningitis. Despite advances in antibacterial therapy, bacterial meningitis remains one of the most important infectious diseases worldwide. The most common causative bacteria in children and adults are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis associated with high morbidity and mortality, while among neonates, most cases of bacterial meningitis are due to group B Streptococcus and Escherichia coli. Here we summarise our current knowledge on the strategies used by these bacterial pathogens to survive in the bloodstream, to colonise the brain vasculature and to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Virulence Factors of Meningitis-Causing Bacteria: Enabling Brain Entry across the Blood-Brain Barrier

Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traversal of the barriers protecting the brain by pathogens is a prerequisite for the development of meningitis. Bacteria have developed a variety of different strategies to cross these barriers and reach the CNS. To this end, they use a variety of different virulence factors that enable them to attach to and traverse these barriers. These virulence factors mediate adhesion to and invasion into host cells, intracellular survival, induction of host cell signaling and inflammatory response, and affect barrier function. While some of these mechanisms differ, others are shared by multiple pathogens. Further understanding of these processes, with special emphasis on the difference between the blood-brain barrier and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, as well as virulence factors used by the pathogens, is still needed.

Cas9 Contributes to Group B Streptococcal Colonization and Disease

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a major opportunistic pathogen in certain adult populations, including pregnant women, and remains a leading etiologic agent of newborn disease. During pregnancy, GBS asymptomatically colonizes the vaginal tract of 20-30% of healthy women, but can be transmitted to the neonate in utero or during birth resulting in neonatal pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis, and subsequently 10-15% mortality regardless of antibiotic treatment. While various GBS virulence factors have been implicated in vaginal colonization and invasive disease, the regulation of many of these factors remains unclear. Recently, CRISPR-associated protein-9 (Cas9), an endonuclease known for its role in CRISPR/Cas immunity, has also been observed to modulate virulence in a number of bacterial pathogens. However, the role of Cas9 in GBS colonization and disease pathogenesis has not been well-studied. We performed allelic replacement of cas9 in GBS human clinical isolates of the hypervirulent sequence-type 17 strain lineage to generate isogenic Δcas9 mutants. Compared to parental strains, Δcas9 mutants were attenuated in murine models of hematogenous meningitis and vaginal colonization and exhibited significantly decreased invasion of human brain endothelium and adherence to vaginal epithelium. To determine if Cas9 alters transcription in GBS, we performed RNA-Seq analysis and found that 353 genes (>17% of the GBS genome) were differentially expressed between the parental WT and Δcas9 mutant strain. Significantly dysregulated genes included those encoding predicted virulence factors, metabolic factors, two-component systems (TCS), and factors important for cell wall formation. These findings were confirmed by qRT-PCR and suggest that Cas9 may regulate a significant portion of the GBS genome. We studied one of the TCS regulators, CiaR, that was significantly downregulated in the Δcas9 mutant strain. RNA-Seq analysis of the WT and ΔciaR strains demonstrated that almost all CiaR-regulated genes were also significantly regulated by Cas9, suggesting that Cas9 may modulate GBS gene expression through other regulators. Further we show that CiaR contributes to GBS vaginal colonization and persistence. Altogether, these data highlight the potential complexity and importance of the non-canonical function of Cas9 in GBS colonization and disease.

How BspC from Streptococcus agalactiae Interacts with Host Vimentin during Meningitis

Streptococcus agalactiae meningitis is a frequent neonatal disease associated with high mortality and permanent neurological damage. Deng et al. (PLoS Pathog., 2019) now show that interactions between the bacterial protein BspC and host cell vimentin participate in the process of invasion of the meninges by this bacterial pathogen.