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Wickramasinghe DN, Lyon CM, Lee S, Hepworth OW, Priest EL, Maufrais C, Ryan AP, Permal E, Sullivan D, McManus BA, Hube B, Butler G, d'Enfert C, Naglik JR, Richardson JP. Variations in candidalysin amino acid sequence influence toxicity and host responses. mBio 2024:e0335123. [PMID: 38953356 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03351-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans causes millions of mucosal infections in humans annually. Hyphal overgrowth on mucosal surfaces is frequently associated with tissue damage caused by candidalysin, a secreted peptide toxin that destabilizes the plasma membrane of host cells thereby promoting disease and immunopathology. Candidalysin was first identified in C. albicans strain SC5314, but recent investigations have revealed candidalysin "variants" of differing amino acid sequence in isolates of C. albicans, and the related species C. dubliniensis, and C tropicalis, suggesting that sequence variation among candidalysins may be widespread in natural populations of these Candida species. Here, we analyzed ECE1 gene sequences from 182 C. albicans isolates, 10 C. dubliniensis isolates, and 78 C. tropicalis isolates and identified 10, 3, and 2 candidalysin variants in these species, respectively. Application of candidalysin variants to epithelial cells revealed differences in the ability to cause cellular damage, changes in metabolic activity, calcium influx, MAPK signalling, and cytokine secretion, while biophysical analyses indicated that variants exhibited differences in their ability to interact with and permeabilize a membrane. This study identifies candidalysin variants with differences in biological activity that are present in medically relevant Candida species. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections are a significant burden to health. Candidalysin is a toxin produced by Candida albicans that damages host tissues, facilitating infection. Previously, we demonstrated that candidalysins exist in the related species C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis, thereby identifying these molecules as a toxin family. Recent genomic analyses have highlighted the presence of a small number of candidalysin "variant" toxins, which have different amino acid sequences to those originally identified. Here, we screened genome sequences of isolates of C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, and C. tropicalis and identified candidalysin variants in all three species. When applied to epithelial cells, candidalysin variants differed in their ability to cause damage, activate intracellular signaling pathways, and induce innate immune responses, while biophysical analysis revealed differences in the ability of candidalysin variants to interact with lipid bilayers. These findings suggest that intraspecies variation in candidalysin amino acid sequence may influence fungal pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don N Wickramasinghe
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire M Lyon
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sejeong Lee
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia W Hepworth
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily L Priest
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Corinne Maufrais
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAe USC 2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
| | - Adam P Ryan
- School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emmanuelle Permal
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAe USC 2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Derek Sullivan
- Division of Oral Biosciences, Dublin Dental University Hospital, and School of Dental Science, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brenda A McManus
- Division of Oral Biosciences, Dublin Dental University Hospital, and School of Dental Science, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Geraldine Butler
- School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science and UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAe USC 2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Julian R Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan P Richardson
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Xu Z, Li Y, Xu A, Xue L, Soteyome T, Yuan L, Ma Q, Seneviratne G, Hong W, Mao Y, Kjellerup BV, Liu J. Differential alteration in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum quorum-sensing systems and reduced Candida albicans yeast survival and virulence gene expression in dual-species interaction. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0035324. [PMID: 38717160 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00353-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum (L. plantarum) are frequently identified in various niches, but their dual-species interaction, especially with C. albicans in yeast form, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the dual-species interaction of L. plantarum and C. albicans, including proliferation, morphology, and transcriptomes examined by selective agar plate counting, microscopy, and polymicrobial RNA-seq, respectively. Maintaining a stable and unchanged growth rate, L. plantarum inhibited C. albicans yeast cell proliferation but not hyphal growth. Combining optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy, cell-to-cell direct contact and co-aggregation with L. plantarum cells surrounding C. albicans yeast cells were observed during dual-species interaction. Reduced C. albicans yeast cell proliferation in mixed culture was partially due to L. plantarum cell-free culture supernatant but not the acidic environment. Upon polymicrobial transcriptomics analysis, interesting changes were identified in both L. plantarum and C. albicans gene expression. First, two L. plantarum quorum-sensing systems showed contrary changes, with the activation of lamBDCA and repression of luxS. Second, the upregulation of stress response-related genes and downregulation of cell cycle, cell survival, and cell integrity-related pathways were identified in C. albicans, possibly connected to the stress posed by L. plantarum and the reduced yeast cell proliferation. Third, a large scale of pathogenesis and virulence factors were downregulated in C. albicans, indicating the potential interruption of pathogenic activities by L. plantarum. Fourth, partial metabolism and transport pathways were changed in L. plantarum and C. albicans. The information in this study might aid in understanding the behavior of L. plantarum and C. albicans in dual-species interaction.IMPORTANCEThe anti-Candida albicans activity of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum has been explored in the past decades. However, the importance of C. albicans yeast form and the effect of C. albicans on L. plantarum had also been omitted. In this study, the dual-species interaction of L. plantarum and C. albicans was investigated with a focus on the transcriptomes. Cell-to-cell direct contact and co-aggregation with L. plantarum cells surrounding C. albicans yeast cells were observed. Upon polymicrobial transcriptomics analysis, interesting changes were identified, including contrary changes in two L. plantarum quorum-sensing systems and reduced cell survival-related pathways and pathogenesis determinants in C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenbo Xu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing Ministry of Education, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaqin Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing Ministry of Education, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Aijuan Xu
- Guangzhou Hybribio Medical Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Xue
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing Ministry of Education, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Microbial Safety and Health, State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Microbiology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, China, Guangzhou, Guangdong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiomics and Precision Application, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Thanapop Soteyome
- Home Economics Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lei Yuan
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Functional Foods, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Agricultural Products Processing, Sericultural and Agri-Food Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Wei Hong
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuzhu Mao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Birthe V Kjellerup
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Junyan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Lingnan Specialty Food Science and Technology, College of Light Industry and Food Science, Academy of Contemporary Agricultural Engineering Innovations, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Processing and Intelligent Manufacturing of Lingnan Specialty Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
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Schaefer KG, Russell CM, Pyron RJ, Conley EA, Barrera FN, King GM. Polymerization mechanism of the Candida albicans virulence factor candidalysin. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107370. [PMID: 38750794 PMCID: PMC11193009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a commensal fungus that can cause epithelial infections and life-threatening invasive candidiasis. The fungus secretes candidalysin (CL), a peptide that causes cell damage and immune activation by permeation of epithelial membranes. The mechanism of CL action involves strong peptide assembly into polymers in solution. The free ends of linear CL polymers can join, forming loops that become pores upon binding to membranes. CL polymers constitute a therapeutic target for candidiasis, but little is known about CL self-assembly in solution. Here, we examine the assembly mechanism of CL in the absence of membranes using complementary biophysical tools, including a new fluorescence polymerization assay, mass photometry, and atomic force microscopy. We observed that CL assembly is slow, as tracked with the fluorescent marker C-laurdan. Single-molecule methods showed that CL polymerization involves a convolution of four processes. Self-assembly begins with the formation of a basic subunit, thought to be a CL octamer that is the polymer seed. Polymerization proceeds via the addition of octamers, and as polymers grow they can curve and form loops. Alternatively, secondary polymerization can occur and cause branching. Interplay between the different rates determines the distribution of CL particle types, indicating a kinetic control mechanism. This work elucidates key physical attributes underlying CL self-assembly which may eventually evoke pharmaceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles M Russell
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Robert J Pyron
- Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
| | - Elizabeth A Conley
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Francisco N Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee.
| | - Gavin M King
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
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Chen M, Huang WK, Yao Y, Wu SM, Yang YX, Liu WX, Luo G, Wei SF, Zhang H, Liu HM, Wang B. Heterologous expression of the insect SVWC peptide WHIS1 inhibits Candida albicans invasion into A549 and HeLa epithelial cells. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1358752. [PMID: 38873147 PMCID: PMC11169590 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1358752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans), a microbe commonly isolated from Candida vaginitis patients with vaginal tract infections, transforms from yeast to hyphae and produces many toxins, adhesins, and invasins, as well as C. albicans biofilms resistant to antifungal antibiotic treatment. Effective agents against this pathogen are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been used to cure inflammation and infectious diseases. In this study, we isolated whole housefly larvae insect SVWC peptide 1 (WHIS1), a novel insect single von Willebrand factor C-domain protein (SVWC) peptide from whole housefly larvae. The expression pattern of WHIS1 showed a response to the stimulation of C. albicans. In contrast to other SVWC members, which function as antiviral peptides, interferon (IFN) analogs or pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), which are the prokaryotically expressed MdWHIS1 protein, inhibit the growth of C. albicans. Eukaryotic heterologous expression of WHIS1 inhibited C. albicans invasion into A549 and HeLa cells. The heterologous expression of WHIS1 clearly inhibited hyphal formation both extracellularly and intracellularly. Furthermore, the mechanism of WHIS1 has demonstrated that it downregulates all key hyphal formation factors (ALS1, ALS3, ALS5, ECE1, HWP1, HGC1, EFG1, and ZAP1) both extracellularly and intracellularly. These data showed that heterologously expressed WHIS1 inhibits C. albicans invasion into epithelial cells by affecting hyphal formation and adhesion factor-related gene expression. These findings provide new potential drug candidates for treating C. albicans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Health Medicine Biotechnology of Guizhou Province & School of Biology and Engineering (Modern Industry College of Health Medicine) & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, China Ministry of Education (Guizhou Medical University), Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wei-Kang Huang
- Engineering Research Center of Health Medicine Biotechnology of Guizhou Province & School of Biology and Engineering (Modern Industry College of Health Medicine) & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yang Yao
- Engineering Research Center of Health Medicine Biotechnology of Guizhou Province & School of Biology and Engineering (Modern Industry College of Health Medicine) & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shi-Mei Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Health Medicine Biotechnology of Guizhou Province & School of Biology and Engineering (Modern Industry College of Health Medicine) & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yong-Xin Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Health Medicine Biotechnology of Guizhou Province & School of Biology and Engineering (Modern Industry College of Health Medicine) & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wen-Xia Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Health Medicine Biotechnology of Guizhou Province & School of Biology and Engineering (Modern Industry College of Health Medicine) & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Gang Luo
- School of Basic Medical Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shao-Feng Wei
- Engineering Research Center of Health Medicine Biotechnology of Guizhou Province & School of Biology and Engineering (Modern Industry College of Health Medicine) & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, China Ministry of Education (Guizhou Medical University), Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Hong-Mei Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Health Medicine Biotechnology of Guizhou Province & School of Biology and Engineering (Modern Industry College of Health Medicine) & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, China Ministry of Education (Guizhou Medical University), Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Health Medicine Biotechnology of Guizhou Province & School of Biology and Engineering (Modern Industry College of Health Medicine) & School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, China Ministry of Education (Guizhou Medical University), Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Lin J, Miao J, Schaefer KG, Russell CM, Pyron RJ, Zhang F, Phan QT, Solis-Swidergall NV, Liu H, Tashiro M, Dordick JS, Linhardt RJ, Yeaman MR, King GM, Barrera FN, Peters BM, Filler SG. A genome-scale screen identifies sulfated glycosaminoglycans as pivotal in epithelial cell damage by Candida albicans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.23.595417. [PMID: 38826446 PMCID: PMC11142209 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.23.595417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Candidalysin is a cytolytic peptide produced by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans. This peptide is a key virulence factor in mouse models of mucosal and hematogenously disseminated candidiasis. Despite intense interest in the role of candidalysin in C. albicans pathogenicity, its host cell targets have remained elusive. To fill this knowledge gap, we performed a genome-wide loss-of-function CRISPR screen in a human oral epithelial cell line to identify specific host factors required for susceptibility to candidalysin-induced cellular damage. Among the top hits were XYLT2, B3GALT6 and B3GAT3, genes that function in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) biosynthesis. Deletion of these genes led to the absence of GAGs such as heparan sulfate on the epithelial cell surface and increased resistance to damage induced by both candidalysin and live C. albicans. Biophysical analyses including surface plasmon resonance and atomic force and electron microscopy indicated that candidalysin physically binds to sulfated GAGs, facilitating its oligomerization or enrichment on the host cell surface. The addition of exogenous sulfated GAGs or the GAG analogue dextran sulfate protected cells against candidalysin-induced damage. Dextran sulfate, but not non-sulfated dextran, also inhibited epithelial cell endocytosis of C. albicans and fungal-induced epithelial cell cytokine and chemokine production. In a murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis, topical dextran sulfate administration reduced host tissue damage and decreased intravaginal IL-1β and neutrophil levels. Collectively, these data indicate that GAGs are epithelial cell targets of candidalysin and can be used therapeutically to protect cells from candidalysin-induced damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Lin
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Jian Miao
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Katherine G Schaefer
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri United States
| | - Charles M Russell
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee United States
| | - Robert J Pyron
- Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, United States
| | - Fuming Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Quynh T Phan
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Norma V Solis-Swidergall
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Masato Tashiro
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Jonathan S Dordick
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Robert J Linhardt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Michael R Yeaman
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Gavin M King
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri United States
| | - Francisco N Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee United States
| | - Brian M Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Scott G Filler
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
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Spaggiari L, Ardizzoni A, Ricchi F, Pedretti N, Squartini Ramos CA, Squartini Ramos GB, Kenno S, De Seta F, Pericolini E. Fungal burden, dimorphic transition and candidalysin: Role in Candida albicans-induced vaginal cell damage and mitochondrial activation in vitro. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303449. [PMID: 38768097 PMCID: PMC11104617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) can behave as a commensal yeast colonizing the vaginal mucosa, and in this condition is tolerated by the epithelium. When the epithelial tolerance breaks down, due to C. albicans overgrowth and hyphae formation, the generated inflammatory response and cell damage lead to vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) symptoms. Here, we focused on the induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in vaginal epithelial cells after C. albicans infection and the involvement of fungal burden, morphogenesis and candidalysin (CL) production in such induction. Bioluminescent (BLI) C. albicans, C. albicans PCA-2 and C. albicans 529L strains were employed in an in vitro infection model including reconstituted vaginal epithelium cells (RVE), produced starting from A-431 cell line. The production of mtROS was kinetically measured by using MitoSOX™ Red probe. The potency of C. albicans to induced cell damage to RVE and C. albicans proliferation have also been evaluated. C. albicans induces a rapid mtROS release from vaginal epithelial cells, in parallel with an increase of the fungal load and hyphal formation. Under the same experimental conditions, the 529L C. albicans strain, known to be defective in CL production, induced a minor mtROS release showing the key role of CL in causing epithelial mithocondrial activation. C. albicans PCA-2, unable to form hyphae, induced comparable but slower mtROS production as compared to BLI C. albicans yeasts. By reducing mtROS through a ROS scavenger, an increased fungal burden was observed during RVE infection but not in fungal cultures grown on abiotic surface. Collectively, we conclude that CL, more than fungal load and hyphae formation, seems to play a key role in the rapid activation of mtROS by epithelial cells and in the induction of cell-damage and that mtROS are key elements in the vaginal epithelial cells response to C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Spaggiari
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Ricchi
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Natalia Pedretti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Caterina Alejandra Squartini Ramos
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Bruno Squartini Ramos
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Samyr Kenno
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Francesco De Seta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS, Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Eva Pericolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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7
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Launder D, Dillon JT, Wuescher LM, Glanz T, Abdul-Aziz N, Yi EMC, Naglik JR, Worth RG, Conti HR. Immunity to pathogenic mucosal C. albicans infections mediated by oral megakaryocytes activated by IL-17 and candidalysin. Mucosal Immunol 2024; 17:182-200. [PMID: 38246240 PMCID: PMC11034721 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The fungus Candida albicans can cause mucosal infections including oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in immunocompromised patients. In humans, an increased risk of fungal infections correlates with thrombocytopenia. However, our understanding of platelets and megakaryocytes (Mks) in mucosal fungal infections is almost entirely unknown. When megakaryocyte- and platelet-depleted mice were infected with OPC, the tongue showed higher fungal burden, due to decreased neutrophil accumulation. Protection depended on a distinct population of oral-resident Mks. Interleukin-17, important in antifungal immunity, was required since mice lacking the IL-17 receptor had decreased circulating platelets and their oral Mks did not expand during OPC. The secretion of the peptide toxin candidalysin activated human Mks to release platelets with antifungal capacity. Infection with a candidalysin-deficient strain resulted in decreased expansion of tongue Mks during OPC. This is the first time that a distinct megakaryocyte population was identified in the oral mucosa which is critical for immunity against fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Launder
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - John T Dillon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Leah M Wuescher
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Trevor Glanz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Nora Abdul-Aziz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Elise Mein-Chiain Yi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Julian R Naglik
- Center for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Randall G Worth
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine & Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Heather R Conti
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States.
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8
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Valentine M, Rudolph P, Dietschmann A, Tsavou A, Mogavero S, Lee S, Priest EL, Zhurgenbayeva G, Jablonowski N, Timme S, Eggeling C, Allert S, Dolk E, Naglik JR, Figge MT, Gresnigt MS, Hube B. Nanobody-mediated neutralization of candidalysin prevents epithelial damage and inflammatory responses that drive vulvovaginal candidiasis pathogenesis. mBio 2024; 15:e0340923. [PMID: 38349176 PMCID: PMC10936171 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03409-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans can cause mucosal infections in humans. This includes oropharyngeal candidiasis, which is commonly observed in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients, and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is the most frequent manifestation of candidiasis. Epithelial cell invasion by C. albicans hyphae is accompanied by the secretion of candidalysin, a peptide toxin that causes epithelial cell cytotoxicity. During vaginal infections, candidalysin-driven tissue damage triggers epithelial signaling pathways, leading to hyperinflammatory responses and immunopathology, a hallmark of VVC. Therefore, we proposed blocking candidalysin activity using nanobodies to reduce epithelial damage and inflammation as a therapeutic strategy for VVC. Anti-candidalysin nanobodies were confirmed to localize around epithelial-invading C. albicans hyphae, even within the invasion pocket where candidalysin is secreted. The nanobodies reduced candidalysin-induced damage to epithelial cells and downstream proinflammatory responses. Accordingly, the nanobodies also decreased neutrophil activation and recruitment. In silico mathematical modeling enabled the quantification of epithelial damage caused by candidalysin under various nanobody dosing strategies. Thus, nanobody-mediated neutralization of candidalysin offers a novel therapeutic approach to block immunopathogenic events during VVC and alleviate symptoms.IMPORTANCEWorldwide, vaginal infections caused by Candida albicans (VVC) annually affect millions of women, with symptoms significantly impacting quality of life. Current treatments are based on anti-fungals and probiotics that target the fungus. However, in some cases, infections are recurrent, called recurrent VVC, which often fails to respond to treatment. Vaginal mucosal tissue damage caused by the C. albicans peptide toxin candidalysin is a key driver in the induction of hyperinflammatory responses that fail to clear the infection and contribute to immunopathology and disease severity. In this pre-clinical evaluation, we show that nanobody-mediated candidalysin neutralization reduces tissue damage and thereby limits inflammation. Implementation of candidalysin-neutralizing nanobodies may prove an attractive strategy to alleviate symptoms in complicated VVC cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Valentine
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Paul Rudolph
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel Dietschmann
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Antzela Tsavou
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Selene Mogavero
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sejeong Lee
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Emily L. Priest
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Gaukhar Zhurgenbayeva
- Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Nadja Jablonowski
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sandra Timme
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Eggeling
- Institute of Applied Optics and Biophysics, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Biophysical Imaging, Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Julian R. Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London, England, United Kingdom
| | - Marc T. Figge
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark S. Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
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9
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Müller R, König A, Groth S, Zarnowski R, Visser C, Handrianz T, Maufrais C, Krüger T, Himmel M, Lee S, Priest EL, Yildirim D, Richardson JP, Blango MG, Bougnoux ME, Kniemeyer O, d'Enfert C, Brakhage AA, Andes DR, Trümper V, Nehls C, Kasper L, Mogavero S, Gutsmann T, Naglik JR, Allert S, Hube B. Secretion of the fungal toxin candidalysin is dependent on conserved precursor peptide sequences. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:669-683. [PMID: 38388771 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01606-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans damages host cells via its peptide toxin, candidalysin. Before secretion, candidalysin is embedded in a precursor protein, Ece1, which consists of a signal peptide, the precursor of candidalysin and seven non-candidalysin Ece1 peptides (NCEPs), and is found to be conserved in clinical isolates. Here we show that the Ece1 polyprotein does not resemble the usual precursor structure of peptide toxins. C. albicans cells are not susceptible to their own toxin, and single NCEPs adjacent to candidalysin are sufficient to prevent host cell toxicity. Using a series of Ece1 mutants, mass spectrometry and anti-candidalysin nanobodies, we show that NCEPs play a role in intracellular Ece1 folding and candidalysin secretion. Removal of single NCEPs or modifications of peptide sequences cause an unfolded protein response (UPR), which in turn inhibits hypha formation and pathogenicity in vitro. Our data indicate that the Ece1 precursor is not required to block premature pore-forming toxicity, but rather to prevent intracellular auto-aggregation of candidalysin sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Müller
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Annika König
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Sabrina Groth
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Robert Zarnowski
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Corissa Visser
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Tom Handrianz
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Corinne Maufrais
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Maximilian Himmel
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Sejeong Lee
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily L Priest
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deniz Yildirim
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Jonathan P Richardson
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew G Blango
- RNA Biology of Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Verena Trümper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Nehls
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Selene Mogavero
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Gutsmann
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Julian R Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
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10
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Gudisa R, Harchand R, Rudramurthy SM. Nucleic-Acid-Based Molecular Fungal Diagnostics: A Way to a Better Future. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:520. [PMID: 38472992 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The world has seen a tremendous increase in the number of fungal infections during the past two decades. Recently, the World Health Organisation released the pathogen priority list for fungal infections, signifying the importance of these infections in the fields of research and public health. Microbiology laboratories demand an upgrade in the diagnostic system to keep up with the increased burden of these infections. Diagnosis of fungal infections using conventional techniques has always faced limitations in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and turnaround time. Although these methods are the core pillars of the diagnosis, there is an increased need for molecular approaches. Molecular techniques have revolutionised the field of fungal diagnostics. The diverse array of molecular techniques, including techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), have emerged as a cornerstone in fungal diagnostics. Molecular techniques have transformed fungal diagnostics, providing powerful tools for the rapid and accurate identification of pathogens. As these technologies continue to evolve, their integration into routine clinical practice holds the promise of improving patient outcomes through timely and targeted antifungal interventions. This review will cover the molecular approaches involved in fungal diagnostics, moving from the basic techniques to the advanced-level nucleic-acid-based molecular approaches providing a high throughput and decreased turnaround time for the diagnosis of serious fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Gudisa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ritika Harchand
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Shivaprakash M Rudramurthy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
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11
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Zhang TY, Chen YQ, Tan JC, Zhou JA, Chen WN, Jiang T, Zha JY, Zeng XK, Li BW, Wei LQ, Zou Y, Zhang LY, Hong YM, Wang XL, Zhu RZ, Xu WX, Xi J, Wang QQ, Pan L, Zhang J, Luan Y, Zhu RX, Wang H, Chen C, Liu NN. Global fungal-host interactome mapping identifies host targets of candidalysin. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1757. [PMID: 38413612 PMCID: PMC10899660 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46141-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Candidalysin, a cytolytic peptide toxin secreted by the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans, is critical for fungal pathogenesis. Yet, its intracellular targets have not been extensively mapped. Here, we performed a high-throughput enhanced yeast two-hybrid (HT-eY2H) screen to map the interactome of all eight Ece1 peptides with their direct human protein targets and identified a list of potential interacting proteins, some of which were shared between the peptides. CCNH, a regulatory subunit of the CDK-activating kinase (CAK) complex involved in DNA damage repair, was identified as one of the host targets of candidalysin. Mechanistic studies revealed that candidalysin triggers a significantly increased double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs), as evidenced by the formation of γ-H2AX foci and colocalization of CCNH and γ-H2AX. Importantly, candidalysin binds directly to CCNH to activate CAK to inhibit DNA damage repair pathway. Loss of CCNH alleviates DSBs formation under candidalysin treatment. Depletion of candidalysin-encoding gene fails to induce DSBs and stimulates CCNH upregulation in a murine model of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Collectively, our study reveals that a secreted fungal toxin acts to hijack the canonical DNA damage repair pathway by targeting CCNH and to promote fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yao-Qi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jing-Cong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jin-An Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wan-Ning Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Jiang
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection & Host Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jin-Yin Zha
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiang-Kang Zeng
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lu-Qi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yun Zou
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection & Host Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Lu-Yao Zhang
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection & Host Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yue-Mei Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiu-Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Run-Ze Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wan-Xing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jing Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qin-Qin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lei Pan
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yang Luan
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Rui-Xin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Changbin Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development, and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection & Host Immunity, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Ning-Ning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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12
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Zou Y, Li X, Mao Y, Song W, Liu Q. Enhanced Biofilm Formation by Tetracycline in a Staphylococcus aureus Naturally Lacking ica Operon and atl. Microb Drug Resist 2024; 30:82-90. [PMID: 38252794 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2023.0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major, widespread pathogen, and its biofilm-forming characteristics make it even more difficult to eliminate by biocides. Tetracycline (TCY) is a major broad-spectrum antibiotic, the residues of which can cause deleterious health impacts, and subinhibitory concentrations of TCY have the potential to increase biofilm formation in S. aureus. In this study, we showed how the biofilm formation of S. aureus 123786 is enhanced in the presence of TCY at specific subinhibitory concentrations. S. aureus 123786 used in this study was identified as Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec III, sequence type239 and naturally lacking ica operon and atl gene. Two assays were performed to quantify the formation of S. aureus biofilm. In the crystal violet (CV) assay, the absorbance values of biofilm stained with CV at optical density (OD)540 nm increased after 8 and 16 hr of incubation when the concentration of TCY was 1/2 minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), whereas at the concentration of 1/16 MIC, the absorbance values increased after 16 and 24 hr of incubation. In tetrazolium salt reduction assay, the absorbance value at OD490 nm of S. aureus 123786 biofilms mixed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium solution increased after 8 hr when the concentration of TCY was 1/4 MIC, which may be correlated with the higher proliferation and maturation of biofilm. In conclusion, the biofilm formation of S. aureus 123786 could be enhanced in the presence of TCY at specific subinhibitory concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Zou
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuejie Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing Ministry of Education, School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanxiong Mao
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Song
- Department of Economics, School of Economics and Management, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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13
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Kosmala D, Sertour N, Fróis Martins R, Spaggiari L, Ardizzoni A, LeibundGut-Landmann S, Pericolini E, Bougnoux ME, d'Enfert C, Legrand M. The pathogenic and colonization potential of Candida africana. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105230. [PMID: 37734535 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The Candida albicans population displays high genetic diversity illustrated by 18-well differentiated genetic clusters. Cluster 13, also known as Candida africana, is an outlying cluster and includes strains first described as atypical C. albicans isolates of vaginal origin, showing apparent tropism for the female genital tract. In our study, we combined in vitro, and in vivo models to explore the colonization and pathogenic potential of C. africana. We report that C. africana has similar fitness to C. albicans when it comes to colonization of the oral and vaginal mucosa, however it has decreased fitness in gastro-intestinal colonization and systemic infection. Interestingly, despite high population homogeneity, our in vitro data highlighted for the first time a variability in terms of growth rate, biofilm formation and filamentation properties between C. africana strains. Overall, our data lays the foundations for exploring specific features of C. africana that might contribute to its apparent niche restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Kosmala
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Natacha Sertour
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Ricardo Fróis Martins
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Luca Spaggiari
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Ph.D. Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Salomé LeibundGut-Landmann
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, Zurich 8057, Switzerland; Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Eva Pericolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France; Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France.
| | - Mélanie Legrand
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France.
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14
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Carlson SL, Mathew L, Savage M, Kok K, Lindsay JO, Munro CA, McCarthy NE. Mucosal Immunity to Gut Fungi in Health and Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1105. [PMID: 37998910 PMCID: PMC10672531 DOI: 10.3390/jof9111105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome is a diverse microbial community composed of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that plays a major role in human health and disease. Dysregulation of these gut organisms in a genetically susceptible host is fundamental to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While bacterial dysbiosis has been a predominant focus of research for many years, there is growing recognition that fungal interactions with the host immune system are an important driver of gut inflammation. Candida albicans is likely the most studied fungus in the context of IBD, being a near universal gut commensal in humans and also a major barrier-invasive pathogen. There is emerging evidence that intra-strain variation in C. albicans virulence factors exerts a critical influence on IBD pathophysiology. In this review, we describe the immunological impacts of variations in C. lbicans colonisation, morphology, genetics, and proteomics in IBD, as well as the clinical and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean L. Carlson
- Centre for Immunobiology, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
- Gastroenterology Department, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, UK
| | - Liya Mathew
- Centre for Immunobiology, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Michael Savage
- Centre for Immunobiology, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Klaartje Kok
- Centre for Immunobiology, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
- Gastroenterology Department, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, UK
| | - James O. Lindsay
- Centre for Immunobiology, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
- Gastroenterology Department, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1BB, UK
| | - Carol A. Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Neil E. McCarthy
- Centre for Immunobiology, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
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15
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Wu Y, Du S, Bimler LH, Mauk KE, Lortal L, Kichik N, Griffiths JS, Osicka R, Song L, Polsky K, Kasper L, Sebo P, Weatherhead J, Knight JM, Kheradmand F, Zheng H, Richardson JP, Hube B, Naglik JR, Corry DB. Toll-like receptor 4 and CD11b expressed on microglia coordinate eradication of Candida albicans cerebral mycosis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113240. [PMID: 37819761 PMCID: PMC10753853 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungal pathogen Candida albicans is linked to chronic brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the molecular basis of brain anti-Candida immunity remains unknown. We show that C. albicans enters the mouse brain from the blood and induces two neuroimmune sensing mechanisms involving secreted aspartic proteinases (Saps) and candidalysin. Saps disrupt tight junction proteins of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to permit fungal brain invasion. Saps also hydrolyze amyloid precursor protein (APP) into amyloid β (Aβ)-like peptides that bind to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and promote fungal killing in vitro while candidalysin engages the integrin CD11b (Mac-1) on microglia. Recognition of Aβ-like peptides and candidalysin promotes fungal clearance from the brain, and disruption of candidalysin recognition through CD11b markedly prolongs C. albicans cerebral mycosis. Thus, C. albicans is cleared from the brain through innate immune mechanisms involving Saps, Aβ, candidalysin, and CD11b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shuqi Du
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lynn H Bimler
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kelsey E Mauk
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Léa Lortal
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Nessim Kichik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - James S Griffiths
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Radim Osicka
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lizhen Song
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katherine Polsky
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute Jena (HKI), 07737 Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Sebo
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jill Weatherhead
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - J Morgan Knight
- Departments of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Farrah Kheradmand
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Departments of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Michael E. DeBakey VA Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan P Richardson
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute Jena (HKI), 07737 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07737 Jena, Germany.
| | - Julian R Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - David B Corry
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Departments of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Biology of Inflammation Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Michael E. DeBakey VA Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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16
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Lilly EA, Bender BE, Noverr MC, Fidel PL. Protection against lethal sepsis following immunization with Candida species varies by isolate and inversely correlates with bone marrow tissue damage. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0025223. [PMID: 37702509 PMCID: PMC10580931 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00252-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Protection against lethal Candida albicans (Ca)/Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) intra-abdominal infection (IAI)-mediated sepsis can be achieved by a novel form of trained innate immunity (TII) involving Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) that are induced by inoculation (immunization) with low virulence Candida species [i.e., Candida dubliniensis (Cd)] that infiltrate the bone marrow (BM). In contrast, more virulent Candida species (i.e., C. albicans), even at sub-lethal inocula, fail to induce similar levels of protection. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the level of TII-mediated protection induced by Ca strains inversely correlates with damage in the BM as a reflection of virulence. Mice were immunized by intraperitoneal inoculation with several parental and mutant strains of C. albicans deficient in virulence factors (hyphal formation and candidalysin production), followed by an intraperitoneal Ca/Sa challenge 14 d later and monitored for sepsis and mortality. Whole femur bones were collected 24 h and 13 d after immunization and assessed for BM tissue/cellular damage via ferroptosis and histology. While immunization with standard but not sub-lethal inocula of most wild-type C. albicans strains resulted in considerable mortality, protection against lethal Ca/Sa IAI challenge varied by strain was usually less than that for C. dubliniensis, with no differences observed between parental and corresponding mutants. Finally, levels of protection afforded by the Ca strains were inversely correlated with BM tissue damage (R 2 = -0.773). TII-mediated protection against lethal Ca/Sa sepsis induced by Candida strain immunization inversely correlates with BM tissue/cellular damage as a reflection of localized virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Lilly
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Breah E. Bender
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Mairi C. Noverr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Paul L. Fidel
- Center of Excellence in Oral and Craniofacial Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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17
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David H, Solomon AP. Molecular association of Candida albicans and vulvovaginal candidiasis: focusing on a solution. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1245808. [PMID: 37900321 PMCID: PMC10611527 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1245808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans-mediated vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a significant challenge in clinical settings, owing to the inefficacy of current antifungals in modulating virulence, development of resistance, and poor penetration into the biofilm matrix. Various predisposition factors are molecular drivers that lead to the dysbiosis of normal microflora of the vagina, upregulation of central metabolic pathways, morphogenesis, hyphal extension, adhesion, invasion, and biofilm formation leading to chronic infection and recurrence. Hence, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanism behind the virulence pathways driven by those drivers to decode the drug targets. Finding innovative solutions targeting fungal virulence/biofilm may potentiate the antifungals at low concentrations without affecting the recurrence of resistance. With this background, the present review details the critical molecular drivers and associated network of virulence pathways, possible drug targets, target-specific inhibitors, and probable mode of drug delivery to cross the preclinical phase by appropriate in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adline Princy Solomon
- Quorum Sensing Laboratory, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed to be University, Thanjavur, India
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18
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Gaziano R, Sabbatini S, Monari C. The Interplay between Candida albicans, Vaginal Mucosa, Host Immunity and Resident Microbiota in Health and Disease: An Overview and Future Perspectives. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1211. [PMID: 37317186 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11051211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is primarily caused by Candida albicans, is an infection that affects up to 75% of all reproductive-age women worldwide. Recurrent VVC (RVVC) is defined as >3 episodes per year and affects nearly 8% of women globally. At mucosal sites of the vagina, a delicate and complex balance exists between Candida spp., host immunity and local microbial communities. In fact, both immune response and microbiota composition play a central role in counteracting overgrowth of the fungus and maintaining homeostasis in the host. If this balance is perturbed, the conditions may favor C. albicans overgrowth and the yeast-to-hyphal transition, predisposing the host to VVC. To date, the factors that affect the equilibrium between Candida spp. and the host and drive the transition from C. albicans commensalism to pathogenicity are not yet fully understood. Understanding the host- and fungus-related factors that drive VVC pathogenesis is of paramount importance for the development of adequate therapeutic interventions to combat this common genital infection. This review focuses on the latest advances in the pathogenic mechanisms implicated in the onset of VVC and also discusses novel potential strategies, with a special focus on the use of probiotics and vaginal microbiota transplantation in the treatment and/or prevention of recurrent VVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Samuele Sabbatini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Monari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Medical Microbiology Section, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
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19
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Sala A, Ardizzoni A, Spaggiari L, Vaidya N, van der Schaaf J, Rizzato C, Cermelli C, Mogavero S, Krüger T, Himmel M, Kniemeyer O, Brakhage AA, King BL, Lupetti A, Comar M, de Seta F, Tavanti A, Blasi E, Wheeler RT, Pericolini E. A New Phenotype in Candida-Epithelial Cell Interaction Distinguishes Colonization- versus Vulvovaginal Candidiasis-Associated Strains. mBio 2023; 14:e0010723. [PMID: 36856418 PMCID: PMC10128025 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00107-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) affects nearly 3/4 of women during their lifetime, and its symptoms seriously reduce quality of life. Although Candida albicans is a common commensal, it is unknown if VVC results from a switch from a commensal to pathogenic state, if only some strains can cause VVC, and/or if there is displacement of commensal strains with more pathogenic strains. We studied a set of VVC and colonizing C. albicans strains to identify consistent in vitro phenotypes associated with one group or the other. We find that the strains do not differ in overall genetic profile or behavior in culture media (i.e., multilocus sequence type [MLST] profile, rate of growth, and filamentation), but they show strikingly different behaviors during their interactions with vaginal epithelial cells. Epithelial infections with VVC-derived strains yielded stronger fungal proliferation and shedding of fungi and epithelial cells. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of representative epithelial cell infections with selected pathogenic or commensal isolates identified several differentially activated epithelial signaling pathways, including the integrin, ferroptosis, and type I interferon pathways; the latter has been implicated in damage protection. Strikingly, inhibition of type I interferon signaling selectively increases fungal shedding of strains in the colonizing cohort, suggesting that increased shedding correlates with lower interferon pathway activation. These data suggest that VVC strains may intrinsically have enhanced pathogenic potential via differential elicitation of epithelial responses, including the type I interferon pathway. Therefore, it may eventually be possible to evaluate pathogenic potential in vitro to refine VVC diagnosis. IMPORTANCE Despite a high incidence of VVC, we still have a poor understanding of this female-specific disease whose negative impact on women's quality of life has become a public health issue. It is not yet possible to determine by genotype or laboratory phenotype if a given Candida albicans strain is more or less likely to cause VVC. Here, we show that Candida strains causing VVC induce more fungal shedding from epithelial cells than strains from healthy women. This effect is also accompanied by increased epithelial cell detachment and differential activation of the type I interferon pathway. These distinguishing phenotypes suggest it may be possible to evaluate the VVC pathogenic potential of fungal isolates. This would permit more targeted antifungal treatments to spare commensals and could allow for displacement of pathogenic strains with nonpathogenic colonizers. We expect these new assays to provide a more targeted tool for identifying fungal virulence factors and epithelial responses that control fungal vaginitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Sala
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Ardizzoni
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Spaggiari
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Nikhil Vaidya
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
| | - Jane van der Schaaf
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
| | - Cosmeri Rizzato
- Department of Translational Research and of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Cermelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Selene Mogavero
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Maximilian Himmel
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Benjamin L. King
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
| | - Antonella Lupetti
- Department of Translational Research and of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Manola Comar
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco de Seta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Blasi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Robert T. Wheeler
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, USA
| | - Eva Pericolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncological and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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20
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Miao J, Regan J, Cai C, Palmer GE, Williams DL, Kruppa MD, Peters BM. Glycogen Metabolism in Candida albicans Impacts Fitness and Virulence during Vulvovaginal and Invasive Candidiasis. mBio 2023; 14:e0004623. [PMID: 36840583 PMCID: PMC10127583 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00046-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The polymorphic fungus Candida albicans remains a leading cause of both invasive and superficial mycoses, including vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Metabolic plasticity, including carbohydrate catabolism, confers fitness advantages at anatomical site-specific host niches. C. albicans possesses the capacity to accumulate and store carbohydrates as glycogen and can consume intracellular glycogen stores when nutrients become limited. In the vaginal environment, estrogen promotes epithelial glycogen accumulation and C. albicans colonization. However, whether these factors are mechanistically linked is unexplored. Here, we characterized the glycogen metabolism pathways in C. albicans and investigated whether these impact the long-term survival of C. albicans, both in vitro and in vivo during murine VVC, or virulence during systemic infection. SC5314 and 6 clinical isolates demonstrated impaired growth when glycogen was used as the sole carbon source, suggesting that environmental glycogen acquisition is limited. The genetic deletion and complementation of key genes involved in glycogen metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae confirmed that GSY1 and GLC3, as well as GPH1 and GDB1, are essential for glycogen synthesis and catabolism in C. albicans, respectively. Potential compensatory roles for a glucoamylase encoded by SGA1 were also explored. Competitive survival assays revealed that gsy1Δ/Δ, gph1Δ/Δ, and gph1Δ/Δ sga1Δ/Δ mutants exhibited long-term survival defects in vitro under starvation conditions and in vivo during vaginal colonization. A complete inability to catabolize glycogen (gph1Δ/Δ sga1Δ/Δ) also rendered C. albicans significantly less virulent during disseminated infections. This is the first study fully validating the glycogen metabolism pathways in C. albicans, and the results further suggest that intracellular glycogen catabolism positively impacts the long-term fitness of C. albicans in nutrient deficient environments and is important for full virulence. IMPORTANCE Glycogen is a highly branched polymer of glucose and is used across the tree of life as an efficient and compact form of energy storage. Whereas glycogen metabolism pathways have been studied in model yeasts, they have not been extensively explored in pathogenic fungi. Using a combination of microbiologic, molecular genetic, and biochemical approaches, we reveal orthologous functions of glycogen metabolism genes in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. We also provide evidence that extracellular glycogen poorly supports growth across the Candida species and clinical isolates. Competitive fitness assays reveal that the loss of glycogen synthesis or catabolism significantly impacts survival during both in vitro starvation and the colonization of the mouse vagina. Moreover, a global glycogen catabolism mutant is rendered less virulent during murine invasive candidiasis. Therefore, this work demonstrates that glycogen metabolism in C. albicans contributes to survival and virulence in the mammalian host and may be a novel antifungal target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Miao
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jessica Regan
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Chun Cai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Glen E. Palmer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - David L. Williams
- Department of Surgery, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease, and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Michael D. Kruppa
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease, and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brian M. Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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21
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Lange T, Kasper L, Gresnigt MS, Brunke S, Hube B. "Under Pressure" - How fungi evade, exploit, and modulate cells of the innate immune system. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101738. [PMID: 36878023 PMCID: PMC10109127 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The human immune system uses an arsenal of effector mechanisms to prevent and counteract infections. Yet, some fungal species are extremely successful as human pathogens, which can be attributed to a wide variety of strategies by which these fungi evade, exploit, and modulate the immune system. These fungal pathogens normally are either harmless commensals or environmental fungi. In this review we discuss how commensalism, but also life in an environmental niche without human contact, can drive the evolution of diverse and specialized immune evasion mechanisms. Correspondingly, we discuss the mechanisms contributing to the ability of these fungi to cause superficial to life-threatening infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Lange
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
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22
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Ruchti F, LeibundGut-Landmann S. New insights into immunity to skin fungi shape our understanding of health and disease. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12948. [PMID: 36047038 PMCID: PMC10078452 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Fungi represent an integral part of the skin microbiota. Their complex interaction network with the host shapes protective immunity during homeostasis. If host defences are breached, skin-resident fungi including Malassezia and Candida, and environmental fungi such as dermatophytes can cause cutaneous infections. In addition, fungi are associated with diverse non-infectious skin disorders. Despite their multiple roles in health and disease, fungi remain elusive and understudied, and the mechanisms underlying the emergence of pathological conditions linked to fungi are largely unclear. The identification of IL-17 as an important antifungal effector mechanism represents a milestone for understanding homeostatic antifungal immunity. At the same time, host-adverse, disease-promoting roles of IL-17 have been delineated, as in psoriasis. Fungal dysbiosis represents another feature of many pathological skin conditions with an unknown causal link of intra- and interkingdom interactions to disease pathogenesis. The emergence of new fungal pathogens such as Candida auris highlights the need for more research into fungal immunology to understand how antifungal responses shape health and diseases. Recent technological advances for genetically manipulating fungi to target immunomodulatory fungal determinants, multi-omics approaches for studying immune cells in the human skin, and novel experimental models open up a promising future for skin fungal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Ruchti
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Salomé LeibundGut-Landmann
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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23
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Russell CM, Rybak JA, Miao J, Peters BM, Barrera FN. Candidalysin: Connecting the pore forming mechanism of this virulence factor to its immunostimulatory properties. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102829. [PMID: 36581211 PMCID: PMC9852700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a deadly pathogen responsible for millions of mucosal and systemic infections per year. The pathobiology of C. albicans is largely dependent on the damaging and immunostimulatory properties of the peptide candidalysin (CL), a key virulence factor. When CL forms pores in the plasma membrane of epithelial cells, it activates a response network grounded in activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Prior reviews have characterized the resulting CL immune activation schemas but lacked insights into the molecular mechanism of CL membrane damage. We recently demonstrated that CL functions by undergoing a unique self-assembly process; CL forms polymers and loops in aqueous solution prior to inserting and forming pores in cell membranes. This mechanism, the first of its kind to be observed, informs new therapeutic avenues to treat Candida infections. Recently, variants of CL were identified in other Candida species, providing an opportunity to identify the residues that are key for CL to function. In this review, we connect the ability of CL to damage cell membranes to its immunostimulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Russell
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer A Rybak
- School of Genome Science and Technology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jian Miao
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Brian M Peters
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Francisco N Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
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Li X, Gu N, Ye Y, Lan H, Peng F, Peng G. Intense pulsed light for inactivating planktonic and biofilm molds in food. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1104875. [PMID: 36687621 PMCID: PMC9846768 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1104875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that about a quarter of the world's agriculture products is unable to be consumed each year because of mold contamination, resulting in incalculable economic losses. Despite modern food technology and the various preservation techniques available, the problem of mold contamination of food is still not adequately controlled. In this study, we simulated the biofilm formed by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium glaucum in liquid and solid food in 96 well cell culture plates and polycarbonate membrane models, respectively, and investigated the fungicidal effect of IPL on planktonic and biofilm molds at three different capacitance parameters at room and refrigerator temperatures. The results show that IPL can achieve fungicidal rates of over 99% for planktonic molds and over 90% for biofilm molds, and that the smaller the capacitance, the more frequent the irradiation required to achieve the same fungicidal rate. In addition, temperature, A. niger or Penicillium glaucum have no effect on the fungicidal effect of IPL. We believe that IPL is a promising non-thermal physical sterilization technique for fungal inhibition on food surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejie Li
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,Research Institute for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nixuan Gu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,Research Institute for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanrui Ye
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yanrui Ye, ✉
| | - Haifeng Lan
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Peng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Gongyong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China,Gongyong Peng, ✉
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Liang J, Huang TY, Mao Y, Li X. Biofilm formation of two genetically diverse Staphylococcus aureus isolates under beta-lactam antibiotics. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1139753. [PMID: 36950159 PMCID: PMC10025342 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1139753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our aim was to evaluate the biofilm formation of 2 genetically diverse Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 10379 and 121940, under different concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics on biomass content and biofilm viability. METHODS Biofilm formation and methicillin resistance genes were tested using PCR and multiplex PCR. PCR was combined with bioinformatics analysis to detect multilocal sequence typing (MLST) and SCCmec types, to study the genetical correlation between the tested strains. Then, the crystal violet (CV) test and XTT were used to detect biomass content and biofilm activity. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested using a broth dilution method. According to their specific MIC, different concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics were used to study its effect on biomass content and biofilm viability. RESULTS Strain 10379 carried the icaD, icaBC, and MRSA genes, not the icaA, atl, app, and agr genes, and MLST and SCCmec typing was ST45 and IV, respectively. Strain 121940 carried the icaA, icaD, icaBC, atl, and agr genes, not the aap gene, and MLST and SCCmec typed as ST546 and IV, respectively. This suggested that strains 10379 and 121940 were genotypically very different. Two S. aureus isolates, 10379 and 121940, showed resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, penicillin, ampicillin, meropenem, streptomycin and kanamycin, some of which promoted the formation of biofilm and biofilm viability at low concentrations. CONCLUSION Despite the large differences in the genetic background of S. aureus 10379 and 121940, some sub-inhibitory concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics are able to promote biomass and biofilm viability of both two isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglong Liang
- College of Light Industry and Food Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Lingnan Specialty Food Science and Technology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Green Processing and Intelligent Manufacturing of Lingnan Specialty Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Teng Yi Huang
- Department of Diagnostics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Teng Yi Huang,
| | - Yuzhu Mao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Xuejie Li
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Research Institute for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xuejie Li,
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Chudzik-Rząd B, Zalewski D, Kasela M, Sawicki R, Szymańska J, Bogucka-Kocka A, Malm A. The Landscape of Gene Expression during Hyperfilamentous Biofilm Development in Oral Candida albicans Isolated from a Lung Cancer Patient. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010368. [PMID: 36613809 PMCID: PMC9820384 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The filamentation ability of Candida albicans represents one of the main virulence factors allowing for host tissue penetration and biofilm formation. The aim of this paper was to study the genetic background of the hyperfilamentous biofilm development in vitro in C. albicans isolated from the oral cavity of a lung cancer patient. Analyzed C. albicans isolates (CA1, CA2, CA3) were chosen based on their different structures of mature biofilm. The CA3 isolate possessing hyperfilamentation properties and forming high biofilm was compared with CA1 and CA2 isolates exhibiting low or average biofilm-forming ability, respectively. The detailed biofilm organization was studied with the use of confocal scanning laser microscopy. The whole transcriptome analysis was conducted during three stages of biofilm development (24 h, 48 h, 72 h). In contrast to CA1 and/or CA2 isolate, the CA3 isolate was characterized by a significant upregulation of genes encoding for cell wall proteins (HWP1, PGA13, PGA44, ALS3) and candidalysin (ECE1), as well as being involved in iron metabolism (FRE1, ALS3), sulfur metabolism (HAL21), the degradation of aromatic compounds (HQD2), and membrane transport (DIP5, PHO89, TNA1). In contrast, some genes (SCW11, FGR41, RBE1) in the CA3 were downregulated. We also observed the overexpression of a few genes over time-mainly FRE1, ATX1, CSA2 involved in iron metabolism. This is the first insight into the potential function of multiple genes in the hyperfilamentous biofilm formation in C. albicans, primarily isolated from host tissue, which may have an important clinical impact on cancer patients. Moreover, the presented data can lay the foundation for further research on novel pathogen-specific targets for antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Chudzik-Rząd
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Daniel Zalewski
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Martyna Kasela
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (A.M.); Tel.: +48-81448-7100 (M.K. & A.M.)
| | - Rafał Sawicki
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Szymańska
- Department of Comprehensive Paediatric and Adult Dentistry, Medical University of Lublin, 6 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Bogucka-Kocka
- Department of Biology and Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 4a Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Malm
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodźki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (A.M.); Tel.: +48-81448-7100 (M.K. & A.M.)
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27
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Similarities and Differences among Species Closely Related to Candida albicans: C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris. Cell Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/2599136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Although Candida species are widespread commensals of the microflora of healthy individuals, they are also among the most important human fungal pathogens that under certain conditions can cause diseases (candidiases) of varying severity ranging from mild superficial infections of the mucous membranes to life-threatening systemic infections. So far, the vast majority of research aimed at understanding the molecular basis of pathogenesis has been focused on the most common species—Candida albicans. Meanwhile, other closely related species belonging to the CTG clade, namely, Candida tropicalis and Candida dubliniensis, are becoming more important in clinical practice, as well as a relatively newly identified species, Candida auris. Despite the close relationship of these microorganisms, it seems that in the course of evolution, they have developed distinct biochemical, metabolic, and physiological adaptations, which they use to fit to commensal niches and achieve full virulence. Therefore, in this review, we describe the current knowledge on C. tropicalis, C. dubliniensis, and C. auris virulence factors, the formation of a mixed species biofilm and mutual communication, the environmental stress response and related changes in fungal cell metabolism, and the effect of pathogens on host defense response and susceptibility to antifungal agents used, highlighting differences with respect to C. albicans. Special attention is paid to common diagnostic problems resulting from similarities between these species and the emergence of drug resistance mechanisms. Understanding the different strategies to achieve virulence, used by important opportunistic pathogens of the genus Candida, is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Russell CM, Schaefer KG, Dixson A, Gray ALH, Pyron RJ, Alves DS, Moore N, Conley EA, Schuck RJ, White TA, Do TD, King GM, Barrera FN. The Candida albicans virulence factor candidalysin polymerizes in solution to form membrane pores and damage epithelial cells. eLife 2022; 11:e75490. [PMID: 36173096 PMCID: PMC9522247 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans causes severe invasive candidiasis. C. albicans infection requires the virulence factor candidalysin (CL) which damages target cell membranes. However, the mechanism that CL uses to permeabilize membranes is unclear. We reveal that CL forms membrane pores using a unique mechanism. Unexpectedly, CL readily assembled into polymers in solution. We propose that the basic structural unit in polymer formation is a CL oligomer, which is sequentially added into a string configuration that can close into a loop. CL loops appear to spontaneously insert into the membrane to become pores. A CL mutation (G4W) inhibited the formation of polymers in solution and prevented pore formation in synthetic lipid systems. Epithelial cell studies showed that G4W CL failed to activate the danger response pathway, a hallmark of the pathogenic effect of CL. These results indicate that CL polymerization in solution is a necessary step for the damage of cellular membranes. Analysis of CL pores by atomic force microscopy revealed co-existence of simple depressions and more complex pores, which are likely formed by CL assembled in an alternate oligomer orientation. We propose that this structural rearrangement represents a maturation mechanism that stabilizes pore formation to achieve more robust cellular damage. To summarize, CL uses a previously unknown mechanism to damage membranes, whereby pre-assembly of CL loops in solution leads to formation of membrane pores. Our investigation not only unravels a new paradigm for the formation of membrane pores, but additionally identifies CL polymerization as a novel therapeutic target to treat candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Russell
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
| | - Katherine G Schaefer
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of MissouriColumbiaUnited States
| | - Andrew Dixson
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
| | - Amber LH Gray
- Department of Chemistry, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
| | - Robert J Pyron
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
| | - Daiane S Alves
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
| | - Nicholas Moore
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
| | - Elizabeth A Conley
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of MissouriColumbiaUnited States
| | - Ryan J Schuck
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
| | - Tommi A White
- Department of Biochemistry, University of MissouriColumbiaUnited States
- Electron Microscopy Core, University of MissouriColumbiaUnited States
| | - Thanh D Do
- Department of Chemistry, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
| | - Gavin M King
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of MissouriColumbiaUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of MissouriColumbiaUnited States
| | - Francisco N Barrera
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of TennesseeKnoxvilleUnited States
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Ye MS, Chen HL, Liu CX, Ren AJ, Yang HW, Wang SS. Caspofungin at Sub-inhibitory Concentration Promotes the Formation of Candida Albicans Persister Cells. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 133:2466-2473. [PMID: 35858676 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Low caspofungin exposure is frequently encountered in patients with invasive candidiasis caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans). This study aimed to investigate the effects of caspofungin on C. albicans at sub-inhibitory concentrations. METHODS AND RESULTS First, a comparative transcriptomics analysis was performed on C. albicans receiving caspofungin at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC). The results showed that caspofungin significantly changed the mRNA expression profile in DAY185, with DE-mRNAs enriched in the functions of cell wall biosynthesis, metabolism, etc. Subsequently, cellular fitness, cell aggregation, energy metabolism activity, and the proportion of persister cells of C. albicans were quantitatively and/or qualitatively assessed after sub-MIC caspofungin exposure. No significant changes in cell fitness and aggregation formation were observed during treatment of C. albicans with sub-MIC caspofungin. In C. albicans aggregation treated with sub-MIC caspofungin, we observed a decrease in respiratory metabolism and an increase in persister cells; this effect was more pronounced in als1ΔΔ than in DAY185. CONCLUSIONS Pre-exposure to sub-MIC caspofungin suppresses C. albicans respiratory metabolism and promotes persister cell development. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY Caspofungin should be used with caution in patients with C. albicans infections, as anti-infection therapy may fail due to persister cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua-le Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Cai-Xia Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ai-Juan Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hai-Wei Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shi-Shi Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
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30
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Zhang J, Peng J, Li D, Mei H, Yu Y, Li X, She X, Liu W. Divergent EGFR/MAPK-Mediated Immune Responses to Clinical Candida Pathogens in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894069. [PMID: 35720274 PMCID: PMC9204526 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is characterized by symptomatic inflammatory responses in the vagina caused by Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida (NAC) species. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) -mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway has been linked to immune responses of oral mucosa after C. albicans exposure, but whether this pathway plays a similar response in vaginal epithelial cells is not known. Here, we observed that phosphorylation of EGFR and p38 was continuously activated in vaginal epithelial cells by C. albicans strain SC5314. This differs markedly from oral epithelial cells, which respond in a biphasic manner in order to properly discriminate the morphology of C. albicans. When compared with SC5314, a highly azole-resistant C. albicans isolate 1052 can induce a stronger phosphorylated signal of EGFR and p38, while clinically-isolated NAC strains including C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. auris trigger higher levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and c-Fos than C. albicans. Inhibition of EGFR significantly reduces inflammatory response and epithelial damage induced by C. albicans both in vitro and in vivo, while inhibition of p38 leads to significant repair of epithelial damage triggered by both C. albicans and NAC species. These results confirm the importance of the EGFR-MAPK signaling in VVC pathogenesis and highlight the remarkable immunogenic differences between C. albicans and NAC species in host-microbe interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Zhang
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingwen Peng
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Huan Mei
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaodong She
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Weida Liu
- Department of Medical Mycology, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Rapid Hypothesis Testing in Candida albicans Clinical Isolates Using a Cloning-Free, Modular, and Recyclable System for CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Mutant and Revertant Construction. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0263021. [PMID: 35612314 PMCID: PMC9241802 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02630-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As increasing evidence emerges that interstrain genetic diversity among Candida albicans clinical isolates underpins phenotypic variation compared to the reference isolate SC5314, new genetic tools are required to interrogate gene function across strain backgrounds. Here, the SAT1-flipper plasmid was reengineered to contain a C. albicans codon optimized hygromycin B resistance gene (CaHygB). Cassettes were PCR-amplified from both SAT1-flipper and CaHygB-flipper plasmids using primers with homologous sequences flanking target genes of interest to serve as repair templates. Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes containing proprietary CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs), universal transactivating CRISPR RNA (tracrRNA), and Cas9 protein were assembled in vitro and transformed, along with both repair templates, by electroporation into C. albicans. Homozygous deletion of the ADE2 gene results in red-pigmented colonies and this gene was used to validate our approach. Both in SC5314 and a variety of clinical isolates (529L, JS15, SJCA1, TW1), homozygous gene targeting was nearly 100% when plating on media containing nourseothricin and hygromycin B with transformation efficiencies exceeding 104 homozygous deletion mutants per μg of DNA. A gene reversion system was also employed with plasmids pDUP3 and pDIS3 engineered to contain the ADH1 terminator and an overlap extension PCR-mediated approach combined with CRISPR-Cas9 targeting at the NEUT5 neutral locus. A variety of single or compound mutants (Δ/Δals3, Δ/Δcph1 Δ/Δefg1, Δ/Δece1) and their revertant strains were constructed and phenotypically validated by a variety of assays, including biofilm formation, hyphal growth, and macrophage IL-1β response. Thus, we have established a cloning-free, modular system for highly efficient homozygous gene deletion and reversion in diverse isolates. IMPORTANCE Recently, phenotypic heterogeneity in Candida albicans isolates has been recognized as an underappreciated factor contributing to gene diversification and broadly impacts strain-to-strain antifungal resistance, fitness, and pathogenicity. We have designed a cloning-free genetic system for rapid gene deletion and reversion in C. albicans clinical isolates that interlaces established recyclable genetic systems with CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The SAT1-flipper was reengineered to contain CaHygB encoding resistance to hygromycin B. Using a modular PCR-mediated approach coupled with in vitro ribonucleoprotein assembly with commercial reagents, both SAT1- and CaHygB-flipper cassettes were simultaneously integrated at loci with high efficiency (104 transformants per μg DNA) and upward of 99% homozygous gene targeting across a collection of diverse isolates of various anatomical origin. Revertant strains were constructed by overlap extension PCR with CRISPR-Cas9 targeted integration at the NEUT5 locus. Thus, this facile system will aid in unraveling the genetic factors contributing to the complexity of intraspecies diversity.
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32
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Lemberg C, Martinez de San Vicente K, Fróis-Martins R, Altmeier S, Tran VDT, Mertens S, Amorim-Vaz S, Rai LS, d’Enfert C, Pagni M, Sanglard D, LeibundGut-Landmann S. Candida albicans commensalism in the oral mucosa is favoured by limited virulence and metabolic adaptation. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010012. [PMID: 35404986 PMCID: PMC9041809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of the human microbiota, the fungus Candida albicans colonizes the oral cavity and other mucosal surfaces of the human body. Commensalism is tightly controlled by complex interactions of the fungus and the host to preclude fungal elimination but also fungal overgrowth and invasion, which can result in disease. As such, defects in antifungal T cell immunity render individuals susceptible to oral thrush due to interrupted immunosurveillance of the oral mucosa. The factors that promote commensalism and ensure persistence of C. albicans in a fully immunocompetent host remain less clear. Using an experimental model of C. albicans oral colonization in mice we explored fungal determinants of commensalism in the oral cavity. Transcript profiling of the oral isolate 101 in the murine tongue tissue revealed a characteristic metabolic profile tailored to the nutrient poor conditions in the stratum corneum of the epithelium where the fungus resides. Metabolic adaptation of isolate 101 was also reflected in enhanced nutrient acquisition when grown on oral mucosa substrates. Persistent colonization of the oral mucosa by C. albicans also correlated inversely with the capacity of the fungus to induce epithelial cell damage and to elicit an inflammatory response. Here we show that these immune evasive properties of isolate 101 are explained by a strong attenuation of a number of virulence genes, including those linked to filamentation. De-repression of the hyphal program by deletion or conditional repression of NRG1 abolished the commensal behaviour of isolate 101, thereby establishing a central role of this factor in the commensal lifestyle of C. albicans in the oral niche of the host. The oral microbiota represents an important part of the human microbiota and includes several hundreds to several thousands of bacterial and fungal species. One of the most prominent fungus colonizing the oral cavity is the yeast Candida albicans. While the presence of C. albicans usually remains unnoticed, the fungus can under certain circumstances cause lesions on the lining of the mouth referred to as oral thrush or contribute to other common oral diseases such as caries. Maintaining C. albicans commensalism in the oral mucosa is therefore of utmost importance for oral health and overall wellbeing. While overt fungal growth and disease is limited by immunosurveillance mechanisms during homeostasis, C. albicans strives to survive and evades elimination from the host. Here, we show that while commensalism in the oral cavity is characterized by a restricted fungal virulence and hyphal program, enforcing filamentation in a commensal isolate is sufficient for driving pathogenicity and fungus-induced inflammation in the oral mucosa thwarting persistent colonization. Our results further support a critical role for specialized nutrient acquisition allowing the fungus to thrive in the nutrient poor environment of the squamous epithelium. Together, this work revealed key determinants of C. albicans commensalism in the oral niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lemberg
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kontxi Martinez de San Vicente
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ricardo Fróis-Martins
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Simon Altmeier
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Van Du T. Tran
- Vital-IT Group, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Mertens
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sara Amorim-Vaz
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laxmi Shanker Rai
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INRAE, USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Christophe d’Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INRAE, USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Marco Pagni
- Vital-IT Group, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Sanglard
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Lausanne and University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Salomé LeibundGut-Landmann
- Section of Immunology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Candidalysin is the first cytolytic peptide toxin identified in any human fungal pathogen. Candidalysin is secreted by Candida albicans and is critical for driving infection and host immune responses in several model systems. However, Candida infections are also caused by non-C. albicans species. Here, we identify and characterize orthologs of C. albicans candidalysin in C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis. The candidalysins have different amino acid sequences, are amphipathic, and adopt a predominantly α-helical secondary structure in solution. Comparative functional analysis demonstrates that each candidalysin causes epithelial damage and calcium influx and activates intracellular signaling pathways and cytokine secretion. Importantly, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis candidalysins have higher damaging and activation potential than C. albicans candidalysin and exhibit more rapid membrane binding and disruption, although both fungal species cause less damage to epithelial cells than C. albicans. This study identifies the first family of peptide cytolysins in human-pathogenic fungi. IMPORTANCE Pathogenic fungi kill an estimated 1.5 million people every year. Recently, we discovered that the fungal pathogen Candida albicans secretes a peptide toxin called candidalysin during mucosal infection. Candidalysin causes damage to host cells, a process that supports disease progression. However, fungal infections are also caused by Candida species other than C. albicans. In this work, we identify and characterize two additional candidalysin toxins present in the related fungal pathogens C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis. While the three candidalysins have different amino acid sequences, all three toxins are α-helical and amphipathic. Notably, the candidalysins from C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis are more potent at inducing cell damage, calcium influx, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, and cytokine responses than C. albicans candidalysin, with the C. dubliniensis candidalysin having the most rapid membrane binding kinetics. These observations identify the candidalysins as the first family of peptide toxins in human-pathogenic fungi.
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Westman J, Plumb J, Licht A, Yang M, Allert S, Naglik JR, Hube B, Grinstein S, Maxson ME. Calcium-dependent ESCRT recruitment and lysosome exocytosis maintain epithelial integrity during Candida albicans invasion. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110187. [PMID: 34986345 PMCID: PMC8755444 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is both a commensal and an opportunistic fungal pathogen. Invading hyphae of C. albicans secrete candidalysin, a pore-forming peptide toxin. To prevent cell death, epithelial cells must protect themselves from direct damage induced by candidalysin and by the mechanical forces exerted by expanding hyphae. We identify two key Ca2+-dependent repair mechanisms employed by epithelial cells to withstand candidalysin-producing hyphae. Using camelid nanobodies, we demonstrate candidalysin secretion directly into the invasion pockets induced by elongating C. albicans hyphae. The toxin induces oscillatory increases in cytosolic [Ca2+], which cause hydrolysis of PtdIns(4,5)P2 and loss of cortical actin. Epithelial cells dispose of damaged membrane regions containing candidalysin by an Alg-2/Alix/ESCRT-III-dependent blebbing process. At later stages, plasmalemmal tears induced mechanically by invading hyphae are repaired by exocytic insertion of lysosomal membranes. These two repair mechanisms maintain epithelial integrity and prevent mucosal damage during both commensal growth and infection by C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Westman
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Jonathan Plumb
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Anna Licht
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Mabel Yang
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Julian R Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Sergio Grinstein
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON M5C 1N8, Canada.
| | - Michelle E Maxson
- Program in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
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Li X, Gu N, Huang TY, Zhong F, Peng G. Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A typical biofilm forming pathogen and an emerging but underestimated pathogen in food processing. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1114199. [PMID: 36762094 PMCID: PMC9905436 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1114199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a notorious gram-negative pathogenic microorganism, because of several virulence factors, biofilm forming capability, as well as antimicrobial resistance. In addition, the appearance of antibiotic-resistant strains resulting from the misuse and overuse of antibiotics increases morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. However, it has been underestimated as a foodborne pathogen in various food groups for instance water, milk, meat, fruits, and vegetables. Chemical preservatives that are commonly used to suppress the growth of food source microorganisms can cause problems with food safety. For these reasons, finding effective, healthy safer, and natural alternative antimicrobial agents used in food processing is extremely important. In this review, our ultimate goal is to cover recent advances in food safety related to P. aeruginosa including antimicrobial resistance, major virulence factors, and prevention measures. It is worth noting that food spoilage caused by P. aeruginosa should arouse wide concerns of consumers and food supervision department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejie Li
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Research Institute for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nixuan Gu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Teng Yi Huang
- Department of Diagnostics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Feifeng Zhong
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Green Processing of Natural Products and Product Safety, Engineering Research Center of Starch and Vegetable Protein Processing Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gongyong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Gongyong Peng, ✉
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Emergence and evolution of virulence in human pathogenic fungi. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:693-704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Dhasarathan P, AlSalhi MS, Devanesan S, Subbiah J, Ranjitsingh AJA, Binsalah M, Alfuraydi AA. Drug resistance in Candida albicans isolates and related changes in the structural domain of Mdr1 protein. J Infect Public Health 2021; 14:1848-1853. [PMID: 34794907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing azole drug resistance in fungal pathogens poses a pressing threat to global health care. The coexistence of drug-resistant Candida albicans with tuberculosis patients and the failure of several drugs to treat C. albicans infection extend hospital stay, economic burden, and death. The misuse or abuse of azole-derived antifungals, chronic use of TB drugs, different immune-suppressive drugs, and diseases like HIV, COVID-19, etc., have aggravated the situation. So it is vital to understand the molecular changes in drug-resistant genes to modify the treatment to design an alternative mechanism. METHOD C. albicans isolated from chronic tuberculosis patients were screened for antifungal sensitivity studies using disk diffusion assay. The multidrug-resistant C. albicans were further screened for molecular-level changes in drug resistance using MDR1 gene sequencing and compared with Gen bank data of similar species using the BLAST tool. RESULTS The investigation proved that the isolated C. albicans from TB patients are significantly resistant to the action of six drugs. The molecular changes in MDR1 genes showed differences in seven nucleotide base pairs that interfered with the efflux pump.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Dhasarathan
- Department of Biotechnology, Prathyusha Engineering College, Thiruvallur 602 025, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mohamad S AlSalhi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box-2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sandhanasamy Devanesan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box-2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jeeva Subbiah
- Department Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - A J A Ranjitsingh
- Department of Biotechnology, Prathyusha Engineering College, Thiruvallur 602 025, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Mohammed Binsalah
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akram A Alfuraydi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box-2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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