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Odo CM, Vega LA, Mukherjee P, DebRoy S, Flores AR, Shelburne SA. Emergent emm4 group A Streptococcus evidences a survival strategy during interaction with immune effector cells. Infect Immun 2024:e0015224. [PMID: 38888310 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00152-24] [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: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The major gram-positive pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a model organism for studying microbial epidemics as it causes waves of infections. Since 1980, several GAS epidemics have been ascribed to the emergence of clones producing increased amounts of key virulence factors such as streptolysin O (SLO). Herein, we sought to identify mechanisms underlying our recently identified temporal clonal emergence among emm4 GAS, given that emergent strains did not produce augmented levels of virulence factors relative to historic isolates. By creating and analyzing isoallelic strains, we determined that a conserved mutation in a previously undescribed gene encoding a putative carbonic anhydrase was responsible for the defective in vitro growth observed in the emergent strains. We also identified that the emergent strains survived better inside macrophages and killed macrophages at lower rates than the historic strains. Via the creation of isogenic mutant strains, we linked the emergent strain "survival" phenotype to the downregulation of the SLO encoding gene and upregulation of the msrAB operon which encodes proteins involved in defense against extracellular oxidative stress. Our findings are in accord with recent surveillance studies which found a high ratio of mucosal (i.e., pharyngeal) relative to invasive infections among emm4 GAS. Since ever-increasing virulence is unlikely to be evolutionarily advantageous for a microbial pathogen, our data further understanding of the well-described oscillating patterns of virulent GAS infections by demonstrating mechanisms by which emergent strains adapt a "survival" strategy to outcompete previously circulating isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma M Odo
- Microbiology and Infectious Disease, MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Luis A Vega
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Piyali Mukherjee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sruti DebRoy
- Department of Infectious Disease, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony R Flores
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Microbial Genomics, University of Texas Health Sciences Center Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Samuel A Shelburne
- Department of Infectious Disease, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Genomic Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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2
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Enninful GN, Kuppusamy R, Tiburu EK, Kumar N, Willcox MDP. Non-canonical amino acid bioincorporation into antimicrobial peptides and its challenges. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3560. [PMID: 38262069 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3560] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial resistance and multi-drug resistant pathogens has necessitated explorations for novel antibiotic agents as the discovery of conventional antibiotics is becoming economically less viable and technically more challenging for biopharma. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising alternative because of their particular mode of action, broad spectrum and difficulty that microbes have in becoming resistant to them. The AMPs bacitracin, gramicidin, polymyxins and daptomycin are currently used clinically. However, their susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, toxicity profile, and complexities in large-scale manufacture have hindered their development. To improve their proteolytic stability, methods such as integrating non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into their peptide sequence have been adopted, which also improves their potency and spectrum of action. The benefits of ncAA incorporation have been made possible by solid-phase peptide synthesis. However, this method is not always suitable for commercial production of AMPs because of poor yield, scale-up difficulties, and its non-'green' nature. Bioincorporation of ncAA as a method of integration is an emerging field geared towards tackling the challenges of solid-phase synthesis as a green, cheaper, and scalable alternative for commercialisation of AMPs. This review focusses on the bioincorporation of ncAAs; some challenges associated with the methods are outlined, and notes are given on how to overcome these challenges. The review focusses particularly on addressing two key challenges: AMP cytotoxicity towards microbial cell factories and the uptake of ncAAs that are unfavourable to them. Overcoming these challenges will draw us closer to a greater yield and an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to make AMPs more druggable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajesh Kuppusamy
- University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Naresh Kumar
- University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Jastrab JB, Kagan JC. Strategies of bacterial detection by inflammasomes. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:835-850. [PMID: 38636521 PMCID: PMC11103797 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.03.009] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian innate immunity is regulated by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) and guard proteins, which use distinct strategies to detect infections. PRRs detect bacterial molecules directly, whereas guards detect host cell manipulations by microbial virulence factors. Despite sensing infection through different mechanisms, both classes of innate immune sensors can activate the inflammasome, an immune complex that can mediate cell death and inflammation. Inflammasome-mediated immune responses are crucial for host defense against many bacterial pathogens and prevent invasion by non-pathogenic organisms. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which inflammasomes are stimulated by PRRs and guards during bacterial infection, and the strategies used by virulent bacteria to evade inflammasome-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan B Jastrab
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan C Kagan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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4
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Sudol ASL, Crispin M, Tews I. The IgG-specific endoglycosidases EndoS and EndoS2 are distinguished by conformation and antibody recognition. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107245. [PMID: 38569940 PMCID: PMC11063906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107245] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The IgG-specific endoglycosidases EndoS and EndoS2 from Streptococcus pyogenes can remove conserved N-linked glycans present on the Fc region of host antibodies to inhibit Fc-mediated effector functions. These enzymes are therefore being investigated as therapeutics for suppressing unwanted immune activation, and have additional application as tools for antibody glycan remodeling. EndoS and EndoS2 differ in Fc glycan substrate specificity due to structural differences within their catalytic glycosyl hydrolase domains. However, a chimeric EndoS enzyme with a substituted glycosyl hydrolase from EndoS2 loses catalytic activity, despite high structural homology between the two enzymes, indicating either mechanistic divergence of EndoS and EndoS2, or improperly-formed domain interfaces in the chimeric enzyme. Here, we present the crystal structure of the EndoS2-IgG1 Fc complex determined to 3.0 Å resolution. Comparison of complexed and unliganded EndoS2 reveals relative reorientation of the glycosyl hydrolase, leucine-rich repeat and hybrid immunoglobulin domains. The conformation of the complexed EndoS2 enzyme is also different when compared to the earlier EndoS-IgG1 Fc complex, and results in distinct contact surfaces between the two enzymes and their Fc substrate. These findings indicate mechanistic divergence of EndoS2 and EndoS. It will be important to consider these differences in the design of IgG-specific enzymes, developed to enable customizable antibody glycosylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail S L Sudol
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Ivo Tews
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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5
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Odo CM, Vega LA, Mukherjee P, DebRoy S, Flores AR, Shelburne SA. Emergent emm4 group A Streptococcus evidences a survival strategy during interaction with immune effector cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.588776. [PMID: 38645060 PMCID: PMC11030381 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.588776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The major gram-positive pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a model organism for studying microbial epidemics as it causes waves of infections. Since 1980, several GAS epidemics have been ascribed to the emergence of clones producing increased amounts of key virulence factors such as streptolysin O (SLO). Herein, we sought to identify mechanisms underlying our recently identified temporal clonal emergence amongst emm4 GAS, given that emergent strains did not produce augmented levels of virulence factors relative to historic isolates. Through the creation and analysis of isoallelic strains, we determined that a conserved mutation in a previously undescribed gene encoding a putative carbonic anhydrase was responsible for the defective in vitro growth observed in the emergent strains. We also identified that the emergent strains survived better inside macrophages and killed macrophages at lower rates relative to the historic strains. Via creation of isogenic mutant strains, we linked the emergent strain "survival" phenotype to the downregulation of the SLO encoding gene and upregulation of the msrAB operon which encodes proteins involved in defense against extracellular oxidative stress. Our findings are in accord with recent surveillance studies which found high ratio of mucosal (i.e., pharyngeal) relative to invasive infections amongst emm4 GAS. Inasmuch as ever-increasing virulence is unlikely to be evolutionary advantageous for a microbial pathogen, our data furthers understanding of the well described oscillating patterns of virulent GAS infections by demonstrating mechanisms by which emergent strains adapt a "survival" strategy to outcompete previously circulating isolates.
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6
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Lu L, Zhao Y, Li M, Wang X, Zhu J, Liao L, Wang J. Contemporary strategies and approaches for characterizing composition and enhancing biofilm penetration targeting bacterial extracellular polymeric substances. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100906. [PMID: 38634060 PMCID: PMC11022105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.11.013] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) constitutes crucial elements within bacterial biofilms, facilitating accelerated antimicrobial resistance and conferring defense against the host's immune cells. Developing precise and effective antibiofilm approaches and strategies, tailored to the specific characteristics of EPS composition, can offer valuable insights for the creation of novel antimicrobial drugs. This, in turn, holds the potential to mitigate the alarming issue of bacterial drug resistance. Current analysis of EPS compositions relies heavily on colorimetric approaches with a significant bias, which is likely due to the selection of a standard compound and the cross-interference of various EPS compounds. Considering the pivotal role of EPS in biofilm functionality, it is imperative for EPS research to delve deeper into the analysis of intricate compositions, moving beyond the current focus on polymeric materials. This necessitates a shift from heavy reliance on colorimetric analytic methods to more comprehensive and nuanced analytical approaches. In this study, we have provided a comprehensive summary of existing analytical methods utilized in the characterization of EPS compositions. Additionally, novel strategies aimed at targeting EPS to enhance biofilm penetration were explored, with a specific focus on highlighting the limitations associated with colorimetric methods. Furthermore, we have outlined the challenges faced in identifying additional components of EPS and propose a prospective research plan to address these challenges. This review has the potential to guide future researchers in the search for novel compounds capable of suppressing EPS, thereby inhibiting biofilm formation. This insight opens up a new avenue for exploration within this research domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Yuting Zhao
- Meishan Pharmaceutical Vocational College, School of Pharmacy, Meishan, Sichuan, 620200, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Langzhong People's Hospital, Langzhong, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Li Liao
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Jingya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal and Edible Plants Resources Development of Sichuan Education Department, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610000, China
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7
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Juszczuk-Kubiak E. Molecular Aspects of the Functioning of Pathogenic Bacteria Biofilm Based on Quorum Sensing (QS) Signal-Response System and Innovative Non-Antibiotic Strategies for Their Elimination. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2655. [PMID: 38473900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052655] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the key mechanisms enabling bacterial cells to create biofilms and regulate crucial life functions in a global and highly synchronized way is a bacterial communication system called quorum sensing (QS). QS is a bacterial cell-to-cell communication process that depends on the bacterial population density and is mediated by small signalling molecules called autoinducers (AIs). In bacteria, QS controls the biofilm formation through the global regulation of gene expression involved in the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) synthesis, virulence factor production, stress tolerance and metabolic adaptation. Forming biofilm is one of the crucial mechanisms of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A common feature of human pathogens is the ability to form biofilm, which poses a serious medical issue due to their high susceptibility to traditional antibiotics. Because QS is associated with virulence and biofilm formation, there is a belief that inhibition of QS activity called quorum quenching (QQ) may provide alternative therapeutic methods for treating microbial infections. This review summarises recent progress in biofilm research, focusing on the mechanisms by which biofilms, especially those formed by pathogenic bacteria, become resistant to antibiotic treatment. Subsequently, a potential alternative approach to QS inhibition highlighting innovative non-antibiotic strategies to control AMR and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Juszczuk-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology-State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Do H, Li ZR, Tripathi PK, Mitra S, Guerra S, Dash A, Weerasekera D, Makthal N, Shams S, Aggarwal S, Singh BB, Gu D, Du Y, Olsen RJ, LaRock C, Zhang W, Kumaraswami M. Engineered probiotic overcomes pathogen defences using signal interference and antibiotic production to treat infection in mice. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:502-513. [PMID: 38228859 PMCID: PMC10847043 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01583-9] [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: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Probiotic supplements are suggested to promote human health by preventing pathogen colonization. However, the mechanistic bases for their efficacy in vivo are largely uncharacterized. Here using metabolomics and bacterial genetics, we show that the human oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 (SAL) produces salivabactin, an antibiotic that effectively inhibits pathogenic Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) in vitro and in mice. However, prophylactic dosing with SAL enhanced GAS colonization in mice and ex vivo in human saliva. We showed that, on co-colonization, GAS responds to a SAL intercellular peptide signal that controls SAL salivabactin production. GAS produces a secreted protease, SpeB, that targets SAL-derived salivaricins and enhances GAS survival. Using this knowledge, we re-engineered probiotic SAL to prevent signal eavesdropping by GAS and potentiate SAL antimicrobials. This engineered probiotic demonstrated superior efficacy in preventing GAS colonization in vivo. Our findings show that knowledge of interspecies interactions can identify antibiotic- and probiotic-based strategies to combat infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hackwon Do
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Research unit of cryogenic novel material, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Zhong-Rui Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Praveen Kumar Tripathi
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sonali Mitra
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephanie Guerra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ananya Dash
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dulanthi Weerasekera
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nishanth Makthal
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Syed Shams
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shifu Aggarwal
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bharat Bhushan Singh
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Di Gu
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Yongle Du
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Randall J Olsen
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Muthiah Kumaraswami
- Center for Molecular and Translational Human Infectious Diseases Research, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
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9
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Happonen L, Collin M. Immunomodulating Enzymes from Streptococcus pyogenes-In Pathogenesis, as Biotechnological Tools, and as Biological Drugs. Microorganisms 2024; 12:200. [PMID: 38258026 PMCID: PMC10818452 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus, is an exclusively human pathogen that causes a wide variety of diseases ranging from mild throat and skin infections to severe invasive disease. The pathogenesis of S. pyogenes infection has been extensively studied, but the pathophysiology, especially of the more severe infections, is still somewhat elusive. One key feature of S. pyogenes is the expression of secreted, surface-associated, and intracellular enzymes that directly or indirectly affect both the innate and adaptive host immune systems. Undoubtedly, S. pyogenes is one of the major bacterial sources for immunomodulating enzymes. Major targets for these enzymes are immunoglobulins that are destroyed or modified through proteolysis or glycan hydrolysis. Furthermore, several enzymes degrade components of the complement system and a group of DNAses degrade host DNA in neutrophil extracellular traps. Additional types of enzymes interfere with cellular inflammatory and innate immunity responses. In this review, we attempt to give a broad overview of the functions of these enzymes and their roles in pathogenesis. For those enzymes where experimentally determined structures exist, the structural aspects of the enzymatic activity are further discussed. Lastly, we also discuss the emerging use of some of the enzymes as biotechnological tools as well as biological drugs and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotta Happonen
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Mattias Collin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden
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10
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Zou Z, Obernuefemann CLP, Singh P, Pinkner JS, Xu W, Nye TM, Dodson KW, Almqvist F, Hultgren SJ, Caparon MG. Dihydrothiazolo ring-fused 2-pyridone antimicrobial compounds treat Streptococcus pyogenes skin and soft tissue infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.02.573960. [PMID: 38260261 PMCID: PMC10802287 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.02.573960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
We have developed GmPcides from a peptidomimetic dihydrothiazolo ring-fused 2-pyridone scaffold that have antimicrobial activities against a broad-spectrum of Gram-positive pathogens. Here we examine the treatment efficacy of GmPcides using skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) and biofilm formation models by Streptococcus pyogenes. Screening our compound library for minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal bactericidal (MBC) concentrations identified GmPcide PS757 as highly active against S. pyogenes. Treatment of S. pyogenes biofilm with PS757 revealed robust efficacy against all phases of biofilm formation by preventing initial biofilm development, ceasing biofilm maturation and eradicating mature biofilm. In a murine model of S. pyogenes SSTI, subcutaneous delivery of PS757 resulted in reduced levels of tissue damage, decreased bacterial burdens and accelerated rates of wound-healing, which were associated with down-regulation of key virulence factors, including M protein and the SpeB cysteine protease. These data demonstrate that GmPcides show considerable promise for treating S. pyogenes infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongsen Zou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Chloe L P Obernuefemann
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Pardeep Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jerome S Pinkner
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Taylor M Nye
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Karen W Dodson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | | | - Scott J Hultgren
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Michael G Caparon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Center for Women's Infectious Disease Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
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11
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Loh JM, Aghababa H, Proft T. Eluding the immune system's frontline defense: Secreted complement evasion factors of pathogenic Gram-positive cocci. Microbiol Res 2023; 277:127512. [PMID: 37826985 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2023.127512] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The human complement system is an important part of the innate immune response in the fight against invasive bacteria. Complement responses can be activated independently by the classical pathway, the lectin pathway, or the alternative pathway, each resulting in the formation of a C3 convertase that produces the anaphylatoxin C3a and the opsonin C3b by specifically cutting C3. Other important features of complement are the production of the chemotactic C5a peptide and the generation of the membrane attack complex to lyse intruding pathogens. Invasive pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and several species of the genus Streptococcus have developed a variety of complement evasion strategies to resist complement activity thereby increasing their virulence and potential to cause disease. In this review, we focus on secreted complement evasion factors that assist the bacteria to avoid opsonization and terminal pathway lysis. We also briefly discuss the potential role of complement evasion factors for the development of vaccines and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacelyn Ms Loh
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Haniyeh Aghababa
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thomas Proft
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand.
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12
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Aikawa C, Shimizu A, Nakakido M, Murase K, Nozawa T, Tsumoto K, Nakagawa I. Group A Streptococcus cation diffusion facilitator proteins contribute to immune evasion by regulating intracellular metal concentrations. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 676:141-148. [PMID: 37516031 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Cation diffusion facilitators (CDFs) are a large family of divalent metal transporters with broad specificities that contribute to intracellular metal homeostasis and toxicity in bacterial pathogens. Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus [GAS]) expresses two homologous CDF efflux transporters, MntE and CzcD, which selectively transport Mn and Zn, respectively. We discovered that the MntE- and CzcD-deficient strains exhibited a marked decrease in the viability of macrophage-differentiated THP-1 cells and neutrophils. In addition, the viability of mice infected with both deficient strains markedly increased. Consistent with a previous study, our results suggest that MntE regulates the PerR-dependent oxidative stress response by maintaining intracellular Mn levels and contributing to the growth of GAS. The maturation and proteolytic activity of streptococcal cysteine protease (SpeB), an important virulence factor in GAS, has been reported to be abrogated by zinc and copper. Zn inhibited the maturation and proteolytic activity of SpeB in the culture supernatant of the CzcD-deficient strain. Furthermore, Mn inhibited SpeB maturation and proteolytic activity in a MntE-deficient strain. Since the host pathogenicity of the SpeB-deficient strain was significantly reduced, maintenance of intracellular manganese and zinc levels in the GAS via MntE and CzcD may not only confer metal resistance to the bacterium, but may also play an essential role in its virulence. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity, which allow pathogens to survive under stressful conditions associated with elevated metal ion concentrations during host infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Aikawa
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Akihide Shimizu
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Makoto Nakakido
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan; Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Kazunori Murase
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Nozawa
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan; Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan; Laboratory of Medical Proteomics, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Microbiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
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13
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Troese MJ, Burlet E, Cunningham MW, Alvarez K, Bentley R, Thomas N, Carwell S, Morefield GL. Group A Streptococcus Vaccine Targeting the Erythrogenic Toxins SpeA and SpeB Is Safe and Immunogenic in Rabbits and Does Not Induce Antibodies Associated with Autoimmunity. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1504. [PMID: 37766180 PMCID: PMC10534881 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a global pathogen associated with significant morbidity and mortality for which there is currently no licensed vaccine. Vaccine development has been slow, mostly due to safety concerns regarding streptococcal antigens associated with autoimmunity and related complications. For a GAS vaccine to be safe, it must be ensured that the antigens used in the vaccine do not elicit an antibody response that can cross-react with host tissues. In this study, we evaluated the safety of our GAS vaccine candidate called VaxiStrep in New Zealand White rabbits. VaxiStrep is a recombinant fusion protein comprised of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (SpeA) and exotoxin B (SpeB), also known as erythrogenic toxins, adsorbed to an aluminum adjuvant. The vaccine elicited a robust immune response against the two toxins in the rabbits without any adverse events or toxicity. No signs of autoimmune pathology were detected in the rabbits' brains, hearts, and kidneys via immunohistochemistry, and serum antibodies did not cross-react with cardiac or neuronal tissue proteins associated with rheumatic heart disease or Sydenham chorea (SC). This study further confirms that VaxiStrep does not elicit autoantibodies and is safe to be tested in a first-in-human trial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Madeleine W. Cunningham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Kathy Alvarez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Rebecca Bentley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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14
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Wang S, Zhao Y, Breslawec AP, Liang T, Deng Z, Kuperman LL, Yu Q. Strategy to combat biofilms: a focus on biofilm dispersal enzymes. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:63. [PMID: 37679355 PMCID: PMC10485009 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms, which consist of three-dimensional extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), not only function as signaling networks, provide nutritional support, and facilitate surface adhesion, but also serve as a protective shield for the residing bacterial inhabitants against external stress, such as antibiotics, antimicrobials, and host immune responses. Biofilm-associated infections account for 65-80% of all human microbial infections that lead to serious mortality and morbidity. Tremendous effort has been spent to address the problem by developing biofilm-dispersing agents to discharge colonized microbial cells to a more vulnerable planktonic state. Here, we discuss the recent progress of enzymatic eradicating strategies against medical biofilms, with a focus on dispersal mechanisms. Particularly, we review three enzyme classes that have been extensively investigated, namely glycoside hydrolases, proteases, and deoxyribonucleases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochi Wang
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanteng Zhao
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Alexandra P Breslawec
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Tingting Liang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune-Engineering of Henan Province, Henan University Jinming Campus, 475004, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Zhifen Deng
- Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Laura L Kuperman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA.
- Mirimus Inc., 760 Parkside Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11226, USA.
| | - Qiuning Yu
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China.
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15
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Thornton LB, Key M, Micchelli C, Stasic AJ, Kwain S, Floyd K, Moreno SN, Dominy BN, Whitehead DC, Dou Z. A cathepsin C-like protease mediates the post-translation modification of Toxoplasma gondii secretory proteins for optimal invasion and egress. mBio 2023; 14:e0017423. [PMID: 37326431 PMCID: PMC10470614 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00174-23] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial pathogens use proteases for their infections, such as digestion of proteins for nutrients and activation of their virulence factors. As an obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii must invade host cells to establish its intracellular propagation. To facilitate invasion, the parasites secrete invasion effectors from microneme and rhoptry, two unique organelles in apicomplexans. Previous work has shown that some micronemal invasion effectors experience a series of proteolytic cleavages within the parasite's secretion pathway for maturation, such as the aspartyl protease (TgASP3) and the cathepsin L-like protease (TgCPL), localized within the post-Golgi compartment and the endolysosomal system, respectively. Furthermore, it has been shown that the precise maturation of micronemal effectors is critical for Toxoplasma invasion and egress. Here, we show that an endosome-like compartment (ELC)-residing cathepsin C-like protease (TgCPC1) mediates the final trimming of some micronemal effectors, and its loss further results in defects in the steps of invasion, egress, and migration throughout the parasite's lytic cycle. Notably, the deletion of TgCPC1 completely blocks the activation of subtilisin-like protease 1 (TgSUB1) in the parasites, which globally impairs the surface-trimming of many key micronemal invasion and egress effectors. Additionally, we found that Toxoplasma is not efficiently inhibited by the chemical inhibitor targeting the malarial CPC ortholog, suggesting that these cathepsin C-like orthologs are structurally different within the apicomplexan phylum. Collectively, our findings identify a novel function of TgCPC1 in processing micronemal proteins within the Toxoplasma parasite's secretory pathway and expand the understanding of the roles of cathepsin C protease. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii is a microbial pathogen that is well adapted for disseminating infections. It can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals. Approximately one-third of the human population carries toxoplasmosis. During infection, the parasites sequentially secrete protein effectors from the microneme, rhoptry, and dense granule, three organelles exclusively found in apicomplexan parasites, to help establish their lytic cycle. Proteolytic cleavage of these secretory proteins is required for the parasite's optimal function. Previous work has revealed that two proteases residing within the parasite's secretory pathway cleave micronemal and rhoptry proteins, which mediate parasite invasion and egress. Here, we demonstrate that a cathepsin C-like protease (TgCPC1) is involved in processing several invasion and egress effectors. The genetic deletion of TgCPC1 prevented the complete maturation of some effectors in the parasites. Strikingly, the deletion led to a full inactivation of one surface-anchored protease, which globally impaired the trimming of some key micronemal proteins before secretion. Therefore, this finding represents a novel post-translational mechanism for the processing of virulence factors within microbial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Brock Thornton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Melanie Key
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chiara Micchelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew J. Stasic
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Samuel Kwain
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine Floyd
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Silvia N.J. Moreno
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Brian N. Dominy
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel C. Whitehead
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | - Zhicheng Dou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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16
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Shumba P, Sura T, Moll K, Chakrakodi B, Tölken LA, Hoßmann J, Hoff KJ, Hyldegaard O, Nekludov M, Svensson M, Arnell P, Skrede S, Norrby-Teglund A, Siemens N. Neutrophil-derived reactive agents induce a transient SpeB negative phenotype in Streptococcus pyogenes. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:52. [PMID: 37430325 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00947-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci; GAS) is the main causative pathogen of monomicrobial necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs). To resist immuno-clearance, GAS adapt their genetic information and/or phenotype to the surrounding environment. Hyper-virulent streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) negative variants caused by covRS mutations are enriched during infection. A key driving force for this process is the bacterial Sda1 DNase. METHODS Bacterial infiltration, immune cell influx, tissue necrosis and inflammation in patient´s biopsies were determined using immunohistochemistry. SpeB secretion and activity by GAS post infections or challenges with reactive agents were determined via Western blot or casein agar and proteolytic activity assays, respectively. Proteome of GAS single colonies and neutrophil secretome were profiled, using mass spectrometry. RESULTS Here, we identify another strategy resulting in SpeB-negative variants, namely reversible abrogation of SpeB secretion triggered by neutrophil effector molecules. Analysis of NSTI patient tissue biopsies revealed that tissue inflammation, neutrophil influx, and degranulation positively correlate with increasing frequency of SpeB-negative GAS clones. Using single colony proteomics, we show that GAS isolated directly from tissue express but do not secrete SpeB. Once the tissue pressure is lifted, GAS regain SpeB secreting function. Neutrophils were identified as the main immune cells responsible for the observed phenotype. Subsequent analyses identified hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid as reactive agents driving this phenotypic GAS adaptation to the tissue environment. SpeB-negative GAS show improved survival within neutrophils and induce increased degranulation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide new information about GAS fitness and heterogeneity in the soft tissue milieu and provide new potential targets for therapeutic intervention in NSTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience Shumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas Sura
- Department of Microbial Proteomics, Institute of Microbiology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Kirsten Moll
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bhavya Chakrakodi
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lea A Tölken
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jörn Hoßmann
- Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Katharina J Hoff
- Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ole Hyldegaard
- Department of Anaesthesia, Head and Orthopedic Center, University Hospital Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Nekludov
- Department of Anaesthesia, Surgical Services and Intensive Care, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Svensson
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Arnell
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Steinar Skrede
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Norrby-Teglund
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nikolai Siemens
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
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17
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Johnson AF, Sands JS, Trivedi KM, Russell R, LaRock DL, LaRock CN. Constitutive secretion of pro-IL-18 allows keratinocytes to initiate inflammation during bacterial infection. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011321. [PMID: 37068092 PMCID: PMC10138833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes) is a professional human pathogen that commonly infects the skin. Keratinocytes are one of the first cells to contact GAS, and by inducing inflammation, they can initiate the earliest immune responses to pathogen invasion. Here, we characterized the proinflammatory cytokine repertoire produced by primary human keratinocytes and surrogate cell lines commonly used in vitro. Infection induces several cytokines and chemokines, but keratinocytes constitutively secrete IL-18 in a form that is inert (pro-IL-18) and lacks proinflammatory activity. Canonically, IL-18 activation and secretion are coupled through a single proteolytic event that is regulated intracellularly by the inflammasome protease caspase-1 in myeloid cells. The pool of extracellular pro-IL-18 generated by keratinocytes is poised to sense extracellular proteases. It is directly processed into a mature active form by SpeB, a secreted GAS protease that is a critical virulent factor during skin infection. This mechanism contributes to the proinflammatory response against GAS, resulting in T cell activation and the secretion of IFN-γ. Under these conditions, isolates of several other major bacterial pathogens and microbiota of the skin were found to not have significant IL-18-maturing ability. These results suggest keratinocyte-secreted IL-18 is a sentinel that sounds an early alarm that is highly sensitive to GAS, yet tolerant to non-invasive members of the microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders F Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jenna S Sands
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Keya M Trivedi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Raedeen Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Doris L LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Christopher N LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Department of Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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18
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Oyama S, Adachi-Katayama M, Okamoto K, Jin C, Yamamura K, Saito Y, Kanematsu A, Otani A, Wakimoto Y, Oyabu T, Jubishi D, Hashimoto H, Harada S, Okugawa S, Moriya K. Preseptal cellulitis with Streptococcus pyogenes complicated by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: A case report and review of literature. J Infect Chemother 2023:S1341-321X(23)00086-7. [PMID: 37024048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.04.001] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Preseptal cellulitis, an infection of the eyelid and skin around the eye, can be distinguished from orbital cellulitis. It is common in children and is rarely complicated. Streptococcus pyogenes is one of the major pathogens causing preseptal cellulitis. Here, we report a case of a 46-year-old man with carcinoma of unknown primary presenting preseptal cellulitis of S. pyogenes complicated by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and multiple metastatic abscesses involving right eyelid, subcutaneous tissue in the scalp, mediastinum, bilateral pleural spaces, pericardial space, and the left knee. Although he required a prolonged hospitalization, antibiotic therapy and multiple courses of debridement led to full recovery. A literature review revealed that there were only four cases of preseptal cellulitis with S. pyogenes in adults and two cases were complicated by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The cases had either trauma or immunocompromising factors similar to our patient. All patients survived with antibiotic therapy and debridement, and the functional outcome was favorable. In summary, preseptal cellulitis caused by S. pyogenes can be severe in adult cases where immunocompromising factors and type of strain may play a role in the severity of the disease. Awareness of the risk of severe complications, treatment with appropriate antibiotic therapy, and timely debridement are crucial for favorable prognoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Setsuko Oyama
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maho Adachi-Katayama
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Koh Okamoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Jin
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Yamamura
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Saito
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aoi Kanematsu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Amato Otani
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Wakimoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Oyabu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Jubishi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideki Hashimoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sohei Harada
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shu Okugawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoji Moriya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Infection Control and Prevention, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Thornton LB, Key M, Micchelli C, Stasic AJ, Kwain S, Floyd K, Moreno SNJ, Dominy BN, Whitehead DC, Dou Z. A cathepsin C-like protease post-translationally modifies Toxoplasma gondii secretory proteins for optimal invasion and egress. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.21.525043. [PMID: 36712013 PMCID: PMC9882377 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.21.525043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Microbial pathogens use proteases for their infections, such as digestion of proteins for nutrients and activation of their virulence factors. As an obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii must invade host cells to establish its intracellular propagation. To facilitate invasion, the parasites secrete invasion effectors from microneme and rhoptry, two unique organelles in apicomplexans. Previous work has shown that some micronemal invasion effectors experience a series of proteolytic cleavages within the parasite's secretion pathway for maturation, such as the aspartyl protease (TgASP3) and the cathepsin L-like protease (TgCPL), localized within the post-Golgi compartment (1) and the endolysosomal system (2), respectively. Furthermore, it has been shown that the precise maturation of micronemal effectors is critical for Toxoplasma invasion and egress (1). Here, we show that an endosome-like compartment (ELC)-residing cathepsin C-like protease (TgCPC1) mediates the final trimming of some micronemal effectors, and its loss further results in defects in the steps of invasion, egress, and migration throughout the parasite's lytic cycle. Notably, the deletion of TgCPC1 completely blocks the activation of subtilisin-like protease 1 (TgSUB1) in the parasites, which globally impairs the surface-trimming of many key micronemal invasion and egress effectors. Additionally, we found that TgCPC1 was not efficiently inhibited by the chemical inhibitor targeting its malarial ortholog, suggesting that these cathepsin C-like orthologs are structurally different within the apicomplexan phylum. Taken together, our findings identify a novel function of TgCPC1 in the processing of micronemal proteins within the secretory pathway of Toxoplasma parasites and expand the understanding of the roles of cathepsin C protease. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii is a microbial pathogen that is well adapted for disseminating infections. It can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals. Approximately one-third of the human population carries toxoplasmosis. During infection, the parasites sequentially secrete protein effectors from the microneme, rhoptry, and dense granule, three organelles exclusively found in apicomplexan parasites, to help establish their lytic cycle. Proteolytic cleavage of these secretory proteins is required for the parasite's optimal function. Previous work has revealed that two proteases residing within the parasite's secretory pathway cleave micronemal and rhoptry proteins, which mediate parasite invasion and egress. Here, we demonstrate that a cathepsin C-like protease (TgCPC1) is involved in processing several invasion and egress effectors. The genetic deletion of TgCPC1 prevented the complete maturation of some effectors in the parasites. Strikingly, the deletion led to a full inactivation of one surface-anchored protease, which globally impaired the trimming of some key micronemal proteins before secretion. Therefore, this finding represents a novel post-translational mechanism for the processing of virulence factors within microbial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Brock Thornton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Melanie Key
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Chiara Micchelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Andrew J. Stasic
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Samuel Kwain
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Katherine Floyd
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Silvia N. J. Moreno
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Brian N. Dominy
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel C. Whitehead
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Zhicheng Dou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
- Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
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20
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Nowlan JP, Sies AN, Britney SR, Cameron ADS, Siah A, Lumsden JS, Russell S. Genomics of Tenacibaculum Species in British Columbia, Canada. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010101. [PMID: 36678448 PMCID: PMC9864904 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010101] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Tenacibaculum is a genus of Gram-negative filamentous bacteria with a cosmopolitan distribution. The research describing Tenacibaculum genomes stems primarily from Norway and Chile due to their impacts on salmon aquaculture. Canadian salmon aquaculture also experiences mortality events related to the presence of Tenacibaculum spp., yet no Canadian Tenacibaculum genomes are publicly available. Ribosomal DNA sequencing of 16S and four species-specific 16S quantitative-PCR assays were used to select isolates cultured from Atlantic salmon with mouthrot in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Ten isolates representing four known and two unknown species of Tenacibaculum were selected for shotgun whole genome sequencing using the Oxford Nanopore's MinION platform. The genome assemblies achieved closed circular chromosomes for seven isolates and long contigs for the remaining three isolates. Average nucleotide identity analysis identified T. ovolyticum, T. maritimum, T. dicentrarchi, two genomovars of T. finnmarkense, and two proposed novel species T. pacificus sp. nov. type strain 18-2881-AT and T. retecalamus sp. nov. type strain 18-3228-7BT. Annotation in most of the isolates predicted putative virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes, most-notably toxins (i.e., hemolysins), type-IX secretion systems, and oxytetracycline resistance. Comparative analysis with the T. maritimum type-strain predicted additional toxins and numerous C-terminal secretion proteins, including an M12B family metalloprotease in the T. maritimum isolates from BC. The genomic prediction of virulence-associated genes provides important targets for studies of mouthrot disease, and the annotation of the antimicrobial resistance genes provides targets for surveillance and diagnosis in veterinary medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P. Nowlan
- Center for Innovation in Fish Health, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5, Canada
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Ashton N. Sies
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
- Institute for Microbial Systems and Society, Faculty of Science, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Scott R. Britney
- Center for Innovation in Fish Health, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5, Canada
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Andrew D. S. Cameron
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
- Institute for Microbial Systems and Society, Faculty of Science, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Ahmed Siah
- BC Center for Aquatic Health Sciences, Campbell River, BC V9W 2C2, Canada
| | - John S. Lumsden
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Spencer Russell
- Center for Innovation in Fish Health, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5, Canada
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Host–Bacterial Interactions: Outcomes of Antimicrobial Peptide Applications. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12070715. [PMID: 35877918 PMCID: PMC9317001 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12070715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The bacterial membrane is part of a secretion system which plays an integral role to secrete proteins responsible for cell viability and pathogenicity; pathogenic bacteria, for example, secrete virulence factors and other membrane-associated proteins to invade the host cells through various types of secretion systems (Type I to Type IX). The bacterial membrane can also mediate microbial communities’ communication through quorum sensing (QS), by secreting auto-stimulants to coordinate gene expression. QS plays an important role in regulating various physiological processes, including bacterial biofilm formation while providing increased virulence, subsequently leading to antimicrobial resistance. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria have emerged as a threat to global health, and various strategies targeting QS and biofilm formation have been explored by researchers worldwide. Since the bacterial secretion systems play such a crucial role in host–bacterial interactions, this review intends to outline current understanding of bacterial membrane systems, which may provide new insights for designing approaches aimed at antimicrobials discovery. Various mechanisms pertaining interaction of the bacterial membrane with host cells and antimicrobial agents will be highlighted, as well as the evolution of bacterial membranes in evasion of antimicrobial agents. Finally, the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a cellular device for bacterial secretion systems will be discussed as emerging potential candidates for the treatment of multidrug resistance infections.
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Abstract
The nasopharynx and the skin are the major oxygen-rich anatomical sites for colonization by the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus [GAS]). To establish infection, GAS must survive oxidative stress generated during aerobic metabolism and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by host innate immune cells. Glutathione is the major host antioxidant molecule, while GAS is glutathione auxotrophic. Here, we report the molecular characterization of the ABC transporter substrate binding protein GshT in the GAS glutathione salvage pathway. We demonstrate that glutathione uptake is critical for aerobic growth of GAS and that impaired import of glutathione induces oxidative stress that triggers enhanced production of the reducing equivalent NADPH. Our results highlight the interrelationship between glutathione assimilation, carbohydrate metabolism, virulence factor production, and innate immune evasion. Together, these findings suggest an adaptive strategy employed by extracellular bacterial pathogens to exploit host glutathione stores for their own benefit.
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LaRock DL, Johnson AF, Wilde S, Sands JS, Monteiro MP, LaRock CN. Group A Streptococcus induces GSDMA-dependent pyroptosis in keratinocytes. Nature 2022; 605:527-531. [PMID: 35545676 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gasdermins (GSDMs) are a family of pore-forming effectors that permeabilize the cell membrane during the cell death program pyroptosis1. GSDMs are activated by proteolytic removal of autoinhibitory carboxy-terminal domains, typically by caspase regulators1-9. However, no activator is known for one member of this family, GSDMA. Here we show that the major human pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) secretes a protease virulence factor, SpeB, that induces GSDMA-dependent pyroptosis. SpeB cleavage of GSDMA releases an active amino-terminal fragment that can insert into membranes to form lytic pores. GSDMA is primarily expressed in the skin10, and keratinocytes infected with SpeB-expressing GAS die of GSDMA-dependent pyroptosis. Mice have three homologues of human GSDMA, and triple-knockout mice are more susceptible to invasive infection by a pandemic hypervirulent M1T1 clone of GAS. These results indicate that GSDMA is critical in the immune defence against invasive skin infections by GAS. Furthermore, they show that GSDMs can act independently of host regulators as direct sensors of exogenous proteases. As SpeB is essential for tissue invasion and survival within skin cells, these results suggest that GSDMA can act akin to a guard protein that directly detects concerning virulence activities of microorganisms that present a severe infectious threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris L LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anders F Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shyra Wilde
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jenna S Sands
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marcos P Monteiro
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christopher N LaRock
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Abstract
The gasdermin family of cell death executor proteins are activated by different proteases under different physiological conditions. A recent study by Deng et al. in Nature revealed that the cysteine protease SpeB from the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes directly cleaves and activates Gasdermin A to induce pyroptosis in skin cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anyang Zhao
- Division of Immunity, Inflammation, and Infection, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Max Kirkby
- Division of Immunity, Inflammation, and Infection, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Si Ming Man
- Division of Immunity, Inflammation, and Infection, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
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Protease activities of vaginal Porphyromonas species disrupt coagulation and extracellular matrix in the cervicovaginal niche. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:8. [PMID: 35190575 PMCID: PMC8861167 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00270-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Porphyromonas asaccharolytica and Porphyromonas uenonis are common inhabitants of the vaginal microbiome, but their presence has been linked to adverse health outcomes for women, including bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth. However, little is known about the pathogenesis mechanisms of these bacteria. The related oral opportunistic pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, is comparatively well-studied and known to secrete numerous extracellular matrix-targeting proteases. Among these are the gingipain family of cysteine proteases that drive periodontal disease progression and hematogenic transmission to the placenta. In this study, we demonstrate that vaginal Porphyromonas species secrete broad-acting proteases capable of freely diffusing within the cervicovaginal niche. These proteases degrade collagens that are enriched within the cervix (type I) and chorioamniotic membranes (type IV), as well as fibrinogen, which inhibits clot formation. Bioinformatic queries confirmed the absence of gingipain orthologs and identified five serine, cysteine, and metalloprotease candidates in each species. Inhibition assays revealed that each species’ proteolytic activity can be partially attributed to a secreted metalloprotease with broad substrate specificity that is distantly related to the P. gingivalis endopeptidase PepO. This characterization of virulence activities in vaginal Porphyromonas species highlights their potential to alter the homeostasis of reproductive tissues and harm human pregnancy through clotting disruption, fetal membrane weakening, and premature cervical remodeling.
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Galante D, Manzulli V, Donatiello A, Fasanella A, Chirullo B, Francia M, Rondinone V, Serrecchia L, Pace L, Iatarola M, Tarantino M, Adone R. Production of a Bacillus anthracis Secretome with Suitable Characteristics as Antigen in a Complement Fixation Test. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020312. [PMID: 35207599 PMCID: PMC8876820 DOI: 10.3390/life12020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we cultured the Bacillus anthracis vaccine strain Sterne 34F2 in a medium containing EDTA, and we assessed the best conditions to inhibit the activity of zinc-dependent metalloproteases to obtain a secretome containing a high concentration of non-degraded PA (PA83), as evaluated by the SDS-PAGE analysis. Then, we used this secretome as the antigen in a Complement Fixation Test (CFT) to monitor the production of antibodies against PA83 in the sera of rabbits vaccinated with Sterne 34F2 and then infected with a B. anthracis virulent strain to evaluate the potency of the vaccine. The PAS-based CFT results were compared with those obtained by using a commercial ELISA kit. The two serological tests gave similar results in terms of specificity and sensitivity, as the kinetics of the antibodies production was very similar. The Sterne 34F2 vaccine induced an antibody response to PA83, whose titer was not inferior to 1:8 in PAS-based CFT and 42 kU/mL in PA83-based ELISA, respectively, in all vaccinated rabbits. Our opinion is that the PAS-based CFT can be successfully employed in humans and in animals for epidemiological retrospective studies or post-vaccination monitoring. We also suggest the use of our method to test the efficacy of veterinary anthrax vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Galante
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.); (A.F.); (V.R.); (L.S.); (L.P.); (M.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0881786330
| | - Viviana Manzulli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.); (A.F.); (V.R.); (L.S.); (L.P.); (M.I.)
| | - Adelia Donatiello
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.); (A.F.); (V.R.); (L.S.); (L.P.); (M.I.)
| | - Antonio Fasanella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.); (A.F.); (V.R.); (L.S.); (L.P.); (M.I.)
| | - Barbara Chirullo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.C.); (M.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.)
| | - Massimiliano Francia
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.C.); (M.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.)
| | - Valeria Rondinone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.); (A.F.); (V.R.); (L.S.); (L.P.); (M.I.)
| | - Luigina Serrecchia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.); (A.F.); (V.R.); (L.S.); (L.P.); (M.I.)
| | - Lorenzo Pace
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.); (A.F.); (V.R.); (L.S.); (L.P.); (M.I.)
| | - Michela Iatarola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Anthrax Reference Institute of Italy, Via Manfredonia 20, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (V.M.); (A.D.); (A.F.); (V.R.); (L.S.); (L.P.); (M.I.)
| | - Michela Tarantino
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.C.); (M.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.)
| | - Rosanna Adone
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.C.); (M.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.)
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Proteolytic Profiling of Streptococcal Pyrogenic Exotoxin B (SpeB) by Complementary HPLC-MS Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010412. [PMID: 35008838 PMCID: PMC8745752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) is a cysteine protease expressed during group A streptococcal infection that represents a major virulence factor. Although subject to several studies, its role during infection is still under debate, and its proteolytic properties remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we revisited this protease through a set of complementary approaches relying on state of-the-art HPLC-MS methods. After conceiving an efficient protocol to recombinantly express SpeB, the zymogen of the protease and its activation were characterized. Employing proteome-derived peptide libraries, a strong preference for hydrophobic and aromatic residues at P2 alongside negatively charged amino acids at P3′ to P6′ was revealed. To identify relevant in vivo substrates, native proteins were obtained from monocytic secretome and plasma to assess their cleavage under physiological conditions. Besides corroborating our findings concerning specificity, more than 200 cleaved proteins were identified, including proteins of the extracellular matrix, proteins of the immune system, and proteins involved in inflammation. Finally, the cleavage of IgG subclasses was studied in detail. This study precisely depicts the proteolytic properties of SpeB and provides a library of potential host substrates, including their exact cleavage positions, as a valuable source for further research to unravel the role of SpeB during streptococcal infection.
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Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes is known to cause both mucosal and systemic infections in humans. In this study, we used a combination of quantitative and structural mass spectrometry techniques to determine the composition and structure of the interaction network formed between human plasma proteins and the surfaces of different S. pyogenes serotypes. Quantitative network analysis revealed that S. pyogenes forms serotype-specific interaction networks that are highly dependent on the domain arrangement of the surface-attached M protein. Subsequent structural mass spectrometry analysis and computational modeling of one of the M proteins, M28, revealed that the network structure changes across different host microenvironments. We report that M28 binds secretory IgA via two separate binding sites with high affinity in saliva. During vascular leakage mimicked by increasing plasma concentrations in saliva, the binding of secretory IgA was replaced by the binding of monomeric IgA and C4b-binding protein (C4BP). This indicates that an upsurge of C4BP in the local microenvironment due to damage to the mucosal membrane drives the binding of C4BP and monomeric IgA to M28. These results suggest that S. pyogenes has evolved to form microenvironment-dependent host-pathogen protein complexes to combat human immune surveillance during both mucosal and systemic infections. IMPORTANCEStreptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus [GAS]), is a human-specific Gram-positive bacterium. Each year, the bacterium affects 700 million people globally, leading to 160,000 deaths. The clinical manifestations of S. pyogenes are diverse, ranging from mild and common infections like tonsillitis and impetigo to life-threatening systemic conditions such as sepsis and necrotizing fasciitis. S. pyogenes expresses multiple virulence factors on its surface to localize and initiate infections in humans. Among all these expressed virulence factors, the M protein is the most important antigen. In this study, we perform an in-depth characterization of the human protein interactions formed around one of the foremost human pathogens. This strategy allowed us to decipher the protein interaction networks around different S. pyogenes strains on a global scale and to compare and visualize how such interactions are mediated by M proteins.
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29
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Hammers D, Carothers K, Lee S. The Role of Bacterial Proteases in Microbe and Host-microbe Interactions. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 23:222-239. [PMID: 34370632 DOI: 10.2174/1389450122666210809094100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secreted proteases are an important class of factors used by bacterial to modulate their extracellular environment through the cleavage of peptides and proteins. These proteases can range from broad, general proteolytic activity to high degrees of substrate specificity. They are often involved in interactions between bacteria and other species, even across kingdoms, allowing bacteria to survive and compete within their niche. As a result, many bacterial proteases are of clinical importance. The immune system is a common target for these enzymes, and bacteria have evolved ways to use these proteases to alter immune responses for their benefit. In addition to the wide variety of human proteins that can be targeted by bacterial proteases, bacteria also use these secreted factors to disrupt competing microbes, ranging from outright antimicrobial activity to disrupting processes like biofilm formation. OBJECTIVE In this review, we address how bacterial proteases modulate host mechanisms of protection from infection and injury, including immune factors and cell barriers. We also discuss the contributions of bacterial proteases to microbe-microbe interactions, including antimicrobial and anti-biofilm dynamics. CONCLUSION Bacterial secreted proteases represent an incredibly diverse group of factors that bacteria use to shape and thrive in their microenvironment. Due to the range of activities and targets of these proteases, some have been noted for having potential as therapeutics. The vast array of bacterial proteases and their targets remains an expanding field of research, and this field has many important implications for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hammers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Galvin Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Katelyn Carothers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Galvin Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Shaun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Galvin Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
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30
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Allaband C, Lingaraju A, Martino C, Russell B, Tripathi A, Poulsen O, Dantas Machado AC, Zhou D, Xue J, Elijah E, Malhotra A, Dorrestein PC, Knight R, Haddad GG, Zarrinpar A. Intermittent Hypoxia and Hypercapnia Alter Diurnal Rhythms of Luminal Gut Microbiome and Metabolome. mSystems 2021; 6:e0011621. [PMID: 34184915 PMCID: PMC8269208 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00116-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by intermittent hypoxia and hypercapnia (IHC), affects the composition of the gut microbiome and metabolome. The gut microbiome has diurnal oscillations that play a crucial role in regulating circadian and overall metabolic homeostasis. Thus, we hypothesized that IHC adversely alters the gut luminal dynamics of key microbial families and metabolites. The objective of this study was to determine the diurnal dynamics of the fecal microbiome and metabolome of Apoe-/- mice after a week of IHC exposure. Individually housed, 10-week-old Apoe-/- mice on an atherogenic diet were split into two groups. One group was exposed to daily IHC conditions for 10 h (Zeitgeber time 2 [ZT2] to ZT12), while the other was maintained in room air. Six days after the initiation of the IHC conditions, fecal samples were collected every 4 h for 24 h (6 time points). We performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to assess changes in the microbiome and metabolome. IHC induced global changes in the cyclical dynamics of the gut microbiome and metabolome. Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, S24-7, and Verrucomicrobiaceae had the greatest shifts in their diurnal oscillations. In the metabolome, bile acids, glycerolipids (phosphocholines and phosphoethanolamines), and acylcarnitines were greatly affected. Multi-omic analysis of these results demonstrated that Ruminococcaceae and tauro-β-muricholic acid (TβMCA) cooccur and are associated with IHC conditions and that Coriobacteriaceae and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) cooccur and are associated with control conditions. IHC significantly change the diurnal dynamics of the fecal microbiome and metabolome, increasing members and metabolites that are proinflammatory and proatherogenic while decreasing protective ones. IMPORTANCE People with obstructive sleep apnea are at a higher risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, and sudden cardiac death. We wanted to understand whether the gut microbiome changes induced by obstructive sleep apnea could potentially explain some of these medical problems. By collecting stool from a mouse model of this disease at multiple time points during the day, we studied how obstructive sleep apnea changed the day-night patterns of microbes and metabolites of the gut. Since the oscillations of the gut microbiome play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, changes in these oscillations can explain why these patients can develop so many metabolic problems. We found changes in microbial families and metabolites that regulate many metabolic pathways contributing to the increased risk for heart disease seen in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Allaband
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Amulya Lingaraju
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Cameron Martino
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Baylee Russell
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anupriya Tripathi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Orit Poulsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jin Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Emmanuel Elijah
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Pieter C. Dorrestein
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Collaborative Mass Spectrometry Innovation Center, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Gabriel G. Haddad
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Amir Zarrinpar
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Institute of Diabetes and Metabolic Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- VA Health Sciences San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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The Streptococcus pyogenes signaling peptide SpoV regulates streptolysin O and enhances survival in murine blood. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:JB.00586-20. [PMID: 33722844 PMCID: PMC8117530 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00586-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, GAS) is a human pathogen that causes a wide range of diseases. For successful colonization within a variety of host niches, GAS must sense and respond to environmental changes. Intercellular communication mediated by peptides is one way GAS coordinates gene expression in response to diverse environmental stressors, which enhances bacterial survival and contributes to virulence. Using peptidomics we identified SpoV (Streptococcal peptide controlling virulence) in culture supernatant fluids. SpoV is a secreted peptide encoded near the gene encoding the extracellular cholesterol-dependent cytolysin streptolysin O (slo) The addition of synthetic SpoV peptide derivatives, but not control peptides, increased slo transcript abundance in an M49 isolate but not in an M3 isolate. Deletion of spoV decreased slo transcript abundance, extracellular SLO protein levels, and SLO-specific hemolytic activity. Complementation of the spoV mutant increased slo transcript abundance. Lastly, a spoV mutant was deficient in the ability to survive in murine blood compared to the parental strain. Moreover, pre-incubation of the spoV mutant with synthetic SpoV peptide derivatives increased GAS survival. Our findings show that slo expression is regulated, in part, by the GAS-specific signaling peptide SpoV.IMPORTANCEGAS secretes signaling peptides that can alter gene expression and impact virulence. We used peptidomics to identify a signaling peptide designated SpoV. Further, we showed that SpoV altered the expression of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin SLO. Peptide signaling plays an important regulatory role during disease progression among several bacterial pathogens, including GAS. The therapeutic potential of manipulating peptide-controlled regulatory networks is an attractive option for the development of novel therapeutic strategies that disrupt virulence gene expression.
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32
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Luo Q, Lei X, Xu J, Jahangir A, He J, Huang C, Liu W, Cheng A, Tang L, Geng Y, Chen Z. An altered gut microbiota in duck-origin parvovirus infection on cherry valley ducklings is associated with mucosal barrier dysfunction. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101021. [PMID: 33677399 PMCID: PMC7940990 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Duck-origin parvovirus disease is an epidemic disease mainly caused by duck-origin goose parvovirus (D-GPV), which is characterized by beak atrophy and dwarfism syndrome. Its main symptoms are persistent diarrhea, skeletal dysplasia, and growth retardation. However, the pathogenesis of Cherry Valley ducks infected by D-GPV has not been studied thoroughly. To perceive the distribution of D-GPV in the intestinal tract, intestinal morphological development, intestinal permeability, inflammatory cytokines in Cherry Valley ducks, and expression of tight junction protein, the D-GPV infection was given intramuscularly. Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology was used to analyze the diversity and structure of ileum flora and content of short-chain fatty acids of its metabolites. To investigate the relationship between intestinal flora changes and intestinal barrier function after D-GPV infection on Cherry Valley ducks is of great theoretical and practical significance for further understanding the pathogenesis of D-GPV and the structure of intestinal flora in ducks. The results showed that D-GPV infection was accompanied by intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. At this time, the decrease of a large number of beneficial bacteria and the content of short-chain fatty acids in intestinal flora led to the weakening of colonization resistance of the intestinal flora and the accumulation of potentially pathogenic bacteria, which would aggravate the negative effect of D-GPV damage to the intestinal tract. Furthermore, a significant increase in Unclassified_S24-7 and decrease in Streptococcus was observed in D-GPV persistent, indicating the disruption in the structure of gut microbiota. Notably, the shift of microbiota was associated with the transcription of tight-junction protein and immune-associated cytokines. These results indicate that altered ileum microbiota, intestinal barrier, and immune dysfunction are associated with D-GPV infection. Therefore, there is a relationship between the intestinal barrier dysfunction and dysbiosis caused by D-GPV, but the specific mechanism needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihui Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyu Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Asad Jahangir
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junbo He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wentao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Geng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China; Laboratory of Experimental Animal Disease Model, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
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Siemens N, Snäll J, Svensson M, Norrby-Teglund A. Pathogenic Mechanisms of Streptococcal Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1294:127-150. [PMID: 33079367 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-57616-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are severe life-threatening and rapidly progressing infections. Beta-hemolytic streptococci, particularly S. pyogenes (group A streptococci (GAS)) but also S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE, most group G and C streptococcus), are the main causative agents of monomicrobial NSTIs and certain types, such as emm1 and emm3, are over-represented in NSTI cases. An arsenal of bacterial virulence factors contribute to disease pathogenesis, which is a complex and multifactorial process. In this chapter, we summarize data that have provided mechanistic and immuno-pathologic insight into host-pathogens interactions that contribute to tissue pathology in streptococcal NSTIs. The role of streptococcal surface associated and secreted factors contributing to the hyper-inflammatory state and immune evasion, bacterial load in the tissue and persistence strategies, including intracellular survival and biofilm formation, as well as strategies to mimic NSTIs in vitro are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai Siemens
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Johanna Snäll
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mattias Svensson
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Anna Norrby-Teglund
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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Gizinger OA, Ziganshin OR. Prospective study of the cytokine profile and antioxidant status of patients with pyoderma. VESTNIK DERMATOLOGII I VENEROLOGII 2021. [DOI: 10.25208/vdv1264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. The importance of studying the pathogenetic features of pyoderma associated with Streptococcus pyogenes is associated with the severity of the course of the disease, frequent relapses with a short inter-relapse period, and long-term disability.The severity of the course, long-term disability, violations of the pro-oxidate mechanisms recorded in patients with poidermias associated with Streptococcus pyogenes are priority and timely.
Aims. Study of the cytokine, prooxidant and antioxidant profiles of patients with pyoderma associated with Streptococcus pyogenes.
Мethods. А prospective study of the cytokine profile, the level of antioxidant defense enzymes, and lipid peroxidation factors in patients with pyoderma, lasting more than 2 years, associated with Streptococcus pyogenes, was carried out. The study included 100 people with diffuse lesions of smooth skin, identified on the skin surface of Streptococcus pyogenes, at the age of 28.76 6.24 years; in blood serum, the content of cytokines IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-, IFN-, IL-1 was studied by enzyme immunoassay, in whole blood the content of primary, secondary and final products of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes protection superoxide dismutase and catalase.
Results. Analysis of the content of cytokines showed a significant decrease in the concentration of IL-2, an increase in IL-10, TNF-, IL-8, IL-1 in the blood serum of patients with streptoderma compared with the reference values of healthy people (p 0.05). In whole blood plasma, an increase in the concentration of primary, secondary and final products of lipid peroxidation was registered with a significant decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes of superoxide dismutase and catalase relative to the indicators of healthy volunteers (p 0.05).
Conclusions. In patients with streptoderma, an increase in the production of cytokines with pro-inflammatory and chemotactic properties in response to the invasion of the pathogen and its persistence was revealed. The intracellular nature of the parasitization of Streptococcus pyogenes contributes to the enhancement of the systemic and local inflammatory process, the formation of oxidative stress, the accumulation of primary, secondary and final products of lipid peroxidation, and a decrease in the activity of antioxidant enzymes. A decrease in the content of interleukin 2, which has immunoregulatory properties in patients with streptoderma, leads to impaired immune homeostasis, a decrease in the processes of differentiation in the direction of the Th1 immune response, proliferation of T-lymphocytes, a violation of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the main subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes, which is clinically expressed in this occurrence of relapses in categories of patients.
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Dooley LM, Ahmad TB, Pandey M, Good MF, Kotiw M. Rheumatic heart disease: A review of the current status of global research activity. Autoimmun Rev 2020; 20:102740. [PMID: 33333234 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a serious and long-term consequence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), an autoimmune sequela of a mucosal infection by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus, Strep A). The pathogenesis of ARF and RHD is complex and not fully understood but involves host and bacterial factors, molecular mimicry, and aberrant host innate and adaptive immune responses that result in loss of self-tolerance and subsequent cross-reactivity with host tissues. RHD is entirely preventable yet claims an estimated 320 000 lives annually. The major burden of disease is carried by developing nations and Indigenous populations within developed nations, including Australia. This review will focus on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of ARF and RHD in Australia, where: streptococcal pyoderma, rather than streptococcal pharyngitis, and Group C and Group G Streptococcus, have been implicated as antecedents to ARF; the rates of RHD in remote Indigenous communities are persistently among the highest in the world; government register-based programs coordinate disease screening and delivery of prophylaxis with variable success; and researchers are making significant progress in the development of a broad-spectrum vaccine against Strep A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne M Dooley
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia; Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Tarek B Ahmad
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia; Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Manisha Pandey
- The Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Michael F Good
- The Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Michael Kotiw
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia; Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.
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Macleod T, Ainscough JS, Hesse C, Konzok S, Braun A, Buhl AL, Wenzel J, Bowyer P, Terao Y, Herrick S, Wittmann M, Stacey M. The Proinflammatory Cytokine IL-36γ Is a Global Discriminator of Harmless Microbes and Invasive Pathogens within Epithelial Tissues. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108515. [PMID: 33326792 PMCID: PMC7758160 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial tissues represent vital interfaces between organisms and their environment. As they are constantly exposed to harmful pathogens, innocuous commensals, and environmental microbes, it is essential they sense and elicit appropriate responses toward these different types of microbes. Here, we demonstrate that the epithelial cytokine interleukin-36γ (IL-36γ) acts as a global discriminator of pathogenic and harmless microbes via cell damage and proteolytic activation. We show that intracellular pro-IL-36γ is upregulated by both fungal and bacterial epithelial microbes; yet, it is only liberated from cells, and subsequently processed to its mature, potent, proinflammatory form, by pathogen-mediated cell damage and pathogen-derived proteases. This work demonstrates that IL-36γ senses pathogen-induced cell damage and proteolytic activity and is a key initiator of immune responses and pathological inflammation within epithelial tissues. As an apically located epithelial proinflammatory cytokine, we therefore propose that IL-36γ is critical as the initial discriminator of harmless microbes and invasive pathogens within epithelial tissues. Epithelial pathogens induce expression and release of IL-36γ Proteases secreted by several epithelial pathogens activate IL-36γ The A. fumigatus and S. pyogenes virulence factors Asp F13 and SpeB activate IL-36γ IL-36γ is a global sensor of pathogen-derived proteases during epithelial infection
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Macleod
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Joseph S Ainscough
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Christina Hesse
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Konzok
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
| | - Armin Braun
- Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Nikolai-Fuchs-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH) Research Network, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Buhl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn 53012, Germany
| | - Joerg Wenzel
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn 53012, Germany
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Yutaka Terao
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Sarah Herrick
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Miriam Wittmann
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; Faculty of Medicine and Health, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK; Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, National Institute for Health Research, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds, UK.
| | - Martin Stacey
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
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Blöchl C, Regl C, Huber CG, Winter P, Weiss R, Wohlschlager T. Towards middle-up analysis of polyclonal antibodies: subclass-specific N-glycosylation profiling of murine immunoglobulin G (IgG) by means of HPLC-MS. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18080. [PMID: 33093535 PMCID: PMC7581757 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75045-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advanced HPLC-MS strategies based on intact protein (“top-down”) or protein subunit (“middle-up/middle-down”) analysis have been implemented for the characterization of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Here, we assess feasibility of middle-up/middle-down analysis for polyclonal IgGs exhibiting extensive sequence variability. Specifically, we addressed IgGs from mouse, representing an important model system in immunological investigations. To obtain Fc/2 portions as conserved subunits of IgGs, we made use of the bacterial protease SpeB. For this purpose, we initially determined SpeB cleavage sites in murine IgGs. The resulting Fc/2 portions characteristic of different subclasses were subsequently analysed by ion-pair reversed-phase HPLC hyphenated to high-resolution mass spectrometry. This enabled simultaneous relative quantification of IgG subclasses and their N-glycosylation variants, both of which influence IgG effector functions. To assess method capabilities in an immunological context, we applied the analytical workflow to polyclonal antibodies obtained from BALB/c mice immunized with the grass pollen allergen Phl p 6. The study revealed a shift in IgG subclasses and Fc-glycosylation patterns in total and antigen-specific IgGs from different mouse cohorts, respectively. Eventually, Fc/2 characterization may reveal other protein modifications including oxidation, amino acid exchanges, and C-terminal lysine, and may thus be implemented for quality control of functional antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin Blöchl
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Labs, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christof Regl
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Labs, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian G Huber
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Labs, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Petra Winter
- Department of Biosciences, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Weiss
- Department of Biosciences, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Therese Wohlschlager
- Department of Biosciences, Bioanalytical Research Labs, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria. .,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
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Woehl JL, Kitamura S, Dillon N, Han Z, Edgar LJ, Nizet V, Wolan DW. An Irreversible Inhibitor to Probe the Role of Streptococcus pyogenes Cysteine Protease SpeB in Evasion of Host Complement Defenses. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2060-2069. [PMID: 32662975 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Members of the CA class of cysteine proteases have multifaceted roles in physiology and virulence for many bacteria. Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) is secreted by Streptococcus pyogenes and implicated in the pathogenesis of the bacterium through degradation of key human immune effector proteins. Here, we developed and characterized a clickable inhibitor, 2S-alkyne, based on X-ray crystallographic analysis and structure-activity relationships. Our SpeB probe showed irreversible enzyme inhibition in biochemical assays and labeled endogenous SpeB in cultured S. pyogenes supernatants. Importantly, application of 2S-alkyne decreased S. pyogenes survival in the presence of human neutrophils and supports the role of SpeB-mediated proteolysis as a mechanism to limit complement-mediated host defense. We posit that our SpeB inhibitor will be a useful chemical tool to regulate, label, and quantitate secreted cysteine proteases with SpeB-like activity in complex biological samples and a lead candidate for new therapeutics designed to sensitize S. pyogenes to host immune clearance.
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40
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Jiang Y, Geng M, Bai L. Targeting Biofilms Therapy: Current Research Strategies and Development Hurdles. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081222. [PMID: 32796745 PMCID: PMC7465149 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are aggregate of microorganisms in which cells are frequently embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and adhere to each other and/or to a surface. The development of biofilm affords pathogens significantly increased tolerances to antibiotics and antimicrobials. Up to 80% of human bacterial infections are biofilm-associated. Dispersal of biofilms can turn microbial cells into their more vulnerable planktonic phenotype and improve the therapeutic effect of antimicrobials. In this review, we focus on multiple therapeutic strategies that are currently being developed to target important structural and functional characteristics and drug resistance mechanisms of biofilms. We thoroughly discuss the current biofilm targeting strategies from four major aspects—targeting EPS, dispersal molecules, targeting quorum sensing, and targeting dormant cells. We explain each aspect with examples and discuss the main hurdles in the development of biofilm dispersal agents in order to provide a rationale for multi-targeted therapy strategies that target the complicated biofilms. Biofilm dispersal is a promising research direction to treat biofilm-associated infections in the future, and more in vivo experiments should be performed to ensure the efficacy of these therapeutic agents before being used in clinic.
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41
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Malerba M, Louis S, Cuvellier S, Shambat SM, Hua C, Gomart C, Fouet A, Ortonne N, Decousser JW, Zinkernagel AS, Mathieu JR, Peyssonnaux C. Epidermal hepcidin is required for neutrophil response to bacterial infection. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:329-334. [PMID: 31600168 PMCID: PMC6934188 DOI: 10.1172/jci126645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel approaches for adjunctive therapy are urgently needed for complicated infections and patients with compromised immunity. Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a destructive skin and soft tissue infection. Despite treatment with systemic antibiotics and radical debridement of necrotic tissue, lethality remains high. The key iron regulatory hormone hepcidin was originally identified as a cationic antimicrobial peptide (AMP), but its putative expression and role in the skin, a major site of AMP production, have never been investigated. We report here that hepcidin production is induced in the skin of patients with group A Streptococcus (GAS) NF. In a GAS-induced NF model, mice lacking hepcidin in keratinocytes failed to restrict systemic spread of infection from an initial tissue focus. Unexpectedly, this effect was due to its ability to promote production of the CXCL1 chemokine by keratinocytes, resulting in neutrophil recruitment. Unlike CXCL1, hepcidin is resistant to degradation by major GAS proteases and could therefore serve as a reservoir to maintain steady-state levels of CXCL1 in infected tissue. Finally, injection of synthetic hepcidin at the site of infection can limit or completely prevent systemic spread of GAS infection, suggesting that hepcidin agonists could have a therapeutic role in NF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Malerba
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Sabine Louis
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Cuvellier
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Srikanth Mairpady Shambat
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Camille Hua
- Service de Dermatologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France.,EA 7379 EPiderME, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Camille Gomart
- Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France.,Laboratoire de Bactériologie Hygiène and.,Equipe Opérationnelle d'Hygiène, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Agnès Fouet
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Ortonne
- EA 7380 Dynamyc, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort (EnvA), Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jean-Winoc Decousser
- Hôpital Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France.,Laboratoire de Bactériologie Hygiène and.,Equipe Opérationnelle d'Hygiène, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.,EA 7380 Dynamyc, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France.,Faculté de Médecine de Créteil, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France.,Pathology Department, Henri Mondor Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - Annelies S Zinkernagel
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacques Rr Mathieu
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Carole Peyssonnaux
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, F-75014 Paris, France.,Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
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Carothers KE, Liang Z, Mayfield J, Donahue DL, Lee M, Boggess B, Ploplis VA, Castellino FJ, Lee SW. The Streptococcal Protease SpeB Antagonizes the Biofilms of the Human Pathogen Staphylococcus aureus USA300 through Cleavage of the Staphylococcal SdrC Protein. J Bacteriol 2020; 202:e00008-20. [PMID: 32205460 PMCID: PMC7221255 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00008-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus (GAS), is both a pathogen and an asymptomatic colonizer of human hosts and produces a large number of surface-expressed and secreted factors that contribute to a variety of infection outcomes. The GAS-secreted cysteine protease SpeB has been well studied for its effects on the human host; however, despite its broad proteolytic activity, studies on how this factor is utilized in polymicrobial environments are lacking. Here, we utilized various forms of SpeB protease to evaluate its antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties against the clinically important human colonizer Staphylococcus aureus, which occupies niches similar to those of GAS. For our investigation, we used a skin-tropic GAS strain, AP53CovS+, and its isogenic ΔspeB mutant to compare the production and activity of native SpeB protease. We also generated active and inactive forms of recombinant purified SpeB for functional studies. We demonstrate that SpeB exhibits potent biofilm disruption activity at multiple stages of S. aureus biofilm formation. We hypothesized that the surface-expressed adhesin SdrC in S. aureus was cleaved by SpeB, which contributed to the observed biofilm disruption. Indeed, we found that SpeB cleaved recombinant SdrC in vitro and in the context of the full S. aureus biofilm. Our results suggest an understudied role for the broadly proteolytic SpeB as an important factor for GAS colonization and competition with other microorganisms in its niche.IMPORTANCEStreptococcus pyogenes (GAS) causes a range of diseases in humans, ranging from mild to severe, and produces many virulence factors in order to be a successful pathogen. One factor produced by many GAS strains is the protease SpeB, which has been studied for its ability to cleave and degrade human proteins, an important factor in GAS pathogenesis. An understudied aspect of SpeB is the manner in which its broad proteolytic activity affects other microorganisms that co-occupy niches similar to that of GAS. The significance of the research reported herein is the demonstration that SpeB can degrade the biofilms of the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, which has important implications for how SpeB may be utilized by GAS to successfully compete in a polymicrobial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn E Carothers
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Zhong Liang
- W. M. Keck Center for Transgene Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jeffrey Mayfield
- W. M. Keck Center for Transgene Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Deborah L Donahue
- W. M. Keck Center for Transgene Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Mijoon Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Bill Boggess
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Victoria A Ploplis
- W. M. Keck Center for Transgene Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Francis J Castellino
- W. M. Keck Center for Transgene Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Shaun W Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- W. M. Keck Center for Transgene Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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Mejía-Argueta EL, Santillán Benítez JG, Ortiz-Reynoso M. Antimicrobial peptides, an alternative to combat bacterial resistance. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2020. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v25n2.77407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides of higher organisms have been studied for the past 25 years, and their importance as components of innate immunity is now well established. The essential simplicity of their chemical structure, along with the lower likelihood of developed resistance compared to conventional antibiotics, has made them attractive candidates for development as therapeutics. The objective of this review article is to describe the current relevance, main mechanisms presented, and the uses of antimicrobial peptides as new therapies in the clinical area. The information used was mainly compiled from scientific articles based on a systematic review of scientific papers with data on human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their different applications, searching without date limits and only documents in English and Spanish. Gray literature was accessed through manual search, and no restrictions were made involving study design for a retrospective study. Although these products have not yet been commercialized, they have advantages over the currently available treatments since they are not expected to cause bacterial resistance due to their three-dimensional structure, amphipathic tendency, and cationic character; however, the technique of peptide production is still new and is in the early stages of innovation of new molecules.
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Jain I, Danger JL, Burgess C, Uppal T, Sumby P. The group A Streptococcus accessory protein RocA: regulatory activity, interacting partners and influence on disease potential. Mol Microbiol 2019; 113:190-207. [PMID: 31660653 PMCID: PMC7028121 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes diseases that range from mild (e.g. pharyngitis) to severely invasive (e.g. necrotizing fasciitis). Strain‐ and serotype‐specific differences influence the ability of isolates to cause individual diseases. At the center of this variability is the CovR/S two‐component system and the accessory protein RocA. Through incompletely defined mechanisms, CovR/S and RocA repress the expression of more than a dozen immunomodulatory virulence factors. Alleviation of this repression is selected for during invasive infections, leading to the recovery of covR, covS or rocA mutant strains. Here, we investigated how RocA promotes CovR/S activity, identifying that RocA is a pseudokinase that interacts with CovS. Disruption of CovS kinase or phosphatase activities abolishes RocA function, consistent with RocA acting through the modulation of CovS activity. We also identified, in conflict with a previous study, that the RocA regulon includes the secreted protease‐encoding gene speB. Finally, we discovered an inverse correlation between the virulence of wild‐type, rocA mutant, covS mutant and covR mutant strains during invasive infection and their fitness in an ex vivo upper respiratory tract model. Our data inform on mechanisms that control GAS disease potential and provide an explanation for observed strain‐ and serotype‐specific variability in RocA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ira Jain
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Jessica L Danger
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Cameron Burgess
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Timsy Uppal
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Paul Sumby
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, USA
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45
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Abdi M, Mirkalantari S, Amirmozafari N. Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial peptides. J Pept Sci 2019; 25:e3210. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.3210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Milad Abdi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of MedicineIran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of MedicineIran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Shiva Mirkalantari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of MedicineIran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Nour Amirmozafari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of MedicineIran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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46
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Tseng PC, Kuo CF, Cheng MH, Wan SW, Lin CF, Chang CP, Lin YS, Wu JJ, Huang CC, Chen CL. HECT E3 Ubiquitin Ligase-Regulated Txnip Degradation Facilitates TLR2-Mediated Inflammation During Group A Streptococcal Infection. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2147. [PMID: 31620121 PMCID: PMC6759821 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip) inhibits the activity of thioredoxin (Trx) to modulate inflammatory responses. The burden of inflammation caused by microbial infection is strongly associated with disease severity; however, the role of Txnip in bacterial infection remains unclear. In Group A Streptococcus (GAS)-infected macrophages, Txnip was degraded independent of glucose consumption and streptococcal cysteine protease expression. Treatment with proteasome inhibitors reversed GAS-induced Txnip degradation. The activation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) initiated Txnip degradation, while no further Txnip degradation was observed in TLR2-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages. NADPH oxidase-regulated NF-κB activation and pro-inflammatory activation were induced and accompanied by Txnip degradation during GAS infection. Silencing Txnip prompted TLR2-mediated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 production whereas the blockage of Txnip degradation by pharmacologically inhibiting the HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase with heclin and AMP-dependent protein kinase with dorsomorphin effectively reduced such effects. Our findings reveal that TLR2/NADPH oxidase-mediated Txnip proteasomal degradation facilitates pro-inflammatory cytokine production during GAS infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Chun Tseng
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Kuo
- School of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Huei Cheng
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Wen Wan
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiou-Feng Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Peng Chang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yee-Shin Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jiunn-Jong Wu
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chen Huang
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Chen
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Pulmonary Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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47
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The Pathogenic Factors from Oral Streptococci for Systemic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184571. [PMID: 31540175 PMCID: PMC6770522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity is suggested as the reservoir of bacterial infection, and the oral and pharyngeal biofilms formed by oral bacterial flora, which is comprised of over 700 microbial species, have been found to be associated with systemic conditions. Almost all oral microorganisms are non-pathogenic opportunistic commensals to maintain oral health condition and defend against pathogenic microorganisms. However, oral Streptococci, the first microorganisms to colonize oral surfaces and the dominant microorganisms in the human mouth, has recently gained attention as the pathogens of various systemic diseases, such as infective endocarditis, purulent infections, brain hemorrhage, intestinal inflammation, and autoimmune diseases, as well as bacteremia. As pathogenic factors from oral Streptococci, extracellular polymeric substances, toxins, proteins and nucleic acids as well as vesicles, which secrete these components outside of bacterial cells in biofilm, have been reported. Therefore, it is necessary to consider that the relevance of these pathogenic factors to systemic diseases and also vaccine candidates to protect infectious diseases caused by Streptococci. This review article focuses on the mechanistic links among pathogenic factors from oral Streptococci, inflammation, and systemic diseases to provide the current understanding of oral biofilm infections based on biofilm and widespread systemic diseases.
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48
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Gao NJ, Al-Bassam MM, Poudel S, Wozniak JM, Gonzalez DJ, Olson J, Zengler K, Nizet V, Valderrama JA. Functional and Proteomic Analysis of Streptococcus pyogenes Virulence Upon Loss of Its Native Cas9 Nuclease. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1967. [PMID: 31507572 PMCID: PMC6714885 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The public health impact of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus, GAS) as a top 10 cause of infection-related mortality in humans contrasts with its benefit to biotechnology as the main natural source of Cas9 nuclease, the key component of the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing platform. Despite widespread knowledge acquired in the last decade on the molecular mechanisms by which GAS Cas9 achieves precise DNA targeting, the functions of Cas9 in the biology and pathogenesis of its native organism remain unknown. In this study, we generated an isogenic serotype M1 GAS mutant deficient in Cas9 protein and compared its behavior and phenotypes to the wild-type parent strain. Absence of Cas9 was linked to reduced GAS epithelial cell adherence, reduced growth in human whole blood ex vivo, and attenuation of virulence in a murine necrotizing skin infection model. Virulence defects of the GAS Δcas9 strain were explored through quantitative proteomic analysis, revealing a significant reduction in the abundance of key GAS virulence determinants. Similarly, deletion of cas9 affected the expression of several known virulence regulatory proteins, indicating that Cas9 impacts the global architecture of GAS gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina J Gao
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mahmoud M Al-Bassam
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Saugat Poudel
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Jacob M Wozniak
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - David J Gonzalez
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Joshua Olson
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Karsten Zengler
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Victor Nizet
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - J Andrés Valderrama
- Division of Host-Microbe Systems and Therapeutics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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49
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Ermert D, Ram S, Laabei M. The hijackers guide to escaping complement: Lessons learned from pathogens. Mol Immunol 2019; 114:49-61. [PMID: 31336249 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pathogens that invade the human host are confronted by a multitude of defence mechanisms aimed at preventing colonization, dissemination and proliferation. The most frequent outcome of this interaction is microbial elimination, in which the complement system plays a major role. Complement, an essential feature of the innate immune machinery, rapidly identifies and marks pathogens for efficient removal. Consequently, this creates a selective pressure for microbes to evolve strategies to combat complement, permitting host colonization and access to resources. All successful pathogens have developed mechanisms to resist complement activity which are intimately aligned with their capacity to cause disease. In this review, we describe the successful methods various pathogens use to evade complement activation, shut down inflammatory signalling through complement, circumvent opsonisation and override terminal pathway lysis. This review summarizes how pathogens undermine innate immunity: 'The Hijackers Guide to Complement'.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ermert
- Department of Preclinical Research, BioInvent International AB, Lund, Sweden; Department of Translational Medicine, Division of Medical Protein Chemistry, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Sanjay Ram
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Maisem Laabei
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.
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50
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A quantitative Streptococcus pyogenes-human protein-protein interaction map reveals localization of opsonizing antibodies. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2727. [PMID: 31227708 PMCID: PMC6588558 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10583-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental challenge in medical microbiology is to characterize the dynamic protein–protein interaction networks formed at the host–pathogen interface. Here, we generate a quantitative interaction map between the significant human pathogen, Streptococcus pyogenes, and proteins from human saliva and plasma obtained via complementary affinity-purification and bacterial-surface centered enrichment strategies and quantitative mass spectrometry. Perturbation of the network using immunoglobulin protease cleavage, mixtures of different concentrations of saliva and plasma, and different S. pyogenes serotypes and their isogenic mutants, reveals how changing microenvironments alter the interconnectivity of the interaction map. The importance of host immunoglobulins for the interaction with human complement proteins is demonstrated and potential protective epitopes of importance for phagocytosis of S. pyogenes cells are localized. The interaction map confirms several previously described protein–protein interactions; however, it also reveals a multitude of additional interactions, with possible implications for host–pathogen interactions involving other bacterial species. Characterizing host-pathogen protein interactions can help elucidate the molecular basis of bacterial infections. Here, the authors use an integrative proteomics approach to generate a quantitative map of protein interactions between Streptococcus pyogenes and human saliva and plasma.
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