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Henderson EA, Ivey A, Choi SJ, Santiago S, McNitt D, Liu TW, Lukomski S, Boone BA. Group A streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 restricts tumor growth in murine pancreatic adenocarcinoma and inhibits cancer-promoting neutrophil extracellular traps. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1363962. [PMID: 38515758 PMCID: PMC10955053 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1363962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal cancer associated with an immunosuppressive environment. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were initially described in the context of infection but have more recently been implicated in contributing to the tolerogenic immune response in PDAC. Thus, NETs are an attractive target for new therapeutic strategies. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) has developed defensive strategies to inhibit NETs. Methods In the present work, we propose utilizing intra-tumoral GAS injection to stimulate anti-tumor activity by inhibiting cancer-promoting NETs. Mice harboring Panc02 or KPC subcutaneous tumors injected with three different M-type GAS strains. Tumors and spleens were harvested at the endpoint of the experiments to assess bacterial colonization and systemic spread, while sera were analyzed for humoral responses toward the streptococcal antigens, especially the M1 and Scl1 proteins. Role of the streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 (Scl1) in anti-PDAC activity was assessed in vivo after intratumoral injection with M1 GAS wild-type, an isogenic mutant strain devoid of Scl1, or a complemented mutant strain with restored scl1 expression. In addition, recombinant Scl1 proteins were tested for NET inhibition using in vitro and ex vivo assays assessing NET production and myeloperoxidase activity. Results Injection of three different M-type GAS strains reduced subcutaneous pancreatic tumor volume compared to control in two different murine PDAC models. Limitation of tumor growth was dependent on Scl1, as isogenic mutant strain devoid of Scl1 did not reduce tumor size. We further show that Scl1 plays a role in localizing GAS to the tumor site, thereby limiting the systemic spread of bacteria and off-target effects. While mice did elicit a humoral immune response to GAS antigens, tested sera were weakly immunogenic toward Scl1 antigen following intra-tumoral treatment with Scl1-expressing GAS. M1 GAS inhibited NET formation when co-cultured with neutrophils while Scl1-devoid mutant strain did not. Recombinant Scl1 protein inhibited NETs ex vivo in a dose-dependent manner by suppressing myeloperoxidase activity. Discussion Altogether, we demonstrate that intra-tumoral GAS injections reduce PDAC growth, which is facilitated by Scl1, in part through inhibition of cancer promoting NETs. This work offers a novel strategy by which NETs can be targeted through Scl1 protein and potentiates its use as a cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Henderson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Abby Ivey
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Soo Jeon Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Stell Santiago
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Dudley McNitt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Tracy W. Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Slawomir Lukomski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Brian A. Boone
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
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2
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Passos LS, Jha PK, Becker-Greene D, Blaser MC, Romero D, Lupieri A, Sukhova GK, Libby P, Singh SA, Dutra WO, Aikawa M, Levine RA, Nunes MC, Aikawa E. Prothymosin Alpha: A Novel Contributor to Estradiol Receptor Alpha-Mediated CD8 + T-Cell Pathogenic Responses and Recognition of Type 1 Collagen in Rheumatic Heart Valve Disease. Circulation 2022; 145:531-548. [PMID: 35157519 PMCID: PMC8869797 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.057301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart valve disease (RHVD) is a leading cause of cardiovascular death in low- and middle-income countries and affects predominantly women. The underlying mechanisms of chronic valvular damage remain unexplored and regulators of sex predisposition are unknown. METHODS Proteomics analysis of human heart valves (nondiseased aortic valves, nondiseased mitral valves [NDMVs], valves from patients with rheumatic aortic valve disease, and valves from patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease; n=30) followed by system biology analysis identified ProTα (prothymosin alpha) as a protein associated with RHVD. Histology, multiparameter flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the expression of ProTα. In vitro experiments using peripheral mononuclear cells and valvular interstitial cells were performed using multiparameter flow cytometry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In silico analysis of the RHVD and Streptococcuspyogenes proteomes were used to identify mimic epitopes. RESULTS A comparison of NDMV and nondiseased aortic valve proteomes established the baseline differences between nondiseased aortic and mitral valves. Thirteen unique proteins were enriched in NDMVs. Comparison of NDMVs versus valves from patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and nondiseased aortic valves versus valves from patients with rheumatic aortic valve disease identified 213 proteins enriched in rheumatic valves. The expression of the 13 NDMV-enriched proteins was evaluated across the 213 proteins enriched in diseased valves, resulting in the discovery of ProTα common to valves from patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and valves from patients with rheumatic aortic valve disease. ProTα plasma levels were significantly higher in patients with RHVD than in healthy individuals. Immunoreactive ProTα colocalized with CD8+ T cells in RHVD. Expression of ProTα and estrogen receptor alpha correlated strongly in circulating CD8+ T cells from patients with RHVD. Recombinant ProTα induced expression of the lytic proteins perforin and granzyme B by CD8+ T cells as well as higher estrogen receptor alpha expression. In addition, recombinant ProTα increased human leukocyte antigen class I levels in valvular interstitial cells. Treatment of CD8+ T cells with specific estrogen receptor alpha antagonist reduced the cytotoxic potential promoted by ProTα. In silico analysis of RHVD and Spyogenes proteomes revealed molecular mimicry between human type 1 collagen epitope and bacterial collagen-like protein, which induced CD8+ T-cell activation in vitro. CONCLUSIONS ProTα-dependent CD8+ T-cell cytotoxicity was associated with estrogen receptor alpha activity, implicating ProTα as a potential regulator of sex predisposition in RHVD. ProTα facilitated recognition of type 1 collagen mimic epitopes by CD8+ T cells, suggesting mechanisms provoking autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia S.A. Passos
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Prabhash K. Jha
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dakota Becker-Greene
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark C. Blaser
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dayanna Romero
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adrien Lupieri
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Galina K. Sukhova
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Libby
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sasha A. Singh
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Walderez O. Dutra
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Masanori Aikawa
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Human Pathology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119992, Russia
| | - Robert A. Levine
- Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria C.P. Nunes
- Hospital das Clinicas, School of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Human Pathology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119992, Russia
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Ahmad RS, Eubank TD, Lukomski S, Boone BA. Immune Cell Modulation of the Extracellular Matrix Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060901. [PMID: 34204306 PMCID: PMC8234537 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a five-year survival rate of only 9%. PDAC is characterized by a dense, fibrotic stroma composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. This desmoplastic stroma is a hallmark of PDAC, representing a significant physical barrier that is immunosuppressive and obstructs penetration of cytotoxic chemotherapy agents into the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, dense ECM promotes hypoxia, making tumor cells refractive to radiation therapy and alters their metabolism, thereby supporting proliferation and survival. In this review, we outline the significant contribution of fibrosis to the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, with a focus on the cross talk between immune cells and pancreatic stellate cells that contribute to ECM deposition. We emphasize the cellular mechanisms by which neutrophils and macrophages, specifically, modulate the ECM in favor of PDAC-progression. Furthermore, we investigate how activated stellate cells and ECM influence immune cells and promote immunosuppression in PDAC. Finally, we summarize therapeutic strategies that target the stroma and hinder immune cell promotion of fibrogenesis, which have unfortunately led to mixed results. An enhanced understanding of the complex interactions between the pancreatic tumor ECM and immune cells may uncover novel treatment strategies that are desperately needed for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiz S. Ahmad
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
| | - Timothy D. Eubank
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (T.D.E.); (S.L.)
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Slawomir Lukomski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (T.D.E.); (S.L.)
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Brian A. Boone
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA;
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; (T.D.E.); (S.L.)
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- Correspondence:
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Assessing the Role of Pharyngeal Cell Surface Glycans in Group A Streptococcus Biofilm Formation. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110775. [PMID: 33158121 PMCID: PMC7694240 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes 700 million infections and accounts for half a million deaths per year. Antibiotic treatment failure rates of 20–40% have been observed. The role host cell glycans play in GAS biofilm formation in the context of GAS pharyngitis and subsequent antibiotic treatment failure has not been previously investigated. GAS serotype M12 GAS biofilms were assessed for biofilm formation on Detroit 562 pharyngeal cell monolayers following enzymatic removal of all N-linked glycans from pharyngeal cells with PNGase F. Removal of N-linked glycans resulted in an increase in biofilm biomass compared to untreated controls. Further investigation into the removal of terminal mannose and sialic acid residues with α1-6 mannosidase and the broad specificity sialidase (Sialidase A) also found that biofilm biomass increased significantly when compared to untreated controls. Increases in biofilm biomass were associated with increased production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Furthermore, it was found that M12 GAS biofilms grown on untreated pharyngeal monolayers exhibited a 2500-fold increase in penicillin tolerance compared to planktonic GAS. Pre-treatment of monolayers with exoglycosidases resulted in a further doubling of penicillin tolerance in resultant biofilms. Lastly, an additional eight GAS emm-types were assessed for biofilm formation in response to terminal mannose and sialic acid residue removal. As seen for M12, biofilm biomass on monolayers increased following removal of terminal mannose and sialic acid residues. Collectively, these data demonstrate that pharyngeal cell surface glycan structures directly impact GAS biofilm formation in a strain and glycan specific fashion.
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Vyas HKN, Proctor EJ, McArthur J, Gorman J, Sanderson-Smith M. Current Understanding of Group A Streptococcal Biofilms. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:982-993. [PMID: 30947646 PMCID: PMC6700754 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190405095712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: It has been proposed that GAS may form biofilms. Biofilms are microbial communities that aggregate on a surface, and exist within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilms offer bacteria an increased survival advantage, in which bacteria persist, and resist host immunity and antimicrobial treatment. The biofilm phenotype has long been recognized as a virulence mechanism for many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, however very little is known about the role of biofilms in GAS pathogenesis. Objective: This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of biofilms in GAS pathogenesis. This review assesses the evidence of GAS biofilm formation, the role of GAS virulence factors in GAS biofilm formation, modelling GAS biofilms, and discusses the polymicrobial nature of biofilms in the oropharynx in relation to GAS. Conclusion: Further study is needed to improve the current understanding of GAS as both a mono-species biofilm, and as a member of a polymicrobial biofilm. Improved modelling of GAS biofilm formation in settings closely mimicking in vivo conditions will ensure that biofilms generated in the lab closely reflect those occurring during clinical infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heema K N Vyas
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Emma-Jayne Proctor
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jason McArthur
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Jody Gorman
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Martina Sanderson-Smith
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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McNitt DH, Van De Water L, Marasco D, Berisio R, Lukomski S. Streptococcal Collagen-like Protein 1 Binds Wound Fibronectin: Implications in Pathogen Targeting. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1933-1945. [PMID: 30182848 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180831165704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The outlook for an effective global vaccine is reduced because of significant antigenic variation among GAS strains worldwide. Other challenges in GAS therapy include the lack of common access to antibiotics in developing countries, as well as allergy to and treatment failures with penicillin and increasing erythromycin resistance in the industrialized world. At the portal of entry, GAS binds to newly deposited extracellular matrix, which is rich in cellular fibronectin isoforms with extra domain A (EDA, also termed EIIIA) via the surface adhesin, the streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 (Scl1). Recombinant Scl1 constructs, derived from diverse GAS strains, bind the EDA loop segment situated between the C and C' β-strands. Despite the sequence diversity in Scl1 proteins, multiple sequence alignments and secondary structure predictions of Scl1 variants, as well as crystallography and homology modeling studies, point to a conserved mechanism of Scl1-EDA binding. We propose that targeting this interaction may prevent the progression of infection. A synthetic cyclic peptide, derived from the EDA C-C' loop, binds to recombinant Scl1 with a micromolar dissociation constant. This review highlights the current concept of EDA binding to Scl1 and provides incentives to exploit this binding to treat GAS infections and wound colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dudley H McNitt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 2095 Health Sciences North, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
| | - Livingston Van De Water
- Departments of Surgery and Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Daniela Marasco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Frederico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Berisio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Slawomir Lukomski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 2095 Health Sciences North, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States
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7
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McNitt DH, Choi SJ, Allen JL, Hames RA, Weed SA, Van De Water L, Berisio R, Lukomski S. Adaptation of the group A Streptococcus adhesin Scl1 to bind fibronectin type III repeats within wound-associated extracellular matrix: implications for cancer therapy. Mol Microbiol 2019; 112:800-819. [PMID: 31145503 PMCID: PMC6736723 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The human‐adapted pathogen group A Streptococcus (GAS) utilizes wounds as portals of entry into host tissue, wherein surface adhesins interact with the extracellular matrix, enabling bacterial colonization. The streptococcal collagen‐like protein 1 (Scl1) is a major adhesin of GAS that selectively binds to two fibronectin type III (FnIII) repeats within cellular fibronectin, specifically the alternatively spliced extra domains A and B, and the FnIII repeats within tenascin‐C. Binding to FnIII repeats was mediated through conserved structural determinants present within the Scl1 globular domain and facilitated GAS adherence and biofilm formation. Isoforms of cellular fibronectin that contain extra domains A and B, as well as tenascin‐C, are present for several days in the wound extracellular matrix. Scl1‐FnIII binding is therefore an example of GAS adaptation to the host's wound environment. Similarly, cellular fibronectin isoforms and tenascin‐C are present in the tumor microenvironment. Consistent with this, FnIII repeats mediate GAS attachment to and enhancement of biofilm formation on matrices deposited by cancer‐associated fibroblasts and osteosarcoma cells. These data collectively support the premise for utilization of the Scl1‐FnIII interaction as a novel method of anti‐neoplastic targeting in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dudley H McNitt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Soo Jeon Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jessica L Allen
- Department of Biochemistry, Program in Cancer Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - River A Hames
- Department of Biochemistry, Program in Cancer Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Scott A Weed
- Department of Biochemistry, Program in Cancer Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Livingston Van De Water
- Departments of Surgery and Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Rita Berisio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Slawomir Lukomski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
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8
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Collagen degradation in tuberculosis pathogenesis: the biochemical consequences of hosting an undesired guest. Biochem J 2018; 475:3123-3140. [PMID: 30315001 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20180482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The scenario of chemical reactions prompted by the infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is huge. The infection generates a localized inflammatory response, with the recruitment of neutrophils, monocytes, and T-lymphocytes. Consequences of this immune reaction can be the eradication or containment of the infection, but these events can be deleterious to the host inasmuch as lung tissue can be destroyed. Indeed, a hallmark of tuberculosis (TB) is the formation of lung cavities, which increase disease development and transmission, as they are sites of high mycobacterial burden. Pulmonary cavitation is associated with antibiotic failure and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. For cavities to form, M. tuberculosis induces the overexpression of host proteases, like matrix metalloproteinases and cathepsin, which are secreted from monocyte-derived cells, neutrophils, and stromal cells. These proteases destroy the lung parenchyma, in particular the collagen constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Namely, in an attempt to destroy infected cells, the immune reactions prompted by mycobacterial infections induce the destruction of vital regions of the lung, in a process that can become fatal. Here, we review structure and function of the main molecular actors of ECM degradation due to M. tuberculosis infection and the proposed mechanisms of tissue destruction, mainly attacking fibrillar collagen. Importantly, enzymes responsible for collagen destruction are emerging as key targets for adjunctive therapies to limit immunopathology in TB.
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McNitt DH, Choi SJ, Keene DR, Van De Water L, Squeglia F, Berisio R, Lukomski S. Surface-exposed loops and an acidic patch in the Scl1 protein of group A Streptococcus enable Scl1 binding to wound-associated fibronectin. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:7796-7810. [PMID: 29615492 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinized epidermis constitutes a powerful barrier of the mucosa and skin, effectively preventing bacterial invasion, unless it is wounded and no longer protective. Wound healing involves deposition of distinct extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins enriched in cellular fibronectin (cFn) isoforms containing extra domain A (EDA). The streptococcal collagen-like protein 1 (Scl1) is a surface adhesin of group A Streptococcus (GAS), which contains an N-terminal variable (V) domain and a C-terminally located collagen-like domain. During wound infection, Scl1 selectively binds EDA/cFn isoforms and laminin, as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), through its V domain. The trimeric V domain has a six-helical bundle fold composed of three pairs of anti-parallel α-helices interconnected by hypervariable loops, but the roles of these structures in EDA/cFn binding are unclear. Here, using recombinant Scl (rScl) constructs to investigate structure-function determinants of the Scl1-EDA/cFn interaction, we found that full-length rScl1, containing both the globular V and the collagen domains, is necessary for EDA/cFn binding. We established that the surface-exposed loops, interconnecting conserved α-helices, guide recognition and binding of Scl1-V to EDA and binding to laminin and LDL. Moreover, electrostatic surface potential models of the Scl1-V domains pointed to a conserved, negatively charged pocket, surrounded by positively charged and neutral regions, as a determining factor for the binding. In light of these findings, we propose an updated model of EDA/cFn recognition by the Scl1 adhesin from GAS, representing a significant step in understanding the Scl1-ECM interactions within the wound microenvironment that underlie GAS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dudley H McNitt
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506
| | - Soo Jeon Choi
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506
| | - Douglas R Keene
- the Micro-imaging Center, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Livingston Van De Water
- the Departments of Surgery and Regenerative and Cancer Cell Biology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208, and
| | - Flavia Squeglia
- the Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Research Council, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Berisio
- the Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Italian National Research Council, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Slawomir Lukomski
- From the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506,
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Squeglia F, Ruggiero A, De Simone A, Berisio R. A structural overview of mycobacterial adhesins: Key biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutics. Protein Sci 2017; 27:369-380. [PMID: 29139177 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Adherence, colonization, and survival of mycobacteria in host cells require surface adhesins, which are attractive pharmacotherapeutic targets. A large arsenal of pilus and non-pilus adhesins have been identified in mycobacteria. These adhesins are capable of interacting with host cells, including macrophages and epithelial cells and are essential to microbial pathogenesis. In the last decade, several structures of mycobacterial adhesins responsible for adhesion to either macrophages or extra cellular matrix proteins have been elucidated. In addition, key structural and functional information have emerged for the process of mycobacterial adhesion to epithelial cells, mediated by the Heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA). In this review, we provide an overview of the structural and functional features of mycobacterial adhesins and discuss their role as important biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutics. Based on the reported data, it appears clear that adhesins are endowed with a variety of different structures and functions. Most adhesins play important roles in the cell life of mycobacteria and are key virulence factors. However, they have adapted to an extracellular life to exert a role in host-pathogen interaction. The type of interactions they form with the host and the adhesin regions involved in binding is partly known and is described in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Squeglia
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, I-80134, Italy
| | - Alessia Ruggiero
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, I-80134, Italy
| | - Alfonso De Simone
- Division of Molecular Biosciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Rita Berisio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, Napoli, I-80134, Italy
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Lukomski S, Bachert BA, Squeglia F, Berisio R. Collagen-like proteins of pathogenic streptococci. Mol Microbiol 2017; 103:919-930. [PMID: 27997716 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The collagen domain, which is defined by the presence of the Gly-X-Y triplet repeats, is amongst the most versatile and widespread known structures found in proteins from organisms representing all three domains of life. The streptococcal collagen-like (Scl) proteins are widely present in pathogenic streptococci, including Streptococcus pyogenes, S. agalactiae, S. pneumoniae, and S. equi. Experiments and bioinformatic analyses support the hypothesis that all Scl proteins are homotrimeric and cell wall-anchored. These proteins contain the rod-shaped collagenous domain proximal to cell surface, as well as a variety of outermost non-collagenous domains that generally lack predicted functions but can be grouped into one of six clusters based on sequence similarity. The well-characterized Scl1 proteins of S. pyogenes show a dichotomous switch in ligand binding between human tissue and blood environments. In tissue, Scl1 adhesin specifically recognizes the wound microenvironment, promotes adhesion and biofilm formation, decreases bacterial killing by neutrophil extracellular traps, and modulates S. pyogenes virulence. In blood, ligands include components of complement and coagulation-fibrinolytic systems, as well as plasma lipoproteins. In all, the Scl proteins signify a large family of structurally related surface proteins, which contribute to the ability of streptococci to colonize and cause diseases in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slawomir Lukomski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Beth A Bachert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Flavia Squeglia
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, I-80134, Italy
| | - Rita Berisio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, I-80134, Italy
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