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Camargo A, Ramírez JD, Kiu R, Hall LJ, Muñoz M. Unveiling the pathogenic mechanisms of Clostridium perfringens toxins and virulence factors. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2341968. [PMID: 38590276 PMCID: PMC11057404 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2341968] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens causes multiple diseases in humans and animals. Its pathogenic effect is supported by a broad and heterogeneous arsenal of toxins and other virulence factors associated with a specific host tropism. Molecular approaches have indicated that most C. perfringens toxins produce membrane pores, leading to osmotic cell disruption and apoptosis. However, identifying mechanisms involved in cell tropism and selective toxicity effects should be studied more. The differential presence and polymorphisms of toxin-encoding genes and genes encoding other virulence factors suggest that molecular mechanisms might exist associated with host preference, receptor binding, and impact on the host; however, this information has not been reviewed in detail. Therefore, this review aims to clarify the current state of knowledge on the structural features and mechanisms of action of the major toxins and virulence factors of C. perfringens and discuss the impact of genetic diversity of toxinotypes in tropism for several hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anny Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raymond Kiu
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Lindsay J. Hall
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Instituto de Biotecnología-UN (IBUN), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Waller SB, Galvão CC, Rodrigues RR, Aguirres CDL, Quatrin PHDN, Alves MLF, Ferreira MRA, Conceição FR. Clostridium perfringens antigens and challenges for development of vaccines against necrotic enteritis in poultry. Anaerobe 2024; 89:102902. [PMID: 39187174 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2024.102902] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chickens with Necrotic Enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, exhibit acute and chronic symptoms that are difficult to diagnose, leading to significant economic losses. Vaccination is the best method for controlling and preventing NE. However, only two vaccines based on the CPA and NetB toxins have been commercialized, offering partial protection, highlighting the urgent need for more effective vaccines. OBJECTIVE This review aimed to identify promising antigens for NE vaccine formulation and discuss factors affecting their effectiveness. METHODS A systematic review using five scientific databases identified 30 eligible studies through the Rayyan tool, which were included for quality review. RESULTS We identified 25 promising antigens, including CPA, NetB, FBA, ZMP, CnaA, FimA, and FimB, categorized by their role in disease pathogenesis. This review discusses the biochemical, physiological, and genetic traits of recombinant antigens used in vaccine prototypes, their expression systems, and immunization potential in chickens challenged with virulent C. perfringens strains. Market supply challenges, immunogenic potential, vaccine platforms, adjuvants, and factors related to vaccination schedules-such as administration routes, dosing intervals, and age at immunization-are also addressed. Additionally, the study notes that vaccine formulations tested under mild challenges may not offer adequate field-level protection due to issues replicating aggressive conditions, strain virulence loss, and varied methodologies. CONCLUSIONS An ideal NE vaccine should incorporate multiple antigens, molecular adjuvants, and delivery systems via in ovo and oral routes. The review underscores the challenges in developing and validating NE vaccines and the urgent need for a standardized protocol to replicate aggressive challenges accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Bressan Waller
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Cleideanny Cancela Galvão
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Rodrigues
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Cleiderson de Lima Aguirres
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Fabricio Rochedo Conceição
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPEL), Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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Aslam Khan MU, Aslam MA, Bin Abdullah MF, Stojanović GM. Current Perspectives of Protein in Bone Tissue Engineering: Bone Structure, Ideal Scaffolds, Fabrication Techniques, Applications, Scopes, and Future Advances. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:5082-5106. [PMID: 39007509 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
In view of their exceptional approach, excellent inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, and interaction with the local extracellular matrix, protein-based polymers have received attention in bone tissue engineering, which is a multidisciplinary field that repairs and regenerates fractured bones. Bone is a multihierarchical complex structure, and it performs several essential biofunctions, including maintaining mineral balance and structural support and protecting soft organs. Protein-based polymers have gained interest in developing ideal scaffolds as emerging biomaterials for bone fractured healing and regeneration, and it is challenging to design ideal bone substitutes as perfect biomaterials. Several protein-based polymers, including collagen, keratin, gelatin, serum albumin, etc., are potential materials due to their inherent cytocompatibility, controlled biodegradability, high biofunctionalization, and tunable mechanical characteristics. While numerous studies have indicated the encouraging possibilities of proteins in BTE, there are still major challenges concerning their biodegradability, stability in physiological conditions, and continuous release of growth factors and bioactive molecules. Robust scaffolds derived from proteins can be used to replace broken or diseased bone with a biocompatible substitute; proteins, being biopolymers, provide excellent scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. Herein, recent developments in protein polymers for cutting-edge bone tissue engineering are addressed in this review within 3-5 years, with a focus on the significant challenges and future perspectives. The first section discusses the structural fundamentals of bone anatomy and ideal scaffolds, and the second section describes the fabrication techniques of scaffolds. The third section highlights the importance of proteins and their applications in BTE. Hence, the recent development of protein polymers for state-of-the-art bone tissue engineering has been discussed, highlighting the significant challenges and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umar Aslam Khan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Muhammad Azhar Aslam
- Department of Physics, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 39161, Pakistan
| | - Mohd Faizal Bin Abdullah
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus Kubang Kerian 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus Kubang Kerian 16150, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Goran M Stojanović
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, T. D. Obradovica 6, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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Sun Z, Lu M, Lillehoj H, Lee Y, Goo D, Yuan B, Yan X, Li C. Characterization of Collagen Binding Activity of Clostridium perfringens Strains Isolated from Broiler Chickens. Pathogens 2023; 12:778. [PMID: 37375468 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060778] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is the etiological agent for necrotic enteritis (NE) in broiler chickens, which causes a substantial economic loss of an estimated USD 6 billion annually in the global poultry industry. Collagen adhesion is involved in the NE pathogenesis in poultry. In this study, the binding capabilities of chicken C. perfringens isolates of various genetic backgrounds (netB-tpeL-, netB+tpeL-, netB+tpeL+) to collagen types I-V and gelatin were examined, and the putative adhesin protein cnaA gene was investigated at the genomic level. In total, 28 C. perfringens strains from healthy and NE-inflicted sick chickens were examined. The results on collagen adhesin-encoding gene cnaA by the quantitative-PCR results indicated that netB-tpeL- isolates had much lower copies of the detectable cnaA gene than netB+ isolates (10 netB+tpeL- isolates, 5 netB+tpeL+ isolates). Most of the virulent C. perfringens isolates demonstrated collagen-binding abilities to types I-II and IV-V, while some strains showed weak or no binding to collagen type III and gelatin. However, the netB+tpeL+ isolates showed significantly higher binding capabilities to collagen III than netB-tpeL- and netB+tpeL- isolates. The data in this study suggest that the collagen-binding capability of clinical C. perfringens isolates correlates well with their NE pathogenicity levels, especially for C. perfringens isolates carrying genes encoding crucial virulence factors and virulence-associated factors such as netB, cnaA, and tpeL. These results indicate that the presence of the cnaA gene may be correlated with C. perfringens virulence (particularly for netB+ isolates).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Sun
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Mingmin Lu
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Hyun Lillehoj
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Youngsub Lee
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Doyun Goo
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Baohong Yuan
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Xianghe Yan
- Environment Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
| | - Charles Li
- Animal Bioscience and Biotechnology Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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Soto LF, Romaní AC, Jiménez-Avalos G, Silva Y, Ordinola-Ramirez CM, Lopez Lapa RM, Requena D. Immunoinformatic analysis of the whole proteome for vaccine design: An application to Clostridium perfringens. Front Immunol 2022; 13:942907. [PMID: 36110855 PMCID: PMC9469472 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.942907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is a dangerous bacterium and known biological warfare weapon associated with several diseases, whose lethal toxins can produce necrosis in humans. However, there is no safe and fully effective vaccine against C. perfringens for humans yet. To address this problem, we computationally screened its whole proteome, identifying highly immunogenic proteins, domains, and epitopes. First, we identified that the proteins with the highest epitope density are Collagenase A, Exo-alpha-sialidase, alpha n-acetylglucosaminidase and hyaluronoglucosaminidase, representing potential recombinant vaccine candidates. Second, we further explored the toxins, finding that the non-toxic domain of Perfringolysin O is enriched in CTL and HTL epitopes. This domain could be used as a potential sub-unit vaccine to combat gas gangrene. And third, we designed a multi-epitope protein containing 24 HTL-epitopes and 34 CTL-epitopes from extracellular regions of transmembrane proteins. Also, we analyzed the structural properties of this novel protein using molecular dynamics. Altogether, we are presenting a thorough immunoinformatic exploration of the whole proteome of C. perfringens, as well as promising whole-protein, domain-based and multi-epitope vaccine candidates. These can be evaluated in preclinical trials to assess their immunogenicity and protection against C. perfringens infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F. Soto
- Escuela Profesional de Genética y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Ana C. Romaní
- Escuela Profesional de Genética y Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Gabriel Jiménez-Avalos
- Departamento de Ciencias Celulares y Moleculares, Laboratorio de Bioinformática, Biología Molecular y Desarrollos Tecnológicos, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH), Lima, Peru
| | - Yshoner Silva
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Carla M. Ordinola-Ramirez
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - Rainer M. Lopez Lapa
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
- Instituto de Ganadería y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas, Chachapoyas, Peru
| | - David Requena
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: David Requena,
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Candidates for Repurposing as Anti-Virulence Agents Based on the Structural Profile Analysis of Microbial Collagenase Inhibitors. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:pharmaceutics14010062. [PMID: 35056958 PMCID: PMC8780423 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological inhibition of the bacterial collagenases (BC) enzymes is considered a promising strategy to block the virulence of the bacteria without targeting the selection mechanism leading to drug resistance. The chemical structures of the Clostridium perfringens collagenase A (ColA) inhibitors were analyzed using Bemis-Murcko skeletons, Murcko frameworks, the type of plain rings, and docking studies. The inhibitors were classified based on their structural architecture and various scoring methods were implemented to predict the probability of new compounds to inhibit ColA and other BC. The analyses indicated that all compounds contain at least one aromatic ring, which is often a nitrobenzene fragment. 2-Nitrobenzene based compounds are, on average, more potent BC inhibitors compared to those derived from 4-nitrobenzene. The molecular descriptors MDEO-11, AATS0s, ASP-0, and MAXDN were determined as filters to identify new BC inhibitors and highlighted the necessity for a compound to contain at least three primary oxygen atoms. The DrugBank database was virtually screened using the developed methods. A total of 100 compounds were identified as potential BC inhibitors, of which, 10 are human approved drugs. Benzthiazide, entacapone, and lodoxamide were chosen as the best candidates for in vitro testing based on their pharmaco-toxicological profile.
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Hustá M, Ducatelle R, Van Immerseel F, Goossens E. A Rapid and Simple Assay Correlates In Vitro NetB Activity with Clostridium perfringens Pathogenicity in Chickens. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081708. [PMID: 34442787 PMCID: PMC8400579 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotic enteritis is an important enteric disease in poultry, caused by NetB-producing Clostridium (C.) perfringens strains. As no straight-forward method to assess the NetB activity of C. perfringens was available, we aimed to develop an easy, high-throughput method to measure the NetB activity produced by C. perfringens. First, the appearance of C. perfringens on different avian blood agar plates was assessed. Based on the size of the haemolysis surrounding the C. perfringens colonies, NetB-positive strains could phenotypically be discriminated from NetB-negative strains on both chicken and duck blood agar. Additionally, strains producing the consensus NetB protein induced more pronounced haemolysis on chicken blood agar as compared to the weak outer haemolysis induced by A168T NetB-variant-producing C. perfringens strains. Next, a 96-well plate-based haemolysis assay to screen NetB activity in the C. perfringens culture supernatants was developed. Using this assay, a positive correlation between the in vitro NetB activity and virulence of the C. perfringens strains was shown. The developed activity assay allows us to screen novel C. perfringens isolates for their in vitro NetB activity, which could give valuable information on their disease-inducing potential, or identify molecules and (bacterial) metabolites that affect NetB expression and activity.
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