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Carrara GMP, Stolf BS. FVB/NJ strain as a mouse model for cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2024; 119:e230182. [PMID: 38511814 PMCID: PMC10941652 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760230182] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniases encompass a spectrum of neglected diseases caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, grouped in two forms: tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis. OBJECTIVES In this study, we propose Friend Virus B NIH Jackson (FVB/NJ) mouse strain as a new experimental model of infection with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, the second most prevalent agent of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil. METHODS AND FINDINGS We performed in vitro infections of FVB/NJ macrophages and compared them with BALB/c macrophages, showing that BALB/c cells have higher infection percentages and a higher number of amastigotes/cell. Phagocytosis assays indicated that BALB/c and FVB/NJ macrophages have similar capacity to uptake parasites after 5 min incubations. We also investigated promastigotes' resistance to sera from FVB/NJ and BALB/c and observed no difference between the two sera, even though FVB/NJ has a deficiency in complement components. Finally, we subcutaneously infected FVB/NJ and BALB/c mice with 2 × 106 parasites expressing luciferase. Analysis of lesion development for 12 weeks showed that FVB/NJ and BALB/c mice have similar lesion profiles and parasite burdens. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This work characterises for the first time the FVB/NJ mouse as a new model for tegumentary leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (L.) amazonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beatriz Simonsen Stolf
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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2
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Zhang ZQ, Gigliotti F, Wright TW. The Dual Benefit of Sulfasalazine on Pneumocystis Pneumonia-Related Immunopathogenesis and Antifungal Host Defense Does Not Require IL-4Rα-Dependent Macrophage Polarization. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0049022. [PMID: 36916933 PMCID: PMC10112227 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00490-22] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis is a respiratory fungal pathogen that is among the most frequent causes of life-threatening pneumonia (PcP) in immunocompromised hosts. Alveolar macrophages play an important role in host defense against Pneumocystis, and several studies have suggested that M2 polarized macrophages have anti-Pneumocystis effector activity. Our prior work found that the immunomodulatory drug sulfasalazine (SSZ) provides a dual benefit during PcP-related immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) by concurrently suppressing immunopathogenesis while also accelerating macrophage-mediated fungal clearance. The benefits of SSZ were associated with heightened Th2 cytokine production and M2 macrophage polarization. Therefore, to determine whether SSZ improves the outcome of PcP through a mechanism that requires Th2-dependent M2 polarization, RAG2-/- mice lacking interleukin 4 receptor alpha chain (IL-4Rα) on macrophage lineage cells were generated. As expected, SSZ treatment dramatically reduced the severity of PcP-related immunopathogenesis and accelerated fungal clearance in immune-reconstituted RAG2-/- mice. Similarly, SSZ treatment was also highly effective in immune-reconstituted RAG2/IL-4Rα-/- and RAG2/gamma interferon receptor (IFN-γR)-/- mice, demonstrating that neither IL-4Rα-dependent M2 nor IFN-γR-dependent M1 macrophage polarization programs were required for the beneficial effects of SSZ. Despite the fact that macrophages from RAG2/IL-4Rα-/- mice could not respond to the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, M2-biased alveolar macrophages were identified in the lungs following SSZ treatment. These data demonstrate that not only does SSZ enhance phagocytosis and fungal clearance in the absence of macrophage IL-4Rα signaling, but also that SSZ promotes M2 macrophage polarization in an IL-4Rα-independent manner. These findings could have implications for the treatment of PcP and other diseases in which M2 polarization is beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Qian Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Francis Gigliotti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Terry W. Wright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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3
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Wang X, Cunha C, Grau MS, Robertson SJ, Lacerda JF, Campos A, Lagrou K, Maertens J, Best SM, Carvalho A, Obar JJ. MAVS Expression in Alveolar Macrophages Is Essential for Host Resistance against Aspergillus fumigatus. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:346-353. [PMID: 35750336 PMCID: PMC9307106 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Our recent data demonstrate a critical role of the RIG-I-like receptor family in regulating antifungal immunity against Aspergillus fumigatus in a murine model. However, the importance of this pathway in humans and the cell types that use this innate immune receptor family to detect A. fumigatus remain unresolved. In this study, using patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, we demonstrate that a polymorphism in human MAVS present in the donor genome was associated with the incidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Moreover, in a separate cohort of confirmed invasive pulmonary aspergillosis patients, polymorphisms in the IFIH1 gene alter the inflammatory response, including IFN-responsive chemokines. Returning to our murine model, we now demonstrate that CD11c+ Siglec F+ alveolar macrophages require Mavs expression to maintain host resistance against A. fumigatus. Our data support the role of MAVS signaling in mediating antifungal immunity in both mice and humans at least in part through the role of MAVS-dependent signaling in alveolar macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Madeleine S Grau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | - Shelly J Robertson
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT
| | - João F Lacerda
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Serviço de Hematologia e Transplantação de Medula, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Campos
- Serviço de Transplantação de Medula Óssea, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine and National Reference Center for Medical Mycology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; and
| | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sonja M Best
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joshua J Obar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH;
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4
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Chesnay A, Paget C, Heuzé-Vourc’h N, Baranek T, Desoubeaux G. Pneumocystis Pneumonia: Pitfalls and Hindrances to Establishing a Reliable Animal Model. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8020129. [PMID: 35205883 PMCID: PMC8877242 DOI: 10.3390/jof8020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis pneumonia is a severe lung infection that occurs primarily in largely immunocompromised patients. Few treatment options exist, and the mortality rate remains substantial. To develop new strategies in the fields of diagnosis and treatment, it appears to be critical to improve the scientific knowledge about the biology of the Pneumocystis agent and the course of the disease. In the absence of in vitro continuous culture system, in vivo animal studies represent a crucial cornerstone for addressing Pneumocystis pneumonia in laboratories. Here, we provide an overview of the animal models of Pneumocystis pneumonia that were reported in the literature over the last 60 years. Overall, this review highlights the great heterogeneity of the variables studied: the choice of the host species and its genetics, the different immunosuppressive regimens to render an animal susceptible, the experimental challenge, and the different validation methods of the model. With this work, the investigator will have the keys to choose pivotal experimental parameters and major technical features that are assumed to likely influence the results according to the question asked. As an example, we propose an animal model to explore the immune response during Pneumocystis pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Chesnay
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie-Médecine Tropicale, Pôle Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours, France;
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Université de Tours, 10 Bouelvard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; (C.P.); (N.H.-V.); (T.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Christophe Paget
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Université de Tours, 10 Bouelvard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; (C.P.); (N.H.-V.); (T.B.)
| | - Nathalie Heuzé-Vourc’h
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Université de Tours, 10 Bouelvard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; (C.P.); (N.H.-V.); (T.B.)
| | - Thomas Baranek
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Université de Tours, 10 Bouelvard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; (C.P.); (N.H.-V.); (T.B.)
| | - Guillaume Desoubeaux
- Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie-Médecine Tropicale, Pôle Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Bretonneau, CHRU de Tours, 2 Boulevard Tonnellé, 37044 Tours, France;
- Centre d’Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1100, Université de Tours, 10 Bouelvard Tonnellé, 37032 Tours, France; (C.P.); (N.H.-V.); (T.B.)
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5
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Yu Y, Zhou Y, Di C, Zhao C, Chen J, Su W, Wu Q, Wu M, Su X, Xia Z. Increased airway epithelial cell-derived exosomes activate macrophage-mediated allergic inflammation via CD100 shedding. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:8850-8862. [PMID: 34414666 PMCID: PMC8435458 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Airway epithelial cells (AECs) participate in allergic airway inflammation by producing mediators in response to allergen stimulation. Whether ovalbumin (OVA) challenge promotes exosome release from AECs (OVA‐challenged AEC‐derived exosomes (OAEs)), thereby affecting airway inflammation, as well as the underlying mechanisms, is unknown. Our study showed that AECs released an increased number of exosomes after OVA challenge, and the expression of Plexin B2 (PLXNB2; a natural CD100 ligand) was increased by a massive 85.7‐fold in OAEs than in PBS‐treated AEC‐derived exosomes (PAEs). CD100+F4/80+ macrophages engulfed OAEs to trigger the transcription of pro‐inflammatory chemokines and cytokines. Plxnb2 transcripts increased in asthmatic lungs, and similarly, PLXNB2 protein was highly enriched in exosomes purified from asthmatic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Furthermore, aspiration of PLXNB2 or OAEs increased the recruitment of lung neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and dendritic cells in OVA‐challenged mice. Mechanistically, OAE aspiration enhanced the cleavage of CD100 by MMP14, which manifested as an increase in the soluble CD100 (sCD100) level in BAL fluid and lung homogenates. Knockdown of Mmp14 in macrophages prevented the cleavage of CD100 and reduced Ccl2, Ccl5 and Cxcl2 transcription. These data indicate that PLXNB2‐containing OAEs aggravate airway asthmatic inflammation via cleavage of CD100 by MMP14, suggesting potential therapeutic targets of OAE‐mediated asthma exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caixia Di
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caiqi Zhao
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Su
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Wu
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Xiao Su
- Unit of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenwei Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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6
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Charpentier E, Ménard S, Marques C, Berry A, Iriart X. Immune Response in Pneumocystis Infections According to the Host Immune System Status. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7080625. [PMID: 34436164 PMCID: PMC8399367 DOI: 10.3390/jof7080625] [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: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The host immune response is critical in Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). Immunocompetent hosts can eliminate the fungus without symptoms, while immunodeficient hosts develop PCP with an unsuitable excessive inflammatory response leading to lung damage. From studies based on rodent models or clinical studies, this review aimed to better understand the pathophysiology of Pneumocystis infection by analysing the role of immune cells, mostly lymphocytes, according to the immune status of the infected host. Hence, this review first describes the immune physiological response in infected immunocompetent hosts that are able to eliminate the fungus. The objective of the second part is to identify the immune elements required for the control of the fungus, focusing on specific immune deficiencies. Finally, the third part concentrates on the effect of the different immune elements in immunocompromised subjects during PCP, to better understand which cells are detrimental, and which, on the contrary, are beneficial once the disease has started. This work highlights that the immune response associated with a favourable outcome of the infection may differ according to the immune status of the host. In the case of immunocompetency, a close communication between B cells and TCD4 within tertiary lymphocyte structures appears critical to activate M2 macrophages without much inflammation. Conversely, in the case of immunodeficiency, a pro-inflammatory response including Th1 CD4, cytotoxic CD8, NK cells, and IFNγ release seems beneficial for M1 macrophage activation, despite the impact of inflammation on lung tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eléna Charpentier
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Toulouse University Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France;
- Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France; (S.M.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (X.I.)
| | - Sandie Ménard
- Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France; (S.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Catherine Marques
- Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France; (S.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Antoine Berry
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Toulouse University Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France;
- Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France; (S.M.); (C.M.)
| | - Xavier Iriart
- Department of Parasitology-Mycology, Toulouse University Hospital, 31059 Toulouse, France;
- Infinity, Inserm, CNRS, University of Toulouse III, 31024 Toulouse, France; (S.M.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (X.I.)
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7
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Bankers L, Miller C, Liu G, Thongkittidilok C, Morrison J, Poeschla EM. Development of IFN-Stimulated Gene Expression from Embryogenesis through Adulthood, with and without Constitutive MDA5 Pathway Activation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:2791-2807. [PMID: 32277054 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (e.g., dsRNA) activate expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), which protect hosts from infection. Although transient ISG upregulation is essential for effective innate immunity, constitutive activation typically causes harmful autoimmunity in mice and humans, often including severe developmental abnormalities. We have shown that transgenic mice expressing a picornavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) outside the viral context (RdRP mice) exhibit constitutive, MDA5-dependent, and quantitatively dramatic upregulation of many ISGs, which confers broad viral infection resistance. Remarkably, RdRP mice never develop autoinflammation, interferonopathy, or other discernible abnormalities. In this study, we used RNA sequencing and other methods to analyze ISG expression across five time points from fetal development to adulthood in wild-type and RdRP mice. In RdRP mice, the proportion of upregulated ISGs increased during development, with the most dramatic induction occurring 2 wk postnatally. The amplified ISG profile is then maintained lifelong. Molecular pathways and biological functions associated with innate immune and IFN signaling are only activated postnatally, suggesting constrained fetal responsiveness to innate immune stimuli. Biological functions supporting replication of viruses are only inhibited postnatally. We further determined that the RdRP is expressed at low levels and that blocking Ifnar1 reverses the amplified ISG transcriptome in adults. In conclusion, the upregulated ISG profile of RdRP mice is mostly triggered early postnatally, is maintained through adulthood, and requires ongoing type I IFN signaling to maintain it. The model provides opportunities to study the systems biology of innate immunity and to determine how sustained ISG upregulation can be compatible with robust health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bankers
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Caitlin Miller
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Guoqi Liu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Chommanart Thongkittidilok
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - James Morrison
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Eric M Poeschla
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045
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Hoy Z, Wright TW, Elliott M, Malone J, Bhagwat S, Wang J, Gigliotti F. Combination Immunotherapy with Passive Antibody and Sulfasalazine Accelerates Fungal Clearance and Promotes the Resolution of Pneumocystis-Associated Immunopathogenesis. Infect Immun 2020; 88:e00640-19. [PMID: 31611280 PMCID: PMC6977122 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00640-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The pulmonary immune response protects healthy individuals against Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP). However, the immune response also drives immunopathogenesis in patients who develop severe PcP, and it is generally accepted that optimal treatment requires combination strategies that promote fungal killing and also provide effective immunomodulation. The anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine programs macrophages for enhanced Pneumocystis phagocytosis and also suppresses PcP-related immunopathogenesis. Anti-Pneumocystis antibody opsonizes Pneumocystis organisms for greater phagocytosis and may also mask antigens that drive immunopathogenesis. Thus, we hypothesized that combining antibody and sulfasalazine would have the dual benefit of enhancing fungal clearance while dampening immunopathogenesis and allow the rescue of severe PcP. To model a clinically relevant treatment scenario in mice, therapeutic interventions were withheld until clear symptoms of pneumonia were evident. When administered individually, both passive antibody and sulfasalazine improved pulmonary function and enhanced Pneumocystis clearance to similar degrees. However, combination treatment with antibody and sulfasalazine produced a more rapid improvement, with recovery of body weight, a dramatic improvement in pulmonary function, reduced lung inflammation, and the rapid clearance of the Pneumocystis organisms. Accelerated fungal clearance in the combination treatment group was associated with a significant increase in macrophage phagocytosis of Pneumocystis Both passive antibody and sulfasalazine resulted in the suppression of Th1 cytokines and a marked increase in lung macrophages displaying an alternatively activated phenotype, which were enhanced by combination treatment. Our data support the concept that passive antibody and sulfasalazine could be an effective and specific adjunctive therapy for PcP, with the potential to accelerate fungal clearance while attenuating PcP-associated immunopathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Hoy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Terry W Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Michael Elliott
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jane Malone
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Samir Bhagwat
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Francis Gigliotti
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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9
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Leipheimer J, Bloom ALM, Panepinto JC. Protein Kinases at the Intersection of Translation and Virulence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:318. [PMID: 31572689 PMCID: PMC6749009 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As free living organisms, fungi are challenged with a variety of environmental insults that threaten their cellular processes. In some cases, these challenges mimic conditions present within mammals, resulting in the accidental selection of virulence factors over evolutionary time. Be it within a host or the soil, fungi must contend with environmental challenges through the production of stress effector proteins while maintaining factors required for viability in any condition. Initiation and upkeep of this balancing act is mainly under the control of kinases that affect the propensity and selectivity of protein translation. This review will focus on kinases in pathogenic fungi that facilitate a virulence phenotype through translational control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Leipheimer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Amanda L M Bloom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - John C Panepinto
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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Pérez FJ, Iturra PA, Ponce CA, Magne F, Garcia-Angulo V, Vargas SL. Niflumic Acid Reverses Airway Mucus Excess and Improves Survival in the Rat Model of Steroid-Induced Pneumocystis Pneumonia. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1522. [PMID: 31333624 PMCID: PMC6624676 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the role of adaptive immunity in fighting Pneumocystis infection is well known, the role of the innate, airway epithelium, responses remains largely unexplored. The concerted interaction of innate and adaptive responses is essential to successfully eradicate infection. Increased expression of goblet-cell-derived CLCA1 protein plus excess mucus in infant autopsy lungs and in murine models of primary Pneumocystis infection alert of innate immune system immunopathology associated to Pneumocystis infection. Nonetheless, whether blocking mucus-associated innate immune pathways decreases Pneumocystis-related immunopathology is unknown. Furthermore, current treatment of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) relying on anti-Pneumocystis drugs plus steroids is not ideal because removes cellular immune responses against the fungal pathogen. In this study, we used the steroid-induced rat model of PcP to evaluate inflammation and mucus progression, and tested the effect of niflumic acid (NFA), a fenamate-type drug with potent CLCA1 blocker activity, in decreasing Pneumocystis-associated immunopathology. In this model, animals acquire Pneumocystis spontaneously and pneumonia develops owing to the steroids-induced immunodeficiency. Steroids led to decreased animal weight evidencing severe immunosuppression and to significant Pneumocystis-associated pulmonary edema as evidenced by wet-to-dry lung ratios that doubled those of uninfected animals. Inflammatory cuffing infiltrates were noticed first around lung blood vessels followed by bronchi, and both increased progressively. Similarly, airway epithelial and lumen mucus progressively increased. This occurred in parallel to increasing levels of MUC5AC and mCLCA3, the murine homolog of hCLCA1. Administration of NFA caused a significant decrease in total mucus, MUC5AC and mCLCA3 and also, in Pneumocystis-associated inflammation. Most relevant, NFA treatment improved survival at 8 weeks of steroids. Results suggest an important role of innate immune responses in immunopathology of steroid-induced PcP. They warrant evaluation of CLCA1 blockers as adjunctive therapy in this condition and describe a simple model to evaluate therapeutic interventions for steroid resistant mucus, a common condition in patients with chronic lung disease like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Pérez
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo A Iturra
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina A Ponce
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabien Magne
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Víctor Garcia-Angulo
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sergio L Vargas
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Otieno-Odhiambo P, Wasserman S, Hoving JC. The Contribution of Host Cells to Pneumocystis Immunity: An Update. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8020052. [PMID: 31010170 PMCID: PMC6631015 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8020052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pneumocystis is a ubiquitous atypical fungus that is distributed globally. The genus comprises morphologically similar but genetically heterogeneous species that have co-evolved with specific mammalian hosts as obligate intra-pulmonary pathogens. In humans, Pneumocystis jirovecii is the causative organism of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised individuals, a serious illness frequently leading to life-threatening respiratory failure. Initially observed in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, PCP is increasingly observed in immunocompromised non-AIDS patients. The evolving epidemiology and persistently poor outcomes of this common infection will require new strategies for diagnosis and treatment. A deeper understanding of host immune responses and of the cells that mediate them will improve the chance of developing new treatment strategies. This brief review provides an update on recent studies on the role of host immunity against Pneumocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Otieno-Odhiambo
- AFGrica Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - Sean Wasserman
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - J Claire Hoving
- AFGrica Medical Mycology Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK.
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
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