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Tan C, xiao Y, Liu T, Chen S, Zhou J, Zhang S, Hu Y, Wu A, Li C. Development of multi-epitope mRNA vaccine against Clostridioides difficile using reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatics approaches. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:667-683. [PMID: 38817826 PMCID: PMC11137598 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), as the major pathogen of diarrhea in healthcare settings, has become increasingly prevalent within community populations, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. However, the therapeutic options for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remain limited, and as of now, no authorized vaccine is available to combat this disease. Therefore, the development of a novel vaccine against C. difficile is of paramount importance. In our study, the complete proteome sequences of 118 strains of C. difficile were downloaded and analyzed. We found four antigenic proteins that were highly conserved and can be used for epitope identification. We designed two vaccines, WLcd1 and WLcd2, that contain the ideal T-cell and B-cell epitopes, adjuvants, and the pan HLA DR-binding epitope (PADRE) sequences. The biophysical and chemical assessments of these vaccine candidates indicated that they were suitable for immunogenic applications. Molecular docking analyses revealed that WLcd1 bonded with higher affinity to Toll-like receptors (TLRs) than WLcd2. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, performed using Gmx_MMPBSA v1.56, confirmed the binding stability of WLcd1 with TLR2 and TLR4. The preliminary findings suggested that this multi-epitope vaccine could be a promising candidate for protection against CDI; however, experimental studies are necessary to confirm these predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Tan
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Yuanyuan xiao
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Siyao Chen
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Sisi Zhang
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Yiran Hu
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Anhua Wu
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Chunhui Li
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
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Sidekli O, Oketch J, Fair S, Meade KG, Hollox EJ. β-Defensin gene copy number variation in cattle. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:241154. [PMID: 39479249 PMCID: PMC11521603 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.241154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 09/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 11/02/2024]
Abstract
β-Defensins are peptides with antimicrobial roles, characterized by a conserved tertiary structure. Beyond antimicrobial functions, they exhibit diverse roles in both the immune response and fertility, including involvement in sperm maturation and function. Copy number variation (CNV) of β-defensin genes is extensive across mammals, including cattle, with possible implications for reproductive traits and disease resistance. In this study, we comprehensively catalogue 55 β-defensin genes in cattle. By constructing a phylogenetic tree to identify human orthologues and lineage-specific expansions, we identify 1 : 1 human orthologues for 35 bovine β-defensins. We also discover extensive β-defensin gene CNV across breeds, with DEFB103, in particular, showing extensive multi-allelic CNV. By comparing β-defensin expression levels in testis from calves and adult bulls, we find that 14 β-defensins, including DEFB103, increase in expression during sexual maturation. Analysis of β-defensin gene expression levels in the caput of adult bull epididymis, and β-defensin gene copy number, in 94 matched samples shows expression levels of four β-defensins are correlated with genomic copy numbers, including DEFB103. We therefore demonstrate extensive CNV in bovine β-defensin genes, in particular DEFB103, with potential functional consequences for fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Sidekli
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - John Oketch
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Sean Fair
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kieran G. Meade
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Edward J. Hollox
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Colomina-Alfaro L, Sist P, D'Andrea P, Urbani R, Marchesan S, Stamboulis A, Bandiera A. Materials derived from the human elastin-like polypeptide fusion with an antimicrobial peptide strongly promote cell adhesion. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:8966-8976. [PMID: 39045800 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00319e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Protein and peptide materials have attracted great interest in recent years, especially for biological applications, in light of their possibility to easily encode bioactivity whilst maintaining cytocompatibility and biodegradability. Heterologous recombinant expression to produce antimicrobial peptides is increasingly considered a convenient alternative for the transition from conventional methods to more sustainable production systems. The human elastin-like polypeptide (HELP) has proven to be a valuable fusion carrier, and due to its cutting-edge properties, biomimetic materials with antimicrobial capacity have been successfully developed. In this work, we have taken advantage of this platform to produce a difficult-to-synthesise sequence as that of the human β-defensin 1 (hBD1), an amphipathic cationic peptide with structural folding constraints relevant to its bioactivity. In the design of the gene, highly specific endoproteinases recognition sites were introduced to release the active forms of hBD1. After the expression and purification of the new fusion construct, its biological activity was evaluated. It was found that both the fusion biopolymer and the released active forms can inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli in redox environments. Remarkably, 2D and 3D materials derived from the biopolymer showed a strong cell adhesion-promoting activity. These results suggest that HELP represents a multitasking platform that not only facilitates the production of bioactive domains and derived materials but could also pave the way for the development of new approaches to study biological interactions at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Colomina-Alfaro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy. abandiera.units.it
| | - Paola Sist
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy. abandiera.units.it
| | - Paola D'Andrea
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy. abandiera.units.it
| | - Ranieri Urbani
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchesan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Artemis Stamboulis
- School of Metallurgy and Materials, Biomaterials Research Group, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Antonella Bandiera
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy. abandiera.units.it
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Li X, Wang X, Du J, Bu X, Peng C, Duan X, Fu C. Applications of β-defensins against infectious pathogenic microorganisms. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2024; 22:501-510. [PMID: 38970163 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2024.2377677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are polypeptides with potent antimicrobial activity against a broad range of pathogenic microorganisms. Unlike conventional antibiotics, AMPs have rapid bactericidal activity, a low capacity for inducing resistance, and compatibility with the host immune system. A large body of data supports the antimicrobial activities of a large body of data supports the antimicrobial activities of the class of AMPs known as β-defensins. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the effects of β-defensins against various pathogenic microorganism: bacteria, fungi, viruses, Mycoplasmas and Chlamydiae. The primary mechanisms of β-defensins against pathogenic microorganisms include inhibition of biofilms formations, dissolution of membranes, disruption of cell walls, and inhibition of adhesion and receptor binding. Although further study and structural modifications are needed, β-defensins are promising candidates for antimicrobial therapy. AREAS COVERED This review describes the inhibitory effects of β-defensins on various pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, we focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying their actions to provide, providing valuable references for the further study of β-defensins. EXPERT OPINION The biological activities and modes of action of β-defensins provide powerful resources for clinical microbial infection management. Addressing the salt sensitivity and toxicity of β-defensins may further enhance their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyun Li
- Infection and Microbiology Research Laboratory for Women and Children, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Dermatology, Dongying District Central Hospital of Dongying City, Dongying, PR China
| | - Jiajing Du
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xiangzhen Bu
- Radiology Department, Dongying District People's Hospital of Dongying City, Dongying, PR China
| | - Chao Peng
- Dermatology, Dongying District Central Hospital of Dongying City, Dongying, PR China
| | - Ximeng Duan
- Infection and Microbiology Research Laboratory for Women and Children, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Chen Fu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China
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Mashraqi MM, Alzamami A, Alturki NA, Almasaudi HH, Ahmed I, Alshamrani S, Basharat Z. Chimeric vaccine design against the conserved TonB-dependent receptor-like β-barrel domain from the outer membrane tbpA and hpuB proteins of Kingella kingae ATCC 23330. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1258834. [PMID: 38053576 PMCID: PMC10694214 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1258834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Kingella kingae is a Gram-negative bacterium that primarily causes pediatric infections such as septicemia, endocarditis, and osteoarticular infections. Its virulence is attributed to the outer membrane proteins having implications in bacterial adhesion, invasion, nutrition, and host tissue damage. TonB-dependent receptors (TBDRs) play an important role in nutrition and were previously implicated as vaccine targets in other bacteria. Therefore, we targeted the conserved β-barrel TBDR domain of these proteins for designing a vaccine construct that could elicit humoral and cellular immune responses. We used bioinformatic tools to mine TBDR-containing proteins from K. kingae ATCC 23330 and then predict B- and T-cell epitopes from their conserved β-barrel TDR domain. A chimeric vaccine construct was designed using three antigenic epitopes, covering >98% of the world population and capable of inciting humoral and adaptive immune responses. The final construct elicited a robust immune response. Docking and dynamics simulation showed good binding affinity of the vaccine construct to various receptors of the immune system. Additionally, the vaccine was predicted to be safe and non-allergenic, making it a promising candidate for further development. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of immunoinformatics approaches in designing chimeric vaccines against K. kingae infections. The chimeric vaccine we designed can serve as a blueprint for future experimental studies to develop an effective vaccine against this pathogen, which can serve as a potential strategy to prevent K. kingae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutaib M. Mashraqi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Alzamami
- Clinical Laboratory Science Department, College of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University, AlQuwayiyah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah A. Alturki
- Clinical Laboratory Science Department, College of Applied Medical Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan H. Almasaudi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrar Ahmed
- Alpha Genomics Private Limited, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Group for Biometrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Saleh Alshamrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Arenas-Gómez CM, Garcia-Gutierrez E, Escobar JS, Cotter PD. Human gut homeostasis and regeneration: the role of the gut microbiota and its metabolites. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023; 49:764-785. [PMID: 36369718 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2142088] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The healthy human gut is a balanced ecosystem where host cells and representatives of the gut microbiota interact and communicate in a bidirectional manner at the gut epithelium. As a result of these interactions, many local and systemic processes necessary for host functionality, and ultimately health, take place. Impairment of the integrity of the gut epithelium diminishes its ability to act as an effective gut barrier, can contribute to conditions associated to inflammation processes and can have other negative consequences. Pathogens and pathobionts have been linked with damage of the integrity of the gut epithelium, but other components of the gut microbiota and some of their metabolites can contribute to its repair and regeneration. Here, we review what is known about the effect of bacterial metabolites on the gut epithelium and, more specifically, on the regulation of repair by intestinal stem cells and the regulation of the immune system in the gut. Additionally, we explore the potential therapeutic use of targeted modulation of the gut microbiota to maintain and improve gut homeostasis as a mean to improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Marcela Arenas-Gómez
- Vidarium-Nutrition, Health and Wellness Research Center, Grupo Empresarial Nutresa, Medellin, Colombia
- Dirección Académica, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede de La Paz, La Paz 202017, Colombia
| | - Enriqueta Garcia-Gutierrez
- Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- VistaMilk SFI Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Juan S Escobar
- Vidarium-Nutrition, Health and Wellness Research Center, Grupo Empresarial Nutresa, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Paul D Cotter
- Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- VistaMilk SFI Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
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Graham MK, Wang R, Chikarmane R, Wodu B, Vaghasia A, Gupta A, Zheng Q, Hicks J, Sysa-Shah P, Pan X, Castagna N, Liu J, Meyers J, Skaist A, Zhang Y, Schuebel K, Simons BW, Bieberich CJ, Nelson WG, Lupold SE, DeWeese TL, De Marzo AM, Yegnasubramanian S. Convergent alterations in the tumor microenvironment of MYC-driven human and murine prostate cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.07.553268. [PMID: 37905029 PMCID: PMC10614732 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.07.553268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The tissue microenvironment in prostate cancer is profoundly altered. While such alterations have been implicated in driving prostate cancer initiation and progression to aggressive disease, how prostate cancer cells and their precursors mediate those changes is unclear, in part due to the inability to longitudinally study the disease evolution in human tissues. To overcome this limitation, we performed extensive single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and rigorous molecular pathology of the comparative biology between human prostate cancer and key time points in the disease evolution of a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of prostate cancer. Our studies of human tissues, with validation in a large external data set, revealed that cancer cell-intrinsic activation of MYC signaling was the top up-regulated pathway in human cancers, representing a common denominator across the well-known molecular and pathological heterogeneity of human prostate cancer. Likewise, numerous non-malignant cell states in the tumor microenvironment (TME), including non-cancerous epithelial, immune, and fibroblast cell compartments, were conserved across individuals, raising the possibility that these cell types may be a sequelae of the convergent MYC activation in the cancer cells. To test this hypothesis, we employed a GEMM of prostate epithelial cell-specific MYC activation in two mouse strains. Cell communication network and pathway analyses suggested that MYC oncogene-expressing neoplastic cells, directly and indirectly, reprogrammed the TME during carcinogenesis, leading to the emergence of cascading cell state alterations in neighboring epithelial, immune, and fibroblast cell types that paralleled key findings in human prostate cancer. Importantly, among these changes, the progression from a precursor-enriched to invasive-cancer-enriched state was accompanied by a cell-intrinsic switch from pro-immunogenic to immunosuppressive transcriptional programs with coinciding enrichment of immunosuppressive myeloid and Treg cells in the immune microenvironment. These findings implicate activation of MYC signaling in reshaping convergent aspects of the TME of prostate cancer as a common denominator across the otherwise well-documented molecular heterogeneity of human prostate cancer.
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Keshri AK, Kaur R, Rawat SS, Arora N, Pandey RK, Kumbhar BV, Mishra A, Tripathi S, Prasad A. Designing and development of multi-epitope chimeric vaccine against Helicobacter pylori by exploring its entire immunogenic epitopes: an immunoinformatic approach. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:358. [PMID: 37740175 PMCID: PMC10517479 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05454-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori is a prominent causative agent of gastric ulceration, gastric adenocarcinoma and gastric lymphoma and have been categorised as a group 1 carcinogen by WHO. The treatment of H. pylori with proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics is effective but also leads to increased antibiotic resistance, patient dissatisfaction, and chances of reinfection. Therefore, an effective vaccine remains the most suitable prophylactic option for mass administration against this infection. RESULTS We modelled a multi-chimera subunit vaccine candidate against H. pylori by screening its secretory/outer membrane proteins. We identified B-cell, MHC-II and IFN-γ-inducing epitopes within these proteins. The population coverage, antigenicity, physiochemical properties and secondary structure were evaluated using different in-silico tools, which showed it can be a good and effective vaccine candidate. The 3-D construct was predicted, refined, validated and docked with TLRs. Finally, we performed the molecular docking/simulation and immune simulation studies to validate the stability of interaction and in-silico cloned the epitope sequences into a pET28b(+) plasmid vector. CONCLUSION The multiepitope-constructed vaccine contains T- cells, B-cells along with IFN-γ inducing epitopes that have the property to generate good cell-mediated immunity and humoral response. This vaccine can protect most of the world's population. The docking study and immune simulation revealed a good binding with TLRs and cell-mediated and humoral immune responses, respectively. Overall, we attempted to design a multiepitope vaccine and expect this vaccine will show an encouraging result against H. pylori infection in in-vivo use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand K Keshri
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, 175005, India
| | - Rimanpreet Kaur
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, 175005, India
| | - Suraj S Rawat
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, 175005, India
| | - Naina Arora
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, 175005, India
| | - Rajan K Pandey
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342011, India
| | - Shweta Tripathi
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, 175005, India.
| | - Amit Prasad
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Mandi, 175005, India.
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Olivera C, Mosmann JP, Anna AN, Bettucci Ferrero GN, Paira DA, Ferreyra FN, Martinez MS, Motrich RD, Cuffini CG, Saka HA, Rivero VE. Expression of HPV-16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins alters Chlamydia trachomatis developmental cycle and induces increased levels of immune regulatory molecules. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1214017. [PMID: 37743859 PMCID: PMC10516566 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1214017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a recognized risk factor for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection and vice versa. Coinfection of HPV and CT in women is a very common and usually asymptomatic finding that has been linked to increased risk of cervical cancer. It has been demonstrated that CT facilitates the entry of multiple high risk HPV genotypes, leading to damage of the mucosal barrier and interfering with immune responses and viral clearance, which ultimately favours viral persistence and malignant transformation. Although the facilitating effects elicited by CT infection on viral persistence have been reported, little is known about the consequences of HPV infection on CT development. Methods Herein, we took advantage of a genetically modified human cervical cell line co-expressing HPV-16 major oncogenic proteins E6 and E7, as an experimental model allowing to investigate the possible effects that HPV infection would have on CT development. Results and discussion Our results show that CT infection of HPV-16 E6E7 expressing cells induced an upregulation of the expression of E6E7 oncoproteins and host cell inhibitory molecules PD-L1, HVEM and CD160. Additionally, smaller chlamydial inclusions and reduced infectious progeny generation was observed in E6E7 cells. Ultrastructural analysis showed that expression of E6 and E7 did not alter total bacterial counts within inclusions but resulted in increased numbers of reticulate bodies (RB) and decreased production of infectious elementary bodies (EB). Our results indicate that during CT and HPV coinfection, E6 and E7 oncoproteins impair RB to EB transition and infectious progeny generation. On the other hand, higher expression of immune inhibitory molecules and HPV-16 E6E7 are cooperatively enhanced in CT-infected cells, which would favour both oncogenesis and immunosuppression. Our findings pose important implications for clinical management of patients with HPV and CT coinfection, suggesting that screening for the mutual infection could represent an opportunity to intervene and prevent severe reproductive health outcomes, such as cervical cancer and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Olivera
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jessica P. Mosmann
- Instituto de Virología “Dr. José M. Vanella”, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ailen N. Anna
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gloria N. Bettucci Ferrero
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Daniela A. Paira
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Fernando N. Ferreyra
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María S. Martinez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rubén D. Motrich
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cecilia G. Cuffini
- Instituto de Virología “Dr. José M. Vanella”, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Héctor Alex Saka
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Virginia E. Rivero
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Majewska A, Gajewska M, Dembele K. Effect of Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy on Transcriptomic Changes in Canine Atopic Dermatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11616. [PMID: 37511372 PMCID: PMC10380577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411616] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a genetic, chronic, and recurrent inflammatory and pruritic skin disorder. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is presently recognized as the only clinically effective disease-modifying treatment for allergies. The aim of our study was to analyze the changes in gene expression observed in the peripheral blood nuclear cells of cAD patients subjected to ASIT. Blood samples designated for transcriptomic analyses were collected from AD dogs twice, before and six months after ASIT, and also from healthy dogs. Statistical analysis revealed 521 differentially expressed transcripts, among which 241 transcripts represented genes with well-described functions. Based on the available literature, we chose nine differentially expressed genes (RARRES2, DPP10, SLPI, PLSCR4, MMP9, NTSR1, CBD103, DEFB122, and IL36G) which may be important in the context of the dysregulated immune response observed in cAD patients. The expressions of five out of the nine described genes (DPP10, PLSCR4, NTSR1, DEFB122, and IL36G) changed after the application of ASIT. The expressions of three of these genes returned to the level observed in the healthy control group. The genes listed above need further investigation to determine details of their role in the molecular mechanism of immune tolerance induction in response to allergen-specific immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Majewska
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Gajewska
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kourou Dembele
- Department of Small Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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11
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Pokharel SM, Mohanty I, Mariasoosai C, Miura TA, Maddison LA, Natesan S, Bose S. Human beta defensin-3 mediated activation of β-catenin during human respiratory syncytial virus infection: interaction of HBD3 with LDL receptor-related protein 5. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1186510. [PMID: 37426017 PMCID: PMC10324619 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1186510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a non-segmented negative-sense RNA virus belonging to the paramyxovirus family. RSV infects the respiratory tract to cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants, elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Effective clinical therapeutic options and vaccines to combat RSV infection are still lacking. Therefore, to develop effective therapeutic interventions, it is imperative to understand virus-host interactions during RSV infection. Cytoplasmic stabilization of β-catenin protein results in activation of canonical Wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway that culminates in transcriptional activation of various genes regulated by T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors. This pathway is involved in various biological and physiological functions. Our study shows RSV infection of human lung epithelial A549 cells triggering β-catenin protein stabilization and induction of β-catenin mediated transcriptional activity. Functionally, the activated β-catenin pathway promoted a pro-inflammatory response during RSV infection of lung epithelial cells. Studies with β-catenin inhibitors and A549 cells lacking optimal β-catenin activity demonstrated a significant loss of pro-inflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) release from RSV-infected cells. Mechanistically, our studies revealed a role of extracellular human beta defensin-3 (HBD3) in interacting with cell surface Wnt receptor LDL receptor-related protein-5 (LRP5) to activate the non-canonical Wnt independent β-catenin pathway during RSV infection. We showed gene expression and release of HBD3 from RSV-infected cells and silencing of HBD3 expression resulted in reduced stabilization of β-catenin protein during RSV infection. Furthermore, we observed the binding of extracellular HBD3 with cell surface localized LRP5 protein, and our in silico and protein-protein interaction studies have highlighted a direct interaction of HBD3 with LRP5. Thus, our studies have identified the β-catenin pathway as a key regulator of pro-inflammatory response during RSV infection of human lung epithelial cells. This pathway was induced during RSV infection via a non-canonical Wnt-independent mechanism involving paracrine/autocrine action of extracellular HBD3 activating cell surface Wnt receptor complex by directly interacting with the LRP5 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swechha M. Pokharel
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Indira Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Charles Mariasoosai
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Tanya A. Miura
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Lisette A. Maddison
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Senthil Natesan
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Santanu Bose
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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12
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van Dijk A, Guabiraba R, Bailleul G, Schouler C, Haagsman HP, Lalmanach AC. Evolutionary diversification of defensins and cathelicidins in birds and primates. Mol Immunol 2023; 157:53-69. [PMID: 36996595 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Divergent evolution for more than 310 million years has resulted in an avian immune system that is complex and more compact than that of primates, sharing much of its structure and functions. Not surprisingly, well conserved ancient host defense molecules, such as defensins and cathelicidins, have diversified over time. In this review, we describe how evolution influenced the host defense peptides repertoire, its distribution, and the relationship between structure and biological functions. Marked features of primate and avian HDPs are linked to species-specific characteristics, biological requirements, and environmental challenge.
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13
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Shelley JR, McHugh BJ, Wills J, Dorin JR, Weller R, Clarke DJ, Davidson DJ. A mechanistic evaluation of human beta defensin 2 mediated protection of human skin barrier in vitro. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2271. [PMID: 36755116 PMCID: PMC9908873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29558-0] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human skin barrier, a biological imperative, is impaired in inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD). Staphylococcus aureus is associated with AD lesions and contributes to pathological inflammation and further barrier impairment. S. aureus secretes extracellular proteases, such as V8 (or 'SspA'), which cleave extracellular proteins to reduce skin barrier. Previous studies demonstrated that the host defence peptide human beta-defensin 2 (HBD2) prevented V8-mediated damage. Here, the mechanism of HBD2-mediated barrier protection in vitro is examined. Application of exogenous HBD2 provided protection against V8, irrespective of timeline of application or native peptide folding, raising the prospect of simple peptide analogues as therapeutics. HBD2 treatment, in context of V8-mediated damage, modulated the proteomic/secretomic profiles of HaCaT cells, altering levels of specific extracellular matrix proteins, potentially recovering V8 damage. However, HBD2 alone did not substantially modulate cellular proteomic/secretomics profiles in the absence of damage, suggesting possible therapeutic targeting of lesion damage sites only. HBD2 did not show any direct protease inhibition or induce expression of known antiproteases, did not alter keratinocyte migration or proliferation, or form protective nanonet structures. These data validate the barrier-protective properties of HBD2 in vitro and establish key protein datasets for further targeted mechanistic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Shelley
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK.
- The Commonwealth Building, The Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Brian J McHugh
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Jimi Wills
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital Campus, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, Scotland, UK
| | - Julia R Dorin
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Richard Weller
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
| | - David J Clarke
- The EastChem School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Brewster Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FJ, UK
| | - Donald J Davidson
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, BioQuarter, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
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14
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de Szalay S, Wertz PW. Protective Barriers Provided by the Epidermis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043145. [PMID: 36834554 PMCID: PMC9961209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ of the body and consists of an epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The skin surface area is often stated to be about 1.8 to 2 m2 and represents our interface with the environment; however, when one considers that microorganisms live in the hair follicles and can enter sweat ducts, the area that interacts with this aspect of the environment becomes about 25-30 m2. Although all layers of the skin, including the adipose tissue, participate in antimicrobial defense, this review will focus mainly on the role of the antimicrobial factors in the epidermis and at the skin surface. The outermost layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is physically tough and chemically inert which protects against numerous environmental stresses. It provides a permeability barrier which is attributable to lipids in the intercellular spaces between the corneocytes. In addition to the permeability barrier, there is an innate antimicrobial barrier at the skin surface which involves antimicrobial lipids, peptides and proteins. The skin surface has a low surface pH and is poor in certain nutrients, which limits the range of microorganisms that can survive there. Melanin and trans-urocanic acid provide protection from UV radiation, and Langerhans cells in the epidermis are poised to monitor the local environment and to trigger an immune response as needed. Each of these protective barriers will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah de Szalay
- Sarah de Szalay Consulting, LLC, Wesy Milford, NJ 07480, USA
| | - Philip W. Wertz
- Dows Institute for Dental Research, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
- Correspondence:
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15
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Libiseller-Egger J, Phelan JE, Attia ZI, Benavente ED, Campino S, Friedman PA, Lopez-Jimenez F, Leon DA, Clark TG. Deep learning-derived cardiovascular age shares a genetic basis with other cardiac phenotypes. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22625. [PMID: 36587059 PMCID: PMC9805465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27254-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based approaches can now use electrocardiograms (ECGs) to provide expert-level performance in detecting heart abnormalities and diagnosing disease. Additionally, patient age predicted from ECGs by AI models has shown great potential as a biomarker for cardiovascular age, where recent work has found its deviation from chronological age ("delta age") to be associated with mortality and co-morbidities. However, despite being crucial for understanding underlying individual risk, the genetic underpinning of delta age is unknown. In this work we performed a genome-wide association study using UK Biobank data (n=34,432) and identified eight loci associated with delta age ([Formula: see text]), including genes linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) (e.g. SCN5A) and (heart) muscle development (e.g. TTN). Our results indicate that the genetic basis of cardiovascular ageing is predominantly determined by genes directly involved with the cardiovascular system rather than those connected to more general mechanisms of ageing. Our insights inform the epidemiology of CVD, with implications for preventative and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Libiseller-Egger
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jody E Phelan
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Zachi I Attia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ernest Diez Benavente
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Susana Campino
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Paul A Friedman
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - David A Leon
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Taane G Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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16
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Tzani-Tzanopoulou P, Rozumbetov R, Taka S, Doudoulakakis A, Lebessi E, Chanishvili N, Kakabadze E, Bakuradze N, Grdzelishvili N, Goderdzishvili M, Legaki E, Andreakos E, Papadaki M, Megremis S, Xepapadaki P, Kaltsas G, Akdis CA, Papadopoulos NG. Development of an in vitro homeostasis model between airway epithelial cells, bacteria and bacteriophages: a time-lapsed observation of cell viability and inflammatory response. J Gen Virol 2022; 103. [PMID: 36748697 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages represent the most extensive group of viruses within the human virome and have a significant impact on general health and well-being by regulating bacterial population dynamics. Staphylococcus aureus, found in the anterior nostrils, throat and skin, is an opportunistic pathobiont that can cause a wide range of diseases, from chronic inflammation to severe and acute infections. In this study, we developed a human cell-based homeostasis model between a clinically isolated strain of S. aureus 141 and active phages for this strain (PYOSa141) isolated from the commercial Pyophage cocktail (PYO). The cocktail is produced by Eliava BioPreparations Ltd. (Tbilisi, Georgia) and is used as an add-on therapy for bacterial infections, mainly in Georgia. The triptych interaction model was evaluated by time-dependent analysis of cell death and inflammatory response of the nasal and bronchial epithelial cells. Inflammatory mediators (IL-8, CCL5/RANTES, IL-6 and IL-1β) in the culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cell viability was determined by crystal violet staining. By measuring trans-epithelial electrical resistance, we assessed the epithelial integrity of nasal cells that had differentiated under air-liquid interface conditions. PYOSa141 was found to have a prophylactic effect on airway epithelial cells exposed to S. aureus 141 by effectively down-regulating bacterial-induced inflammation, cell death and epithelial barrier disruption in a time-dependent manner. Overall, the proposed model represents an advance in the way multi-component biological systems can be simulated in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Tzani-Tzanopoulou
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Paediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ramazan Rozumbetov
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Styliani Taka
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Paediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Evangelia Lebessi
- Department of Microbiology, Panagiotis & Aglaia Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nina Chanishvili
- Laboratory for Genetics of Microorganisms and Bacteriophages, Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology & Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Elene Kakabadze
- Laboratory for Genetics of Microorganisms and Bacteriophages, Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology & Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Nata Bakuradze
- Laboratory for Genetics of Microorganisms and Bacteriophages, Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology & Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Nino Grdzelishvili
- Laboratory for Genetics of Microorganisms and Bacteriophages, Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology & Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia.,Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Evangelia Legaki
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Paediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Andreakos
- Centre for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Papadaki
- Centre for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Megremis
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paraskevi Xepapadaki
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Paediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Kaltsas
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Cezmi A Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaos G Papadopoulos
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, 2nd Paediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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17
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Jaleel LK, Umran MA, Kaddo KB, Ad'hiah AH. Evaluation of human β‑defensins in the cerebrospinal fluid of suspected meningitis. Biomed Rep 2022; 18:10. [PMID: 36570800 PMCID: PMC9764057 DOI: 10.3892/br.2022.1592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Human β-defensins (HBDs) are an important class of antimicrobial peptides that have immunomodulatory functions; however, the role of HBDs have not been well explored in the pathogenesis of meningitis. A cross-sectional study was performed to explore the levels of HBD1, HBD2, HBD3, and HBD4 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 176 suspected meningitis cases. CSF samples were first subjected to PCR analysis using a set of universal primers targeting a portion of the eubacteria 16S rRNA gene. The analysis demonstrated that 66 samples (37.5%) were PCR-positive, whilst 110 samples (62.5%) were PCR-negative. DNA sequence analysis of the PCR-positive products identified two broad categories of bacteria, Gram-negative (68.2%) and Gram-positive (31.8%). A total of 88 PCR-negative CSF samples showed abnormal leukocyte counts, glucose concentrations, and/or protein concentrations, and were considered abnormal (ABN). The remaining 22 CSF samples were considered normal (NOR). HBD1, HBD2, and HBD4 levels did not exhibit significant differences between PCR-positive, ABN, and NOR CSF samples. However, HBD3 levels were significantly higher in the ABN CSF samples than in the NOR CSF samples (P=0.005). HBD3 levels were also elevated in the PCR-positive CSF samples compared with the NOR CSF samples, but the difference was not significant (P=0.151). HBD2, HBD3, and HBD4 were correlated with leukocyte counts, glucose concentration, and protein concentration. In conclusion, HBD3 levels were significantly elevated in the CSF of suspected meningitis cases regardless of the cause of meningitis. The CSF levels of certain HBDs were affected by specific diagnostic laboratory parameters for meningitis, including leukocyte counts, glucose concentration, and protein concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena K. Jaleel
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10070, Iraq
| | - Mahfoodha A. Umran
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10070, Iraq
| | - Khansaa B.J. Kaddo
- Ibn-Sina Research Center, Corporation of Research and Industrial Development, Ministry of Industry and Minerals, Baghdad 10070, Iraq
| | - Ali H. Ad'hiah
- Tropical-Biological Research Unit, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10070, Iraq,Correspondence to: Professor Ali H. Ad'hiah, Tropical-Biological Research Unit, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Al-Jadriya, Karrada, Baghdad 10070, Iraq
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18
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Elkjaer Greenwood Ormerod MB, Ueland T, Frogner Werner MC, Hjell G, Rødevand L, Sæther LS, Lunding SH, Johansen IT, Ueland T, Lagerberg TV, Melle I, Djurovic S, Andreassen OA, Steen NE. Composite immune marker scores associated with severe mental disorders and illness course. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 24:100483. [PMID: 35856063 PMCID: PMC9287150 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low-grade inflammation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of severe mental disorders (SMDs) and a link between immune activation and clinical characteristics is suggested. However, few studies have investigated how patterns across immune markers are related to diagnosis and illness course. Methods A total of 948 participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (SCZ, N = 602) or bipolar (BD, N = 346) spectrum disorder, and 814 healthy controls (HC) were included. Twenty-five immune markers comprising cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), interleukin (IL)-18-system factors, defensins, chemokines and other markers, related to neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) function, inflammasome activation and immune cell orchestration were analyzed. Eight immune principal component (PC) scores were constructed by PC Analysis (PCA) and applied in general linear models with diagnosis and illness course characteristics. Results Three PC scores were significantly associated with a SCZ and/or BD diagnosis (HC reference), with largest, however small, effect sizes of scores based on CAMs, BBB markers and defensins (p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.02-0.03). Number of psychotic episodes per year in SCZ was associated with a PC score based on IL-18 system markers and the potential neuroprotective cytokine A proliferation-inducing ligand (p = 0.006, partial η2 = 0.071). Conclusion Analyses of composite immune markers scores identified specific patterns suggesting CAMs-mediated BBB dysregulation pathways associated with SMDs and interrelated pro-inflammatory and neuronal integrity processes associated with severity of illness course. This suggests a complex pattern of immune pathways involved in SMDs and SCZ illness course.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thor Ueland
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Inflammatory Research Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maren Caroline Frogner Werner
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gabriela Hjell
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry, Østfold Hospital, Graalum, Norway
| | - Linn Rødevand
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linn Sofie Sæther
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Synve Hoffart Lunding
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Torp Johansen
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torill Ueland
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine Vik Lagerberg
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Srdjan Djurovic
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ole Andreas Andreassen
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Eiel Steen
- NORMENT Centre, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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19
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Antimicrobial Peptides in Early-Life Host Defense, Perinatal Infections, and Necrotizing Enterocolitis—An Update. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11175074. [PMID: 36079001 PMCID: PMC9457252 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11175074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Host defense against early-life infections such as chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) relies primarily on innate immunity, in which antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a major role. AMPs that are important for the fetus and neonate include α and β defensins, cathelicidin LL-37, antiproteases (elafin, SLPI), and hepcidin. They can be produced by the fetus or neonate, the placenta, chorioamniotic membranes, recruited neutrophils, and milk-protein ingestion or proteolysis. They possess antimicrobial, immunomodulating, inflammation-regulating, and tissue-repairing properties. AMPs are expressed as early as the 13th week and increase progressively through gestation. Limited studies are available on AMP expression and levels in the fetus and neonate. Nevertheless, existing evidence supports the role of AMPs in pathogenesis of chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, and NEC, and their association with disease severity. This suggests a potential role of AMPs in diagnosis, prevention, prognosis, and treatment of sepsis and NEC. Herein, we present an overview of the antimicrobial and immunomodulating properties of human AMPs, their sources in the intrauterine environment, fetus, and neonate, and their changes during pre- and post-natal infections and NEC. We also discuss emerging data regarding the potential utility of AMPs in early-life infections, as diagnostic or predictive biomarkers and as therapeutic alternatives or adjuncts to antibiotic therapy considering the increase of antibiotic resistance in neonatal intensive care units.
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Glycosaminoglycan, Antimicrobial Defence Molecule and Cytokine Appearance in Tracheal Hyaline Cartilage of Healthy Humans. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol 2022; 7:jfmk7030055. [PMID: 35893329 PMCID: PMC9326615 DOI: 10.3390/jfmk7030055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaline cartilage is an important tracheal structure, yet little is known about its molecular composition, complicating investigation of pathologies and replacement options. Our aim was to research tracheal hyaline cartilage structure, protective tissue factors and variations in healthy humans. The tissue material was obtained from 10 cadavers obtained from the Riga Stradins University Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology archive. Tissues were stained with Bismarck brown and PAS for glycosaminoglycans, and immunohistochemistry was performed for HBD-2, HBD-3, HBD-4, IL-10 and LL-37. The slides were inspected by light microscopy and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated. The extracellular matrix was positive across hyaline cartilage for PAS, yet Bismarck brown marked positive proliferation and growth zones. Numerous positive cells for both factors were found in all zones. All of the antimicrobial defence molecules and cytokines were found in a moderate number of cells, except in the mature cell zone with few positive cells. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient revealed strong and moderate correlations between studied factors. Hyaline cartilage is a tracheal defence structure with a moderate number of antimicrobial defence protein and cytokine immunoreactive cells as well as numerous glycosaminoglycan positive cells. The extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycans provide structural scaffolding and intercellular signalling. The correlations between the studied factors confirm the synergistic activity of them.
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Krajina I, Stupin A, Šola M, Mihalj M. Oxidative Stress Induced by High Salt Diet—Possible Implications for Development and Clinical Manifestation of Cutaneous Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Psoriasis vulgaris. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071269. [PMID: 35883760 PMCID: PMC9311978 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071269] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although oxidative stress is recognized as an important effector mechanism of the immune system, uncontrolled formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species promotes excessive tissue damage and leads to disease development. In view of this, increased dietary salt intake has been found to damage redox systems in the vessel wall, resulting in endothelial dysfunction associated with NO uncoupling, inflammation, vascular wall remodeling and, eventually, atherosclerosis. Several studies have reported increased systemic oxidative stress accompanied by reduced antioxidant capacity following a high salt diet. In addition, vigorous ionic effects on the immune mechanisms, such as (trans)differentiation of T lymphocytes are emerging, which together with the evidence of NaCl accumulation in certain tissues warrants a re-examination of the data derived from in vitro research, in which the ionic influence was excluded. Psoriasis vulgaris (PV), as a primarily Th17-driven inflammatory skin disease with proven inflammation-induced accumulation of sodium chloride in the skin, merits our interest in the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of PV, as well as in the possible beneficial effects that could be achieved through modulation of dietary salt intake and antioxidant supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Krajina
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Osijek University Hospital, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ana Stupin
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Institute and Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marija Šola
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Osijek University Hospital, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Correspondence: (M.Š.); (M.M.); Tel.: +385-31-512-800 (M.M.)
| | - Martina Mihalj
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Osijek University Hospital, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Trg Svetog Trojstva 3, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Institute and Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Correspondence: (M.Š.); (M.M.); Tel.: +385-31-512-800 (M.M.)
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Milad N, Pineault M, Bouffard G, Maranda-Robitaille M, Lechasseur A, Beaulieu MJ, Aubin S, Jensen BAH, Morissette MC. Recombinant human β-defensin 2 delivery improves smoking-associated lung neutrophilia and bacterial exacerbation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2022; 323:L37-L47. [DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00027.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of the cigarette smoke-associated lung disease has largely focused on broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory therapies. However, these therapies, such as high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, enhance patient susceptibility to lung infection and exacerbation. Our objective was to assess whether the host-defense peptide, human beta-defensin 2 (hBD-2), can simultaneously reduce pulmonary inflammation in cigarette smoke-exposed mice while maintaining immune competence during bacterial exacerbation. Mice were exposed to cigarette smoke acutely (4 days) or chronically (5 days/week for 7 weeks) and administered hBD-2 intranasally or by gavage. In a separate model of acute exacerbation, chronically exposed mice treated with hBD-2 were infected with non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae prior to sacrifice. In the acute exposure model, cigarette smoke-associated pulmonary neutrophilia was significantly blunted by both local and systemic hBD-2 administration. Similarly, chronically exposed mice administered hBD-2 therapeutically exhibited reduced pulmonary neutrophil infiltration and downregulated pro-inflammatory signaling in the lungs compared to vehicle-treated mice. Finally, in a model of acute bacterial exacerbation, hBD-2 administration effectively limited neutrophil infiltration in the lungs while markedly reducing pulmonary bacterial load. This study shows that hBD-2 treatment can significantly attenuate lung neutrophilia induced by cigarette smoke exposure while preserving immune competence and promoting an appropriate host-defense response to bacterial stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Milad
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Pineault
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Bouffard
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Michael Maranda-Robitaille
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ariane Lechasseur
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Sophie Aubin
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Benjamin A. H. Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mathieu C. Morissette
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Increased fecal human beta-defensin-2 expression in preterm infants is associated with allergic disease development in early childhood. World Allergy Organ J 2022; 15:100633. [PMID: 35600835 PMCID: PMC9109190 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100633] [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: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate whether fecal human beta-defensins (HBD)-2 and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) expression in preterm infants are associated with allergic disease development by age 2 years. Methods Preterm infants' stool samples were collected at the age of 6 and 12 months postnatally. Information regarding medication exposure histories (antibiotics, antipyretics, probiotics) and physician-diagnosed allergic diseases was obtained using age-specific questionnaires and medical records. We compared the 6-month and 12-month fecal HBD-2 and ECP concentrations between the medication exposure and non-exposure group, respectively, and between children who developed allergic diseases and those who did not by 2 years of age. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate independent variables related to physician-diagnosed allergic diseases by 2 years of age. Results Seventy-four preterm infants (gestational age, 31–36 weeks) were included. Fecal HBD-2 levels were significantly increased at 12 months of age among children who developed allergic diseases compared to those who did not (37.18 ± 11.80 ng/g vs. 8.56 ± 4.33 ng/g, P = 0.011). This association was more apparent among allergic children given antibiotics (50.23 ± 16.15 ng/g vs. 9.75 ± 7.16 ng/g, P = 0.008) or antipyretics (46.12 ± 14.22 ng/g vs. 10.82 ± 6.81 ng/g, P = 0.018) during the first year, whereas among allergic children who were previously not exposed to antibiotics or antipyretics, the differences were not significant. Results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that HBD-2 concentration in 12-month stools was an independent indicator associated with physician-diagnosed allergic diseases by 2 years of age (adjusted odds ratio: 1.03 [95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.05], P = 0.036). Our data revealed a lack of association between fecal ECP and allergic diseases. Conclusions We found that preterm infants who expressed high fecal HBD-2 at 12 months of age were associated with physician-diagnosed allergic diseases by the age of 2 years. Further studies are needed to determine the role of fecal HBD-2 in the development of allergic diseases.
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Immunomodulatory and Allergenic Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052499. [PMID: 35269641 PMCID: PMC8910669 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With the growing problem of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the search for alternative ways to combat bacterial infections is extremely urgent. While analyzing the effect of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on immunocompetent cells, their effect on all parts of the immune system, and on humoral and cellular immunity, is revealed. AMPs have direct effects on neutrophils, monocytes, dendritic cells, T-lymphocytes, and mast cells, participating in innate immunity. They act on B-lymphocytes indirectly, enhancing the induction of antigen-specific immunity, which ultimately leads to the activation of adaptive immunity. The adjuvant activity of AMPs in relation to bacterial and viral antigens was the reason for their inclusion in vaccines and made it possible to formulate the concept of a “defensin vaccine” as an innovative basis for constructing vaccines. The immunomodulatory function of AMPs involves their influence on cells in the nearest microenvironment, recruitment and activation of other cells, supporting the response to pathogenic microorganisms and completing the inflammatory process, thus exhibiting a systemic effect. For the successful use of AMPs in medical practice, it is necessary to study their immunomodulatory activity in detail, taking into account their pleiotropy. The degree of maturity of the immune system and microenvironment can contribute to the prevention of complications and increase the effectiveness of therapy, since AMPs can suppress inflammation in some circumstances, but aggravate the response and damage of organism in others. It should also be taken into account that the real functions of one or another AMP depend on the types of total regulatory effects on the target cell, and not only on properties of an individual peptide. A wide spectrum of biological activity, including direct effects on pathogens, inactivation of bacterial toxins and influence on immunocompetent cells, has attracted the attention of researchers, however, the cytostatic activity of AMPs against normal cells, as well as their allergenic properties and low stability to host proteases, are serious limitations for the medical use of AMPs. In this connection, the tasks of searching for compounds that selectively affect the target and development of an appropriate method of application become critically important. The scope of this review is to summarize the current concepts and newest advances in research of the immunomodulatory activity of natural and synthetic AMPs, and to examine the prospects and limitations of their medical use.
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Candida albicans Modulates Murine and Human Beta Defensin-1 during Vaginitis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 8:jof8010020. [PMID: 35049960 PMCID: PMC8778459 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010020] [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: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) are two forms of a disease caused by Candida spp. β-defensin (BD) is one of the most important families of antimicrobial peptides in the female genital tract and includes molecules that exert essential local functions as antimicrobial and PMN chemoattractant peptides. However, the information on their role during murine and human VVC and RVVC is limited. Thus, we analyzed the behavior and contribution of BD1 to the local response in a VVC mice model and the local cytokine profile and human BD1 and BD3 expression in cervicovaginal lavage from patients with VVC and RVVC. We demonstrated that, in patients with RVVC BD1, mRNA and protein expression were severely diminished and that the aspartate proteinase and lipase secreted by C. albicans are involved in that decrease. This study provides novel information about the pathogenesis of VVC and describes a highly efficient C. albicans escape strategy for perpetuating the infection; these results may contribute to the development of new or combined treatment approaches.
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26
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Tosta E. The seven constitutive respiratory defense barriers against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2021; 54:e04612021. [PMID: 34932765 PMCID: PMC8687496 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0461-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Before eliciting an adaptive immune response, SARS-CoV-2 must overcome seven constitutive respiratory defense barriers. The first is the mucus covering the respiratory tract's luminal surface, which entraps inhaled particles, including infectious agents, and eliminates them by mucociliary clearance. The second barrier comprises various components present in the airway lining fluid, the surfactants. Besides providing low surface tension that allows efficient gas exchange at the alveoli, surfactants inhibit the invasion of epithelial cells by respiratory viruses, enhance pathogen uptake by phagocytes, and regulate immune cells' functions. The respiratory tract microbiota constitutes the third defense barrier against SARS-CoV-2. It activates the innate and adaptive immune cells and elicits anti-infectious molecules such as secretory IgA antibodies, defensins, and interferons. The fourth defense barrier comprises the antimicrobial peptides defensins, and lactoferrin. They show direct antiviral activity, inhibit viral fusion, and modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses. Secretory IgA antibodies, the fifth defense barrier, besides protecting the local microbiota against noxious agents, also inhibit SARS-CoV-2 cell invasion. If the virus overcomes this barrier, it reaches its target, the respiratory epithelial cells. However, these cells also act as a defense barrier, the sixth one, since they hinder the virus' access to receptors and produce antiviral and immunomodulatory molecules such as interferons, lactoferrin, and defensins. Finally, the sensing of the virus by the cells of innate immunity, the last constitutive defense barrier, elicits a cascade of signals that activate adaptive immune cells and may inhibit the development of productive infection. The subject of the present essay is discussing these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Tosta
- Professor Emeritus, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF , Brasil
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Ferreira LGA, Nishino FA, Fernandes SG, Ribeiro CM, Hinton BT, Avellar MCW. Epididymal embryonic development harbors TLR4/NFKB signaling pathway as a morphogenetic player. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 149:103456. [PMID: 34915277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The Wolffian duct (WD) is an embryonic tissue that undergoes androgen-induced morphological changes to become the epididymis. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)- and nuclear factor kB (NFKB)-induced effectors are expressed in the adult epididymis and represent important players in epididymal innate immune responses. TLR4/NFKB signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved and plays a critical morphogenetic role in several species; however, its function during WD morphogenesis is unknown. We hypothesized that TLR4/NFKB pathway plays a role during WD development. Here we examined TLR4 expression and regulation of TLR4-target genes during rat WD morphogenesis between embryonic days (e) 17.5-20.5. The functionality of TLR4/NFKB signaling was examined using WD organotypic cultures treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from E. coli (TLR4 agonist) and PDTC (NFKB inhibitor). TLR4 was detected at mRNA level in e17.5 (uncoiled duct) and e20.5 (coiled duct) WDs, and spatio-temporal changes in TLR4 immunoreactivity were observed between these two time points. Expression level analysis of a subset of TLR4-regulated genes showed that TLR4/NFKB pathway was activated after exposure of cultured WD to LPS (4 h), an event that was abrogated by PDTC. Long-term exposure of cultured WDs to LPS (96 h) resulted in dysregulations of morphogenetic events and LAMA1 immunodistribution changes, suggesting the extracellular matrix at the intersection between WD morphogenesis and balance of innate immune components. Our results unveil the epididymal morphogenesis as an event equipped with TLR4/NFKB signaling components that may serve developmental functions, and eventually transition to host defense function when the fetus is exposed to an infectious or noninfectious threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G A Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A Nishino
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Samuel G Fernandes
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Camilla M Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil; Centro Universitário do Planalto de Araxá (UNIARAXÁ), Araxá, MG, 38180-084, Brazil
| | - Barry T Hinton
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, 04044-020, Brazil.
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Gilbert C, Lefeuvre C, Preisser L, Pivert A, Soleti R, Blanchard S, Delneste Y, Ducancelle A, Couez D, Jeannin P. Age-Related Expression of IFN-λ1 Versus IFN-I and Beta-Defensins in the Nasopharynx of SARS-CoV-2-Infected Individuals. Front Immunol 2021; 12:750279. [PMID: 34858406 PMCID: PMC8631500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.750279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection induces heterogeneous symptoms, ranging from asymptomatic to lethal forms. Severe forms usually occur in the elderly and/or individuals with comorbidities. Children generally remain asymptomatic to primary infection, suggesting that they may have an effective local innate immune response. IFN-I and -III have non-redundant protective roles against SARS-CoV-2, although sometimes damaging the host. The expression and role of anti-viral peptides during SARS-CoV-2 infection have thus far been little studied. We aimed to identify the innate immune molecules present at the SARS-CoV-2 entry point. We analyzed the mRNA levels of type I (IFN-α and -β) and type III (IFN-λ1-3) interferons and selected antiviral peptides (i.e., β-defensins 1-3, α-defensins [HNP1-3, HD5] pentraxin-3, surfactant protein D, the cathelicidin LL-37 and interleukin-26) in nasopharyngeal swabs from 226 individuals of various ages, either infected with SARS-CoV-2 (symptomatic or asymptomatic) or negative for the virus. We observed that infection induced selective upregulation of IFN-λ1 expression in pediatric subjects (≤15 years), whereas IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-λ2/λ3, and β-defensin 1-3 expression was unaffected. Conversely, infection triggered upregulation of IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-λ2/λ3, and β-defensin 1-3 mRNA expression in adults (15-65 years) and the elderly (≥ 65 years), but without modulation of IFN-λ1. The expression of these innate molecules was not associated with gender or symptoms. Expression of the interferon-stimulated genes IFITM1 and IFITM3 was upregulated in SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects and reached similar levels in the three age groups. Finally, age-related differences in nasopharyngeal innate immunity were also observed in SARS-CoV-2-negative subjects. This study shows that the expression patterns of IFN-I/-III and certain anti-viral molecules in the nasopharyngeal mucosa of SARS-CoV-2-infected subjects differ with age and suggests that susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 may be related to intrinsic differences in the nature of mucosal anti-viral innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charly Gilbert
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, CHU Angers, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
- Laboratory of Immunology and Allergology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Caroline Lefeuvre
- Laboratory of Virology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, HIFIH, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Laurence Preisser
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, CHU Angers, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Adeline Pivert
- Laboratory of Virology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, HIFIH, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Raffaella Soleti
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, CHU Angers, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Simon Blanchard
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, CHU Angers, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
- Laboratory of Immunology and Allergology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Yves Delneste
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, CHU Angers, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
- Laboratory of Immunology and Allergology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Alexandra Ducancelle
- Laboratory of Virology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, HIFIH, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Dominique Couez
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, CHU Angers, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
| | - Pascale Jeannin
- Univ Angers, Université de Nantes, CHU Angers, Inserm, CRCINA, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
- Laboratory of Immunology and Allergology, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
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29
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Shulman RJ, Devaraj S, Heitkemper M. Activation of the Innate Immune System in Children With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Evidenced by Increased Fecal Human β-Defensin-2. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:2121-2127. [PMID: 32961343 PMCID: PMC8041153 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The role of the innate immune system in functional gastrointestinal pain disorders is unclear. We investigated the role of β-defensin-2 and gut permeability in childhood irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain (FAP) symptom generation. METHODS Fecal β-defensin-2 (and in a subset, gut permeability) was measured in children with IBS (n = 116), FAP (n = 33), and healthy control (HC) children (n = 72). IBS and FAP patients were recruited from tertiary and primary care, and HCs were recruited from primary care. RESULTS β-defensin-2 concentration was greater in children with IBS (P = .003) and FAP (P = .03) than in HCs. β-defensin-2 was greater in girls with IBS than female HCs (P = .007) and in girls with IBS vs boys with IBS (P = .036). There was no difference by sex in the FAP and HC groups. For the entire cohort, β-defensin-2 correlated with multiple pain symptoms. In the IBS group, β-defensin-2 correlated with pain interference (P = .014). No correlation with pain was found in the FAP or HC group. Gut permeability was greater in the IBS vs the FAP and HC groups (P = .038). For the entire cohort, permeability correlated with the number of pain episodes (P = .041) and interfering pain episodes (P = .049). For the entire cohort there was a correlation between β-defensin-2 and permeability (P = .003), with borderline correlation in the IBS group (P = .086). For the cohort and IBS and HC groups, the number of bowel movements was modestly inversely related to fecal β-defensin-2 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Increased fecal β-defensin-2 concentration in children with IBS suggests activation of the innate immune system in some, which, along with increased gut permeability, appears related to abdominal pain symptoms. Sex is an important variable in interpreting β-defensin-2 concentration in children with IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Shulman
- Department of Pediatrics; Children's Nutrition Research Center; Texas Children's Hospital; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| | - Sridevi Devaraj
- Texas Children's Hospital; Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Department of Pathology and Immunology
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Al-Bayatee NT, Ad'hiah AH. Human beta-defensins 2 and 4 are dysregulated in patients with coronavirus disease 19. Microb Pathog 2021; 160:105205. [PMID: 34547411 PMCID: PMC8450228 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently been proposed as significant immunological factors involved in pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Human β-defensins (hBDs) are among these AMPs, but the evidence is not well detailed. Therefore, this case-control study analyzed levels of hBD1, hBD2, hBD3 and hBD4 in serum of 103 patients with severe COVID-19 and 105 healthy controls. Most patients were older than 45 years (80.6%), and more than 50% suffered from chronic diseases (cardiovascular and diabetes). Results revealed that median levels of hBD1 and hBD3 did not show significant differences between patients and controls. On the contrary, HBD2 levels were significantly decreased in patients compared to controls (1036 vs. 1289 ng/L; p < 0.001), while HBD4 levels were significantly increased (4.04 vs. 2.43 ng/L; p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated the predictive significance of hBD2 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.795; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.729–0.861; p < 0.001) and hBD4 (AUC = 0.816; 95% CI = 0.756–0.876; p < 0.001) in discriminating between COVID-19 patients and controls. Logistic regression analysis (adjusted for age, gender and body mass index) confirmed the significance of hBD2 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.996; corrected p = 0.004) and hBD4 (OR = 4.948; corrected p < 0.001) in susceptibility to COVID-19. In conclusion, the study indicated that hBD2 showed low levels in serum of patients infected with severe COVID-19, while hBD4 showed elevated levels. These differences in HBDs were not influenced by age, gender, body mass index, or chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor T Al-Bayatee
- Biotechnology Department, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali H Ad'hiah
- Tropical-Biological Research Unit, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq.
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Roy S, Chompunud Na Ayudhya C, Thapaliya M, Deepak V, Ali H. Multifaceted MRGPRX2: New insight into the role of mast cells in health and disease. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 148:293-308. [PMID: 33957166 PMCID: PMC8355064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous mast cells (MCs) express Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor-X2 (MRGPRX2; mouse ortholog MrgprB2), which is activated by an ever-increasing number of cationic ligands. Antimicrobial host defense peptides (HDPs) generated by keratinocytes contribute to host defense likely by 2 mechanisms, one involving direct killing of microbes and the other via MC activation through MRGPRX2. However, its inappropriate activation may cause pseudoallergy and likely contribute to the pathogenesis of rosacea, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, urticaria, and mastocytosis. Gain- and loss-of-function missense single nucleotide polymorphisms in MRGPRX2 have been identified. The ability of certain ligands to serve as balanced or G protein-biased agonists has been defined. Small-molecule HDP mimetics that display both direct antimicrobial activity and activate MCs via MRGPRX2 have been developed. In addition, antibodies and reagents that modulate MRGPRX2 expression and signaling have been generated. In this article, we provide a comprehensive update on MrgprB2 and MRGPRX2 biology. We propose that harnessing MRGPRX2's host defense function by small-molecule HDP mimetics may provide a novel approach for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant cutaneous infections. In contrast, MRGPRX2-specific antibodies and inhibitors could be used for the modulation of allergic and inflammatory diseases that are mediated via this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saptarshi Roy
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Chalatip Chompunud Na Ayudhya
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Monica Thapaliya
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Vishwa Deepak
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Hydar Ali
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa.
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32
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Santana FL, Arenas I, Haney EF, Estrada K, Hancock REW, Corzo G. Identification of a crocodylian β-defensin variant from Alligator mississippiensis with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity. Peptides 2021; 141:170549. [PMID: 33865931 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
β-defensin host defense peptides are important components of the innate immune system of vertebrates. Although evidence of their broad antimicrobial, antibiofilm and immunomodulatory activities in mammals have been presented, β-defensins from other vertebrate species, like crocodylians, remain largely unexplored. In this study, five new crocodylian β-defensin variants from Alligator mississippiensis and Crocodylus porosus were selected for synthesis and characterization based on their charge and hydrophobicity values. Linear peptides were synthesized, folded, purified and then evaluated for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against the bacterial pathogens, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter cloacae and Acinetobacter baumannii. The Am23SK variant (SCRFSGGYCIWNWERCRSGHFLVALCPFRKRCCK) from A. mississippiensis displayed promising activity against both planktonic cells and bacterial biofilms, outperforming the human β-defensin 3 under the experimental conditions. Moreover, Am23SK exhibited no cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells and exerted immunomodulatory effects in vitro, moderately suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators from stimulated human bronchial epithelial cells. Overall, our results have expanded the activity landscape of crocodylian and reptilian β-defensin in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix L Santana
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor., 62250, Mexico; Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Iván Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor., 62250, Mexico
| | - Evan F Haney
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Karel Estrada
- Unidad de Secuenciación Masiva y Bioinformática, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Robert E W Hancock
- Centre for Microbial Diseases and Immunity Research, University of British Columbia, 2259 Lower Mall Research Station, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z4, Canada
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca, Mor., 62250, Mexico.
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33
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Santana FL, Estrada K, Ortiz E, Corzo G. Reptilian β-defensins: Expanding the repertoire of known crocodylian peptides. Peptides 2021; 136:170473. [PMID: 33309943 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
One of the major families of host defense peptides (HDPs) in vertebrates are β-defensins. They constitute important components of innate immunity and have remained an interesting topic of research for more than two decades. While many β-defensin sequences in mammals and birds have been identified and their properties and functions characterized, β-defensin peptides from other groups of vertebrates, particularly reptiles, are still largely unexplored. In this review, we focus on reptilian β-defensins and summarize different aspects of their biology, such as their genomic organization, evolution, structure, and biological activities. Reptilian β-defensin genes exhibit similar genomic organization to birds and their number and gene structure are variable among different species. During the evolution of reptiles, several gene duplication and deletion events have occurred and the functional diversification of β-defensins has been mainly driven by positive selection. These peptides display broad antimicrobial activity in vitro, but a deeper understanding of their mechanisms of action in vivo, including their role as immunomodulators, is still lacking. Reptilian β-defensins constitute unique polypeptide sequences to expand our current understanding of innate immunity in these animals and elucidate core biological functions of this family of HDPs across amniotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix L Santana
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca Mor., 62250, Mexico.
| | - Karel Estrada
- Unidad de Secuenciación Masiva y Bioinformática, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Ernesto Ortiz
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca Mor., 62250, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 510-3, Cuernavaca Mor., 62250, Mexico.
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Górski A, Borysowski J, Miȩdzybrodzki R. Bacteriophage Interactions With Epithelial Cells: Therapeutic Implications. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:631161. [PMID: 33537024 PMCID: PMC7848012 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.631161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Infant Jesus Hospital, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jan Borysowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ryszard Miȩdzybrodzki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences (HIIET PAS), Wrocław, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Transplantation Institute, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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