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Isidoro-Ayza M, Klein BS. Pathogenic strategies of Pseudogymnoascus destructans during torpor and arousal of hibernating bats. Science 2024; 385:194-200. [PMID: 38991070 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn5606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Millions of hibernating bats across North America have died from white-nose syndrome (WNS), an emerging disease caused by a psychrophilic (cold-loving) fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, that invades their skin. Mechanisms of P. destructans invasion of bat epidermis remain obscure. Guided by our in vivo observations, we modeled hibernation with a newly generated little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) keratinocyte cell line. We uncovered the stealth intracellular lifestyle of P. destructans, which inhibits apoptosis of keratinocytes and spreads through the cells by two epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-dependent mechanisms: active penetration during torpor and induced endocytosis during arousal. Melanin of endocytosed P. destructans blocks endolysosomal maturation, facilitating P. destructans survival and germination after return to torpor. Blockade of EGFR aborts P. destructans entry into keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Isidoro-Ayza
- Department of Pediatrics, Medicine and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Bruce S Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, Medicine and Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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2
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Reedy JL, Jensen KN, Crossen AJ, Basham KJ, Ward RA, Reardon CM, Brown Harding H, Hepworth OW, Simaku P, Kwaku GN, Tone K, Willment JA, Reid DM, Stappers MHT, Brown GD, Rajagopal J, Vyas JM. Fungal melanin suppresses airway epithelial chemokine secretion through blockade of calcium fluxing. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5817. [PMID: 38987270 PMCID: PMC11237042 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50100-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory infections caused by the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a major cause of mortality for immunocompromised patients. Exposure to these pathogens occurs through inhalation, although the role of the respiratory epithelium in disease pathogenesis has not been fully defined. Employing a primary human airway epithelial model, we demonstrate that fungal melanins potently block the post-translational secretion of the chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL8 independent of transcription or the requirement of melanin to be phagocytosed, leading to a significant reduction in neutrophil recruitment to the apical airway both in vitro and in vivo. Aspergillus-derived melanin, a major constituent of the fungal cell wall, dampened airway epithelial chemokine secretion in response to fungi, bacteria, and exogenous cytokines. Furthermore, melanin muted pathogen-mediated calcium fluxing and hindered actin filamentation. Taken together, our results reveal a critical role for melanin interaction with airway epithelium in shaping the host response to fungal and bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Reedy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kirstine Nolling Jensen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arianne J Crossen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle J Basham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca A Ward
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher M Reardon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hannah Brown Harding
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olivia W Hepworth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patricia Simaku
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Geneva N Kwaku
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kazuya Tone
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Janet A Willment
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Delyth M Reid
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Mark H T Stappers
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D Brown
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, University of Aberdeen, Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Jayaraj Rajagopal
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jatin M Vyas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Schmalhofer M, Vagstad AL, Zhou Q, Bode HB, Groll M. Polyketide Trimming Shapes Dihydroxynaphthalene-Melanin and Anthraquinone Pigments. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400184. [PMID: 38491909 PMCID: PMC11165489 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Pigments such as anthraquinones (AQs) and melanins are antioxidants, protectants, or virulence factors. AQs from the entomopathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus laumondii are produced by a modular type II polyketide synthase system. A key enzyme involved in AQ biosynthesis is PlAntI, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the bicyclic-intermediate-loaded acyl carrier protein, polyketide trimming, and assembly of the aromatic AQ scaffold. Here, multiple crystal structures of PlAntI in various conformations and with bound substrate surrogates or inhibitors are reported. Structure-based mutagenesis and activity assays provide experimental insights into the three sequential reaction steps to yield the natural product AQ-256. For comparison, a series of ligand-complex structures of two functionally related hydrolases involved in the biosynthesis of 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-melanin in pathogenic fungi is determined. These data provide fundamental insights into the mechanism of polyketide trimming that shapes pigments in pro- and eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Schmalhofer
- TUM School of Natural SciencesDepartment of BioscienceCentre for Protein AssembliesChair of BiochemistryTechnical University of Munich85748GarchingGermany
| | - Anna L. Vagstad
- Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) ZürichInstitute of MicrobiologyZürich8093Switzerland
| | - Qiuqin Zhou
- Department of Natural Products in Organismic InteractionsMax Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology35043MarburgGermany
- Present address:
Center for Mass Spectrometry and Optical Spectroscopy (CeMOS)Mannheim University of Applied Sciences68163MannheimGermany
| | - Helge B. Bode
- Department of Natural Products in Organismic InteractionsMax Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology35043MarburgGermany
- Molecular BiotechnologyDepartment of BiosciencesGoethe University Frankfurt60438FrankfurtGermany
- Department of ChemistryPhillips Universität Marburg35043MarburgGermany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO)Phillips Universität Marburg35043MarburgGermany
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung60325FrankfurtGermany
| | - Michael Groll
- TUM School of Natural SciencesDepartment of BioscienceCentre for Protein AssembliesChair of BiochemistryTechnical University of Munich85748GarchingGermany
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4
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Belashov AV, Zhikhoreva AA, Salova AV, Belyaeva TN, Litvinov IK, Kornilova ES, Semenova IV, Vasyutinskii OS. Automatic segmentation of lysosomes and analysis of intracellular pH with Radachlorin photosensitizer and FLIM. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 710:149835. [PMID: 38574457 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149835] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
We report application of the fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for analysis of distributions of intracellular acidity using a chlorin-e6 based photosensitizer Radachlorin. An almost two-fold increase of the photosensitizer fluorescence lifetime in alkaline microenvironments as compared to acidic ones allowed for clear distinguishing between acidic and alkaline intracellular structures. Clusterization of a phasor plot calculated from fits of the FLIM raw data by two Gaussian distributions provided accurate automatic segmentation of lysosomes featuring acidic contents. The approach was validated in colocalization experiments with LysoTracker fluorescence in living cells of four established lines. The dependence of photosensitizer fluorescence lifetime on microenvironment acidity allowed for estimation of pH inside the cells, except for the nuclei, where photosensitizer does not penetrate. The developed method is promising for combined application of the photosensitizer for both photodynamic treatment and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Belashov
- Ioffe Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 26, Polytekhnicheskaya, St.Petersburg, 194021, Russia
| | - A A Zhikhoreva
- Ioffe Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 26, Polytekhnicheskaya, St.Petersburg, 194021, Russia
| | - A V Salova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Pr., 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia
| | - T N Belyaeva
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Pr., 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia
| | - I K Litvinov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Pr., 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia
| | - E S Kornilova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Pr., 4, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia
| | - I V Semenova
- Ioffe Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 26, Polytekhnicheskaya, St.Petersburg, 194021, Russia.
| | - O S Vasyutinskii
- Ioffe Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 26, Polytekhnicheskaya, St.Petersburg, 194021, Russia
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Rudhra O, Gnanam H, Sivaperumal S, Namperumalsamy V, Prajna L, Kuppamuthu D. Melanin depletion affects Aspergillus flavus conidial surface proteins, architecture, and virulence. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:291. [PMID: 38592509 PMCID: PMC11004046 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Melanin is an Aspergillus flavus cell wall component that provides chemical and physical protection to the organism. However, the molecular and biological mechanisms modulating melanin-mediated host-pathogen interaction in A. flavus keratitis are not well understood. This work aimed to compare the morphology, surface proteome profile, and virulence of melanized conidia (MC) and non-melanized conidia (NMC) of A. flavus. Kojic acid treatment inhibited melanin synthesis in A. flavus, and the conidial surface protein profile was significantly different in kojic acid-treated non-melanized conidia. Several cell wall-associated proteins and proteins responsible for oxidative stress, carbohydrate, and chitin metabolic pathways were found only in the formic acid extracts of NMC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the conidial surface morphology difference between the NMC and MC, indicating the role of melanin in the structural integrity of the conidial cell wall. The levels of calcofluor white staining efficiency were different, but there was no microscopic morphology difference in lactophenol cotton blue staining between MC and NMC. Evaluation of the virulence of MC and NMC in the Galleria mellonella model showed NMC was less virulent compared to MC. Our findings showed that the integrity of the conidial surface is controlled by the melanin layer. The alteration in the surface protein profile indicated that many surface proteins are masked by the melanin layer, and hence, melanin can modulate the host response by preventing the exposure of fungal proteins to the host immune defense system. The G. mellonella virulence assay also confirmed that the NMC were susceptible to host defense as in other Aspergillus pathogens. KEY POINTS: • l-DOPA melanin production was inhibited in A. flavus isolates by kojic acid, and for the first time, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed morphological differences between MC and NMC of A. flavus strains • Proteome profile of non-melanized conidia showed more conidial surface proteins and these proteins were mainly involved in the virulence, oxidative stress, and metabolism pathways • Non-melanized conidia of A. flavus strains were shown to be less virulent than melanised conidia in an in vivo virulence experiment with the G. melonella model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondippili Rudhra
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hariharan Gnanam
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivaramakrishnan Sivaperumal
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Lalitha Prajna
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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6
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Sonnberger J, Kasper L, Lange T, Brunke S, Hube B. "We've got to get out"-Strategies of human pathogenic fungi to escape from phagocytes. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:341-358. [PMID: 37800630 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Human fungal pathogens are a deadly and underappreciated risk to global health that most severely affect immunocompromised individuals. A virulence attribute shared by some of the most clinically relevant fungal species is their ability to survive inside macrophages and escape from these immune cells. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms behind intracellular survival and elaborate how escape is mediated by lytic and non-lytic pathways as well as strategies to induce programmed host cell death. We also discuss persistence as an alternative to rapid host cell exit. In the end, we address the consequences of fungal escape for the host immune response and provide future perspectives for research and development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Sonnberger
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Theresa Lange
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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7
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Thakur R, Shishodia SK, Sharma A, Chauhan A, Kaur S, Shankar J. Accelerating the understanding of Aspergillus terreus: Epidemiology, physiology, immunology and advances. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2024; 6:100220. [PMID: 38303967 PMCID: PMC10831165 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100220] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus species encompass a variety of infections, ranging from invasive aspergillosis to allergic conditions, contingent upon the immune status of the host. In this spectrum, Aspergillus terreus stands out due to its emergence as a notable pathogen and its intrinsic resistance to amphotericin-B. The significance of Aspergillus-associated infections has witnessed a marked increase in the past few decades, particularly with the increasing number of immunocompromised individuals. The exploration of epidemiology, morphological transitions, immunopathology, and novel treatment approaches such as new antifungal drugs (PC945, olorofim) and combinational therapy using antifungal drugs and phytochemicals (Phytochemicals: quercetin, shikonin, artemisinin), also using immunotherapies to modulate immune response has resulted in better outcomes. Furthermore, in the context COVID-19 era and its aftermath, fungal infections have emerged as a substantial challenge for both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. This is attributed to the use of immune-suppressing therapies during COVID-19 infections and the increase in transplant cases. Consequently, this review aims to provide an updated overview encompassing the epidemiology, germination events, immunopathology, and novel drug treatment strategies against Aspergillus terreus-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Thakur
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | | | - Ananya Sharma
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Arjun Chauhan
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences and Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sumanpreet Kaur
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Jata Shankar
- Genomic Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
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Elalouf A, Elalouf H, Rosenfeld A. Modulatory immune responses in fungal infection associated with organ transplant - advancements, management, and challenges. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1292625. [PMID: 38143753 PMCID: PMC10748506 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1292625] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ transplantation stands as a pivotal achievement in modern medicine, offering hope to individuals with end-stage organ diseases. Advancements in immunology led to improved organ transplant survival through the development of immunosuppressants, but this heightened susceptibility to fungal infections with nonspecific symptoms in recipients. This review aims to establish an intricate balance between immune responses and fungal infections in organ transplant recipients. It explores the fundamental immune mechanisms, recent advances in immune response dynamics, and strategies for immune modulation, encompassing responses to fungal infections, immunomodulatory approaches, diagnostics, treatment challenges, and management. Early diagnosis of fungal infections in transplant patients is emphasized with the understanding that innate immune responses could potentially reduce immunosuppression and promise efficient and safe immuno-modulating treatments. Advances in fungal research and genetic influences on immune-fungal interactions are underscored, as well as the potential of single-cell technologies integrated with machine learning for biomarker discovery. This review provides a snapshot of the complex interplay between immune responses and fungal infections in organ transplantation and underscores key research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Elalouf
- Department of Management, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Hadas Elalouf
- Information Science Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Ariel Rosenfeld
- Information Science Department, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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9
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Li H, Sheng RC, Zhang CN, Wang LC, Li M, Wang YH, Qiao YH, Klosterman SJ, Chen JY, Kong ZQ, Subbarao KV, Chen FM, Zhang DD. Two zinc finger proteins, VdZFP1 and VdZFP2, interact with VdCmr1 to promote melanized microsclerotia development and stress tolerance in Verticillium dahliae. BMC Biol 2023; 21:237. [PMID: 37904147 PMCID: PMC10617112 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01697-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanin plays important roles in morphological development, survival, host-pathogen interactions and in the virulence of phytopathogenic fungi. In Verticillum dahliae, increases in melanin are recognized as markers of maturation of microsclerotia which ensures the long-term survival and stress tolerance, while decreases in melanin are correlated with increased hyphal growth in the host. The conserved upstream components of the VdCmr1-regulated pathway controlling melanin production in V. dahliae have been extensively identified, but the direct activators of this pathway are still unclear. RESULTS We identified two genes encoding conserved C2H2-type zinc finger proteins VdZFP1 and VdZFP2 adjacent to VdPKS9, a gene encoding a negative regulator of both melanin biosynthesis and microsclerotia formation in V. dahliae. Both VdZFP1 and VdZFP2 were induced during microsclerotia development and were involved in melanin deposition. Their localization changed from cytoplasmic to nuclear in response to osmotic pressure. VdZFP1 and VdZFP2 act as modulators of microsclerotia melanization in V. dahliae, as confirmed by melanin biosynthesis inhibition and supplementation with the melanin pathway intermediate scytalone in albino strains. The results indicate that VdZFP1 and VdZFP2 participate in melanin biosynthesis by positively regulating VdCmr1. Based on the results obtained with yeast one- and two-hybrid (Y1H and Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) systems, we determined the melanin biosynthesis relies on the direct interactions among VdZFP1, VdZFP2 and VdCmr1, and these interactions occur on the cell walls of microsclerotia. Additionally, VdZFP1 and/or VdZFP2 mutants displayed increased sensitivity to stress factors rather than alterations in pathogenicity, reflecting the importance of melanin in stress tolerance of V. dahliae. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that VdZFP1 and VdZFP2 positively regulate VdCmr1 to promote melanin deposition during microsclerotia development, providing novel insight into the regulation of melanin biosynthesis in V. dahliae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ruo-Cheng Sheng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Chen-Ning Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li-Chao Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ya-Hong Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Hang Qiao
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China
| | - Steven J Klosterman
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Salinas, CA, USA
| | - Jie-Yin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, 831100, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Kong
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, 831100, China
| | - Krishna V Subbarao
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, c/o United States Agricultural Research Station,, Salinas, CA, USA.
| | - Feng-Mao Chen
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Dan-Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, 831100, China.
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10
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Goldman G, Valero C, Pinzan C, de Castro P, van Rhijn N, Earle K, Liu H, Horta MA, Kniemeyer O, Kruger T, Pschibul A, Coemert D, Heinekamp T, Brakhage A, Steenwyk J, Mead M, Rokas A, Filler S, da Rosa-Garzon N, Delbaje E, Bromley M, Angeli C, Palmisano G, Ibrahim A, Gago S, Does Reis T. A phylogenetic approach to explore the Aspergillus fumigatus conidial surface-associated proteome and its role in pathogenesis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3306535. [PMID: 37790311 PMCID: PMC10543367 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3306535/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus, an important pulmonary fungal pathogen causing several diseases collectively called aspergillosis, relies on asexual spores (conidia) for initiating host infection. Here, we used a phylogenomic approach to compare proteins in the conidial surface of A. fumigatus, two closely related non-pathogenic species, Aspergillus fischeri and Aspergillus oerlinghausenensis, and the cryptic pathogen Aspergillus lentulus. After identifying 62 proteins uniquely expressed on the A. fumigatus conidial surface, we assessed null mutants for 42 genes encoding conidial proteins. Deletion of 33 of these genes altered susceptibility to macrophage killing, penetration and damage to epithelial cells, and cytokine production. Notably, a gene that encodes glycosylasparaginase, which modulates levels of the host pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, is important for infection in an immunocompetent murine model of fungal disease. These results suggest that A. fumigatus conidial surface proteins and effectors are important for evasion and modulation of the immune response at the onset of fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Bloco Q, Universidade de São Paulo
| | | | - Camila Pinzan
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Bloco Q, Universidade de São Paulo
| | - Patrícia de Castro
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo
| | | | - Kayleigh Earle
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Division of Evolution, Infection, and Genomics, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester
| | - Hong Liu
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation
| | | | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI)
| | | | - Annica Pschibul
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) and Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University
| | - Derya Coemert
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) and Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University
| | - Thorsten Heinekamp
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) and Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University
| | | | | | | | | | - Scott Filler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ashraf Ibrahim
- The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center
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11
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Liu J, Hu X. Fungal extracellular vesicle-mediated regulation: from virulence factor to clinical application. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1205477. [PMID: 37779707 PMCID: PMC10540631 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1205477] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) poses a significant threat to immunocompromised patients and remains a global challenge due to limited treatment options, high mortality and morbidity rates, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Despite advancements in antifungal agents and diagnostic techniques, the lack of effective vaccines, standardized diagnostic tools, and efficient antifungal drugs contributes to the ongoing impact of invasive fungal infections (IFI). Recent studies have highlighted the presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by fungi carrying various components such as enzymes, lipids, nucleic acids, and virulence proteins, which play roles in both physiological and pathological processes. These fungal EVs have been shown to interact with the host immune system during the development of fungal infections whereas their functional role and potential application in patients are not yet fully understood. This review summarizes the current understanding of the biologically relevant findings regarding EV in host-pathogen interaction, and aim to describe our knowledge of the roles of EV as diagnostic tools and vaccine vehicles, offering promising prospects for the treatment of IFI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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12
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Valero C, Pinzan CF, de Castro PA, van Rhijn N, Earle K, Liu H, Horta MAC, Kniemeyer O, Krüger T, Pschibul A, Coemert DN, Heinekamp T, Brakhage AA, Steenwyk JL, Mead ME, Rokas A, Filler SG, da Rosa-Garzon NG, Cabral H, Deljabe E, Bromley MJ, Angeli CB, Palmisano G, Ibrahim AS, Gago S, Dos Reis TF, Goldman GH. A phylogenetic approach to explore the Aspergillus fumigatus conidial surface-associated proteome and its role in pathogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.22.553365. [PMID: 37662192 PMCID: PMC10473670 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.22.553365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus , an important pulmonary fungal pathogen causing several diseases collectively called aspergillosis, relies on asexual spores or conidia for initiating host infection. Here, we used a phylogenomic approach to compare proteins in the conidial surface of A. fumigatus , two closely related non-pathogenic species, Aspergillus fischeri and Aspergillus oerlinghausenensis , and the cryptic pathogen Aspergillus lentulus . After identifying 62 proteins uniquely expressed on the A. fumigatus conidial surface, we deleted 42 genes encoding conidial proteins. We found deletion of 33 of these genes altered susceptibility to macrophage killing, penetration and damage to epithelial cells, and cytokine production. Notably, a gene that encodes glycosylasparaginase, which modulates levels of the host pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, is important for infection in an immunocompetent murine model of fungal disease. These results suggest that A. fumigatus conidial surface proteins and effectors are important for evasion and modulation of the immune response at the onset of fungal infection.
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13
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Guan M, Yao L, Zhen Y, Song Y, Liu X, Liu Y, Chen R, Cui Y, Li S. Sporothrix globosa melanin regulates autophagy via the TLR2 signaling pathway in THP-1 macrophages. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011281. [PMID: 37141335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanin, an important virulence factor of pathogenic fungi, has been shown to suppress host immune responses in multiple ways. Autophagy is a vital cellular mechanism underlying the host's innate immunity against microbial infections. However, the potential influence of melanin on autophagy has not been explored. We investigated the effect of melanin on autophagy in macrophages, which play a key role in controlling Sporothrix spp. infection, as well as the mechanism of melanin interaction with Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced pathways. Sporothrix globosa conidia (wild-type and melanin-deficient mutant strains) or yeast cells were co-cultured with THP-1 macrophages to demonstrate that, although S. globosa infection led to the activation of autophagy-related proteins and increased autophagic flux, S. globosa melanin suppressed macrophage autophagy. Incubation with S. globosa conidia also increased the expression levels of reactive oxygen species and multiple proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interferon-γ) in macrophages. These effects were attenuated as melanin presented. Furthermore, while S. globosa conidia significantly increased the expression of both TLR2 and TLR4 in macrophages, the knockdown of TLR2, but not TLR4, with small interfering RNA suppressed autophagy. Overall, this study revealed the novel immune defense ability of S. globosa melanin to inhibit macrophage functionality by resisting macrophage autophagy through the regulation of TLR2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Guan
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lei Yao
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Zhen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- Laboratory of Cancer Precision Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ruili Chen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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14
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Xiong Z, Zhang N, Xu L, Deng Z, Limwachiranon J, Guo Y, Han Y, Yang W, Scharf DH. Urease of Aspergillus fumigatus Is Required for Survival in Macrophages and Virulence. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0350822. [PMID: 36916906 PMCID: PMC10100864 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03508-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of patients suffering from fungal diseases has constantly increased during the last decade. Among the fungal pathogens, the airborne filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus can cause chronic and fatal invasive mold infections. So far, only three major classes of drugs (polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins) are available for the treatment of life-threatening fungal infections, and all present pharmacological drawbacks (e.g., low solubility or toxicity). Meanwhile, clinical antifungal-resistant isolates are continuously emerging. Therefore, there is a high demand for novel antifungal drugs, preferentially those that act on new targets. We studied urease and the accessory proteins in A. fumigatus to determine their biochemical roles and their influence on virulence. Urease is crucial for the growth on urea as the sole nitrogen source, and the transcript and protein levels are elevated on urea media. The urease deficient mutant displays attenuated virulence, and its spores are more susceptible to macrophage-mediated killing. We demonstrated that this observation is associated with an inability to prevent the acidification of the phagosome. Furthermore, we could show that a nickel-chelator inhibits growth on urea. The nickel chelator is also able to reverse the effects of urease on macrophage killing and phagosome acidification, thereby reducing virulence in systemic and trachea infection models. IMPORTANCE The development of antifungal drugs is an urgent task, but it has proven to be difficult due to many similarities between fungal and animal cells. Here, we characterized the urease system in A. fumigatus, which depends on nickel for activity. Notably, nickel is not a crucial element for humans. Therefore, we went further to explore the role of nickel-dependent urease in host-pathogen interactions. We were able to show that urease is important in preventing the acidification of the phagosome and therefore reduces the killing of conidia by macrophages. Furthermore, the deletion of urease shows reduced virulence in murine infection models. Taken together, we identified urease as an essential virulence factor of A. fumigatus. We were able to show that the application of the nickel-chelator dimethylglyoxime is effective in both in vitro and in vivo infection models. This suggests that nickel chelators or urease inhibitors are potential candidates for the development of novel antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Xiong
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liru Xu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiduo Deng
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jarukitt Limwachiranon
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaojie Guo
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Han
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Biophysics and Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Daniel H. Scharf
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammatory Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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15
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Jia LJ, Rafiq M, Radosa L, Hortschansky P, Cunha C, Cseresnyés Z, Krüger T, Schmidt F, Heinekamp T, Straßburger M, Löffler B, Doenst T, Lacerda JF, Campos A, Figge MT, Carvalho A, Kniemeyer O, Brakhage AA. Aspergillus fumigatus hijacks human p11 to redirect fungal-containing phagosomes to non-degradative pathway. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:373-388.e10. [PMID: 36893734 PMCID: PMC10016320 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The decision whether endosomes enter the degradative or recycling pathway in mammalian cells is of fundamental importance for pathogen killing, and its malfunctioning has pathological consequences. We discovered that human p11 is a critical factor for this decision. The HscA protein present on the conidial surface of the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus anchors p11 on conidia-containing phagosomes (PSs), excludes the PS maturation mediator Rab7, and triggers binding of exocytosis mediators Rab11 and Sec15. This reprogramming redirects PSs to the non-degradative pathway, allowing A. fumigatus to escape cells by outgrowth and expulsion as well as transfer of conidia between cells. The clinical relevance is supported by the identification of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the non-coding region of the S100A10 (p11) gene that affects mRNA and protein expression in response to A. fumigatus and is associated with protection against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. These findings reveal the role of p11 in mediating fungal PS evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Jie Jia
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Lukáš Radosa
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Hortschansky
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | | | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Franziska Schmidt
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Thorsten Heinekamp
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Bettina Löffler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Torsten Doenst
- Klinik für Herz- und Thoraxchirurgie, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - João F Lacerda
- Serviço de Hematologia e Transplantação de Medula, Hospital de Santa Maria, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Campos
- Serviço de Transplantação de Medula Óssea, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany; Research Group Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz-HKI, Jena, Germany
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany.
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16
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Lange T, Kasper L, Gresnigt MS, Brunke S, Hube B. "Under Pressure" - How fungi evade, exploit, and modulate cells of the innate immune system. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101738. [PMID: 36878023 PMCID: PMC10109127 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
The human immune system uses an arsenal of effector mechanisms to prevent and counteract infections. Yet, some fungal species are extremely successful as human pathogens, which can be attributed to a wide variety of strategies by which these fungi evade, exploit, and modulate the immune system. These fungal pathogens normally are either harmless commensals or environmental fungi. In this review we discuss how commensalism, but also life in an environmental niche without human contact, can drive the evolution of diverse and specialized immune evasion mechanisms. Correspondingly, we discuss the mechanisms contributing to the ability of these fungi to cause superficial to life-threatening infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Lange
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
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17
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The Lipid Raft-Associated Protein Stomatin Is Required for Accumulation of Dectin-1 in the Phagosomal Membrane and for Full Activity of Macrophages against Aspergillus fumigatus. mSphere 2023; 8:e0052322. [PMID: 36719247 PMCID: PMC9942578 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00523-22] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar macrophages belong to the first line of defense against inhaled conidia of the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. In lung alveoli, they contribute to phagocytosis and elimination of conidia. As a counterdefense, conidia have a gray-green pigment that enables them to survive in phagosomes of macrophages for some time. Previously, we showed that this conidial pigment interferes with the formation of flotillin-dependent lipid raft microdomains in the phagosomal membrane, thereby preventing the formation of functional phagolysosomes. Besides flotillins, stomatin is a major component of lipid rafts and can be targeted to the membrane. However, only limited information on stomatin is available, in particular on its role in defense against pathogens. To determine the function of this integral membrane protein, a stomatin-deficient macrophage line was generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry revealed that stomatin contributes to the phagocytosis of conidia and is important for recruitment of the β-glucan receptor dectin-1 to both the cytoplasmic membrane and phagosomal membrane. In stomatin knockout cells, fusion of phagosomes and lysosomes, recruitment of the vATPase to phagosomes, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were reduced when cells were infected with pigmentless conidia. Thus, our data suggest that stomatin is involved in maturation of phagosomes via fostering fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes. IMPORTANCE Stomatin is an integral membrane protein that contributes to the uptake of microbes, e.g., spores of the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. By generation of a stomatin-deficient macrophage line by advanced genetic engineering, we found that stomatin is involved in the recruitment of the β-glucan receptor dectin-1 to the phagosomal membrane of macrophages. Furthermore, stomatin is involved in maturation of phagosomes via fostering fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes. The data provide new insights on the important role of stomatin in the immune response against human-pathogenic fungi.
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18
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Liu Z, Valsecchi I, Le Meur RA, Simenel C, Guijarro JI, Comte C, Muszkieta L, Mouyna I, Henrissat B, Aimanianda V, Latgé JP, Fontaine T. Conidium Specific Polysaccharides in Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020155. [PMID: 36836270 PMCID: PMC9964227 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Earlier studies have shown that the outer layers of the conidial and mycelial cell walls of Aspergillus fumigatus are different. In this work, we analyzed the polysaccharidome of the resting conidial cell wall and observed major differences within the mycelium cell wall. Mainly, the conidia cell wall was characterized by (i) a smaller amount of α-(1,3)-glucan and chitin; (ii) a larger amount of β-(1,3)-glucan, which was divided into alkali-insoluble and water-soluble fractions, and (iii) the existence of a specific mannan with side chains containing galactopyranose, glucose, and N-acetylglucosamine residues. An analysis of A. fumigatus cell wall gene mutants suggested that members of the fungal GH-72 transglycosylase family play a crucial role in the conidia cell wall β-(1,3)-glucan organization and that α-(1,6)-mannosyltransferases of GT-32 and GT-62 families are essential to the polymerization of the conidium-associated cell wall mannan. This specific mannan and the well-known galactomannan follow two independent biosynthetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Liu
- Institut Pasteur, Unité des Aspergillus, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Isabel Valsecchi
- Institut Pasteur, Unité des Aspergillus, 75015 Paris, France
- DYNAMYC 7380, Faculté de Santé, Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Rémy A. Le Meur
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR3528, Biological NMR and HDX-MS Technological Platform, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Simenel
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR3528, Biological NMR and HDX-MS Technological Platform, 75015 Paris, France
| | - J. Iñaki Guijarro
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR3528, Biological NMR and HDX-MS Technological Platform, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Comte
- Institut Pasteur, Unité des Aspergillus, 75015 Paris, France
| | | | - Isabelle Mouyna
- Institut Pasteur, Unité des Aspergillus, 75015 Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie des ARN des Pathogènes Fongiques, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Bernard Henrissat
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques, CNRS, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, 163 Avenue de Luminy, CEDEX 09, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR2000, Unité de Mycologie Moléculaire, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Paul Latgé
- Institut Pasteur, Unité des Aspergillus, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Institut Pasteur, Unité des Aspergillus, 75015 Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE, USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, 75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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19
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González K, Gangapurwala G, Alex J, Vollrath A, Cseresnyés Z, Weber C, Czaplewska JA, Hoeppener S, Svensson CM, Orasch T, Heinekamp T, Guerrero-Sánchez C, Figge MT, Schubert US, Brakhage AA. Targeting of phagolysosomes containing conidia of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus with polymeric particles. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:819-834. [PMID: 36480041 PMCID: PMC9842589 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12287-1] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Conidia of the airborne human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus are inhaled by humans. In the lung, they are phagocytosed by alveolar macrophages and intracellularly processed. In macrophages, however, conidia can interfere with the maturation of phagolysosomes to avoid their elimination. To investigate whether polymeric particles (PPs) can reach this intracellular pathogen in macrophages, we formulated dye-labeled PPs with a size allowing for their phagocytosis. PPs were efficiently taken up by RAW 264.7 macrophages and were found in phagolysosomes. When macrophages were infected with conidia prior to the addition of PPs, we found that they co-localized in the same phagolysosomes. Mechanistically, the fusion of phagolysosomes containing PPs with phagolysosomes containing conidia was observed. Increasing concentrations of PPs increased fusion events, resulting in 14% of phagolysosomes containing both conidia and PPs. We demonstrate that PPs can reach conidia-containing phagolysosomes, making these particles a promising carrier system for antimicrobial drugs to target intracellular pathogens. KEY POINTS: • Polymer particles of a size larger than 500 nm are internalized by macrophages and localized in phagolysosomes. • These particles can be delivered to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia-containing phagolysosomes of macrophages. • Enhanced phagolysosome fusion by the use of vacuolin1 can increase particle delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine González
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Neugasse 25, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Gauri Gangapurwala
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Julien Alex
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Antje Vollrath
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Zoltán Cseresnyés
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Weber
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Justyna A. Czaplewska
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Stephanie Hoeppener
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Carl-Magnus Svensson
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Orasch
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Thorsten Heinekamp
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Carlos Guerrero-Sánchez
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Neugasse 25, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ulrich S. Schubert
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstraße 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Jena Center for Soft Matter (JCSM), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Neugasse 25, 07745 Jena, Germany
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20
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Alonso MF, Bain JM, Rudkin FM, Erwig LP, Brown AJ, Gow NA. The nature of the fungal cargo induces significantly different temporal programmes of macrophage phagocytosis. Cell Surf 2022; 8:100082. [PMID: 36299405 PMCID: PMC9589029 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcsw.2022.100082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Phagocytosis is an essential component of our immune defence against fungal pathogens. Differences in the dynamics of phagocyte migration, recognition, uptake and phagolysosome maturation are dependent on the characteristics of the fungal cargo, and in particular to differences in cell wall composition and cellular morphology. However, studies that have focused on phagocyte interactions with individual fungal species have not enabled comparisons in the kinetics of these interactions to be made between these different species. We therefore used live cell video microscopy to examine the temporal dynamics of phagocytosis for a range of fungal cargoes by thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6 mice. Uniform populations of macrophages were challenged at the same time with yeast cells of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Cryptococcus neoformans (wild-type and an acapsular mutant, cap59Δ), and spores of Aspergillus fumigatus and Mucor circinelloides to enable standardized comparative interactions to be quantified from different stages of phagocytosis. Differences in the rate of uptake of fungal cells varied by up to 26-fold, whilst differences in time to induce phagosome acidification varied by as much as 29-fold. Heat-killing or opsonizing the fungal targets markedly affected the kinetics of the interaction in a species-specific manner. Fungal and macrophage killing assays further revealed cargo-specific differences in phagocytosis and diversity in fungal evasion mechanisms. Therefore, simultaneous assessment of the interaction of macrophages with different fungal pathogens highlighted major differences in the kinetics and growth responses during fungus-phagocyte interactions that are likely to impact on pathogenesis and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernanda Alonso
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Judith M. Bain
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Fiona M. Rudkin
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Lars P. Erwig
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Alistair J.P. Brown
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Neil A.R. Gow
- The Aberdeen Fungal Group, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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21
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Pruksaphon K, Nosanchuk JD, Thammasit P, Pongpom M, Youngchim S. Interaction of Talaromyces marneffei with free living soil amoeba as a model of fungal pathogenesis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1023067. [PMID: 36262181 PMCID: PMC9574045 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1023067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Talaromyces (Penicillium) marneffei is an important dimorphic mycosis endemic in Southeast Asia and Southern China, but the origin and maintenance of virulence traits in this organism remains obscure. Several pathogenic fungi, including Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Sporothrix schenckii, Histoplasma capsulatum and Paracoccidioides spp. interact with free living soil amoebae and data suggests that fungal pathogenic strategies may emerge from environmental interactions of these fungi with ubiquitous phagocytic microorganisms. In this study, we examined the interactions of T. marneffei with the soil amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii. T. marneffei was rapidly ingested by A. castellanii and phagocytosis of fungal cells resulted in amoeba death after 24 h of contact. Co-culture also resulted in a rapid transition for conidia to the fission-yeast form. In addition, well-established virulence factors such as melanin and a yeast specific mannoprotein of T. marneffei were expressed during interaction with A. castellanii at 37°C. Our findings support the assumption that soil amoebae environmental predators play a role in the selection and maintenance of particular features in T. marneffei that impart virulence to this clinically important dimorphic fungus in mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritsada Pruksaphon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Patcharin Thammasit
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Monsicha Pongpom
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sirida Youngchim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- *Correspondence: Sirida Youngchim,
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22
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Novel Treatment Approach for Aspergilloses by Targeting Germination. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080758. [PMID: 35893126 PMCID: PMC9331470 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Germination of conidia is an essential process within the Aspergillus life cycle and plays a major role during the infection of hosts. Conidia are able to avoid detection by the majority of leukocytes when dormant. Germination can cause severe health problems, specifically in immunocompromised people. Aspergillosis is most often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and affects neutropenic patients, as well as people with cystic fibrosis (CF). These patients are often unable to effectively detect and clear the conidia or hyphae and can develop chronic non-invasive and/or invasive infections or allergic inflammatory responses. Current treatments with (tri)azoles can be very effective to combat a variety of fungal infections. However, resistance against current azoles has emerged and has been increasing since 1998. As a consequence, patients infected with resistant A. fumigatus have a reported mortality rate of 88% to 100%. Especially with the growing number of patients that harbor azole-resistant Aspergilli, novel antifungals could provide an alternative. Aspergilloses differ in defining characteristics, but germination of conidia is one of the few common denominators. By specifically targeting conidial germination with novel antifungals, early intervention might be possible. In this review, we propose several morphotypes to disrupt conidial germination, as well as potential targets. Hopefully, new antifungals against such targets could contribute to disturbing the ability of Aspergilli to germinate and grow, resulting in a decreased fungal burden on patients.
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23
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Matthaiou EI, Chiu W, Conrad C, Hsu J. Macrophage Lysosomal Alkalinization Drives Invasive Aspergillosis in a Mouse Cystic Fibrosis Model of Airway Transplantation. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:751. [PMID: 35887506 PMCID: PMC9321820 DOI: 10.3390/jof8070751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung transplant recipients (LTRs) exhibit a disproportionately high rate of life-threatening invasive aspergillosis (IA). Loss of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR-/-) in macrophages (mφs) has been associated with lyosomal alkalinization. We hypothesize that this alkalinization would persist in the iron-laden post-transplant microenvironment increasing the risk of IA. To investigate our hypothesis, we developed a murine CF orthotopic tracheal transplant (OTT) model. Iron levels were detected by immunofluorescence staining and colorimetric assays. Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) invasion was evaluated by Grocott methenamine silver staining. Phagocytosis and killing of Af conidia were examined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. pH and lysosomal acidification were measured by LysoSensorTM and LysotrackerTM, respectively. Af was more invasive in the CF airway transplant recipient compared to the WT recipient (p < 0.05). CFTR-/- mφs were alkaline at baseline, a characteristic that was increased with iron-overload. These CFTR-/- mφs were unable to phagocytose and kill Af conidia (p < 0.001). Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles acidified lysosomes, restoring the CFTR-/- mφs’ ability to clear conidia. Our results suggest that CFTR-/- mφs’ alkalinization interacts with the iron-loaded transplant microenvironment, decreasing the CF-mφs’ ability to kill Af conidia, which may explain the increased risk of IA. Therapeutic pH modulation after transplantation could decrease the risk of IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymia Iliana Matthaiou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA; (E.I.M.); (W.C.)
| | - Wayland Chiu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA; (E.I.M.); (W.C.)
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Carol Conrad
- Department of Pediatrics, Pulmonary Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA;
| | - Joe Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA; (E.I.M.); (W.C.)
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24
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Toopaang W, Bunnak W, Srisuksam C, Wattananukit W, Tanticharoen M, Yang YL, Amnuaykanjanasin A. Microbial polyketides and their roles in insect virulence: from genomics to biological functions. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:2008-2029. [PMID: 35822627 DOI: 10.1039/d1np00058f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: May 1966 up to January 2022Entomopathogenic microorganisms have potential for biological control of insect pests. Their main secondary metabolites include polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, and polyketide-nonribosomal peptide (PK-NRP) hybrids. Among these secondary metabolites, polyketides have mainly been studied for structural identification, pathway engineering, and for their contributions to medicine. However, little is known about the function of polyketides in insect virulence. This review focuses on the role of bacterial and fungal polyketides, as well as PK-NRP hybrids in insect infection and killing. We also discuss gene distribution and evolutional relationships among different microbial species. Further, the role of microbial polyketides and the hybrids in modulating insect-microbial symbiosis is also explored. Understanding the mechanisms of polyketides in insect pathogenesis, how compounds moderate the host-fungus interaction, and the distribution of PKS genes across different fungi and bacteria will facilitate the discovery and development of novel polyketide-derived bio-insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wachiraporn Toopaang
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand. .,Molecular and Biological Agricultural Sciences, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica and National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan.,Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Warapon Bunnak
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
| | - Chettida Srisuksam
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
| | - Wilawan Wattananukit
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
| | - Morakot Tanticharoen
- School of Bioresources and Technology, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
| | - Yu-Liang Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan. .,Biotechnology Center in Southern Taiwan, Academia Sinica, Tainan 711010, Taiwan
| | - Alongkorn Amnuaykanjanasin
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Rd., Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand.
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25
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El-Kamand S, Steiner M, Ramirez C, Halliday C, Chen SCA, Papanicolaou A, Morton CO. Assessing Differences between Clinical Isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus from Cases of Proven Invasive Aspergillosis and Colonizing Isolates with Respect to Phenotype (Virulence in Tenebrio molitor Larvae) and Genotype. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11040428. [PMID: 35456102 PMCID: PMC9029132 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11040428] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, the cause of invasive aspergillosis (IA), is a serious risk to transplant patients and those with respiratory diseases. Host immune suppression is considered the most important factor for the development of IA. Less is known about the importance of fungal virulence in the development of IA including the significance of variation between isolates. In this study, isolates of A. fumigatus from cases diagnosed as having proven IA or colonisation (no evidence of IA) were compared in assays to measure isolate virulence. These assays included the measurement of radial growth and protease production on agar, sensitivity to UV light and oxidative stressors, and virulence in Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) larvae. These assays did not reveal obvious differences in virulence between the two groups of isolates; this provided the impetus to conduct genomic analysis. Whole genome sequencing and analysis did not allow grouping into coloniser or IA isolates. However, focused analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed variation in three putative genes: AFUA_5G09420 (ccg-8), AFUA_4G00330, and AFUA_4G00350. These are known to be responsive to azole exposure, and ccg-8 deletion leads to azole hypersensitivity in other fungi. A. fumigatus virulence is challenging, but the findings of this study indicate that further research into the response to oxidative stress and azole exposure are required to understand the development of IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam El-Kamand
- Western Sydney University, School of Science, Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (S.E.-K.); (M.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Martina Steiner
- Western Sydney University, School of Science, Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (S.E.-K.); (M.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Carl Ramirez
- Western Sydney University, School of Science, Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (S.E.-K.); (M.S.); (C.R.)
| | - Catriona Halliday
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (C.H.); (S.C.-A.C.)
| | - Sharon C.-A. Chen
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, New South Wales Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; (C.H.); (S.C.-A.C.)
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Alexie Papanicolaou
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury Campus, NSW 2753, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (C.O.M.); Tel.: +61-2-4570-1385 (A.P.); +61-2-4620-3446 (C.O.M.)
| | - Charles Oliver Morton
- Western Sydney University, School of Science, Campbelltown Campus, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, Australia; (S.E.-K.); (M.S.); (C.R.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (C.O.M.); Tel.: +61-2-4570-1385 (A.P.); +61-2-4620-3446 (C.O.M.)
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26
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Rafiq M, Rivieccio F, Zimmermann AK, Visser C, Bruch A, Krüger T, González Rojas K, Kniemeyer O, Blango MG, Brakhage AA. PLB-985 Neutrophil-Like Cells as a Model To Study Aspergillus fumigatus Pathogenesis. mSphere 2022; 7:e0094021. [PMID: 34986319 PMCID: PMC8730815 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00940-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections remain a major global concern. Emerging fungal pathogens and increasing rates of resistance mean that additional research efforts and resources must be allocated to advancing our understanding of fungal pathogenesis and developing new therapeutic interventions. Neutrophilic granulocytes are a major cell type involved in protection against the important fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, where they employ numerous defense mechanisms, including production of antimicrobial extracellular vesicles. A major drawback to work with neutrophils is the lack of a suitable cell line system for the study of fungal pathogenesis. To address this problem, we assessed the feasibility of using differentiated PLB-985 neutrophil-like cells as an in vitro model to study A. fumigatus infection. We find that dimethylformamide-differentiated PLB-985 cells provide a useful recapitulation of many aspects of A. fumigatus interactions with primary human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. We show that differentiated PLB-985 cells phagocytose fungal conidia and acidify conidia-containing phagolysosomes similar to primary neutrophils, release neutrophil extracellular traps, and also produce antifungal extracellular vesicles in response to infection. In addition, we provide an improved method for the isolation of extracellular vesicles produced during infection by employing a size exclusion chromatography-based approach. Advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomics revealed an enrichment of extracellular vesicle marker proteins and a decrease of cytoplasmic proteins in extracellular vesicles isolated using this improved method. Ultimately, we find that differentiated PLB-985 cells can serve as a genetically tractable model to study many aspects of A. fumigatus pathogenesis. IMPORTANCE Polymorphonuclear leukocytes are an important defense against human fungal pathogens, yet our model systems to study this group of cells remain very limited in scope. In this study, we established that differentiated PLB-985 cells can serve as a model to recapitulate several important aspects of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte interactions with the important human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. The proposed addition of a cultured neutrophil-like cell line to the experimental toolbox to study fungal pathogenesis will allow for a more mechanistic description of neutrophil antifungal biology. In addition, the easier handling of the cell line compared to primary human neutrophils allowed us to use PLB-985 cells to provide an improved method for isolation of neutrophil-derived extracellular vesicles using size exclusion chromatography. Together, these results provide significant tools and a baseline knowledge for the future study of neutrophil-derived extracellular vesicles in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Flora Rivieccio
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Zimmermann
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Corissa Visser
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Bruch
- Junior Research Group RNA Biology of Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Katherine González Rojas
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthew G. Blango
- Junior Research Group RNA Biology of Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute (Leibniz-HKI), Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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27
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Li Q, Hu Y, Zhang B. Phosphonium-based ionic liquids as antifungal agents for conservation of heritage sandstone. RSC Adv 2022; 12:1922-1931. [PMID: 35425254 PMCID: PMC8979122 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra09169g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With a view to preventing fungal deterioration of historical stone artworks, we report the use of phosphonium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as potent antifungal agents against dematiaceous fungi commonly found on heritage stones. Three ILs: tributyldodecylphosphonium polyoxometalate [P44412][POM], tributyltetradecylphosphonium polyoxometalate [P44414][POM], and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium polyoxometalate [P66614][POM] were prepared and their thermal stabilities and in vitro antifungal activities were evaluated. From the ramped temperature thermogravimetric analysis and antifungal experiments it can be clearly observed that the alkyl chain length of the tetraalkylphosponium cation has a significant influence on the thermal and antifungal properties. The thermal stability and antifungal activity decreased as the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl substituents increased and, thus, followed the order [P44412][POM] > [P44414][POM] > [P66614][POM]. In addition, inoculation of four fungal species on IL-coated sandstone surfaces showed significant inhibition of fungal growth, endowing the materials with potential applications in heritage sandstone conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 China
| | - Yulan Hu
- School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 China
| | - Bingjian Zhang
- School of Art and Archaeology, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310058 China
- Department of Chemistry, Zhejiang University Hangzhou Zhejiang 310027 China
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28
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Boysen JM, Saeed N, Hillmann F. Natural products in the predatory defence of the filamentous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Beilstein J Org Chem 2021; 17:1814-1827. [PMID: 34394757 PMCID: PMC8336654 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.17.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The kingdom of fungi comprises a large and highly diverse group of organisms that thrive in diverse natural environments. One factor to successfully confront challenges in their natural habitats is the capability to synthesize defensive secondary metabolites. The genetic potential for the production of secondary metabolites in fungi is high and numerous potential secondary metabolite gene clusters have been identified in sequenced fungal genomes. Their production may well be regulated by specific ecological conditions, such as the presence of microbial competitors, symbionts or predators. Here we exemplarily summarize our current knowledge on identified secondary metabolites of the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus and their defensive function against (microbial) predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana M Boysen
- Junior Research Group Evolution of Microbial Interactions, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Nauman Saeed
- Junior Research Group Evolution of Microbial Interactions, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Falk Hillmann
- Junior Research Group Evolution of Microbial Interactions, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Beutenbergstr. 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
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29
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Abstract
Infections due to Aspergillus species are an acute threat to human health; members of the Aspergillus section Fumigati are the most frequently occurring agents, but depending on the local epidemiology, representatives of section Terrei or section Flavi are the second or third most important. Aspergillus terreus species complex is of great interest, as it is usually amphotericin B resistant and displays notable differences in immune interactions in comparison to Aspergillus fumigatus. The latest epidemiological surveys show an increased incidence of A. terreus as well as an expanding clinical spectrum (chronic infections) and new groups of at-risk patients being affected. Hallmarks of these non-Aspergillus fumigatus invasive mold infections are high potential for tissue invasion, dissemination, and possible morbidity due to mycotoxin production. We seek to review the microbiology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of A. terreus species complex, address clinical characteristics, and highlight the underlying mechanisms of amphotericin B resistance. Selected topics will contrast key elements of A. terreus with A. fumigatus. We provide a comprehensive resource for clinicians dealing with fungal infections and researchers working on A. terreus pathogenesis, aiming to bridge the emerging translational knowledge and future therapeutic challenges on this opportunistic pathogen.
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30
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Characterisation of Aspergillus fumigatus Endocytic Trafficking within Airway Epithelial Cells Using High-Resolution Automated Quantitative Confocal Microscopy. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7060454. [PMID: 34200399 PMCID: PMC8229978 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise characterization of the mechanisms modulating Aspergillus fumigatus survival within airway epithelial cells has been impaired by the lack of live-cell imaging technologies and user-friendly quantification approaches. Here we described the use of an automated image analysis pipeline to estimate the proportion of A. fumigatus spores taken up by airway epithelial cells, those contained within phagolysosomes or acidified phagosomes, along with the fungal factors contributing to these processes. Coupling the use of fluorescent A. fumigatus strains and fluorescent epithelial probes targeting lysosomes, acidified compartments and cell membrane, we found that both the efficacy of lysosome recruitment to phagosomes and phagosome acidification determines the capacity of airway epithelial cells to contain A. fumigatus growth. Overall, the capability of the airway epithelium to prevent A. fumigatus survival was higher in bronchial epithelial than alveolar epithelial cells. Certain A. fumigatus cell wall mutants influenced phagosome maturation in airway epithelial cells. Taken together, this live-cell 4D imaging approach allows observation and measurement of the very early processes of A. fumigatus interaction within live airway epithelial monolayers.
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31
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Flotillin-Dependent Membrane Microdomains Are Required for Functional Phagolysosomes against Fungal Infections. Cell Rep 2021; 32:108017. [PMID: 32814035 PMCID: PMC10054021 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid rafts form signaling platforms on biological membranes with incompletely characterized role in immune response to infection. Here we report that lipid-raft microdomains are essential components of phagolysosomal membranes of macrophages and depend on flotillins. Genetic deletion of flotillins demonstrates that the assembly of both major defense complexes vATPase and NADPH oxidase requires membrane microdomains. Furthermore, we describe a virulence mechanism leading to dysregulation of membrane microdomains by melanized wild-type conidia of the important human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus resulting in reduced phagolysosomal acidification. We show that phagolysosomes with ingested melanized conidia contain a reduced amount of free Ca2+ ions and that inhibition of Ca2+-dependent calmodulin activity led to reduced lipid-raft formation. We identify a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the human FLOT1 gene resulting in heightened susceptibility for invasive aspergillosis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Collectively, flotillin-dependent microdomains on the phagolysosomal membrane play an essential role in protective antifungal immunity.
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32
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Human Corneal Epithelial Cells Internalize Aspergillus flavus Spores by Actin-Mediated Endocytosis. Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00794-20. [PMID: 33753415 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00794-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells play a significant role in the innate immune response by secreting cytokines and antimicrobial peptides when they encounter fungal pathogens. But the detailed mechanism of attachment and engulfment of the fungal conidia by HCE cells is not well understood. Here, we show the phagocytosis of Aspergillus flavus conidia by RCB2280 cells and primary HCE cultures using confocal microscopy and proteomic analysis of conidium-containing phagosomes. Phalloidin staining showed actin polymerization, leading to an actin ring around engulfed conidia. Cytochalasin D inhibited the actin-mediated endocytosis of the conidia. Immunolabeling of the early endosomal markers CD71 and early endosomal antigen (EEA1) and the late endosomal markers lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), Rab7, and cathepsin G showed that endosomal proteins were recruited to the site of conidia and showed maturation of the conidium-containing phagosomes. Lysotracker red DND 99 labeling showed the acidification of the phagosomes containing conidia. Phagosome-specific proteome analysis confirmed the recruitment of various phagosomal and endosomal proteins to the conidium-containing phagosomes. These results show that the ocular surface epithelium contributes actively to antifungal defense by the phagocytosis of invading fungal conidia.
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33
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Understanding the fundamental role of virulence determinants to combat Aspergillus fumigatus infections: exploring beyond cell wall. Mycol Prog 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11557-021-01677-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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34
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Liu S, Youngchim S, Zamith-Miranda D, Nosanchuk JD. Fungal Melanin and the Mammalian Immune System. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040264. [PMID: 33807336 PMCID: PMC8066723 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanins are ubiquitous complex polymers that are commonly known in humans to cause pigmentation of our skin. Melanins are also present in bacteria, fungi, and helminths. In this review, we will describe the diverse interactions of fungal melanin with the mammalian immune system. We will particularly focus on Cryptococcus neoformans and also discuss other major melanotic pathogenic fungi. Melanin interacts with the immune system through diverse pathways, reducing the effectiveness of phagocytic cells, binding effector molecules and antifungals, and modifying complement and antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichen Liu
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (S.L.); (D.Z.-M.)
| | - Sirida Youngchim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (S.L.); (D.Z.-M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (S.L.); (D.Z.-M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence:
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35
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Nguyen JA, Yates RM. Better Together: Current Insights Into Phagosome-Lysosome Fusion. Front Immunol 2021; 12:636078. [PMID: 33717183 PMCID: PMC7946854 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.636078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Following phagocytosis, the nascent phagosome undergoes maturation to become a phagolysosome with an acidic, hydrolytic, and often oxidative lumen that can efficiently kill and digest engulfed microbes, cells, and debris. The fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes is a principal driver of phagosomal maturation and is targeted by several adapted intracellular pathogens. Impairment of this process has significant consequences for microbial infection, tissue inflammation, the onset of adaptive immunity, and disease. Given the importance of phagosome-lysosome fusion to phagocyte function and the many virulence factors that target it, it is unsurprising that multiple molecular pathways have evolved to mediate this essential process. While the full range of these pathways has yet to be fully characterized, several pathways involving proteins such as members of the Rab GTPases, tethering factors and SNAREs have been identified. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge to clarify the ambiguities in the field and construct a more comprehensive phagolysosome formation model. Lastly, we discuss how other cellular pathways help support phagolysosome biogenesis and, consequently, phagocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Robin M Yates
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, Snyder Institute of Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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36
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Dümig M, Binder J, Gaculenko A, Daul F, Winandy L, Hasenberg M, Gunzer M, Fischer R, Künzler M, Krappmann S. The infectious propagules of Aspergillus fumigatus are coated with antimicrobial peptides. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13301. [PMID: 33331054 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fungal spores are unique cells that mediate dispersal and survival in the environment. For pathogenic fungi encountering a susceptible host, these specialised structures may serve as infectious particles. The main causative agent of the opportunistic disease aspergillosis, Aspergillus fumigatus, produces asexual spores, the conidia, that become dissipated by air flows or water currents but also serve as propagules to infect a susceptible host. We demonstrate that the defX gene of this mould encodes putative antimicrobial peptides resembling cysteine-stabilised (CS)αβ defensins that are expressed in a specific spatial and temporal manner in the course of asexual spore formation. Localisation studies on strains expressing a fluorescent proxy or tagged defX alleles expose that these antimicrobial peptides are secreted to coat the conidial surface. Deletion mutants reveal that the spore-associated defX gene products delay the growth of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and demonstrate that the defX gene and presumably its encoded spore-associated defensins confer a growth advantage to the fungal opponent over bacterial competitors. These findings have implications with respect to the ecological niche of A. fumigatus that serves as a 'virulence school' for this human pathogenic mould; further relevance is given for the infectious process resulting in aspergillosis, considering competition with the host microbiome or co-infecting microorganisms to break colonisation resistance at host surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Dümig
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jasmin Binder
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anastasia Gaculenko
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Franziska Daul
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lex Winandy
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Mike Hasenberg
- Imaging Centre Essen (IMCES) - Electron Microscopy Unit, University Hospital and University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital and University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gunzer
- Institute for Experimental Immunology and Imaging, University Hospital and University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Fischer
- Department of Microbiology, Institute for Applied Biosciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Markus Künzler
- Department of Biology, Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sven Krappmann
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Medical Immunology Campus Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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37
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Tamez-Castrellón AK, Romeo O, García-Carnero LC, Lozoya-Pérez NE, Mora-Montes HM. Virulence Factors in Sporothrix schenckii, One of the Causative Agents of Sporotrichosis. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:295-312. [PMID: 31589121 DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666191007103004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sporothrix schenckii is one of the etiological agents of sporotrichosis, a fungal infection distributed worldwide. Both, the causative organism and the disease have currently received limited attention by the medical mycology community, most likely because of the low mortality rates associated with it. Nonetheless, morbidity is high in endemic regions and the versatility of S. schenckii to cause zoonosis and sapronosis has attracted attention. Thus far, virulence factors associated with this organism are poorly described. Here, comparing the S. schenckii genome sequence with other medically relevant fungi, genes involved in morphological change, cell wall synthesis, immune evasion, thermotolerance, adhesion, biofilm formation, melanin production, nutrient uptake, response to stress, extracellular vesicle formation, and toxin production are predicted and discussed as putative virulence factors in S. schenckii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma K Tamez-Castrellón
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Laura C García-Carnero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
| | - Nancy E Lozoya-Pérez
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, col. Noria Alta, C.P. 36050, Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico
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38
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Mills B, Radhakrishnan N, Karthikeyan Rajapandian SG, Rameshkumar G, Lalitha P, Prajna NV. The role of fungi in fungal keratitis. Exp Eye Res 2020; 202:108372. [PMID: 33249061 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2020.108372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fungal keratitis (FK) accounts for approximately half of the microbial keratitis encountered in low middle income countries (LMICs) and predominantly affect the working rural-poor. FK causes significant morbidity with the majority of patients left with moderate or worse visual impairment and approximately 25% requiring expensive and often unsuccessful surgical interventions. The severity of FK and the resultant corneal damage or resolution can be attributed to i) the virulence and bioburden of the fungal pathogen, ii) the host defense mechanism and immune response and iii) sub-optimal diagnostics and anti-fungal treatment strategies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted components that drive FK progression and resolution, highlighting where knowledge gaps exist and areas that warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Mills
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Naveen Radhakrishnan
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India
| | | | | | - Prajna Lalitha
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India
| | - N Venkatesh Prajna
- Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India.
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39
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König A, Müller R, Mogavero S, Hube B. Fungal factors involved in host immune evasion, modulation and exploitation during infection. Cell Microbiol 2020; 23:e13272. [PMID: 32978997 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Human and plant pathogenic fungi have a major impact on public health and agriculture. Although these fungi infect very diverse hosts and are often highly adapted to specific host niches, they share surprisingly similar mechanisms that mediate immune evasion, modulation of distinct host targets and exploitation of host nutrients, highlighting that successful strategies have evolved independently among diverse fungal pathogens. These attributes are facilitated by an arsenal of fungal factors. However, not a single molecule, but rather the combined effects of several factors enable these pathogens to establish infection. In this review, we discuss the principles of human and plant fungal pathogenicity mechanisms and discuss recent discoveries made in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika König
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Rita Müller
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Selene Mogavero
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany.,Center for Sepsis Control and Care, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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40
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Obar JJ. Sensing the threat posed by Aspergillus infection. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:47-55. [PMID: 32898768 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian immune system can tune its inflammatory response to the threat level posed by an invading pathogen. It is well established that the host utilizes numerous 'patterns of pathogenicity', such as microbial growth, invasion, and viability, to achieve this tuning during bacterial infections. This review discusses how this notion fits during fungal infection, particularly regarding Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Moreover, how the environmental niches filled by A. fumigatus may drive the evolution of the fungal traits responsible for inducing the strain-specific inflammatory responses that have been experimentally observed will be discussed. Moving forward understanding the mechanisms of the fungal strain-specific inflammatory response due to the initial interactions with the host innate immune system will be essential for enhancing our therapeutic options for the treatment of invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Obar
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Hinman Box 7556, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
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41
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Seidel C, Moreno-Velásquez SD, Ben-Ghazzi N, Gago S, Read ND, Bowyer P. Phagolysosomal Survival Enables Non-lytic Hyphal Escape and Ramification Through Lung Epithelium During Aspergillus fumigatus Infection. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1955. [PMID: 32973709 PMCID: PMC7468521 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important mould pathogen in immunosuppressed patients. Suboptimal clearance of inhaled spores results in the colonisation of the lung airways by invasive hyphae. The first point of contact between A. fumigatus and the host is the lung epithelium. In vitro and ex vivo studies have characterised critical aspects of the interaction of invasive hyphae on the surface of epithelial cells. However, the cellular interplay between internalised A. fumigatus and the lung epithelium remains largely unexplored. Here, we use high-resolution live-cell confocal microscopy, 3D rendered imaging and transmission electron microscopy to define the development of A. fumigatus after lung epithelium internalisation in vitro. Germination, morphology and growth of A. fumigatus were significantly impaired upon internalisation by alveolar (A549) and bronchial (16HBE) lung epithelial cells compared to those growing on the host surface. Internalised spores and germlings were surrounded by the host phagolysosome membrane. Sixty per cent of the phagosomes containing germlings were not acidified at 24 h post infection allowing hyphal development. During escape, the phagolysosomal membrane was not ruptured but likely fused to host plasma membrane allowing hyphal exit from the intact host cell in an non-lytic Manner. Subsequently, escaping hyphae elongated between or through adjacent epithelial lung cells without penetration of the host cytoplasm. Hyphal tips penetrating new epithelial cells were surrounded by the recipient cell plasma membrane. Altogether, our results suggest cells of lung epithelium survive fungal penetration because the phagolysosomal and plasma membranes are never breached and that conversely, fungal spores survive due to phagosome maturation failure. Consequently, fungal hyphae can grow through the epithelial cell layer without directly damaging the host. These processes likely prevent the activation of downstream immune responses alongside limiting the access of professional phagocytes to the invading fungal hypha. Further research is needed to investigate if these events also occur during penetration of fungi in endothelial cells, fibroblasts and other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constanze Seidel
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sergio D Moreno-Velásquez
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nagwa Ben-Ghazzi
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Gago
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nick D Read
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Core Technology Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom
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42
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The polyketide synthase PKS15 has a crucial role in cell wall formation in Beauveria bassiana. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12630. [PMID: 32724143 PMCID: PMC7387532 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69417-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi utilize specific secondary metabolites to defend against insect immunity, thereby enabling colonization of their specific hosts. We are particularly interested in the polyketide synthesis gene pks15, which is involved in metabolite production, and its role in fungal virulence. Targeted disruption of pks15 followed by genetic complementation with a functional copy of the gene would allow for functional characterization of this secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene. Using a Beauveria bassiana ∆pks15 mutant previously disrupted by a bialophos-resistance (bar) cassette, we report here an in-cis complementation at bar cassette using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. A bar-specific short guide RNA was used to target and cause a double-strand break in bar, and a donor DNA carrying a wild-type copy of pks15 was co-transformed with the guide RNA. Isolate G6 of ∆pks15 complemented with pks15 was obtained and verified by PCR, Southern analyses and DNA sequencing. Compared to ∆pks15 which showed a marked reduction in sporulation and insect virulence, the complementation in G6 restored with insect virulence, sporulation and conidial germination to wild-type levels. Atomic force and scanning electron microscopy revealed that G6 and wild-type conidial wall surfaces possessed the characteristic rodlet bundles and rough surface while ∆pks15 walls lacked the bundles and were relatively smoother. Conidia of ∆pks15 were larger and more elongated than that of G6 and the wild type, indicating changes in their cell wall organization. Our data indicate that PKS15 and its metabolite are likely not only important for fungal virulence and asexual reproduction, but also cell wall formation.
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43
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Ferling I, Dunn JD, Ferling A, Soldati T, Hillmann F. Conidial Melanin of the Human-Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus Disrupts Cell Autonomous Defenses in Amoebae. mBio 2020; 11:e00862-20. [PMID: 32457245 PMCID: PMC7251208 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00862-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophyte that causes fatal lung infections in immunocompromised individuals. Following inhalation, conidia are ingested by innate immune cells and can arrest phagolysosome maturation. How this virulence trait could have been selected for in natural environments is unknown. Here, we found that surface exposure of the green pigment 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-(DHN)-melanin can protect conidia from phagocytic uptake and intracellular killing by the fungivorous amoeba Protostelium aurantium and delays its exocytosis from the nonfungivorous species Dictyostelium discoideum To elucidate the antiphagocytic properties of the surface pigment, we followed the antagonistic interactions of A. fumigatus conidia with the amoebae in real time. For both amoebae, conidia covered with DHN-melanin were internalized at far lower rates than were seen with conidia lacking the pigment, despite high rates of initial attachment to nonkilling D. discoideum When ingested by D. discoideum, the formation of nascent phagosomes was followed by transient acidification of phagolysosomes, their subsequent neutralization, and, finally, exocytosis of the conidia. While the cycle was completed in less than 1 h for unpigmented conidia, the process was significantly prolonged for conidia covered with DHN-melanin, leading to an extended intracellular residence time. At later stages of this cellular infection, pigmented conidia induced enhanced damage to phagolysosomes and infected amoebae failed to recruit the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) membrane repair machinery or the canonical autophagy pathway to defend against the pathogen, thus promoting prolonged intracellular persistence in the host cell and the establishment of a germination niche in this environmental phagocyte.IMPORTANCE Infections with Aspergillus fumigatus are usually acquired by an inhalation of spores from environmental sources. How spores of a saprophytic fungus have acquired abilities to withstand and escape the phagocytic attacks of innate immune cells is not understood. The fungal surface pigment dihydroxynaphtalene-melanin has been shown to be a crucial factor for the delay in phagosome maturation. Here, we show that this pigment also has a protective function against environmental phagocytes. Pigmented conidia escaped uptake and killing by the fungus-eating amoeba Protostelium aurantium When ingested by the nonfungivorous phagocyte Dictyostelium discoideum, the pigment attenuated the launch of cell autonomous defenses against the fungal invader, such as membrane repair and autophagy, leading to prolonged intracellular retention. Membrane damage and cytoplasmic leakage may result in an influx of nutrients and thus may further promote intracellular germination of the fungus, indicating that A. fumigatus has acquired some of the basic properties of intracellular pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Ferling
- Junior Research Group Evolution of Microbial Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Joe Dan Dunn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Ferling
- Heid-Tech, Technische Schule Heidenheim, Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany
| | - Thierry Soldati
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Falk Hillmann
- Junior Research Group Evolution of Microbial Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
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Gonçalves SM, Duarte-Oliveira C, Campos CF, Aimanianda V, Ter Horst R, Leite L, Mercier T, Pereira P, Fernández-García M, Antunes D, Rodrigues CS, Barbosa-Matos C, Gaifem J, Mesquita I, Marques A, Osório NS, Torrado E, Rodrigues F, Costa S, Joosten LA, Lagrou K, Maertens J, Lacerda JF, Campos A, Brown GD, Brakhage AA, Barbas C, Silvestre R, van de Veerdonk FL, Chamilos G, Netea MG, Latgé JP, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Phagosomal removal of fungal melanin reprograms macrophage metabolism to promote antifungal immunity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2282. [PMID: 32385235 PMCID: PMC7210971 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16120-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to infection, macrophages adapt their metabolism rapidly to enhance glycolysis and fuel specialized antimicrobial effector functions. Here we show that fungal melanin is an essential molecule required for the metabolic rewiring of macrophages during infection with the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Using pharmacological and genetic tools, we reveal a molecular link between calcium sequestration by melanin inside the phagosome and induction of glycolysis required for efficient innate immune responses. By remodeling the intracellular calcium machinery and impairing signaling via calmodulin, melanin drives an immunometabolic signaling axis towards glycolysis with activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) and phagosomal recruitment of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). These data demonstrate a pivotal mechanism in the immunometabolic regulation of macrophages during fungal infection and highlight the metabolic repurposing of immune cells as a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Duarte-Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia F Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Rob Ter Horst
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Luis Leite
- STMO, Instituto Português de Oncologia, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Toine Mercier
- Department of Hematology, UZ Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Fernández-García
- Center for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, San Pablo CEU University, 28668, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniela Antunes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia S Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Barbosa-Matos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Gaifem
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Inês Mesquita
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - António Marques
- Serviço de Imuno-Hemoterapia, Hospital de Braga, 4710-243, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno S Osório
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Egídio Torrado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Sandra Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Leo Ab Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, UZ Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Hematology, UZ Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - João F Lacerda
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Campos
- STMO, Instituto Português de Oncologia, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gordon D Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Coral Barbas
- Center for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, San Pablo CEU University, 28668, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Silvestre
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Frank L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, FORTH, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Genomics & Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jean-Paul Latgé
- Unité des Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal.
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Chang PK, Cary JW, Lebar MD. Biosynthesis of conidial and sclerotial pigments in Aspergillus species. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:2277-2286. [PMID: 31974722 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10347-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Fungal pigments, which are classified as secondary metabolites, are polymerized products derived mostly from phenolic precursors with remarkable structural diversity. Pigments of conidia and sclerotia serve myriad functions. They provide tolerance against various environmental stresses such as ultraviolet light, oxidizing agents, and ionizing radiation. Some pigments even play a role in fungal pathogenesis. This review gathers available research and discusses current knowledge on the formation of conidial and sclerotial pigments in aspergilli. It examines organization of genes involved in pigment production, biosynthetic pathways, and biological functions and reevaluates some of the current dogma, especially with respect to the DHN-melanin pathway, on the production of these enigmatic polymers. A better understanding of the structure and biosynthesis of melanins and other pigments could facilitate strategies to mitigate fungal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perng-Kuang Chang
- Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Southern Regional Research Center, 1100 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans, LA, 70124, USA.
| | - Jeffrey W Cary
- Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Southern Regional Research Center, 1100 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans, LA, 70124, USA.
| | - Matthew D Lebar
- Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Southern Regional Research Center, 1100 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, New Orleans, LA, 70124, USA
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Aspergillus fumigatus Cell Wall Promotes Apical Airway Epithelial Recruitment of Human Neutrophils. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00813-19. [PMID: 31767773 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00813-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous fungal pathogen capable of causing multiple pulmonary diseases, including invasive aspergillosis, chronic necrotizing aspergillosis, fungal colonization, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Intact mucociliary barrier function and early airway neutrophil responses are critical for clearing fungal conidia from the host airways prior to establishing disease. Following inhalation, Aspergillus conidia deposit in the small airways, where they are likely to make their initial host encounter with epithelial cells. Challenges in airway infection models have limited the ability to explore early steps in the interactions between A. fumigatus and the human airway epithelium. Here, we use inverted air-liquid interface cultures to demonstrate that the human airway epithelium responds to apical stimulation by A. fumigatus to promote the transepithelial migration of neutrophils from the basolateral membrane surface to the apical airway surface. Promoting epithelial transmigration with Aspergillus required prolonged exposure with live resting conidia. Swollen conidia did not expedite epithelial transmigration. Using A. fumigatus strains containing deletions of genes for cell wall components, we identified that deletion of the hydrophobic rodlet layer or dihydroxynaphthalene-melanin in the conidial cell wall amplified the epithelial transmigration of neutrophils, using primary human airway epithelium. Ultimately, we show that an as-yet-unidentified nonsecreted cell wall protein is required to promote the early epithelial transmigration of human neutrophils into the airspace in response to A. fumigatus Together, these data provide critical insight into the initial epithelial host response to Aspergillus.
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47
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Chongkae S, Nosanchuk JD, Pruksaphon K, Laliam A, Pornsuwan S, Youngchim S. Production of melanin pigments in saprophytic fungi in vitro and during infection. J Basic Microbiol 2019; 59:1092-1104. [PMID: 31613011 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201900295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Melanins are one of the great natural pigments produced by a wide variety of fungal species that promote fitness and cell survival in diverse hostile environments, including during mammalian infection. In this study, we sought to demonstrate the production of melanin in the conidia and hyphae of saprophytic fungi, including dematiaceous and hyaline fungi. We showed that a melanin-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) avidly labeled the cell walls of hyphae and conidia, consistent with the presence of melanin in these structures, in 14 diverse fungal species. The conidia of saprophytic fungi were treated with proteolytic enzymes, denaturant, and concentrated hot acid to yield dark particles, which were shown to be stable free radicals, consistent with their identification as melanins. Samples obtained from patients with fungal keratitis due to Fusarium falciforme, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia lunata, Exserohilum rostratum, or Fonsecaea pedrosoi were found to be intensely labeled by the melanin-specific MAb at the fungal hyphal cell walls. These results support the hypothesis that melanin is a common component that promotes survival under harsh conditions and facilitates fungal virulence. Increased understanding of the processes of melanization and the development of methods to interfere with pigment formation may lead to novel approaches to combat these complex pathogens that are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriporn Chongkae
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx
| | - Kritsada Pruksaphon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Angkana Laliam
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Soraya Pornsuwan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirida Youngchim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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48
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Denham ST, Wambaugh MA, Brown JCS. How Environmental Fungi Cause a Range of Clinical Outcomes in Susceptible Hosts. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:2982-3009. [PMID: 31078554 PMCID: PMC6646061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Environmental fungi are globally ubiquitous and human exposure is near universal. However, relatively few fungal species are capable of infecting humans, and among fungi, few exposure events lead to severe systemic infections. Systemic infections have mortality rates of up to 90%, cost the US healthcare system $7.2 billion annually, and are typically associated with immunocompromised patients. Despite this reputation, exposure to environmental fungi results in a range of outcomes, from asymptomatic latent infections to severe systemic infection. Here we discuss different exposure outcomes for five major fungal pathogens: Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Cryptococcus, and Histoplasma species. These fungi include a mold, a budding yeast, and thermal dimorphic fungi. All of these species must adapt to dramatically changing environments over the course of disease. These dynamic environments include the human lung, which is the first exposure site for these organisms. Fungi must defend themselves against host immune cells while germinating and growing, which risks further exposing microbe-associated molecular patterns to the host. We discuss immune evasion strategies during early infection, from disruption of host immune cells to major changes in fungal cell morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Denham
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Department, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Morgan A Wambaugh
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Department, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Jessica C S Brown
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Department, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
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49
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Song J, Li R, Jiang J. Copper Homeostasis in Aspergillus fumigatus: Opportunities for Therapeutic Development. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:774. [PMID: 31031736 PMCID: PMC6473158 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus can cause severe invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised individuals. Copper, an essential but potentially toxic trace element for A. fumigatus, plays a critical role at the host-pathogen axis during infection. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the host utilizes copper compartmentalization within macrophages to combat A. fumigatus infection. To survive under host-imposed copper toxicity, A. fumigatus has evolved sophisticated machinery to regulate copper homeostasis. Thus, targeting molecular pathways critical for copper homeostasis regulation provides an opportunity to improve therapeutic options for aspergillosis caused by A. fumigatus. In this review, we describe the copper homeostatic mechanisms by which A. fumigatus acquires and controls copper levels and explores the responses of the pathogen to alter copper levels in the host. Finally, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms of copper homeostasis that could be targeted for antifungal drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxing Song
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Rongpeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jihong Jiang
- The Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province and School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China
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50
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Melanin and pyomelanin in Aspergillus fumigatus: from its genetics to host interaction. Int Microbiol 2019; 23:55-63. [PMID: 31020477 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-019-00078-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a worldwide-distributed saprophytic fungus and the major cause of invasive aspergillosis. This fungus can produce two types of melanin-dihydroxynaphthalene melanin (DHN-melanin) and pyomelanin. These pigments are considered important resistance mechanisms to stress, as well as virulence factors. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge of the genetic basis and metabolic pathways of melanin production, their activation, function, and interaction with the host immune system. The DHN-melanin pathway is encoded in a cluster that includes six genes (abr1, abr2, ayg1, arp1, arp2, and pksP/alb1 genes) whose encoded proteins seem to be the origin of the pigment in endosomes. These vesicles are secreted and the pigment is subsequently located in the wall of the conidium beneath the rodlet layer. Unlike DHN-melanin, pyomelanin does not have its own biosynthetic pathway but is related to the activation of the L-tyrosine/L-phenylalanine degradation pathway that includes a cluster of six genes (hppD, hmgX, hmgA, fahA, maiA, and hmgR). Its production is due to the polymerization of homogentisic acid and is linked to conidial germination. Despite the knowledge gained in recent years, further studies will be necessary to confirm the pathways that produce these pigments and their role in the virulence mechanisms of A. fumigatus.
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