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Mihaylova NM, Manoylov IK, Nikolova MH, Prechl J, Tchorbanov AI. DNA and protein-generated chimeric molecules for delivery of influenza viral epitopes in mouse and humanized NSG transfer models. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2292381. [PMID: 38193304 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2292381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Purified subunit viral antigens are weakly immunogenic and stimulate only the antibody but not the T cell-mediated immune response. An alternative approach to inducing protective immunity with small viral peptides may be the targeting of viral epitopes to immunocompetent cells by DNA and protein-engineered vaccines. This review will focus on DNA and protein-generated chimeric molecules carrying engineered fragments specific for activating cell surface co-receptors for inducing protective antiviral immunity. Adjuvanted protein-based vaccine or DNA constructs encoding simultaneously T- and B-cell peptide epitopes from influenza viral hemagglutinin, and scFvs specific for costimulatory immune cell receptors may induce a significant increase of anti-influenza antibody levels and strong CTL activity against virus-infected cells in a manner that mimics the natural infection. Here we summarize the development of several DNA and protein chimeric constructs carrying influenza virus HA317-41 fragment. The generated engineered molecules were used for immunization in intact murine and experimentally humanized NSG mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolina M Mihaylova
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Iliyan K Manoylov
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria H Nikolova
- National Reference Laboratory of Immunology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Andrey I Tchorbanov
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
- National Institute of Immunology, Sofia, Bulgaria
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2
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Carr DJJ, Filiberti A, Gmyrek GB. Complement Suppresses the Initial Type 1 Interferon Response to Ocular Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection in Mice. Pathogens 2024; 13:74. [PMID: 38251381 PMCID: PMC10820508 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The complement system (CS) contributes to the initial containment of viral and bacterial pathogens and clearance of dying cells in circulation. We previously reported mice deficient in complement component 3 (C3KO mice) were more sensitive than wild-type (WT) mice to ocular HSV-1 infection, as measured by a reduction in cumulative survival and elevated viral titers in the nervous system but not the cornea between days three and seven post infection (pi). The present study was undertaken to determine if complement deficiency impacted virus replication and associated changes in inflammation at earlier time points in the cornea. C3KO mice were found to possess significantly (p < 0.05) less infectious virus in the cornea at 24 h pi that corresponded with a decrease in HSV-1 lytic gene expression at 12 and 24 h pi compared to WT animals. Flow cytometry acquisition found no differences in the myeloid cell populations residing in the cornea including total macrophage and neutrophil populations at 24 h pi with minimal infiltrating cell populations detected at the 12 h pi time point. Analysis of cytokine and chemokine content in the cornea measured at 12 and 24 h pi revealed that only CCL3 (MIP-1α) was found to be different between WT and C3KO mice with >2-fold increased levels (p < 0.05, ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc t-test) in the cornea of WT mice at 12 h pi. C3KO mouse resistance to HSV-1 infection at the early time points correlated with a significant increase in type I interferon (IFN) gene expression including IFN-α1 and IFN-β and downstream effector genes including tetherin and RNase L (p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney rank order test). These results suggest early activation of the CS interferes with the induction of the type I IFN response and leads to a transient increase in virus replication following corneal HSV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. J. Carr
- Department of Ophthalmology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (A.F.); (G.B.G.)
| | - Adrian Filiberti
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (A.F.); (G.B.G.)
| | - Grzegorz B. Gmyrek
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; (A.F.); (G.B.G.)
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3
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Heggi MT, Nour El-Din HT, Morsy DI, Abdelaziz NI, Attia AS. Microbial evasion of the complement system: a continuous and evolving story. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1281096. [PMID: 38239357 PMCID: PMC10794618 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1281096] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The complement system is a fundamental part of the innate immune system that plays a key role in the battle of the human body against invading pathogens. Through its three pathways, represented by the classical, alternative, and lectin pathways, the complement system forms a tightly regulated network of soluble proteins, membrane-expressed receptors, and regulators with versatile protective and killing mechanisms. However, ingenious pathogens have developed strategies over the years to protect themselves from this complex part of the immune system. This review briefly discusses the sequence of the complement activation pathways. Then, we present a comprehensive updated overview of how the major four pathogenic groups, namely, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, control, modulate, and block the complement attacks at different steps of the complement cascade. We shed more light on the ability of those pathogens to deploy more than one mechanism to tackle the complement system in their path to establish infection within the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam T. Heggi
- Clinical Pharmacy Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hanzada T. Nour El-Din
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Ahmed S. Attia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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4
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Aguinagalde Salazar L, den Boer MA, Castenmiller SM, Zwarthoff SA, de Haas C, Aerts PC, Beurskens FJ, Schuurman J, Heck AJR, van Kessel K, Rooijakkers SHM. Promoting Fc-Fc interactions between anti-capsular antibodies provides strong immune protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae. eLife 2023; 12:80669. [PMID: 36947116 PMCID: PMC10032657 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia and an important cause of childhood mortality. Despite the introduction of successful vaccines, the global spread of both non-vaccine serotypes and antibiotic-resistant strains reinforces the development of alternative therapies against this pathogen. One possible route is the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that induce killing of bacteria via the immune system. Here, we investigate whether mAbs can be used to induce killing of pneumococcal serotypes for which the current vaccines show unsuccessful protection. Our study demonstrates that when human mAbs against pneumococcal capsule polysaccharides (CPS) have a poor capacity to induce complement activation, a critical process for immune protection against pneumococci, their activity can be strongly improved by hexamerization-enhancing mutations. Our data indicate that anti-capsular antibodies may have a low capacity to form higher-order oligomers (IgG hexamers) that are needed to recruit complement component C1. Indeed, specific point mutations in the IgG-Fc domain that strengthen hexamerization strongly enhance C1 recruitment and downstream complement activation on encapsulated pneumococci. Specifically, hexamerization-enhancing mutations E430G or E345K in CPS6-IgG strongly potentiate complement activation on S. pneumoniae strains that express capsular serotype 6 (CPS6), and the highly invasive serotype 19A strain. Furthermore, these mutations improve complement activation via mAbs recognizing CPS3 and CPS8 strains. Importantly, hexamer-enhancing mutations enable mAbs to induce strong opsonophagocytic killing by human neutrophils. Finally, passive immunization with CPS6-IgG1-E345K protected mice from developing severe pneumonia. Altogether, this work provides an important proof of concept for future optimization of antibody therapies against encapsulated bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurits A den Boer
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Suzanne M Castenmiller
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Seline A Zwarthoff
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Carla de Haas
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Piet C Aerts
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Albert J R Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kok van Kessel
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Suzan H M Rooijakkers
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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5
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Ganchiku Y, Riella LV. Pig-to-human kidney transplantation using brain-dead donors as recipients: One giant leap, or only one small step for transplantkind? Xenotransplantation 2022; 29:e12748. [PMID: 35616243 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pig kidney xenotransplantation is increasingly regarded as a realistic solution to the current shortage of human organ donors for patients with end-stage organ failure. Recently, the news of three pig-to-human transplantation cases has awakened public interest. Notably, the case by the Alabama team reported detailed and important findings for the xenotransplantation field. Using a genetically modified pig, two porcine kidneys were transplanted into a brain-dead recipient. They applied several approaches established in the preclinical NHP study, including gene-edited pig kidney graft and preoperative laboratory inspection such as crossmatching and infection screening. The pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation had no unexpected events during surgery or evidence of hyperacute rejection. Unfortunately, the grafts did not work appropriately, and the study had to be terminated due to the decompensation of the recipient. While this study demonstrated the outstanding achievement in this research area, it also revealed remaining gaps to move xenotransplantation to the clinic. While brain-dead human recipients could reinforce the compatibility achievements of gene-edited pigs in NHP, their pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant environment, in combination with short-duration of experiments will limit the assessment of kidney function, infection and rejection risk post-transplant, in particular antibody-mediated rejection. The use of successful immunosuppressive protocols of non-human primates xenotransplant experiments including anti-CD154 antibody will be critical to maximize the success in the first in-human trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Ganchiku
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leonardo V Riella
- Center for Transplantation Sciences, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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6
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Abstract
Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) often straddle the divide between life and death. Understanding the complex underlying pathomechanisms relevant to such situations may help intensivists select broadly acting treatment options that can improve the outcome for these patients. As one of the most important defense mechanisms of the innate immune system, the complement system plays a crucial role in a diverse spectrum of diseases that can necessitate ICU admission. Among others, myocardial infarction, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), organ failure, and sepsis are characterized by an inadequate complement response, which can potentially be addressed via promising intervention options. Often, ICU monitoring and existing treatment options rely on massive intervention strategies to maintain the function of vital organs, and these approaches can further contribute to an unbalanced complement response. Artificial surfaces of extracorporeal organ support devices, transfusion of blood products, and the application of anticoagulants can all trigger or amplify undesired complement activation. It is, therefore, worth pursuing the evaluation of complement inhibition strategies in the setting of ICU treatment. Recently, clinical studies in COVID-19-related ARDS have shown promising effects of central inhibition at the level of C3 and paved the way for prospective investigation of this approach. In this review, we highlight the fundamental and often neglected role of complement in the ICU, with a special focus on targeted complement inhibition. We will also consider complement substitution therapies to temporarily counteract a disease/treatment-related complement consumption.
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7
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Tsao LC, Crosby EJ, Trotter TN, Wei J, Wang T, Yang X, Summers AN, Lei G, Rabiola CA, Chodosh LA, Muller WJ, Lyerly HK, Hartman ZC. Trastuzumab/Pertuzumab combination therapy stimulates anti-tumor responses through complement-dependent cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. JCI Insight 2022; 7:155636. [PMID: 35167491 PMCID: PMC8986081 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.155636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard-of-care treatment for advanced HER2+ breast cancers (BC) is comprised of two HER2-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb), Trastuzumab (T) and Pertuzumab (P) with chemotherapy. While this combination (T+P) is highly effective, its synergistic mechanism of action (MOA) is not completely known. Initial studies had demonstrated that Pertuzumab suppressed HER2 hetero-dimerization as the potential therapeutic MOA, thus the improved outcome associated with the T+P combination MOA compared to Trastuzumab alone has been widely reported as being due to Pertuzumab-mediated suppression of HER2 signaling in combination with Trastuzumab-mediated induction of anti-tumor immunity. Unraveling this MOA may be critical to extend this combination strategy to other antigens or other cancers, as well as improving this current treatment modality. Using novel murine and human versions of Pertuzumab, we found it induced both Antibody-Dependent-Cellular-Phagocytosis (ADCP) by tumor-associated macrophages and suppression of HER2 oncogenic signaling. Most significantly, we identified that only T+P combination therapy, but not when either antibody used in isolation, allows for the activation of the classical complement pathway, resulting in both direct complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) as well as complement-dependent cellular phagocytosis (CDCP) of HER2+ BC cells. Notably, we show that tumor expression of C1q was positively associated with survival outcome in HER2+ BC patients, whereas expression of complement regulators CD55 and CD59 were inversely correlated, suggesting the importance of complement activity in clinical outcomes. Accordingly, inhibition of C1 activity in mice abolished the synergistic therapeutic activity of T+P therapy, whereas knockdown of CD55 and CD59 expression enhanced T+P efficacy. In summary, our study identifies classical complement activation as a significant anti-tumor MOA for T+P therapy that may be functionally enhanced to augment therapeutic efficacy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Chung Tsao
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, United States of America
| | - Erika J Crosby
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, United States of America
| | - Timothy N Trotter
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, United States of America
| | - Junping Wei
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, United States of America
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, United States of America
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, United States of America
| | - Amanda N Summers
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, United States of America
| | - Gangjun Lei
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, United States of America
| | | | - Lewis A Chodosh
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | | | - Herbert Kim Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, United States of America
| | - Zachary C Hartman
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, United States of America
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8
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Braunger K, Ahn J, Jore MM, Johnson S, Tang TTL, Pedersen DV, Andersen GR, Lea SM. Structure and function of a family of tick-derived complement inhibitors targeting properdin. Nat Commun 2022; 13:317. [PMID: 35031611 PMCID: PMC8760278 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27920-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the serum-resident complement system begins a cascade that leads to activation of membrane-resident complement receptors on immune cells, thus coordinating serum and cellular immune responses. Whilst many molecules act to control inappropriate activation, Properdin is the only known positive regulator of the human complement system. By stabilising the alternative pathway C3 convertase it promotes complement self-amplification and persistent activation boosting the magnitude of the serum complement response by all triggers. In this work, we identify a family of tick-derived alternative pathway complement inhibitors, hereafter termed CirpA. Functional and structural characterisation reveals that members of the CirpA family directly bind to properdin, inhibiting its ability to promote complement activation, and leading to potent inhibition of the complement response in a species specific manner. We provide a full functional and structural characterisation of a properdin inhibitor, opening avenues for future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Braunger
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
| | - Jiyoon Ahn
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Steven Johnson
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK.
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 21702, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Terence T L Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dennis V Pedersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gregers R Andersen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susan M Lea
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK.
- Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 21702, Frederick, MD, USA.
- Central Oxford Structural Molecular Imaging Centre, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, Oxford, UK.
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9
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Zewde NT, Hsu RV, Morikis D, Palermo G. Systems Biology Modeling of the Complement System Under Immune Susceptible Pathogens. FRONTIERS IN PHYSICS 2021; 9:603704. [PMID: 35145963 PMCID: PMC8827490 DOI: 10.3389/fphy.2021.603704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is assembled from a network of proteins that function to bring about the first line of defense of the body against invading pathogens. However, complement deficiencies or invasive pathogens can hijack complement to subsequently increase susceptibility of the body to infections. Moreover, invasive pathogens are increasingly becoming resistant to the currently available therapies. Hence, it is important to gain insights into the highly dynamic interaction between complement and invading microbes in the frontlines of immunity. Here, we developed a mathematical model of the complement system composed of 670 ordinary differential equations with 328 kinetic parameters, which describes all three complement pathways (alternative, classical, and lectin) and includes description of mannose-binding lectin, collectins, ficolins, factor H-related proteins, immunoglobulin M, and pentraxins. Additionally, we incorporate two pathogens: (type 1) complement susceptible pathogen and (type 2) Neisseria meningitidis located in either nasopharynx or bloodstream. In both cases, we generate time profiles of the pathogen surface occupied by complement components and the membrane attack complex (MAC). Our model shows both pathogen types in bloodstream are saturated by complement proteins, whereas MACs occupy <<1.0% of the pathogen surface. Conversely, the MAC production in nasopharynx occupies about 1.5-10% of the total N. meningitidis surface, thus making nasal MAC levels at least about eight orders of magnitude higher. Altogether, we predict complement-imbalance, favoring overactivation, is associated with nasopharynx homeostasis. Conversely, orientating toward complement-balance may cause disruption to the nasopharynx homeostasis. Thus, for sporadic meningococcal disease, our model predicts rising nasal levels of complement regulators as early infection biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehemiah T. Zewde
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Rohaine V. Hsu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Dimitrios Morikis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Correspondence: Giulia Palermo, , Dimitrios Morikis,
| | - Giulia Palermo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Correspondence: Giulia Palermo, , Dimitrios Morikis,
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10
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Narkhede YB, Gautam AK, Hsu RV, Rodriguez W, Zewde NT, Harrison RES, Arantes PR, Gaieb Z, Gorham RD, Kieslich C, Morikis D, Sahu A, Palermo G. Role of Electrostatic Hotspots in the Selectivity of Complement Control Proteins Toward Human and Bovine Complement Inhibition. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:618068. [PMID: 33829039 PMCID: PMC8020814 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.618068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Poxviruses are dangerous pathogens, which can cause fatal infection in unvaccinated individuals. The causative agent of smallpox in humans, variola virus, is closely related to the bovine vaccinia virus, yet the molecular basis of their selectivity is currently incompletely understood. Here, we examine the role of the electrostatics in the selectivity of the smallpox protein SPICE and vaccinia protein VCP toward the human and bovine complement protein C3b, a key component of the complement immune response. Electrostatic calculations, in-silico alanine-scan and electrostatic hotspot analysis, as introduced by Kieslich and Morikis (PLoS Comput. Biol. 2012), are used to assess the electrostatic complementarity and to identify sites resistant to local perturbation where the electrostatic potential is likely to be evolutionary conserved. The calculations suggest that the bovine C3b is electrostatically prone to selectively bind its VCP ligand. On the other hand, the human isoform of C3b exhibits a lower electrostatic complementarity toward its SPICE ligand. Yet, the human C3b displays a highly preserved electrostatic core, which suggests that this isoform could be less selective in binding different ligands like SPICE and the human Factor H. This is supported by experimental cofactor activity assays revealing that the human C3b is prone to bind both SPICE and Factor H, which exhibit diverse electrostatic properties. Additional investigations considering mutants of SPICE and VCP that revert their selectivity reveal an “electrostatic switch” into the central modules of the ligands, supporting the critical role of the electrostatics in the selectivity. Taken together, these evidences provide insights into the selectivity mechanism of the complement regulator proteins encoded by the variola and vaccinia viruses to circumvent the complement immunity and exert their pathogenic action. These fundamental aspects are valuable for the development of novel vaccines and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh B Narkhede
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Avneesh K Gautam
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, India
| | - Rohaine V Hsu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Wilson Rodriguez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Nehemiah T Zewde
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Reed E S Harrison
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Pablo R Arantes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Zied Gaieb
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Ronald D Gorham
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Chris Kieslich
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Dimitrios Morikis
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA
| | - Arvind Sahu
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind, India
| | - Giulia Palermo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA
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11
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Harrison RES, Zewde NT, Narkhede YB, Hsu RV, Morikis D, Vullev VI, Palermo G. Factor H-Inspired Design of Peptide Biomarkers of the Complement C3d Protein. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1054-1059. [PMID: 32435425 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
C3d is a hallmark protein of the complement system, whose presence is critical to measure the progression of several immune diseases. Here, we propose to directly target C3d through small peptides mimicking the binding of its natural ligand, the complement regulator Factor H (FH). Through iterative computational analysis and binding affinity experiments, we establish a rationale for the structure-based design of FH-inspired peptides, leading to low-micromolar affinity for C3d and stable binding over microsecond-length simulations. Our FH-inspired peptides call now for further optimization toward high-affinity binding and suggest that small peptides are promising as novel C3d biomarkers and therapeutic tools.
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12
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Sikorski PM, Commodaro AG, Grigg ME. Toxoplasma gondii Recruits Factor H and C4b-Binding Protein to Mediate Resistance to Serum Killing and Promote Parasite Persistence in vivo. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3105. [PMID: 32010145 PMCID: PMC6979546 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulating complement is an important step in the establishment of infection by microbial pathogens. Toxoplasma gondii actively resists complement-mediated killing in non-immune human serum (NHS) by inactivating C3b, however the precise molecular basis is unknown. Here, a flow cytometry-based C3b binding assay demonstrated that Type II strains had significantly higher levels of surface-bound C3b than Type I strains. However, both strains efficiently inactivated C3b and were equally resistant to serum killing, suggesting that resistance is not strain-dependent. Toxoplasma activated both the lectin (LP) and alternative (AP) pathways, and the deposition of C3b was both strain and lectin-dependent. A flow cytometry-based lectin binding assay identified strain-specific differences in the level and heterogeneity of surface glycans detected. Specifically, increased lectin-binding by Type II strains correlated with higher levels of the LP recognition receptor mannose binding lectin (MBL). Western blot analyses demonstrated that Toxoplasma recruits both classical pathway (CP) and LP regulator C4b-binding proteins (C4BP) and AP regulator Factor H (FH) to the parasite surface to inactivate bound C3b-iC3b and C3dg and limit formation of the C5b-9 attack complex. Blocking FH and C4BP contributed to increased C5b-9 formation in vitro. However, parasite susceptibility in vitro was only impacted when FH was blocked, indicating that down regulation of the alternative pathway by FH may be more critical for parasite resistance. Infection of C3 deficient mice led to uncontrolled parasite growth, acute mortality, and reduced antibody production, indicating that both the presence of C3, and the ability of the parasite to inactivate C3, was protective. Taken together, our results establish that Toxoplasma regulation of the complement system renders mice resistant to acute infection by limiting parasite proliferation in vivo, but susceptible to chronic infection, with all mice developing transmissible cysts to maintain its life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Sikorski
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Centre, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Alessandra G Commodaro
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michael E Grigg
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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13
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Zewde NT. Multiscale Solutions to Quantitative Systems Biology Models. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:119. [PMID: 31737643 PMCID: PMC6831518 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nehemiah T Zewde
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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14
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Futoma-Kołoch B, Bugla-Płoskońska G, Dudek B, Dorotkiewicz-Jach A, Drulis-Kawa Z, Gamian A. Outer Membrane Proteins of Salmonella as Potential Markers of Resistance to Serum, Antibiotics and Biocides. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1960-1978. [PMID: 30378478 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181031130851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Salmonellosis continues to be a significant worldwide health problem. Despite rapid progress in identifying mechanisms of Salmonella virulence and resistance to chemicals, our knowledge of these mechanisms remains limited. Furthermore, it appears that the resistance to antibiotics can be amplified by ubiquitous usage of the disinfectants (biocides), both by industry and by ordinary households. Salmonella, as other Gram-negative bacteria possess outer membrane proteins (OMPs), which participate in maintaining cell integrity, adapting to environment, and interacting with infected host. Moreover, the OMPs may also contribute to resistance to antibacterials. This review summarizes the role of OMPs in Salmonella serum resistance, antibiotics resistance and cross-resistance to biocides. Although collected data do not allow to assign OMPs as markers of the Salmonella susceptibility to the above-mentioned factors, some of these proteins retain a dominant presence in certain types of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bożena Futoma-Kołoch
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63-77, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Gabriela Bugla-Płoskońska
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63-77, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Dudek
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63-77, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agata Dorotkiewicz-Jach
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63-77, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Drulis-Kawa
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63-77, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Gamian
- Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
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15
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Willems E, Alkema W, Keizer-Garritsen J, Suppers A, van der Flier M, Philipsen RHLA, van den Heuvel LP, Volokhina E, van der Molen RG, Herberg JA, Levin M, Wright VJ, Ahout IML, Ferwerda G, Emonts M, Boeddha NP, Rivero-Calle I, Torres FM, Wessels HJCT, de Groot R, van Gool AJ, Gloerich J, de Jonge MI. Biosynthetic homeostasis and resilience of the complement system in health and infectious disease. EBioMedicine 2019; 45:303-313. [PMID: 31262714 PMCID: PMC6642076 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complement system is a central component of the innate immune system. Constitutive biosynthesis of complement proteins is essential for homeostasis. Dysregulation as a consequence of genetic or environmental cues can lead to inflammatory syndromes or increased susceptibility to infection. However, very little is known about steady state levels in children or its kinetics during infection. METHODS With a newly developed multiplex mass spectrometry-based method we analyzed the levels of 32 complement proteins in healthy individuals and in a group of pediatric patients infected with bacterial or viral pathogens. FINDINGS In plasma from young infants we found reduced levels of C4BP, ficolin-3, factor B, classical pathway components C1QA, C1QB, C1QC, C1R, and terminal pathway components C5, C8, C9, as compared to healthy adults; whereas the majority of complement regulating (inhibitory) proteins reach adult levels at very young age. Both viral and bacterial infections in children generally lead to a slight overall increase in complement levels, with some exceptions. The kinetics of complement levels during invasive bacterial infections only showed minor changes, except for a significant increase and decrease of CRP and clusterin, respectively. INTERPRETATION The combination of lower levels of activating and higher levels of regulating complement proteins, would potentially raise the threshold of activation, which might lead to suppressed complement activation in the first phase of life. There is hardly any measurable complement consumption during bacterial or viral infection. Altogether, expression of the complement proteins appears surprisingly stable, which suggests that the system is continuously replenished. FUND: European Union's Horizon 2020, project PERFORM, grant agreement No. 668303.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Willems
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Wynand Alkema
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jenneke Keizer-Garritsen
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anouk Suppers
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel van der Flier
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ria H L A Philipsen
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lambert P van den Heuvel
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Volokhina
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Renate G van der Molen
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jethro A Herberg
- Department of Medicine, Section for Paediatrics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Medicine, Section for Paediatrics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria J Wright
- Department of Medicine, Section for Paediatrics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Inge M L Ahout
- Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerben Ferwerda
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Emonts
- Department of Paediatric Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Allergy, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre based at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Navin P Boeddha
- Intensive Care and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Irene Rivero-Calle
- Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Federico Martinon Torres
- Translational Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Hans J C T Wessels
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald de Groot
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alain J van Gool
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jolein Gloerich
- Translational Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marien I de Jonge
- Section Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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16
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Zhou H, Hara H, Cooper DK. The complex functioning of the complement system in xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2019; 26:e12517. [PMID: 31033064 PMCID: PMC6717021 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The role of complement in xenotransplantation is well-known and is a topic that has been reviewed previously. However, our understanding of the immense complexity of its interaction with other constituents of the innate immune response and of the coagulation, adaptive immune, and inflammatory responses to a xenograft is steadily increasing. In addition, the complement system plays a function in metabolism and homeostasis. New reviews at intervals are therefore clearly warranted. The pathways of complement activation, the function of the complement system, and the interaction between complement and coagulation, inflammation, and the adaptive immune system in relation to xenotransplantation are reviewed. Through several different mechanisms, complement activation is a major factor in contributing to xenograft failure. In the organ-source pig, the detrimental influence of the complement system is seen during organ harvest and preservation, for example, in ischemia-reperfusion injury. In the recipient, the effect of complement can be seen through its interaction with the immune, coagulation, and inflammatory responses. Genetic-engineering and other therapeutic methods by which the xenograft can be protected from the effects of complement activation are discussed. The review provides an updated source of reference to this increasingly complex subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmin Zhou
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Xenotransplantation Program, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Hidetaka Hara
- Xenotransplantation Program, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - David K.C. Cooper
- Xenotransplantation Program, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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17
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Rungelrath V, Weiße C, Schütze N, Müller U, Meurer M, Rohde M, Seele J, Valentin-Weigand P, Kirschfink M, Beineke A, Schrödl W, Bergmann R, Baums CG. IgM cleavage by Streptococcus suis reduces IgM bound to the bacterial surface and is a novel complement evasion mechanism. Virulence 2019; 9:1314-1337. [PMID: 30001174 PMCID: PMC6177247 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1496778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) causes meningitis, arthritis and endocarditis in piglets. The aim of this study was to characterize the IgM degrading enzyme of S. suis (IdeSsuis) and to investigate the role of IgM cleavage in evasion of the classical complement pathway and pathogenesis. Targeted mutagenesis of a cysteine in the putative active center of IdeSsuis abrogated IgM cleavage completely. In contrast to wt rIdeSsuis, point mutated rIdeSsuis_C195S did not reduce complement-mediated hemolysis indicating that complement inhibition by rIdeSsuis depends on the IgM proteolytic activity. A S. suis mutant expressing IdeSsuis_C195S did not reduce IgM labeling, whereas the wt and complemented mutant showed less IgM F(ab’)2 and IgM Fc antigen on the surface. IgM cleavage increased survival of S. suis in porcine blood ex vivo and mediated complement evasion as demonstrated by blood survival and C3 deposition assays including the comparative addition of rIdeSsuis and rIdeSsuis_C195S. However, experimental infection of piglets disclosed no significant differences in virulence between S. suis wt and isogenic mutants without IgM cleavage activity. This work revealed for the first time in vivo labeling of S. suis with IgM in the cerebrospinal fluid of piglets with meningitis. In conclusion, this study classifies IdeSsuis as a cysteine protease and emphasizes the role of IgM cleavage for bacterial survival in porcine blood and complement evasion though IgM cleavage is not crucial for the pathogenesis of serotype 2 meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Rungelrath
- a Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Faculty , University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Christine Weiße
- a Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Faculty , University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Nicole Schütze
- b Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Faculty , University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Uwe Müller
- b Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Faculty , University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Marita Meurer
- c Department of Physiological Chemistry and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ) , University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover , Hannover , Germany
| | - Manfred Rohde
- d Central Facility for Microscopy , Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research , Braunschweig , Germany
| | - Jana Seele
- e Department of Neuropathology , University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany.,f Department of Geriatrics , Evangelisches Krankenhaus Göttingen-Weende , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Peter Valentin-Weigand
- g Institute for Microbiology, Centre for Infection Medicine , University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover , Hanover , Germany
| | - Michael Kirschfink
- h Institute of Immunology , University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- i Department of Pathology , University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover , Hannover , Germany
| | - Wieland Schrödl
- a Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Faculty , University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - René Bergmann
- a Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Faculty , University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
| | - Christoph Georg Baums
- a Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Veterinary Faculty , University of Leipzig , Leipzig , Germany
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18
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Cooper DKC, Hara H, Iwase H, Yamamoto T, Li Q, Ezzelarab M, Federzoni E, Dandro A, Ayares D. Justification of specific genetic modifications in pigs for clinical organ xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation 2019; 26:e12516. [PMID: 30989742 PMCID: PMC10154075 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Xenotransplantation research has made considerable progress in recent years, largely through the increasing availability of pigs with multiple genetic modifications. We suggest that a pig with nine genetic modifications (ie, currently available) will provide organs (initially kidneys and hearts) that would function for a clinically valuable period of time, for example, >12 months, after transplantation into patients with end-stage organ failure. The national regulatory authorities, however, will likely require evidence, based on in vitro and/or in vivo experimental data, to justify the inclusion of each individual genetic modification in the pig. We provide data both from our own experience and that of others on the advantages of pigs in which (a) all three known carbohydrate xenoantigens have been deleted (triple-knockout pigs), (b) two human complement-regulatory proteins (CD46, CD55) and two human coagulation-regulatory proteins (thrombomodulin, endothelial cell protein C receptor) are expressed, (c) the anti-apoptotic and "anti-inflammatory" molecule, human hemeoxygenase-1 is expressed, and (d) human CD47 is expressed to suppress elements of the macrophage and T-cell responses. Although many alternative genetic modifications could be made to an organ-source pig, we suggest that the genetic manipulations we identify above will all contribute to the success of the initial clinical pig kidney or heart transplants, and that the beneficial contribution of each individual manipulation is supported by considerable experimental evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K C Cooper
- Xenotransplantation Program, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Hidetaka Hara
- Xenotransplantation Program, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Hayato Iwase
- Xenotransplantation Program, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Takayuki Yamamoto
- Xenotransplantation Program, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Qi Li
- Xenotransplantation Program, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang City, China
| | - Mohamed Ezzelarab
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Elena Federzoni
- Exponential Biotherapeutic Engineering, United Therapeutics, LaJolla, California
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19
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Structural determination of the complement inhibitory domain of Borrelia burgdorferi BBK32 provides insight into classical pathway complement evasion by Lyme disease spirochetes. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007659. [PMID: 30897158 PMCID: PMC6445466 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The carboxy-terminal domain of the BBK32 protein from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, termed BBK32-C, binds and inhibits the initiating serine protease of the human classical complement pathway, C1r. In this study we investigated the function of BBK32 orthologues of the Lyme-associated Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, designated BAD16 from B. afzelii strain PGau and BGD19 from B. garinii strain IP90. Our data show that B. afzelii BAD16-C exhibits BBK32-C-like activities in all assays tested, including high-affinity binding to purified C1r protease and C1 complex, and potent inhibition of the classical complement pathway. Recombinant B. garinii BGD19-C also bound C1 and C1r with high-affinity yet exhibited significantly reduced in vitro complement inhibitory activities relative to BBK32-C or BAD16-C. Interestingly, natively produced BGD19 weakly recognized C1r relative to BBK32 and BAD16 and, unlike these proteins, BGD19 did not confer significant protection from serum killing. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to convert BBK32-C to resemble BGD19-C at three residue positions that are identical between BBK32 and BAD16 but different in BGD19. The resulting chimeric protein was designated BXK32-C and this BBK32-C variant mimicked the properties observed for BGD19-C. To query the disparate complement inhibitory activities of BBK32 orthologues, the crystal structure of BBK32-C was solved to 1.7Å limiting resolution. BBK32-C adopts an anti-parallel four-helix bundle fold with a fifth alpha-helix protruding from the helical core. The structure revealed that the three residues targeted in the BXK32-C chimera are surface-exposed, further supporting their potential relevance in C1r binding and inhibition. Additional binding assays showed that BBK32-C only recognized C1r fragments containing the serine protease domain. The structure-function studies reported here improve our understanding of how BBK32 recognizes and inhibits C1r and provide new insight into complement evasion mechanisms of Lyme-associated spirochetes of the B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex.
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20
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Dasari P, Shopova IA, Stroe M, Wartenberg D, Martin-Dahse H, Beyersdorf N, Hortschansky P, Dietrich S, Cseresnyés Z, Figge MT, Westermann M, Skerka C, Brakhage AA, Zipfel PF. Aspf2 From Aspergillus fumigatus Recruits Human Immune Regulators for Immune Evasion and Cell Damage. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1635. [PMID: 30166981 PMCID: PMC6106110 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus can cause life-threatening infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Most pathogenic microbes control host innate immune responses at the earliest time, already before infiltrating host immune cells arrive at the site of infection. Here, we identify Aspf2 as the first A. fumigatus Factor H-binding protein. Aspf2 recruits several human plasma regulators, Factor H, factor-H-like protein 1 (FHL-1), FHR1, and plasminogen. Factor H contacts Aspf2 via two regions located in SCRs6–7 and SCR20. FHL-1 binds via SCRs6–7, and FHR1 via SCRs3–5. Factor H and FHL-1 attached to Aspf2-maintained cofactor activity and assisted in C3b inactivation. A Δaspf2 knockout strain was generated which bound Factor H with 28% and FHL-1 with 42% lower intensity. In agreement with less immune regulator acquisition, when challenged with complement-active normal human serum, Δaspf2 conidia had substantially more C3b (>57%) deposited on their surface. Consequently, Δaspf2 conidia were more efficiently phagocytosed (>20%) and killed (44%) by human neutrophils as wild-type conidia. Furthermore, Aspf2 recruited human plasminogen and, when activated by tissue-type plasminogen activator, newly generated plasmin cleaved the chromogenic substrate S2251 and degraded fibrinogen. Furthermore, plasmin attached to conidia damaged human lung epithelial cells, induced cell retraction, and caused matrix exposure. Thus, Aspf2 is a central immune evasion protein and plasminogen ligand of A. fumigatus. By blocking host innate immune attack and by disrupting human lung epithelial cell layers, Aspf2 assists in early steps of fungal infection and likely allows tissue penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Dasari
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Iordana A Shopova
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Maria Stroe
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Dirk Wartenberg
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Hans Martin-Dahse
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Niklas Beyersdorf
- University of Würzburg, Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hortschansky
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dietrich
- Research Group Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Faculty for Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Zoltán Cseresnyés
- Research Group Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Research Group Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Faculty for Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Westermann
- Electron Microscopy Center of the University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Christine Skerka
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Faculty for Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Peter F Zipfel
- Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.,Faculty for Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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21
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Stephenson J, Nutma E, van der Valk P, Amor S. Inflammation in CNS neurodegenerative diseases. Immunology 2018; 154:204-219. [PMID: 29513402 PMCID: PMC5980185 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 572] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, the leading cause of morbidity and disability, are gaining increased attention as they impose a considerable socioeconomic impact, due in part to the ageing community. Neuronal damage is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia and multiple sclerosis, although such damage is also observed following neurotropic viral infections, stroke, genetic white matter diseases and paraneoplastic disorders. Despite the different aetiologies, for example, infections, genetic mutations, trauma and protein aggregations, neuronal damage is frequently associated with chronic activation of an innate immune response in the CNS. The growing awareness that the immune system is inextricably involved in shaping the brain during development as well as mediating damage, but also regeneration and repair, has stimulated therapeutic approaches to modulate the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review the current understanding of how astrocytes and microglia, as well as neurons and oligodendrocytes, shape the neuroimmune response during development, and how aberrant responses that arise due to genetic or environmental triggers may predispose the CNS to neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss the known interactions between the peripheral immune system and the brain, and review the current concepts on how immune cells enter and leave the CNS. A better understanding of neuroimmune interactions during development and disease will be key to further manipulating these responses and the development of effective therapies to improve quality of life, and reduce the impact of neuroinflammatory and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Stephenson
- Centre for Neuroscience and TraumaBarts and the Blizard Institute, LondonSchool of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Department of PathologyVU University Medical CentreAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Erik Nutma
- Department of PathologyVU University Medical CentreAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Paul van der Valk
- Department of PathologyVU University Medical CentreAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Sandra Amor
- Centre for Neuroscience and TraumaBarts and the Blizard Institute, LondonSchool of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
- Department of PathologyVU University Medical CentreAmsterdamthe Netherlands
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22
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Natarajan N, Abbas Y, Bryant DM, Gonzalez-Rosa JM, Sharpe M, Uygur A, Cocco-Delgado LH, Ho NN, Gerard NP, Gerard CJ, MacRae CA, Burns CE, Burns CG, Whited JL, Lee RT. Complement Receptor C5aR1 Plays an Evolutionarily Conserved Role in Successful Cardiac Regeneration. Circulation 2018; 137:2152-2165. [PMID: 29348261 PMCID: PMC5953786 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.117.030801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Defining conserved molecular pathways in animal models of successful cardiac regeneration could yield insight into why adult mammals have inadequate cardiac regeneration after injury. Insight into the transcriptomic landscape of early cardiac regeneration from model organisms will shed light on evolutionarily conserved pathways in successful cardiac regeneration. METHODS Here we describe a cross-species transcriptomic screen in 3 model organisms for cardiac regeneration: axolotl, neonatal mice, and zebrafish. Apical resection to remove ≈10% to 20% of ventricular mass was carried out in these model organisms. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed on the hearts harvested at 3 time points: 12, 24, and 48 hours after resection. Sham surgery was used as internal control. RESULTS Genes associated with inflammatory processes were found to be upregulated in a conserved manner. Complement receptors (activated by complement components, part of the innate immune system) were found to be highly upregulated in all 3 species. This approach revealed induction of gene expression for complement 5a receptor 1 in the regenerating hearts of zebrafish, axolotls, and mice. Inhibition of complement 5a receptor 1 significantly attenuated the cardiomyocyte proliferative response to heart injury in all 3 species. Furthermore, after left ventricular apical resection, the cardiomyocyte proliferative response was diminished in mice with genetic deletion of complement 5a receptor 1. CONCLUSIONS These data reveal that activation of complement 5a receptor 1 mediates an evolutionarily conserved response that promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation after cardiac injury and identify complement pathway activation as a common pathway of successful heart regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niranjana Natarajan
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (N.N., Y.A., D.M.B., A.U., L.H.C.-D., N.N.H., J.L.W., R.T.L.)
| | - Yamen Abbas
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (N.N., Y.A., D.M.B., A.U., L.H.C.-D., N.N.H., J.L.W., R.T.L.)
| | - Donald M Bryant
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (N.N., Y.A., D.M.B., A.U., L.H.C.-D., N.N.H., J.L.W., R.T.L.).,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA (D.M.B., J.L.W.).,Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA (D.M.B., J.L.W.)
| | - Juan Manuel Gonzalez-Rosa
- Harvard Medical School and Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (J.M.G.-R., M.S., C.E.B., C.G.B.)
| | - Michka Sharpe
- Harvard Medical School and Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (J.M.G.-R., M.S., C.E.B., C.G.B.)
| | - Aysu Uygur
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (N.N., Y.A., D.M.B., A.U., L.H.C.-D., N.N.H., J.L.W., R.T.L.)
| | - Lucas H Cocco-Delgado
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (N.N., Y.A., D.M.B., A.U., L.H.C.-D., N.N.H., J.L.W., R.T.L.)
| | - Nhi Ngoc Ho
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (N.N., Y.A., D.M.B., A.U., L.H.C.-D., N.N.H., J.L.W., R.T.L.)
| | - Norma P Gerard
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, MA (C.J.G., N.P.G.).,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (C.J.G., N.P.G.).,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (C.J.G., N.P.G.)
| | - Craig J Gerard
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, MA (C.J.G., N.P.G.).,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (C.J.G., N.P.G.).,Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (C.J.G., N.P.G.)
| | - Calum A MacRae
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (C.A.M., R.T.L.)
| | - Caroline E Burns
- Harvard Medical School and Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (J.M.G.-R., M.S., C.E.B., C.G.B.)
| | - C Geoffrey Burns
- Harvard Medical School and Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (J.M.G.-R., M.S., C.E.B., C.G.B.)
| | - Jessica L Whited
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (N.N., Y.A., D.M.B., A.U., L.H.C.-D., N.N.H., J.L.W., R.T.L.).,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA (D.M.B., J.L.W.).,Allen Discovery Center, Tufts University, Medford, MA (D.M.B., J.L.W.)
| | - Richard T Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (N.N., Y.A., D.M.B., A.U., L.H.C.-D., N.N.H., J.L.W., R.T.L.) .,Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (C.A.M., R.T.L.)
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Hajishengallis G, Reis ES, Mastellos DC, Ricklin D, Lambris JD. Novel mechanisms and functions of complement. Nat Immunol 2017; 18:1288-1298. [PMID: 29144501 PMCID: PMC5706779 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Progress at the beginning of the 21st century transformed the perception of complement from that of a blood-based antimicrobial system to that of a global regulator of immunity and tissue homeostasis. More recent years have witnessed remarkable advances in structure-function insights and understanding of the mechanisms and locations of complement activation, which have added new layers of complexity to the biology of complement. This complexity is readily reflected by the multifaceted and contextual involvement of complement-driven networks in a wide range of inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. This Review provides an updated view of new and previously unanticipated functions of complement and how these affect immunity and disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Hajishengallis
- Department of Microbiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Edimara S Reis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dimitrios C Mastellos
- Division of Biodiagnostic Sciences and Technologies, INRASTES, National Center for Scientific Research 'Demokritos', Aghia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Comas M, Gordon CJ, Oliver BG, Stow NW, King G, Sharma P, Ammit AJ, Grunstein RR, Phillips CL. A circadian based inflammatory response – implications for respiratory disease and treatment. SLEEP SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2017. [DOI: 10.1186/s41606-017-0019-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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25
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Altamura LA, Cazares LH, Coyne SR, Jaissle JG, Jespersen AM, Ahmed S, Wasieloski LP, Garrison J, Kulesh DA, Brueggemann EE, Kenny T, Ward MD, Harbourt DE, Minogue TD. Inactivation of West Nile virus in serum with heat, ionic detergent, and reducing agent for proteomic applications. J Virol Methods 2017; 248:1-6. [PMID: 28532602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Research involving biosafety level 3 pathogens such as West Nile virus (WNV) is often limited by the limited space and technical constraints of these environments. To conduct complex analytical studies outside of high containment, robust and reliable inactivation methods are needed that maintain compatibility with downstream assays. Here we report the inactivation of WNV in spiked serum samples using a commercially available SDS-PAGE sample buffer for proteomic studies. Using this method, we demonstrate its utility by identification proteins differentially expressed in the serum of mice experimentally infected with WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis A Altamura
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States.
| | - Lisa H Cazares
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States; DOD Biotechnology High Performance Computing Software Applications Institute, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Susan R Coyne
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - James G Jaissle
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Alyssa M Jespersen
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Sundus Ahmed
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Leonard P Wasieloski
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Jeff Garrison
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - David A Kulesh
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Ernst E Brueggemann
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Tara Kenny
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Michael D Ward
- Molecular and Translational Sciences Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - David E Harbourt
- Biosafety Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Timothy D Minogue
- Diagnostic Systems Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD 21702, United States
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