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Abid A, Alzahrani B, Naz S, Basheer A, Bakhtiar SM, Al-Asmari F, Jamal SB, Faheem M. Reverse Vaccinology Approach to Identify Novel and Immunogenic Targets against Streptococcus gordonii. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:510. [PMID: 39056703 PMCID: PMC11274250 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Streptococcus gordonii is a gram-positive, mutualistic bacterium found in the human body. It is found in the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, and intestines, and presents a serious clinical problem because it can lead to opportunistic infections in individuals with weakened immune systems. Streptococci are the most prevalent inhabitants of oral microbial communities, and are typical oral commensals found in the human oral cavity. These streptococci, along with many other oral microbes, produce multispecies biofilms that can attach to salivary pellicle components and other oral bacteria via adhesin proteins expressed on the cell surface. Antibiotics are effective against this bacterium, but resistance against antibodies is increasing. Therefore, a more effective treatment is needed. Vaccines offer a promising method for preventing this issue. This study generated a multi-epitope vaccine against Streptococcus gordonii by targeting the completely sequenced proteomes of five strains. The vaccine targets are identified using a pangenome and subtractive proteomic approach. In the present study, 13 complete strains out of 91 strains of S. gordonii are selected. The pangenomics results revealed that out of 2835 pan genes, 1225 are core genes. Out of these 1225 core genes, 643 identified as non-homologous proteins by subtractive proteomics. A total of 20 essential proteins are predicted from non-homologous proteins. Among these 20 essential proteins, only five are identified as surface proteins. The vaccine construct is designed based on selected B- and T-cell epitopes of the antigenic proteins with the help of linkers and adjuvants. The designed vaccine is docked against TLR2. The expression of the protein is determined using in silico gene cloning. Findings concluded that Vaccine I with adjuvant shows higher interactions with TLR2, suggesting that the vaccine has the ability to induce a humoral and cell-mediated response to treat and prevent infection; this makes it promising as a vaccine against infectious diseases caused by S. gordonii. Furthermore, validation of the vaccine construct is required by in vitro and in vivo trials to check its actual potency and safety for use to prevent infectious diseases caused by S. gordonii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneeqa Abid
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Badr Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shumaila Naz
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan; (S.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Amina Basheer
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan; (S.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Syeda Marriam Bakhtiar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biosciences, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan; (A.A.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Fahad Al-Asmari
- Department of Food and Nutrition Sciences, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Syed Babar Jamal
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan; (S.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Muhammad Faheem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Science, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA
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Hager-Mair FF, Bloch S, Schäffer C. Glycolanguage of the oral microbiota. Mol Oral Microbiol 2024. [PMID: 38515284 DOI: 10.1111/omi.12456] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The oral cavity harbors a diverse and dynamic bacterial biofilm community which is pivotal to oral health maintenance and, if turning dysbiotic, can contribute to various diseases. Glycans as unsurpassed carriers of biological information are participating in underlying processes that shape oral health and disease. Bacterial glycoinfrastructure-encompassing compounds as diverse as glycoproteins, lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), cell wall glycopolymers, and exopolysaccharides-is well known to influence bacterial fitness, with direct effects on bacterial physiology, immunogenicity, lifestyle, and interaction and colonization capabilities. Thus, understanding oral bacterias' glycoinfrastructure and encoded glycolanguage is key to elucidating their pathogenicity mechanisms and developing targeted strategies for therapeutic intervention. Driven by their known immunological role, most research in oral glycobiology has been directed onto LPSs, whereas, recently, glycoproteins have been gaining increased interest. This review draws a multifaceted picture of the glycolanguage, with a focus on glycoproteins, manifested in prominent oral bacteria, such as streptococci, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. We first define the characteristics of the different glycoconjugate classes and then summarize the current status of knowledge of the structural diversity of glycoconjugates produced by oral bacteria, describe governing biosynthetic pathways, and list biological roles of these energetically costly compounds. Additionally, we highlight emerging research on the unraveling impact of oral glycoinfrastructure on dental caries, periodontitis, and systemic conditions. By integrating current knowledge and identifying knowledge gaps, this review underscores the importance of studying the glycolanguage oral bacteria speak to advance our understanding of oral microbiology and develop novel antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona F Hager-Mair
- Department of Chemistry, NanoGlycobiology Research Group, Institute of Biochemistry, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Bloch
- Department of Chemistry, NanoGlycobiology Research Group, Institute of Biochemistry, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
- Competence Center for Periodontal Research, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Schäffer
- Department of Chemistry, NanoGlycobiology Research Group, Institute of Biochemistry, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
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Bloch S, Hager-Mair FF, Andrukhov O, Schäffer C. Oral streptococci: modulators of health and disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1357631. [PMID: 38456080 PMCID: PMC10917908 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1357631] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Streptococci are primary colonizers of the oral cavity where they are ubiquitously present and an integral part of the commensal oral biofilm microflora. The role oral streptococci play in the interaction with the host is ambivalent. On the one hand, they function as gatekeepers of homeostasis and are a prerequisite for the maintenance of oral health - they shape the oral microbiota, modulate the immune system to enable bacterial survival, and antagonize pathogenic species. On the other hand, also recognized pathogens, such as oral Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, which trigger the onset of dental caries belong to the genus Streptococcus. In the context of periodontitis, oral streptococci as excellent initial biofilm formers have an accessory function, enabling late biofilm colonizers to inhabit gingival pockets and cause disease. The pathogenic potential of oral streptococci fully unfolds when their dissemination into the bloodstream occurs; streptococcal infection can cause extra-oral diseases, such as infective endocarditis and hemorrhagic stroke. In this review, the taxonomic diversity of oral streptococci, their role and prevalence in the oral cavity and their contribution to oral health and disease will be discussed, focusing on the virulence factors these species employ for interactions at the host interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Bloch
- Competence Center for Periodontal Research, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, NanoGlycobiology Research Group, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fiona F. Hager-Mair
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, NanoGlycobiology Research Group, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oleh Andrukhov
- Competence Center for Periodontal Research, University Clinic of Dentistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Schäffer
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, NanoGlycobiology Research Group, Universität für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
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Kim SK, Im J, Ko EB, Lee D, Seo HS, Yun CH, Han SH. Lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus gordonii as a negative regulator of human dendritic cell activation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1056949. [PMID: 37056772 PMCID: PMC10086370 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1056949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus gordonii, an opportunistic Gram-positive bacterium, causes an infective endocarditis that could be fatal to human health. Dendritic cells (DCs) are known to be involved in disease progression and immune responses in S. gordonii infection. Since lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a representative virulence factor of S. gordonii, we here investigated its role in the activation of human DCs stimulated with LTA-deficient (ΔltaS) S. gordonii or S. gordonii LTA. DCs were differentiated from human blood-derived monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4 for 6 days. DCs treated with heat-killed ΔltaS S. gordonii (ΔltaS HKSG) showed relatively higher binding and phagocytic activities than those treated with heat-killed wild-type S. gordonii (wild-type HKSG). Furthermore, ΔltaS HKSG was superior to wild-type HKSG in inducing phenotypic maturation markers including CD80, CD83, CD86, PD-L1, and PD-L2, antigen-presenting molecule MHC class II, and proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Concomitantly, DCs treated with the ΔltaS HKSG induced better T cell activities, including proliferation and activation marker (CD25) expression, than those treated with the wild-type. LTA, but not lipoproteins, isolated from S. gordonii weakly activated TLR2 and barely affected the expression of phenotypic maturation markers or cytokines in DCs. Collectively, these results demonstrated that LTA is not a major immuno-stimulating agent of S. gordonii but rather it interferes with bacteria-induced DC maturation, suggesting its potential role in immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Kyung Kim
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jintaek Im
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Byeol Ko
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongwook Lee
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Seong Seo
- Research Division for Biotechnology, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Jeongeup, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Heui Yun
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institutes of Green-bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Programs in Agricultural Genomics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Han
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, and Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Seung Hyun Han,
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Park OJ, Kwon Y, Park C, So YJ, Park TH, Jeong S, Im J, Yun CH, Han SH. Streptococcus gordonii: Pathogenesis and Host Response to Its Cell Wall Components. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8121852. [PMID: 33255499 PMCID: PMC7761167 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8121852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus gordonii, a Gram-positive bacterium, is a commensal bacterium that is commonly found in the skin, oral cavity, and intestine. It is also known as an opportunistic pathogen that can cause local or systemic diseases, such as apical periodontitis and infective endocarditis. S. gordonii, an early colonizer, easily attaches to host tissues, including tooth surfaces and heart valves, forming biofilms. S. gordonii penetrates into root canals and blood streams, subsequently interacting with various host immune and non-immune cells. The cell wall components of S. gordonii, which include lipoteichoic acids, lipoproteins, serine-rich repeat adhesins, peptidoglycans, and cell wall proteins, are recognizable by individual host receptors. They are involved in virulence and immunoregulatory processes causing host inflammatory responses. Therefore, S.gordonii cell wall components act as virulence factors that often progressively develop diseases through overwhelming host responses. This review provides an overview of S. gordonii, and how its cell wall components could contribute to the pathogenesis and development of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ok-Jin Park
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (O.-J.P.); (Y.K.); (C.P.); (Y.J.S.); (T.H.P.); (S.J.); (J.I.)
| | - Yeongkag Kwon
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (O.-J.P.); (Y.K.); (C.P.); (Y.J.S.); (T.H.P.); (S.J.); (J.I.)
| | - Chaeyeon Park
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (O.-J.P.); (Y.K.); (C.P.); (Y.J.S.); (T.H.P.); (S.J.); (J.I.)
| | - Yoon Ju So
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (O.-J.P.); (Y.K.); (C.P.); (Y.J.S.); (T.H.P.); (S.J.); (J.I.)
| | - Tae Hwan Park
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (O.-J.P.); (Y.K.); (C.P.); (Y.J.S.); (T.H.P.); (S.J.); (J.I.)
| | - Sungho Jeong
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (O.-J.P.); (Y.K.); (C.P.); (Y.J.S.); (T.H.P.); (S.J.); (J.I.)
| | - Jintaek Im
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (O.-J.P.); (Y.K.); (C.P.); (Y.J.S.); (T.H.P.); (S.J.); (J.I.)
| | - Cheol-Heui Yun
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea;
- Institute of Green Bio Science Technology, Seoul National University, Pyeongchang 25354, Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Han
- Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (O.-J.P.); (Y.K.); (C.P.); (Y.J.S.); (T.H.P.); (S.J.); (J.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-880-2310
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