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Lerner A, Benzvi C, Vojdani A. The Frequently Used Industrial Food Process Additive, Microbial Transglutaminase: Boon or Bane. Nutr Rev 2024:nuae087. [PMID: 38960726 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) is a frequently consumed processed food additive, and use of its cross-linked complexes is expanding rapidly. It was designated as a processing aid and was granted the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) classification decades ago, thus avoiding thorough assessment according to current criteria of toxicity and public health safety. In contrast to the manufacturer's declarations and claims, mTG and/or its transamidated complexes are proinflammatory, immunogenic, allergenic, pathogenic, and potentially toxic, hence raising concerns for public health. Being a member of the transglutaminase family and functionally imitating the tissue transglutaminase, mTG was recently identified as a potential inducer of celiac disease. Microbial transglutaminase and its docked complexes have numerous detrimental effects. Those harmful aspects are denied by the manufacturers, who claim the enzyme is deactivated when heated or by gastric acidity, and that its covalently linked isopeptide bonds are safe. The present narrative review describes the potential side effects of mTG, highlighting its thermostability and activity over a broad pH range, thus, challenging the manufacturers' and distributers' safety claims. The national food regulatory authorities and the scientific community are urged to reevaluate mTG's GRAS status, prioritizing public health protection against the possible risks associated with this enzyme and its health-damaging consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Lerner
- Research Department, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, 52621 Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Carina Benzvi
- Research Department, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, 52621 Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Aristo Vojdani
- Research Department, Immunosciences Lab., Inc., Los Angeles, CA 90035, USA
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2
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Lerner A, Benzvi C, Vojdani A. Cross-reactivity and sequence similarity between microbial transglutaminase and human tissue antigens. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17526. [PMID: 37845267 PMCID: PMC10579360 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) is a bacterial survival factor, frequently used as a food additive to glue processed nutrients. As a result, new immunogenic epitopes are generated that might drive autoimmunity. Presently, its contribution to autoimmunity through epitope similarity and cross-reactivity was investigated. Emboss Matcher was used to perform sequence alignment between mTG and various antigens implicated in many autoimmune diseases. Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies made specifically against mTG were applied to 77 different human tissue antigens using ELISA. Six antigens were detected to share significant homology with mTG immunogenic sequences, representing major targets of common autoimmune conditions. Polyclonal antibody to mTG reacted significantly with 17 out of 77 tissue antigens. This reaction was most pronounced with mitochondrial M2, ANA, and extractable nuclear antigens. The results indicate that sequence similarity and cross-reactivity between mTG and various tissue antigens are possible, supporting the relationship between mTG and the development of autoimmune disorders 150W.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Lerner
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
- Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
| | - Carina Benzvi
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Tel Hashomer, Israel
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Yi L, Fan Q, Wang H, Fan H, Zuo J, Wang Y, Wang Y. Establishment of Streptococcus suis Biofilm Infection Model In Vivo and Comparative Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles between In Vivo and In Vitro Biofilms. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0268622. [PMID: 36507687 PMCID: PMC9927446 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02686-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that continuously threatens animal husbandry and public health worldwide. Studies have shown that S. suis can cause persistent infection by forming biofilms. In this study, a model of S. suis biofilm-related infection was successfully constructed for the first time by simulating the natural infection of S. suis, and biofilm of S. suis in vivo was successfully observed in the lung tissue of infected pigs by a variety of detection methods. Subsequently, selective capture of transcribed sequences (SCOTS) was used to identify genes expressed by S. suis in vivo biofilms. Sixty-nine genes were captured in in vivo biofilms formed by S. suis for the first time by SCOTS; they were mainly involved in metabolism, cell replication, and division, transport, signal transduction, cell wall, etc. Genes related to S. suis in vitro biofilm formation were also identified by SCOTS and RNA sequencing. Approximately half of the genes captured by SCOTS in the in vivo and in vitro biofilms were found to be different. In summary, our study provides powerful clues for future exploration of the mechanisms of S. suis biofilm formation. IMPORTANCE Streptococcus suis is considered an important zoonotic pathogen, and persistent infection caused by biofilm is currently considered to be the reason why S. suis is difficult to control in swine. However, to date, a model of the biofilm of S. suis in vivo has not been successfully constructed. Here, we successfully detected biofilms of S. suis in vivo in lung tissues of piglets infected with S. suis. Selective capture of transcribed sequences and the transcriptome were used to obtain gene profiles of S. suis in vivo and in vitro biofilms, and the results showed large differences between them. Such data are of importance for future experimental studies exploring the mechanism of biofilm formation by S. suis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yi
- College of Life Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Qingying Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathogen and Immunology of Animal of Luoyang, Luoyang, China
| | - Haikun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathogen and Immunology of Animal of Luoyang, Luoyang, China
| | - Haoran Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathogen and Immunology of Animal of Luoyang, Luoyang, China
| | - Jing Zuo
- College of Life Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathogen and Immunology of Animal of Luoyang, Luoyang, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathogen and Immunology of Animal of Luoyang, Luoyang, China
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Zhong X, Ma J, Bai Q, Zhu Y, Zhang Y, Gu Q, Pan Z, Liu G, Wu Z, Yao H. Identification of the RNA-binding domain-containing protein RbpA that acts as a global regulator of the pathogenicity of Streptococcus suis serotype 2. Virulence 2022; 13:1304-1314. [PMID: 35903019 PMCID: PMC9341378 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2103233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2), an emerging zoonotic pathogen, causes swine diseases and human cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) can modulate gene expression through post-transcriptional regulation. In this study, we identified an RBP harbouring an S1 domain, named RbpA, which facilitated SS2 adhesion to host epithelial cells and contributed to bacterial pathogenicity. Comparative proteomic analysis identified 145 proteins that were expressed differentially between ΔrbpA strain and wild-type strain, including several virulence-associated factors, such as the extracellular protein factor (EF), SrtF pilus, IgA1 protease, SBP2 pilus, and peptidoglycan-binding LysM’ proteins. The mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of RbpA on their encoding genes were explored, and it was found that RbpA regulates gene expression through diverse mechanisms, including post-transcriptional regulation, and thus acts as a global regulator. These results partly reveal the pathogenic mechanism mediated by RbpA, improving our understanding of the regulatory systems of S. suis and providing new insights into bacterial pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Zhong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiale Ma
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiankun Bai
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinchu Zhu
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qibing Gu
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zihao Pan
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangjin Liu
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zongfu Wu
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huochun Yao
- OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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5
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Guo G, Wang Z, Li Q, Yu Y, Li Y, Tan Z, Zhang W. Genomic characterization of Streptococcus parasuis, a close relative of Streptococcus suis and also a potential opportunistic zoonotic pathogen. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:469. [PMID: 35752768 PMCID: PMC9233858 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08710-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus parasuis (S. parasuis) is a close relative of Streptococcus suis (S. suis), composed of former members of S. suis serotypes 20, 22 and 26. S. parasuis could infect pigs and cows, and recently, human infection cases have been reported, making S. parasuis a potential opportunistic zoonotic pathogen. In this study, we analysed the genomic characteristics of S. parasuis, using pan-genome analysis, and compare some phenotypic determinants such as capsular polysaccharide, integrative conjugative elements, CRISPR-Cas system and pili, and predicted the potential virulence genes by associated analysis of the clinical condition of isolated source animals and genotypes. Furthermore, to discuss the relationship with S. suis, we compared these characteristics of S. parasuis with those of S. suis. We found that the characteristics of S. parasuis are similar to those of S. suis, both of them have "open" pan-genome, their antimicrobial resistance gene profiles are similar and a srtF pilus cluster of S. suis was identified in S. parasuis genome. But S. parasuis still have its unique characteristics, two novel pilus clusters are and three different type CRISPR-Cas system were found. Therefore, this study provides novel insights into the interspecific and intraspecific genetic characteristics of S. parasuis, which can be useful for further study of this opportunistic pathogen, such as serotyping, diagnostics, vaccine development, and study of the pathogenesis mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genglin Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.,Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China.,OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, 210095, China.,MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing, China.,The Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
| | - Zhuohao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.,Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China.,OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, 210095, China.,MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing, China.,The Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China
| | - Quan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yubao Li
- Agricultural Science and Engineering School, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Zhongming Tan
- NHC Key laboratory of Enteric Pathogenic Microbiology, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China. .,Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, 210095, China. .,OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, 210095, China. .,MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, Nanjing, China. .,The Sanya Institute of Nanjing Agricultural University, Sanya, China.
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Lerner A, Benzvi C. Microbial Transglutaminase Is a Very Frequently Used Food Additive and Is a Potential Inducer of Autoimmune/Neurodegenerative Diseases. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9100233. [PMID: 34678929 PMCID: PMC8537092 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9100233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) is a heavily used food additive and its industrial transamidated complexes usage is rising rapidly. It was classified as a processing aid and was granted the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) definition, thus escaping full and thorough toxic and safety evaluations. Despite the manufacturers claims, mTG or its cross-linked compounds are immunogenic, pathogenic, proinflammatory, allergenic and toxic, and pose a risk to public health. The enzyme is a member of the transglutaminase family and imitates the posttranslational modification of gluten, by the tissue transglutaminase, which is the autoantigen of celiac disease. The deamidated and transamidated gliadin peptides lose their tolerance and induce the gluten enteropathy. Microbial transglutaminase and its complexes increase intestinal permeability, suppresses enteric protective pathways, enhances microbial growth and gliadin peptide’s epithelial uptake and can transcytose intra-enterocytically to face the sub-epithelial immune cells. The present review updates on the potentially detrimental side effects of mTG, aiming to interest the scientific community, induce food regulatory authorities’ debates on its safety, and protect the public from the mTG unwanted effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Lerner
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Tel Hashomer 5262000, Israel;
- Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-525-919484
| | - Carina Benzvi
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Tel Hashomer 5262000, Israel;
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Weiße C, Dittmar D, Jakóbczak B, Florian V, Schütze N, Alber G, Klose K, Michalik S, Valentin-Weigand P, Völker U, Baums CG. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a Streptococcus suis vaccine composed of six conserved immunogens. Vet Res 2021; 52:112. [PMID: 34433500 PMCID: PMC8390293 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-00981-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A vaccine protecting against different Streptococcus suis serotypes is highly needed in porcine practice to improve animal welfare and reduce the use of antibiotics. We hypothesized that immunogens prominently recognized by convalescence sera but significantly less so by sera of susceptible piglets are putative protective antigens. Accordingly, we investigated immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a multicomponent vaccine including six main conserved immunogens, namely SSU0934, SSU1869, SSU0757, SSU1950, SSU1664 and SSU0187. Flow cytometry confirmed surface expression of all six immunogens in S. suis serotypes 2, 9 and 14. Although prime-booster vaccination after weaning resulted in significantly higher specific IgG levels against all six immunogens compared to the placebo-treated group, no significant differences between bacterial survival in blood from either vaccinated or control animals were recorded for serotype 2, 9 and 14 strains. Furthermore, vaccinated piglets were not protected against morbidity elicited through intranasal challenge with S. suis serotype 14. As ~50% of animals in both groups did not develop disease, we investigated putative other correlates of protection. Induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in blood granulocytes was not associated with vaccination but correlated with protection as all piglets with >5% ROS survived the challenge. Based on these findings we discuss that the main immunogens of S. suis might actually not be a priori good candidates for protective antigens. On the contrary, expression of immunogens that evoke antibodies that do not mediate killing of this pathogen might constitute an evolutionary advantage conserved in many different S. suis strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Weiße
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Denise Dittmar
- Department of Functional Genomics, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | | | - Nicole Schütze
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gottfried Alber
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kristin Klose
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Michalik
- Department of Functional Genomics, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Peter Valentin-Weigand
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Microbiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- Department of Functional Genomics, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christoph Georg Baums
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany.
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Guo G, Kong X, Du D, Wei D, Yu Y, Zhang W. Genome-wide association study identifies the virulence-associated marker in Streptococcus suis serotype 2. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 92:104894. [PMID: 33964473 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (S. suis) has been reported to be a highly invasive pathogen in swine, which causes severe infections like meningitis, arthritis and septicemia, and also a zoonotic agent for humans. Although many putative virulence factors (VFs) have been identified, the exact and wildly accepted virulence associated marker and pathogenesis mechanism of S. suis are still unclear. To establish connection of the genotypes with virulence phenotypes, we performed an "internal standard" method based on the zebrafish model to assess the virulence phenotypes of S. suis and did the genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on the genomes of 68 S. suis isolates. Through GWAS, a total number of 172 genes were identified. Among these genes, 143 of them distribute in virulent isolates. Further VFs interaction network analysis based on protein-protein interaction database found that 71 genes identified in this study could interact with known VFs and some of them even played an important role as the bridge between known VFs or formed important hub. In addition, 12 genes were found conserved in virulent isolates and 3 genes were conserved in avirulent isolates, 8 genes of the virulent conserved genes were belonging to a srtBCD pili cluster. Considering that sbp2', a member of the srtBCD pili cluster has been reported as a virulence-associated factor, we predict that sbp2' could be a fitness virulence-associated marker of virulent isolates. Taken together, our findings contribute to the insights in S. suis pathogenesis, enhance the knowledge of the genomic evolution of S. suis and provide several novel virulence-associated candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genglin Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Xuewei Kong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dechao Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Dan Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yanfei Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing 210095, China; OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Li W, Yin Y, Meng Y, Ma Z, Lin H, Fan H. The phosphorylation of phosphoglucosamine mutase GlmM by Ser/Thr kinase STK mediates cell wall synthesis and virulence in Streptococcus suis serotype 2. Vet Microbiol 2021; 258:109102. [PMID: 33991786 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is an important zoonotic pathogen that causes serious economic losses in the pig industry. Phosphorylation is an important mechanism of protein modification. Recent studies have reported that the serine/threonine kinase (STK) gene contributes to the growth and virulence of SS2. However, the mechanism underlying the regulatory functions of STK in SS2 has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. In this study, phosphoproteomic analysis was performed to determine substrates of the STK protein. Twenty-two proteins with different cell functions were identified as potential substrates of STK. Phosphoglucosamine mutase (GlmM) was selected for further investigation among them. In vitro phosphorylation assay and immunoprecipitation assay indicated that GlmM was phosphorylated by STK at the Ser-101 site and the phosphorylation level of GlmM can be affected. We observed that compared to the wild-type strain ZY05719, the glmM-deficient strain (ΔglmM) and the glmM S101A point mutation strain (CΔglmM S101A) showed aberrant cell morphology and attenuated virulence, including enlarged cell volume, absent capsule, decreased resistance, lower survival caused by unusual peptidoglycan synthesis, and significantly attenuated pathogenicity in a mouse infection model. Additionally, compared to ZY05719 and CΔglmM, GlmM enzyme acivities and peptidoglycan concentrations of the stk-deficient strain (Δstk), CΔglmM S101A decreased significantly. These experiments revealed that STK phosphorylates GlmM at the Ser-101 site to impact GlmM enzyme activity and control cell wall peptidoglycan synthesis to affect SS2 pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yifan Yin
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yu Meng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhe Ma
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Huixing Lin
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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10
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Pei X, Liu M, Zhou H, Fan H. Screening for phagocytosis resistance-related genes via a transposon mutant library of Streptococcus suis serotype 2. Virulence 2021; 11:825-838. [PMID: 32614642 PMCID: PMC7567436 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1782088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is a serious zoonotic pathogen which causes symptoms of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) and septicemia; these symptoms suggest that SS2 may have evade innate immunity. Phagocytosis is an important innate immunity process where phagocytosed pathogens are killed by lysosome enzymes, reactive oxygen, and nitrogen species, and acidic environments in macrophages following engulfment. A previously constructed mutant SS2 library was screened, revealing 13 mutant strains with decreased phagocytic resistance. Through inverse PCR, the transposon insertion sites were determined. Through bioinformatic analysis, the 13 disrupted genes were identified as Cps2F, 3 genes belonging to ABC transporters, WalR, TehB, rpiA, S-transferase encoding gene, prs, HsdM, GNAT family N-acetyltransferase encoding gene, proB, and upstream region of DnaK. Except for the capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis associated Cps2F, the other genes had not been linked to a role in anti-phagocytosis. The survival ability in macrophages and whole blood of randomly picked mutant strains were significantly impaired compared with wild-type ZY05719. The virulence of the mutant strains was also attenuated in a mouse infection model. In the WalR mutant, the transcription of HP1065 decreased significantly compared with wild-type strain, indicating WalR might regulated HP1065 expression and contribute to the anti-phagocytosis of SS2. In conclusion, we identified 13 genes that influenced the phagocytosis resistant ability of SS2, and many of these genes have not been reported to be associated with resistance to phagocytosis. Our work provides novel insight into resistance to phagocytosis, and furthers our understanding of the pathogenesis mechanism of SS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Pei
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxing Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University , Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University , Yangzhou, China
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11
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Guo G, Du D, Yu Y, Zhang Y, Qian Y, Zhang W. Pan-genome analysis of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 revealed genomic diversity among strains of different virulence. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:637-647. [PMID: 32654396 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus suis (SS) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that causes severe infections in swine and humans. Among the 33 known serotypes, serotype 2 is most frequently associated with infections in pigs and humans. To better understand the virulence characterization of S. suis serotype 2 (SS2) and discriminate the difference between virulent and avirulent strains in SS2, characterization of the genomic features of strains with different virulence is required. The result showed that Streptococcus suis have an open pan-genome. The pan-genome shared by the 19 S. suis serotype 2 strains was composed of 1,239 core genes and 2,436 accessory genes. COG analysis indicated that core genes are involved in the basic physiological function, but accessory genes related to tachytely evolution. Comparative analysis between core genomes of virulent strains and 9 avirulent strains suggested that srtBCD pilus cluster was a significant discrepancy between virulent and avirulent strains. Analysis between high virulent and group B low virulent strains showed 53 and 58 genes specific to each other. Moreover, genomes of avirulent strains tend to be larger than virulent strains; avirulent strains tend to possess more prophages sequences than virulent strains. Our findings could be contributed to a better understanding of the genomics of S. suis serotype 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genglin Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China.,OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China
| | - Dechao Du
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China.,OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanfei Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China.,OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China.,OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunyun Qian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China.,OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China.,OIE Reference Lab for Swine Streptococcosis, Nanjing, China
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12
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Agardh D, Matthias T, Wusterhausen P, Neidhöfer S, Heller A, Lerner A. Antibodies against neo-epitope of microbial and human transglutaminase complexes as biomarkers of childhood celiac disease. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 199:294-302. [PMID: 31663117 PMCID: PMC7008223 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and microbial transglutaminase (mTG) cross-link gliadins to form complexes that expose immunogenic neo-epitopes to produce tTG and mTG-neo-epitope antibodies. The aim of this study was to test the diagnostic performance of antibodies against non-complexed and complexed forms of transglutaminases, to correlate their activities to the intestinal damage and to explore age group dependency in celiac disease (CD). A total of 296 children with untreated CD and 215 non-celiac disease controls were checked by in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays detecting immunoglobulin (Ig)A, IgG or combined detection of IgA and IgG (check) against tTG, AESKULISA® tTG New Generation (tTG-neo) and mTG-neo (RUO), IgA and IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) and human IgA anti-endomysium antibodies (EMA) using AESKUSLIDES® EMA. Intestinal pathology was graded according the revised Marsh criteria, and age dependencies of the antibody activities were analysed. Using cut-offs estimated from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the highest area under curve (AUC) of the TG assays was 0·963 for tTG-neo check, followed by tTG check (0·962) when the diagnosis was based on enteric mucosal histology. tTG-neo check was the most effective to reflect the intestinal abnormalities in CD (r = 0·795, P < 0·0001). High levels of anti-mTG-neo IgG and anti-tTG-neo IgG appeared in the earlier age groups, as compared to anti-tTG IgG (P < 0·001). Considering antibody diagnostic performance based on AUC, enteric damage reflection and predictability at an early age, the anti-neo tTG check was the most effective diagnostic biomarker for pediatric CD. The mTG neo check might represent a new marker for CD screening, diagnosis and predictability.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Agardh
- Diabetes and Celiac Disease UnitDepartment of Clinical SciencesLund UniversityMalmöSweden
- Department of PediatricsSkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
| | | | | | | | - A. Heller
- AESKU.KIPP InstituteWendelsheimGermany
| | - A. Lerner
- AESKU.KIPP InstituteWendelsheimGermany
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13
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Lerner A, Matthias T. Processed Food Additive Microbial Transglutaminase and Its Cross-Linked Gliadin Complexes Are Potential Public Health Concerns in Celiac Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1127. [PMID: 32046248 PMCID: PMC7037116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial transglutaminase (mTG) is a survival factor for microbes, but yeasts, fungi, and plants also produce transglutaminase. mTG is a cross-linker that is heavily consumed as a protein glue in multiple processed food industries. According to the manufacturers' claims, microbial transglutaminase and its cross-linked products are safe, i.e., nonallergenic, nonimmunogenic, and nonpathogenic. The regulatory authorities declare it as "generally recognized as safe" for public users. However, scientific observations are accumulating concerning its undesirable effects on human health. Functionally, mTG imitates its family member, tissue transglutaminase, which is the autoantigen of celiac disease. Both these transglutaminases mediate cross-linked complexes, which are immunogenic in celiac patients. The enzyme enhances intestinal permeability, suppresses mechanical (mucus) and immunological (anti phagocytic) enteric protective barriers, stimulates luminal bacterial growth, and augments the uptake of gliadin peptide. mTG and gliadin molecules are cotranscytosed through the enterocytes and deposited subepithelially. Moreover, mucosal dendritic cell surface transglutaminase induces gliadin endocytosis, and the enzyme-treated wheat products are immunoreactive in CD patients. The present review summarizes and updates the potentially detrimental effects of mTG, aiming to stimulate scientific and regulatory debates on its safety, to protect the public from the enzyme's unwanted effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Lerner
- AESKU.KIPP Institute, Mikroforum Ring 2, 55234 Wendelsheim, Germany;
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14
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Aaron L, Torsten M, Patricia W. Autoimmunity in celiac disease: Extra-intestinal manifestations. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:241-246. [PMID: 30639642 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition of the small intestine caused by prolamins in genetically susceptible individuals evoked by multiple environmental factors. The pathological luminal intricate eco-events produce multiple signals that irradiate the entire body, resulting in a plethora of extra-intestinal manifestations. Nutrients, dysbiosis, dysbiotic components and their mobilome, post-translational modification of naive proteins, inter-enterocyte's tight junction dysfunction resulting in a leaky gut, microbial lateral genetic transfer of virulent genes, the sensing network of the enteric nervous systems and the ensuing pro-inflammatory messengers are mutually orchestrating the autoimmune interplay. Genetic-environmental-luminal events-mucosal changes are driving centrifugally the remote organs autoimmunity, establishing extra-intestinal multi organ injury. Exploring the underlying intestinal eco-events, the sensing and the delivery pathways and mechanisms that induce the peripheral tissues' damages might unravel new therapeutical strategies to prevent and help the gluten affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lerner Aaron
- AESKU.KIPP Institute, Wendelsheim, Germany; B. Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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15
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Abstract
Microbial transglutaminase is heavily used in the food processing industries to improve food qualities. Being a protein's glue, by cross-linking it creates neoepitope complexes that are immunogenic and potentially pathogenic in celiac disease. Despite low sequence identity, it imitates functionally its family member, the endogenous tissue transglutaminase, which is the autoantigen of celiac disease. The present comprehensive review highlights the enzyme characteristics, endogenous and exogenous intestinal sources, its cross-talks with gluten and gliadin, its immunogenicity and potential pathogenicity and risks for the gluten induced conditions. If substantiated, it might represent a new environmental inducer of celiac disease. The present findings might affect nutritional product labeling, processed food additive policies and consumer health education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lerner Aaron
- B. Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel; AESKU.KIPP Institute, Wendelsheim, Germany.
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16
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Zhu H, Wang Y, Ni Y, Zhou J, Han L, Yu Z, Mao A, Wang D, Fan H, He K. The Redox-Sensing Regulator Rex Contributes to the Virulence and Oxidative Stress Response of Streptococcus suis Serotype 2. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:317. [PMID: 30280091 PMCID: PMC6154617 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is an important zoonotic pathogen responsible for septicemia and meningitis. The redox-sensing regulator Rex has been reported to play critical roles in the metabolism regulation, oxidative stress response, and virulence of various pathogens. In this study, we identified and characterized a Rex ortholog in the SS2 virulent strain SS2-1 that is involved in bacterial pathogenicity and stress environment susceptibility. Our data show that the Rex-knockout mutant strain Δrex exhibited impaired growth in medium with hydrogen peroxide or a low pH compared with the wildtype strain SS2-1 and the complementary strain CΔrex. In addition, Δrex showed a decreased level of survival in whole blood and in RAW264.7 macrophages. Further analyses revealed that Rex deficiency significantly attenuated bacterial virulence in an animal model. A comparative proteome analysis found that the expression levels of several proteins involved in virulence and oxidative stress were significantly different in Δrex compared with SS2-1. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that recombinant Rex specifically bound to the promoters of target genes in a manner that was modulated by NADH and NAD+. Taken together, our data suggest that Rex plays critical roles in the virulence and oxidative stress response of SS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodan Zhu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanxiu Ni
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junming Zhou
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixiao Han
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyu Yu
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Aihua Mao
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hongjie Fan
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kongwang He
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Nanjing, China
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17
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Torsten M, Aaron L. Microbial Transglutaminase Is Immunogenic and Potentially Pathogenic in Pediatric Celiac Disease. Front Pediatr 2018; 6:389. [PMID: 30619787 PMCID: PMC6297833 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The enzyme microbial transglutaminase is heavily used in the food processing industries to ameliorate food qualities and elongate the products' shelf life. As a protein's glue, it cross-links gliadin peptides, creating neo-complexes that are immunogenic and potentially pathogenic to celiac disease communities. Even lacking sequence identity, it imitates functionally the endogenous tissue transglutaminase, known to be the autoantigen of celiac disease and representing an undisputable key player in celiac disease initiation and progress. The present review expend on the enzyme characteristics, exogenous intestinal sources, its cross-linking avidity to gluten or gliadin, turning naïve protein to immunogenic ones. Several observation on microbial transglutaminase cross linked complexes immunogenicity in celiac patients are reviewed and its pathogenicity is summarized. Warnings on its potential risks for the gluten dependent conditions are highlighted. When substantiated, it might represent a new environmental factor of celiac disease genesis. It is hoped that the presented knowledge will encourage further research to explore the mechanism and the pathogenic pathways taken by the gliadin cross linked enzyme in driving celiac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lerner Aaron
- AESKU. KIPP Institute, Wendelsheim, Germany.,B. Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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