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Ullah H, Shi X, Taj A, Cheng L, Yan Q, Sha S, Ahmad, Kang J, Haris M, Ma X, Ma Y. Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE_PGRS38 Enhances Intracellular Survival of Mycobacteria by Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB-Dependent Inflammation and Apoptosis of the Host. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:313. [PMID: 38785795 PMCID: PMC11118070 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) ranks as the most lethal human pathogen, able to fend off repeated attacks by the immune system or medications. PE_PGRS proteins are hallmarks of the pathogenicity of Mtb and contribute to its antigenic diversity, virulence, and persistence during infection. M. smegmatis is a nonpathogenic mycobacterium that naturally lacks PE_PGRS and is used as a model to express Mtb proteins. PE_PGRS has the capability to evade host immune responses and enhance the intracellular survival of M. smegmatis. Despite the intense investigations into PE_PGRS proteins, their role in tuberculosis remains elusive. We engineered the recombinant M. smegmatis strain Ms-PE_PGRS38. The result shows that PE_PGRS38 is expressed in the cell wall of M. smegmatis. PE_PGRS38 contributes to biofilm formation, confers permeability to the cell wall, and shows variable responses to exogenous stresses. PE_PGRS38 downregulated TLR4/NF-κB signaling in RAW264.7 macrophages and lung tissues of infected mice. In addition, PE_PGRS38 decreased NLRP3-dependent IL-1β release and limited pathogen-mediated inflammasome activity during infection. Moreover, PE_PGRS38 inhibited the apoptosis of RAW264.7 cells by downregulating the expression of apoptotic markers including Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-3, and caspase-9. In a nutshell, our findings demonstrate that PE_PGRS38 is a virulence factor for Mtb that enables recombinant M. smegmatis to survive by resisting and evading the host's immune responses during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayan Ullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (A.T.); (L.C.); (S.S.); (J.K.); (M.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China;
| | - Xiaoxia Shi
- Department of Experimental Teaching Center of Public Health, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China;
| | - Ayaz Taj
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (A.T.); (L.C.); (S.S.); (J.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Lin Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (A.T.); (L.C.); (S.S.); (J.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Qiulong Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China;
| | - Shanshan Sha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (A.T.); (L.C.); (S.S.); (J.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Ahmad
- Department of Immunology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China;
| | - Jian Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (A.T.); (L.C.); (S.S.); (J.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Muhammad Haris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (A.T.); (L.C.); (S.S.); (J.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Xiaochi Ma
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Yufang Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (H.U.); (A.T.); (L.C.); (S.S.); (J.K.); (M.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China;
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2
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Acosta IC, Alonzo F. The Intersection between Bacterial Metabolism and Innate Immunity. J Innate Immun 2023; 15:782-803. [PMID: 37899025 PMCID: PMC10663042 DOI: 10.1159/000534872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The innate immune system is the first line of defense against microbial pathogens and is essential for maintaining good health. If pathogens breach innate barriers, the likelihood of infection is significantly increased. Many bacterial pathogens pose a threat to human health on account of their ability to evade innate immunity and survive in growth-restricted environments. These pathogens have evolved sophisticated strategies to obtain nutrients as well as manipulate innate immune responses, resulting in disease or chronic infection. SUMMARY The relationship between bacterial metabolism and innate immunity is complex. Although aspects of bacterial metabolism can be beneficial to the host, particularly those related to the microbiota and barrier integrity, others can be harmful. Several bacterial pathogens harness metabolism to evade immune responses and persist during infection. The study of these adaptive traits provides insight into the roles of microbial metabolism in pathogenesis that extend beyond energy balance. This review considers recent studies on bacterial metabolic pathways that promote infection by circumventing several facets of the innate immune system. We also discuss relationships between innate immunity and antibiotics and highlight future directions for research in this field. KEY MESSAGES Pathogenic bacteria have a remarkable capacity to harness metabolism to manipulate immune responses and promote pathogenesis. While we are beginning to understand the multifaceted and complex metabolic adaptations that occur during infection, there is still much to uncover with future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan C Acosta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Francis Alonzo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago - College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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3
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Wei J, Guo F, Song Y, Xu K, Lin F, Li K, Li B, Qian Z, Wang X, Wang H, Xu T. Transcriptional analysis of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1255905. [PMID: 37818041 PMCID: PMC10561294 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1255905] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen (Mtb-Ag) is a polypeptide component with a molecular weight of 10-14 kDa that is obtained from the supernatant of the H37Ra strain after heat treatment. It stimulates the activation and proliferation of γδT cells in the blood to produce an immune response against tuberculosis. Mtb-Ag is therefore crucial for classifying and detecting the central genes and key pathways involved in TB initiation and progression. Methods In this study, we performed high-throughput RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from Mtb-Ag-stimulated and control samples to identify differentially expressed genes and used them for gene ontology (GO) and a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Meanwhile, we used PPI protein interaction network and Cytoscape analysis to identify key genes and qRT-PCR to verify differential gene expression. Single-gene enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used further to elucidate the potential biological functions of key genes. Analysis of immune cell infiltration and correlation of key genes with immune cells after Mtb-Ag-stimulated using R language. Results We identified 597 differentially expressed genes in Mtb-Ag stimulated PBMCs. KEGG and GSEA enrichment analyzed the cellular pathways related to immune function, and DEGs were found to be primarily involved in the TNF signaling pathway, the IL-17 signaling pathway, the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Wayne analysis using GSEA, KEGG, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network showed that 34 genes, including PTGS2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF and IFN-γ et al., were co-expressed in the five pathways and all were up-regulated by Mtb-Ag stimulation. Twenty-four DEGs were identified using qRT-PCR, including fourteen up-regulated genes (SERPINB7, IL20, IFNG, CSF2, PTGS2, TNF-α, IL36G, IL6, IL10, IL1A, CXCL1, CXCL8, IL4, and CXCL3) and ten down-regulated genes (RTN1, CSF1R CD14, C5AR1, CXCL16, PLXNB2, OLIG1, EEPD1, ENG, and CCR1). These findings were consistent with the RNA-Seq results. Conclusion The transcriptomic features associated with Mtb-Ag provide the scientific basis for exploring the intracellular immune mechanisms against Mtb. However, more studies on these DEGs in pathways associated with Mtb-Ag stimulation are needed to elucidate the underlying pathologic mechanisms of Mtb-Ag during Mtb infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wei
- Laboratory Medicine Experimental Center, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Fangzheng Guo
- Laboratory Medicine Experimental Center, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yamin Song
- Laboratory Medicine Experimental Center, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Kun Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Feiyang Lin
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Kangsheng Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Baiqing Li
- Laboratory Medicine Experimental Center, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhongqing Qian
- Laboratory Medicine Experimental Center, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Clinical and Preclinical Research in Respiratory Disease, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Hongtao Wang
- Laboratory Medicine Experimental Center, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Department of Immunology, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Laboratory Medicine Experimental Center, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Diagnostics, Laboratory Medicine College, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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Hu Y, Han Y, He M, Zhang Y, Zou X. S100 proteins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:362. [PMID: 37545618 PMCID: PMC10398633 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common tumor affecting the head and neck is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The characteristics of HNSCC include a rapid onset, a lack of early diagnosis, drug resistance, relapse and systemic adverse effects, leading to inadequate prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Notably, previous research suggests that there is an association between S100 proteins and HNSCC. S100A8, S100A9 and S100A14 interfere with tumor cell proliferation by blocking the cell cycle. The present review discusses this association. S100A4 enhances cancer stem cell properties, and interacts with actin and tropomyosin to promote tumor cell migration. S100A1, S100A8, S100A9, S100A10, S100A14 and S100P are involved in the initiation and progression of HNSCC via Hippo, nuclear factor κB, phosphatidylinositol kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin and other signaling pathways. In addition, certain long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs are involved in regulating the expression of S100 proteins in HNSCC. Reducing the expression of certain members of the S100 protein family may enhance the chemosensitivity of HNSCC. Collectively, it is suggested that S100 proteins may function as markers and targets for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541100, P.R. China
| | - Yucheng Han
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541100, P.R. China
| | - Minhui He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541100, P.R. China
| | - Yanqun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Xianqiong Zou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541004, P.R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541100, P.R. China
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5
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Ruaro-Moreno M, Monterrubio-López GP, Reyes-Gastellou A, Castelán-Vega JA, Jiménez-Alberto A, Aparicio-Ozores G, Delgadillo-Gutiérrez K, González-Y-Merchand JA, Ribas-Aparicio RM. Design of a Multi-Epitope Vaccine against Tuberculosis from Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE_PGRS49 and PE_PGRS56 Proteins by Reverse Vaccinology. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1647. [PMID: 37512820 PMCID: PMC10385543 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11071647] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, representing the second leading cause of death by an infectious agent worldwide. The available vaccine against this disease has insufficient coverage and variable efficacy, accounting for a high number of cases worldwide. In fact, an estimated third of the world's population has a latent infection. Therefore, developing new vaccines is crucial to preventing it. In this study, the highly antigenic PE_PGRS49 and PE_PGRS56 proteins were analyzed. These proteins were used for predicting T- and B-cell epitopes and for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) protein binding efficiency. Epitopes GGAGGNGSLSS, FAGAGGQGGLGG, GIGGGTQSATGLG (PE_PGRS49), and GTGWNGGKGDTG (PE_PGRS56) were selected based on their best physicochemical, antigenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic properties and coupled to HLA I and HLA II structures for in silico assays. A construct with an adjuvant (RS09) plus each epitope joined by GPGPG linkers was designed, and the stability of the HLA-coupled construct was further evaluated by molecular dynamics simulations. Although experimental and in vivo studies are still necessary to ensure its protective effect against the disease, this study shows that the vaccine construct is dynamically stable and potentially effective against tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maritriny Ruaro-Moreno
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (M.R.-M.); (G.P.M.-L.); (A.R.-G.); (G.A.-O.); (K.D.-G.)
- Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Gloria Paulina Monterrubio-López
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (M.R.-M.); (G.P.M.-L.); (A.R.-G.); (G.A.-O.); (K.D.-G.)
| | - Abraham Reyes-Gastellou
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (M.R.-M.); (G.P.M.-L.); (A.R.-G.); (G.A.-O.); (K.D.-G.)
| | - Juan Arturo Castelán-Vega
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (M.R.-M.); (G.P.M.-L.); (A.R.-G.); (G.A.-O.); (K.D.-G.)
- Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Alicia Jiménez-Alberto
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (M.R.-M.); (G.P.M.-L.); (A.R.-G.); (G.A.-O.); (K.D.-G.)
- Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Gerardo Aparicio-Ozores
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (M.R.-M.); (G.P.M.-L.); (A.R.-G.); (G.A.-O.); (K.D.-G.)
- Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Karen Delgadillo-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (M.R.-M.); (G.P.M.-L.); (A.R.-G.); (G.A.-O.); (K.D.-G.)
| | - Jorge Alberto González-Y-Merchand
- Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
| | - Rosa María Ribas-Aparicio
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (M.R.-M.); (G.P.M.-L.); (A.R.-G.); (G.A.-O.); (K.D.-G.)
- Posgrado en Biomedicina y Biotecnología Molecular, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Mexico City 11340, Mexico;
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Bao X, Wang D, Dai X, Liu C, Zhang H, Jin Y, Tong Z, Li B, Tong C, Xin S, Li X, Wang Y, Liu L, Zhu X, Fu Q, Zheng Y, Deng J, Tian W, Guo T, Zhao P, Cheng W, Fang W. An immunometabolism subtyping system identifies S100A9+ macrophage as an immune therapeutic target in colorectal cancer based on multiomics analysis. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2023; 4:100987. [PMID: 36990096 PMCID: PMC10140461 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Immunometabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and its influence on the immunotherapy response remain uncertain in colorectal cancer (CRC). We perform immunometabolism subtyping (IMS) on CRC patients in the training and validation cohorts. Three IMS subtypes of CRC, namely, C1, C2, and C3, are identified with distinct immune phenotypes and metabolic properties. The C3 subtype exhibits the poorest prognosis in both the training cohort and the in-house validation cohort. The single-cell transcriptome reveals that a S100A9+ macrophage population contributes to the immunosuppressive TME in C3. The dysfunctional immunotherapy response in the C3 subtype can be reversed by combination treatment with PD-1 blockade and an S100A9 inhibitor tasquinimod. Taken together, we develop an IMS system and identify an immune tolerant C3 subtype that exhibits the poorest prognosis. A multiomics-guided combination strategy by PD-1 blockade and tasquinimod improves responses to immunotherapy by depleting S100A9+ macrophages in vivo.
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7
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Berisio R, Delogu G. PGRS domain structures: Doomed to sail the mycomembrane. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010760. [PMID: 36048802 PMCID: PMC9436101 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in understanding biological processes is potentially immense. Structural elucidation of mycobacterial PE_PGRS is sustenance to unveil the role of these enigmatic proteins. We propose a PGRS “sailing” model as a smart tool to diffuse along the mycomembrane, to expose structural motifs for host interactions, and/or to ship functional protein modules at their C-terminus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Berisio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, IBB, CNR, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail: (RB); (GD)
| | - Giovanni Delogu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biotecnologiche di Base, Cliniche Intensivologiche e Perioperatorie–Sezione di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy
- * E-mail: (RB); (GD)
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8
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Zhu N, Yang X, Liu Q, Chen Y, Wang X, Li H, Gao H. “Iron triangle” of regulating the uterine microecology: Endometrial microbiota, immunity and endometrium. Front Immunol 2022; 13:928475. [PMID: 36016947 PMCID: PMC9396262 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.928475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The uterus is the core place for breeding new life. The balance and imbalance of uterine microecology can directly affect or even dominate the female reproductive health. Emerging data demonstrate that endometrial microbiota, endometrium and immunity play an irreplaceable role in regulating uterine microecology, forming a dynamic iron triangle relationship. Up to nowadays, it remains unclear how the three factors affect and interact with each other, which is also a frontier topic in the emerging field of reproductive tract microecology. From this new perspective, we aim to clarify the relationship and mechanism of the interaction of these three factors, especially their pairwise interactions. Finally, the limitations and future perspectives of the current studies are summarized. In general, these three factors have a dynamic relationship of mutual dependence, promotion and restriction under the physiological or pathological conditions of uterus, among which the regulatory mechanism of microbiota and immunity plays a role of bridge. These findings can provide new insights and measures for the regulation of uterine microecology, the prevention and treatment of endometrial diseases, and the further multi-disciplinary integration between microbiology, immunology and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhu
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xuyan Yang
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Qiao Liu
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yahui Chen
- School of Nursing, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaolan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Huanhuan Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hong Gao
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Hong Gao,
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9
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Wu J, Luo FL, Xie Y, Xiong H, Gao Y, Liu G, Zhang XL. EST12 regulates Myc expression and enhances anti-mycobacterial inflammatory response via RACK1-JNK-AP1-Myc immune pathway. Front Immunol 2022; 13:943174. [PMID: 36003390 PMCID: PMC9393728 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.943174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Myc (Myc) is a well-known transcription factor that regulates many essential cellular processes. Myc has been implicated in regulating anti-mycobacterial responses. However, its precise mechanism in modulating mycobacterial immunity remains elusive. Here, we found that a secreted Rv1579c (early secreted target with molecular weight 12 kDa, named EST12) protein, encoded by virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) H37Rv region of deletion (RD)3, induces early expression and late degradation of Myc protein. Interestingly, EST12-induced Myc was further processed by K48 ubiquitin proteasome degradation in E3 ubiquitin ligase FBW7 dependent manner. EST12 protein activates JNK-AP1-Myc signaling pathway, promotes Myc binding to the promoters of IL-6, TNF-α and iNOS, then induces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α)/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/nitric oxide (NO) to increase mycobacterial clearance in a RACK1 dependent manner, and these effects are impaired by both Myc and JNK inhibitors. Macrophages infected with EST12-deficiency strain (H37RvΔEST12) displayed less production of iNOS, IL-6 and TNF-α. In conclusion, EST12 regulates Myc expression and enhances anti-mycobacterial inflammatory response via RACK1-JNK-AP1-Myc immune pathway. Our finding provides new insights into M.tb-induced immunity through Myc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng-Ling Luo
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Xie
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Xiong
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yadong Gao
- Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guanghui Liu
- Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology and Department of Immunology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Department of Allergy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism and Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
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10
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PGRS Domain of Rv0297 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Functions in A Calcium Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179390. [PMID: 34502303 PMCID: PMC8430768 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), the pathogen causing tuberculosis, is a major threat to human health worldwide. Nearly 10% of M.tb genome encodes for a unique family of PE/PPE/PGRS proteins present exclusively in the genus Mycobacterium. The functions of most of these proteins are yet unexplored. The PGRS domains of these proteins have been hypothesized to consist of Ca2+ binding motifs that help these intrinsically disordered proteins to modulate the host cellular responses. Ca2+ is an important secondary messenger that is involved in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis in diverse ways. This study presents the calcium-dependent function of the PGRS domain of Rv0297 (PE_PGRS5) in M.tb virulence and pathogenesis. Tandem repeat search revealed the presence of repetitive Ca2+ binding motifs in the PGRS domain of the Rv0297 protein (Rv0297PGRS). Molecular Dynamics simulations and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed Ca2+ dependent stabilization of the Rv0297PGRS protein. Calcium stabilized Rv0297PGRS enhances the interaction of Rv0297PGRS with surface localized Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) of macrophages. The Ca2+ stabilized binding of Rv0297PGRS with the surface receptor of macrophages enhances its downstream consequences in terms of Nitric Oxide (NO) production and cytokine release. Thus, this study points to hitherto unidentified roles of calcium-modulated PE_PGRS proteins in the virulence of M.tb. Understanding the pathogenic potential of Ca2+ dependent PE_PGRS proteins can aid in targeting these proteins for therapeutic interventions.
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Zhang N, Luo X, Huang J, Song H, Zhang X, Huang H, Zhao S, Wang G. The landscape of different molecular modules in an immune microenvironment during tuberculosis infection. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:6204792. [PMID: 33787849 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When tuberculosis invades the human body, innate immunity is the first line of defense. However, how the innate immune microenvironment responds remains unclear. In this research, we studied the function of each type of cell and explained the principle of an immune microenvironment. Based on the differences in the innate immune microenvironment, we modularized the analysis of the response of five immune cells and two structural cells. The results showed that in the innate immune stress response, the genes CXCL3, PTGS2 and TNFAIP6 regulated by the nuclear factor kappa B(NK-KB) pathway played a crucial role in fighting against tuberculosis. Based on the active pathway algorithm, each immune cell showed metabolic heterogeneity. Besides, after tuberculosis infection, structural cells showed a chemotactic immunity effect based on the co-expression immunoregulatory module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,College of Mathematics, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xizi Luo
- Department of Pathogen Biology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - JuanJuan Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Hongyan Song
- College of Mathematics, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Honglan Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shishun Zhao
- College of Mathematics, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Guoqing Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Chinese Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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Xie Y, Zhou Y, Liu S, Zhang XL. PE_PGRS: Vital proteins in promoting mycobacterial survival and modulating host immunity and metabolism. Cell Microbiol 2020; 23:e13290. [PMID: 33217152 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), is the leading infectious cause of mortality worldwide. One of the key reasons for M. tb pathogenesis is the capability of M. tb to evade immune elimination and survive in macrophage, eventually causing chronic infection. However the pathogenicity mechanism of M. tb is not unclear yet, and thus diagnosis and therapy for TB remains a challenge. The genome of M. tb, encodes a unique protein family known as the PGRS family, with largely unexplored functions. Recently, an increasing number of reports have shown that the PE_PGRS proteins play critical roles in bacterial pathogenesis and immune evasion. The PE_PGRS protein family, characterized by a special N-terminal PE (Pro (P)-Glu (E) motif) domain and a C-terminal PGRS (Polymorphic GC-rich Repetitive Sequences) domain, is restricted mainly to pathogenic mycobacteria. Here we summarize current literature on the PE_PGRS as vital proteins in promoting bacterial survival and modulating host immunity, cell death and metabolism. We also highlight the potential of PE_PGRS as novel targets of anti-mycobacterial interventions for TB control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xie
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Allergy Zhongnan Hospital, Department of Immunology Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yidan Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Sheng Liu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Allergy Zhongnan Hospital, Department of Immunology Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Lian Zhang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Allergy Zhongnan Hospital, Department of Immunology Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Virology, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, China
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