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Kaur M, Mingeot-Leclercq MP. Maintenance of bacterial outer membrane lipid asymmetry: insight into MlaA. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:186. [PMID: 38802775 PMCID: PMC11131202 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03138-8] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria acts as an effective barrier to protect against toxic compounds. By nature, the OM is asymmetric with the highly packed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at the outer leaflet and glycerophospholipids at the inner leaflet. OM asymmetry is maintained by the Mla system, in which is responsible for the retrograde transport of glycerophospholipids from the OM to the inner membrane. This system is comprised of six Mla proteins, including MlaA, an OM lipoprotein involved in the removal of glycerophospholipids that are mis-localized at the outer leaflet of the OM. Interestingly, MlaA was initially identified - and called VacJ - based on its role in the intracellular spreading of Shigella flexneri.Many open questions remain with respect to the Mla system and the mechanism involved in the translocation of mislocated glycerophospholipids at the outer leaflet of the OM, by MlaA. After summarizing the current knowledge on MlaA, we focus on the impact of mlaA deletion on OM lipid composition and biophysical properties of the OM. How changes in OM lipid composition and biophysical properties can impact the generation of membrane vesicles and membrane permeability is discussed. Finally, we explore whether and how MlaA might be a candidate for improving the activity of antibiotics and as a vaccine candidate.Efforts dedicated to understanding the relationship between the OM lipid composition and the mechanical strength of the bacterial envelope and, in turn, how such properties act against external stress, are needed for the design of new targets or drugs for Gram-negative infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kaur
- Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Unité de Pharmacologie cellulaire et moléculaire, B1.73.05; 73 Av E. Mounier, Brussels, 1200, Belgium
| | - M-P Mingeot-Leclercq
- Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Unité de Pharmacologie cellulaire et moléculaire, B1.73.05; 73 Av E. Mounier, Brussels, 1200, Belgium.
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2
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Pérez-Ortega J, van Boxtel R, Plisnier M, Ingels D, Devos N, Sijmons S, Tommassen J. Biosynthesis of the Inner Core of Bordetella pertussis Lipopolysaccharides: Effect of Mutations on LPS Structure, Cell Division, and Toll-like Receptor 4 Activation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17313. [PMID: 38139140 PMCID: PMC10743493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417313] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously developed whole-cell vaccines against Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, appeared to be too reactogenic due to their endotoxin content. Reduction in endotoxicity can generally be achieved through structural modifications in the lipid A moiety of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In this study, we found that dephosphorylation of lipid A in B. pertussis through the heterologous production of the phosphatase LpxE from Francisella novicida did, unexpectedly, not affect Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-stimulating activity. We then focused on the inner core of LPS, whose synthesis has so far not been studied in B. pertussis. The kdtA and kdkA genes, responsible for the incorporation of a single 3-deoxy-D-manno-oct-2-ulosonic acid (Kdo) residue in the inner core and its phosphorylation, respectively, appeared to be essential. However, the Kdo-bound phosphate could be replaced by a second Kdo after the heterologous production of Escherichia coli kdtA. This structural change in the inner core affected outer-core and lipid A structures and also bacterial physiology, as reflected in cell filamentation and a switch in virulence phase. Furthermore, the eptB gene responsible for the non-stoichiometric substitution of Kdo-bound phosphate with phosphoethanolamine was identified and inactivated. Interestingly, the constructed inner-core modifications affected TLR4-stimulating activity. Whereas endotoxicity studies generally focus on the lipid A moiety, our data demonstrate that structural changes in the inner core can also affect TLR4-stimulating activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Pérez-Ortega
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.P.-O.); (R.v.B.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ria van Boxtel
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.P.-O.); (R.v.B.)
| | - Michel Plisnier
- Vaccines Research & Development, GSK, 1330 Rixensart, Belgium; (M.P.); (D.I.); (N.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Dominique Ingels
- Vaccines Research & Development, GSK, 1330 Rixensart, Belgium; (M.P.); (D.I.); (N.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Nathalie Devos
- Vaccines Research & Development, GSK, 1330 Rixensart, Belgium; (M.P.); (D.I.); (N.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Steven Sijmons
- Vaccines Research & Development, GSK, 1330 Rixensart, Belgium; (M.P.); (D.I.); (N.D.); (S.S.)
| | - Jan Tommassen
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.P.-O.); (R.v.B.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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3
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Wenger M, Grosse-Kathoefer S, Kraiem A, Pelamatti E, Nunes N, Pointner L, Aglas L. When the allergy alarm bells toll: The role of Toll-like receptors in allergic diseases and treatment. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1204025. [PMID: 37426425 PMCID: PMC10325731 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1204025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors of the human immune system are specialized pathogen detectors able to link innate and adaptive immune responses. TLR ligands include among others bacteria-, mycoplasma- or virus-derived compounds such as lipids, lipo- and glycoproteins and nucleic acids. Not only are genetic variations in TLR-related genes associated with the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including asthma and allergic rhinitis, their expression also differs between allergic and non-allergic individuals. Due to a complex interplay of genes, environmental factors, and allergen sources the interpretation of TLRs involved in immunoglobulin E-mediated diseases remains challenging. Therefore, it is imperative to dissect the role of TLRs in allergies. In this review, we discuss i) the expression of TLRs in organs and cell types involved in the allergic immune response, ii) their involvement in modulating allergy-associated or -protective immune responses, and iii) how differential activation of TLRs by environmental factors, such as microbial, viral or air pollutant exposure, results in allergy development. However, we focus on iv) allergen sources interacting with TLRs, and v) how targeting TLRs could be employed in novel therapeutic strategies. Understanding the contributions of TLRs to allergy development allow the identification of knowledge gaps, provide guidance for ongoing research efforts, and built the foundation for future exploitation of TLRs in vaccine design.
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4
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Pérez-Ortega J, van Harten RM, Haagsman HP, Tommassen J. Physiological consequences of inactivation of lgmB and lpxL1, two genes involved in lipid A synthesis in Bordetella bronchiseptica. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104049. [PMID: 36871896 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
To develop a Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine with reduced endotoxicity, we previously inactivated lpxL1, the gene encoding the enzyme that incorporates a secondary 2-hydroxy-laurate in lipid A. The mutant showed a myriad of phenotypes. Structural analysis showed the expected loss of the acyl chain but also of glucosamine (GlcN) substituents, which decorate the phosphates in lipid A. To determine which structural change causes the various phenotypes, we inactivated here lgmB, which encodes the GlcN transferase, and lpxL1 in an isogenic background and compared the phenotypes. Like the lpxL1 mutation, the lgmB mutation resulted in reduced potency to activate human TLR4 and to infect macrophages and in increased susceptibility to polymyxin B. These phenotypes are therefore related to the loss of GlcN decorations. The lpxL1 mutation had a stronger effect on hTLR4 activation and additionally resulted in reduced murine TLR4 activation, surface hydrophobicity, and biofilm formation, and in a fortified outer membrane as evidenced by increased resistance to several antimicrobials. These phenotypes, therefore, appear to be related to the loss of the acyl chain. Moreover, we determined the virulence of the mutants in the Galleria mellonella infection model and observed reduced virulence of the lpxL1 mutant but not of the lgmB mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Pérez-Ortega
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Roel M van Harten
- Section of Molecular Host Defense, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Henk P Haagsman
- Section of Molecular Host Defense, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jan Tommassen
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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5
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Fux AC, Casonato Melo C, Michelini S, Swartzwelter BJ, Neusch A, Italiani P, Himly M. Heterogeneity of Lipopolysaccharide as Source of Variability in Bioassays and LPS-Binding Proteins as Remedy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098395. [PMID: 37176105 PMCID: PMC10179214 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), also referred to as endotoxin, is the major component of Gram-negative bacteria's outer cell wall. It is one of the main types of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are known to elicit severe immune reactions in the event of a pathogen trespassing the epithelial barrier and reaching the bloodstream. Associated symptoms include fever and septic shock, which in severe cases, might even lead to death. Thus, the detection of LPS in medical devices and injectable pharmaceuticals is of utmost importance. However, the term LPS does not describe one single molecule but a diverse class of molecules sharing one common feature: their characteristic chemical structure. Each bacterial species has its own pool of LPS molecules varying in their chemical composition and enabling the aggregation into different supramolecular structures upon release from the bacterial cell wall. As this heterogeneity has consequences for bioassays, we aim to examine the great variability of LPS molecules and their potential to form various supramolecular structures. Furthermore, we describe current LPS quantification methods and the LPS-dependent inflammatory pathway and show how LPS heterogeneity can affect them. With the intent of overcoming these challenges and moving towards a universal approach for targeting LPS, we review current studies concerning LPS-specific binders. Finally, we give perspectives for LPS research and the use of LPS-binding molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Fux
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Biosciences & Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS), Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Cristiane Casonato Melo
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Biosciences & Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS), Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Chemical Biology Department, R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Sara Michelini
- Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Biology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Benjamin J Swartzwelter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, 1601 Campus Delivery, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Andreas Neusch
- Experimental Medical Physics, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Paola Italiani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Martin Himly
- Division of Allergy & Immunology, Department of Biosciences & Medical Biology, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS), Hellbrunnerstraße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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de Jonge EF, Vogrinec L, van Boxtel R, Tommassen J. Inactivation of the Mla system and outer-membrane phospholipase A results in disrupted outer-membrane lipid asymmetry and hypervesiculation in Bordetella pertussis. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2022; 3:100172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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7
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Pérez-Ortega J, van Boxtel R, de Jonge EF, Tommassen J. Regulated Expression of lpxC Allows for Reduction of Endotoxicity in Bordetella pertussis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8027. [PMID: 35887374 PMCID: PMC9324023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of a respiratory infection known as whooping cough. Previously developed whole-cell pertussis vaccines were effective, but appeared to be too reactogenic mainly due to the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, also known as endotoxin) in the outer membrane (OM). Here, we investigated the possibility of reducing endotoxicity by modulating the LPS levels. The promoter of the lpxC gene, which encodes the first committed enzyme in LPS biosynthesis, was replaced by an isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG)-inducible promoter. The IPTG was essential for growth, even when the construct was moved into a strain that should allow for the replacement of LPS in the outer leaflet of the OM with phospholipids by defective phospholipid transporter Mla and OM phospholipase A. LpxC depletion in the absence of IPTG resulted in morphological changes of the cells and in overproduction of outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs). The reduced amounts of LPS in whole-cell preparations and in isolated OMVs of LpxC-depleted cells resulted in lower activation of Toll-like receptor 4 in HEK-Blue reporter cells. We suggest that, besides lipid A engineering, also a reduction in LPS synthesis is an attractive strategy for the production of either whole-cell- or OMV-based vaccines, with reduced reactogenicity for B. pertussis and other Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Pérez-Ortega
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.P.-O.); (R.v.B.); (E.F.d.J.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ria van Boxtel
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.P.-O.); (R.v.B.); (E.F.d.J.)
| | - Eline F. de Jonge
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.P.-O.); (R.v.B.); (E.F.d.J.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Tommassen
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands; (J.P.-O.); (R.v.B.); (E.F.d.J.)
- Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
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8
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Strobl S, Hofbauer K, Heine H, Zamyatina A. Lipid A Mimetics Based on Unnatural Disaccharide Scaffold as Potent TLR4 Agonists for Prospective Immunotherapeutics and Adjuvants. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202200547. [PMID: 35439332 PMCID: PMC9325513 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202200547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
TLR4 is a key pattern recognition receptor that can sense pathogen- and danger- associated molecular patterns to activate the downstream signaling pathways which results in the upregulation of transcription factors and expression of interferons and cytokines to mediate protective pro-inflammatory responses involved in immune defense. Bacterial lipid A is the primary TLR4 ligand with very complex, species-specific, and barely predictable structure-activity relationships. Given that therapeutic targeting of TLR4 is an emerging tool for management of a variety of human diseases, the development of novel TLR4 activating biomolecules other than lipid A is of vast importance. We report on design, chemical synthesis and immunobiology of novel glycan-based lipid A-mimicking molecules that can activate human and murine TLR4-mediated signaling with picomolar affinity. Exploiting crystal structure - based design we have created novel disaccharide lipid A mimetics (DLAMs) where the inherently flexible β(1→6)-linked diglucosamine backbone of lipid A is exchanged with a conformationally restrained non-reducing βGlcN(1↔1')βGlcN scaffold. Excellent stereoselectivity in a challenging β,β-1,1' glycosylation was achieved by tuning the reactivities of donor and acceptor molecules using protective group manipulation strategy. Divergent streamlined synthesis of β,β-1,1'-linked diglucosamine-derived glycolipids entailing multiple long-chain (R)-3- acyloxyacyl residues and up two three phosphate groups was developed. Specific 3D-molecular shape and conformational rigidity of unnatural β,β-1,1'-linked diglucosamine combined with carefully optimized phosphorylation and acylation pattern ensured efficient induction of the TLR4-mediated signaling in a species-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Strobl
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Natural Resources and Life SciencesMuthgasse 18Vienna1190Austria
| | - Karin Hofbauer
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Natural Resources and Life SciencesMuthgasse 18Vienna1190Austria
| | - Holger Heine
- Research Group Innate ImmunityResearch Center Borstel-Leibniz Lung Center, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Disease (DZL)Parkallee 22Borstel23845Germany
| | - Alla Zamyatina
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Natural Resources and Life SciencesMuthgasse 18Vienna1190Austria
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9
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Pérez-Ortega J, Van Harten RM, Van Boxtel R, Plisnier M, Louckx M, Ingels D, Haagsman HP, Tommassen J. Reduction of endotoxicity in Bordetella bronchiseptica by lipid A engineering: Characterization of lpxL1 and pagP mutants. Virulence 2021; 12:1452-1468. [PMID: 34053396 PMCID: PMC8168481 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1929037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole-cell vaccines against Gram-negative bacteria commonly display high reactogenicity caused by the endotoxic activity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), one of the major components of the bacterial outer membrane. Underacylation of the lipid A moiety of LPS has been related with reduced endotoxicity in several Gram-negative species. Here, we evaluated whether the inactivation of two genes encoding lipid A acylases of Bordetella bronchiseptica, i.e. pagP and lpxL1, could be used for the development of less reactogenic vaccines against this pathogen for livestock and companion animals. Inactivation of pagP resulted in the loss of the secondary palmitate chain at position 3' of lipid A, but hardly affected the potency of the LPS to activate the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Inactivation of lpxL1 resulted in the loss of the secondary 2-hydroxy laurate group present at position 2 of lipid A and, unexpectedly, in the additional loss of the glucosamines that decorate the phosphate groups at positions 1 and 4' and in an increase in LPS molecules carrying O-antigen. The resulting LPS showed greatly reduced potency to activate TLR4 in HEK-Blue reporter cells expressing human or mouse TLR4 as well as in porcine macrophages. Characterization of the lpxL1 mutant revealed many pleiotropic phenotypes, including increased resistance to SDS and rifampicin, increased susceptibility to cationic antimicrobial peptides, decreased auto-aggregation and biofilm formation, and a tendency to decreased infectivity of macrophages, which are all related to the altered LPS structure. We suggest that the lpxL1 mutant will be useful for the generation of safer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Pérez-Ortega
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roel M. Van Harten
- Section of Molecular Host Defense, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ria Van Boxtel
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Henk P. Haagsman
- Section of Molecular Host Defense, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Tommassen
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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10
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Homeoviscous Adaptation of the Acinetobacter baumannii Outer Membrane: Alteration of Lipooligosaccharide Structure during Cold Stress. mBio 2021; 12:e0129521. [PMID: 34425709 PMCID: PMC8406137 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01295-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To maintain optimal membrane dynamics, cells from all domains of life must acclimate to various environmental signals in a process referred to as homeoviscous adaptation. Alteration of the lipid composition is critical for maintaining membrane fluidity, permeability of the lipid bilayer, and protein function under diverse conditions. It is well documented, for example, that glycerophospholipid content varies substantially in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with changes in growth temperature. However, in the case of Gram-negative bacteria, far less is known concerning structural changes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or lipooligosaccharide (LOS) during temperature shifts. LPS/LOS is anchored at the cell surface by the highly conserved lipid A domain and localized in the outer leaflet of the outer membrane. Here, we identified a novel acyltransferase, termed LpxS, involved in the synthesis of the lipid A domain of Acinetobacter baumannii. A. baumannii is a significant, multidrug-resistant, opportunistic pathogen that is particularly difficult to clear from health care settings because of its ability to survive under diverse conditions. LpxS transfers an octanoate (C8:0) fatty acid, the shortest known secondary acyl chain reported to date, replacing a C12:0 fatty acid at the 2' position of lipid A. Expression of LpxS was highly upregulated under cold conditions and likely increases membrane fluidity. Furthermore, incorporation of a C8:0 acyl chain under cold conditions increased the effectiveness of the outer membrane permeability barrier. LpxS orthologs are found in several Acinetobacter species and may represent a common mechanism for adaptation to cold temperatures in these organisms. IMPORTANCE To maintain cellular fitness, the composition of biological membranes must change in response to shifts in temperature or other stresses. This process, known as homeoviscous adaptation, allows for maintenance of optimal fluidity and membrane permeability. Here, we describe an enzyme that alters the fatty acid content of A. baumannii LOS, a major structural feature and key component of the bacterial outer membrane. Although much is known regarding how glycerophospholipids are altered during temperature shifts, our understanding of LOS or LPS alterations under these conditions is lacking. Our work identifies a cold adaptation mechanism in A. baumannii, a highly adaptable and multidrug-resistant pathogen.
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Heine H, Adanitsch F, Peternelj TT, Haegman M, Kasper C, Ittig S, Beyaert R, Jerala R, Zamyatina A. Tailored Modulation of Cellular Pro-inflammatory Responses With Disaccharide Lipid A Mimetics. Front Immunol 2021; 12:631797. [PMID: 33815382 PMCID: PMC8012497 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.631797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory signaling mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation-2 (MD-2) complex plays a crucial role in the instantaneous protection against infectious challenge and largely contributes to recovery from Gram-negative infection. Activation of TLR4 also boosts the adaptive immunity which is implemented in the development of vaccine adjuvants by application of minimally toxic TLR4 activating ligands. The modulation of pro-inflammatory responses via the TLR4 signaling pathway was found beneficial for management of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders including asthma, allergy, arthritis, Alzheimer disease pathology, sepsis, and cancer. The TLR4/MD-2 complex can recognize the terminal motif of Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)—a glycophospholipid lipid A. Although immense progress in understanding the molecular basis of LPS-induced TLR4-mediated signaling has been achieved, gradual, and predictable TLR4 activation by structurally defined ligands has not yet been attained. We report on controllable modulation of cellular pro-inflammatory responses by application of novel synthetic glycolipids—disaccharide-based lipid A mimetics (DLAMs) having picomolar affinity for TLR4/MD-2. Using crystal structure inspired design we have developed endotoxin mimetics where the inherently flexible β(1 → 6)-linked diglucosamine backbone of lipid A is replaced by a conformationally restricted α,α-(1↔1)-linked disaccharide scaffold. The tertiary structure of the disaccharide skeleton of DLAMs mirrors the 3-dimensional shape of TLR4/MD-2 bound E. coli lipid A. Due to exceptional conformational rigidity of the sugar scaffold, the specific 3D organization of DLAM must be preserved upon interaction with proteins. These structural factors along with specific acylation and phosphorylation pattern can ensure picomolar affinity for TLR4 and permit efficient dimerization of TLR4/MD-2/DLAM complexes. Since the binding pose of lipid A in the binding pocket of MD-2 (±180°) is crucial for the expression of biological activity, the chemical structure of DLAMs was designed to permit a predefined binding orientation in the binding groove of MD-2, which ensured tailored and species-independent (human and mice) TLR4 activation. Manipulating phosphorylation and acylation pattern at the sugar moiety facing the secondary dimerization interface allowed for adjustable modulation of the TLR4-mediated signaling. Tailored modulation of cellular pro-inflammatory responses by distinct modifications of the molecular structure of DLAMs was attained in primary human and mouse immune cells, lung epithelial cells and TLR4 transfected HEK293 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Heine
- Research Group Innate Immunity, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Borstel, Germany
| | - Florian Adanitsch
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tina Tinkara Peternelj
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mira Haegman
- Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Simon Ittig
- Biozentrum University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rudi Beyaert
- Unit of Molecular Signal Transduction in Inflammation, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roman Jerala
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alla Zamyatina
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Kawahara K. Variation, Modification and Engineering of Lipid A in Endotoxin of Gram-Negative Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2281. [PMID: 33668925 PMCID: PMC7956469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid A of Gram-negative bacteria is known to represent a central role for the immunological activity of endotoxin. Chemical structure and biosynthetic pathways as well as specific receptors on phagocytic cells had been clarified by the beginning of the 21st century. Although the lipid A of enterobacteria including Escherichia coli share a common structure, other Gram-negative bacteria belonging to various classes of the phylum Proteobacteria and other taxonomical groups show wide variety of lipid A structure with relatively decreased endotoxic activity compared to that of E. coli. The structural diversity is produced from the difference of chain length of 3-hydroxy fatty acids and non-hydroxy fatty acids linked to their hydroxyl groups. In some bacteria, glucosamine in the backbone is substituted by another amino sugar, or phosphate groups bound to the backbone are modified. The variation of structure is also introduced by the enzymes that can modify electrostatic charges or acylation profiles of lipid A during or after its synthesis. Furthermore, lipid A structure can be artificially modified or engineered by the disruption and introduction of biosynthetic genes especially those of acyltransferases. These technologies may produce novel vaccine adjuvants or antagonistic drugs derived from endotoxin in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Kawahara
- Department of Biosciences, College of Science and Engineering, Kanto Gakuin University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-8501, Japan
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