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Liu F, Zeng M, Zhou X, Huang F, Song Z. Aspergillus fumigatus escape mechanisms from its harsh survival environments. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:53. [PMID: 38175242 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12952-z] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogenic mold and causes several diseases, including mycotoxicosis, allergic reactions, and systemic diseases (invasive aspergillosis), with high mortality rates. In its ecological niche, the fungus has evolved and mastered many reply strategies to resist and survive against negative threats, including harsh environmental stress and deficiency of essential nutrients from natural environments, immunity responses and drug treatments in host, and competition from symbiotic microorganisms. Hence, treating A. fumigatus infection is a growing challenge. In this review, we summarized A. fumigatus reply strategies and escape mechanisms and clarified the main competitive or symbiotic relationships between A. fumigatus, viruses, bacteria, or fungi in host microecology. Additionally, we discussed the contemporary drug repertoire used to treat A. fumigatus and the latest evidence of potential resistance mechanisms. This review provides valuable knowledge which will stimulate further investigations and clinical applications for treating and preventing A. fumigatus infections. KEY POINTS: • Harsh living environment was a great challenge for A. fumigatus survival. • A. fumigatus has evolved multiple strategies to escape host immune responses. • A. fumigatus withstands antifungal drugs via intrinsic escape mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 402160, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fujiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
- Molecular Biotechnology Platform, Public Center of Experimental Technology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Heilig L, Natasha F, Trinks N, Aimanianda V, Wong SSW, Fontaine T, Terpitz U, Strobel L, Le Mauff F, Sheppard DC, Schäuble S, Kurzai O, Hünniger K, Weiss E, Vargas M, Howell PL, Panagiotou G, Wurster S, Einsele H, Loeffler J. CD56-mediated activation of human natural killer cells is triggered by Aspergillus fumigatus galactosaminogalactan. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012315. [PMID: 38889192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal for antifungal defense. Thus far, CD56 is the only known pathogen recognition receptor on NK cells triggering potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms and the fungal ligand of CD56 have remained unknown. Using purified cell wall components, biochemical treatments, and ger mutants with altered cell wall composition, we herein found that CD56 interacts with the A. fumigatus cell wall carbohydrate galactosaminogalactan (GAG). This interaction induced NK-cell activation, degranulation, and secretion of immune-enhancing chemokines and cytotoxic effectors. Supernatants from GAG-stimulated NK cells elicited antifungal activity and enhanced antifungal effector responses of polymorphonuclear cells. In conclusion, we identified A. fumigatus GAG as a ligand of CD56 on human primary NK cells, stimulating potent antifungal effector responses and activating other immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Heilig
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Fariha Natasha
- Department of Biotechnology & Biophysics Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Nora Trinks
- Department of Biotechnology & Biophysics Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Department of Mycology, Immunobiology of Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Sze Wah Wong
- Department of Mycology, Immunobiology of Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAE, USC2019, Fungal Biology and Pathogenicity laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Ulrich Terpitz
- Department of Biotechnology & Biophysics Biocenter, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lea Strobel
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - François Le Mauff
- Infectious Disease in Global Health Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Canada
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Infectious Disease in Global Health Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sascha Schäuble
- Department of Microbiome Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Institute for Hygiene und Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- National Reference Center for Invasive Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans-Knöll-Institute Jena, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hünniger
- Institute for Hygiene und Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Esther Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Vargas
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - P Lynne Howell
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gianni Panagiotou
- Department of Microbiome Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Wurster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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3
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Boyer J, Feys S, Zsifkovits I, Hoenigl M, Egger M. Treatment of Invasive Aspergillosis: How It's Going, Where It's Heading. Mycopathologia 2023; 188:667-681. [PMID: 37100963 PMCID: PMC10132806 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00727-z] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite improvements in treatment and diagnostics over the last two decades, invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains a devastating fungal disease. The number of immunocompromised patients and hence vulnerable hosts increases, which is paralleled by the emergence of a rise in IA cases. Increased frequencies of azole-resistant strains are reported from six continents, presenting a new challenge for the therapeutic management. Treatment options for IA currently consist of three classes of antifungals (azoles, polyenes, echinocandins) with distinctive advantages and shortcomings. Especially in settings of difficult to treat IA, comprising drug tolerance/resistance, limiting drug-drug interactions, and/or severe underlying organ dysfunction, novel approaches are urgently needed. Promising new drugs for the treatment of IA are in late-stage clinical development, including olorofim (a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor), fosmanogepix (a Gwt1 enzyme inhibitor), ibrexafungerp (a triterpenoid), opelconazole (an azole optimized for inhalation) and rezafungin (an echinocandin with long half-life time). Further, new insights in the pathophysiology of IA yielding immunotherapy as a potential add-on therapy. Current investigations show encouraging results, so far mostly in preclinical settings. In this review we discuss current treatment strategies, give an outlook on possible new pharmaceutical therapeutic options, and, lastly, provide an overview of the ongoing research in immunotherapy for IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Boyer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Feys
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Isabella Zsifkovits
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Matthias Egger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria.
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Mei ZX, Han JF, Yu HW, Zhang Y, Ji P, Xie Y, Hsueh PR. Detection of serum Aspergillus-specific IgM and IgG antibody levels for the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis developed in patients with tuberculosis. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2023; 42:1081-1089. [PMID: 37453946 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-023-04637-2] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is common among individuals with underlying lung diseases. The clinical manifestations of CPA include systemic symptoms (e.g., weight loss, fatigue, fever), chronic productive cough, chest discomfort, and occasional haemoptysis, which are similar to the manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and are often misdiagnosed as PTB. Considering the striking similarities between CPA and PTB in clinical manifestations and imaging features, more specific microbiological and serological detections are needed for a definitive diagnosis. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of CPA in TB as well as the diagnostic significance of Aspergillus-specific IgG and Aspergillus-specific IgM.A total of 140 patients diagnosed with TB by culture between December 2017 and February 2019 were included. Enrolled patients were categorized into two groups (CPA group and non-CPA group) according to CPA diagnostic criteria. All collected specimens were subjected to Aspergillus-specific IgG and IgM detection testing.The median concentration of Aspergillus-specific IgG in the CPA group (211.04 AU/ml) was significantly higher than that in the non-CPA group (77.88 AU/ml) (Z value - 6.397, P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of Aspergillus-specific IgG for CPA diagnosis were 81.82% and 72.97%, respectively. In the chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis (CCPA) group, the IgG positivity rate (≥ 120 AU/ml) was 96.2%, which was 21.4% in the non-CCPA patients (P < 0.001).The detection of Aspergillus-specific IgG serological changes is feasible and facilitates reliable differentiation between Aspergillus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. However, Aspergillus-specific IgM has limited diagnostic value, with unsatisfactory sensitivity results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zao-Xian Mei
- Department of Tuberculosis, Haihe Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Tianjin, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun-Feng Han
- Department of Tuberculosis, Haihe Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong-Wei Yu
- Department of Tuberculosis, Haihe Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Tianjin, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Dynamiker Sub-Center of Beijing Key Laboratory for Mechanisms Research and Precision Diagnosis of Invasive Fungal Disease, Tianjin, 300467, China
- Tianjin Enterprise Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis Technology of Invasive Fungal Diseases, Tianjin, 300467, China
| | - Ping Ji
- Department of Tuberculosis, Haihe Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Tuberculosis, Haihe Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Tianjin, China.
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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5
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Kumar R, Srivastava V. Application of anti-fungal vaccines as a tool against emerging anti-fungal resistance. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2023; 4:1241539. [PMID: 37746132 PMCID: PMC10512234 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1241539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
After viruses and bacteria, fungal infections remain a serious threat to the survival and well-being of society. The continuous emergence of resistance against commonly used anti-fungal drugs is a serious concern. The eukaryotic nature of fungal cells makes the identification of novel anti-fungal agents slow and difficult. Increasing global temperature and a humid environment conducive to fungal growth may lead to a fungal endemic or a pandemic. The continuous increase in the population of immunocompromised individuals and falling immunity forced pharmaceutical companies to look for alternative strategies for better managing the global fungal burden. Prevention of infectious diseases by vaccines can be the right choice. Recent success and safe application of mRNA-based vaccines can play a crucial role in our quest to overcome anti-fungal resistance. Expressing fungal cell surface proteins in human subjects using mRNA technology may be sufficient to raise immune response to protect against future fungal infection. The success of mRNA-based anti-fungal vaccines will heavily depend on the identification of fungal surface proteins which are highly immunogenic and have no or least side effects in human subjects. The present review discusses why it is essential to look for anti-fungal vaccines and how vaccines, in general, and mRNA-based vaccines, in particular, can be the right choice in tackling the problem of rising anti-fungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Collage of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Vartika Srivastava
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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Inácio MM, Moreira ALE, Cruz-Leite VRM, Mattos K, Silva LOS, Venturini J, Ruiz OH, Ribeiro-Dias F, Weber SS, Soares CMDA, Borges CL. Fungal Vaccine Development: State of the Art and Perspectives Using Immunoinformatics. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:633. [PMID: 37367569 DOI: 10.3390/jof9060633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a serious global health problem, causing damage to health and the economy on the scale of millions. Although vaccines are the most effective therapeutic approach used to combat infectious agents, at the moment, no fungal vaccine has been approved for use in humans. However, the scientific community has been working hard to overcome this challenge. In this sense, we aim to describe here an update on the development of fungal vaccines and the progress of methodological and experimental immunotherapies against fungal infections. In addition, advances in immunoinformatic tools are described as an important aid by which to overcome the difficulty of achieving success in fungal vaccine development. In silico approaches are great options for the most important and difficult questions regarding the attainment of an efficient fungal vaccine. Here, we suggest how bioinformatic tools could contribute, considering the main challenges, to an effective fungal vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Morais Inácio
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil
- Estácio de Goiás University Center, Goiânia 74063-010, Brazil
| | - André Luís Elias Moreira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil
| | | | - Karine Mattos
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Lana O'Hara Souza Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil
| | - James Venturini
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Orville Hernandez Ruiz
- MICROBA Research Group-Cellular and Molecular Biology Unit-CIB, School of Microbiology, University of Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Fátima Ribeiro-Dias
- Laboratório de Imunidade Natural (LIN), Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74001-970, Brazil
| | - Simone Schneider Weber
- Bioscience Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil
| | - Clayton Luiz Borges
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74605-170, Brazil
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7
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Rabaan AA, Alfaraj AH, Alshengeti A, Alawfi A, Alwarthan S, Alhajri M, Al-Najjar AH, Al Fares MA, Najim MA, Almuthree SA, AlShurbaji ST, Alofi FS, AlShehail BM, AlYuosof B, Alynbiawi A, Alzayer SA, Al Kaabi N, Abduljabbar WA, Bukhary ZA, Bueid AS. Antibodies to Combat Fungal Infections: Development Strategies and Progress. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030671. [PMID: 36985244 PMCID: PMC10051215 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The finding that some mAbs are antifungal suggests that antibody immunity may play a key role in the defense of the host against mycotic infections. The discovery of antibodies that guard against fungi is a significant advancement because it gives rise to the possibility of developing vaccinations that trigger protective antibody immunity. These vaccines might work by inducing antibody opsonins that improve the function of non-specific (such as neutrophils, macrophages, and NK cells) and specific (such as lymphocyte) cell-mediated immunity and stop or aid in eradicating fungus infections. The ability of antibodies to defend against fungi has been demonstrated by using monoclonal antibody technology to reconsider the function of antibody immunity. The next step is to develop vaccines that induce protective antibody immunity and to comprehend the mechanisms through which antibodies mediate protective effects against fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali A. Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
| | - Amal H. Alfaraj
- Pediatric Department, Abqaiq General Hospital, First Eastern Health Cluster, Abqaiq 33261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer Alshengeti
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 41491, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, Al-Madinah 41491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulsalam Alawfi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 41491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Alwarthan
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael Alhajri
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal H. Al-Najjar
- Drug & Poison Information Center, Pharmacy Department, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona A. Al Fares
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustafa A. Najim
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 41411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Souad A. Almuthree
- Department of Infectious Disease, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah 43442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan T. AlShurbaji
- Outpatient Pharmacy, Dr. Sulaiman Alhabib Medical Group, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh 91877, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadwa S. Alofi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King Fahad Hospital, Madinah 42351, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer M. AlShehail
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Buthina AlYuosof
- Directorate of Public Health, Dammam Network, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam 31444, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahlam Alynbiawi
- Infectious Diseases Section, Medical Specialties Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 12231, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suha A. Alzayer
- Parasitology Laboratory Department, Qatif Comprehensive Inspection Center, Qatif 31911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawal Al Kaabi
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi 51900, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wesam A. Abduljabbar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Fakeeh College for Medical Science, Jeddah 21134, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zakiyah A. Bukhary
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah 23325, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S. Bueid
- Microbiology Laboratory, King Faisal General Hospital, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Reedy JL, Crossen AJ, Negoro PE, Harding HB, Ward RA, Vargas-Blanco DA, Timmer KD, Reardon CM, Basham KJ, Mansour MK, Wüthrich M, Fontaine T, Latgé JP, Vyas JM. The C-Type Lectin Receptor Dectin-2 Is a Receptor for Aspergillus fumigatus Galactomannan. mBio 2023; 14:e0318422. [PMID: 36598192 PMCID: PMC9973300 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03184-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous environmental mold that causes significant mortality particularly among immunocompromised patients. The detection of the Aspergillus-derived carbohydrate galactomannan in patient serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is the major biomarker used to detect A. fumigatus infection in clinical medicine. Despite the clinical relevance of this carbohydrate, we lack a fundamental understanding of how galactomannan is recognized by the immune system and its consequences. Galactomannan is composed of a linear mannan backbone with galactofuranose sidechains and is found both attached to the cell surface of Aspergillus and as a soluble carbohydrate in the extracellular milieu. In this study, we utilized fungal-like particles composed of highly purified Aspergillus galactomannan to identify a C-type lectin host receptor for this fungal carbohydrate. We identified a novel and specific interaction between Aspergillus galactomannan and the C-type lectin receptor Dectin-2. We demonstrate that galactomannan bound to Dectin-2 and induced Dectin-2-dependent signaling, including activation of spleen tyrosine kinase, gene transcription, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production. Deficiency of Dectin-2 increased immune cell recruitment to the lungs but was dispensable for survival in a mouse model of pulmonary aspergillosis. Our results identify a novel interaction between galactomannan and Dectin-2 and demonstrate that Dectin-2 is a receptor for galactomannan, which leads to a proinflammatory immune response in the lung. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungal pathogen that causes serious and often fatal disease in humans. The surface of Aspergillus is composed of complex sugar molecules. Recognition of these carbohydrates by immune cells by carbohydrate lectin receptors can lead to clearance of the infection or, in some cases, benefit the fungus by dampening the host response. Galactomannan is a carbohydrate that is part of the cell surface of Aspergillus but is also released during infection and is found in patient lungs as well as their bloodstreams. The significance of our research is that we have identified Dectin-2 as a mammalian immune cell receptor that recognizes, binds, and signals in response to galactomannan. These results enhance our understanding of how this carbohydrate interacts with the immune system at the site of infection and will lead to broader understanding of how release of galactomannan by Aspergillus effects the immune response in infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L. Reedy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arianne J. Crossen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paige E. Negoro
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hannah Brown Harding
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Ward
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diego A. Vargas-Blanco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kyle D. Timmer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher M. Reardon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kyle J. Basham
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael K. Mansour
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marcel Wüthrich
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin Medical School, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Thierry Fontaine
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, INRAE, USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Paul Latgé
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBBFORTH), University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Jatin M. Vyas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Ren W, Li H, Guo C, Shang Y, Wang W, Zhang X, Li S, Pang Y. Serum Cytokine Biomarkers for Use in Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis versus Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:2217-2226. [PMID: 37081946 PMCID: PMC10112472 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s403401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aspergillus fumigatus-induced chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), the most common pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) sequela, tends to occur after pulmonary infection with the intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Timely and accurate detection of A. fumigatus infection of pulmonary TB patients would undoubtedly greatly improve patient prognosis. Currently, the galactomannan (GM) antigen test is commonly used to detect A. fumigatus infection but has poor sensitivity that renders this assay inadequate for use in clinical practice. Design or Methods Given the fact CPA and TB induce different host immune responses, we evaluated serum cytokine level profiles of CPA, TB patients and patients with both diseases (CPA-TB) for multiple cytokines and cytokine combinations. Results The results revealed significantly higher serum levels of numerous proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF-α, in peripheral blood of CPA-TB patients versus that of TB patients. IL-8 levels alone provided the best discriminatory performance for distinguishing between TB and either CPA-TB patients (AUC = 0.949) or CPA patients (AUC = 0.964). Moreover, both IL-8 and TNF-α (AUC = 0.996) levels could be used to distinguish between TB and CPA-TB patients. Likewise, IL-8, TNF-α and IL-6 levels together could be used to distinguish between CPA-TB and TB patients. Conclusion In this study, multiple cytokines were identified that may serve as potential biomarkers for use in detecting TB patients with CPA. Furthermore, our results should enhance understanding of how immune system dysfunctions influence susceptibility to Mtb and/or A. fumigatus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weicong Ren
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Can Guo
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Tuberculosis, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis & Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Shang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuxia Zhang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Pang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yu Pang; Shanshan Li, Email ;
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10
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Shockwaves Increase In Vitro Resilience of Rhizopus oryzae Biofilm under Amphotericin B Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169226. [PMID: 36012494 PMCID: PMC9409157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acoustical biophysical therapies, including ultrasound, radial pressure waves, and shockwaves, have been shown to harbor both a destructive and regenerative potential depending on physical treatment parameters. Despite the clinical relevance of fungal biofilms, little work exits comparing the efficacy of these modalities on the destruction of fungal biofilms. This study evaluates the impact of acoustical low-frequency ultrasound, radial pressure waves, and shockwaves on the viability and proliferation of in vitro Rhizopus oryzae biofilm under Amphotericin B induced apoptosis. In addition, the impact of a fibrin substrate in comparison with a traditional polystyrene well-plate one is explored. We found consistent, mechanically promoted increased Amphotericin B efficacy when treating the biofilm in conjunction with low frequency ultrasound and radial pressure waves. In contrast, shockwave induced effects of mechanotransduction results in a stronger resilience of the biofilm, which was evident by a marked increase in cellular viability, and was not observed in the other types of acoustical pressure waves. Our findings suggest that fungal biofilms not only provide another model for mechanistical investigations of the regenerative properties of shockwave therapies, but warrant future investigations into the clinical viability of the therapy.
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11
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Luberto L, Neroni B, Gandini O, Fiscarelli EV, Salvatori G, Roscilli G, Marra E. Genetic Vaccination as a Flexible Tool to Overcome the Immunological Complexity of Invasive Fungal Infections. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:789774. [PMID: 34975811 PMCID: PMC8715041 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.789774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted genetic vaccination as a powerful and cost-effective tool to counteract infectious diseases. Invasive fungal infections (IFI) remain a major challenge among immune compromised patients, particularly those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic bone marrow transplantation (HSCT) or solid organ transplant (SOT) both presenting high morbidity and mortality rates. Candidiasis and Aspergillosis are the major fungal infections among these patients and the failure of current antifungal therapies call for new therapeutic aids. Vaccination represents a valid alternative, and proof of concept of the efficacy of this approach has been provided at clinical level. This review will analyze current understanding of antifungal immunology, with a particular focus on genetic vaccination as a suitable strategy to counteract these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Luberto
- Takis s.r.l., Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Laura Luberto,
| | - Bruna Neroni
- Cystic Fibrosis Diagnostic Section, U.O. Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostic, Department of Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Bambino Gesù Organization IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Orietta Gandini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ersilia Vita Fiscarelli
- Cystic Fibrosis Diagnostic Section, U.O. Microbiology and Immunology Diagnostic, Department of Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital Bambino Gesù Organization IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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12
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Fungal α-1,3-Glucan as a New Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern in the Insect Model Host Galleria mellonella. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26165097. [PMID: 34443685 PMCID: PMC8399224 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26165097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by appropriate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) is a key step in activating the host immune response. The role of a fungal PAMP is attributed to β-1,3-glucan. The role of α-1,3-glucan, another fungal cell wall polysaccharide, in modulating the host immune response is not clear. This work investigates the potential of α-1,3-glucan as a fungal PAMP by analyzing the humoral immune response of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella to Aspergillus niger α-1,3-glucan. We demonstrated that 57-kDa and 61-kDa hemolymph proteins, identified as β-1,3-glucan recognition proteins, bound to A. niger α-1,3-glucan. Other hemolymph proteins, i.e., apolipophorin I, apolipophorin II, prophenoloxidase, phenoloxidase activating factor, arylphorin, and serine protease, were also identified among α-1,3-glucan-interacting proteins. In response to α-1,3-glucan, a 4.5-fold and 3-fold increase in the gene expression of antifungal peptides galiomicin and gallerimycin was demonstrated, respectively. The significant increase in the level of five defense peptides, including galiomicin, corresponded well with the highest antifungal activity in hemolymph. Our results indicate that A. niger α-1,3-glucan is recognized by the insect immune system, and immune response is triggered by this cell wall component. Thus, the role of a fungal PAMP for α-1,3-glucan can be postulated.
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13
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Rozaliyani A, Setianingrum F, Azahra S, Abdullah A, Fatril AE, Rosianawati H, Burhan E, Handayani D, Arifin AR, Zaini J, Tugiran M, Adawiyah R, Syam R, Wibowo H, Wahyuningsih R, Kosmidis C, Denning DW. Performance of LDBio Aspergillus WB and ICT Antibody Detection in Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:311. [PMID: 33919511 PMCID: PMC8073219 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection of Aspergillus antibody has a key role in the diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Western blot (WB) and immunochromatography (ICT) lateral flow detection of Aspergillus antibody can be used as confirmatory and screening assays but their comparative performance in TB patients is not known. This study investigated the performance of these assays among 88 post-tuberculosis patients with suspected CPA. Sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating curve (ROC), area under-curve (AUC) and the agreement between two assays were evaluated. Both WB and ICT showed good sensitivity (80% and 85%, respectively) for detection of Aspergillus antibodies. Substantial agreement (0.716) between these assays was also obtained. The highest AUC result (0.804) was achieved with the combination of WB and ICT. The global intensity of WB correlated with the severity of symptoms in CPA group (p = 0.001). The combination of WB and ICT may increase specificity in CPA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rozaliyani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (A.A.); (A.E.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.); (R.S.); (H.W.); (R.W.)
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
| | - Findra Setianingrum
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (A.A.); (A.E.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.); (R.S.); (H.W.); (R.W.)
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
| | - Sresta Azahra
- Magister Program of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia;
| | - Asriyani Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (A.A.); (A.E.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.); (R.S.); (H.W.); (R.W.)
| | - Ayu Eka Fatril
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (A.A.); (A.E.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.); (R.S.); (H.W.); (R.W.)
| | - Harmi Rosianawati
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Persahabatan National Respiratory Referral Hospital, Jakarta 13230, Indonesia;
| | - Erlina Burhan
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Persahabatan National Respiratory Referral Hospital, Jakarta 13230, Indonesia;
| | - Diah Handayani
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Persahabatan National Respiratory Referral Hospital, Jakarta 13230, Indonesia;
| | - Arief Riadi Arifin
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
- MH Thamrin Hospital, Jakarta 10440, Indonesia
| | - Jamal Zaini
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Persahabatan National Respiratory Referral Hospital, Jakarta 13230, Indonesia;
| | - Mulyati Tugiran
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (A.A.); (A.E.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.); (R.S.); (H.W.); (R.W.)
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
| | - Robiatul Adawiyah
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (A.A.); (A.E.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.); (R.S.); (H.W.); (R.W.)
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ridhawati Syam
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (A.A.); (A.E.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.); (R.S.); (H.W.); (R.W.)
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
| | - Heri Wibowo
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (A.A.); (A.E.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.); (R.S.); (H.W.); (R.W.)
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
| | - Retno Wahyuningsih
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (F.S.); (A.A.); (A.E.F.); (M.T.); (R.A.); (R.S.); (H.W.); (R.W.)
- Pulmonary Mycosis Centre, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia; (E.B.); (D.H.); (A.R.A.); (J.Z.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen, Jakarta 13530, Indonesia
| | - Chris Kosmidis
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (C.K.); (D.W.D.)
| | - David W Denning
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK; (C.K.); (D.W.D.)
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Small Molecule CCR4 Antagonists Protect Mice from Aspergillus Infection and Allergy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11030351. [PMID: 33669094 PMCID: PMC7996545 DOI: 10.3390/biom11030351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to regulate the recruitment of immune cells makes chemokines and their receptors attractive drug targets in many inflammatory diseases. Based on its preferential expression on T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) has been widely studied in the context of allergic diseases, but recent evidence on the expression of CCR4 in other cell types has considerably expanded the potential applications of CCR4 antagonism. However, the current number of approved indications, as well as the portfolio of CCR4-targeting drugs, are still limited. In the present study, we have assessed the potential therapeutic efficacy of a CCR4 small molecule antagonist, SP50, discovered via an in silico-based approach, against a variety of pre-clinical settings of infection with the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. We show that SP50 efficiently worked as prophylactic vaccine adjuvant in immunocompetent mice, protected against invasive aspergillosis in immunosuppressed mice. Further, the CCR4 antagonist prevented allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in susceptible mice, and in a murine model of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder characterized by chronic pulmonary inflammation and recurrent infections. In conclusion, our results extend the potential applications of CCR4 antagonism and prompt for the development of novel compounds with the potential to progress to clinical trials.
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15
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Honorato L, Bonilla JJA, Piffer AC, Nimrichter L. Fungal Extracellular Vesicles as a Potential Strategy for Vaccine Development. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2021; 432:121-138. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83391-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Galactomannan Produced by Aspergillus fumigatus: An Update on the Structure, Biosynthesis and Biological Functions of an Emblematic Fungal Biomarker. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040283. [PMID: 33198419 PMCID: PMC7712326 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The galactomannan (GM) that is produced by the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is an emblematic biomarker in medical mycology. The GM is composed of two monosaccharides: mannose and galactofuranose. The furanic configuration of galactose residues, absent in mammals, is responsible for the antigenicity of the GM and has favoured the development of ELISA tests to diagnose aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. The GM that is produced by A. fumigatus is a unique fungal polysaccharide containing a tetramannoside repeat unit and having three different forms: (i) membrane bound through a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor, (ii) covalently linked to β-1,3-glucans in the cell wall, or (iii) released in the culture medium as a free polymer. Recent studies have revealed the crucial role of the GM during vegetative and polarized fungal growth. This review highlights these recent data on its biosynthetic pathway and its biological functions during the saprophytic and pathogenic life of this opportunistic human fungal pathogen.
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17
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Stanford FA, Voigt K. Iron Assimilation during Emerging Infections Caused by Opportunistic Fungi with emphasis on Mucorales and the Development of Antifungal Resistance. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11111296. [PMID: 33143139 PMCID: PMC7693903 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is a key transition metal required by most microorganisms and is prominently utilised in the transfer of electrons during metabolic reactions. The acquisition of iron is essential and becomes a crucial pathogenic event for opportunistic fungi. Iron is not readily available in the natural environment as it exists in its insoluble ferric form, i.e., in oxides and hydroxides. During infection, the host iron is bound to proteins such as transferrin, ferritin, and haemoglobin. As such, access to iron is one of the major hurdles that fungal pathogens must overcome in an immunocompromised host. Thus, these opportunistic fungi utilise three major iron acquisition systems to overcome this limiting factor for growth and proliferation. To date, numerous iron acquisition pathways have been fully characterised, with key components of these systems having major roles in virulence. Most recently, proteins involved in these pathways have been linked to the development of antifungal resistance. Here, we provide a detailed review of our current knowledge of iron acquisition in opportunistic fungi, and the role iron may have on the development of resistance to antifungals with emphasis on species of the fungal basal lineage order Mucorales, the causative agents of mucormycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Adelina Stanford
- Jena Microbial Resource Collection, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research, and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Neugasse 25, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Kerstin Voigt
- Jena Microbial Resource Collection, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research, and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena, Germany;
- Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Neugasse 25, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology–Hans Knöll Institute, Jena Microbial Resource Collection Adolf-Reichwein-Straße 23, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-532-1395; Fax: +49-3641-532-2395
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18
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Microglial Response to Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans: Implications in Endophthalmitis. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030162. [PMID: 32899547 PMCID: PMC7558867 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is the most common etiology of fungal endophthalmitis in India, while Candida albicans is the causative agent in the West. In this study, we determined the role of microglial cells in evoking an inflammatory response following an infection with A. flavus and C. albicans strains isolated from patients with endophthalmitis. Microglia (CHME-3) cells were infected with A. flavus and C. albicans and the expression of Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), cytokines and Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were assessed at various time intervals. A. flavus infected cells induced higher expressions of TLR-1, -2, -5, -6, -7 and -9 and cytokines such as IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-17. In contrast, C. albicans infected microglia induced only TLR-2 along with the downregulation of IL-10 and IL-17. The expression of MMP-9 (Matrix metalloproteinase-9) was however upregulated in both A. flavus and C. albicans infected microglia. These results indicate that microglial cells have the ability to incite an innate response towards endophthalmitis causing fungal pathogens via TLRs and inflammatory mediators. Moreover, our study highlights the differential responses of microglia towards yeast vs. filamentous fungi.
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Valsecchi I, Stephen-Victor E, Wong SSW, Karnam A, Sunde M, Guijarro JI, Rodríguez de Francisco B, Krüger T, Kniemeyer O, Brown GD, Willment JA, Latgé JP, Brakhage AA, Bayry J, Aimanianda V. The Role of RodA-Conserved Cysteine Residues in the Aspergillus fumigatus Conidial Surface Organization. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6030151. [PMID: 32859091 PMCID: PMC7558875 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune inertness of Aspergillusfumigatus conidia is attributed to its surface rodlet-layer made up of RodAp, characterized by eight conserved cysteine residues forming four disulfide bonds. Earlier, we showed that the conserved cysteine residue point (ccrp) mutations result in conidia devoid of the rodlet layer. Here, we extended our study comparing the surface organization and immunoreactivity of conidia carrying ccrp-mutations with the RODA deletion mutant (∆rodA). Western blot analysis using anti-RodAp antibodies indicated the absence of RodAp in the cytoplasm of ccrp-mutant conidia. Immunolabeling revealed differential reactivity to conidial surface glucans, the ccrp-mutant conidia preferentially binding to α-(1,3)-glucan, ∆rodA conidia selectively bound to β-(1,3)-glucan; the parental strain conidia showed negative labeling. However, permeability of ccrp-mutants and ∆rodA was similar to the parental strain conidia. Proteomic analyses of the conidial surface exposed proteins of the ccrp-mutants showed more similarities with the parental strain, but were significantly different from the ∆rodA. Ccrp-mutant conidia were less immunostimulatory compared to ∆rodA conidia. Our data suggest that (i) the conserved cysteine residues are essential for the trafficking of RodAp and the organization of the rodlet layer on the conidial surface, and (ii) targeted point mutation could be an alternative approach to study the role of fungal cell-wall genes in host–fungal interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Valsecchi
- Aspergillus Unit, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France; (I.V.); (J.-P.L.)
| | - Emmanuel Stephen-Victor
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherché des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France; (E.S.-V.); (A.K.)
| | - Sarah Sze Wah Wong
- Molecular Mycology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS-UMR-2000, 10098 Paris, France;
| | - Anupama Karnam
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherché des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France; (E.S.-V.); (A.K.)
| | - Margaret Sunde
- School of Medical Sciences and Sydney Nano, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) 2006, Australia;
| | - J. Iñaki Guijarro
- Biological NMR Technological Platform, Institut Pasteur, CNRS-UMR-3528, 75015 Paris, France; (J.I.G.); (B.R.d.F.)
| | - Borja Rodríguez de Francisco
- Biological NMR Technological Platform, Institut Pasteur, CNRS-UMR-3528, 75015 Paris, France; (J.I.G.); (B.R.d.F.)
| | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany; (T.K.); (O.K.); (A.A.B.)
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany; (T.K.); (O.K.); (A.A.B.)
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; (G.D.B.); (J.A.W.)
| | - Janet A. Willment
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology (MRC CMM), University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK; (G.D.B.); (J.A.W.)
| | - Jean-Paul Latgé
- Aspergillus Unit, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France; (I.V.); (J.-P.L.)
| | - Axel A. Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745 Jena, Germany; (T.K.); (O.K.); (A.A.B.)
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre de Recherché des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France; (E.S.-V.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (V.A.); Tel.: +33-1-44278203 (J.B.); +33-1-45688225 (V.A.)
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Molecular Mycology Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS-UMR-2000, 10098 Paris, France;
- Correspondence: (J.B.); (V.A.); Tel.: +33-1-44278203 (J.B.); +33-1-45688225 (V.A.)
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Differential Interactions of Serum and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Complement Proteins with Conidia of Airborne Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00212-20. [PMID: 32571987 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00212-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though both cellular and humoral immunities contribute to host defense, the role played by humoral immunity against the airborne opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus has been underexplored. In this study, we aimed at deciphering the role of the complement system, the major humoral immune component, against A. fumigatus Mass spectrometry analysis of the proteins extracted from A. fumigatus conidial (asexual spores and infective propagules) surfaces opsonized with human serum indicated that C3 is the major complement protein involved. Flow cytometry and immunolabeling assays further confirmed C3b (activated C3) deposition on the conidial surfaces. Assays using cell wall components of conidia indicated that the hydrophobin RodAp, β-(1,3)-glucan (BG) and galactomannan (GM) could efficiently activate C3. Using complement component-depleted sera, we showed that while RodAp activates C3 by the alternative pathway, BG and GM partially follow the classical and lectin pathways, respectively. Opsonization facilitated conidial aggregation and phagocytosis, and complement receptor (CR3 and CR4) blockage on phagocytes significantly inhibited phagocytosis, indicating that the complement system exerts a protective role against conidia by opsonizing them and facilitating their phagocytosis mainly through complement receptors. Conidial opsonization with human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) confirmed C3 to be the major complement protein interacting with conidia. Nevertheless, complement C2 and mannose-binding lectin (MBL), the classical and lectin pathway components, respectively, were not identified, indicating that BALF activates the alternative pathway on the conidial surface. Moreover, the cytokine profiles were different upon stimulation of phagocytes with serum- and BALF-opsonized conidia, highlighting the importance of studying interaction of conidia with complement proteins in their biological niche.
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Xu X, Xia C, Huang Y. Different roles of intracellular and extracellular reactive oxygen species of neutrophils in type 2 diabetic mice with invasive aspergillosis. Immunobiology 2020; 225:151996. [PMID: 32962816 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2020.151996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic patients have an increased risk of invasive aspergillosis (IA), but the mechanism is still unclear. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by neutrophils play a key role in defense against Aspergillus infection. Since diabetes mellitus affects the production of ROS from neutrophils, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether this effect is related to the susceptibility of diabetic mice to IA. C57BL/6 mice were used to establish type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model, and IA was induced by airway infection with Aspergillus fumigatus. After infection, the fungal load, neutrophil count and ROS content in the lung tissues of T2DM mice were higher than those in the control mice, and the inflammation of the lung tissue was more serious. After being exposed to hyphae in vitro, compared with the control group, neutrophils in T2DM mice had higher apoptosis rate and intracellular ROS content, as well as lower viability, extracellular ROS content and fungicidal ability. In summary, after T2DM mice are infected with A. fumigatus, the reduction of extracellular ROS produced by neutrophils may lead to a decrease in fungicidal ability, while the increase of intracellular ROS is related to neutrophil and lung tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghua Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital (Changhai Hospital), Naval Medical University, Changhai Road 168, Yangpu, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Chu Xia
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital (Changhai Hospital), Naval Medical University, Changhai Road 168, Yangpu, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital (Changhai Hospital), Naval Medical University, Changhai Road 168, Yangpu, Shanghai 200433, China.
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22
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Stączek S, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Pleszczyńska M, Wiater A, Cytryńska M. Aspergillus niger α-1,3-glucan acts as a virulence factor by inhibiting the insect phenoloxidase system. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 171:107341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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23
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Chung KY, Brown JCS. Biology and function of exo-polysaccharides from human fungal pathogens. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2020; 7:1-11. [PMID: 33042730 DOI: 10.1007/s40588-020-00137-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review Environmental fungi such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus must survive many different and changing environments as they transition from their environmental niches to human lungs and other organs. Fungi alter their cell surfaces and secreted macromolecules to respond to and manipulate their surroundings. Recent findings This review focuses on exo-polysaccharides, chains of sugars that transported out of the cell and spread to the local environment. Major exo-polysaccharides for C. neoformans and A. fumigatus are glucuronylxylomannan (GXM) and galactosaminogalactan (GAG), respectively, which accumulate at high concentrations in growth medium and infected patients. Summary Here we discuss GXM and GAG synthesis and export, their immunomodulatory properties, and their roles in biofilm formation. We also propose areas of future research to address outstanding questions in the field that could facilitate development of new disease treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystal Y Chung
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Department, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jessica C S Brown
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Pathology Department, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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24
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Garcia-Rubio R, de Oliveira HC, Rivera J, Trevijano-Contador N. The Fungal Cell Wall: Candida, Cryptococcus, and Aspergillus Species. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2993. [PMID: 31993032 PMCID: PMC6962315 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungal cell wall is located outside the plasma membrane and is the cell compartment that mediates all the relationships of the cell with the environment. It protects the contents of the cell, gives rigidity and defines the cellular structure. The cell wall is a skeleton with high plasticity that protects the cell from different stresses, among which osmotic changes stand out. The cell wall allows interaction with the external environment since some of its proteins are adhesins and receptors. Since, some components have a high immunogenic capacity, certain wall components can drive the host's immune response to promote fungus growth and dissemination. The cell wall is a characteristic structure of fungi and is composed mainly of glucans, chitin and glycoproteins. As the components of the fungal cell wall are not present in humans, this structure is an excellent target for antifungal therapy. In this article, we review recent data on the composition and synthesis, influence of the components of the cell wall in fungi-host interaction and the role as a target for the next generation of antifungal drugs in yeasts (Candida and Cryptococcus) and filamentous fungi (Aspergillus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Garcia-Rubio
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Nutley, NJ, United States
| | | | - Johanna Rivera
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nuria Trevijano-Contador
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Evaluation of LDBio Aspergillus ICT Lateral Flow Assay for IgG and IgM Antibody Detection in Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:JCM.00538-19. [PMID: 31217272 PMCID: PMC6711894 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00538-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Detecting Aspergillus-specific IgG is critical to diagnosing chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). Existing assays are often cost- and resource-intensive and not compatible with resource-constrained laboratory settings. LDBio Diagnostics has recently commercialized a lateral flow assay based on immunochromatographic technology (ICT) that detects Aspergillus antibodies (IgG and IgM) in less than 30 min, requiring minimal laboratory equipment. A total of 154 CPA patient sera collected at the National Aspergillosis Centre (Manchester, United Kingdom) and control patient sera from the Peninsula Research Bank (Exeter, United Kingdom) were evaluated. Samples were applied to the LDBio Aspergillus ICT lateral flow assay, and results were read both visually and digitally. Results were compared with Aspergillus IgG titers in CPA patients, measured by ImmunoCAP-specific IgG assays. For proven CPA patients versus controls, sensitivity and specificity for the LDBio Aspergillus ICT were 91.6% and 98.0%, respectively. In contrast, the routinely used ImmunoCAP assay exhibited 80.5% sensitivity for the same cohort (cutoff value, 40 mg of antigen-specific antibodies [mgA]/liter). The assay is easy to perform but challenging to read when only a very faint band is present (5/154 samples tested). The ImmunoCAP Aspergillus IgG titer was also compared with the Aspergillus ICT test line intensity or rate of development, with weak to moderate correlations. The Aspergillus ICT lateral flow assay exhibits excellent sensitivity for serological diagnosis of CPA. Quantifying IgG from test line intensity measurements is not reliable. Given the short run time, simplicity, and limited resources needed, the LDBio Aspergillus ICT is a suitable diagnostic tool for CPA in resource-constrained settings.
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Bouchemal K, Wong SSW, Huang N, Willment JA, Latgé JP, Aimanianda V. β-Glucan Grafted Microcapsule, a Tool for Studying the Immunomodulatory Effect of Microbial Cell Wall Polysaccharides. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:1788-1797. [PMID: 31125199 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
β-(1,3)-Glucan is one of the antigenic components of the bacterial as well as fungal cell wall. We designed microcapsules (MCs) ligated with β-(1,3)-glucan, to study its immunomodulatory effect. The MCs were obtained by interfacial polycondensation between diacyl chloride (sebacoyl chloride and terephtaloyl chloride) and diethylenetriamine in organic and aqueous phases, respectively. Planar films were first designed to optimize monomer compositions and to examine the kinetics of film formation. MCs with aqueous fluorescent core were then obtained upon controlled emulsification-polycondensation reactions using optimized monomer compositions and adding fluorescein into the aqueous phase. The selected MC-formulation was grafted with Curdlan, a linear β-(1,3)-glucan from Agrobacterium species or branched β-(1,3)-glucan isolated from the cell wall of Aspergillus fumigatus. These β-(1,3)-glucan grafted MCs were phagocytosed by human monocyte-derived macrophages, and stimulated cytokine secretion. Moreover, the blocking of dectin-1, a β-(1,3)-glucan recognizing receptor, did not completely inhibit the phagocytosis of these β-(1,3)-glucan grafted MCs, suggesting the involvement of other receptors in the recognition and uptake of β-(1,3)-glucan. Overall, grafted MCs are a useful tool for the study of the mechanism of phagocytosis and immunomodulatory effect of the microbial polysaccharides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawthar Bouchemal
- Institut Galien Paris-Sud, UMR CNRS 8612, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay , Faculté de Pharmacie , Châtenay-Malabry 92296 , France
| | | | - Nicolas Huang
- Institut Galien Paris-Sud, UMR CNRS 8612, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay , Faculté de Pharmacie , Châtenay-Malabry 92296 , France
| | - Janet Anne Willment
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Aberdeen Fungal Group , University of Aberdeen , AB25 2ZD , Aberdeen , United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Paul Latgé
- Unité des Aspergillus , Institut Pasteur , Paris 75015 , France
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27
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Zacharias CA, Sheppard DC. The role of Aspergillus fumigatus polysaccharides in host-pathogen interactions. Curr Opin Microbiol 2019; 52:20-26. [PMID: 31121411 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprophytic mold that can cause infection in patients with impaired immunity or chronic lung diseases. The polysaccharide-rich cell wall of this fungus is a key point of contact with the host immune system. The availability of purified cell wall polysaccharides and mutant strains deficient in the production of these glycans has revealed that these glycans play an important role in the pathogenesis of A. fumigatus infections. Herein, we review our current understanding of the key polysaccharides present within the A. fumigatus cell wall, and their interactions with host cells and secreted factors during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin A Zacharias
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Donald C Sheppard
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Centre for Translational Biology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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28
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Nimrichter L, Rodrigues ML, Del Poeta M. Exploiting Lipids to Develop Anticryptococcal Vaccines. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-019-00178-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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29
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Tang C, Makusheva Y, Sun H, Han W, Iwakura Y. Myeloid C-type lectin receptors in skin/mucoepithelial diseases and tumors. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 106:903-917. [PMID: 30964564 PMCID: PMC6850291 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2ri0119-031r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs), which consist of an extracellular carbohydrate recognition domain and intracellular signal transducing motif such as the immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based activation motif (ITAM) or immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibitory motif (ITIM), are innate immune receptors primarily expressed on myeloid lineage cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) and Mϕs. CLRs play important roles in host defense against infection by fungi and bacteria by recognizing specific carbohydrate components of these pathogens. However, these immune receptors also make important contributions to immune homeostasis of mucosa and skin in mammals by recognizing components of microbiota, as well as by recognizing self‐components such as alarmins from dead cells and noncanonical non‐carbohydrate ligands. CLR deficiency not only induces hypersensitivity to infection, but also causes dysregulation of muco‐cutaneous immune homeostasis, resulting in the development of allergy, inflammation, autoimmunity, and tumors. In this review, we introduce recent discoveries regarding the roles of myeloid CLRs in the immune system exposed to the environment, and discuss the roles of these lectin receptors in the development of colitis, asthma, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and cancer. Although some CLRs are suggested to be involved in the development of these diseases, the function of CLRs and their ligands still largely remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Tang
- Center for Animal Disease Models, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Yulia Makusheva
- Center for Animal Disease Models, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Haiyang Sun
- Center for Animal Disease Models, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Wei Han
- Center for Animal Disease Models, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Iwakura
- Center for Animal Disease Models, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
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30
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Mirkov I, Popov Aleksandrov A, Lazovic B, Glamoclija J, Kataranovski M. Usefulness of animal models of aspergillosis in studying immunity against Aspergillus infections. J Mycol Med 2019; 29:84-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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31
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Papadopoulou A, Alvanou M, Koukoulias K, Athanasiou E, Lazaridou A, Savvopoulos N, Kaloyannidis P, Markantonatou AM, Vyzantiadis TA, Yiangou M, Anagnostopoulos A, Yannaki E. Clinical-scale production of Aspergillus-specific T cells for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in the immunocompromised host. Bone Marrow Transplant 2019; 54:1963-1972. [DOI: 10.1038/s41409-019-0501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Two KTR Mannosyltransferases Are Responsible for the Biosynthesis of Cell Wall Mannans and Control Polarized Growth in Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.02647-18. [PMID: 30755510 PMCID: PMC6372797 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02647-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal cell wall is a complex and dynamic entity essential for the development of fungi. It allows fungal pathogens to survive environmental challenge posed by nutrient stress and host defenses, and it also is central to polarized growth. The cell wall is mainly composed of polysaccharides organized in a three-dimensional network. Aspergillus fumigatus produces a cell wall galactomannan whose biosynthetic pathway and biological functions remain poorly defined. Here, we described two new mannosyltransferases essential to the synthesis of the cell wall galactomannan. Their absence leads to a growth defect with misregulation of polarization and altered conidiation, with conidia which are bigger and more permeable than the conidia of the parental strain. This study showed that in spite of its low concentration in the cell wall, this polysaccharide is absolutely required for cell wall stability, for apical growth, and for the full virulence of A. fumigatus. Fungal cell wall mannans are complex carbohydrate polysaccharides with different structures in yeasts and molds. In contrast to yeasts, their biosynthetic pathway has been poorly investigated in filamentous fungi. In Aspergillus fumigatus, the major mannan structure is a galactomannan that is cross-linked to the β-1,3-glucan-chitin cell wall core. This polymer is composed of a linear mannan with a repeating unit composed of four α1,6-linked and α1,2-linked mannoses with side chains of galactofuran. Despite its use as a biomarker to diagnose invasive aspergillosis, its biosynthesis and biological function were unknown. Here, we have investigated the function of three members of the Ktr (also named Kre2/Mnt1) family (Ktr1, Ktr4, and Ktr7) in A. fumigatus and show that two of them are required for the biosynthesis of galactomannan. In particular, we describe a newly discovered form of α-1,2-mannosyltransferase activity encoded by the KTR4 gene. Biochemical analyses showed that deletion of the KTR4 gene or the KTR7 gene leads to the absence of cell wall galactomannan. In comparison to parental strains, the Δktr4 and Δktr7 mutants showed a severe growth phenotype with defects in polarized growth and in conidiation, marked alteration of the conidial viability, and reduced virulence in a mouse model of invasive aspergillosis. In yeast, the KTR proteins are involved in protein 0- and N-glycosylation. This study provided another confirmation that orthologous genes can code for proteins that have very different biological functions in yeasts and filamentous fungi. Moreover, in A. fumigatus, cell wall mannans are as important structurally as β-glucans and chitin.
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Lauruschkat CD, Einsele H, Loeffler J. Immunomodulation as a Therapy for Aspergillus Infection: Current Status and Future Perspectives. J Fungi (Basel) 2018; 4:jof4040137. [PMID: 30558125 PMCID: PMC6308942 DOI: 10.3390/jof4040137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most serious life-threatening infectious complication of intensive remission induction chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with a variety of hematological malignancies. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most commonly isolated species from cases of IA. Despite the various improvements that have been made with preventative strategies and the development of antifungal drugs, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches that focus on strategies to boost the host’s immune response, since immunological recovery is recognized as being the major determinant of the outcome of IA. Here, we aim to summarize current knowledge about a broad variety of immunotherapeutic approaches against IA, including therapies based on the transfer of distinct immune cell populations, and the administration of cytokines and antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris D Lauruschkat
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, WÜ4i, Building C11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, WÜ4i, Building C11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Wuerzburg, WÜ4i, Building C11, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Nami S, Mohammadi R, Vakili M, Khezripour K, Mirzaei H, Morovati H. Fungal vaccines, mechanism of actions and immunology: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:333-344. [PMID: 30399567 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections include a wide range of opportunistic and invasive diseases. Two of four major fatal diseases in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are related to the fungal infections, cryptococcosis, and pneumocystosis. Disseminated candidiasis and different clinical forms of aspergillosis annually impose expensive medical costs to governments and hospitalized patients and ultimately lead to high mortality rates. Therefore, urgent implementations are necessary to prevent the expansion of these diseases. Designing an effective vaccine is one of the most important approaches in this field. So far, numerous efforts have been carried out in developing an effective vaccine against fungal infections. Some of these challenges engaged in different stages of clinical trials but none of them could be approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here, in addition to have a comprehensive overview on the data from studied vaccine programs, we will discuss the immunology response against fungal infections. Moreover, it will be attempted to clarify the underlying immune mechanisms of vaccines targeting different fungal infections that are crucial for designing an effective vaccination strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Nami
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rasoul Mohammadi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahshid Vakili
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology/Invasive Fungi Research Center (IFRC), School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Kimia Khezripour
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamid Morovati
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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35
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Yao Y, Zhou H, Shen Y, Yang Q, Ye J, Fu Y, Lu G, Lou H, Yu Y, Zhou J. Evaluation of a quantitative serum Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgM assay for diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2018; 12:2566-2572. [PMID: 30191673 DOI: 10.1111/crj.12957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) remains challenging. Currently, a new quantitative IgM antibody assay that enveloped purified galactomannan extracted from Aspergillus fumigatus as antigen was commercially available in China, but its diagnostic value remains to be established. METHODS To evaluate the role of this commercial IgM assay for diagnosis of CPA, a multi-center prospective study was performed in 12 hospitals in Zhejiang Province, from January 1 to December 31, 2016. Adult inpatients without severe immunocompromised condition and those with persistent clinical symptoms/radiological findings ≥3 months or a consistent appearance in chest CT that was suggestive of CPA were included. The clinical data were compiled using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 87 cases were enrolled, including 43 CPA. The sensitivity ranged from 16.3% to 46.5%, and the specificity from 77.3% to 95.5% when cutoffs were from 50 to 80 arbitrary unit (AU)/mL. The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.627. When a cutoff of 38.12 AU/mL was applied, the sensitivity and specificity were 69.8% and 56.8%, respectively, which represents the best performance. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this study was the first to evaluate this commercial A. fumigatus-specific IgM antibody assay in CPA patients in China and indicates that this IgM assay has a limited value and should not be a prior recommendation for CPA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yake Yao
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yihong Shen
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Lab for Diagnostic and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiqi Fu
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guohua Lu
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Lou
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunsong Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianying Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Komarova BS, Wong SSW, Orekhova MV, Tsvetkov YE, Krylov VB, Beauvais A, Bouchara JP, Kearney JF, Aimanianda V, Latgé JP, Nifantiev NE. Chemical Synthesis and Application of Biotinylated Oligo-α-(1 → 3)-d-Glucosides To Study the Antibody and Cytokine Response against the Cell Wall α-(1 → 3)-d-Glucan of Aspergillus fumigatus. J Org Chem 2018; 83:12965-12976. [PMID: 30277398 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Biotinylated hepta-, nona- and undeca-α-(1 → 3)-d-glucosides representing long oligosaccharides of α-(1 → 3)-d-glucan, one of the major components of the cell walls of the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, were synthesized for the first time via a blockwise strategy. Convergent assembly of the α-(1 → 3)-d-glucan chains was achieved by glycosylation with oligoglucoside derivatives bearing 6- O-benzoyl groups. Those groups are capable of remote α-stereocontrolling participation, making them efficient α-directing tools even in the case of large glycosyl donors. Synthetic biotinylated oligoglucosides (and biotinylated derivatives of previously synthesized tri- and penta-α-(1 → 3)-d-glucosides) loaded on streptavidin microtiter plates were shown to be better recognized by anti-α-(1 → 3)-glucan human polyclonal antibodies and to induce higher cytokine responses upon stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells than their natural counterpart, α-(1 → 3)-d-glucan, immobilized on a conventional microtiter plate. Attachment of the synthetic oligosaccharides equipped with a hydrophilic spacer via the streptavidin-biotin pair allows better spatial presentation and control of the loading compared to the random sorption of natural α-(1 → 3)-glucan. Increase of oligoglucoside length results in their better recognition and enhancement of cytokine production. Thus, using synthetic α-(1 → 3)-glucan oligosaccharides, we developed an assay for the host immune response that is more sensitive than the assay based on native α-(1 → 3)-glucan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozhena S Komarova
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry , N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences , Leninsky prospect 47 , 119991 Moscow , Russia
| | - Sarah S W Wong
- Unité des Aspergillus , Institut Pasteur , 25 rue du Docteur Roux , 75724 Paris Cedex 15 , France
| | - Maria V Orekhova
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry , N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences , Leninsky prospect 47 , 119991 Moscow , Russia
| | - Yury E Tsvetkov
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry , N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences , Leninsky prospect 47 , 119991 Moscow , Russia
| | - Vadim B Krylov
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry , N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences , Leninsky prospect 47 , 119991 Moscow , Russia
| | - Anne Beauvais
- Unité des Aspergillus , Institut Pasteur , 25 rue du Docteur Roux , 75724 Paris Cedex 15 , France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- Groupe d'Etude des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène (EA 3142) , UNIV Brest , 74521-49045 Angers , France
| | - John F Kearney
- University of Alabama , Birmingham , Alabama 35294-2182 , United States
| | - Vishukumar Aimanianda
- Unité des Aspergillus , Institut Pasteur , 25 rue du Docteur Roux , 75724 Paris Cedex 15 , France
| | - Jean-Paul Latgé
- Unité des Aspergillus , Institut Pasteur , 25 rue du Docteur Roux , 75724 Paris Cedex 15 , France
| | - Nikolay E Nifantiev
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry , N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences , Leninsky prospect 47 , 119991 Moscow , Russia
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Proteome Analysis Reveals the Conidial Surface Protein CcpA Essential for Virulence of the Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.01557-18. [PMID: 30279286 PMCID: PMC6168859 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01557-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian immune system relies on recognition of pathogen surface antigens for targeting and clearance. In the absence of immune evasion strategies, pathogen clearance is rapid. In the case of Aspergillus fumigatus, the successful fungus must avoid phagocytosis in the lung to establish invasive infection. In healthy individuals, fungal spores are cleared by immune cells; however, in immunocompromised patients, clearance mechanisms are impaired. Here, using proteome analyses, we identified CcpA as an important fungal spore protein involved in pathogenesis. A. fumigatus lacking CcpA was more susceptible to immune recognition and prompt eradication and, consequently, exhibited drastically attenuated virulence. In infection studies, CcpA was required for virulence in infected immunocompromised mice, suggesting that it could be used as a possible immunotherapeutic or diagnostic target in the future. In summary, our report adds a protein to the list of those known to be critical to the complex fungal spore surface environment and, more importantly, identifies a protein important for conidial immunogenicity during infection. Aspergillus fumigatus is a common airborne fungal pathogen of humans and a significant source of mortality in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we provide the most extensive cell wall proteome profiling to date of A. fumigatus resting conidia, the fungal morphotype pertinent to first contact with the host. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we identified proteins within the conidial cell wall by hydrogen-fluoride (HF)–pyridine extraction and proteins exposed on the surface using a trypsin-shaving approach. One protein, designated conidial cell wall protein A (CcpA), was identified by both methods and was found to be nearly as abundant as hydrophobic rodlet layer-forming protein RodA. CcpA, an amphiphilic protein, like RodA, peaks in expression during sporulation on resting conidia. Despite high cell wall abundance, the cell surface structure of ΔccpA resting conidia appeared normal. However, trypsin shaving of ΔccpA conidia revealed novel surface-exposed proteins not detected on conidia of the wild-type strain. Interestingly, the presence of swollen ΔccpA conidia led to higher activation of neutrophils and dendritic cells than was seen with wild-type conidia and caused significantly less damage to epithelial cells in vitro. In addition, virulence was highly attenuated when cortisone-treated, immunosuppressed mice were infected with ΔccpA conidia. CcpA-specific memory T cell responses were detectable in healthy human donors naturally exposed to A. fumigatus conidia, suggesting a role for CcpA as a structural protein impacting conidial immunogenicity rather than possessing a protein-intrinsic immunosuppressive effect. Together, these data suggest that CcpA serves as a conidial stealth protein by altering the conidial surface structure to minimize innate immune recognition.
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Sam QH, Yew WS, Seneviratne CJ, Chang MW, Chai LYA. Immunomodulation as Therapy for Fungal Infection: Are We Closer? Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1612. [PMID: 30090091 PMCID: PMC6068232 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) causes significant morbidity in immunocompromised patients due to their weakened immune system. Immunomodulatory therapy, in synergy with existing antifungal therapy, is an attractive option to enhance their immune system and aid clearance of these opportunistic pathogens. From a scientific and clinical perspective, we explore the immunotherapeutic options to augment standard antifungal drugs for patients with an IFD. We discuss the range of immunomodulatory therapies being considered in IFD - from cytokines, including G-CSF, GM-CSF, M-CSF, IFN-γ, and cytokine agonists, to cellular therapies, consisting of granulocyte transfusion, adoptive T-cell, CAR T-cell, natural killer cell therapies, and monoclonal antibodies. Adjunct pharmaceutical agents which augment the immunity are also being considered. Lastly, we explore the likelihood of the use of probiotics and manipulation of the microbiome/mycobiome to enhance IFD treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Sam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Cluster – National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Shan Yew
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Matthew Wook Chang
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louis Yi Ann Chai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Cluster – National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
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García-Carnero LC, Pérez-García LA, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Reyes-Martínez JE, Mora-Montes HM. Current trends to control fungal pathogens: exploiting our knowledge in the host-pathogen interaction. Infect Drug Resist 2018; 11:903-913. [PMID: 30013373 PMCID: PMC6037146 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s170337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fungal infections remain a major challenge in medicine. Only a limited number of antifungal drugs are available, which are often related to severe adverse effects. In addition, there is an increased emergence related to resistant strains, which makes imperative to understand the host-pathogen interactions as well as to develop alternative treatments. Host innate and adaptive immunity play a crucial role controlling fungal infections; therefore, vaccines are a viable tool to prevent and treat fungal pathogens. Innate immunity is triggered by the interaction between the cell surface pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Such an initial immunological response is yet little understood in fungal infections, in part due to the complexity and plasticity of the fungal cell walls. Described host cell-fungus interactions and antigenic molecules are addressed in this paper. Furthermore, antigens found in the cell wall and capsule, including peptides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycans, have been used to trigger specific immune responses, and an increased production of antibodies has been observed when attached to immunogenic molecules. The recent biotechnological advances have allowed the development of vaccines against viral and bacterial pathogens with positive results; therefore, this technology has been applied to develop anti-fungal vaccines. Passive immunization has also emerged as an appealing alternative to treat disseminated mycosis, especially in immunocompromised patients. Those approaches have a long way to be seen in clinical cases. However, all studies discussed here open the possibility to have access to new therapies to be applied alone or in combination with current antifungal drugs. Herein, the state of the art of fungal vaccine developments is discussed in this review, highlighting new advances against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and Sporothrix spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C García-Carnero
- Department of Biology, Division of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato,
| | - Luis A Pérez-García
- Multidisciplinay Academic Unit, Zona Huasteca, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Ciudad Valles, México
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- Department of Biology, Division of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato,
| | - Juana E Reyes-Martínez
- Department of Biology, Division of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato,
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Department of Biology, Division of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato,
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. As more potent broad-spectrum antifungal agents are used in prophylaxis, drug resistance and less common fungal species have increased in frequency. Here we review current treatments available for IFD and examine the potential for adoptive T-cell treatment to enhance current therapeutic choices in IFD. RECENT FINDINGS There is growing evidence supporting the role of T cells as well as phagocytes in antifungal immunity. T cells recognizing specific antigens expressed on fungal morphotypes have been identified and the role of T-cell transfer has been explored in animal models. The clinical efficacy of adoptive transfer of antigen-specific T cells for prophylaxis and treatment of viral infections post-HSCT has raised interest in developing good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant methods for manufacturing and testing fungus-specific T cells after HSCT. SUMMARY As the outcomes of IFD post-HSCT are poor, reconstitution of antifungal immunity offers a way to correct the underlying deficiency that has caused the infection rather than simply pharmacologically suppress fungal growth. The clinical development of fungus specific T cells is in its early stages and clinical trials are needed in order to evaluate safety and efficacy.
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Comparative systems analysis of the secretome of the opportunistic pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and other Aspergillus species. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6617. [PMID: 29700415 PMCID: PMC5919931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25016-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus and multiple other Aspergillus species cause a wide range of lung infections, collectively termed aspergillosis. Aspergilli are ubiquitous in environment with healthy immune systems routinely eliminating inhaled conidia, however, Aspergilli can become an opportunistic pathogen in immune-compromised patients. The aspergillosis mortality rate and emergence of drug-resistance reveals an urgent need to identify novel targets. Secreted and cell membrane proteins play a critical role in fungal-host interactions and pathogenesis. Using a computational pipeline integrating data from high-throughput experiments and bioinformatic predictions, we have identified secreted and cell membrane proteins in ten Aspergillus species known to cause aspergillosis. Small secreted and effector-like proteins similar to agents of fungal-plant pathogenesis were also identified within each secretome. A comparison with humans revealed that at least 70% of Aspergillus secretomes have no sequence similarity with the human proteome. An analysis of antigenic qualities of Aspergillus proteins revealed that the secretome is significantly more antigenic than cell membrane proteins or the complete proteome. Finally, overlaying an expression dataset, four A. fumigatus proteins upregulated during infection and with available structures, were found to be structurally similar to known drug target proteins in other organisms, and were able to dock in silico with the respective drug.
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Schubert M, Spiegel H, Schillberg S, Nölke G. Aspergillus-specific antibodies - Targets and applications. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:1167-1184. [PMID: 29608951 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aspergillus is a fungal genus comprising several hundred species, many of which can damage the health of plants, animals and humans by direct infection and/or due to the production of toxic secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins. Aspergillus-specific antibodies have been generated against polypeptides, polysaccharides and secondary metabolites found in the cell wall or secretions, and these can be used to detect and monitor infections or to quantify mycotoxin contamination in food and feed. However, most Aspergillus-specific antibodies are generated against heterogeneous antigen preparations and the specific target remains unknown. Target identification is important because this can help to characterize fungal morphology, confirm host penetration by opportunistic pathogens, detect specific disease-related biomarkers, identify new candidate targets for antifungal drug design, and qualify antibodies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this review, we discuss how antibodies are raised against heterogeneous Aspergillus antigen preparations and how they can be characterized, focusing on strategies to identify their specific antigens and epitopes. We also discuss the therapeutic, diagnostic and biotechnological applications of Aspergillus-specific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Schubert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Holger Spiegel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schillberg
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074 Aachen, Germany; Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Institute for Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Phytopathology Department, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Greta Nölke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstrasse 6, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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Wong SSW, Rani M, Dodagatta-Marri E, Ibrahim-Granet O, Kishore U, Bayry J, Latgé JP, Sahu A, Madan T, Aimanianda V. Fungal melanin stimulates surfactant protein D-mediated opsonization of and host immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus spores. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:4901-4912. [PMID: 29414772 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.815852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Surfactant protein D (SP-D), a C-type lectin and pattern-recognition soluble factor, plays an important role in immune surveillance to detect and eliminate human pulmonary pathogens. SP-D has been shown to protect against infections with the most ubiquitous airborne fungal pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus, but the fungal surface component(s) interacting with SP-D is unknown. Here, we show that SP-D binds to melanin pigment on the surface of A. fumigatus dormant spores (conidia). SP-D also exhibited an affinity to two cell-wall polysaccharides of A. fumigatus, galactomannan (GM) and galactosaminogalactan (GAG). The immunolabeling pattern of SP-D was punctate on the conidial surface and was uniform on germinating conidia, in accordance with the localization of melanin, GM, and GAG. We also found that the collagen-like domain of SP-D is involved in its interaction with melanin, whereas its carbohydrate-recognition domain recognized GM and GAG. Unlike un-opsonized conidia, SP-D-opsonized conidia were phagocytosed more efficiently and stimulated the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by human monocyte-derived macrophages. Furthermore, SP-D-/- mice challenged intranasally with wildtype conidia or melanin ghosts (i.e. hollow melanin spheres) displayed significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokines in the lung compared with wildtype mice. In summary, SP-D binds to melanin present on the dormant A. fumigatus conidial surface, facilitates conidial phagocytosis, and stimulates the host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manjusha Rani
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - Eswari Dodagatta-Marri
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Uday Kishore
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Arvind Sahu
- Complement Biology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Taruna Madan
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India.
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Abstract
Glycosylation is an important post-translational modification that is required for structural and stability purposes and functional roles such as signalling, attachment and shielding. Many human pathogens such as bacteria display an array of carbohydrates on their surface that are non-self to the host; others such as viruses highjack the host-cell machinery and present self-carbohydrates sometimes arranged in a non-self more immunogenic manner. In combination with carrier proteins, these glycan structures can be highly immunogenic. During natural infection, glycan-binding antibodies are often elicited that correlate with long-lasting protection. A great amount of research has been invested in carbohydrate vaccine design to elicit such an immune response, which has led to the development of vaccines against the bacterial pathogens Haemophilus influenzae type b, Streptococcus pneumonia and Neisseria meningitidis. Other vaccines, e.g. against HIV-1, are still in development, but promising progress has been made with the isolation of broadly neutralizing glycan-binding antibodies and the engineering of stable trimeric envelope glycoproteins. Carbohydrate vaccines against other pathogens such as viruses (Dengue, Hepatitis C), parasites (Plasmodium) and fungi (Candida) are at different stages of development. This chapter will discuss the challenges in inducing cross-reactive carbohydrate-targeting antibodies and progress towards carbohydrate vaccines.
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Stephen-Victor E, Karnam A, Fontaine T, Beauvais A, Das M, Hegde P, Prakhar P, Holla S, Balaji KN, Kaveri SV, Latgé JP, Aimanianda V, Bayry J. Aspergillus fumigatus Cell Wall α-(1,3)-Glucan Stimulates Regulatory T-Cell Polarization by Inducing PD-L1 Expression on Human Dendritic Cells. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:1281-1294. [PMID: 28968869 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human dendritic cell (DC) response to α-(1,3)-glucan polysaccharide of Aspergillus fumigatus and ensuing CD4+ T-cell polarization are poorly characterized. Methods α-(1,3)-Glucan was isolated from A. fumigatus conidia and mycelia cell wall. For the analysis of polarization, DCs and autologous naive CD4+ T cells were cocultured. Phenotype of immune cells was analyzed by flow cytometry, and cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blocking antibodies were used to dissect the role of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in regulating α-(1,3)-glucan-mediated DC activation and T-cell responses. DCs from TLR2-deficient mice were additionally used to consolidate the findings. Results α-(1,3)-Glucan induced the maturation of DCs and was dependent in part on TLR2. "α-(1,3)-Glucan-educated" DCs stimulated the activation of naive T cells and polarized a subset of these cells into CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Mechanistically, Treg stimulation by α-(1,3)-glucan was dependent on the PD-L1 pathway that negatively regulated interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion. Short α-(1,3)-oligosaccharides lacked the capacity to induce maturation of DCs but significantly blocked α-(1,3)-glucan-induced Treg polarization. Conclusions PD-L1 dictates the balance between Treg and IFN-γ responses induced by α-(1,3)-glucan. Our data provide a rationale for the exploitation of immunotherapeutic approaches that target PD-1-PD-L1 to enhance protective immune responses to A. fumigatus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Stephen-Victor
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale.,Sorbonne Universités-Université Pierre et Marie Curie.,Equipe - Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers
| | - Anupama Karnam
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale.,Sorbonne Universités-Université Pierre et Marie Curie.,Equipe - Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers
| | | | - Anne Beauvais
- Unité des Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mrinmoy Das
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale.,Sorbonne Universités-Université Pierre et Marie Curie.,Equipe - Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers
| | - Pushpa Hegde
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale.,Equipe - Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers
| | - Praveen Prakhar
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Sahana Holla
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Srini V Kaveri
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale.,Sorbonne Universités-Université Pierre et Marie Curie.,Equipe - Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Jagadeesh Bayry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale.,Sorbonne Universités-Université Pierre et Marie Curie.,Equipe - Immunopathologie et Immunointervention Thérapeutique, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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Yao Y, Zhou H, Shen Y, Yang Q, Ye J, Lu G, Fu Y, Lou H, Yu Y, Zhou J. Evaluation of a commercial quantitative Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgM assay for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e9436. [PMID: 29390575 PMCID: PMC5758277 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000009436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a common fungal infection with high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis of IPA is still challenging because of its nonspecific clinical symptoms and radiological presentations.To evaluate the clinical value of a commercial Aspergillus fumigates-specific IgM antibody assay in diagnosis of IPA, a multicenter prospective study was performed in 12 hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China, from January 1 to December 31, 2016.A total of 59 patients were enrolled in this study, including 30 IPA and 29 non-IPA patients. The sensitivities of IgM assay were 30.0%, 26.7%, 23.3%, and 20.0%, and the specificities were 79.3%, 86.2%, 86.2%, and 96.6% at the cutoff values of 50, 60, 70 and 80 AU/mL, respectively. The area under the curve of the IgM assay revealed by the receiver-operating characteristic analysis was 0.511 in the IPA cases. This study is the first to evaluate the clinical performance of a commercial A. fumigatus-specific IgM antibody assay that uses envelopes galactomannan extracted from A. fumigatus as the sole antigen in diagnosis of IPA.In conclusion, the A. fumigatus-specific IgM antibody assay has limited value and should not be a prior recommendation for IPA diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qing Yang
- State Key Lab for Diagnostic and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Respiratory, Hangzhou First People's Hospital
| | | | | | - Haiyan Lou
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Yunsong Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Scheffold A, Schwarz C, Bacher P. Fungus-Specific CD4 T Cells as Specific Sensors for Identification of Pulmonary Fungal Infections. Mycopathologia 2017; 183:213-226. [PMID: 29168073 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-017-0229-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) suffer from chronic lung infections, caused by bacterial, viral or fungal pathogens, which determine morbidity and mortality. The contribution of individual pathogens to chronic disease and acute lung exacerbations is often difficult to determine due to the complex composition of the lung microbiome in CF. In particular, the relevance of fungal pathogens in CF airways remains poorly understood due to limitations of current diagnostics to identify the presence of fungal pathogens and to resolve the individual host-pathogen interaction status. T-lymphocytes play an essential role in host defense against pathogens, but also in inappropriate immune reactions such as allergies. They have the capacity to specifically recognize and discriminate the different pathogens and orchestrate a diverse array of effector functions. Thus, the analysis of the fungus-specific T cell status of an individual can in principle provide detailed information about the identity of the fungal pathogen(s) encountered and the actual fungus-host interaction status. This may allow to classify patients, according to appropriate (protective) or inappropriate (pathology-associated) immune reactions against individual fungal pathogens. However, T cell-based diagnostics are currently not part of the clinical routine. The identification and characterization of fungus-specific T cells in health and disease for diagnostic purposes are associated with significant challenges. Recent technological developments in the field of fungus-specific T helper cell detection provide new insights in the host T cell-fungus interaction. In this review, we will discuss basic principles and the potential of T cell-based diagnostics, as well as the perspectives and further needs for use of T cells for improved clinical diagnostics of fungal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Scheffold
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, Leibniz Association, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Carsten Schwarz
- Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis Centre Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Bacher
- Department of Cellular Immunology, Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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The PHR Family: The Role of Extracellular Transglycosylases in Shaping Candida albicans Cells. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:jof3040059. [PMID: 29371575 PMCID: PMC5753161 DOI: 10.3390/jof3040059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is an opportunistic microorganism that can become a pathogen causing mild superficial mycosis or more severe invasive infections that can be life-threatening for debilitated patients. In the etiology of invasive infections, key factors are the adaptability of C. albicans to the different niches of the human body and the transition from a yeast form to hypha. Hyphal morphology confers high adhesiveness to the host cells, as well as the ability to penetrate into organs. The cell wall plays a crucial role in the morphological changes C. albicans undergoes in response to specific environmental cues. Among the different categories of enzymes involved in the formation of the fungal cell wall, the GH72 family of transglycosylases plays an important assembly role. These enzymes cut and religate β-(1,3)-glucan, the major determinant of cell shape. In C. albicans, the PHR family encodes GH72 enzymes, some of which work in specific environmental conditions. In this review, we will summarize the work from the initial discovery of PHR genes to the study of the pH-dependent expression of PHR1 and PHR2, from the characterization of the gene products to the recent findings concerning the stress response generated by the lack of GH72 activity in C. albicans hyphae.
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Paulovičová E, Paulovičová L, Hrubiško M, Krylov VB, Argunov DA, Nifantiev NE. Immunobiological Activity of Synthetically Prepared Immunodominant Galactomannosides Structurally Mimicking Aspergillus Galactomannan. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1273. [PMID: 29081774 PMCID: PMC5645502 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The study is oriented at the in vitro evaluation of the immunobiological activity and efficacy of synthetically prepared isomeric pentasaccharides representing fragments of Aspergillus fumigatus cell-wall galactomannan and containing β-(1→5)-linked tetragalactofuranoside chain attached to O-6 (GM-1) or O-3 (GM-2) of a spacer-armed mannopyranoside residue. These compounds were studied as biotinylated conjugates which both demonstrated immunomodulatory activities on the RAW 264.7 cell line murine macrophages as in vitro innate immunity cell model. Immunobiological studies revealed time- and concentration-dependent efficient immunomodulation. The proliferation of RAW 264.7 macrophages was induced at higher concentration (100 µg/mL) of studied glycoconjugates and longer exposure (48 h), with more pronounced efficacy for GM-1. The increase of proliferation followed the previous increase of IL-2 production. The cytokine profile of the macrophages treated with the glycoconjugates was predominantly pro-inflammatory Th1 type with significant increase of TNFα, IL-6, and IL-12 release for both glycoconjugates. The RAW 264.7 macrophages production of free radicals was not significantly affected by glycoconjugates stimulation. The phagocytic activity of RAW 264.7 cells was reduced following GM-1 treatment and was significantly increased after 24 h stimulation with GM-2, contrary to 48 h stimulation. Moreover, the synthetically prepared galactomannoside derivatives have been evaluated as efficient serodiagnostic antigens recognized by specific Ig isotypes, and significant presence of specific IgM antibodies in serum of patients suffering from vulvovaginitis was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ema Paulovičová
- Cell Culture Laboratory, Department of Immunochemistry of Glycoconjugates, Center for Glycomics, Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Paulovičová
- Cell Culture Laboratory, Department of Immunochemistry of Glycoconjugates, Center for Glycomics, Institute of Chemistry, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin Hrubiško
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Oncology Institute of St. Elisabeth, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vadim B Krylov
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Argunov
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay E Nifantiev
- Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Chemistry, N.D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Dewi IMW, van de Veerdonk FL, Gresnigt MS. The Multifaceted Role of T-Helper Responses in Host Defense against Aspergillus fumigatus. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:E55. [PMID: 29371571 PMCID: PMC5753157 DOI: 10.3390/jof3040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitous opportunistic fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus rarely causes infections in immunocompetent individuals. A healthy functional innate immune system plays a crucial role in preventing Aspergillus-infection. This pivotal role for the innate immune system makes it a main research focus in studying the pathogenesis of aspergillosis. Although sometimes overshadowed by the innate immune response, the adaptive immune response, and in particular T-helper responses, also represents a key player in host defense against Aspergillus. Virtually all T-helper subsets have been described to play a role during aspergillosis, with the Th1 response being crucial for fungal clearance. However; morbidity and mortality of aspergillosis can also be partly attributed to detrimental immune responses resulting from adaptive immune activation. Th2 responses benefit fungal persistence; and are the foundation of allergic forms of aspergillosis. The Th17 response has two sides; although crucial for granulocyte recruitment, it can be involved in detrimental immunopathology. Regulatory T-cells, the endogenous regulators of inflammatory responses, play a key role in controlling detrimental inflammatory responses during aspergillosis. The current knowledge of the adaptive immune response against A. fumigatus is summarized in this review. A better understanding on how T-helper responses facilitate clearance of Aspergillus-infection and control inflammation can be the fundamental basis for understanding the pathogenesis of aspergillosis and for the development of novel host-directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Intan M W Dewi
- Department of Experimental Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eijkman No. 38, Bandung 40161, Indonesia.
| | - Frank L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Experimental Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Department of Experimental Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious diseases (RCI), Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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