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Reizine F, Tadié JM, Grégoire M, Tarte K, Gangneux JP. Assessing the entire landscape of antifungal immune response to COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024; 5:100861. [PMID: 38670134 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(24)00076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Reizine
- Centre Hospitalier Bretagne Atlantique, Service de Réanimation Polyvalente, F-56000 Vannes, France; Maladies Infectieuses et Réanimation Médicale, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; SITI laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France.
| | - Jean-Marc Tadié
- Maladies Infectieuses et Réanimation Médicale, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; SITI laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Univ Rennes, Rennes University Hospital, Inserm CIC 1414, Rennes, France
| | - Murielle Grégoire
- SITI laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Univ Rennes, Inserm, EFS Bretagne, Rennes, France
| | - Karin Tarte
- SITI laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Univ Rennes, Inserm, EFS Bretagne, Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- Rennes University Hospital, Centre National de Référence des Mycoses et Antifongiques LA-AspC Aspergilloses chroniques, European Excellence Center for Medical Mycology (ECMM EC), Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Rennes, France; Univ Rennes, Rennes University Hospital, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement Travail), Rennes, France
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2
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Koga S, Takazono T, Namie H, Okuno D, Ito Y, Nakada N, Hirayama T, Takeda K, Ide S, Iwanaga N, Tashiro M, Sakamoto N, Watanabe A, Izumikawa K, Yanagihara K, Tanaka Y, Mukae H. Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibit antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and other filamentous fungi. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0361423. [PMID: 38426765 PMCID: PMC10986472 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03614-23] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis are life-threatening diseases, especially among immunocompromised patients. Drug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains have been isolated worldwide, which can pose a serious clinical problem. As IA mainly occurs in patients with compromised immune systems, the ideal therapeutic approach should aim to bolster the immune system. In this study, we focused on Vγ9Vδ2 T cells that exhibit immune effector functions and examined the possibility of harnessing this unconventional T cell subset as a novel therapeutic modality for IA. A potent antifungal effect was observed when A. fumigatus (Af293) hyphae were challenged by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells derived from peripheral blood. In addition, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibited antifungal activity against hyphae of all Aspergillus spp., Cunninghamella bertholletiae, and Rhizopus microsporus but not against their conidia. Furthermore, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells also exhibited antifungal activity against azole-resistant A. fumigatus, indicating that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could be used for treating drug-resistant A. fumigatus. The antifungal activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells depended on cell-to-cell contact with A. fumigatus hyphae, and degranulation characterized by CD107a mobilization seems essential for this activity against A. fumigatus. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could be developed as a novel modality for treating IA or mucormycosis. IMPORTANCE Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis are often resistant to treatment with conventional antifungal agents and have a high mortality rate. Additionally, effective antifungal treatment is hindered by drug toxicity, given that both fungal and human cells are eukaryotic, and antifungal agents are also likely to act on human cells, resulting in adverse effects. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents specifically targeting fungi is challenging. This study demonstrated the antifungal activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells against various Aspergillus spp. and several Mucorales in vitro and discussed the mechanism underlying their antifungal activity. We indicate that adoptive immunotherapy using Vγ9Vδ2 T cells may offer a new therapeutic approach to IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Koga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Takazono
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hodaka Namie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daisuke Okuno
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuya Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nana Nakada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Health Center, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Hirayama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takeda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shotaro Ide
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Infectious Diseases Experts Training Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Naoki Iwanaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masato Tashiro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Noriho Sakamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koichi Izumikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanagihara
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Tanaka
- Center for Medical Innovation, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
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Vojdani A, Koksoy S, Vojdani E, Engelman M, Benzvi C, Lerner A. Natural Killer Cells and Cytotoxic T Cells: Complementary Partners against Microorganisms and Cancer. Microorganisms 2024; 12:230. [PMID: 38276215 PMCID: PMC10818828 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T (CD8+) cells are two of the most important types of immune cells in our body, protecting it from deadly invaders. While the NK cell is part of the innate immune system, the CD8+ cell is one of the major components of adaptive immunity. Still, these two very different types of cells share the most important function of destroying pathogen-infected and tumorous cells by releasing cytotoxic granules that promote proteolytic cleavage of harmful cells, leading to apoptosis. In this review, we look not only at NK and CD8+ T cells but also pay particular attention to their different subpopulations, the immune defenders that include the CD56+CD16dim, CD56dimCD16+, CD57+, and CD57+CD16+ NK cells, the NKT, CD57+CD8+, and KIR+CD8+ T cells, and ILCs. We examine all these cells in relation to their role in the protection of the body against different microorganisms and cancer, with an emphasis on their mechanisms and their clinical importance. Overall, close collaboration between NK cells and CD8+ T cells may play an important role in immune function and disease pathogenesis. The knowledge of how these immune cells interact in defending the body against pathogens and cancers may help us find ways to optimize their defensive and healing capabilities with methods that can be clinically applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristo Vojdani
- Immunosciences Laboratory, Inc., Los Angeles, CA 90035, USA
| | - Sadi Koksoy
- Cyrex Laboratories, LLC, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA; (S.K.); (M.E.)
| | | | - Mark Engelman
- Cyrex Laboratories, LLC, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA; (S.K.); (M.E.)
| | - Carina Benzvi
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel; (C.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Aaron Lerner
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Zabludowicz Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel; (C.B.); (A.L.)
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Morton CO, Griffiths JS, Loeffler J, Orr S, White PL. Defective antifungal immunity in patients with COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1080822. [PMID: 36531987 PMCID: PMC9750792 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1080822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a huge strain on global healthcare and been a significant cause of increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in at-risk populations. This disease attacks the respiratory systems and causes significant immune dysregulation in affected patients creating a perfect opportunity for the development of invasive fungal disease (IFD). COVID-19 infection can instill a significant, poorly regulated pro-inflammatory response. Clinically induced immunosuppression or pro-inflammatory damage to mucosa facilitate the development of IFD and Aspergillus, Mucorales, and Candida infections have been regularly reported throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Corticosteroids and immune modulators are used in the treatment of COVID-19. Corticosteroid use is also a risk factor for IFD, but not the only reason for IFD in COVID -19 patients. Specific dysregulation of the immune system through functional exhaustion of Natural killer (NK) cells and T cells has been observed in COVID-19 through the expression of the exhaustion markers NK-G2A and PD-1. Reduced fungicidal activity of neutrophils from COVID-19 patients indicates that immune dysfunction/imbalance are important risk factors for IFD. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the at-risk population for IFD. Even if the incidence of IFD is relatively low, the size of this new at-risk population will result in a substantial increase in the overall, annual number of IFD cases. It is important to understand how and why certain patients with COVID-19 developed increased susceptibility to IFD, as this will improve our understanding of risk of IFD in the face of future pandemics but also in a clinical era of increased clinical immuno-suppression/modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James S. Griffiths
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Selinda Orr
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Science, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - P. Lewis White
- Public Health Wales, Microbiology Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: P. Lewis White,
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5
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Novel Treatment Approach for Aspergilloses by Targeting Germination. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8080758. [PMID: 35893126 PMCID: PMC9331470 DOI: 10.3390/jof8080758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Germination of conidia is an essential process within the Aspergillus life cycle and plays a major role during the infection of hosts. Conidia are able to avoid detection by the majority of leukocytes when dormant. Germination can cause severe health problems, specifically in immunocompromised people. Aspergillosis is most often caused by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and affects neutropenic patients, as well as people with cystic fibrosis (CF). These patients are often unable to effectively detect and clear the conidia or hyphae and can develop chronic non-invasive and/or invasive infections or allergic inflammatory responses. Current treatments with (tri)azoles can be very effective to combat a variety of fungal infections. However, resistance against current azoles has emerged and has been increasing since 1998. As a consequence, patients infected with resistant A. fumigatus have a reported mortality rate of 88% to 100%. Especially with the growing number of patients that harbor azole-resistant Aspergilli, novel antifungals could provide an alternative. Aspergilloses differ in defining characteristics, but germination of conidia is one of the few common denominators. By specifically targeting conidial germination with novel antifungals, early intervention might be possible. In this review, we propose several morphotypes to disrupt conidial germination, as well as potential targets. Hopefully, new antifungals against such targets could contribute to disturbing the ability of Aspergilli to germinate and grow, resulting in a decreased fungal burden on patients.
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Trinks N, Reinhard S, Drobny M, Heilig L, Löffler J, Sauer M, Terpitz U. Subdiffraction-resolution fluorescence imaging of immunological synapse formation between NK cells and A. fumigatus by expansion microscopy. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1151. [PMID: 34608260 PMCID: PMC8490467 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansion microscopy (ExM) enables super-resolution fluorescence imaging on standard microscopes by physical expansion of the sample. However, the investigation of interactions between different organisms such as mammalian and fungal cells by ExM remains challenging because different cell types require different expansion protocols to ensure identical, ideally isotropic expansion of both partners. Here, we introduce an ExM method that enables super-resolved visualization of the interaction between NK cells and Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae. 4-fold expansion in combination with confocal fluorescence imaging allows us to resolve details of cytoskeleton rearrangement as well as NK cells' lytic granules triggered by contact with an RFP-expressing A. fumigatus strain. In particular, subdiffraction-resolution images show polarized degranulation upon contact formation and the presence of LAMP1 surrounding perforin at the NK cell-surface post degranulation. Our data demonstrate that optimized ExM protocols enable the investigation of immunological synapse formation between two different species with so far unmatched spatial resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Trinks
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Reinhard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Drobny
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Linda Heilig
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Löffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Terpitz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg, Germany.
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7
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Last A, Maurer M, S. Mosig A, S. Gresnigt M, Hube B. In vitro infection models to study fungal-host interactions. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuab005. [PMID: 33524102 PMCID: PMC8498566 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections (mycoses) affect over a billion people per year. Approximately, two million of these infections are life-threatening, especially for patients with a compromised immune system. Fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Candida, Histoplasma and Cryptococcus are opportunistic pathogens that contribute to a substantial number of mycoses. To optimize the diagnosis and treatment of mycoses, we need to understand the complex fungal-host interplay during pathogenesis, the fungal attributes causing virulence and how the host resists infection via immunological defenses. In vitro models can be used to mimic fungal infections of various tissues and organs and the corresponding immune responses at near-physiological conditions. Furthermore, models can include fungal interactions with the host-microbiota to mimic the in vivo situation on skin and mucosal surfaces. This article reviews currently used in vitro models of fungal infections ranging from cell monolayers to microfluidic 3D organ-on-chip (OOC) platforms. We also discuss how OOC models can expand the toolbox for investigating interactions of fungi and their human hosts in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Last
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Michelle Maurer
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Nonnenplan 2,07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander S. Mosig
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Nonnenplan 2,07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark S. Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology—Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Neugasse 24, 07743, Jena, Germany
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8
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Rapidly expanded partially HLA DRB1-matched fungus-specific T cells mediate in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity. Blood Adv 2021; 4:3443-3456. [PMID: 32722785 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020001565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are a major cause of disease and death in immunocompromised hosts, including patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Recovery of adaptive immunity after HSCT correlates strongly with recovery from fungal infection. Using initial selection of lymphocytes expressing the activation marker CD137 after fungal stimulation, we rapidly expanded a population of mainly CD4+ T cells with potent antifungal characteristics, including production of tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, interleukin-17, and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor. Cells were manufactured using a fully good manufacturing practice-compliant process. In vitro, the T cells responded to fungal antigens presented on fully and partially HLA-DRB1 antigen-matched presenting cells, including when the single common DRB1 antigen was allelically mismatched. Administration of antifungal T cells lead to reduction in the severity of pulmonary and cerebral infection in an experimental mouse model of Aspergillus. These data support the establishment of a bank of cryopreserved fungus-specific T cells using normal donors with common HLA DRB1 molecules and testing of partially HLA-matched third-party donor fungus-specific T cells as a potential therapeutic in patients with invasive fungal infection after HSCT.
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Dunne MR, Wagener J, Loeffler J, Doherty DG, Rogers TR. Unconventional T cells - New players in antifungal immunity. Clin Immunol 2021; 227:108734. [PMID: 33895356 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Life-threatening invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are increasing in incidence, especially in immunocompromised patients and successful resolution of IFD requires a variety of different immune cells. With the limited repertoire of available antifungal drugs there is a need for more effective therapeutic strategies. This review interrogates the evidence on the human immune response to the main pathogens driving IFD, with a focus on the role of unconventional lymphocytes e.g. natural killer (NK) cells, gamma/delta (γδ) T cells, mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILC). Recent discoveries and new insights into the roles of these novel lymphocyte groups in antifungal immunity will be discussed, and we will explore how an improved understanding of antifungal action by lymphocytes can inform efforts to improve antifungal treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret R Dunne
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Sir Patrick Dun Research Laboratory, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Johannes Wagener
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Sir Patrick Dun Research Laboratory, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Derek G Doherty
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Thomas R Rogers
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Sir Patrick Dun Research Laboratory, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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Bhattarai K, Bhattarai K, Kabir ME, Bastola R, Baral B. Fungal natural products galaxy: Biochemistry and molecular genetics toward blockbuster drugs discovery. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2021; 107:193-284. [PMID: 33641747 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Secondary metabolites synthesized by fungi have become a precious source of inspiration for the design of novel drugs. Indeed, fungi are prolific producers of fascinating, diverse, structurally complex, and low-molecular-mass natural products with high therapeutic leads, such as novel antimicrobial compounds, anticancer compounds, immunosuppressive agents, among others. Given that these microorganisms possess the extraordinary capacity to secrete diverse chemical scaffolds, they have been highly exploited by the giant pharma companies to generate small molecules. This has been made possible because the isolation of metabolites from fungal natural sources is feasible and surpasses the organic synthesis of compounds, which otherwise remains a significant bottleneck in the drug discovery process. Here in this comprehensive review, we have discussed recent studies on different fungi (pathogenic, non-pathogenic, commensal, and endophytic/symbiotic) from different habitats (terrestrial and marines), the specialized metabolites they biosynthesize, and the drugs derived from these specialized metabolites. Moreover, we have unveiled the logic behind the biosynthesis of vital chemical scaffolds, such as NRPS, PKS, PKS-NRPS hybrid, RiPPS, terpenoids, indole alkaloids, and their genetic mechanisms. Besides, we have provided a glimpse of the concept behind mycotoxins, virulence factor, and host immune response based on fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshab Bhattarai
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Keshab Bhattarai
- Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Md Ehsanul Kabir
- Animal Health Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rina Bastola
- Spinal Cord Injury Association-Nepal (SCIAN), Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Bikash Baral
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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11
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From bench to bedside - translational approaches in anti-fungal immunology. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:153-159. [PMID: 33190074 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections mainly occur in patients suffering from impaired immunity. Their associated mortality is high despite antifungal treatment. Thus, several efforts have been made to translate our knowledge on protective antifungal immunity into clinical application. Since the first attempts with transfusion of neutrophilic granulocytes, these approaches have become more refined and include administration of cytokines to booster antifungal immune responses or selective stimulation of pattern recognition receptors. Recently, novel tools that have proven effective in the treatment of cancer have offered new options for enhancing antifungal immunity. These approaches include checkpoint inhibitors as well as T-cell based therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor T-cells.
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12
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Liu S, Chen D, Luo Q, Gong Y, Yin Y, Cao J. IL-27 Negatively Controls Antifungal Activity in a Model of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2020; 62:760-766. [PMID: 31991091 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2019-0391oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a life-threatening disease, particularly in immunocompromised patients, despite currently available therapy. IL-27 is an important regulatory cytokine in infection and immunity. However, its role in the pathogenesis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis remains unknown. Here we found that Aspergillus fumigatus pulmonary infection induced an elevated production of IL-27 in the lung. As compared with wild-type (WT) mice, IL-27R (IL-27 receptor)-deficient mice developed less severe infection when challenged with A. fumigatus conidia, as evidenced by the decreased fungal colonization and pathology of lungs and the increased survival. IL-27R deficiency led to significantly higher production of IFN-γ in the lung after A. fumigatus infection, and the increased resistance to invasive pulmonary A. fumigatus infection in IL-27R-deficient mice was ablated by neutralizing IFN-γ. Importantly, neutralization of IL-27 could protect WT mice against invasive pulmonary A. fumigatus infection. Our data therefore suggest an important role of IL-27 in impairing anti-A. fumigatus host immunity, which may have translational implications in treating clinical cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and.,Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Yi Gong
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yibing Yin
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; and
| | - Ju Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and
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13
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Using Expanded Natural Killer Cells as Therapy for Invasive Aspergillosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040231. [PMID: 33080826 PMCID: PMC7712362 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a major opportunistic fungal infection in patients with haematological malignancies. Morbidity and mortality rates are high despite anti-fungal treatment, as the compromised status of immune system prevents the host from responding optimally to conventional therapy. This raises the consideration for immunotherapy as an adjunctive treatment. In this study, we evaluated the utility of expanded human NK cells as treatment against Aspergillus fumigatus infection in vitro and in vivo. The NK cells were expanded and activated by K562 cells genetically modified to express 4-1BB ligand and membrane-bound interleukin-15 (K562-41BBL-mbIL-15) as feeders. The efficacy of these cells was investigated in A. fumigatus killing assays in vitro and as adoptive cellular therapy in vivo. The expanded NK cells possessed potent killing activity at low effector-to-target ratio of 2:1. Fungicidal activity was morphotypal-dependent and most efficacious against A. fumigatus conidia. Fungicidal activity was mediated by dectin-1 receptors on the expanded NK cells leading to augmented release of perforin, resulting in enhanced direct cytolysis. In an immunocompromised mice pulmonary aspergillosis model, we showed that NK cell treatment significantly reduced fungal burden, hence demonstrating the translational potential of expanded NK cells as adjunctive therapy against IA in immunocompromised patients.
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14
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Biswas BK, Guru SA, Sumi MP, Jamatia E, Gupta RK, Lali P, Konar BC, Saxena A, Mir R. Natural Killer Cells Expanded and Preactivated Exhibit Enhanced Antitumor Activity against Different Tumor Cells in Vitro. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:1595-1605. [PMID: 32592353 PMCID: PMC7568895 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.6.1595] [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: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the emerging treatment strategies for cancer particularly for haematological malignancies is natural killer (NK) cell therapy. However, the availability of a best approach to maximize NK cell anticancer potential is still awaited. It is well established that cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells have the potential to differentiate after a short period of preactivation with interleukins-IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 and exhibit increased responses to cytokine or activating receptor restimulation for weeks to months after preactivation. We demonstrated that NK cells differentiated from CD34+ cells isolated from cord blood show increased antitumor potential in vitro against different cancer cells. Using flow cytometry, we found that NK cells were able to induce apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro. We further analysed surviving gene expression by quantitative real time PCR and reported that NK cells cause down regulation of survivin gene expression in tumor cells. Therefore, NK cell therapy represents a promising immunotherapy for cancers like AML and other haematological malignancies. It concluded that NK cells can be differentiated from CD34+ cells isolated from cord blood ,are able to induce apoptosis and induce increased antitumor potential in vitro against different cancer cells besides cause downregulation of survivin gene expression in tumor cells. Therefore, NK cell therapy represents a promising immunotherapy for different cancer types and haematological malignancies. Furthers studies are necessary to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplob Kumar Biswas
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Sameer Ahmad Guru
- Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU), Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Hospitals, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, 110002, India
| | - Mamta Pervin Sumi
- Department of Gastroinstestinal Surgery G B Pant Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Elvia Jamatia
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Rohit Kumar Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Pramod Lali
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Bidhan Chandra Konar
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Alpana Saxena
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Rashid Mir
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research chair, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
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15
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Posch W, Wilflingseder D, Lass-Flörl C. Immunotherapy as an Antifungal Strategy in Immune Compromised Hosts. CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-020-00141-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
IFIs cause high morbidity and mortality in the immunocompromised host worldwide. Although highly effective, conventional antifungal chemotherapy faces new challenges due to late diagnosis and increasing numbers of drug-resistant fungal strains. Thus, antifungal immunotherapy represents a viable treatment option, and recent advances in the field are summarized in this review.
Recent Findings
Antifungal immunotherapies include application of immune cells as well as the administration of cytokines, growth factors, and antibodies. Novel strategies to treat IFIs in the immunocompromised host target intracellular signaling pathways using SMTs such as checkpoint inhibitors.
Summary
Studies using cytokines or chemokines exerted a potential adjuvant role to conventional antifungal therapy, but issues on toxicity for some agents have to be resolved. Cell-based immunotherapies are very labor-intense and costly, but NK cell transfer and CAR T cell therapy provide exciting strategies to combat IFIs. Antibody-mediated protection and checkpoint inhibition are additional novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
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16
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Seo GY, Giles DA, Kronenberg M. The role of innate lymphoid cells in response to microbes at mucosal surfaces. Mucosal Immunol 2020; 13:399-412. [PMID: 32047273 PMCID: PMC7186215 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-020-0265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a lymphocyte population that is mostly resident at mucosal surfaces. They help to induce an appropriate immune response to the microbiome at homeostasis. In healthy people, the mucosal immune system works symbiotically with organisms that make up the microbiota. ILCs play a critical role in orchestrating this balance, as they can both influence and in turn be influenced by the microbiome. ILCs also are important regulators of the early response to infections by diverse types of pathogenic microbes at mucosal barriers. Their rapid responses initiate inflammatory programs, production of antimicrobial products and repair processes. This review will focus on the role of ILCs in response to the microbiota and to microbial infections of the lung and intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goo-Young Seo
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Daniel A Giles
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mitchell Kronenberg
- Division of Developmental Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA,Division of Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA,Correspondence:
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17
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Monk EJM, Harris C, Döffinger R, Hayes G, Denning DW, Kosmidis C. Interferon gamma replacement as salvage therapy in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: effects on frequency of acute exacerbation and all-cause hospital admission. Thorax 2020; 75:513-516. [PMID: 32229542 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2019-213606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is often poorly responsive to antifungal treatment; secondary infections increase morbidity/mortality, particularly in progressive cases. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) has been implicated in not only Aspergillus control but also bacterial clearance. Clinical notes of patients with CPA treated with IFNγ (2011-2018) were retrospectively hand-searched. In patients treated for >12 months (n=20), the frequency of acute exacerbation reduced from 3.1 to 1.4 episodes/year (p=0.006) in the 12 months after treatment initiation compared with the 12 months before. A significant reduction in the frequency of hospital admissions/year was also observed (0.8 to 0.3, p=0.04). These findings support further prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J M Monk
- National Aspergillosis Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Chris Harris
- National Aspergillosis Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rainer Döffinger
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gemma Hayes
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Derriford Hospital, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - David W Denning
- National Aspergillosis Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Chris Kosmidis
- National Aspergillosis Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK .,Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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18
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This capacity has helped the fungus to resist and survive against human host defenses and, further, to be responsible for one of the most devastating lung infections in terms of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will provide (i) a description of the biological cycle of A. fumigatus; (ii) a historical perspective of the spectrum of aspergillus disease and the current epidemiological status of these infections; (iii) an analysis of the modes of immune response against Aspergillus in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients; (iv) an understanding of the pathways responsible for fungal virulence and their host molecular targets, with a specific focus on the cell wall; (v) the current status of the diagnosis of different clinical syndromes; and (vi) an overview of the available antifungal armamentarium and the therapeutic strategies in the clinical context. In addition, the emergence of new concepts, such as nutritional immunity and the integration and rewiring of multiple fungal metabolic activities occurring during lung invasion, has helped us to redefine the opportunistic pathogenesis of A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Latgé
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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19
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Schmidt S, Schubert R, Demir A, Lehrnbecher T. Distinct Effects of Immunosuppressive Drugs on the Anti- Aspergillus Activity of Human Natural Killer Cells. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8040246. [PMID: 31752374 PMCID: PMC6963337 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8040246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As the prognosis of invasive aspergillosis remains unacceptably poor in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), there is a growing interest in the adoptive transfer of antifungal effector cells, such as Natural Killer (NK) cells. Because immunosuppressive agents are required in most HSCT recipients, knowledge of the impact of these compounds on the antifungal activity of NK cells is a prerequisite for clinical trials. We, therefore, assessed the effect of methylprednisolone (mPRED), cyclosporin A (CsA) and mycophenolic acid (MPA) at different concentrations on proliferation, apoptosis/necrosis, and the direct and indirect anti-Aspergillus activity of human NK cells. Methylprednisolone decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of NK cells in a significant manner. After seven days, a reduction of viable NK cells was seen for all three immunosuppressants, which was significant for MPA only. Cyclosporin A significantly inhibited the direct hyphal damage by NK cells in a dose-dependent manner. None of the immunosuppressive compounds had a major impact on the measured levels of interferon-γ, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted; CCL5). Our data demonstrate that commonly used immunosuppressive compounds have distinct effects on proliferation, viability and antifungal activity of human NK cells, which should be considered in designing studies on the use of NK cells for adoptive antifungal immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw Schmidt
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Ralf Schubert
- Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Cystic Fibrosis, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Asuman Demir
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Thomas Lehrnbecher
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.S.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence:
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20
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Stehle C, Hernández DC, Romagnani C. Innate lymphoid cells in lung infection and immunity. Immunol Rev 2019; 286:102-119. [PMID: 30294964 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have emerged as key mediators of protection and repair of mucosal surfaces during infection. The lung, a dynamic mucosal tissue that is exposed to a plethora of microbes, is a playground for respiratory infection-causing pathogens which are not only a major cause of fatalities worldwide, but are also associated with comorbidities and decreased quality of life. The lung provides a rich microenvironment to study ILCs in the context of innate protection mechanisms within the airways, unraveling their distinct functions not only in health but also in disease. In this review, we discuss how pulmonary ILCs play a role in protection against viral, parasitic, bacterial, and fungal challenge, along with the mechanisms underlying this ILC-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Stehle
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Chiara Romagnani
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, Berlin, Germany.,Medical Department I, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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21
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Lehrnbecher T. The clinical management of invasive mold infection in children with cancer or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2019; 17:489-499. [DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1626718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lehrnbecher
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
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22
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Zhang X, He D, Gao S, Wei Y, Wang L. Aspergillus fumigatus enhances human NK cell activity by regulating M1 macrophage polarization. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:1241-1249. [PMID: 31173233 PMCID: PMC6625407 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The progression of disease caused by fungal infection is closely associated with the human immune system. Macrophages and natural killer cells (NK cells) are two important types of innate immune cells that serve an important role in anti-infection immunity. There has been limited research into the interactions between fungi and macrophages. In the present in vitro study, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, ELISA and flow cytometry were performed to reveal that the interaction between macrophages and NK cells, regulated by Aspergillus fumigatus conidia, induced macrophages to polarize into M1 macrophages by secreting large quantities of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-18 and Galectin-9. In addition, when NK cells were co-cultured with the conidia of A. fumigatus-stimulated M1 macrophages, they exhibited increased activation levels and secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ). It was further demonstrated via antibody neutralization and gene silencing experiments that galectin-9 served an important role in the interaction between macrophages and NK cells regulated by A. fumigatus. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that A. fumigatus induced the polarization of macrophages into M1 macrophages by secreting Galectin-9, which then promoted NK cell activity and IFN-γ secretion. The results provided improved understanding of the role of innate immune cells in invasive fungal infections. The present study also provided novel insight into the study of macrophages and NK cells in inflammatory infections caused by A. fumigatus and potential strategies to control the progression of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Jilin University Mycology Research Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Dan He
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Jilin University Mycology Research Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Jilin University Mycology Research Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yunyun Wei
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Jilin University Mycology Research Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, Jilin University Mycology Research Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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23
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Bruno A, Mortara L, Baci D, Noonan DM, Albini A. Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells Interactions With Natural Killer Cells and Pro-angiogenic Activities: Roles in Tumor Progression. Front Immunol 2019; 10:771. [PMID: 31057536 PMCID: PMC6482162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) contribute to the induction of an immune suppressive/anergic, tumor permissive environment. MDSCs act as immunosuppression orchestrators also by interacting with several components of both innate and adaptive immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells functioning as primary effector of immunity, against tumors and virus-infected cells. Apart from the previously described anergy and hypo-functionality of NK cells in different tumors, NK cells in cancer patients show pro-angiogenic phenotype and functions, similar to decidual NK cells. We termed the pro-angiogenic NK cells in the tumor microenvironment "tumor infiltrating NK" (TINKs), and peripheral blood NK cells in cancer patients "tumor associated NK" (TANKs). The contribution of MDSCs in regulating NK cell functions in tumor-bearing host, still represent a poorly explored topic, and even less is known on NK cell regulation of MDSCs. Here, we review whether the crosstalk between MDSCs and NK cells can impact on tumor onset, angiogenesis and progression, focusing on key cellular and molecular interactions. We also propose that the similarity of the properties of tumor associated/tumor infiltrating NK and MDSC with those of decidual NK and decidual MDSCs during pregnancy could hint to a possible onco-fetal origin of these pro-angiogenic leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Bruno
- Scientific and Technology Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Denisa Baci
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Douglas M Noonan
- Scientific and Technology Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Adriana Albini
- Scientific and Technology Pole, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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24
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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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25
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Mody CH, Ogbomo H, Xiang RF, Kyei SK, Feehan D, Islam A, Li SS. Microbial killing by NK cells. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 105:1285-1296. [PMID: 30821868 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.mr0718-298r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now evident that NK cells kill bacteria, fungi, and parasites in addition to tumor and virus-infected cells. In addition to a number of recent publications that have identified the receptors and ligands, and mechanisms of cytotoxicity, new insights are reflected in the reports from researchers all over the world at the 17th Meeting of the Society for Natural Immunity held in San Antonio, TX, USA from May 28 through June 1, 2018. We will provide an overview of the field and discuss how the presentations at the meeting might shape our knowledge and future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H Mody
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Henry Ogbomo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard F Xiang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen K Kyei
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David Feehan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anowara Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shu Shun Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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26
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Lehrnbecher T, Schmidt S. Why are natural killer cells important for defense againstAspergillus? Med Mycol 2019; 57:S206-S210. [DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lehrnbecher
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stanislaw Schmidt
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
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27
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Impact of Antifungal Compounds on Viability and Anti- Aspergillus Activity of Human Natural Killer Cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.01993-18. [PMID: 30455240 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01993-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of new antifungal compounds, invasive aspergillosis carries high morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. In vitro studies and animal models suggest that the adoptive transfer of natural killer (NK) cells might be a promising immunotherapeutic option in this setting. As it is unclear whether the viability and function of human NK cells are affected by common antifungal agents, we analyzed the interaction of various concentrations of amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmB-D), liposomal amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole with human NK cells. When adding NK cells to therapeutic concentrations of antifungal agents, a significant increase in the antifungal effect was seen for caspofungin and voriconazole, whereas NK cells significantly decreased the hyphal damage of escalated doses of AmB-D. In contrast, therapeutic concentrations of all antifungal compounds tested did not have a negative effect on proliferation, viability, and the release of soluble immunomodulatory molecules of NK cells. These data indicate that therapeutic concentrations of the antifungal agents tested do not negatively affect the functional properties of human NK cells, which is a prerequisite for further studies evaluating NK cells as antifungal immunotherapy in immunocompromised patients suffering from invasive aspergillosis.
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28
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Marischen L, Englert A, Schmitt AL, Einsele H, Loeffler J. Human NK cells adapt their immune response towards increasing multiplicities of infection of Aspergillus fumigatus. BMC Immunol 2018; 19:39. [PMID: 30563459 PMCID: PMC6299526 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-018-0276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The saprophytic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus reproduces by generation of conidia, which are spread by airflow throughout nature. Since humans are inhaling certain amounts of spores every day, the (innate) immune system is constantly challenged. Even though macrophages and neutrophils carry the main burden, also NK cells are regarded to contribute to the antifungal immune response. While NK cells reveal a low frequency, expression and release of immunomodulatory molecules seem to be a natural way of their involvement. RESULTS In this study we show, that NK cells secrete chemokines such as CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β and CCL5/RANTES early on after stimulation with Aspergillus fumigatus and, in addition, adjust the concentration of chemokines released to the multiplicity of infection of Aspergillus fumigatus. CONCLUSIONS These results further corroborate the relevance of NK cells within the antifungal immune response, which is regarded to be more and more important in the development and outcome of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Additionally, the correlation between the multiplicity of infection and the expression and release of chemokines shown here may be useful in further studies for the quantification and/or surveillance of the NK cell involvement in antifungal immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lothar Marischen
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
| | - Anne Englert
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Schmitt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Arias M, Santiago L, Vidal-García M, Redrado S, Lanuza P, Comas L, Domingo MP, Rezusta A, Gálvez EM. Preparations for Invasion: Modulation of Host Lung Immunity During Pulmonary Aspergillosis by Gliotoxin and Other Fungal Secondary Metabolites. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2549. [PMID: 30459771 PMCID: PMC6232612 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary aspergillosis is a severe infectious disease caused by some members of the Aspergillus genus, that affects immunocompetent as well as immunocompromised patients. Among the different disease forms, Invasive Aspergillosis is the one causing the highest mortality, mainly, although not exclusively, affecting neutropenic patients. This genus is very well known by humans, since different sectors like pharmaceutical or food industry have taken advantage of the biological activity of some molecules synthetized by the fungus, known as secondary metabolites, including statins, antibiotics, fermentative compounds or colorants among others. However, during infection, in response to a hostile host environment, the fungal secondary metabolism is activated, producing different virulence factors to increase its survival chances. Some of these factors also contribute to fungal dissemination and invasion of adjacent and distant organs. Among the different secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus spp. Gliotoxin (GT) is the best known and better characterized virulence factor. It is able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the disulfide bridge present in its structure. It also presents immunosuppressive activity related with its ability to kill mammalian cells and/or inactivate critical immune signaling pathways like NFkB. In this comprehensive review, we will briefly give an overview of the lung immune response against Aspergillus as a preface to analyse the effect of different secondary metabolites on the host immune response, with a special attention to GT. We will discuss the results reported in the literature on the context of the animal models employed to analyse the role of GT as virulence factor, which is expected to greatly depend on the immune status of the host: why should you hide when nobody is seeking for you? Finally, GT immunosuppressive activity will be related with different human diseases predisposing to invasive aspergillosis in order to have a global view on the potential of GT to be used as a target to treat IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maykel Arias
- Instituto de Carboquímica ICB-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
- Immune Effector Cells Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- Immune Effector Cells Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Fac. Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Matxalen Vidal-García
- Immune Effector Cells Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Servicio de Microbiología - Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Pilar Lanuza
- Immune Effector Cells Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Fac. Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Comas
- Instituto de Carboquímica ICB-CSIC, Zaragoza, Spain
- Immune Effector Cells Group, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Fac. Ciencias, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Rezusta
- Servicio de Microbiología - Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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30
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Santiago V, Rezvani K, Sekine T, Stebbing J, Kelleher P, Armstrong-James D. Human NK Cells Develop an Exhaustion Phenotype During Polar Degranulation at the Aspergillus fumigatus Hyphal Synapse. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2344. [PMID: 30405602 PMCID: PMC6204393 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal infection affecting immunocompromised individuals. Increasing understanding of natural killer (NK) cell immunobiology has aroused considerable interest around the role of NK cells in pulmonary aspergillosis in the immunocompromised host. Murine studies indicate that NK cells play a critical role in pulmonary clearance of A. fumigatus. We show that the in vitro interaction between NK cells and A. fumigatus induces partial activation of NK cell immune response, characterised by low-level production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES, polarisation of lytic granules and release of fungal DNA. We observed a contact-dependent down-regulation of activatory receptors NKG2D and NKp46 on the NK cell surface, and a failure of full granule release. Furthermore, the NK cell cytokine-mediated response to leukaemic cells was impaired in the presence of A. fumigatus. These observations suggest that A. fumigatus-mediated NK cell immunoparesis may represent an important mechanism of immune evasion during pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Santiago
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Takuya Sekine
- Kennedy Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Stebbing
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Kelleher
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Immunology and Vaccinology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Darius Armstrong-James
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom
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de Silva HD, Ffrench RA, Korem M, Orlowski E, Curtis DJ, Spencer A, Avery S, Patil S, Morrissey CO. Contemporary analysis of functional immune recovery to opportunistic and vaccine-preventable infections after allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation. Clin Transl Immunology 2018; 7:e1040. [PMID: 30323928 PMCID: PMC6173278 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Infections are a major cause of mortality after allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), and immune recovery is necessary for prevention. Novel transplant procedures have changed the epidemiology of infections but contemporary data on functional immune recovery are limited. In this pilot study, we aimed to measure immune recovery in the current era of alloHSCT. Methods Twenty, 13, 11, 9 and 9 alloHSCT recipients had blood collected at baseline (time of conditioning) and 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐months post‐alloHSCT, respectively. Clinical data were collected, and immune recovery was measured using immunophenotyping, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine analysis and antibody isotyping. Results Median absolute T‐ and B‐cell counts were below normal from baseline until 9‐ to 12‐months post‐alloHSCT. Median absolute CD4+ T‐cell counts recovered at 12‐months post‐alloHSCT. Positive proliferative responses to Aspergillus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), influenza and tetanus antigens were detected from 9 months. IL‐6 was the most abundant cytokine in cell cultures. In cultures stimulated with CMV, EBV, influenza and tetanus peptides, the CD4+ T‐cell count correlated with IL‐1β (P = 0.045) and CD8+ T‐cell count with IFNγ (P = 0.013) and IL‐1β (P = 0.012). The NK‐cell count correlated with IL‐1β (P = 0.02) and IL‐17a (P = 0.03). Median serum levels of IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 were normal while IgG4 and IgA were below normal range throughout follow‐up. Conclusions This pilot study demonstrates that immune recovery can be measured using CD4+ T‐cell counts, in vitro antigen stimulation and selected cytokines (IFNγ, IL‐1β, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐17, IL‐21, IL‐31) in alloHSCT recipients. While larger studies are required, monitoring immune recovery may have utility in predicting infection risk post‐alloHSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harini D de Silva
- Burnet Institute Life Sciences Discipline Melbourne VIC Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases Alfred Health and Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia.,Present address: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Rosemary A Ffrench
- Burnet Institute Life Sciences Discipline Melbourne VIC Australia.,Department of Immunology Central Clinical School Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Maya Korem
- Department of Infectious Diseases Alfred Health and Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia.,Present address: Hadassah University Medical Centre Jerusalem Israel
| | - Eva Orlowski
- Burnet Institute Life Sciences Discipline Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - David J Curtis
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia.,Malignant Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Service Alfred Health Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Andrew Spencer
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia.,Malignant Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Service Alfred Health Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Sharon Avery
- Malignant Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Service Alfred Health Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Sushrut Patil
- Malignant Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Service Alfred Health Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Catherine Orla Morrissey
- Department of Infectious Diseases Alfred Health and Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia.,Malignant Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Service Alfred Health Melbourne VIC Australia
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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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33
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Kumaresan PR, da Silva TA, Kontoyiannis DP. Methods of Controlling Invasive Fungal Infections Using CD8 + T Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1939. [PMID: 29358941 PMCID: PMC5766637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) cause high rates of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Pattern-recognition receptors present on the surfaces of innate immune cells recognize fungal pathogens and activate the first line of defense against fungal infection. The second line of defense is the adaptive immune system which involves mainly CD4+ T cells, while CD8+ T cells also play a role. CD8+ T cell-based vaccines designed to prevent IFIs are currently being investigated in clinical trials, their use could play an especially important role in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients. So far, none of the vaccines used to treat IFI have been approved by the FDA. Here, we review current and future antifungal immunotherapy strategies involving CD8+ T cells. We highlight recent advances in the use of T cells engineered using a Sleeping Beauty vector to treat IFIs. Recent clinical trials using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy to treat patients with leukemia have shown very promising results. We hypothesized that CAR T cells could also be used to control IFI. Therefore, we designed a CAR that targets β-glucan, a sugar molecule found in most of the fungal cell walls, using the extracellular domain of Dectin-1, which binds to β-glucan. Mice treated with D-CAR+ T cells displayed reductions in hyphal growth of Aspergillus compared to the untreated group. Patients suffering from IFIs due to primary immunodeficiency, secondary immunodeficiency (e.g., HIV), or hematopoietic transplant patients may benefit from bioengineered CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pappanaicken R. Kumaresan
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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34
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Löffler J, Ebel F. Size matters - how the immune system deals with fungal hyphae. Microbes Infect 2017; 20:521-525. [PMID: 29248637 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fungal hyphae constitute a special challenge for the immune system, since they are too large to be phagocytosed. This review summarizes our current knowledge on those immune cells that are able to attack and eliminate hyphae and we discuss the different means that are employed by these cells in order to kill hyphae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Löffler
- Medical Hospital II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Frank Ebel
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
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35
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Schmidt S, Tramsen L, Lehrnbecher T. Natural Killer Cells in Antifungal Immunity. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1623. [PMID: 29213274 PMCID: PMC5702641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections are still an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients such as patients suffering from hematological malignancies or patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantion. In addition, other populations such as human immunodeficiency virus-patients are at higher risk for invasive fungal infection. Despite the availability of new antifungal compounds and better supportive care measures, the fatality rate of invasive fungal infection remained unacceptably high. It is therefore of major interest to improve our understanding of the host-pathogen interaction to develop new therapeutic approaches such as adoptive immunotherapy. As experimental methodologies have improved and we now better understand the complex network of the immune system, the insight in the interaction of the host with the fungus has significantly increased. It has become clear that host resistance to fungal infections is not only associated with strong innate immunity but that adaptive immunity (e.g., T cells) also plays an important role. The antifungal activity of natural killer (NK) cells has been underestimated for a long time. In vitro studies demonstrated that NK cells from murine and human origin are able to attack fungi of different genera and species. NK cells exhibit not only a direct antifungal activity via cytotoxic molecules but also an indirect antifungal activity via cytokines. However, it has been show that fungi exert immunosuppressive effects on NK cells. Whereas clinical data are scarce, animal models have clearly demonstrated that NK cells play an important role in the host response against invasive fungal infections. In this review, we summarize clinical data as well as results from in vitro and animal studies on the impact of NK cells on fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw Schmidt
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lars Tramsen
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Lehrnbecher
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
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36
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El-Khoury M, Ligot R, Mahoney S, Stack CM, Perrone GG, Morton CO. The in vitro effects of interferon-gamma, alone or in combination with amphotericin B, tested against the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:364. [PMID: 28764751 PMCID: PMC5539893 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2696-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Recent studies into the antifungal activity of NK-cells against the Aspergillus fumigatus have presented differing accounts on their mode of antifungal activity. One of these mechanisms proposed that NK-cells may kill the fungus via the direct effects of exposure to Interferon gamma (IFN-γ). Results In this study we investigated the direct antifungal effects of recombinant human IFN-γ against a range of pathogenic fungi by measuring cellular damage using an XTT-based assay and cell viability through plate counts. It was found that 32 pg/ml of IFN-γ exhibited a significant but small antifungal effect on A. fumigatus (p = 0.02), Aspergillus flavus (p = 0.04) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (p = 0.03), inhibiting growth by 6, 11 and 17% respectively. No significant inhibitory effects were observed in Candida species (p > 0.05 for all species tested) or Cryptococus neoformans (p = 0.98). Short term exposure (3 h) to a combination of amphotericin B (1 µg/ml) and IFN-γ (32 pg/ml) increased the effectiveness of amphotericin B against A. fumigatus and S. cerevisiae but not Candida albicans. These data suggest that IFN-γ does not possess strong antifungal activity but can enhance the effect of amphotericin B under some testing conditions against Aspergillus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moufid El-Khoury
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Building 21 Campbelltown Campus, Narellan Road, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Rogine Ligot
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Building 21 Campbelltown Campus, Narellan Road, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Simon Mahoney
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Building 21 Campbelltown Campus, Narellan Road, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Colin M Stack
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Building 21 Campbelltown Campus, Narellan Road, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - Gabriel G Perrone
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Building 21 Campbelltown Campus, Narellan Road, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia
| | - C Oliver Morton
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Building 21 Campbelltown Campus, Narellan Road, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia. .,School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2571, Australia.
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37
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Ziegler S, Weiss E, Schmitt AL, Schlegel J, Burgert A, Terpitz U, Sauer M, Moretta L, Sivori S, Leonhardt I, Kurzai O, Einsele H, Loeffler J. CD56 Is a Pathogen Recognition Receptor on Human Natural Killer Cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6138. [PMID: 28733594 PMCID: PMC5522490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06238-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus (A.) fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal mold inducing invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised patients. Although antifungal activity of human natural killer (NK) cells was shown in previous studies, the underlying cellular mechanisms and pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) are still unknown. Using flow cytometry we were able to show that the fluorescence positivity of the surface receptor CD56 significantly decreased upon fungal contact. To visualize the interaction site of NK cells and A. fumigatus we used SEM, CLSM and dSTORM techniques, which clearly demonstrated that NK cells directly interact with A. fumigatus via CD56 and that CD56 is re-organized and accumulated at this interaction site time-dependently. The inhibition of the cytoskeleton showed that the receptor re-organization was an active process dependent on actin re-arrangements. Furthermore, we could show that CD56 plays a role in the fungus mediated NK cell activation, since blocking of CD56 surface receptor reduced fungal mediated NK cell activation and reduced cytokine secretion. These results confirmed the direct interaction of NK cells and A. fumigatus, leading to the conclusion that CD56 is a pathogen recognition receptor. These findings give new insights into the functional role of CD56 in the pathogen recognition during the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Ziegler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Esther Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Schmitt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schlegel
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Burgert
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Terpitz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilian-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Area, Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES) and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, Universita' di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Ines Leonhardt
- Septomics Research Centre, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Septomics Research Centre, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Loeffler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, WÜ4i, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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38
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NK Cells and Their Role in Invasive Mold Infection. J Fungi (Basel) 2017; 3:jof3020025. [PMID: 29371543 PMCID: PMC5715926 DOI: 10.3390/jof3020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that Natural Killer (NK) cells exhibit in vitro activity against both Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus molds. Cytotoxic molecules such as NK cell-derived perforin seem to play an important role in the antifungal activity. In addition, NK cells release a number of cytokines upon stimulation by fungi, which modulate both innate and adaptive host immune responses. Whereas the in vitro data of the antifungal activity of NK cells are supported by animal studies, clinical data are scarce to date.
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39
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Alexandre AF, Quaresma JAS, Barboza TC, de Brito AC, Xavier MB, de Oliveira CMM, Unger DAA, Kanashiro-Galo L, Sotto MN, Duarte MIS, Pagliari C. The cytotoxic T cells may contribute to the in situ immune response in Jorge Lobo's Disease human lesions. Med Mycol 2017; 55:145-149. [PMID: 27562863 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Jorge Lobo's Disease (JLD) is a cutaneous chronic granulomatous disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Lacazia loboi. It is characterized by a granulomatous reaction with multinucleated giant cells and high number of fungal cells. In order to contribute to the comprehension of immune mechanisms in JLD human lesions, we studied the cytotoxic immune response, focusing on TCD8+ and NK cells, and granzyme B. Forty skin biopsies of lower limbs were selected and an immunohistochemistry protocol was developed to detect CD8+ T cells, NK cells and Granzyme B. In order to compare the cellular populations, we also performed a protocol to visualize TCD4+ cells. Immunolabeled cells were quantified in nine randomized fields in the dermis. Lesions were characterized by inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, lymphocytes, epithelioid and multinucleated giant cells with intense number of fungal forms. There was a prevalence of CD8 over CD4 cells, followed by NK cells. Our results suggest that in JLD the cytotoxic immune response could represent another important mechanism to control Lacazia loboi infection. We may suggest that, although CD4+ T cells are essential for host defense in JLD, CD8+ T cells could play a role in the elimination of the fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Fernandes Alexandre
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Patologia.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde/Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual
| | | | - Tânia Cristina Barboza
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Patologia.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde/Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carla Pagliari
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Patologia .,Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde/Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual
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Ogbomo H, Mody CH. Granule-Dependent Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity to Fungal Pathogens. Front Immunol 2017; 7:692. [PMID: 28123389 PMCID: PMC5225108 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells kill or inhibit the growth of a number of fungi including Cryptococcus, Candida, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, and Paracoccidioides. Although many fungi are not dangerous, invasive fungal pathogens, such as Cryptococcus neoformans, cause life-threatening disease in individuals with impaired cell-mediated immunity. While there are similarities to cell-mediated killing of tumor cells, there are also important differences. Similar to tumor killing, NK cells directly kill fungi in a receptor-mediated and cytotoxic granule-dependent manner. Unlike tumor cell killing where multiple NK cell-activating receptors cooperate and signal events that mediate cytotoxicity, only the NKp30 receptor has been described to mediate signaling events that trigger the NK cell to mobilize its cytolytic payload to the site of interaction with C. neoformans and Candida albicans, subsequently leading to granule exocytosis and fungal killing. More recently, the NKp46 receptor was reported to bind Candida glabrata adhesins Epa1, 6, and 7 and directly mediate fungal clearance. A number of unanswered questions remain. For example, is only one NK cell-activating receptor sufficient for signaling leading to fungal killing? Are the signaling pathways activated by fungi similar to those activated by tumor cells during NK cell killing? How do the cytolytic granules traffic to the site of interaction with fungi, and how does this process compare with tumor killing? Recent insights into receptor use, intracellular signaling and cytolytic granule trafficking during NK cell-mediated fungal killing will be compared to tumor killing, and the implications for therapeutic approaches will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Ogbomo
- The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher H Mody
- The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Schmidt S, Ullrich E, Bochennek K, Zimmermann SY, Lehrnbecher T. Role of natural killer cells in antibacterial immunity. Expert Rev Hematol 2016; 9:1119-1127. [DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2016.1254546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Krappmann S. How to invade a susceptible host: cellular aspects of aspergillosis. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 34:136-146. [PMID: 27816786 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diseases caused by Aspergillus spp. and in particular A. fumigatus are manifold and affect individuals suffering from immune dysfunctions, among them immunocompromised ones. The determinants of whether the encounter of a susceptible host with infectious propagules of this filamentous saprobe results in infection have been characterized to a limited extent. Several cellular characteristics of A. fumigatus that have evolved in its natural environment contribute to its virulence, among them general traits as well as particular ones that affect interaction with the mammalian host. Among the latter, conidial constituents, cell wall components, secreted proteins as well as extrolites shape the tight interaction of A. fumigatus with the host milieu and also contribute to evasion from immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Krappmann
- Institute of Microbiology - Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Wasserturmstr. 3/5, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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43
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Abstract
Fungal organisms are ubiquitous in the environment. Pathogenic fungi, although relatively few in the whole gamut of microbial pathogens, are able to cause disease with varying degrees of severity in individuals with normal or impaired immunity. The disease state is an outcome of the fungal pathogen's interactions with the host immunity, and therefore, it stands to reason that deep/invasive fungal diseases be amenable to immunotherapy. Therefore, antifungal immunotherapy continues to be attractive as an adjunct to the currently available antifungal chemotherapy options for a number of reasons, including the fact that existing antifungal drugs, albeit largely effective, are not without limitations, and that morbidity and mortality associated with invasive mycoses are still unacceptably high. For several decades, intense basic research efforts have been directed at development of fungal immunotherapies. Nevertheless, this approach suffers from a severe bench-bedside disconnect owing to several reasons: the chemical and biological peculiarities of the fungal antigens, the complexities of host-pathogen interactions, an under-appreciation of the fungal disease landscape, the requirement of considerable financial investment to bring these therapies to clinical use, as well as practical problems associated with immunizations. In this general, non-exhaustive review, we summarize the features of ongoing research efforts directed towards devising safe and effective immunotherapeutic options for mycotic diseases, encompassing work on antifungal vaccines, adoptive cell transfers, cytokines, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kausik Datta
- a Division of Infectious Diseases , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA , and
| | - Mawieh Hamad
- b Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences and the Sharjah Institute for Medical Research , University of Sharjah , Sharjah , UAE
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Mechanisms by Which Interleukin-12 Corrects Defective NK Cell Anticryptococcal Activity in HIV-Infected Patients. mBio 2016; 7:mBio.00878-16. [PMID: 27555306 PMCID: PMC4999542 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00878-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a pathogenic yeast and a leading cause of life-threatening meningitis in AIDS patients. Natural killer (NK) cells are important immune effector cells that directly recognize and kill C. neoformans via a perforin-dependent cytotoxic mechanism. We previously showed that NK cells from HIV-infected patients have aberrant anticryptococcal killing and that interleukin-12 (IL-12) restores the activity at least partially through restoration of NKp30. However, the mechanisms causing this defect or how IL-12 restores the function was unknown. By examining the sequential steps in NK cell killing of Cryptococcus, we found that NK cells from HIV-infected patients had defective binding of NK cells to C. neoformans. Moreover, those NK cells that bound to C. neoformans failed to polarize perforin-containing granules to the microbial synapse compared to healthy controls, suggesting that binding was insufficient to restore a defect in perforin polarization. We also identified lower expression of intracellular perforin and defective perforin release from NK cells of HIV-infected patients in response to C. neoformans. Importantly, treatment of NK cells from HIV-infected patients with IL-12 reversed the multiple defects in binding, granule polarization, perforin content, and perforin release and restored anticryptococcal activity. Thus, there are multiple defects in the cytolytic machinery of NK cells from HIV-infected patients, which cumulatively result in defective NK cell anticryptococcal activity, and each of these defects can be reversed with IL-12. The mechanisms by which NK cells bind directly to pathogens and deploy their deadly cytolytic machinery during microbial host defense are only beginning to be elucidated. With the goal of understanding this process, we used NK cells from HIV-infected patients, which were known to have a defect in killing of Cryptococcus neoformans. Taking advantage of previous studies that had shown that IL-12 restored killing, we used the cytokine as a gain-of-function approach to define the relevance of multiple steps in the recognition and cytolytic pathway. We demonstrated that NK cells from HIV-infected patients failed to kill Cryptococcus due to defects in perforin expression, granule polarization, and release of perforin. Additionally, IL-12 restored recognition of C. neoformans through binding of the NK-activating receptor NKp30. These observations identify important mechanisms used by NK cells to kill microbes and determine that defects in NK cells from HIV-infected patients are reversible.
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Fernández-Ruiz M, Silva J, López-Medrano F, Allende L, San Juan R, Cambra F, Justo I, Paz-Artal E, Jiménez C, Aguado J. Post-transplant monitoring of NK cell counts as a simple approach to predict the occurrence of opportunistic infection in liver transplant recipients. Transpl Infect Dis 2016; 18:552-65. [DOI: 10.1111/tid.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Fernández-Ruiz
- Unit of Infectious Diseases; Hospital Universitario “12 de Octubre”; Instituto de Investigación Hospital “12 de Octubre” (i+12); School of Medicine; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - J.T. Silva
- Unit of Infectious Diseases; Hospital Universitario “12 de Octubre”; Instituto de Investigación Hospital “12 de Octubre” (i+12); School of Medicine; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - F. López-Medrano
- Unit of Infectious Diseases; Hospital Universitario “12 de Octubre”; Instituto de Investigación Hospital “12 de Octubre” (i+12); School of Medicine; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - L.M. Allende
- Department of Immunology; Hospital Universitario “12 de Octubre”; Instituto de Investigación Hospital “12 de Octubre” (i+12); School of Medicine; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - R. San Juan
- Unit of Infectious Diseases; Hospital Universitario “12 de Octubre”; Instituto de Investigación Hospital “12 de Octubre” (i+12); School of Medicine; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - F. Cambra
- Department of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and General and Digestive Surgery; Hospital Universitario “12 de Octubre”; Instituto de Investigación Hospital “12 de Octubre” (i+12); School of Medicine; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - I. Justo
- Department of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and General and Digestive Surgery; Hospital Universitario “12 de Octubre”; Instituto de Investigación Hospital “12 de Octubre” (i+12); School of Medicine; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - E. Paz-Artal
- Department of Immunology; Hospital Universitario “12 de Octubre”; Instituto de Investigación Hospital “12 de Octubre” (i+12); School of Medicine; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - C. Jiménez
- Department of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and General and Digestive Surgery; Hospital Universitario “12 de Octubre”; Instituto de Investigación Hospital “12 de Octubre” (i+12); School of Medicine; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
| | - J.M. Aguado
- Unit of Infectious Diseases; Hospital Universitario “12 de Octubre”; Instituto de Investigación Hospital “12 de Octubre” (i+12); School of Medicine; Universidad Complutense; Madrid Spain
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Abstract
Fungal diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality among the immunocompromised, including HIV-infected individuals and patients with cancer. Individuals without a weakened immune system can also suffer from these infections. Not surprisingly, fungi are a major target for the immune system, rendered visible to it by expression of pathogen-associated molecular patterns/signatures. We now appreciate the roles of both innate and adaptive immunity in eliminating fungal infections, and how a disproportionate or inadequate immune response can diminish the host's capacity to eliminate fungi. This review focuses on our current understanding of the roles of innate and adaptive immunity in clearing common and emergent fungal pathogens. A clearer understanding of how the host's immune response tackles fungal infection may provide useful clues as to how we might develop new agents to treat those diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Jiang
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
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Mehta RS, Rezvani K. Immune reconstitution post allogeneic transplant and the impact of immune recovery on the risk of infection. Virulence 2016; 7:901-916. [PMID: 27385018 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2016.1208866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection is the leading cause of non-relapse mortality after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This occurs as a result of dysfunction to the host immune system from the preparative regimen used prior to HCT, combined with a delay in reconstitution of the donor-derived immune system after HCT. In this article, we elaborate on the process of immune reconstitution post-HCT that begins with the innate system and is followed by recovery of adaptive immunity. Simultaneously, we describe how the tempo of immune reconstitution influences the risk of various infections. We explain some of the key differences in immune reconstitution and the consequent risk of infections in recipients of peripheral blood stem cell, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood grafts. Other factors that impact on immune recovery are also highlighted. Finally, we allude to various strategies that are being tested to enhance immune reconstitution post-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohtesh S Mehta
- a Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- b Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy , MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
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48
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Li S, Rong H, Guo Q, Chen Y, Zhang G, Yang J. Serum procalcitonin levels distinguish Gram-negative bacterial sepsis from Gram-positive bacterial and fungal sepsis. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES 2016; 21:39. [PMID: 27904585 PMCID: PMC5122113 DOI: 10.4103/1735-1995.183996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels differ in patients with bacterial or fungal infections and are significantly elevated in patients with Gram-negative bacteremia. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of different inflammatory markers to discriminate sepsis caused by different pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included 328 episodes of bacteremia from 292 patients with sepsis and 31 patients with suspected sepsis in this study. Medical records of patients who had bacteremia caused by Gram-negative bacteria (Gram-negative), Gram-positive bacteria (Gram-positive) or fungi were reviewed, and information about PCT and other inflammatory markers was recorded. The diagnostic performance of inflammatory markers was calculated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS Serum PCT levels in Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and fungal sepsis were 7.47 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.09-41.26) ng/mL, 0.48 (IQR: 0.15-2.16) ng/mL, and 0.60 (IQR: 0.14-2.06) ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed an optimal cut-off value of 2.44 ng/mL for PCT in discriminating Gram-negative sepsis from Gram-positive sepsis, which yielded a sensitivity of 68.4% and a specificity of 77.1%. An optimal cut-off value of 3.11 ng/mL for PCT in discriminating Gram-negative sepsis from fungal sepsis, led to a sensitivity of 63.9% and specificity of 93.3%. Neither PCT nor other inflammatory markers could be used to distinguish between Gram-positive and fungal sepsis. CONCLUSION Serum PCT levels were significantly higher in patients with Gram-negative sepsis than in those with Gram-positive or fungal sepsis. PCT is a potential sensitive biomarker for distinguishing Gram-negative sepsis from Gram-positive and fungal sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Li
- Department of Respiratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hengmo Rong
- Department of Respiratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinliang Guo
- Department of Laboratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yifei Chen
- Department of Respiratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guqing Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiong Yang
- Department of Respiratory, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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49
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Hellwig D, Voigt J, Bouzani M, Löffler J, Albrecht-Eckardt D, Weber M, Brunke S, Martin R, Kurzai O, Hünniger K. Candida albicans Induces Metabolic Reprogramming in Human NK Cells and Responds to Perforin with a Zinc Depletion Response. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:750. [PMID: 27242763 PMCID: PMC4872603 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of the innate immune system, natural killer (NK) cells are directly involved in the response to fungal infections. Perforin has been identified as the major effector molecule acting against many fungal pathogens. While several studies have shown that perforin mediated fungicidal effects can contribute to fungal clearance, neither the activation of NK cells by fungal pathogens nor the effects of perforin on fungal cells are well-understood. In a dual approach, we have studied the global gene expression pattern of primary and cytokine activated NK cells after co-incubation with Candida albicans and the transcriptomic adaptation of C. albicans to perforin exposure. NK cells responded to the fungal pathogen with an up-regulation of genes involved in immune signaling and release of cytokines. Furthermore, we observed a pronounced increase of genes involved in glycolysis and glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose impaired C. albicans induced NK cell activation. This strongly indicates that metabolic adaptation is a major part of the NK cell response to C. albicans infections. In the fungal pathogen, perforin induced a strong up-regulation of several fungal genes involved in the zinc depletion response, such as PRA1 and ZRT1. These data suggest that fungal zinc homeostasis is linked to the reaction to perforin secreted by NK cells. However, deletion mutants in PRA1 and ZRT1 did not show altered susceptibility to perforin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Hellwig
- Septomics Research Center, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
| | - Jessica Voigt
- Septomics Research Center, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
| | - Maria Bouzani
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Löffler
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Michael Weber
- Septomics Research Center, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute Jena, Germany
| | - Ronny Martin
- Septomics Research Center, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Kurzai
- Septomics Research Center, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hünniger
- Septomics Research Center, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany
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50
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Pollution of mycological surfaces in hospital emergency departments correlates positively with blood NKT CD3(+) 16(+) 56(+) and negatively with CD4(+) cell levels of their staff. Cent Eur J Immunol 2016; 41:71-7. [PMID: 27095925 PMCID: PMC4829823 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2016.58818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was the assessment of the putative influence of yeast and filamentous fungi in healthcare and control (office) workplaces (10 of each kind) on immune system competence measured by NK (natural killer), CD4+, and NKT (natural killer T lymphocyte) cell levels in the blood of the personnel employed at these workplaces. Imprints from floors and walls were collected in winter. The blood was taken in spring the following year, from 40 men, 26 to 53 years old, healthcare workers of hospital emergency departments (HED), who had been working for at least five years in their current positions, and from 36 corresponding controls, working in control offices. Evaluation of blood leukocyte subpopulations was done by flow cytometry. The qualitative analysis of the surface samples revealed a prevalence of strains belonging to Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp. genus. There was no statistically significant difference between the level of NKT; however, the percentage of NK cells was lower in the blood of HED workers than in the blood of offices personnel. Spearman analysis revealed the existence of positive correlation (r = 0.4677, p = 0.002) between the total CFU/25 cm2 obtained by imprinting method from walls and floors of HED and the percentage of NKT (CD3+16+56+) lymphocytes collected from the blood of their personnel, and negative correlation (r = –0. 3688, p = 0.019) between this parameter of fungal pollution and the percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes in the blood of HED staff. No other correlations were found.
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