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Téblick L, Lipovac M, Molenberghs F, Delputte P, De Vos WH, Vorsters A. HPV-specific antibodies in female genital tract secretions captured via first-void urine retain their neutralizing capacity. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2330168. [PMID: 38567541 PMCID: PMC10993920 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2330168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, primarily relying on neutralizing antibodies, have proven highly effective. Recently, HPV-specific antibodies have been detected in the female genital tract secretions captured by first-void urine (FVU), offering a minimally invasive diagnostic approach. In this study, we investigated whether HPV16-specific antibodies present in FVU samples retain their neutralizing capacity by using pseudovirion-based neutralization assays. Paired FVU and serum samples (vaccinated n = 25, unvaccinated n = 25, aged 18-25) were analyzed using two orthogonal pseudovirion-based neutralization assays, one using fluorescence microscopy and the other using luminescence-based spectrophotometry. Results were compared with HPV16-specific IgG concentrations and correlations between neutralizing antibodies in FVU and serum were explored. The study demonstrated the presence of neutralizing antibodies in FVU using both pseudovirion-based neutralization assays, with the luminescence-based assay showing higher sensitivity for FVU samples, while the fluorescence microscopy-based assay exhibited better specificity for serum and overall higher reproducibility. High Spearman correlation values were calculated between HPV16-IgG and HPV16-neutralizing antibodies for both protocols (rs: 0.54-0.94, p < .001). Significant Spearman correlations between FVU and serum concentrations were also established for all assays (rs: 0.44-0.91, p < .01). This study demonstrates the continued neutralizing ability of antibodies captured with FVU, supporting the hypothesis that HPV vaccination may reduce autoinoculation and transmission risk to the sexual partner. Although further protocol optimizations are warranted, these findings provide a foundation for future research and larger cohort studies that could have implications for the optimal design, evaluation, and implementation of HPV vaccination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Téblick
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marijana Lipovac
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Freya Molenberghs
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- µNEURO Centre of Research Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Alex Vorsters
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Boeren M, de Vrij N, Ha MK, Valkiers S, Souquette A, Gielis S, Kuznetsova M, Schippers J, Bartholomeus E, Van den Bergh J, Michels N, Aerts O, Leysen J, Bervoets A, Lambert J, Leuridan E, Wens J, Peeters K, Emonds MP, Elias G, Vandamme N, Jansens H, Adriaensen W, Suls A, Vanhee S, Hens N, Smits E, Van Damme P, Thomas PG, Beutels P, Ponsaerts P, Van Tendeloo V, Delputte P, Laukens K, Meysman P, Ogunjimi B. Lack of functional TCR-epitope interaction is associated with herpes zoster through reduced downstream T cell activation. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114062. [PMID: 38588339 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of T cell receptor (TCR) diversity in infectious disease susceptibility is not well understood. We use a systems immunology approach on three cohorts of herpes zoster (HZ) patients and controls to investigate whether TCR diversity against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) influences the risk of HZ. We show that CD4+ T cell TCR diversity against VZV glycoprotein E (gE) and immediate early 63 protein (IE63) after 1-week culture is more restricted in HZ patients. Single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing of VZV-specific T cells shows that T cell activation pathways are significantly decreased after stimulation with VZV peptides in convalescent HZ patients. TCR clustering indicates that TCRs from HZ patients co-cluster more often together than TCRs from controls. Collectively, our results suggest that not only lower VZV-specific TCR diversity but also reduced functional TCR affinity for VZV-specific proteins in HZ patients leads to lower T cell activation and consequently affects the susceptibility for viral reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Boeren
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nicky de Vrij
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Adrem Data Lab, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - My K Ha
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sebastiaan Valkiers
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Adrem Data Lab, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Aisha Souquette
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sofie Gielis
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Adrem Data Lab, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maria Kuznetsova
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jolien Schippers
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Esther Bartholomeus
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Van den Bergh
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nele Michels
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Center for General Practice/Family Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Olivier Aerts
- Department of Dermatology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie Leysen
- Department of Dermatology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Bervoets
- Department of Dermatology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julien Lambert
- Department of Dermatology, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elke Leuridan
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Wens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Center for General Practice/Family Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Karin Peeters
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marie-Paule Emonds
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetic Laboratory, Rode Kruis-Vlaanderen, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - George Elias
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Niels Vandamme
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine Group, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hilde Jansens
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Adriaensen
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Arvid Suls
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stijn Vanhee
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Mucosal Immunology, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niel Hens
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; I-BioStat, Data Science Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul G Thomas
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Philippe Beutels
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Ponsaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Viggo Van Tendeloo
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kris Laukens
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Adrem Data Lab, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Meysman
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Adrem Data Lab, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benson Ogunjimi
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Paediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
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3
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Vanhooydonck A, Caers T, Parrilla M, Delputte P, Watts R. Achieving High-Precision, Low-Cost Microfluidic Chip Fabrication with Flexible PCB Technology. Micromachines (Basel) 2024; 15:425. [PMID: 38675237 PMCID: PMC11051900 DOI: 10.3390/mi15040425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Soft lithography has long remained the state of the art to generate the necessary micropatterning for molded microfluidic (MF) chips. Previous attempts to use printed circuit boards (PCBs) as a cheap and accessible alternative to expensive lithographed molds for the production of PDMS MF chip prototypes have shown their limitations. A more in-depth exploration of using PCBs as a mold substrate and a novel methodology of using flexible PCBs to produce highly accurate MF chips is reported here for the first time. Cross sections highlight the improved accuracy of this method, and peel testing is performed to demonstrate suitable adhesion between the glass substrate and PDMS cast. Positive cell growth viability showcases this novel method as a high-accuracy, high-accessibility, low-cost prototyping method for microfluidic chips while still maintaining all favorable properties provided by the PDMS material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Vanhooydonck
- Faculty of Design Sciences, Department of Product Development, University of Antwerp, Paardenmarkt 94, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Thalissa Caers
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (T.C.); (P.D.)
| | - Marc Parrilla
- A-Sense Lab, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2010 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (T.C.); (P.D.)
| | - Regan Watts
- Faculty of Design Sciences, Department of Product Development, University of Antwerp, Paardenmarkt 94, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
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4
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Mahieu L, Van Moll L, De Vooght L, Delputte P, Cos P. In vitro modelling of bacterial pneumonia: a comparative analysis of widely applied complex cell culture models. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae007. [PMID: 38409952 PMCID: PMC10913945 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pneumonia greatly contributes to the disease burden and mortality of lower respiratory tract infections among all age groups and risk profiles. Therefore, laboratory modelling of bacterial pneumonia remains important for elucidating the complex host-pathogen interactions and to determine drug efficacy and toxicity. In vitro cell culture enables for the creation of high-throughput, specific disease models in a tightly controlled environment. Advanced human cell culture models specifically, can bridge the research gap between the classical two-dimensional cell models and animal models. This review provides an overview of the current status of the development of complex cellular in vitro models to study bacterial pneumonia infections, with a focus on air-liquid interface models, spheroid, organoid, and lung-on-a-chip models. For the wide scale, comparative literature search, we selected six clinically highly relevant bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus). We reviewed the cell lines that are commonly used, as well as trends and discrepancies in the methodology, ranging from cell infection parameters to assay read-outs. We also highlighted the importance of model validation and data transparency in guiding the research field towards more complex infection models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Mahieu
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Laurence Van Moll
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Linda De Vooght
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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5
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Schaerlaekens S, Jacobs L, Stobbelaar K, Cos P, Delputte P. All Eyes on the Prefusion-Stabilized F Construct, but Are We Missing the Potential of Alternative Targets for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Design? Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:97. [PMID: 38250910 PMCID: PMC10819635 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses a significant global health concern as a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). Over the last few years, substantial efforts have been directed towards developing vaccines and therapeutics to combat RSV, leading to a diverse landscape of vaccine candidates. Notably, two vaccines targeting the elderly and the first maternal vaccine have recently been approved. The majority of the vaccines and vaccine candidates rely solely on a prefusion-stabilized conformation known for its highly neutralizing epitopes. Although, so far, this antigen design appears to be successful for the elderly, our current understanding remains incomplete, requiring further improvement and refinement in this field. Pediatric vaccines still have a long journey ahead, and we must ensure that vaccines currently entering the market do not lose efficacy due to the emergence of mutations in RSV's circulating strains. This review will provide an overview of the current status of vaccine designs and what to focus on in the future. Further research into antigen design is essential, including the exploration of the potential of alternative RSV proteins to address these challenges and pave the way for the development of novel and effective vaccines, especially in the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Schaerlaekens
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.S.); (L.J.); (K.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Lotte Jacobs
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.S.); (L.J.); (K.S.); (P.C.)
| | - Kim Stobbelaar
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.S.); (L.J.); (K.S.); (P.C.)
- Pediatrics Department, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.S.); (L.J.); (K.S.); (P.C.)
- Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (S.S.); (L.J.); (K.S.); (P.C.)
- Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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Vandoren R, Boeren M, Schippers J, Bartholomeus E, Mullan K, Michels N, Aerts O, Leysen J, Bervoets A, Lambert J, Leuridan E, Wens J, Peeters K, Emonds MP, Jansens H, Casanova JL, Bastard P, Suls A, Van Tendeloo V, Ponsaerts P, Delputte P, Ogunjimi B, Laukens K, Meysman P. Unravelling the immune signature of herpes zoster: Insights into pathophysiology and the HLA risk profile. J Infect Dis 2024:jiad609. [PMID: 38195164 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infects over 95% of the population. VZV reactivation causes herpes zoster (HZ), known as shingles, primarily affecting the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. However, HZ can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals. We analyzed the immune signature and risk profile in HZ patients using a genome-wide association study across different UK Biobank HZ cohorts. Additionally, we conducted one of the largest HZ HLA association studies to date, coupled with transcriptomic analysis of pathways underlying HZ susceptibility. Our findings highlight the significance of the MHC locus for HZ development, identifying five protective and four risk HLA alleles. This demonstrates that HZ susceptibility is largely governed by variations in the MHC. Furthermore, functional analyses revealed the upregulation of type I interferon and adaptive immune responses. These findings provide fresh molecular insights into the pathophysiology and the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses triggered by symptomatic VZV reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romi Vandoren
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Boeren
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH) & Infla-Med Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jolien Schippers
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Esther Bartholomeus
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kerry Mullan
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nele Michels
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Center for general practice/family Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Olivier Aerts
- Department of Dermatology, Antwerp University Hospital & University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie Leysen
- Department of Dermatology, Antwerp University Hospital & University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Bervoets
- Department of Dermatology, Antwerp University Hospital & University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julien Lambert
- Department of Dermatology, Antwerp University Hospital & University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elke Leuridan
- Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination (CEV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Wens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP), Center for general practice/family Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Karin Peeters
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marie-Paule Emonds
- Histocompatibility and Immunogenetic Laboratory, Rode Kruis-Vlaanderen, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Hilde Jansens
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jean-Laurent Casanova
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France
| | - Paul Bastard
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
- St. Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Pediatric Hematology-Immunology and Rheumatology Unit, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, Assistante Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Arvid Suls
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Viggo Van Tendeloo
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Ponsaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH) & Infla-Med Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benson Ogunjimi
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Paediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kris Laukens
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Meysman
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium
- Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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7
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Ceconi M, Ariën KK, Delputte P. Diagnosing arthropod-borne flaviviruses: non-structural protein 1 (NS1) as a biomarker. Trends Microbiol 2023:S0966-842X(23)00334-7. [PMID: 38135616 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the presence of flaviviruses of concern for human health in Europe has drastically increased,exacerbated by the effects of climate change - which has allowed the vectors of these viruses to expand into new territories. Co-circulation of West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV), and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) represents a threat to the European continent, and this is further complicated by the difficulty of obtaining an early and discriminating diagnosis of infection. Moreover, the possibility of introducing non-endemic pathogens, such as Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), further complicates accurate diagnosis. Current flavivirus diagnosis is based mainly on RT-PCR and detection of virus-specific antibodies. Yet, both techniques suffer from limitations, and the development of new assays that can provide an early, rapid, low-cost, and discriminating diagnosis of viral infection is warranted. In the pursuit of ideal diagnostic assays, flavivirus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) serves as an excellent target for developing diagnostic assays based on both the antigen itself and the antibodies produced against it. This review describes the potential of such NS1-based diagnostic methods, focusing on the application of flaviviruses that co-circulate in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ceconi
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Kevin K Ariën
- Virology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp 2000, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium.
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8
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Bertels X, Hanoteaux S, Janssens R, Maloux H, Verhaegen B, Delputte P, Boogaerts T, van Nuijs ALN, Brogna D, Linard C, Marescaux J, Didy C, Pype R, Roosens NHC, Van Hoorde K, Lesenfants M, Lahousse L. Time series modelling for wastewater-based epidemiology of COVID-19: A nationwide study in 40 wastewater treatment plants of Belgium, February 2021 to June 2022. Sci Total Environ 2023; 899:165603. [PMID: 37474075 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been implemented to monitor surges of COVID-19. Yet, multiple factors impede the usefulness of WBE and quantitative adjustment may be required. AIM We aimed to model the relationship between WBE data and incident COVID-19 cases, while adjusting for confounders and autocorrelation. METHODS This nationwide WBE study includes data from 40 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Belgium (02/2021-06/2022). We applied ARIMA-based modelling to assess the effect of daily flow rate, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) concentration, a measure of human faeces in wastewater, and variants (alpha, delta, and omicron strains) on SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater. Secondly, adjusted WBE metrics at different lag times were used to predict incident COVID-19 cases. Model selection was based on AICc minimization. RESULTS In 33/40 WWTPs, RNA levels were best explained by incident cases, flow rate, and PMMoV. Flow rate and PMMoV were associated with -13.0 % (95 % prediction interval: -26.1 to +0.2 %) and +13.0 % (95 % prediction interval: +5.1 to +21.0 %) change in RNA levels per SD increase, respectively. In 38/40 WWTPs, variants did not explain variability in RNA levels independent of cases. Furthermore, our study shows that RNA levels can lead incident cases by at least one week in 15/40 WWTPs. The median population size of leading WWTPs was 85.1 % larger than that of non‑leading WWTPs. In 17/40 WWTPs, however, RNA levels did not lead or explain incident cases in addition to autocorrelation. CONCLUSION This study provides quantitative insights into key determinants of WBE, including the effects of wastewater flow rate, PMMoV, and variants. Substantial inter-WWTP variability was observed in terms of explaining incident cases. These findings are of practical importance to WBE practitioners and show that the early-warning potential of WBE is WWTP-specific and needs validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xander Bertels
- Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven Hanoteaux
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raphael Janssens
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hadrien Maloux
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bavo Verhaegen
- Infectious Diseases in Humans, Foodborne Pathogens, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tim Boogaerts
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Delphine Brogna
- Institute of Life, Earth and Environment, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Catherine Linard
- Institute of Life, Earth and Environment, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Marescaux
- Institute of Life, Earth and Environment, University of Namur, 5000 Namur, Belgium; E-BIOM SA, 5000 Namur, Belgium
| | - Christian Didy
- Société Publique de Gestion de l'Eau, 4800 Verviers, Belgium
| | - Rosalie Pype
- Société Publique de Gestion de l'Eau, 4800 Verviers, Belgium
| | - Nancy H C Roosens
- Biological Health Risks, Transversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Koenraad Van Hoorde
- Infectious Diseases in Humans, Foodborne Pathogens, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie Lesenfants
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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9
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Van Moll L, Wouters M, De Smet J, De Vooght L, Delputte P, Van Der Borght M, Cos P. In-depth biological characterization of two black soldier fly anti- Pseudomonas peptides reveals LPS-binding and immunomodulating effects. mSphere 2023; 8:e0045423. [PMID: 37800918 PMCID: PMC10597467 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00454-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As effector molecules of the innate immune system, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gathered substantial interest as a potential future generation of antibiotics. Here, we demonstrate the anti-Pseudomonas activity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding ability of HC1 and HC10, two cecropin peptides from the black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens). Both peptides are active against a wide range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, including drug-resistant clinical isolates. Moreover, HC1 and HC10 can bind to lipid A, the toxic center of LPS and reduce the LPS-induced nitric oxide and cytokine production in murine macrophage cells. This suggests that the peptide-LPS binding can also lower the strong inflammatory response associated with P. aeruginosa infections. As the activity of AMPs is often influenced by the presence of salts, we studied the LPS-binding activity of HC1 and HC10 in physiological salt concentrations, revealing a strong decrease in activity. Our research confirmed the early potential of HC1 and HC10 as starting points for anti-Pseudomonas drugs, as well as the need for structural or formulation optimization before further preclinical development can be considered. IMPORTANCE The high mortality and morbidity associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections remain an ongoing challenge in clinical practice that requires urgent action. P. aeruginosa mostly infects immunocompromised individuals, and its prevalence is especially high in urgent care hospital settings. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are outer membrane structures that are responsible for inducing the innate immune cascade upon infection. P. aeruginosa LPS can cause local excessive inflammation, or spread systemically throughout the body, leading to multi-organ failure and septic shock. As antimicrobial resistance rates in P. aeruginosa infections are rising, the research and development of new antimicrobial agents remain indispensable. Especially, antimicrobials that can both kill the bacteria themselves and neutralize their toxins are of great interest in P. aeruginosa research to develop as the next generation of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Van Moll
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P), KU Leuven, Campus Geel, Geel, Belgium
| | - Milan Wouters
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jeroen De Smet
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P), KU Leuven, Campus Geel, Geel, Belgium
| | - Linda De Vooght
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mik Van Der Borght
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P), KU Leuven, Campus Geel, Geel, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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10
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Jacobs L, Stobbelaar K, Heykers A, Cos P, Delputte P. Subtractive Immunization as a Method to Develop Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:62. [PMID: 37873859 PMCID: PMC10594476 DOI: 10.3390/antib12040062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a significant cause of lower respiratory tract infections in the young, the elderly, and in immunodeficient patients. As such, the virus represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Development of monoclonal antibodies against RSV has resulted in a commercial prophylaxis, palivizumab (Synagis®), and different antibodies that have improved our understanding of the structure of the viral proteins. In this study, a different immunization technique, subtractive immunization, was evaluated for its applicability to develop RSV-specific antibodies. One hybridoma which produced antibodies with the strongest staining of RSV infected cells, ATAC-0025, was selected for further characterization. This antibody belongs to the IgG1 class, has neutralizing capacity and recognizes the envelope F-protein. The antibody has a broad reactivity against a range of RSV reference strains and clinical isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Jacobs
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (L.J.); (K.S.); (A.H.); (P.C.)
| | - Kim Stobbelaar
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (L.J.); (K.S.); (A.H.); (P.C.)
- Pediatrics Department, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Annick Heykers
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (L.J.); (K.S.); (A.H.); (P.C.)
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (L.J.); (K.S.); (A.H.); (P.C.)
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp (UA), Universiteitsplein 1 S.7, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (L.J.); (K.S.); (A.H.); (P.C.)
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11
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Van Breedam E, Buyle-Huybrecht T, Govaerts J, Meysman P, Bours A, Boeren M, Di Stefano J, Caers T, De Reu H, Dirkx L, Schippers J, Bartholomeus E, Lebrun M, Sadzot-Delvaux C, Rybakowska P, Alarcón-Riquelme ME, Marañón C, Laukens K, Delputte P, Ogunjimi B, Ponsaerts P. Lack of strong innate immune reactivity renders macrophages alone unable to control productive Varicella-Zoster Virus infection in an isogenic human iPSC-derived neuronal co-culture model. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1177245. [PMID: 37287975 PMCID: PMC10241998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1177245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
With Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) being an exclusive human pathogen, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neural cell culture models are an emerging tool to investigate VZV neuro-immune interactions. Using a compartmentalized hiPSC-derived neuronal model allowing axonal VZV infection, we previously demonstrated that paracrine interferon (IFN)-α2 signalling is required to activate a broad spectrum of interferon-stimulated genes able to counteract a productive VZV infection in hiPSC-neurons. In this new study, we now investigated whether innate immune signalling by VZV-challenged macrophages was able to orchestrate an antiviral immune response in VZV-infected hiPSC-neurons. In order to establish an isogenic hiPSC-neuron/hiPSC-macrophage co-culture model, hiPSC-macrophages were generated and characterised for phenotype, gene expression, cytokine production and phagocytic capacity. Even though immunological competence of hiPSC-macrophages was shown following stimulation with the poly(dA:dT) or treatment with IFN-α2, hiPSC-macrophages in co-culture with VZV-infected hiPSC-neurons were unable to mount an antiviral immune response capable of suppressing a productive neuronal VZV infection. Subsequently, a comprehensive RNA-Seq analysis confirmed the lack of strong immune responsiveness by hiPSC-neurons and hiPSC-macrophages upon, respectively, VZV infection or challenge. This may suggest the need of other cell types, like T-cells or other innate immune cells, to (co-)orchestrate an efficient antiviral immune response against VZV-infected neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Van Breedam
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tamariche Buyle-Huybrecht
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jonas Govaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Meysman
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (Biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Andrea Bours
- Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (Biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Boeren
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julia Di Stefano
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thalissa Caers
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hans De Reu
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core Facility (FACSUA), Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Laura Dirkx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jolien Schippers
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Esther Bartholomeus
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marielle Lebrun
- Laboratory of Virology and Immunology, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in the Biomedical Sciences GIGA-Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Catherine Sadzot-Delvaux
- Laboratory of Virology and Immunology, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in the Biomedical Sciences GIGA-Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Paulina Rybakowska
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía, Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS), Granada, Spain
| | - Marta E. Alarcón-Riquelme
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía, Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS), Granada, Spain
| | - Concepción Marañón
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Pfizer-University of Granada-Junta de Andalucía, Parque Tecnológico de la Salud (PTS), Granada, Spain
| | - Kris Laukens
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (Biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (Biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Infla-Med, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benson Ogunjimi
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Modelling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Paediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Ponsaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core Facility (FACSUA), Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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12
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Sahun M, Privat-Maldonado A, Lin A, De Roeck N, Van der Heyden L, Hillen M, Michiels J, Steenackers G, Smits E, Ariën KK, Jorens PG, Delputte P, Bogaerts A. Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Viruses with Non-Thermal Plasma for Hospital Disinfection. ACS Sustain Chem Eng 2023; 11:5206-5215. [PMID: 37034498 PMCID: PMC10068876 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.2c07622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
As recently highlighted by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, viruses have become an increasing burden for health, global economy, and environment. The control of transmission by contact with contaminated materials represents a major challenge, particularly in hospital environments. However, the current disinfection methods in hospital settings suffer from numerous drawbacks. As a result, several medical supplies that cannot be properly disinfected are not reused, leading to severe shortages and increasing amounts of waste, thus prompting the search for alternative solutions. In this work, we report that non-thermal plasma (NTP) can effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2 from non-porous and porous materials commonly found in healthcare facilities. We demonstrated that 5 min treatment with a dielectric barrier discharge NTP can inactivate 100% of SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan and Omicron strains) from plastic material. Using porcine respiratory coronavirus (surrogate for SARS-CoV-2) and coxsackievirus B3 (highly resistant non-enveloped virus), we tested the NTP virucidal activity on hospital materials and obtained complete inactivation after 5 and 10 min, respectively. We hypothesize that the produced reactive species and local acidification contribute to the overall virucidal effect of NTP. Our results demonstrate the potential of dielectric barrier discharge NTPs for the rapid, efficient, and low-cost disinfection of healthcare materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Sahun
- Plasma
Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine—Antwerp
(PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angela Privat-Maldonado
- Plasma
Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine—Antwerp
(PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Center
for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision
Oncology Network (IPPON), University of
Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Abraham Lin
- Plasma
Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine—Antwerp
(PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Center
for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision
Oncology Network (IPPON), University of
Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Naomi De Roeck
- Laboratory
for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical,
Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Lisa Van der Heyden
- Plasma
Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine—Antwerp
(PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Center
for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision
Oncology Network (IPPON), University of
Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michaël Hillen
- Industrial
Vision Lab (InViLab), Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Michiels
- Virology
Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gunther Steenackers
- Industrial
Vision Lab (InViLab), Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center
for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision
Oncology Network (IPPON), University of
Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kevin K. Ariën
- Laboratory
for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical,
Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Virology
Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Philippe G. Jorens
- Department
of Intensive Care Medicine, Antwerp University
Hospital, Wilrijkstraat
10, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium
- Laboratory
of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory
for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical,
Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein
1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Plasma
Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine—Antwerp
(PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University
of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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13
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Boeren M, Meysman P, Laukens K, Ponsaerts P, Ogunjimi B, Delputte P. T cell immunity in HSV-1- and VZV-infected neural ganglia. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:51-61. [PMID: 35987880 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Herpesviruses hijack the MHC class I (MHC I) and class II (MHC II) antigen-presentation pathways to manipulate immune recognition by T cells. First, we illustrate herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) MHC immune evasion strategies. Next, we describe MHC-T cell interactions in HSV-1- and VZV- infected neural ganglia. Although studies on the topic are scarce, and use different models, most reports indicate that neuronal HSV-1 infection is mainly controlled by CD8+ T cells through noncytolytic mechanisms, whereas VZV seems to be largely controlled through CD4+ T cell-specific immune responses. Autologous human stem-cell-derived in vitro models could substantially aid in elucidating these neuroimmune interactions and are fit for studies on both herpesviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Boeren
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Meysman
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Kris Laukens
- Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Adrem Data Lab, Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Biomedical Informatics Research Network Antwerp (biomina), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Ponsaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology (LEH), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benson Ogunjimi
- Antwerp Center for Translational Immunology and Virology (ACTIV), Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Antwerp Unit for Data Analysis and Computation in Immunology and Sequencing (AUDACIS), Antwerp, Belgium; Centre for Health Economics Research & Modeling Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Paediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Infla-med, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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14
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Geerts N, De Vooght L, Passaris I, Delputte P, Van den Bergh B, Cos P. Antibiotic Tolerance Indicative of Persistence Is Pervasive among Clinical Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates and Shows Strong Condition Dependence. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0270122. [PMID: 36374111 PMCID: PMC9769776 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02701-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important human pathogen, being one of the most common causes of community-acquired pneumonia and otitis media. Antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae is an emerging problem, as it depletes our arsenal of effective drugs. In addition, persistence also contributes to the antibiotic crisis in many other pathogens, yet for S. pneumoniae, little is known about antibiotic-tolerant persisters and robust experimental means are lacking. Persister cells are phenotypic variants that exist as a subpopulation within a clonal culture. Being tolerant to lethal antibiotics, they underly the chronic nature of a variety of infections and even help in acquiring genetic resistance. In this study, we set out to identify and characterize persistence in S. pneumoniae. Specifically, we followed different strategies to overcome the self-limiting nature of S. pneumoniae as a confounding factor in the prolonged monitoring of antibiotic survival needed to study persistence. Under optimized conditions, we identified genuine persisters in various growth phases and for four relevant antibiotics through biphasic survival dynamics and heritability assays. Finally, we detected a high variety in antibiotic survival levels across a diverse collection of S. pneumoniae clinical isolates, which assumes that a high natural diversity in persistence is widely present in S. pneumoniae. Collectively, this proof of concept significantly progresses the understanding of the importance of antibiotic persistence in S. pneumoniae infections, which will set the stage for characterizing its relevance to clinical outcomes and advocates for increased attention to the phenotype in both fundamental and clinical research. IMPORTANCE S. pneumoniae is considered a serious threat by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because of rising antibiotic resistance. In addition to resistance, bacteria can also survive lethal antibiotic treatment by developing antibiotic tolerance, more specifically, antibiotic tolerance through persistence. This phenotypic variation seems omnipresent among bacterial life, is linked to therapy failure, and acts as a catalyst for resistance development. This study gives the first proof of the presence of persister cells in S. pneumoniae and shows a high variety in persistence levels among diverse strains, suggesting that persistence is a general trait in S. pneumoniae cultures. Our work advocates for higher interest for persistence in S. pneumoniae as a contributing factor for therapy failure and resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Geerts
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Linda De Vooght
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bram Van den Bergh
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, Department of Molecular and Microbial Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Microbiology, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Wilrijk, Belgium
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15
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Spacova I, De Boeck I, Cauwenberghs E, Delanghe L, Bron PA, Henkens T, Simons A, Gamgami I, Persoons L, Claes I, van den Broek MFL, Schols D, Delputte P, Coenen S, Verhoeven V, Lebeer S. Development of a live biotherapeutic throat spray with lactobacilli targeting respiratory viral infections. Microb Biotechnol 2022; 16:99-115. [PMID: 36468246 PMCID: PMC9803329 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory viruses such as influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses initiate infection at the mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract (URT), where the resident respiratory microbiome has an important gatekeeper function. In contrast to gut-targeting administration of beneficial bacteria against respiratory viral disease, topical URT administration of probiotics is currently underexplored, especially for the prevention and/or treatment of viral infections. Here, we report the formulation of a throat spray with live lactobacilli exhibiting several in vitro mechanisms of action against respiratory viral infections, including induction of interferon regulatory pathways and direct inhibition of respiratory viruses. Rational selection of Lactobacillaceae strains was based on previously documented beneficial properties, up-scaling and industrial production characteristics, clinical safety parameters, and potential antiviral and immunostimulatory efficacy in the URT demonstrated in this study. Using a three-step selection strategy, three strains were selected and further tested in vitro antiviral assays and in formulations: Lacticaseibacillus casei AMBR2 as a promising endogenous candidate URT probiotic with previously reported barrier-enhancing and anti-pathogenic properties and the two well-studied model strains Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1 that display immunomodulatory capacities. The three strains and their combination significantly reduced the cytopathogenic effects of RSV, influenza A/H1N1 and B viruses, and HCoV-229E coronavirus in co-culture models with bacteria, virus, and host cells. Subsequently, these strains were formulated in a throat spray and human monocytes were employed to confirm the formulation process did not reduce the interferon regulatory pathway-inducing capacity. Administration of the throat spray in healthy volunteers revealed that the lactobacilli were capable of temporary colonization of the throat in a metabolically active form. Thus, the developed spray with live lactobacilli will be further explored in the clinic as a potential broad-acting live biotherapeutic strategy against respiratory viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Spacova
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Ilke De Boeck
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Eline Cauwenberghs
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Lize Delanghe
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Peter A. Bron
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | | | | | | | - Leentje Persoons
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationRega InstituteLeuvenBelgium
| | | | - Marianne F. L. van den Broek
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Dominique Schols
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and TransplantationRega InstituteLeuvenBelgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP)University of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium,Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO)University of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Veronique Verhoeven
- Family Medicine and Population Health (FAMPOP)University of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Sarah Lebeer
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience EngineeringUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
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16
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Molenberghs F, Verschuuren M, Barbier M, Bogers JJ, Cools N, Delputte P, Schelhaas M, De Vos WH. Cells infected with human papilloma pseudovirus display nuclear reorganization and heterogenous infection kinetics. Cytometry A 2022; 101:1035-1048. [PMID: 35668549 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are small, non-enveloped DNA viruses, which upon chronic infection can provoke cervical and head-and-neck cancers. Although the infectious life cycle of HPV has been studied and a vaccine is available for the most prevalent cancer-causing HPV types, there are no antiviral agents to treat infected patients. Hence, there is a need for novel therapeutic entry points and a means to identify them. In this work, we have used high-content microscopy to quantitatively investigate the early phase of HPV infection. Human cervical cancer cells and immortalized keratinocytes were exposed to pseudoviruses (PsV) of the widespread HPV type 16, in which the viral genome was replaced by a pseudogenome encoding a fluorescent reporter protein. Using the fluorescent signal as readout, we measured differences in infection between cell lines, which directly correlated with host cell proliferation rate. Parallel multiparametric analysis of nuclear organization revealed that HPV PsV infection alters nuclear organization and inflates promyelocytic leukemia protein body content, positioning these events at the early stage of HPV infection, upstream of viral replication. Time-resolved analysis revealed a marked heterogeneity in infection kinetics even between two daughter cells, which we attribute to differences in viral load. Consistent with the requirement for mitotic nuclear envelope breakdown, pharmacological inhibition of the cell cycle dramatically blunted infection efficiency. Thus, by systematic image-based single cell analysis, we revealed phenotypic alterations that accompany HPV PsV infection in individual cells, and which may be relevant for therapeutic drug screens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Molenberghs
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marlies Verschuuren
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michaël Barbier
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Simply Complex Lab, UNAM, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Johannes J Bogers
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Cools
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Faculty Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mario Schelhaas
- Institute of Cellular Virology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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17
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Mabille D, Dirkx L, Thys S, Vermeersch M, Montenye D, Govaerts M, Hendrickx S, Takac P, Van Weyenbergh J, Pintelon I, Delputte P, Maes L, Pérez-Morga D, Timmermans JP, Caljon G. Impact of pulmonary African trypanosomes on the immunology and function of the lung. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7083. [PMID: 36400767 PMCID: PMC9674601 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34757-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 20% of sleeping sickness patients exhibit respiratory complications, however, with a largely unknown role of the parasite. Here we show that tsetse fly-transmitted Trypanosoma brucei parasites rapidly and permanently colonize the lungs and occupy the extravascular spaces surrounding the blood vessels of the alveoli and bronchi. They are present as nests of multiplying parasites exhibiting close interactions with collagen and active secretion of extracellular vesicles. The local immune response shows a substantial increase of monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and γδ and activated αβ T cells and a later influx of neutrophils. Interestingly, parasite presence results in a significant reduction of B cells, eosinophils and natural killer cells. T. brucei infected mice show no infection-associated pulmonary dysfunction, mirroring the limited pulmonary clinical complications during sleeping sickness. However, the substantial reduction of the various immune cells may render individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections, as evident by a co-infection experiment with respiratory syncytial virus. Collectively, these observations provide insights into a largely overlooked target organ, and may trigger new diagnostic and supportive therapeutic approaches for sleeping sickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Mabille
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Laura Dirkx
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sofie Thys
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marjorie Vermeersch
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium ,grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Daniel Montenye
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium ,grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Matthias Govaerts
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Takac
- grid.419303.c0000 0001 2180 9405Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84506 Bratislava, Slovakia ,grid.455086.aScientica, Ltd., 83106 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Johan Van Weyenbergh
- grid.415751.3Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute of Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - David Pérez-Morga
- grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium ,grid.4989.c0000 0001 2348 0746Laboratory of Molecular Parasitology, IBMM, Université libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Timmermans
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Infla-Med Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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18
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Colombo VC, Sluydts V, Mariën J, Vanden Broecke B, Van Houtte N, Leirs W, Jacobs L, Iserbyt A, Hubert M, Heyndrickx L, Goris H, Delputte P, De Roeck N, Elst J, Ariën KK, Leirs H, Gryseels S. SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Antwerp sewer system, Belgium. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:3016-3021. [PMID: 34224205 PMCID: PMC8447303 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 human-to-animal transmission can lead to the establishment of novel reservoirs and the evolution of new variants with the potential to start new outbreaks in humans. We tested Norway rats inhabiting the sewer system of Antwerp, Belgium, for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 following a local COVID-19 epidemic peak. In addition, we discuss the use and interpretation of SARS-CoV-2 serological tests on non-human samples. Between November and December 2020, Norway rat oral swabs, faeces and tissues from the sewer system of Antwerp were collected to be tested by RT-qPCR for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Serum samples were screened for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using a Luminex microsphere immunoassay (MIA). Samples considered positive were then checked for neutralizing antibodies using a conventional viral neutralization test (cVNT). The serum of 35 rats was tested by MIA showing three potentially positive sera that were later negative by cVNT. All tissue samples of 39 rats analysed tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. This is the first study that evaluates SARS-CoV-2 infection in urban rats. We can conclude that the sample of rats analysed had never been infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, monitoring activities should continue due to the emergence of new variants prone to infect Muridae rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Carolina Colombo
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)Buenos AiresArgentina
| | - Vincent Sluydts
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Joachim Mariën
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
- Virology UnitDepartment of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
| | - Bram Vanden Broecke
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Natalie Van Houtte
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Wannes Leirs
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Lotte Jacobs
- Laboratory for MicrobiologyParasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)University of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Arne Iserbyt
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Marine Hubert
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Leo Heyndrickx
- Virology UnitDepartment of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
| | - Hanne Goris
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for MicrobiologyParasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)University of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Naomi De Roeck
- Laboratory for MicrobiologyParasitology and Hygiene (LMPH)University of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Joris Elst
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Kevin K. Ariën
- Virology UnitDepartment of Biomedical SciencesInstitute of Tropical MedicineAntwerpBelgium
| | - Herwig Leirs
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
| | - Sophie Gryseels
- Evolutionary Ecology GroupDepartment of BiologyUniversity of AntwerpAntwerpBelgium
- OD Taxonomy and PhylogenyRoyal Belgian Institute of Natural SciencesBrusselsBelgium
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19
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Van Breedam E, Nijak A, Buyle-Huybrecht T, Di Stefano J, Boeren M, Govaerts J, Quarta A, Swartenbroekx T, Z Jacobs E, Menten B, Gijsbers R, Delputte P, Alaerts M, Hassannia B, Loeys B, Berneman Z, Timmermans JP, G Jorens P, Vanden Berghe T, Fransen E, Wouters A, H De Vos W, Ponsaerts P. Correction to: Luminescent Human iPSC-Derived Neurospheroids Enable Modeling of Neurotoxicity After Oxygen-glucose Deprivation. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1433. [PMID: 35727488 PMCID: PMC9587144 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01235-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Van Breedam
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Aleksandra Nijak
- Cardiogenomics Group, Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Tamariche Buyle-Huybrecht
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Julia Di Stefano
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marlies Boeren
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jonas Govaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Quarta
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tine Swartenbroekx
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eva Z Jacobs
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rik Gijsbers
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Viral Vector Core (LVVC), KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Maaike Alaerts
- Cardiogenomics Group, Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Behrouz Hassannia
- Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), VIB-UGent, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bart Loeys
- Cardiogenomics Group, Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Zwi Berneman
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Philippe G Jorens
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Tom Vanden Berghe
- Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), VIB-UGent, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Erik Fransen
- StatUa Center for Statistics, University of Antwerp, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
- Human Molecular Genetics group, Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Ponsaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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20
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Favere K, Van Hecke M, Eens S, Bosman M, Stobbelaar K, Delputte P, De Sutter J, Roskams T, Heidbuchel H, Guns P. Fibrotic remodelling after coxsackievirus-induced myocarditis in mice. Cardiovasc Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac066.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Research Foundation Flanders
Introduction
Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart with viral infections being the most common aetiology. Often, myocardial fibrosis (MF) is observed during the resolution of myocarditis. MF is a strong independent predictor for outcome in patients with myocarditis. Nevertheless, the late stages of disease, encompassing fibrogenesis and arrhythmogenesis, have been underappreciated in viral myocarditis research to date.
Purpose
The primary aim of this study was to characterise the natural history of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced myocarditis in C57BL/6J mice, with emphasis on fibrogenesis and its electrical impact. Secondary aims were 1) to study the impact of inoculation dose and sex on the course of disease, and 2) to develop an in-house histopathological scoring system for inflammation and fibrosis.
Methods
C57BL/6J mice (12 weeks old; n=154) received intraperitoneal injection with CVB3 (Nancy strain). Male mice received 5 x 10^5 (regular dose)(RD) or 5 x 10^6 (high dose) plaque-forming units, whereas female mice received the RD only. Mice injected with PBS served as control groups. Animals were sacrificed 7, 14, 28, 56 and 77 days after CVB3 or PBS injection. Inflammation (haematoxylin-eosin) and fibrosis (Picrosirius red (PSR)) were evaluated histologically. Arrhythmogenicity was assessed through right ventricular programmed stimulation.
Results
CVB3 animals sacrificed or with spontaneous death within 14 days after inoculation showed cardiac infiltration in all (100%) and necrosis in 88% (35/40). In male CVB3-infected mice, premature mortality was ±20% in both regular and high dose groups, occurring between 9 and 23 days post inoculation. No mortality was observed in the female group (p<0.025 for comparison male and female RD). Cardiac inflammation had resolved in the majority of animals at day 77. Perivascular fibrosis was seen in both infected and control mice. Pericellular fibrosis and organised scarring were seen in CVB3-infected animals only, and mainly became evident 56 and 77 days after inoculation (51% of infected animals). Also total cross-sectional PSR-positive area was 2-3-fold higher in CVB-infected mice compared to sex-matched controls, independent of inoculation dose (p<0.05). At the 56- and 77-day timepoint, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was induced in 17% (5/29) of the intervention animals (all with pericellular fibrosis or scarring) and none (0/14) of the control animals, but this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.098).
Conclusion
We report on the characterisation of fibrotic remodelling in a CVB3-induced myocarditis mouse model. Fibrotic remodelling was seen in a majority of mice after 8 to 11 weeks. It was associated with a numerical (but not significant) increased arrhythmogenicity, requiring further exploration given the clinical significance of fibrotic remodelling. Further research on the molecular pathways and cellular interactions triggered by myocarditis is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Favere
- University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
| | | | - S Eens
- University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - M Bosman
- University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
| | | | - P Delputte
- University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
| | | | - T Roskams
- University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | | | - P Guns
- University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
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21
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Bertels X, Demeyer P, Van den Bogaert S, Boogaerts T, van Nuijs ALN, Delputte P, Lahousse L. Factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater up to the sampling stage: A systematic review. Sci Total Environ 2022; 820:153290. [PMID: 35066048 PMCID: PMC8772136 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) for SARS-CoV-2 RNA is a promising complementary approach to monitor community viral circulation. A myriad of factors, however, can influence RNA concentrations in wastewater, impeding its epidemiological value. This article aims to provide an overview and discussion of factors up to the sampling stage that impact SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration estimates in wastewater. To this end, a systematic review was performed in three databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase) and two preprint servers (MedRxiv and BioRxiv). Two authors independently screened and selected articles published between January 1, 2019 and May 4, 2021. A total of 22 eligible articles were included in this systematic review. The following factors up to sampling were identified to have an influence on SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in wastewater and its interpretation: (i) shedding-related factors, including faecal shedding parameters (i.e. shedding pattern, recovery, rate, and load distribution), (ii) population size, (iii) in-sewer factors, including solid particles, organic load, travel time, flow rate, wastewater pH and temperature, and (iv) sampling strategy. In conclusion, factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration estimates in wastewater were identified and research gaps were discussed. The identification of these factors supports the need for further research on WBS for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xander Bertels
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Phaedra Demeyer
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Siel Van den Bogaert
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Tim Boogaerts
- Toxicological Centre, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Alexander L N van Nuijs
- Toxicological Centre, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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22
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Boogaerts T, Van den Bogaert S, Van Poelvoorde LAE, El Masri D, De Roeck N, Roosens NHC, Lesenfants M, Lahousse L, Van Hoorde K, van Nuijs ALN, Delputte P. Optimization and Application of a Multiplex Digital PCR Assay for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in Belgian Influent Wastewater. Viruses 2022; 14:610. [PMID: 35337017 PMCID: PMC8953730 DOI: 10.3390/v14030610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) of SARS-CoV-2 has been used as a complementary indicator to follow up on the trends in the COVID-19 spread in Belgium and in many other countries. To further develop the use of WBE, a multiplex digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) assay was optimized, validated and applied for the measurement of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) in influent wastewater (IWW) samples. Key mutations were targeted in the different VOC strains, including SΔ69/70 deletion, N501Y, SΔ241 and SΔ157. The presented bioanalytical method was able to distinguish between SARS-CoV-2 RNA originating from the wild-type and B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and B.1.617.2 variants. The dPCR assay proved to be sensitive enough to detect low concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in IWW since the limit of detection of the different targets ranged between 0.3 and 2.9 copies/µL. This developed WBE approach was applied to IWW samples originating from different Belgian locations and was able to monitor spatio-temporal changes in the presence of targeted VOC strains in the investigated communities. The present dPCR assay developments were realized to bring added-value to the current national WBE of COVID-19 by also having the spatio-temporal proportions of the VoC in presence in the wastewaters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Boogaerts
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Siel Van den Bogaert
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (D.E.M.); (N.D.R.); (P.D.)
| | - Laura A. E. Van Poelvoorde
- Scientific Directorate of Biological Health Risks, Service Transerversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.A.E.V.P.); (N.H.C.R.)
| | - Diala El Masri
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (D.E.M.); (N.D.R.); (P.D.)
| | - Naomi De Roeck
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (D.E.M.); (N.D.R.); (P.D.)
| | - Nancy H. C. Roosens
- Scientific Directorate of Biological Health Risks, Service Transerversal Activities in Applied Genomics, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.A.E.V.P.); (N.H.C.R.)
| | - Marie Lesenfants
- Scientific Directorate of Epidemiology and Public Health, Service Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Koenraad Van Hoorde
- Scientific Directorate of Infectious Diseases in Humans, Service Foodborne Pathogens, Sciensano, J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | | | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (D.E.M.); (N.D.R.); (P.D.)
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23
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Van Hees S, Elbrink K, De Schryver M, Delputte P, Kiekens F. Targeting of sialoadhesin-expressing macrophages through antibody-conjugated (polyethylene glycol) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles. J Nanopart Res 2022; 24:65. [PMID: 35311024 PMCID: PMC8919690 DOI: 10.1007/s11051-022-05451-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This research aims to evaluate different-sized nanoparticles consisting of (polyethylene glycol) (PEG) poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), loaded with fluorescein isothiocyanate for nanoparticle uptake and intracellular fate in sialoadhesin-expressing macrophages, while being functionalized with anti-sialoadhesin antibody. Sialoadhesin is a macrophage-restricted receptor, expressed on certain populations of resident tissue macrophages, yet is also upregulated in some inflammatory conditions. The nanocarriers were characterized for nanoparticle size (84-319 nm), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro dye release. Small (86 nm) antibody-functionalized PEG PLGA nanoparticles showed persisting benefit from sialoadhesin-targeting after 24 h compared to the control groups. For small (105 nm) PLGA nanoparticles, uptake rate was higher for antibody-conjugated nanoparticles, though the total amount of uptake was not enhanced after 24 h. For both plain and functionalized small-sized (PEG) PLGA nanoparticles, no co-localization between nanoparticles and (early/late) endosomes nor lysosomes could be observed after 1-, 4-, or 24-h incubation time. In conclusion, decorating (PEG) PLGA nanocarriers with anti-sialoadhesin antibodies positively impacts macrophage targeting, though it was found to be formulation-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Van Hees
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kimberley Elbrink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marjorie De Schryver
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Filip Kiekens
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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24
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Van Breedam E, Nijak A, Buyle-Huybrecht T, Di Stefano J, Boeren M, Govaerts J, Quarta A, Swartenbroekx T, Jacobs EZ, Menten B, Gijsbers R, Delputte P, Alaerts M, Hassannia B, Loeys B, Berneman Z, Timmermans JP, Jorens PG, Vanden Berghe T, Fransen E, Wouters A, De Vos WH, Ponsaerts P. Luminescent Human iPSC-Derived Neurospheroids Enable Modeling of Neurotoxicity After Oxygen-glucose Deprivation. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:550-569. [PMID: 35289376 PMCID: PMC9226265 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01212-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the considerable impact of stroke on both the individual and on society, a neuroprotective therapy for stroke patients is missing. This is partially due to the current lack of a physiologically relevant human in vitro stroke model. To address this problem, we have developed a luminescent human iPSC-derived neurospheroid model that enables real-time read-out of neural viability after ischemia-like conditions. We subjected 1- and 4-week-old neurospheroids, generated from iPSC-derived neural stem cells, to 6 h of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and measured neurospheroid luminescence. For both, we detected a decrease in luminescent signal due to ensuing neurotoxicity, as confirmed by conventional LDH assay and flow cytometric viability analysis. Remarkably, 1-week-old, but not 4-week-old neurospheroids recovered from OGD-induced injury, as evidenced by their reduced but overall increasing luminescence over time. This underscores the need for more mature neurospheroids, more faithfully recapitulating the in vivo situation. Furthermore, treatment of oxygen- and glucose-deprived neurospheroids with the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK did not increase overall neural survival, despite its successful attenuation of apoptosis, in a human-based 3D environment. Nevertheless, owing to its three-dimensional organization and real-time viability reporting potential, the luminescent neurospheroids may become readily adopted in high-throughput screens aimed at identification of new therapeutic agents to treat acute ischemic stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Van Breedam
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Aleksandra Nijak
- Cardiogenomics Group, Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Tamariche Buyle-Huybrecht
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Julia Di Stefano
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marlies Boeren
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jonas Govaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Quarta
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tine Swartenbroekx
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eva Z Jacobs
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics Ghent, Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rik Gijsbers
- Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Gene Therapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Viral Vector Core (LVVC), KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Maaike Alaerts
- Cardiogenomics Group, Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Behrouz Hassannia
- Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), VIB-UGent, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bart Loeys
- Cardiogenomics Group, Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Zwi Berneman
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Philippe G Jorens
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics (LEMP), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Tom Vanden Berghe
- Center for Inflammation Research (IRC), VIB-UGent, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Belgium
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Erik Fransen
- StatUa Center for Statistics, University of Antwerp, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
- Human Molecular Genetics group, Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Winnok H De Vos
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Ponsaerts
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (Vaxinfectio), University of Antwerp, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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25
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Boogaerts T, Jacobs L, De Roeck N, Van den Bogaert S, Aertgeerts B, Lahousse L, van Nuijs ALN, Delputte P. An alternative approach for bioanalytical assay optimization for wastewater-based epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. Sci Total Environ 2021; 789:148043. [PMID: 34323818 PMCID: PMC8152210 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 could play a role in monitoring the spread of the virus in the population and controlling possible outbreaks. However, sensitive sample preparation and detection methods are necessary to detect trace levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in influent wastewater (IWW). Unlike predecessors, method optimization of a SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration and detection procedure was performed with IWW samples with high viral SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads. This is of importance since the SARS-CoV-2 genome in IWW might have already been subject to in-sewer degradation into smaller genome fragments or might be present in a different form (e.g. cell debris, …). Centricon Plus-70 (100 kDa) centrifugal filter devices resulted in the lowest and most reproducible Ct-values for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Lowering the molecular weight cut-off did not improve our limit of detection and quantification (approximately 100 copies/μL for all genes). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed for the amplification of the N1, N2, N3 and E-gene fragments. This is one of the first studies to apply digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in IWW. dPCR showed high variability at low concentration levels (100 copies/μL), indicating that variability in bioanalytical methods for wastewater-based epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 might be substantial. dPCR results in IWW were in line with the results found with qPCR. On average, the N2-gene fragment showed high in-sample stability in IWW for 10 days of storage at 4 °C. Between-sample variability was substantial due to the low native concentrations in IWW. Additionally, the E-gene fragment proved to be less stable compared to the N2-gene fragment and showed higher variability. Freezing the IWW samples resulted in a 10-fold decay of loads of the N2- and E-gene fragment in IWW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Boogaerts
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Lotte Jacobs
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Naomi De Roeck
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Siel Van den Bogaert
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bert Aertgeerts
- Academic Centre for General Practice, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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26
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Boogaerts T, Jacobs L, De Roeck N, Van den Bogaert S, Aertgeerts B, Lahousse L, van Nuijs ALN, Delputte P. An alternative approach for bioanalytical assay optimization for wastewater-based epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. Sci Total Environ 2021; 789:148043. [PMID: 34323818 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.12.21251626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 could play a role in monitoring the spread of the virus in the population and controlling possible outbreaks. However, sensitive sample preparation and detection methods are necessary to detect trace levels of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in influent wastewater (IWW). Unlike predecessors, method optimization of a SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentration and detection procedure was performed with IWW samples with high viral SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads. This is of importance since the SARS-CoV-2 genome in IWW might have already been subject to in-sewer degradation into smaller genome fragments or might be present in a different form (e.g. cell debris, …). Centricon Plus-70 (100 kDa) centrifugal filter devices resulted in the lowest and most reproducible Ct-values for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Lowering the molecular weight cut-off did not improve our limit of detection and quantification (approximately 100 copies/μL for all genes). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed for the amplification of the N1, N2, N3 and E-gene fragments. This is one of the first studies to apply digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in IWW. dPCR showed high variability at low concentration levels (100 copies/μL), indicating that variability in bioanalytical methods for wastewater-based epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 might be substantial. dPCR results in IWW were in line with the results found with qPCR. On average, the N2-gene fragment showed high in-sample stability in IWW for 10 days of storage at 4 °C. Between-sample variability was substantial due to the low native concentrations in IWW. Additionally, the E-gene fragment proved to be less stable compared to the N2-gene fragment and showed higher variability. Freezing the IWW samples resulted in a 10-fold decay of loads of the N2- and E-gene fragment in IWW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Boogaerts
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Lotte Jacobs
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Naomi De Roeck
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Siel Van den Bogaert
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bert Aertgeerts
- Academic Centre for General Practice, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lies Lahousse
- Department of Bioanalysis, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Spacova I, De Boeck I, Bron PA, Delputte P, Lebeer S. Topical Microbial Therapeutics against Respiratory Viral Infections. Trends Mol Med 2021; 27:538-553. [PMID: 33879402 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that microbial therapeutics can prevent and treat respiratory viral diseases, especially when applied directly to the airways. This review presents established beneficial effects of locally administered microbial therapeutics against respiratory viral diseases and the inferred related molecular mechanisms. Several mechanisms established in the intestinal probiotics field as well as novel, niche-specific insights are relevant in the airways. Studies at cellular and organism levels highlight biologically plausible but strain-specific and host and virus context-dependent mechanisms, underlying the potential of beneficial bacteria. Large-scale clinical studies can now be rationally designed to provide a bench-to-bedside translation of the multifactorial bacterial mechanisms within the host respiratory tract, to diminish the incidence and severity of viral infections and the concomitant complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Spacova
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilke De Boeck
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter A Bron
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, B-2610, Belgium
| | - Sarah Lebeer
- Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium. @uantwerpen.be
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Cools F, Delputte P, Cos P. The search for novel treatment strategies for Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:6064299. [PMID: 33399826 PMCID: PMC8371276 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the most important novel treatment strategies against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections published over the past 10 years. The pneumococcus causes the majority of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia cases, and it is one of the prime pathogens in bacterial meningitis. Over the last 10 years, extensive research has been conducted to prevent severe pneumococcal infections, with a major focus on (i) boosting the host immune system and (ii) discovering novel antibacterials. Boosting the immune system can be done in two ways, either by actively modulating host immunity, mostly through administration of selective antibodies, or by interfering with pneumococcal virulence factors, thereby supporting the host immune system to effectively overcome an infection. While several of such experimental therapies are promising, few have evolved to clinical trials. The discovery of novel antibacterials is hampered by the high research and development costs versus the relatively low revenues for the pharmaceutical industry. Nevertheless, novel enzymatic assays and target-based drug design, allow the identification of targets and the development of novel molecules to effectively treat this life-threatening pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cools
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - P Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - P Cos
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Cools F, Triki D, Geerts N, Delputte P, Fourches D, Cos P. In vitro and in vivo Evaluation of in silico Predicted Pneumococcal UDPG:PP Inhibitors. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1596. [PMID: 32760374 PMCID: PMC7373766 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumonia, of which Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common causative agent, is considered one of the three top leading causes of death worldwide. As seen in other bacterial species, antimicrobial resistance is on the rise for this pathogen. Therefore, there is a pressing need for novel antimicrobial strategies to combat these infections. Recently, uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (UDPG:PP) has been put forward as a potential drug target worth investigating. Moreover, earlier research demonstrated that streptococci lacking a functional galU gene (encoding for UDPG:PP) were characterized by significantly reduced in vitro and in vivo virulence. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the anti-virulence activity of potential UDPG:PP inhibitors. They were selected in silico using a tailor-made streptococcal homology model, based on earlier listerial research. While the compounds didn’t affect bacterial growth, nor affected in vitro adhesion to and phagocytosis in macrophages, the amount of polysaccharide capsule was significantly reduced after co-incubation with these inhibitors. Moreover, co-incubation proved to have a positive effect on survival in an in vivo Galleria mellonella larval infection model. Therefore, rather than targeting bacterial survival directly, these compounds proved to have an effect on streptococcal virulence by lowering the amount of polysaccharide and thereby probably boosting recognition of this pathogen by the innate immune system. While the compounds need adaptation to broaden their activity to more streptococcal strains rather than being strain-specific, this study consolidates UDPG:PP as a potential novel drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Cools
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dhoha Triki
- Department of Chemistry, Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Nele Geerts
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Denis Fourches
- Department of Chemistry, Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Paul Cos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Van Bockstal L, Bulté D, Van den Kerkhof M, Dirkx L, Mabille D, Hendrickx S, Delputte P, Maes L, Caljon G. Interferon Alpha Favors Macrophage Infection by Visceral Leishmania Species Through Upregulation of Sialoadhesin Expression. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1113. [PMID: 32582193 PMCID: PMC7296180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) induced by an endogenous Leishmania RNA virus or exogenous viral infections have been shown to exacerbate infections with New World Cutaneous Leishmania parasites, however, the impact of type I IFNs in visceral Leishmania infections and implicated mechanisms remain to be unraveled. This study assessed the impact of type I IFN on macrophage infection with L. infantum and L. donovani and the implication of sialoadhesin (Siglec-1/CD169, Sn) as an IFN-inducible surface receptor. Stimulation of bone marrow-derived macrophages with type I IFN (IFN-α) significantly enhanced susceptibility to infection of reference laboratory strains and a set of recent clinical isolates. IFN-α particularly enhanced promastigote uptake. Enhanced macrophage susceptibility was linked to upregulated Sn surface expression as a major contributing factor to the infection exacerbating effect of IFN-α. Stimulation experiments in Sn-deficient macrophages, macrophage pretreatment with a monoclonal anti-Sn antibody or a novel bivalent anti-Sn nanobody and blocking of parasites with soluble Sn restored normal susceptibility levels. Infection of Sn-deficient mice with bioluminescent L. infantum promastigotes revealed a moderate, strain-dependent role for Sn during visceral infection under the used experimental conditions. These data indicate that IFN-responsive Sn expression can enhance the susceptibility of macrophages to infection with visceral Leishmania promastigotes and that targeting of Sn may have some protective effects in early infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Bulté
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Magali Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Laura Dirkx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Eberhardt E, Bulté D, Van Bockstal L, Van den Kerkhof M, Cos P, Delputte P, Hendrickx S, Maes L, Caljon G. Miltefosine enhances the fitness of a non-virulent drug-resistant Leishmania infantum strain. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:395-406. [PMID: 30412253 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Miltefosine is currently the only oral drug for visceral leishmaniasis, and although deficiency in an aminophospholipid/miltefosine transporter (MT) is sufficient to elicit drug resistance, very few naturally miltefosine-resistant (MIL-R) strains have yet been isolated. This study aimed to make a detailed analysis of the impact of acquired miltefosine resistance and miltefosine treatment on in vivo infection. Methods Bioluminescent versions of a MIL-R strain and its syngeneic parental line were generated by integration of the red-shifted firefly luciferase PpyRE9. The fitness of both lines was compared in vitro (growth rate, metacyclogenesis and macrophage infectivity) and in BALB/c mice through non-invasive bioluminescence imaging under conditions with and without drug pressure. Results This study demonstrated a severe fitness loss of MT-deficient parasites, resulting in a complete inability to multiply and cause a typical visceral leishmaniasis infection pattern in BALB/c mice. The observed fitness loss could not be rescued by host immune suppression with cyclophosphamide, whereas episomal reconstitution with a wild-type MT restored parasite virulence, hence linking parasite fitness to MT mutation. Remarkably, in vivo miltefosine treatment or in vitro miltefosine pre-exposure significantly rescued MIL-R parasite virulence. The in vitro pre-exposed MIL-R promastigotes showed a longer and more slender morphology, suggesting an altered membrane composition. Conclusions The profound fitness loss of MT-deficient parasites most likely explains the low frequency of MIL-R clinical isolates. The observation that miltefosine can reverse this phenotype indicates a drug dependency of the MT-deficient parasites and emphasizes the importance of resistance profiling prior to miltefosine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Eberhardt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Bulté
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Magali Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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32
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Heykers A, Leemans A, Van der Gucht W, De Schryver M, Cos P, Delputte P. Differences in Susceptibility of Human and Mouse Macrophage Cell Lines to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. Intervirology 2019; 62:134-144. [PMID: 31533107 DOI: 10.1159/000502674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Differences have been observed in the susceptibility of macrophage cell lines to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. In this study, we evaluated whether the type of macrophage cell line and RSV strain used have an influence on the infectivity and production of progeny virus. METHODS Both human and murine macrophage-like cell lines were infected with different RSV strains, both lab strains as well as clinical isolates. The infection was evaluated after 24 and 72 h by immunofluorescence staining and microscopic analysis, and the production of new virus particles was determined by plaque assay. RESULTS Susceptibility of macrophages to RSV was influenced by the RSV strain used but was mostly dependent on the macrophage cell line. Numbers of infected cells and virus production were generally very low or absent in murine cell lines. In human cell lines, clear infection was observed associated with production of new virus particles. CONCLUSION Differences in susceptibility of macrophage cell lines to RSV infection are primarily related to the species of origin of the cell line but are also influenced by the RSV strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annick Heykers
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annelies Leemans
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Winke Van der Gucht
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marjorie De Schryver
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium,
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33
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Leemans A, Boeren M, Van der Gucht W, Martinet W, Caljon G, Maes L, Cos P, Delputte P. Characterization of the role of N-glycosylation sites in the respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein in virus replication, syncytium formation and antigenicity. Virus Res 2019; 266:58-68. [PMID: 31004621 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of infant hospitalization worldwide each year and there is presently no licensed vaccine to prevent severe RSV infections. Two major RSV glycoproteins, attachment (G) and fusion (F) protein, regulate viral replication and both proteins contain potential glycosylation sites which are highly variable for the G protein and conserved for the F protein among virus isolates. The RSV F sequence possesses five N-glycosylation sites located in the F2 subunit (N27 and N70), the p27 peptide (N116 and N126) and the F1 subunit (N500). The importance of RSV F N-glycosylation in virus replication and immunogenicity is not yet fully understood, and a better understanding may provide new insights for vaccine development. By using a BAC-based reverse genetics system, recombinant viruses expressing F proteins with loss of N-glycosylation sites were made. Mutant viruses with single N-glycosylation sites removed could be recovered, while this was not possible with the mutant with all N-glycosylation sites removed. Although the individual RSV F N-glycosylation sites were shown not to be essential for viral replication, they do contribute to the efficiency of in vitro and in vivo viral infection. To evaluate the role of N-glycosylation sites on RSV F antigenicity, serum antibody titers were determined after infection of BALB/c mice with RSV expressing the glycomutant F proteins. Infection with recombinant virus lacking the N-glycosylation site at position N116 (RSV F N116Q) resulted in significant higher neutralizing antibody titers compared to RSV F WT infection, which is surprising since this N-glycan is present in the p27 peptide which is assumed to be absent from the mature F protein in virions. Thus, single or combined RSV F glycomutations which affect virus replication and fusogenicity, and which may induce enhanced antibody responses upon immunization could have the potential to improve the efficacy of RSV LAV approaches.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Female
- Giant Cells/virology
- Glycosylation
- Humans
- Immunization
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mutation
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/metabolism
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/pathology
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/virology
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/growth & development
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/immunology
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/pathogenicity
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/physiology
- Vero Cells
- Viral Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Viral Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Viral Fusion Proteins/metabolism
- Virus Replication
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Leemans
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, B-2610, Belgium.
| | - Marlies Boeren
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, B-2610, Belgium.
| | - Winke Van der Gucht
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, B-2610, Belgium.
| | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, B-2610, Belgium.
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, B-2610, Belgium.
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, B-2610, Belgium.
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, B-2610, Belgium.
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, B-2610, Belgium.
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Dorhoi A, Glaría E, Garcia-Tellez T, Nieuwenhuizen NE, Zelinskyy G, Favier B, Singh A, Ehrchen J, Gujer C, Münz C, Saraiva M, Sohrabi Y, Sousa AE, Delputte P, Müller-Trutwin M, Valledor AF. MDSCs in infectious diseases: regulation, roles, and readjustment. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:673-685. [PMID: 30569204 PMCID: PMC11028159 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-018-2277-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Many pathogens, ranging from viruses to multicellular parasites, promote expansion of MDSCs, which are myeloid cells that exhibit immunosuppressive features. The roles of MDSCs in infection depend on the class and virulence mechanisms of the pathogen, the stage of the disease, and the pathology associated with the infection. This work compiles evidence supported by functional assays on the roles of different subsets of MDSCs in acute and chronic infections, including pathogen-associated malignancies, and discusses strategies to modulate MDSC dynamics to benefit the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Dorhoi
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
- Department of Immunology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Estibaliz Glaría
- Nuclear Receptor Group, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 643, 3rd floor, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Gennadiy Zelinskyy
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Benoit Favier
- Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases (IMVA), IDMIT Department, CEA, Université Paris Sud 11, INSERM U1184, IBJF, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Anurag Singh
- University Children's Hospital and Interdisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Ehrchen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Cornelia Gujer
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Margarida Saraiva
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Yahya Sohrabi
- Molecular and Translational Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ana E Sousa
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Annabel F Valledor
- Nuclear Receptor Group, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 643, 3rd floor, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain.
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35
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Allonsius CN, Vandenheuvel D, Oerlemans EFM, Petrova MI, Donders GGG, Cos P, Delputte P, Lebeer S. Inhibition of Candida albicans morphogenesis by chitinase from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2900. [PMID: 30814593 PMCID: PMC6393446 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39625-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactobacilli have been evaluated as probiotics against Candida infections in several clinical trials, but with variable results. Predicting and understanding the clinical efficacy of Lactobacillus strains is hampered by an overall lack of insights into their modes of action. In this study, we aimed to unravel molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of lactobacilli on hyphal morphogenesis, which is a crucial step in C. albicans virulence. Based on a screening of different Lactobacillus strains, we found that the closely related taxa L. rhamnosus, L. casei and L. paracasei showed stronger activity against Candida hyphae formation compared to other Lactobacillus species tested. By exploring the activity of purified compounds and mutants of the model strain L. rhamnosus GG, the major peptidoglycan hydrolase Msp1, conserved in the three closely related taxa, was identified as a key effector molecule. We could show that this activity of Msp1 was due to its ability to break down chitin, the main polymer in the hyphal cell wall of C. albicans. This identification of a Lactobacillus-specific protein with chitinase activity having anti-hyphal activity will assist in better strain selection and improved application in future clinical trials for Lactobacillus-based Candida-management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Nina Allonsius
- University of Antwerp, Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dieter Vandenheuvel
- University of Antwerp, Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eline F M Oerlemans
- University of Antwerp, Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mariya I Petrova
- University of Antwerp, Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gilbert G G Donders
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.,Femicare Clinical Research for Women, Tienen, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- University of Antwerp, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Lebeer
- University of Antwerp, Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, Antwerp, Belgium.
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36
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Cools F, Torfs E, Aizawa J, Vanhoutte B, Maes L, Caljon G, Delputte P, Cappoen D, Cos P. Optimization and Characterization of a Galleria mellonella Larval Infection Model for Virulence Studies and the Evaluation of Therapeutics Against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:311. [PMID: 30846978 PMCID: PMC6394149 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia. Infection is linked to high morbidity and mortality rates and antibiotic resistance within this pathogen is on the rise. Therefore, there is a need for novel antimicrobial therapies. To lower the time and costs of the drug discovery process, alternative in vivo models should be considered. As such, Galleria mellonella larvae can be of great value. The larval immunity consisting of several types of haemocytes is remarkably similar to the human innate immune system. Furthermore, these larvae don’t require specific housing, are cheap and are easy to handle. In this study, the use of a G. mellonella infection model to study early pneumococcal infections and treatment is proposed. Firstly, the fitness of this model to study pneumococcal virulence factors is confirmed using streptococcal strains TIGR4, ATCC®49619, D39 and its capsule-deficient counterpart R6 at different inoculum sizes. The streptococcal polysaccharide capsule is considered the most important virulence factor without which streptococci are unable to sustain an in vivo infection. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed indeed a higher larval survival after infection with streptococcal strain R6 compared to strain D39. Then, the infection was characterized by determining the number of haemocytes, production of oxygen free radicals and bacterial burden at several time points during the course of infection. Lastly, treatment of infected larvae with the standard antibiotics amoxicillin and moxifloxacin was evaluated. Treatment has proven to have a positive outcome on the course of infection, depending on the administered dosage. These data imply that G. mellonella larvae can be used to evaluate antimicrobial therapies against S. pneumoniae, apart from using the larval model to study streptococcal properties. The in-depth knowledge acquired regarding this model, makes it more suitable for use in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Cools
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eveline Torfs
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Juliana Aizawa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bieke Vanhoutte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Davie Cappoen
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Hendrickx S, Bulté D, Van den Kerkhof M, Cos P, Delputte P, Maes L, Caljon G. Immunosuppression of Syrian golden hamsters accelerates relapse but not the emergence of resistance in Leishmania infantum following recurrent miltefosine pressure. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2018; 9:1-7. [PMID: 30562667 PMCID: PMC6296292 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although miltefosine (MIL) has only been approved for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in 2002, its application in monotherapy already led to the development of two confirmed MIL-resistant isolates by 2009. Although liposomal amphotericin B is recommended as first-line treatment in Europe, MIL is still occasionally used in HIV co-infected patients. Since their immune system is incapable of controlling the infection, high parasite burdens and post-treatment relapses are common. Linked to the particular pharmacokinetic profile of MIL, successive treatment of recurrent relapses could in principle facilitate the emergence of drug resistance. This study evaluated the effect of immunosuppression (cyclophosphamide 150 mg/kg once weekly) on the development of MIL-resistance in Syrian golden hamsters infected with Leishmania infantum. The hamsters were treated with MIL (20 mg/kg orally for 5 days) whenever clinical signs of infection or relapse were observed. The immunosuppression resulted in a significant depletion of CD4+ lymphocytes and MHCII-expressing cells in peripheral blood, and a concomitant increase in tissue parasite burdens and shorter time to relapse, but the strain's susceptibility upon repeated MIL exposure remained unaltered. This study demonstrates that immunosuppression accelerates the occurrence of relapse without expediting MIL resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - D Bulté
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - P Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - P Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - L Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - G Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Cools F, Torfs E, Vanhoutte B, de Macedo MB, Bonofiglio L, Mollerach M, Maes L, Caljon G, Delputte P, Cappoen D, Cos P. Streptococcus pneumoniae galU gene mutation has a direct effect on biofilm growth, adherence and phagocytosis in vitro and pathogenicity in vivo. Pathog Dis 2018; 76:5078866. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/fty069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- F Cools
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene. Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - E Torfs
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene. Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - B Vanhoutte
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene. Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - M Bidart de Macedo
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene. Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - L Bonofiglio
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética. Cátedra de Microbiología. Junín 956. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Mollerach
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología, Biotecnología y Genética. Cátedra de Microbiología. Junín 956. Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Maes
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene. Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - G Caljon
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene. Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - P Delputte
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene. Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - D Cappoen
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene. Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - P Cos
- University of Antwerp, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene. Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Van den Kerkhof M, Van Bockstal L, Gielis JF, Delputte P, Cos P, Maes L, Caljon G, Hendrickx S. Impact of primary mouse macrophage cell types on Leishmania infection and in vitro drug susceptibility. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3601-3612. [PMID: 30141075 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Primary mouse macrophages are frequently used to provide an in vitro intracellular model to evaluate antileishmanial drug efficacy. The present study compared the phenotypic characteristics of Swiss, BALB/c, and C57BL/6 mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and peritoneal exudate cells using different stimulation and adherence protocols upon infection with a Leishmania infantum laboratory strain and two clinical isolates. Evaluation parameters were susceptibility to infection, permissiveness to amastigote multiplication, and impact on drug efficacy. Observed variations in infection of peritoneal exudate cells can mostly be linked to changes in the inflammatory cytokine profiles (IL-6, TNF-α, KC/GRO) rather than to differences in initial production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. Optimization of the cell stimulation and adherence conditions resulted in comparable infection indices among peritoneal exudate cells and the various types of bone marrow-derived macrophages. BALB/c-derived bone marrow-derived macrophages were slightly more permissive to intracellular amastigote replication. Evaluation of antileishmanial drug potency in the various cell systems revealed minimal variation for antimonials and paromomycin, and no differences for miltefosine and amphotericin B. The study results allow to conclude that drug evaluation can be performed in all tested primary macrophages as only marginal differences are observed in terms of susceptibility to infection and impact of drug exposure. Combined with some practical considerations, the use of 24-h starch-stimulated, 48-h adhered, Swiss-derived peritoneal exudate cells can be advocated as an efficient, reliable, relatively quick, and cost-effective tool for routine drug susceptibility testing in vitro whenever the use of primary cells is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Van den Kerkhof
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - L Van Bockstal
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - J F Gielis
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy & Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - P Delputte
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - P Cos
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - L Maes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Leemans A, Boeren M, Van der Gucht W, Pintelon I, Roose K, Schepens B, Saelens X, Bailey D, Martinet W, Caljon G, Maes L, Cos P, Delputte P. Removal of the N-Glycosylation Sequon at Position N116 Located in p27 of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein Elicits Enhanced Antibody Responses after DNA Immunization. Viruses 2018; 10:E426. [PMID: 30110893 PMCID: PMC6115940 DOI: 10.3390/v10080426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevention of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants caused by the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) remains a major public health priority. Currently, the major focus of vaccine development relies on the RSV fusion (F) protein since it is the main target protein for neutralizing antibodies induced by natural infection. The protein conserves 5 N-glycosylation sites, two of which are located in the F2 subunit (N27 and N70), one in the F1 subunit (N500) and two in the p27 peptide (N116 and N126). To study the influence of the loss of one or more N-glycosylation sites on RSV F immunogenicity, BALB/c mice were immunized with plasmids encoding RSV F glycomutants. In comparison with F WT DNA immunized mice, higher neutralizing titres were observed following immunization with F N116Q. Moreover, RSV A2-K-line19F challenge of mice that had been immunized with mutant F N116Q DNA was associated with lower RSV RNA levels compared with those in challenged WT F DNA immunized animals. Since p27 is assumed to be post-translationally released after cleavage and thus not present on the mature RSV F protein, it remains to be elucidated how deletion of this glycan can contribute to enhanced antibody responses and protection upon challenge. These findings provide new insights to improve the immunogenicity of RSV F in potential vaccine candidates.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/biosynthesis
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/biosynthesis
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Female
- Glycosylation
- Humans
- Hydrolysis
- Immunization
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Models, Molecular
- Mutation
- Plasmids/administration & dosage
- Plasmids/genetics
- Plasmids/immunology
- Protein Engineering
- Protein Subunits/administration & dosage
- Protein Subunits/genetics
- Protein Subunits/immunology
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/immunology
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/prevention & control
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/virology
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines/genetics
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines/immunology
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/drug effects
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/genetics
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Viral Fusion Proteins/administration & dosage
- Viral Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Viral Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Viral Load/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Leemans
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Marlies Boeren
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Winke Van der Gucht
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Isabel Pintelon
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Kenny Roose
- Medical Biotechnology Centre, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Bert Schepens
- Medical Biotechnology Centre, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Xavier Saelens
- Medical Biotechnology Centre, VIB, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, B-9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | | | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
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Eberhardt E, Van den Kerkhof M, Bulté D, Mabille D, Van Bockstal L, Monnerat S, Alves F, Mbui J, Delputte P, Cos P, Hendrickx S, Maes L, Caljon G. Evaluation of a Pan-Leishmania Spliced-Leader RNA Detection Method in Human Blood and Experimentally Infected Syrian Golden Hamsters. J Mol Diagn 2018; 20:253-263. [PMID: 29355825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several methods have been developed for the detection of Leishmania, mostly targeting the minicircle kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). A new RNA real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed targeting the conserved and highly expressed spliced-leader (SL) mini-exon sequence. This study compared the limits of detection of various real-time PCR assays in hamsters infected with Leishmania infantum, in spiked human blood, and in clinical blood samples from visceral leishmaniasis patients. The SL-RNA assay showed an excellent analytical sensitivity in tissues (0.005 and 0.002 parasites per mg liver and spleen, respectively) and was not prone to false-positive reactions. Evaluation of the SL-RNA assay on clinical samples demonstrated lower threshold cycle values than the kDNA qPCR, an excellent interrun stability of 97%, a 93% agreement with the kDNA assay, and an estimated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 93.2%, 94.3%, and 93.8%, respectively. The SL-RNA qPCR assay was equally efficient for detecting Leishmania major, Leishmania tropica, Leishmania mexicana, Leishmania guayensis, Leishmania panamensis, Leishmania braziliensis, L. infantum, and Leishmania donovani and revealed similar SL-RNA levels in the different species and the occurrence of polycistronic SL-containing transcripts in Viannia species. Collectively, this single SL-RNA qPCR assay enables universal Leishmania detection and represents a particularly useful addition to the widely used kDNA assay in clinical studies in which the detection of viable parasites is pivotal to assess parasitological cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Eberhardt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Magali Van den Kerkhof
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dimitri Bulté
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dorien Mabille
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Lieselotte Van Bockstal
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Fabiana Alves
- Drugs for Neglected Disease Initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jane Mbui
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Torfs E, Vajs J, de Macedo MB, Cools F, Vanhoutte B, Gorbanev Y, Bogaerts A, Verschaeve L, Caljon G, Maes L, Delputte P, Cos P, Košmrlj J, Cappoen D. Synthesis and in vitro investigation of halogenated 1,3-bis(4-nitrophenyl)triazenide salts as antitubercular compounds. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 91:631-640. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eveline Torfs
- Laboratory of Microbiology; Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); S7; Faculty of Pharmaceutical; Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Jure Vajs
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Maíra Bidart de Macedo
- Laboratory of Microbiology; Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); S7; Faculty of Pharmaceutical; Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Freya Cools
- Laboratory of Microbiology; Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); S7; Faculty of Pharmaceutical; Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Bieke Vanhoutte
- Laboratory of Microbiology; Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); S7; Faculty of Pharmaceutical; Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Yury Gorbanev
- Research Group PLASMANT; Department of Chemistry; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Research Group PLASMANT; Department of Chemistry; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Luc Verschaeve
- Program Toxicology; O.D. Public Health and Surveillance; Scientific Institute of Public Health (Site Elsene); Brussels Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology; Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); S7; Faculty of Pharmaceutical; Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology; Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); S7; Faculty of Pharmaceutical; Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology; Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); S7; Faculty of Pharmaceutical; Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology; Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); S7; Faculty of Pharmaceutical; Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Janez Košmrlj
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology; University of Ljubljana; Ljubljana Slovenia
| | - Davie Cappoen
- Laboratory of Microbiology; Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); S7; Faculty of Pharmaceutical; Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Wilrijk Belgium
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Allonsius CN, van den Broek MFL, De Boeck I, Kiekens S, Oerlemans EFM, Kiekens F, Foubert K, Vandenheuvel D, Cos P, Delputte P, Lebeer S. Interplay between Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Candida and the involvement of exopolysaccharides. Microb Biotechnol 2017; 10:1753-1763. [PMID: 28772020 PMCID: PMC5658588 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.12799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of clinical studies have shown protective effects of lactobacilli against Candida species in the gastrointestinal tract, the urogenital tract and the oral cavity, while others did not show clear effects. Evidence on the mode of action of lactobacilli against Candida is also still lacking. In this study, the anti-Candida activity of the model probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was explored in different assays to determine molecular interactions. We found that L. rhamnosus GG was able to interfere with Candida growth, morphogenesis and adhesion. These three aspects of Candida's physiology are all crucial to its opportunistic pathogenesis. In follow-up assays, we compared the activity of L. rhamnosus GG wild-type with its exopolysaccharide (EPS)-deficient mutant and purified EPS to evaluate the involvement of this outer carbohydrate layer. Our data demonstrate that purified EPS can both interfere with hyphal formation and adhesion to epithelial cells, which indicates that EPS is part of a combined molecular mechanism underlying the antihyphal and anti-adhesion mechanisms of L. rhamnosus GG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille N Allonsius
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marianne F L van den Broek
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ilke De Boeck
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Shari Kiekens
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Pharmaceutical, biomedical and veterinary sciences, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eline F M Oerlemans
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Filip Kiekens
- Department of Pharmaceutical, biomedical and veterinary sciences, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Kenn Foubert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Dieter Vandenheuvel
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sarah Lebeer
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Environmental Ecology and Applied Microbiology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020, Antwerp, Belgium
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Vanhoutte B, Cappoen D, Maira BDM, Cools F, Torfs E, Coenye T, Martinet W, Caljon G, Maes L, Delputte P, Cos P. Optimization and characterization of a murine lung infection model for the evaluation of novel therapeutics against Burkholderia cenocepacia. J Microbiol Methods 2017; 139:181-188. [PMID: 28587856 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Several B. cenocepacia mouse models are available to study the pulmonary infection by this Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) species. However, a characterized B. cenocepacia mouse model to evaluate the efficacy of potential new antibacterial therapies is not yet described. Therefore, we optimized and validated the course of infection (i.e. bacterial proliferation in lung, liver and spleen) and the efficacy of a reference antibiotic, tobramycin (TOB), in a mouse lung infection model. Furthermore, the local immune response and histological changes in lung tissue were studied during infection and treatment. A reproducible lung infection was observed when immunosuppressed BALB/c mice were infected with B. cenocepacia LMG 16656. Approximately 50 to 60% of mice infected with this BCC species demonstrated a dissemination to liver and spleen. TOB treatment resulted in a two log reduction in lung burden, prevented dissemination of B. cenocepacia to liver and spleen and significantly reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines. As this mouse model is characterized by a reproducible course of infection and efficacy of TOB, it can be used as a tool for the in vivo evaluation of new antibacterial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bieke Vanhoutte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Davie Cappoen
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bidart de Macedo Maira
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Freya Cools
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eveline Torfs
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Tom Coenye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Wim Martinet
- Laboratory of Physiopharmacology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Bogie JFJ, Boelen E, Louagie E, Delputte P, Elewaut D, van Horssen J, Hendriks JJA, Hellings N. CD169 is a marker for highly pathogenic phagocytes in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2017; 24:290-300. [DOI: 10.1177/1352458517698759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: Phagocytes, such as macrophages and microglia, are key effector cells in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is widely accepted that they instigate and promote neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative events in MS. An increasing amount of studies indicate that Siglec-1, also known CD169, is a marker for activated phagocytes in inflammatory disorders. Objective: In this study, we set out to define how CD169+ phagocytes contribute to neuroinflammation in MS. Methods: CD169-diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) mice, which express human DTR under control of the CD169 promoter, were used to define the impact of CD169+ cells on neuroinflammation. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry were utilized to determine the expression and distribution of CD169. Results: We show that CD169 is highly expressed by lesional and circulating phagocytes in MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our data further indicate that CD169 represents a selective marker for early activated microglia in MS and EAE lesions. Depletion of CD169+ cells markedly reduced neuroinflammation and ameliorated disease symptoms in EAE-affected mice. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that CD169+ cells promote neuroinflammation. Furthermore, they suggest that CD169+ phagocytes play a key role in the pathophysiology of MS. Hence, targeting CD169+ phagocytes may hold therapeutic value for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen FJ Bogie
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium/School of Life Sciences, Transnationale Universiteit Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ellen Boelen
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium/School of Life Sciences, Transnationale Universiteit Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Els Louagie
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium/Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Dirk Elewaut
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium/Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jack van Horssen
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium/School of Life Sciences, Transnationale Universiteit Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium/Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jerome JA Hendriks
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium/School of Life Sciences, Transnationale Universiteit Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Niels Hellings
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium/School of Life Sciences, Transnationale Universiteit Limburg, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Van Kerckhoven M, Hotterbeekx A, Lanckacker E, Moons P, Lammens C, Kerstens M, Ieven M, Delputte P, Jorens PG, Malhotra-Kumar S, Goossens H, Maes L, Cos P. Characterizing the in vitro biofilm phenotype of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from central venous catheters. J Microbiol Methods 2016; 127:95-101. [PMID: 27196636 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Central venous catheter (CVC)-related infections are commonly caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis that is able to form a biofilm on the catheter surface. Many studies involving biofilm formation by Staphylococcus have been published each adopting an own in vitro model. Since the capacity to form a biofilm depends on multiple environmental factors, direct comparison of results obtained in different studies remains challenging. This study characterized the phenotype (strong versus weak biofilm-producers) of S. epidermidis from CVCs in four different in vitro biofilm models, covering differences in material type (glass versus polymer) and nutrient presentation (static versus continuous flow). A good correlation in phenotype was obtained between glass and polymeric surfaces independent of nutrient flow, with 85% correspondence under static growth conditions and 80% under dynamic conditions. A 80% correspondence between static and dynamic conditions on polymeric surfaces could be demonstrated as well. Incubation time had a significant influence on the biofilm phenotype with only 55% correspondence between the dynamic models at different incubation times (48h versus 17h). Screening for the presence of biofilm-related genes only revealed that ica A was correlated with biofilm formation under static but not under dynamic conditions. In conclusion, this study highlights that a high level of standardization is necessary to interpret and compare results of different in vitro biofilm models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Van Kerckhoven
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - An Hotterbeekx
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology (LMM), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ellen Lanckacker
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Pieter Moons
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology (LMM), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Christine Lammens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology (LMM), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Monique Kerstens
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Margareta Ieven
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology (LMM), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Philippe G Jorens
- Intensive Care Unit, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Surbhi Malhotra-Kumar
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology (LMM), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Herman Goossens
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology (LMM), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Mondelaers A, Sanchez-Cañete MP, Hendrickx S, Eberhardt E, Garcia-Hernandez R, Lachaud L, Cotton J, Sanders M, Cuypers B, Imamura H, Dujardin JC, Delputte P, Cos P, Caljon G, Gamarro F, Castanys S, Maes L. Genomic and Molecular Characterization of Miltefosine Resistance in Leishmania infantum Strains with Either Natural or Acquired Resistance through Experimental Selection of Intracellular Amastigotes. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154101. [PMID: 27123924 PMCID: PMC4849676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last decade miltefosine (MIL) has been used as first-line treatment for visceral leishmaniasis in endemic areas with antimonial resistance, but a decline in clinical effectiveness is now being reported. While only two MIL-resistant Leishmania infantum strains from HIV co-infected patients have been documented, phenotypic MIL-resistance for L. donovani has not yet been identified in the laboratory. Hence, a better understanding of the factors contributing to increased MIL-treatment failure is necessary. Given the paucity of defined MIL-resistant L. donovani clinical isolates, this study used an experimental amastigote-selected MIL-resistant L. infantum isolate (LEM3323). In-depth exploration of the MIL-resistant phenotype was performed by coupling genomic with phenotypic data to gain insight into gene function and the mutant phenotype. A naturally MIL-resistant L. infantum clinical isolate (LEM5159) was included to compare both datasets. Phenotypically, resistance was evaluated by determining intracellular amastigote susceptibility in vitro and actual MIL-uptake. Genomic analysis provided supportive evidence that the resistance selection model on intracellular amastigotes can be a good proxy for the in vivo field situation since both resistant strains showed mutations in the same inward transporter system responsible for the acquired MIL-resistant phenotype. In line with previous literature findings in promastigotes, our data confirm a defective import machinery through inactivation of the LiMT/LiRos3 protein complex as the main mechanism for MIL-resistance also in intracellular amastigotes. Whole genome sequencing analysis of LEM3323 revealed a 2 base pair deletion in the LiMT gene that led to the formation an early stop codon and a truncation of the LiMT protein. Interestingly, LEM5159 revealed mutations in both the LiMT and LiRos3 genes, resulting in an aberrant expression of the LiMT protein. To verify that these mutations were indeed accountable for the acquired resistance, transfection experiments were performed to re-establish MIL-susceptibility. In LEM3323, susceptibility was restored upon expression of a LiMT wild-type gene, whereas the MIL-susceptibility of LEM5159 could be reversed after expression of the LiRos3 wild-type gene. The aberrant expression profile of the LiMT protein could be restored upon rescue of the LiRos3 gene both in the LEM5159 clinical isolate and a ΔLiRos3 strain, showing that expression of LdMT is dependent on LdRos3 expression. The present findings clearly corroborate the pivotal role of the LiMT/LiRos3 complex in resistance towards MIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Mondelaers
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Maria P. Sanchez-Cañete
- Instituto de Parasitologia y Biomedicina "Lopez-Neyra", Avda. Conocimiento S/N Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Eline Eberhardt
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Raquel Garcia-Hernandez
- Instituto de Parasitologia y Biomedicina "Lopez-Neyra", Avda. Conocimiento S/N Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Laurence Lachaud
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie et Centre National de Référence des Leishmanioses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire et Université de Montpellier 39, Avenue Charles Flahault, 34295, Montpellier, France
| | - James Cotton
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mandy Sanders
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Bart Cuypers
- Molecular Parasitology Unit (MPU), Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000, Antwerp, Belgium
- Advanced Database Research and Modeling (ADReM) research group, University of Antwerp, Middelheimlaan 1,2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Hideo Imamura
- Molecular Parasitology Unit (MPU), Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jean-Claude Dujardin
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Molecular Parasitology Unit (MPU), Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, B-2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Francisco Gamarro
- Instituto de Parasitologia y Biomedicina "Lopez-Neyra", Avda. Conocimiento S/N Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Santiago Castanys
- Instituto de Parasitologia y Biomedicina "Lopez-Neyra", Avda. Conocimiento S/N Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud, 18016, Granada, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory for Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Hendrickx S, Beyers J, Mondelaers A, Eberhardt E, Lachaud L, Delputte P, Cos P, Maes L. Evidence of a drug-specific impact of experimentally selected paromomycin and miltefosine resistance on parasite fitness in Leishmania infantum. J Antimicrob Chemother 2016; 71:1914-21. [PMID: 27084919 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although miltefosine and paromomycin were only recently introduced to treat visceral leishmaniasis, increasing numbers of miltefosine treatment failures and occasional primary resistance to both drugs have been reported. Understanding alterations in parasite behaviour linked to drug resistance is essential to assess the propensity for emergence and spread of resistant strains, particularly since a positive effect on fitness has been reported for antimony-resistant parasites. This laboratory study compared the fitness of a drug-susceptible parent WT clinical Leishmania infantum isolate (MHOM/FR/96/LEM3323) and derived miltefosine and paromomycin drug-resistant lines that were experimentally selected at the intracellular amastigote level. METHODS Parasite fitness of WT, paromomycin-resistant and miltefosine-resistant strains, in vitro and in vivo parasite growth, metacyclogenesis, infectivity and macrophage stress responses were comparatively evaluated. RESULTS No significant differences in promastigote fitness were noted between the WT and paromomycin-resistant strain, while clear benefits could be demonstrated for paromomycin-resistant amastigotes in terms of enhanced in vitro and in vivo growth potential and intracellular stress response. The miltefosine-resistant phenotype showed incomplete promastigote metacyclogenesis, decreased intracellular growth and weakened stress response, revealing a reduced fitness compared with WT parent parasites. CONCLUSIONS The rapid selection and fitness advantages of paromomycin-resistant amastigotes endorse the current use of paromomycin in combination therapy. Although a reduced fitness of miltefosine-resistant strains may explain the difficulty of miltefosine resistance selection in vitro, the growing number of miltefosine treatment failures in the field still requires further exploratory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J Beyers
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A Mondelaers
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - E Eberhardt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - L Lachaud
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie et Centre National de Référence des Leishmanioses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire et Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - P Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - P Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - L Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Sleven R, Lanckacker E, Delputte P, Maes L, Cos P. Evaluation of topical antifungal products in anin vitroonychomycosis model. Mycoses 2016; 59:327-30. [DOI: 10.1111/myc.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reindert Sleven
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Antwerp Belgium
| | - Ellen Lanckacker
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Antwerp Belgium
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Antwerp Belgium
| | - Louis Maes
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Antwerp Belgium
| | - Paul Cos
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH); Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences; University of Antwerp; Antwerp Belgium
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Paul S, Rochereau N, Martinez P, Stratmann T, Delputte P, Delprat C, Poland GA. Answering the call for educating the new generation of vaccinologists--A new European Erasmus+ Joint Master degree in vaccinology. Vaccine 2015; 33:6135-6. [PMID: 26458795 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Paul
- GIMAP/EA3064, CIC 1408 Vaccinology, F42023 Saint-Etienne, France; Université de Lyon, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Rochereau
- GIMAP/EA3064, CIC 1408 Vaccinology, F42023 Saint-Etienne, France; Université de Lyon, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Paz Martinez
- Immunology Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Thomas Stratmann
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Peter Delputte
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christine Delprat
- Université de Lyon, 69003 Lyon, France; Université de Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France; CNRS, UMR5239, Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire de la Cellule, 69007 Lyon, France; Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
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