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Atchade E, De Tymowski C, Grall N, Tanaka S, Montravers P. Toxic Shock Syndrome: A Literature Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38247655 PMCID: PMC10812596 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010096] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening, toxin-mediated infectious process linked, in the vast majority of cases, to toxin-producing strains of Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, microbiological features, management and outcome of TSS are described in this review. Bacterial superantigenic exotoxins induces unconventional polyclonal lymphocyte activation, which leads to rapid shock, multiple organ failure syndrome, and death. The main described superantigenic exotoxins are toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) and enterotoxins for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (SpE) A, B, and C and streptococcal superantigen A (SsA) for Streptococcus pyogenes. Staphylococcal TSS can be menstrual or nonmenstrual. Streptococcal TSS is linked to a severe group A streptococcal infection and, most frequently, to a necrotizing soft tissue infection. Management of TSS is a medical emergency and relies on early detection, immediate resuscitation, source control and eradication of toxin production, bactericidal antibiotic treatment, and protein synthesis inhibiting antibiotic administration. The interest of polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulin G administration as an adjunctive treatment for TSS requires further evaluation. Scientific literature on TSS mainly consists of observational studies, clinical cases, and in vitro data; although more data on TSS are required, additional studies will be difficult to conduct due to the low incidence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enora Atchade
- DMU PARABOL, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, AP-HP, 75018 Paris, France; (C.D.T.); (S.T.); (P.M.)
| | - Christian De Tymowski
- DMU PARABOL, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, AP-HP, 75018 Paris, France; (C.D.T.); (S.T.); (P.M.)
- UFR Diderot, Paris Cité University, 75018 Paris, France;
- INSERM UMR 1149, Immunoreceptor and Renal Immunopathology, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Grall
- UFR Diderot, Paris Cité University, 75018 Paris, France;
- Bacteriology Department, Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, 75018 Paris, France
- INSERM UMR 1137 Infection, Antimicrobials, Modelling, Evolution, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Tanaka
- DMU PARABOL, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, AP-HP, 75018 Paris, France; (C.D.T.); (S.T.); (P.M.)
- INSERM, UMR 1188, Diabetes Atherothrombosis Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), la Réunion University, 97400 Saint-Denis de la Réunion, France
| | - Philippe Montravers
- DMU PARABOL, Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital, AP-HP, 75018 Paris, France; (C.D.T.); (S.T.); (P.M.)
- UFR Diderot, Paris Cité University, 75018 Paris, France;
- INSERM UMR 1152 ANR 10—LABX-17, Pathophysiology and Epidemiology of Respiratory Diseases, 75018 Paris, France
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Hou WT, Shen CR, Peng J, Jiang LW, Guo SY, Qiu XR, Zhang Y, Shen H, Jiang YY, An MM. Mechanism of Action for an All-in-One Monoclonal Antibody Against Staphylococcus aureus Infection. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1789-1799. [PMID: 37335928 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad215] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen associated with high mortality rates. The extensive use of antibiotics is associated with the rise of drug resistance, and exotoxins are not targeted by antibiotics. Therefore, monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has emerged as a promising solution to solve the clinical problems caused by refractory S aureus. Recent research suggests that the synergistic effects of several cytotoxins, including bicomponent toxins, are critical to the pathogenesis of S aureus. By comparing the amino acid sequences, researchers found that α-toxin and bicomponent toxins have high homology. Therefore, we aimed to screen an antibody, designated an all-in-one mAb, that could neutralize α-toxin and bicomponent toxins through hybridoma fusion. We found that this mAb has a significant pharmacodynamic effect within in vivo mouse models and in vitro experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Tong Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Rui Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Wen Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Yu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Ran Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Ying Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mao-Mao An
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Efremenko E, Aslanli A, Lyagin I. Advanced Situation with Recombinant Toxins: Diversity, Production and Application Purposes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054630. [PMID: 36902061 PMCID: PMC10003545 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054630] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, the production and use of various samples of recombinant protein/polypeptide toxins is known and is actively developing. This review presents state-of-the-art in research and development of such toxins and their mechanisms of action and useful properties that have allowed them to be implemented into practice to treat various medical conditions (including oncology and chronic inflammation applications) and diseases, as well as to identify novel compounds and to detoxify them by diverse approaches (including enzyme antidotes). Special attention is given to the problems and possibilities of the toxicity control of the obtained recombinant proteins. The recombinant prions are discussed in the frame of their possible detoxification by enzymes. The review discusses the feasibility of obtaining recombinant variants of toxins in the form of protein molecules modified with fluorescent proteins, affine sequences and genetic mutations, allowing us to investigate the mechanisms of toxins' bindings to their natural receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Efremenko
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(495)-939-3170; Fax: +7-(495)-939-5417
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Kubatzky KF. Pasteurella multocida toxin - lessons learned from a mitogenic toxin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1058905. [PMID: 36591313 PMCID: PMC9800868 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1058905] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The gram-negative, zoonotic bacterium Pasteurella multocida was discovered in 1880 and found to be the causative pathogen of fowl cholera. Pasteurella-related diseases can be found in domestic and wild life animals such as buffalo, sheep, goat, deer and antelope, cats, dogs and tigers and cause hemorrhagic septicemia in cattle, rhinitis or pneumonia in rabbits or fowl cholera in poultry and birds. Pasteurella multocida does not play a major role in the immune-competent human host, but can be found after animal bites or in people with close contact to animals. Toxigenic strains are most commonly found in pigs and express a phage-encoded 146 kDa protein, the Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT). Toxin-expressing strains cause atrophic rhinitis where nasal turbinate bones are destroyed through the inhibition of bone building osteoblasts and the activation of bone resorbing osteoclasts. After its uptake through receptor-mediated endocytosis, PMT specifically targets the alpha subunit of several heterotrimeric G proteins and constitutively activates them through deamidation of a glutamine residue to glutamate in the alpha subunit. This results in cytoskeletal rearrangement, proliferation, differentiation and survival of cells. Because of the toxin's mitogenic effects, it was suggested that it might have carcinogenic properties, however, no link between Pasteurella infections and cell transformation could be established, neither in tissue culture models nor through epidemiological data. In the recent years it was shown that the toxin not only affects bone, but also the heart as well as basically all cells of innate and adaptive immunity. During the last decade the focus of research shifted from signal transduction processes to understanding how the bacteria might benefit from a bone-destroying toxin. The primary function of PMT seems to be the modulation of immune cell activation which at the same time creates an environment permissive for osteoclast formation. While the disease is restricted to pigs, the implications of the findings from PMT research can be used to explore human diseases and have a high translational potential. In this review our current knowledge will be summarized and it will be discussed what can be learned from using PMT as a tool to understand human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina F. Kubatzky
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Asrorov AM, Muhitdinov B, Tu B, Mirzaakhmedov S, Wang H, Huang Y. Advances on Delivery of Cytotoxic Enzymes as Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:3836. [PMID: 35744957 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most serious human diseases, causing millions of deaths worldwide annually, and, therefore, it is one of the most investigated research disciplines. Developing efficient anticancer tools includes studying the effects of different natural enzymes of plant and microbial origin on tumor cells. The development of various smart delivery systems based on enzyme drugs has been conducted for more than two decades. Some of these delivery systems have been developed to the point that they have reached clinical stages, and a few have even found application in selected cancer treatments. Various biological, chemical, and physical approaches have been utilized to enhance their efficiencies by improving their delivery and targeting. In this paper, we review advanced delivery systems for enzyme drugs for use in cancer therapy. Their structure-based functions, mechanisms of action, fused forms with other peptides in terms of targeting and penetration, and other main results from in vivo and clinical studies of these advanced delivery systems are highlighted.
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Abstract
![]()
The paradigm of antivirulence
therapy dictates that bacterial pathogens
are specifically disarmed but not killed by neutralizing their virulence
factors. Clearance of the invading pathogen by the immune system is
promoted. As compared to antibiotics, the pathogen-selective antivirulence
drugs hold promise to minimize collateral damage to the beneficial
microbiome. Also, selective pressure for resistance is expected to
be lower because bacterial viability is not directly affected. Antivirulence
drugs are being developed for stand-alone prophylactic and therapeutic
treatments but also for combinatorial use with antibiotics. This Review
focuses on drug modalities that target bacterial exotoxins after the
secretion or release-upon-lysis. Exotoxins have a significant and
sometimes the primary role as the disease-causing virulence factor,
and thereby they are attractive targets for drug development. We describe
the key pre-clinical and clinical trial data that have led to the
approval of currently used exotoxin-targeted drugs, namely the monoclonal
antibodies bezlotoxumab (toxin B/TcdB, Clostridioides difficile), raxibacumab (anthrax toxin, Bacillus anthracis), and obiltoxaximab (anthrax toxin, Bacillus anthracis), but also to challenges with some of the promising leads. We also
highlight the recent developments in pre-clinical research sector
to develop exotoxin-targeted drug modalities, i.e., monoclonal antibodies,
antibody fragments, antibody mimetics, receptor analogs, neutralizing
scaffolds, dominant-negative mutants, and small molecules. We describe
how these exotoxin-targeted drug modalities work with high-resolution
structural knowledge and highlight their advantages and disadvantages
as antibiotic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moona Sakari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Unit for Infection and Immunity, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Arttu Laisi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Unit for Infection and Immunity, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Arto T. Pulliainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Unit for Infection and Immunity, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
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Cho C, Choi S, Kim MH, Kim BS. Vibrio vulnificus PlpA facilitates necrotic host cell death induced by the pore forming MARTX toxin. J Microbiol 2022; 60:224-33. [PMID: 35102528 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-1448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Opportunistic pathogen Vibrio vulnificus causes severe systemic infection in humans with high mortality. Although multiple exotoxins have been characterized in V. vulnificus, their interactions and potential synergistic roles in pathogen-induced host cell death have not been investigated previously. By employing a series of multiple exotoxin deletion mutants, we investigated whether specific exotoxins of the pathogen functioned together to achieve severe and rapid necrotic cell death. Human epithelial cells treated with V. vulnificus with a plpA deletion background exhibited an unusually prolonged cell blebbing, suggesting the importance of PlpA, a phospholipase A2, in rapid necrotic cell death by this pathogen. Additional deletion of the rtxA gene encoding the multifunctional autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxin did not result in necrotic cell blebs. However, if the rtxA gene was engineered to produce an effector-free MARTX toxin, the cell blebbing was observed, indicating that the pore forming activity of the MARTX toxin is sufficient, but the MARTX toxin effector domains are not necessary, for the blebbing. When a recombinant PlpA was treated on the blebbed cells, the blebs were completely disrupted. Consistent with this, MARTX toxin-pendent rapid release of cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase was significantly delayed in the plpA deletion background. Mutations in other exotoxins such as elastase, cytolysin/hemolysin, and/or extracellular metalloprotease did not affect the bleb formation or disruption. Together, these findings indicate that the pore forming MARTX toxin and the phospholipase A2, PlpA, cooperate sequentially to achieve rapid necrotic cell death by inducing cell blebbing and disrupting the blebs, respectively.
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DebRoy S, Sanson M, Shah B, Regmi S, Vega LA, Odo C, Sahasrabhojane P, McGeer A, Tyrrell GJ, Fittipaldi N, Shelburne SA, Flores AR. Population Genomics of emm4 Group A Streptococcus Reveals Progressive Replacement with a Hypervirulent Clone in North America. mSystems 2021; 6:e0049521. [PMID: 34374563 DOI: 10.1128/mSystems.00495-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Clonal replacement is a major driver for changes in bacterial disease epidemiology. Recently, it has been proposed that episodic emergence of novel, hypervirulent clones of group A Streptococcus (GAS) results from acquisition of a 36-kb DNA region leading to increased expression of the cytotoxins Nga (NADase) and SLO (streptolysin O). We previously described a gene fusion event involving the gene encoding the GAS M protein (emm) and an adjacent M-like protein (enn) in the emm4 GAS population, a GAS emm type that lacks the hyaluronic acid capsule. Using whole-genome sequencing of a temporally and geographically diverse set of 1,126 isolates, we discovered that the North American emm4 GAS population has undergone clonal replacement with emergent GAS strains completely replacing historical isolates by 2017. Emergent emm4 GAS strains contained a handful of small genetic variations, including the emm-enn gene fusion, and showed a marked in vitro growth defect compared to historical strains. In contrast to other previously described GAS clonal replacement events, emergent emm4 GAS strains were not defined by acquisition of exogenous DNA and had no significant increase in transcript levels of nga and slo toxin genes via RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analysis relative to historic strains. Despite the in vitro growth differences, emergent emm4 GAS strains were hypervirulent in mice and ex vivo growth in human blood compared to historical strains. Thus, these data detail the emergence and dissemination of a hypervirulent acapsular GAS clone defined by small, endogenous genetic variation, thereby defining a novel model for GAS strain replacement. IMPORTANCE Severe invasive infections caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS) result in substantial morbidity and mortality in children and adults worldwide. Previously, GAS clonal strain replacement has been attributed to acquisition of exogenous DNA leading to novel virulence gene acquisition or increased virulence gene expression. Our study of type emm4 GAS identified emergence of a hypervirulent GAS clade defined by variation in endogenous DNA content and lacking augmented toxin gene expression relative to replaced strains. These findings expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial clonal emergence.
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Kim BS. Spatiotemporal Regulation of Vibrio Exotoxins by HlyU and Other Transcriptional Regulators. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E544. [PMID: 32842612 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
After invading a host, bacterial pathogens secrete diverse protein toxins to disrupt host defense systems. To ensure successful infection, however, pathogens must precisely regulate the expression of those exotoxins because uncontrolled toxin production squanders energy. Furthermore, inappropriate toxin secretion can trigger host immune responses that are detrimental to the invading pathogens. Therefore, bacterial pathogens use diverse transcriptional regulators to accurately regulate multiple exotoxin genes based on spatiotemporal conditions. This review covers three major exotoxins in pathogenic Vibrio species and their transcriptional regulation systems. When Vibrio encounters a host, genes encoding cytolysin/hemolysin, multifunctional-autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxin, and secreted phospholipases are coordinately regulated by the transcriptional regulator HlyU. At the same time, however, they are distinctly controlled by a variety of other transcriptional regulators. How this coordinated but distinct regulation of exotoxins makes Vibrio species successful pathogens? In addition, anti-virulence strategies that target the coordinating master regulator HlyU and related future research directions are discussed.
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Abstract
Aeromonas exotoxin A (AE) is a bacterial virulence factor recently discovered in a clinical case of necrotising fasciitis caused by the flesh-eating Aeromonas hydrophila. Here, database mining shows that AE is present in the genome of several emerging Aeromonas pathogenic species. The X-ray crystal structure of AE was solved at 2.3 Å and presents all the hallmarks common to diphthamide-specific mono-ADP-ribosylating toxins, suggesting AE is a fourth member of this family alongside the diphtheria toxin, Pseudomonas exotoxin A and cholix. Structural homology indicates AE may use a similar mechanism of cytotoxicity that targets eukaryotic elongation factor 2 and thus inhibition of protein synthesis. The structure of AE also highlights unique features including a metal binding site, and a negatively charged cleft that could play a role in interdomain interactions and may affect toxicity. This study raises new opportunities to engineer alternative toxin-based molecules with pharmaceutical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Masuyer
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
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Li W, Geng X, Liu D, Li Z. Near-Infrared Light-Enhanced Protease-Conjugated Gold Nanorods As A Photothermal Antimicrobial Agent For Elimination Of Exotoxin And Biofilms. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:8047-8058. [PMID: 31632017 PMCID: PMC6781946 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s212750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Treatment strategies to eliminate bacterial infections have long emphasized bacterial killing as a goal. However, bacteria secrete toxins that sustain chronic disease and dead cells release DNA that can promote the spread of antibiotic resistance even when viable cells are eradicated. Meanwhile, biofilms regulated by quorum-sensing system, protect bacteria and promote the development of antibiotic resistance. Thus, all of these factors underscore the need for novel antimicrobial therapeutic treatments as alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Here, a smart material was developed that incorporated gold nanorods and an adsorbed protease (protease-conjugated gold nanorods, PGs). When illuminated with near-infrared (NIR) light, PGs functioned to physically damage bacteria, prevent biofilm and exotoxin production, eliminate pre-existing biofilm and exotoxin, and inhibit bacterial quorum-sensing systems. Methods PGs were incubated with suspensions of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria followed by exposure to 808-nm NIR laser irradiation. Bacterial viability was determined using a colony-forming unit assay followed by an exploration of cell-damage mechanisms using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, and SDS-PAGE. Quantification of biofilm mass was performed using crystal violet staining. A commercial enterotoxin ELISA kit was used to test inhibitory and degradative effects of PGs on secreted exotoxin. Results Use of the remote-controlled antibacterial system reduced surviving bacterial populations to 3.2% and 2.1% of untreated control numbers for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, and inhibited biofilm formation and exotoxin secretion even in the absence of NIR radiation. However, enhanced degradation of existing biofilm and exotoxin was observed when PGs were used with NIR laser irradiation. Conclusion This promising new strategy achieved both the reduction of viable microorganisms and elimination of biofilm and exotoxin. Thus, this strategy addresses the long-ignored issue of persistence of bacterial residues that perpetuate chronic illness in patients even after viable bacteria have been eradicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, Jilin, People's Republic of China.,Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130033, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Geng
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongni Liu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengqiang Li
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, Jilin, People's Republic of China
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Lee S, Park S, Nguyen MT, Lee E, Kim J, Baek S, Kim CJ, Jang YJ, Choe H. A chemical conjugate between HER2-targeting antibody fragment and Pseudomonas exotoxin A fragment demonstrates cytotoxic effects on HER2-expressing breast cancer cells. BMB Rep 2019; 52:496-501. [PMID: 30670149 PMCID: PMC6726212] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventionally, immunotoxins have been produced as a single polypeptide from fused genes of an antibody fragment and a toxin. In this study, we adopted a unique approach of chemical conjugation of a toxin protein and an antibody fragment. The two genes were separately expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to high levels of purity. The two purified proteins were conjugated using a chemical linker. The advantage of this approach is its ability to overcome the problem of low recombinant immunotoxin production observed in some immunotoxins. Another advantage is that various combinations of immunotoxins can be prepared with fewer efforts, because the chemical conjugation of components is relatively simpler than the processes involved in cloning, expression, and purification of multiple immunotoxins. As a proof of concept, the scFv of trastuzumab and the PE24 fragment of Pseudomonas exotoxin A were separately produced using E. coli and then chemically crosslinked. The new immunotoxin was tested on four breast cancer cell lines variably expressing HER2. The chemically crosslinked immunotoxin exhibited cytotoxicity in proportion to the expression level of HER2. In conclusion, the present study revealed an alternative method of generating an immunotoxin that could effectively reduce the viability of HER2-expressing breast cancer cells. These results suggest the effectiveness of this method of immunotoxin crosslinking as a suitable alternative for producing immunotoxins. [BMB Reports 2019; 52(8): 496-501].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunju Lee
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Sangsu Park
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Minh Tan Nguyen
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505,
Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 70000,
Vietnam
| | - Eunyoung Lee
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Julee Kim
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Sangki Baek
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Chong Jai Kim
- Department of Pathology, Asan-Minnesota Institute for Innovating Transplantation, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Yeon Jin Jang
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505,
Korea
| | - Han Choe
- Department of Physiology, Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505,
Korea
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Weerasekera D, Möller J, Kraner ME, Azevedo Antunes C, Mattos-Guaraldi AL, Burkovski A. Beyond diphtheria toxin: cytotoxic proteins of Corynebacterium ulcerans and Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Microbiology (Reading) 2019; 165:876-890. [PMID: 31162026 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.000820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Diphtheria toxin is one of the best investigated bacterial toxins and the major virulence factor of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Corynebacterium ulcerans strains. However, also diphtheria toxin-free strains of these two species can cause severe infections in animals and humans, indicating the presence of additional virulence factors. In this study, we present a first characterization of two proteins with cytotoxic effect in corynebacteria. A putative ribosome-binding protein (AEG80717, CULC809_00177), first annotated in a genome sequencing project of C. ulcerans strain 809, was investigated in detail together with a homologous protein identified in C. diphtheriae strain HC04 (AEX80148, CDHC04_0155) in this study. The corresponding proteins show striking structural similarity to Shiga-like toxins. Interaction of wild-type, mutant and complementation as well as overexpression strains with invertebrate model systems and cell lines were investigated. Depending on the presence of the corresponding genes, detrimental effects were observed in vivo in two invertebrate model systems, Caenorhabditis elegans and Galleria mellonella, and on various animal and human epithelial and macrophage cell lines in vitro. Taken together, our results support the idea that pathogenicity of corynebacteria is a multifactorial process and that new virulence factors may influence the outcome of potentially fatal corynebacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulanthi Weerasekera
- > Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jens Möller
- > Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Max Edmund Kraner
- Biochemistry Division, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Camila Azevedo Antunes
- > Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Mattos-Guaraldi
- Laboratory of Diphtheria and Corynebacteria of Clinical Relevance-LDCIC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andreas Burkovski
- > Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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14
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Sethi A, Wands AM, Mettlen M, Krishnamurthy S, Wu H, Kohler JJ. Cell type and receptor identity regulate cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) internalization. Interface Focus 2019; 9:20180076. [PMID: 30842875 PMCID: PMC6388018 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2018.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [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] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholera toxin (CT) is a secreted bacterial toxin that binds to glycoconjugate receptors on the surface of mammalian cells, enters mammalian cells through endocytic mechanisms and intoxicates mammalian cells by activating cytosolic adenylate cyclase. CT recognizes cell surface receptors through its B subunit (CTB). While the ganglioside GM1 has been historically described as the sole receptor, CTB is also capable of binding to fucosylated glycoconjugates, and fucosylated molecules have been shown to play a functional role in host cell intoxication by CT. Here, we use colonic epithelial and respiratory epithelial cell lines to examine how two types of CT receptors-gangliosides and fucosylated glycoconjugates-contribute to CTB internalization. We show that fucosylated glycoconjugates contribute to CTB binding to and internalization into host cells, even when the ganglioside GM1 is present. The contributions of the two classes of receptors to CTB internalization depend on cell type. Additionally, in a cell line that harbours both classes of receptors, gangliosides dictate the efficiency of CTB internalization. Together, the results lend support to the idea that fucosylated glycoconjugates play a functional role in CTB internalization, and suggest that CT internalization depends on both receptor identity and cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirudh Sethi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Amberlyn M Wands
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Marcel Mettlen
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Soumya Krishnamurthy
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jennifer J Kohler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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15
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Katahira EJ, Davidson SM, Stevens DL, Bolz DD. Subinhibitory concentrations of tedizolid potently inhibit extracellular toxin production by methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Med Microbiol 2018; 68:255-262. [PMID: 30556803 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Potent extracellular toxins including alpha-haemolysin, Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) and toxic-shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1) significantly contribute to Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis, thus, toxin suppression is a primary focus in treatment of staphylococcal disease. S. aureus maintains complex strategies to regulate toxin expression and previous data have demonstrated that subinhibitory concentrations of beta-lactam antibiotics can adversely increase S. aureus exotoxin production. The current study evaluates the effects of subinhibitory concentrations of tedizolid, a second-generation oxazolidinone derivative, on expression of staphylococcal exotoxins in both methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus. METHODOLOGY S. aureus exotoxin expression levels were compared at 12 and 24 h following treatment with tedizolid, linezolid, nafcillin or vehicle control. RESULTS Our findings show that the level of antibiotic required to alter toxin production was strain-dependent and corresponds with the quantity of toxin produced, but both tedizolid and linezolid could effectively reduce expression of alpha-haemolysin, PVL and TSST-1 toxin at subinhibitory concentrations. In contrast, nafcillin showed less attenuation and, in some S. aureus strains, led to an increase in toxin expression. Tedizolid consistently inhibited toxin production at a lower overall drug concentration than comparator agents. CONCLUSION Together, our data support that tedizolid has the potential to improve outcomes of infection due to its superior ability to inhibit S. aureus growth and attenuate exotoxin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva J Katahira
- 1Infectious Diseases Section, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, ID, USA.,2Idaho Veterans Research and Education Foundation, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Stephen M Davidson
- 2Idaho Veterans Research and Education Foundation, Boise, ID, USA.,†Present address: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Dennis L Stevens
- 3University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.,1Infectious Diseases Section, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, ID, USA.,2Idaho Veterans Research and Education Foundation, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Devin D Bolz
- 1Infectious Diseases Section, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, ID, USA.,2Idaho Veterans Research and Education Foundation, Boise, ID, USA
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16
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Aldape MJ, Rice SN, Field KP, Bryant AE, Stevens DL. Sub-lethal doses of surotomycin and vancomycin have similar effects on Clostridium difficile virulence factor production in vitro. J Med Microbiol 2018; 67:1689-1697. [PMID: 30307842 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000852] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic spore-forming bacterial pathogen that causes a spectrum of illness severity ranging from mild diarrhoea to severe life-threatening pseudomembranous colitis. C. difficile infection (CDI) is antibiotic-associated and primarily mediated by two exotoxins, Toxins A and B. We and others have shown that some antibiotics stimulate Toxin A and B production by C. difficile in a strain-specific manner. Still, the effects of newer anti-C. difficile antibiotics on this process and spore formation remain to be investigated. METHODOLOGY Surotomycin (formally CB-183,315) is a novel, minimally absorbed, narrow-spectrum antibiotic. We determined the effects of surotomycin on C. difficile growth, toxin production and sporulation in historical and BI/NAP1/027 epidemic strains of C. difficile.Results/Key findings. While antibiotic free controls showed toxin production during the stationary phase growth, all strains exposed to sub-inhibitory concentrations of surotomycin and vancomycin demonstrated increased TcdA and TcdB production during early (log phase) growth by all strains. However, this effect was not observed at 24 or 48 h post-treatment by any of the C. difficile strains exposed to either antibiotic. Additionally, all doses of surotomycin and vancomycin suppressed spore formation in all tested strains. CONCLUSION In summary, these findings demonstrate that surotomycin and vancomycin have similar effects on exotoxin production and sporulation by C. difficile in vitro. Furthermore, since spores contribute to recurrent infection, the ability of surotomycin to suppress spore formation may explain its ability to disrupt the reinfection cycle in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael John Aldape
- 1Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Savannah Nicole Rice
- 1Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Kevin Patrick Field
- 1Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Amy Evelyn Bryant
- 1Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, ID, USA.,2University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dennis Leroy Stevens
- 1Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, ID, USA.,2University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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17
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Abstract
Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a globally important Gram-positive aerobic Actinobacterium capable of causing the toxin-mediated disease, diphtheria. Diphtheria was a major cause of childhood mortality prior to the introduction of the toxoid vaccine, yet it is capable of rapid resurgence following the breakdown of healthcare provision, vaccination or displacement of people. The mechanism and treatment of toxin-mediated disease is well understood, however there are key gaps in our knowledge on the basic biology of C. diphtheriae particularly relating to host colonisation, the nature of asymptomatic carriage, population genomics and host adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Hoskisson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
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18
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Park DW, Kim SH, Park JW, Kim MJ, Cho SJ, Park HJ, Jung SH, Seo MH, Lee YS, Kim BH, Min H, Lee SY, Ha DR, Kim ES, Hong Y, Chung JK. Incidence and Characteristics of Scarlet Fever, South Korea, 2008-2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:658-661. [PMID: 28322696 PMCID: PMC5367408 DOI: 10.3201/eid2304.160773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence rate for scarlet fever in South Korea is rising. During 2008–2015, we collected group A Streptococcus isolates and performed emm and exotoxin genotyping and disk-diffusion antimicrobial tests. Scarlet fever in South Korea was most closely associated with emm types emm4, emm28, emm1, and emm3. In 2015, tetracycline resistance started increasing.
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19
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do Vale A, Pereira C, Osorio CR, dos Santos NMS. The Apoptogenic Toxin AIP56 Is Secreted by the Type II Secretion System of Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9110368. [PMID: 29135911 PMCID: PMC5705983 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9110368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIP56 (apoptosis-inducing protein of 56 kDa) is a key virulence factor of Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp), the causative agent of a septicaemia affecting warm water marine fish species. Phdp-associated pathology is triggered by AIP56, a short trip AB toxin with a metalloprotease A domain that cleaves the p65 subunit of NF-κB, an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor that regulates the expression of inflammatory and anti-apoptotic genes and plays a central role in host responses to infection. During infection by Phdp, AIP56 is systemically disseminated and induces apoptosis of macrophages and neutrophils, compromising the host phagocytic defence and contributing to the genesis of pathology. Although it is well established that the secretion of AIP56 is crucial for Phdp pathogenicity, the protein secretion systems operating in Phdp and the mechanism responsible for the extracellular release of the toxin remain unknown. Here, we report that Phdp encodes a type II secretion system (T2SS) and show that mutation of the EpsL component of this system impairs AIP56 secretion. This work demonstrates that Phdp has a functional T2SS that mediates secretion of its key virulence factor AIP56.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana do Vale
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-235 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Cassilda Pereira
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-235 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carlos R Osorio
- Departamento de Microbioloxía e Parasitoloxía, Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Nuno M S dos Santos
- Fish Immunology and Vaccinology Group, IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-235 Porto, Portugal.
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20
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Lin CF, Chen CL, Huang WC, Cheng YL, Hsieh CY, Wang CY, Hong MY. Different types of cell death induced by enterotoxins. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:2158-76. [PMID: 22069678 PMCID: PMC3153280 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2082158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The infection of bacterial organisms generally causes cell death to facilitate microbial invasion and immune escape, both of which are involved in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. In addition to the intercellular infectious processes, pathogen-produced/secreted enterotoxins (mostly exotoxins) are the major weapons that kill host cells and cause diseases by inducing different types of cell death, particularly apoptosis and necrosis. Blocking these enterotoxins with synthetic drugs and vaccines is important for treating patients with infectious diseases. Studies of enterotoxin-induced apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms have helped us to create efficient strategies to use against these well-characterized cytopathic toxins. In this article, we review the induction of the different types of cell death from various bacterial enterotoxins, such as staphylococcal enterotoxin B, staphylococcal alpha-toxin, Panton-Valentine leukocidin, alpha-hemolysin of Escherichia coli, Shiga toxins, cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1, heat-labile enterotoxins, and the cholera toxin, Vibrio cholerae. In addition, necrosis caused by pore-forming toxins, apoptotic signaling through cross-talk pathways involving mitochondrial damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and lysosomal injury is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiou-Feng Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (C.-L.C.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +886-06-235-3535 ext. 4240; Fax: +886-06-275-8781
| | - Chia-Ling Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (C.-L.C.)
| | - Wei-Ching Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lin Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yuan Hsieh
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
| | - Chi-Yun Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yuan Hong
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; (W.-C.H.); (Y.-L.C.); (C.-Y.H.); (C.-Y.W.); (M.-Y.H.)
- Department of Emergency, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 701, Taiwan
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