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Liu F, Zeng M, Zhou X, Huang F, Song Z. Aspergillus fumigatus escape mechanisms from its harsh survival environments. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:53. [PMID: 38175242 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12952-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous pathogenic mold and causes several diseases, including mycotoxicosis, allergic reactions, and systemic diseases (invasive aspergillosis), with high mortality rates. In its ecological niche, the fungus has evolved and mastered many reply strategies to resist and survive against negative threats, including harsh environmental stress and deficiency of essential nutrients from natural environments, immunity responses and drug treatments in host, and competition from symbiotic microorganisms. Hence, treating A. fumigatus infection is a growing challenge. In this review, we summarized A. fumigatus reply strategies and escape mechanisms and clarified the main competitive or symbiotic relationships between A. fumigatus, viruses, bacteria, or fungi in host microecology. Additionally, we discussed the contemporary drug repertoire used to treat A. fumigatus and the latest evidence of potential resistance mechanisms. This review provides valuable knowledge which will stimulate further investigations and clinical applications for treating and preventing A. fumigatus infections. KEY POINTS: • Harsh living environment was a great challenge for A. fumigatus survival. • A. fumigatus has evolved multiple strategies to escape host immune responses. • A. fumigatus withstands antifungal drugs via intrinsic escape mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zeng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 402160, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fujiao Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
- Molecular Biotechnology Platform, Public Center of Experimental Technology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
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Numazawa R, Tanaka Y, Nishioka S, Tsuji R, Maeda H, Tanaka M, Takeuchi M, Yamagata Y. Aspergillus oryzae PrtR alters transcription of individual peptidase genes in response to the growth environment. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:90. [PMID: 38204127 PMCID: PMC10781853 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12833-5] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Aspergillus oryzae PrtR is an ortholog of the transcription factor PrtT, which positively regulates the transcription of extracellular peptidase genes in Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus. To identify the genes under the control of PrtR and elucidate its regulatory mechanism in A. oryzae, prtR gene disruption mutants were generated. The control strain clearly showed a halo on media containing skim milk as the nitrogen source, whereas the ΔprtR strain formed a smaller halo. Measurement of acid peptidase activity revealed that approximately 84% of acidic endopeptidase and 86% of carboxypeptidase activities are positively regulated by PrtR. As the transcription of the prtR gene varied depending on culture conditions, especially with or without a protein substrate, it was considered that its transcription would be regulated in response to a nitrogen source. In addition, contrary to previous expectations, PrtR was found to act both in promoting and repressing the transcription of extracellular peptidase genes. The mode of regulation varied from gene to gene. Some genes were regulated in the same manner in both liquid and solid cultures, whereas others were regulated in different ways depending on the culture conditions. Furthermore, PrtR has been suggested to regulate the transcription of peptidase genes that are closely associated with other transcription factors. KEY POINTS: • Almost all peptidase genes in Aspergillus oryzae are positively regulated by PrtR • However, several genes are regulated negatively by PrtR • PrtR optimizes transcription of peptidase genes in response to culture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Numazawa
- Department of Applied Biological Science, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan
| | - Yukako Tanaka
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan
| | - Sawako Nishioka
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Tsuji
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Maeda
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan
| | - Mizuki Tanaka
- Department of Applied Biological Science, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan
| | - Michio Takeuchi
- Department of Applied Biological Science, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan
| | - Youhei Yamagata
- Department of Applied Biological Science, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan.
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-Cho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 1838509, Japan.
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Li X, Feng R, Luo P, Zhang Y, Lu L. Synergistic effects of putative Ca 2+-binding sites of calmodulin in fungal development, temperature stress and virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. Virulence 2024; 15:2290757. [PMID: 38085844 PMCID: PMC10761034 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2290757] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In pathogenic fungi, calcium-calmodulin-dependent serine-threonine-specific phosphatase calcineurin is involved in morphogenesis and virulence. Therefore, calcineurin and its tightly related protein complexes are attractive antifungal drug targets. However, there is limited knowledge available on the relationship between in vivo Ca2+-binding sites of calmodulin (CaM) and its functions in regulating stress responses, morphogenesis, and pathogenesis. In the current study, we demonstrated that calmodulin is required for hyphal growth, conidiation, and virulence in the human fungal pathogen, Aspergillus fumigatus. Site-directed mutations of calmodulin revealed that a single Ca2+-binding site mutation had no significant effect on A. fumigatus hyphal development, but multiple Ca2+-binding site mutations exhibited synergistic effects, especially when cultured at 42 °C, indicating that calmodulin function in response to temperature stress depends on its Ca2+-binding sites. Western blotting implied that mutations in Ca2+-binding sites caused highly degraded calmodulin fragments, suggesting that the loss of Ca2+-binding sites results in reduced protein stability. Moreover, normal intracellular calcium homeostasis and the nuclear translocation of the transcriptional factor CrzA are dependent on Ca2+-binding sites of AfCaM, demonstrating that Ca2+-binding sites of calmodulin are required for calcium signalling and its major transcription factor CrzA. Importantly, in situ mutations for four Ca2+-binding sites of calmodulin resulted in an almost complete loss of virulence in the Galleria mellonella wax moth model. This study shed more light on the functional characterization of putative calcium-binding sites of calmodulin in the morphogenesis and virulence of A. fumigatus, which enhances our understanding of calmodulin biological functions in cells of opportunistic fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyue Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruoyun Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pan Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Center for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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Blaize M, Thizy G, Boissonnas A, Portalier A, Lanternier F, de La Porte des Vaux C, Suarez F, Bougnoux ME, Guitard J, Jabet A, Stocker N, Aoudjhane A, Roos-Weil D, Fekkar A. Invasive Aspergillosis with impaired neutrophil responses against Aspergillus fumigatus in patients treated with Acalabrutinib-findings from three cases. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 142:107000. [PMID: 38461932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107000] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ibrutinib, a first-generation covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) was found to be a risk factor for the occurrence of invasive fungal complications. Acalabrutinib is a second-generation covalent BTKi used to treat B-cell malignancies. Healthy donor neutrophils incubated ex vivo with acalabrutinib lose ability to control Aspergillus conidia germination. In patients receiving acalabrutinib, the potential effect on neutrophil antifungal activity is unknown. Furthermore, only two cases of invasive aspergillosis have been reported during treatment with acalabrutinib, outside of a few cases in a clinical trial. METHODS We describe three new cases of invasive aspergillosis occurring within the first months of acalabrutinib therapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We used videomicroscopy and flow cytometry approaches to investigate the basic functional responses against Aspergillus of neutrophils from acalabrutinib-treated patients. RESULTS We showed an alteration in the anti-Aspergillus response after 1 month of acalabrutinb therapy: neutrophils lost their capacities of killing Aspergillus fumigatus germinating conidia and decreased their reactive oxygen species production when stimulated by Aspergillus. CONCLUSIONS It is important to follow-up patients treated with acalabrutinib for the risk of aspergillosis as well as those treated with ibrutinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Blaize
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (Cimi-Paris), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Pitié, Salpêtrière, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France.
| | - Guillaume Thizy
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (Cimi-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Boissonnas
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (Cimi-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Anaïs Portalier
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Pitié, Salpêtrière, Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Fanny Lanternier
- Université Paris Cité, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Paris, France
| | - Clémentine de La Porte des Vaux
- Université Paris Cité, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Paris, France
| | - Felipe Suarez
- Université Paris Cité, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Département d'Hématologie, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Université Paris Cité, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Guitard
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Jabet
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Stocker
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Abdelmalek Aoudjhane
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Damien Roos-Weil
- Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Pitié, Salpêtrière, Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Fekkar
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (Cimi-Paris), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Pitié, Salpêtrière, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Paris, France
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Kofoed VC, Campion C, Rasmussen PU, Møller SA, Eskildsen M, Nielsen JL, Madsen AM. Exposure to resistant fungi across working environments and time. Sci Total Environ 2024; 923:171189. [PMID: 38447726 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171189] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Antifungal resistance has emerged as a significant health concern with increasing reports of resistant variants in previously susceptible species. At present, little is known about occupational exposure to antifungal-resistant fungi. This study aimed to investigate Danish workers' occupational exposure to airborne fungi resistant to first-line treatment drugs. A retrospective study was performed on a unique collection of personal exposure samples gathered over a twenty-year period from Danish working environments, in sectors including agriculture, animal handling, waste management, and healthcare. A total of 669 samples were cultivated at 37 °C and fungal colonies were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. Subsequently, identification was confirmed by amplicon sequencing the genes of calmodulin and beta-tubulin to unveil potential cryptic species. Infectious fungi (495 isolates from 23 species) were tested for resistance against Itraconazole, Voriconazole, Posaconazole, and Amphotericin B. Working environments were highly variable in the overall fungal exposure, and showed vastly different species compositions. Resistance was found in 30 isolates of the species Aspergillus fumigatus (4 of 251 isolates), A. nidulans (2 of 13), A. niger complex (19 of 131), A. versicolor (3 of 18), and A. lentulus (2 of 2). Sequence analysis revealed several cryptic species within the A. niger complex including A. tubingensis, A. luchuensis, and A. phoenicis. Among the resistant A. fumigatus isolates, two contained the well-described TR34/L98H mutation in the cyp51A gene and promoter region, while the remainder harbored silent mutations. The results indicate that the working environment significantly contributes to exposure to resistant fungi, with particularly biofuel plant workers experiencing high exposure. Differences in the prevalence of resistance across working environments may be linked to the underlying species composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Carp Kofoed
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Christopher Campion
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Pil Uthaug Rasmussen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Signe Agnete Møller
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Mathias Eskildsen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Lund Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg Ø, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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Chen J, Mei Q, Wang L, Wei Y. DEFB114 protein enhances host resistance to fungal infection through the NOD1/2-ATG16L1-NF-κB signaling pathway. Bioorg Chem 2024; 146:107245. [PMID: 38484587 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107245] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The overuse of antibiotics has led to the enhanced resistance of many pathogenic bacteria, posing a threat to human health. Therefore, there is a need to develop green and safe alternatives to antibiotics. Beta-defensins play a crucial role in host defense against pathogens and have multifunctional properties, exerting key roles in innate and adaptive immunity, as well as non-immune processes. In this study, a 210 bp long cDNA sequence of yak DEFB114 gene was amplified and successfully expressed in a prokaryotic system. The DEFB114 protein exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus in vitro. When co-cultured with yak macrophages, DEFB114 protein enhanced macrophage phagocytic activity and increased nucleic acid fluorescence intensity (P < 0.05). DEFB114 protein also enhanced the activity of yak macrophages stimulated by inactivated Aspergillus fumigatus spores, increased the release of nitric oxide (NO), and promoted the expression of genes such as γ-actin, Lgals, Man2b, and Capg (P < 0.05). In mice experiments, DEFB114 protein promoted resistance against Aspergillus fumigatus infection, by regulating the NOD1/2-ATG16L1-NF-κB pathway to modulate the host immune response and exert its anti-infective effects. In summary, the yak DEFB114 protein could inhibit the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and enhance the animal's resistance to pathogenic microorganisms, thereby having significant implications in the treatment and prevention of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Qundi Mei
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
| | - Yong Wei
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Sciences Academy, Chengdu 610066, China
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Celia-Sanchez BN, Mangum B, Gómez Londoño LF, Wang C, Shuman B, Brewer MT, Momany M. Pan-azole- and multi-fungicide-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is widespread in the United States. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0178223. [PMID: 38557086 PMCID: PMC11022549 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01782-23] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is an important global fungal pathogen of humans. Azole drugs are among the most effective treatments for A. fumigatus infection. Azoles are also widely used in agriculture as fungicides against fungal pathogens of crops. Azole-resistant A. fumigatus has been increasing in Europe and Asia for two decades where clinical resistance is thought to be driven by agricultural use of azole fungicides. The most prevalent mechanisms of azole resistance in A. fumigatus are tandem repeats (TR) in the cyp51A promoter coupled with mutations in the coding region which result in resistance to multiple azole drugs (pan-azole resistance). Azole-resistant A. fumigatus has been isolated from patients in the United States (U.S.), but little is known about its environmental distribution. To better understand the distribution of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in the U.S., we collected isolates from agricultural sites in eight states and tested 202 isolates for sensitivity to azoles. We found azole-resistant A. fumigatus in agricultural environments in seven states showing that it is widespread in the U.S. We sequenced environmental isolates representing the range of U.S. sample sites and compared them with publicly available environmental worldwide isolates in phylogenetic, principal component, and ADMIXTURE analyses. We found worldwide isolates fell into three clades, and TR-based pan-azole resistance was largely in a single clade that was strongly associated with resistance to multiple agricultural fungicides. We also found high levels of gene flow indicating recombination between clades highlighting the potential for azole-resistance to continue spreading in the U.S.IMPORTANCEAspergillus fumigatus is a fungal pathogen of humans that causes over 250,000 invasive infections each year. It is found in soils, plant debris, and compost. Azoles are the first line of defense antifungal drugs against A. fumigatus. Azoles are also used as agricultural fungicides to combat other fungi that attack plants. Azole-resistant A. fumigatus has been a problem in Europe and Asia for 20 years and has recently been reported in patients in the United States (U.S.). Until this study, we did not know much about azole-resistant A. fumigatus in agricultural settings in the U.S. In this study, we isolated azole-resistant A. fumigatus from multiple states and compared it to isolates from around the world. We show that A. fumigatus which is resistant to azoles and to other strictly agricultural fungicides is widespread in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B. Mangum
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | - C. Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - B. Shuman
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - M. T. Brewer
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - M. Momany
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Chen S, Zhu G, Lin H, Guo J, Deng S, Wu W, Goldman GH, Lu L, Zhang Y. Variability in competitive fitness among environmental and clinical azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates. mBio 2024; 15:e0026324. [PMID: 38407058 PMCID: PMC11005360 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00263-24] [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: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Azoles are the primary antifungal drugs used to treat infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. However, the emergence of azole resistance in A. fumigatus has become a global health concern despite the low proportion of resistant isolates in natural populations. In bacteria, antibiotic resistance incurs a fitness cost that renders strains less competitive in the absence of antibiotics. Consequently, fitness cost is a key determinant of the spread of resistant mutations. However, the cost of azole resistance and its underlying causes in A. fumigatus remain poorly understood. In this observation, we revealed that the 10 out of 15 screened azole-resistant isolates, which possessed the most common azole-targeted cyp51A mutations, particularly the presence of tandem repeats in the promoter region, exhibit fitness cost when competing with the susceptible isolates in azole-free environments. These results suggest that fitness cost may significantly influence the dynamics of azole resistance, which ultimately contributes to the low prevalence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus isolates in the environment and clinic. By constructing in situ cyp51A mutations in a parental azole-susceptible strain and reintroducing the wild-type cyp51A gene into the azole-resistant strains, we demonstrated that fitness cost is not directly dependent on cyp51A mutations but is instead associated with the evolution of variable mutations related to conidial germination or other unknown development-related processes. Importantly, our observations unexpectedly revealed that some azole-resistant isolates showed no detectable fitness cost, and some even exhibited significantly increased competitive fitness in azole-free environments, highlighting the potential risk associated with the prevalence of these isolates. IMPORTANCE Azole resistance in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus presents a global public health challenge. Understanding the epidemic trends and evolutionary patterns of azole resistance is critical to prevent and control the spread of azole-resistant isolates. The primary cause is the mutation of the drug target 14α-sterol-demethylase Cyp51A, yet its impact on competitive ability remains uncertain. Our competition assays revealed a diverse range of fitness outcomes for environmental and clinical cyp51A-mutated isolates. We have shown that this fitness cost is not reliant on cyp51A mutations but might be linked to unknown mutations induced by stress conditions. Among these isolates, the majority displayed fitness costs, while a few displayed enhanced competitive ability, which may have a potential risk of spread and the need to closely monitor these isolates. Our observation reveals the variation in fitness costs among azole-resistant isolates of A. fumigatus, highlighting the significant role of fitness cost in the spread of resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guoxing Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiping Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuwen Deng
- The People’s Hospital of SND (Suzhou New District), Suzhou, China
| | - Wenjuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ling Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, Jiangsu Engineering and Technology Research Centre for Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
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Hou X, Li C, Liu J, Yang S, Peng X, Wang Q, Liu C, Liu X, Luan J, Zhao G, Lin J. Cathelicidin boosts the antifungal activity of neutrophils and improves prognosis during Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0048323. [PMID: 38501672 PMCID: PMC11003229 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00483-23] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is one of the common pathogens of fungal keratitis. Fungal growth and invasion cause excessive inflammation and corneal damage, leading to severe vision loss. Neutrophils are the primary infiltrating cells critical for fungal clearance. Cathelicidin [LL-37 in humans and cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) in mice], a natural antimicrobial peptide, can directly inhibit the growth of many pathogens and regulate immune responses. However, the role of cathelicidin and its effect on neutrophils in A. fumigatus keratitis remain unclear. By establishing A. fumigatus keratitis mouse models, we found that cathelicidin was increased in A. fumigatus keratitis. It could reduce fungal loads, lower clinical scores, and improve corneal transparency. Restriction of CRAMP on fungal proliferation was largely counteracted in CD18-/- mice, in which neutrophils cannot migrate into infected sites. When WT neutrophils were transferred into CD18-/- mice, corneal fungal loads were distinctly reduced, indicating that neutrophils are vital for CRAMP-mediated resistance. Furthermore, cathelicidin promoted neutrophils to phagocytose and degrade conidia both in vitro and in vivo. CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) was reported to be a functional receptor of LL-37 on neutrophils. CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 or phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor U73122 weakened LL-37-induced phagocytosis. Meanwhile, LL-37 induced PLC γ phosphorylation, which was attenuated by SB225002. SB225002 or the autophagy inhibitors Bafilomycin-A1 and 3-Methyladenine weakened LL-37-induced degradation of conidia. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observed that LL-37 increased autophagosomes in Aspergillus-infected neutrophils. Consistently, LL-37 elevated autophagy-associated protein expressions (Beclin-1 and LC3-II), but this effect was weakened by SB225002. Collectively, cathelicidin reduces fungal loads and improves the prognosis of A. fumigatus keratitis. Both in vitro and in vivo, cathelicidin promotes neutrophils to phagocytose and degrade conidia. LL-37/CXCR2 activates PLC γ to amplify neutrophils' phagocytosis and induces autophagy to eliminate intracellular conidia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Cui Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xudong Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Chengxiu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Junjie Luan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
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Hu J, Niu ZX, Wang JF. Recent Advances in the Total Synthesis of Spirotryprostatin Alkaloids. Molecules 2024; 29:1655. [PMID: 38611934 PMCID: PMC11013222 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071655] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Spirotryprostatin alkaloids, a class of alkaloids with a unique spirocyclic indoledionepiperazine structure, were first extracted from the fermentation broth of Aspergillus fumigatus and have garnered significant attention in the fields of biology and pharmacology. The investigation into the pharmacological potential of this class of alkaloids has unveiled promising applications in drug discovery and development. Notably, certain spirotryprostatin alkaloids have demonstrated remarkable anti-cancer activity, positioning them as potential candidates for anti-tumor drug development. In recent years, organic synthetic chemists have dedicated efforts to devise efficient and viable strategies for the total synthesis of spirotryprostatin alkaloids, aiming to meet the demands within the pharmaceutical domain. The construction of the spiro-C atom within the spirotryprostatin scaffold and the chirality control at the spiro atomic center emerge as pivotal aspects in the synthesis of these compounds. This review categorically delineates the synthesis of spirotryprostatin alkaloids based on the formation mechanism of the spiro-C atom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Zhen-Xi Niu
- Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Jun-Feng Wang
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 660, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Koga S, Takazono T, Namie H, Okuno D, Ito Y, Nakada N, Hirayama T, Takeda K, Ide S, Iwanaga N, Tashiro M, Sakamoto N, Watanabe A, Izumikawa K, Yanagihara K, Tanaka Y, Mukae H. Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibit antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus and other filamentous fungi. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0361423. [PMID: 38426765 PMCID: PMC10986472 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03614-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis are life-threatening diseases, especially among immunocompromised patients. Drug-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus strains have been isolated worldwide, which can pose a serious clinical problem. As IA mainly occurs in patients with compromised immune systems, the ideal therapeutic approach should aim to bolster the immune system. In this study, we focused on Vγ9Vδ2 T cells that exhibit immune effector functions and examined the possibility of harnessing this unconventional T cell subset as a novel therapeutic modality for IA. A potent antifungal effect was observed when A. fumigatus (Af293) hyphae were challenged by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells derived from peripheral blood. In addition, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exhibited antifungal activity against hyphae of all Aspergillus spp., Cunninghamella bertholletiae, and Rhizopus microsporus but not against their conidia. Furthermore, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells also exhibited antifungal activity against azole-resistant A. fumigatus, indicating that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could be used for treating drug-resistant A. fumigatus. The antifungal activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells depended on cell-to-cell contact with A. fumigatus hyphae, and degranulation characterized by CD107a mobilization seems essential for this activity against A. fumigatus. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells could be developed as a novel modality for treating IA or mucormycosis. IMPORTANCE Invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis are often resistant to treatment with conventional antifungal agents and have a high mortality rate. Additionally, effective antifungal treatment is hindered by drug toxicity, given that both fungal and human cells are eukaryotic, and antifungal agents are also likely to act on human cells, resulting in adverse effects. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents specifically targeting fungi is challenging. This study demonstrated the antifungal activity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells against various Aspergillus spp. and several Mucorales in vitro and discussed the mechanism underlying their antifungal activity. We indicate that adoptive immunotherapy using Vγ9Vδ2 T cells may offer a new therapeutic approach to IA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Koga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Takazono
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hodaka Namie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Daisuke Okuno
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yuya Ito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nana Nakada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Health Center, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Hirayama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Takeda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shotaro Ide
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
- Infectious Diseases Experts Training Center, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Naoki Iwanaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masato Tashiro
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Noriho Sakamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koichi Izumikawa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanagihara
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Tanaka
- Center for Medical Innovation, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Mukae
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
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Fallah S, Duncan D, Reichl KD, Smith MJ, Wang W, Porco JA, Brown LE, Whitesell L, Robbins N, Cowen LE. A chemical screen identifies structurally diverse metal chelators with activity against the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0409523. [PMID: 38376363 PMCID: PMC10986608 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04095-23] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans, one of the most prevalent human fungal pathogens, causes diverse diseases extending from superficial infections to deadly systemic mycoses. Currently, only three major classes of antifungal drugs are available to treat systemic infections: azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins. Alarmingly, the efficacy of these antifungals against C. albicans is hindered both by basal tolerance toward the drugs and the development of resistance mechanisms such as alterations of the drug's target, modulation of stress responses, and overexpression of efflux pumps. Thus, the need to identify novel antifungal strategies is dire. To address this challenge, we screened 3,049 structurally-diverse compounds from the Boston University Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD) chemical library against a C. albicans clinical isolate and identified 17 molecules that inhibited C. albicans growth by >80% relative to controls. Among the most potent compounds were CMLD013360, CMLD012661, and CMLD012693, molecules representing two distinct chemical scaffolds, including 3-hydroxyquinolinones and a xanthone natural product. Based on structural insights, CMLD013360, CMLD012661, and CMLD012693 were hypothesized to exert antifungal activity through metal chelation. Follow-up investigations revealed all three compounds exerted antifungal activity against non-albicans Candida, including Candida auris and Candida glabrata, with the xanthone natural product CMLD013360 also displaying activity against the pathogenic mould Aspergillus fumigatus. Media supplementation with metallonutrients, namely ferric or ferrous iron, rescued C. albicans growth, confirming these compounds act as metal chelators. Thus, this work identifies and characterizes two chemical scaffolds that chelate iron to inhibit the growth of the clinically relevant fungal pathogen C. albicansIMPORTANCEThe worldwide incidence of invasive fungal infections is increasing at an alarming rate. Systemic candidiasis caused by the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans is the most common cause of life-threatening fungal infection. However, due to the limited number of antifungal drug classes available and the rise of antifungal resistance, an urgent need exists for the identification of novel treatments. By screening a compound collection from the Boston University Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), we identified three compounds representing two distinct chemical scaffolds that displayed activity against C. albicans. Follow-up analyses confirmed these molecules were also active against other pathogenic fungal species including Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus. Finally, we determined that these compounds inhibit the growth of C. albicans in culture through iron chelation. Overall, this observation describes two novel chemical scaffolds with antifungal activity against diverse fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fallah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dustin Duncan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyle D. Reichl
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael J. Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wenyu Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John A. Porco
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren E. Brown
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Luke Whitesell
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leah E. Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Lightfoot JD, Adams EM, Kamath MM, Wells BL, Fuller KK. Aspergillus fumigatus Hypoxia Adaptation Is Critical for the Establishment of Fungal Keratitis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:31. [PMID: 38635243 PMCID: PMC11044834 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.4.31] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The poor visual outcomes associated with fungal keratitis (FK) underscore a need to identify fungal pathways that can serve as novel antifungal targets. In this report, we investigated whether hypoxia develops in the FK cornea and, by extension, if fungal hypoxia adaptation is essential for virulence in this setting. Methods C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium solani var. petroliphilum via topical overlay or intrastromal injection. At various time points post-inoculation (p.i.), animals were injected with pimonidazole for the detection of tissue hypoxia through immunofluorescence imaging. The A. fumigatus srbA gene was deleted through Cas9-mediated homologous recombination and its virulence was assessed in the topical infection model using slit-lamp microscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results Topical inoculation with A. fumigatus resulted in diffuse pimonidazole staining across the epithelial and endothelial layers within 6 hours. Stromal hypoxia was evident by 48 hours p.i., which corresponded to leukocytic infiltration. Intrastromal inoculation with either A. fumigatus or F. solani similarly led to diffuse staining patterns across all corneal cell layers. The A. fumigatus srbA deletion mutant was unable to grow at oxygen levels below 3% in vitro, and corneas inoculated with the mutant failed to develop signs of corneal opacification, inflammation, or fungal burden. Conclusions These results suggest that fungal antigen rapidly drives the development of corneal hypoxia, thus rendering fungal SrbA or related pathways essential for the establishment of infection. Such pathways may therefore serve as targets for novel antifungal intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge D. Lightfoot
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Emily M. Adams
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Manali M. Kamath
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Becca L. Wells
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Kevin K. Fuller
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
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Lucio J, Alcazar-Fuoli L, Gil H, Cano-Pascual S, Hernandez-Egido S, Cuetara MS, Mellado E. Distribution of Aspergillus species and prevalence of azole resistance in clinical and environmental samples from a Spanish hospital during a three-year study period. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13719. [PMID: 38551063 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13719] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surveillance studies are crucial for updating trends in Aspergillus species and antifungal susceptibility information. OBJECTIVES Determine the Aspergillus species distribution and azole resistance prevalence during this 3-year prospective surveillance study in a Spanish hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three hundred thirty-five Aspergillus spp. clinical and environmental isolates were collected during a 3-year study. All isolates were screened for azole resistance using an agar-based screening method and resistance was confirmed by EUCAST antifungal susceptibility testing. The azole resistance mechanism was confirmed by sequencing the cyp51A gene and its promoter. All Aspergillus fumigatus strains were genotyped using TRESPERG analysis. RESULTS Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species recovered with a total of 174 strains (51.94%). The rest of Aspergillus spp. were less frequent: Aspergillus niger (14.93%), Aspergillus terreus (9.55%), Aspergillus flavus (8.36%), Aspergillus nidulans (5.37%) and Aspergillus lentulus (3.28%), among other Aspergillus species (6.57%). TRESPERG analysis showed 99 different genotypes, with 72.73% of the strains being represented as a single genotype. Some genotypes were common among clinical and environmental A. fumigatus azole-susceptible strains, even when isolated months apart. We describe the occurrence of two azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains, one clinical and another environmental, that were genotypically different and did not share genotypes with any of the azole-susceptible strains. CONCLUSIONS Aspergillus fumigatus strains showed a very diverse population although several genotypes were shared among clinical and environmental strains. The isolation of azole-resistant strains from both settings suggest that an efficient analysis of clinical and environmental sources must be done to detect azole resistance in A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Lucio
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Alcazar-Fuoli
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Network in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-CB21/13/00105), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Horacio Gil
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samuel Cano-Pascual
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Hernandez-Egido
- Microbiology Department, University Hospital Severo Ochoa, Leganés, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Emilia Mellado
- Mycology Reference Laboratory, National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Network in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC-CB21/13/00105), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Maule M, Vitte J, Ambrosani F, Caminati M. Epidemiology of the relationship between allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and asthma. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2024; 24:102-108. [PMID: 38295145 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) can complicate the natural history of asthmatic patients, especially the more severe ones, worsening disease control and increasing the need for therapies, steroids in particular, and medical care. The aim of the present review is to summarize the latest epidemiological data related to the relationship between asthma and ABPA and to offer a summary of the most recent strategies that could potentially facilitate in the identification of ABPA in asthmatic patients. RECENT FINDINGS In the last years, great efforts have been made by researchers worldwide to provide reliable epidemiological data on fungal sensitization and ABPA, especially in severe asthma patients both in adult and pediatric population. Data differ depending on the geographical area and population studied, but pooled data show a concerning 11% of severe asthma patients having ABPA and one out of four asthmatic patients being sensitized to fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus in particular. SUMMARY Reliable epidemiological data and advances in the diagnostic procedures can facilitate the detection of ABPA among asthmatic patients, improving the management of a still under-recognized and challenging condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Maule
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Center for Hyper-eosinophilic dysimmune conditions, Integrated University Hospital of Verona
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Joana Vitte
- University Hospital of Reims, Laboratory of Immunology
- INSERM UMR-S 1250 P3CELL, University of Reims, Reims, France
| | | | - Marco Caminati
- Asthma Center and Allergy Unit, Center for Hyper-eosinophilic dysimmune conditions, Integrated University Hospital of Verona
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Caetano MH, Menis Ferreira A, De Andrade D, Lopes de Sousa ÁF, Moretti Carneiro L, Lyrio Barbosa A, Félix de Carvalho HE, Rigotti MA, Gottardo de Almeida MT. Effect of ozone gas on cultures of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus: evaluation of two ozonation devices. J Infect Dev Ctries 2024; 18:473-479. [PMID: 38635625 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.15344] [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: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus are two important agents of Healthcare-associated infections. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of ozone (O3) gas produced by two commercial devices against cultures of these two species. METHODOLOGY Sterile plastic plates were inoculated with C. albicans and A. fumigatus and placed on a countertop at three distances (30 cm, 1 m, and 2 m) and three positions in relation to the wall (near, middle, and away), considering the source of O3. Plates were exposed to O3 for one hour and incubated. After incubation, the counting of colony-forming units was performed. As a control, an inoculated plate was incubated, without being exposed to O3. Tests were carried out with two different devices (namely, Mod.I and Mod.II), with the air conditioner on and off, in triplicate. RESULTS Both devices showed antifungal activity. Mod. I presented better results, due to a higher flow rate. The best activity was on plates at 30 cm, middle position. Contrarily, on plates at 2m, near the wall, the inhibition activity was lower. The best results were obtained with the air conditioner off. Candida albicans was more sensitive to O3 than A. fumigatus. CONCLUSIONS This method of decontamination by O3 gas shows potential due to its fast and easy execution. The establishment of new protocols for hygiene and hospital disinfection using this approach should be considered, which may reduce environmental contamination by fungi and, consequently, the burden of fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maicon Henrique Caetano
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (Ibilce), Campus São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Denise De Andrade
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID); Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Francisco Lopes de Sousa
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID); Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Herica Emilia Félix de Carvalho
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network (HEID); Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Thorn HI, Guruceaga X, Martin-Vicente A, Nywening AV, Xie J, Ge W, Fortwendel JR. MOB-mediated regulation of septation initiation network (SIN) signaling is required for echinocandin-induced hyperseptation in Aspergillus fumigatus. mSphere 2024; 9:e0069523. [PMID: 38349166 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00695-23] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a major invasive mold pathogen and the most frequent etiologic agent of invasive aspergillosis. The currently available treatments for invasive aspergillosis are limited in both number and efficacy. Our recent work has uncovered that the β-glucan synthase inhibitors, the echinocandins, are fungicidal against strains of A. fumigatus with defects in septation initiation network (SIN) kinase activity. These drugs are known to be fungistatic against strains with normal septation. Surprisingly, SIN kinase mutant strains also failed to invade lung tissue and were significantly less virulent in immunosuppressed mouse models. Inhibiting septation in filamentous fungi is therefore an exciting therapeutic prospect to both reduce virulence and improve current antifungal therapy. However, the SIN remains understudied in pathogenic fungi. To address this knowledge gap, we characterized the putative regulatory components of the A. fumigatus SIN. These included the GTPase, SpgA, it's two-component GTPase-activating protein, ByrA/BubA, and the kinase activators, SepM and MobA. Deletion of spgA, byrA, or bubA resulted in no overt septation or echinocandin susceptibility phenotypes. In contrast, our data show that deletion of sepM or mobA largely phenocopies disruption of their SIN kinase binding partners, sepL and sidB, respectively. Reduced septum formation, echinocandin hypersusceptibility, and reduced virulence were generated by loss of either gene. These findings provide strong supporting evidence that septa are essential not only for withstanding the cell wall disrupting effects of echinocandins but are also critical for the establishment of invasive disease. Therefore, pharmacological SIN inhibition may be an exciting strategy for future antifungal drug development.IMPORTANCESepta are important structural determinants of echinocandin susceptibility and tissue invasive growth for the ubiquitous fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Components of the septation machinery therefore represent promising novel antifungal targets to improve echinocandin activity and reduce virulence. However, little is known about septation regulation in A. fumigatus. Here, we characterize the predicted regulatory components of the A. fumigatus septation initiation network. We show that the kinase activators SepM and MobA are vital for proper septation and echinocandin resistance, with MobA playing an essential role. Null mutants of mobA displayed significantly reduced virulence in a mouse model, underscoring the importance of this pathway for A. fumigatus pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison I Thorn
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Xabier Guruceaga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ashley V Nywening
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jinhong Xie
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Wenbo Ge
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jarrod R Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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18
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Mjokane N, Akintemi EO, Sabiu S, Gcilitshana OMN, Albertyn J, Pohl CH, Sebolai OM. Aspergillus fumigatus secretes a protease(s) that displays in silico binding affinity towards the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and mediates SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirion entry into HEK-293T cells. Virol J 2024; 21:58. [PMID: 38448991 PMCID: PMC10919004 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02331-z] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Data from the COVID-19 clinical control case studies showed that this disease could also manifest in patients with underlying microbial infections such as aspergillosis. The current study aimed to determine if the Aspergillus (A.) fumigatus culture media (i.e., supernatant) possessed protease activity that was sufficient to activate the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. METHODS The supernatant was first analysed for protease activity. Thereafter, it was assessed to determine if it possessed proteolytic activity to cleave a fluorogenic mimetic peptide of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that contained the S1/S2 site and a full-length spike protein contained in a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirion. To complement this, a computer-based tool, HADDOCK, was used to predict if A. fumigatus alkaline protease 1 could bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. RESULTS We show that the supernatant possessed proteolytic activity, and analyses of the molecular docking parameters revealed that A. fumigatus alkaline protease 1 could bind to the spike protein. To confirm the in silico data, it was imperative to provide experimental evidence for enzymatic activity. Here, it was noted that the A. fumigatus supernatant cleaved the mimetic peptide as well as transduced the HEK-293T cells with SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirions. CONCLUSION These results suggest that A. fumigatus secretes a protease(s) that activates the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Importantly, should these two infectious agents co-occur, there is the potential for A. fumigatus to activate the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, thus aggravating COVID-19 development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozethu Mjokane
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, 9301, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Eric O Akintemi
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, 9301, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Saheed Sabiu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Science, Durban University of Technology, 4000, Durban, P.O. Box 1334, South Africa
| | - Onele M N Gcilitshana
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, 9301, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Jacobus Albertyn
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, 9301, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Carolina H Pohl
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, 9301, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Olihile M Sebolai
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, 9301, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
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Lepak AJ, VanScoy B, Rubino C, Ambrose PG, Andes DR. In vivo pharmacodynamic characterization of a next-generation polyene, SF001, in the invasive pulmonary aspergillosis mouse model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0163123. [PMID: 38319077 PMCID: PMC10916380 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01631-23] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
SF001 is a next-generation polyene antifungal drug in development, designed to have increased specificity to fungal ergosterol, which is absent in humans, and decreased binding to cholesterol. SF001 demonstrates long-acting, potent, broad-spectrum fungicidal activity. The goal of the current study was to determine the pharmacodynamic index and target of SF001 in an immunocompromised mouse model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis against six Aspergillus fumigatus isolates. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/L. Plasma and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) pharmacokinetics were performed following single intraperitoneal doses of 1, 4, 16, and 64 mg/kg. Treatment efficacy was assessed with each of the six fungal isolates using daily doses of SF001 ranging from 0.25 to 64 mg/kg/day over a 96-h treatment duration. Efficacy was assessed by A. fumigatus quantitative PCR of conidial equivalents from lung homogenates. Nonlinear regression analysis using the Hill equation demonstrated that the 24-h exposure-response relationships for both plasma and ELF area under the concentration/MIC and Cmax/MIC ratios were strong and relatively similar [coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.74-0.75). Exposure-response relationships included a median plasma 24-h Cmax/MIC target for stasis and 1-log kill endpoint of 0.5 and 0.6, respectively. The present studies demonstrated in vitro and in vivo SF001 potency against A. fumigatus. These results have potential relevance for SF001 clinical dose selection and evaluation of susceptibility breakpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Lepak
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Brian VanScoy
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacodynamics, Schenectady, New York, USA
| | - Chris Rubino
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacodynamics, Schenectady, New York, USA
| | - Paul G. Ambrose
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacodynamics, Schenectady, New York, USA
| | - David R. Andes
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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20
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Lima-Gomes PDS, do Nascimento MTC, Nadaes NR, de Campos SG, Tavares Haido RM, Danelli MDG, Pinto-da-Silva LH, Saraiva EM. Chick heterophils release DNA extracellular traps (DETs) in vitro and in vivo upon Aspergillus fumigatus conidia exposure. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105261. [PMID: 37984735 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105261] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillosis is a common fungal disease in avian species, causing high mortality in young chicks in agricultural farms and yards. It is caused by fungi belonging to the genus Aspergillus. Aspergillosis occurs by inhalation of fungal conidia, and in chickens, effective infection control relies on a rapid and large influx of heterophils to the lungs. Heterophils, upon different stimuli, release to the extracellular milieu their chromatin associated with several proteins that ensnare and kill different pathogens similarly to neutrophil extracellular traps. Here, we showed that Aspergillus fumigatus conidia and the peptidogalactomannan (PGM), isolated from the fungus cell wall, induce the release of DNA extracellular traps (DETs) in chicks' blood and lung heterophils. We demonstrated that reactive oxygen species, elastase and peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD) were involved in DETs extrusion, the occurrence of DETs in the lungs of A. fumigatus-exposed chicks in vivo, and its role in chick survival. These results may contribute to developing more efficient tools for the therapeutic and diagnosis of aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillipe de Souza Lima-Gomes
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto de Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Michelle Tanny Cunha do Nascimento
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Natalia Rocha Nadaes
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Gaspar de Campos
- Instituto de Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria Tavares Haido
- Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria das Graças Danelli
- Instituto de Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lucia Helena Pinto-da-Silva
- Instituto de Veterinária, Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elvira M Saraiva
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Departamento de Imunologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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21
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Nasiri-Jahrodi A, Barati M, Namdar Ahmadabad H, Badali H, Morovati H. A comprehensive review on the role of T cell subsets and CAR-T cell therapy in Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110763. [PMID: 38350795 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110763] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the immune response to Aspergillus fumigatus, a common cause of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in immunocompromised individuals, is critical for developing effective treatments. Tcells play a critical role in the immune response to A. fumigatus, with different subsets having distinct functions. Th1 cells are important for controlling fungal growth, while Th2 cells can exacerbate infection. Th17 cells promote the clearance of fungi indirectly by stimulating the production of various antimicrobial peptides from epithelial cells and directly by recruiting and activating neutrophils. Regulatory T cells have varied functions in A.fumigatus infection. They expand after exposure to A. fumigatus conidia and prevent organ injury and fungal sepsis by downregulating inflammation and inhibiting neutrophils or suppressing Th17 cells. Regulatory T cells also block Th2 cells to stop aspergillosis allergies. Immunotherapy with CAR T cells is a promising treatment for fungal infections, including A. fumigatus infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the immune response to A. fumigatus and to develop effective immunotherapies with CAR-T cells for this infection. This literature review explores the role of Tcell subsets in A.fumigatus infection, and the effects of CAR-T cell therapy on this fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abozar Nasiri-Jahrodi
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mehdi Barati
- Department of Pathobiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
| | - Hasan Namdar Ahmadabad
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
| | - Hamid Badali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Hamid Morovati
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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22
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Joest M, Klein J, Kütting D, Skowasch D. [Allergic bronchopullmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) - an Update]. Pneumologie 2024; 78:204-214. [PMID: 38417459 DOI: 10.1055/a-1854-3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a regular occurrence in everyday pneumology. ABPA should be considered in patients with severe asthma, in mould allergic patients with very high serum IgE levels and in patients with cystic fibrosis. The aim should be to make the diagnosis as early as possible in the course of the disease to avoid late complications such as bronchiectasis and fibrotic lung remodelling. Symptoms are highly variable and rather non-specific, overlapping with those of the underlying primary disease. However, clearly defined diagnostic criteria exist, so that the diagnosis can be made relatively easily if one thinks of it. In therapy, systemic steroids and antifungals (mainly azoles) play the leading role. However, biologics have been gaining in importance in recent years, especially in cases of insufficient therapy response or occurrence of side effects to standard therapies, as well as an alternative in permanently steroid-dependent patients.
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do Nascimento AGCR, de Paula AM, Busato JG, da Rocha GC, Perecmanis S, da Silva SG, Neto ART. Impact of Aspergillus fumigatus inoculation on the composting of wood shaving bedding for horses. Lett Appl Microbiol 2024; 77:ovae023. [PMID: 38409949 DOI: 10.1093/lambio/ovae023] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Equine farming generates a significant amount of waste, prompting the need for effective management. Composting enhanced by filamentous fungi holds promise for this purpose. This study focused on inoculating Aspergillus fumigatus isolates in composting horse bedding made with wood shavings (Pinus elliottii). The experiment lasted 90 days, with two treatment groups, control and inoculated, analyzing temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon and nitrogen content, and cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents. Both treatments entered the thermophilic phase by the fourth day, reaching temperatures above 55°C and mesophilic maturation at 35 days (41 ± 0.2°C). The inoculated treatment exhibited higher electrical conductivity after 30 days and a more pronounced reduction in the total carbon content (42.85% vs. 38.29%) compared to the control. While there was no significant nitrogen difference, the inoculated treatment had a sharper reduction in carbon/nitrogen ratio, and cellulose and hemicellulose contents. Both treatments showed low coliform counts, no Salmonella sp., and reduced Strongyloides sp. larvae. Inoculating A. fumigatus in saturated horse bedding made from wood shavings improved compost quality, providing a possibility for sustainable equine farming waste treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Monteiro de Paula
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Jader Galba Busato
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Gino Chaves da Rocha
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Simone Perecmanis
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Sâmia Gomes da Silva
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Antônio Raphael Texeira Neto
- Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, University of Brasília, Campus Universitário Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil
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24
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König S, Schroeder J, Nietzsche S, Heinekamp T, Brakhage AA, Zell R, Löffler B, Ehrhardt C. The influenza A virus promotes fungal growth of Aspergillus fumigatus via direct interaction in vitro. Microbes Infect 2024; 26:105264. [PMID: 38008399 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105264] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal influenza A virus (IAV) infections still pose a major burden for public health worldwide. Severe disease progression or even death is often related to superinfections of the virus and a secondary bacterial pathogen. However, fungi, especially Aspergillus fumigatus, are also frequently diagnosed during IAV infection. Although, clinical studies have reported the severity of influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis, the molecular mechanisms underlying this type of disease are poorly understood. Here, a new in vitro model is introduced that allows the investigation of complex pathogen-host and pathogen-pathogen interactions during coinfection of lung epithelial cells with IAV and A. fumigatus. Our data reveal a reduced IAV load and IAV-induced cytokine and chemokine expression in the presence of A. fumigatus. At the same time, IAV infection promotes the growth of A. fumigatus. Even in the absence of the human host cell, purified IAV particles are able to induce hyphal growth, due to a direct interaction of the virus particles with the fungal surface. Thus, our study gives first insights into the complex interplay between IAV, A. fumigatus and the host cell as well as the two pathogens alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah König
- Section of Experimental Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Jena University Hospital, Hans-Knöll-Str. 2, D-07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Josefine Schroeder
- Section of Experimental Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Jena University Hospital, Hans-Knöll-Str. 2, D-07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Sandor Nietzsche
- Center for Electron Microscopy, Jena University Hospital, Ziegelmühlenweg 1, D-07743 Jena, Germany.
| | - Thorsten Heinekamp
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstr. 11a, D-07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstr. 11a, D-07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Roland Zell
- Section of Experimental Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Jena University Hospital, Hans-Knöll-Str. 2, D-07745 Jena, Germany.
| | - Bettina Löffler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum 1, D-07747 Jena, Germany.
| | - Christina Ehrhardt
- Section of Experimental Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Center for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Jena University Hospital, Hans-Knöll-Str. 2, D-07745 Jena, Germany.
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25
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Gracia Carmona O, Lahham M, Poliak P, Goj D, Frießer E, Wallner S, Macheroux P, Oostenbrink C. Understanding the riddle of amine oxidase flavoenzyme reactivity on the stereoisomers of N-methyl-dopa and N-methyl-tyrosine. J Mol Recognit 2024; 37:e3068. [PMID: 37968575 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.3068] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes are usually stereospecific against chiral substrates, which is commonly accepted for the amine oxidase family of enzymes as well. However, the FsqB (fumisoquin biosynthesis gene B) enzyme that belongs to the family of sarcosine oxidase and oxidizes L-N-methyl-amino acids, shows surprising activity for both enantiomers of N-methyl-dopa. The aim of this study is to understand the mechanism behind this behavior. Primary docking experiments showed that tyrosine and aspartate residues (121 and 315 respectively) are located on the ceiling of the active site of FsqB and may play a role in fixing the N-methyl-dopa via its catechol moiety and allowing both stereoisomers of this substrate to be in close proximity of the N5 atom of the isoalloxazine ring of the cofactor. Three experimental approaches were used to prove this hypothesis which are: (1) studying the oxidative ability of the variants Y121F and D315A on N-methyl-dopa substrates in comparison with N-methyl-tyrosine substrates; (2) studying the FsqB WT and variants catalyzed biotransformation via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); (3) molecular dynamics simulations to characterize the underlying mechanisms of the molecular recognition. First, we found that the chemical characteristics of the catechol moiety of N-methyl-dopa are important to explain the differences between N-methyl-dopa and N-methyl-tyrosine. Furthermore, we found that Y121 and D315 are specific in FsqB and not found in the model enzyme sarcosine oxidase. The on-bench and theoretical mutagenesis studies show that Y121 residue has a major role in fixing the N-methyl-dopa substrates close to the N5 atom of the isoalloxazine ring of the cofactor. Simultaneously, D315 has a supportive role in this mechanism. Jointly, the experimental and theoretical approaches help to solve the riddle of FsqB amine oxidase substrate specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oriol Gracia Carmona
- Institute for Molecular Modeling and Simulation, Department of Material Sciences and Process Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Majd Lahham
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab University for Science and Technology, Hama, Syria
| | - Peter Poliak
- Institute for Molecular Modeling and Simulation, Department of Material Sciences and Process Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dominic Goj
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Frießer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Silvia Wallner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Macheroux
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - Chris Oostenbrink
- Institute for Molecular Modeling and Simulation, Department of Material Sciences and Process Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory Molecular Informatic in the Biosciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Ma YY, Pu G, Liu HY, Yao S, Kong GH, Wu YP, Li YK, Wang WG, Zhou M, Hu QF, Yang FX. Indole alkaloids isolated from the Nicotiana tabacum-derived Aspergillus fumigatus 0338 as potential inhibitors for tobacco powdery mildew and their mode of actions. Pestic Biochem Physiol 2024; 200:105814. [PMID: 38582586 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105814] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
To explore active natural products against tobacco powdery mildew caused by Golovinomyces cichoracearum, an extract from the fermentation of endophytic Aspergillus fumigatus 0338 was investigated. The mechanisms of action for active compounds were also studied in detail. As a result, 14 indole alkaloid derivatives were isolated, with seven being newly discovered (1-7) and the remaining seven previously described (8-14). Notably, compounds 1-3 are rare linearly fused 6/6/5 tricyclic prenylated indole alkaloids, with asperversiamide J being the only known natural product of this kind. The isopentenyl substitutions at the 5-position in compounds 4 and 5 are also rare, with only compounds 1-(5-prenyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-propan-2-one (8) and 1-(6-methoxy-5-prenyl-1H-indol3-yl)-propan-2-one currently available. In addition, compounds 6 and 7 are new framework indole alkaloid derivatives bearing a 6-methyl-1,7-dihydro-2H-azepin-2-one ring. The purified compounds were evaluated for their activity against G. cichoracearum, and the results revealed that compounds 7 and 9 demonstrated obvious anti-G. cichoracearum activities with an inhibition rate of 82.6% and 85.2%, respectively, at a concentration of 250 μg/mL, these rates were better than that of the positive control agent, carbendazim (78.6%). The protective and curative effects of compounds 7 and 9 were also better than that of positive control, at the same concentration. Moreover, the mechanistic study showed that treatment with compound 9 significantly increased the structural tightness of tobacco leaves and directly affect the conidiospores of G. cichoracearum, thereby enhancing resistance. Compounds 7 and 9 could also induce systemic acquired resistance (SAR), directly regulating the expression of defense enzymes, defense genes, and plant semaphorins, which may further contribute to increased plant resistance. Based on the activity experiments and molecular dockings, the indole core structure may be the foundation of these compounds' anti-G. cichoracearum activity. Among them, the indole derivative parent structures of compounds 6, 7, and 9 exhibit strong effects. Moreover, the methoxy substitution in compound 7 can enhance their activity. By isolating and structurally identifying the above indole alkaloids, new candidates for anti-powdery mildew chemical screening were discovered, which could enhance the utilization of N. tabacum-derived fungi in pesticide development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resource and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, PR China
| | - Gui Pu
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Hua-Yin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Sui Yao
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, PR China
| | - Guang-Hui Kong
- Yunnan Academy of Tobacco Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650031, PR China
| | - Yu-Ping Wu
- Yunnan Academy of Tobacco Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650031, PR China
| | - Yin-Ke Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resource and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, PR China; Yunnan Academy of Tobacco Agricultural Sciences, Kunming 650031, PR China
| | - Wei-Guang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resource and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, PR China
| | - Min Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resource and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, PR China
| | - Qiu-Fen Hu
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resource and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, PR China.
| | - Feng-Xian Yang
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry in Ethnic Medicinal Resources, State Ethnic Affairs Commission & Ministry of Education, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming 650500, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resource and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, PR China.
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Lu D, Liu W, Yang H, Zong Y, Sun J, Sun X, Song S, Liu M, Kan J, Che C. Schaftoside reduces inflammation in Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis through the inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88 pathway. Cytokine 2024; 175:156483. [PMID: 38159472 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156483] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this research study was to investigate the impact of schaftoside on Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS In order to establish safe experimental concentrations of schaftoside in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs), RAW264.7 cells, and mouse models, various techniques were employed including cytotoxicity assay (CCK-8) assay, cell scratch assay, and Draize test. The therapeutic effect of schaftoside was assessed using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, clinical scores, as well as determination of neutrophil infiltration through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence (IF) staining, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay. The levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), pro-inflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6 were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and IF techniques. RESULTS Schaftoside at a concentration of 160 μM displayed no harmful side effects on HCECs, RAW cells, and mouse corneas, rendering it suitable for further experiments. In a murine fungal keratitis model, schaftoside mitigated the severity of fungal keratitis by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and reducing MPO activity. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that schaftoside treatment suppressed the upregulation of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression, while also downregulating the expressions of TLR4 as well as MyD88 at both mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS Schaftoside demonstrated a protective effect against A. fumigatus keratitis by reducing corneal damage through inhibition of neutrophil recruitment and downstream inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory properties of schaftoside in A. fumigatus keratitis may involve modulation of the TLR4/MyD88 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danli Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wenting Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yao Zong
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jintao Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shiqi Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengzhu Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingze Kan
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chengye Che
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Jentsch MC, Lübke S, Schrödl W, Volke D, Krizsan A, Hoffmann R, Kaiser-Thom S, Gerber V, Marti E, Wagner B, Schnabel CL. Immunoproteomics enable broad identification of new Aspergillus fumigatus antigens in severe equine asthma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1347164. [PMID: 38487534 PMCID: PMC10937411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1347164] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe equine asthma (SEA) is a common chronic disease of adult horses with characteristic recurrent airway obstruction and similarities to neutrophilic asthma in humans. As an extrinsic stimulus, hay dust exposure is a major risk factor and induces acute exacerbation in susceptible horses. However, single inducing agents of SEA have hardly been identified on a molecular basis. Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) is a common mold species in hay and has been described as a major provoking agent of SEA. Methods Aiming to identify disease-relevant antigens, we analyzed A. fumigatus using an immunoproteomics approach on two-dimensional immunoblots of A. fumigatus protein probed with serum from environmentally matched asthmatic and healthy horses (n=5 pairs). A. fumigatus binding serum immunoglobulins (Pan-Ig), and the isotypes IgG4/7 and IgG3/5 were quantified for each protein spot and then compared between asthmatic and healthy horses. Results and discussion For 21 out of 289 spots serum immunoglobulin (Ig) binding was different between the two groups for Pan-Ig or the isotypes. If differences were detected, Pan-Ig and IgG4/7 binding to the proteins were lower, while IgG3/5 binding was higher in asthmatic than healthy horse sera. Proteins were extracted from the 21 spots of interest and analyzed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Eight prioritized proteins (candidate antigens) were expressed as recombinant proteins. Some of these have been previously described as major or minor A. fumigatus allergens, alongside other proteins, most with hydrolase activity. Recombinant candidate antigens were tested on 1D immunoblots to confirm their relevance as antigens by serum antibody binding. Four proteins (beta-hexosaminidase, class II aldolase/adducin domain protein, glucoamylase, peptide hydrolase B0XX53) showed different antibody binding characteristics between asthmatic and healthy horses and are likely relevant antigens in SEA. Their identification can provide the basis for innovative diagnostics, prevention, or therapeutic approaches. Additionally, a more profound understanding of SEA and its potential underlying mechanisms can be established. Elevated serum IgG3/5 antibodies correlate with T helper cell 2 responses in other equine pathologies, and the recombinant SEA antigens developed here can become instrumental in analyzing the involvement of SEA-specific T cell responses and Ig responses in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Christin Jentsch
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabrina Lübke
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Schrödl
- Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniela Volke
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andor Krizsan
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralf Hoffmann
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah Kaiser-Thom
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eliane Marti
- Division of Neurological Sciences, Department of Clinical Research and Veterinary Public Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Christiane L. Schnabel
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Chen Y, Gao F, Chen X, Tao S, Chen P, Lin W. The basic leucine zipper transcription factor MeaB is critical for biofilm formation, cell wall integrity, and virulence in Aspergillus fumigatus. mSphere 2024; 9:e0061923. [PMID: 38284755 PMCID: PMC10900910 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00619-23] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The regulation of fungal cell wall biosynthesis is crucial for cell wall integrity maintenance and directly impacts fungal pathogen virulence. Although numerous genes are involved in fungal cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis through multiple pathways, the underlying regulatory mechanism is still not fully understood. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized a direct downstream target of SomA, the basic-region leucine zipper transcription factor MeaB, playing a certain role in Aspergillus fumigatus cell wall integrity. Loss of meaB reduces hyphal growth, causes severe defects in galactosaminogalactan-mediated biofilm formation, and attenuates virulence in a Galleria mellonella infection model. Furthermore, the meaB null mutant strain exhibited hypersensitivity to cell wall-perturbing agents and significantly alters the cell wall structure. Transcriptional profile analysis revealed that MeaB positively regulates the expression of the galactosaminogalactan biosynthesis and β-1,3-glucanosyltransferase genes uge3, agd3, and sph3 and gel1, gel5, and gel7, respectively, as well as genes involved in amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism. Further study demonstrated that MeaB could respond to cell wall stress and contribute to the proper expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase genes mpkA and mpkC in the presence of different concentrations of congo red. In conclusion, A. fumigatus MeaB plays a critical role in cell wall integrity by governing the expression of genes encoding cell wall-related proteins, thus impacting the virulence of this fungus.IMPORTANCEAspergillus fumigatus is a common opportunistic mold that causes life-threatening infections in immunosuppressed patients. The fungal cell wall is a complex and dynamic organelle essential for the development of pathogenic fungi. Genes involved in cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis and remodeling are crucial for fungal pathogen virulence. However, the potential regulatory mechanism for cell wall integrity remains to be fully defined in A. fumigatus. In the present study, we identify basic-region leucine zipper transcription factor MeaB as an important regulator of cell wall galactosaminogalactan biosynthesis and β-1,3-glucan remodeling that consequently impacts stress response and virulence of fungal pathogens. Thus, we illuminate a mechanism of transcriptional control fungal cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis and stress response. As these cell wall components are promising therapeutic targets for fungal infections, understanding the regulatory mechanism of such polysaccharides will provide new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Chen
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojin Chen
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyuan Tao
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Peiying Chen
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Ravenel K, Guegan H, Gastebois A, Bouchara JP, Gangneux JP, Giraud S. Fungal Colonization of the Airways of Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: the Role of the Environmental Reservoirs. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:19. [PMID: 38407729 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00818-x] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi frequently colonize the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis and may cause severe diseases, such as the allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The most common filamentous fungi capable to chronically colonize the respiratory tract of the patients are Aspergillus fumigatus and Scedosporium species. Defining the treatment strategy may be challenging, the number of available drugs being limited and some of the causative agents being multiresistant microorganisms. The knowledge of the fungal niches in the outdoor and indoor environment is needed for understanding the origin of the contamination of the patients. In light of the abundance of some of the causative molds in compost, agricultural and flower fields, occupational activities related to such environments should be discouraged for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In addition, the microbiological monitoring of their indoor environment, including analysis of air and dust on surfaces, is essential to propose preventive measures aiming to reduce the exposure to environmental molds. Nevertheless, some specific niches were also identified in the indoor environment, in relation with humidity which favors the growth of thermotolerant molds. Potted plants were reported as indoor reservoirs for Scedosporium species. Likewise, Exophiala dermatitidis may be spread in the kitchen via dishwashers. However, genotype studies are still required to establish the link between dishwashers and colonization of the airways of CF patients by this black yeast. Moreover, as nothing is known regarding the other filamentous fungi associated with CF, further studies should be conducted to identify other potential specific niches in the habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Ravenel
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France
| | - Hélène Guegan
- EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Amandine Gastebois
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Bouchara
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, CHU Rennes, INSERM, Univ Rennes, 35000, Rennes, France
| | - Sandrine Giraud
- IRF (Infections Respiratoires Fongiques), SFR ICAT 4208, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, Angers, France.
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Pfaller MA, Carvalhaes CG, Rhomberg PR, Desphande LM, Castanheira M. Trends in the activity of mold-active azole agents against Aspergillus fumigatus clinical isolates with and without cyp51 alterations from Europe and North America (2017-2021). J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0114123. [PMID: 38193696 PMCID: PMC10865804 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01141-23] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus (AFM) is increasing and often associated with cyp51 alterations. We evaluated the activity of isavuconazole and other mold-active azoles against 731 AFM isolates causing invasive aspergillosis collected in Europe (EU; n = 449) and North America (NA; n = 282). Isolates were submitted to CLSI susceptibility testing and epidemiological cutoff value (ECV) criteria. A posaconazole ECV of 0.5 mg/L was used as no CLSI ECV was determined. Azole non-wild-type (NWT) isolates were submitted for cyp51 sequencing by whole genome sequencing. Overall, isavuconazole activity (92.7%/94.0% WT in EU/NA) was comparable to other azoles (WT rate range, 90.9%-96.4%/91.8%-98.6%, respectively), regardless of the region. A total of 79 (10.8%) azole NWT isolates were detected, and similar rates of these isolates were noted in EU (10.7%) and NA (11.0%). Although most AFM were WT to azoles, increasing azole NWT rates were observed in NA (from 6.0% in 2017 to 29.3% in 2021). Azole NWT rates varied from 4.9% (2019) to 20.6% (2018) in EU without an observed trend. cyp51 alterations occurred in 56.3%/54.8% of azole NWT from EU/NA, respectively. The cyp51A TR34/L98H alteration was observed only in EU isolates (72.0% of EU isolates), while cyp51A I242V occurred only in NA isolates (58.3%). Isavuconazole remained active (MIC, ≤1 mg/L) against 18.5/47.1% of azole NWT AFM exhibiting cyp51 alterations in EU/NA, along with voriconazole (29.6/82.4%; MIC, ≤1 mg/L) and posaconazole (48.1/88.2%; MIC, ≤0.5 mg/L). Fourteen different cyp51 alterations were detected in 44 of 79 NWT isolates. The in vitro activity of the azoles varied in AFM that displayed cyp51 alterations. IMPORTANCE A few microbiology laboratories perform antifungal susceptibility testing locally for systemically active antifungal agents. The identification of emerging azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus is worrisome. As such, there is a critical role for antifungal surveillance in tracking emerging resistance among both common and uncommon opportunistic fungi. Differences in the regional prevalence and antifungal resistance of these fungi render local epidemiological knowledge essential for the care of patients with a suspected invasive fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Pfaller
- JMI Laboratories, North Liberty, Iowa, USA
- University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Agarwal R, Muthu V, Sehgal IS. Clinical Manifestation and Treatment of Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:114-127. [PMID: 38154470 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complex hypersensitivity reaction to airway colonization by Aspergillus fumigatus in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. The pathophysiology of ABPA involves a complex interplay between the fungus and the host immune response, which causes persistent inflammation and tissue damage. Patients present with chronic cough, wheezing, and dyspnea due to uncontrolled asthma. Characteristic symptoms include the expectoration of brownish mucus plugs. Radiographic findings often reveal fleeting pulmonary infiltrates, bronchiectasis, and mucus impaction. However, the definitive diagnosis of ABPA requires a combination of clinical, radiological, and immunological findings. The management of ABPA aims to reduce symptoms, prevent disease progression, and minimize the future risk of exacerbations. The treatment approach involves systemic glucocorticoids or antifungal agents to suppress the inflammatory response or fungal growth and prevent exacerbations. Biological agents may be used in patients with severe disease or glucocorticoid dependence. This review provides an overview of the clinical manifestations and current treatment options for ABPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Agarwal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Valliappan Muthu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Inderpaul S Sehgal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Sehgal IS, Muthu V, Dhooria S, Prasad KT, Rudramurthy SM, Aggarwal AN, Garg M, Gangneux JP, Chakrabarti A, Agarwal R. Sensitivity and specificity of LDBio Aspergillus ICT lateral flow assay for diagnosing allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in adult asthmatics. Mycoses 2024; 67:e13700. [PMID: 38369615 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13700] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus fumigatus-specific IgG estimation is crucial for diagnosing allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). A point-of-care LDBio immunochromatographic lateral flow assay (LFA) had 0%-90% sensitivity to detect IgG/IgM antibodies against A. fumigatus. OBJECTIVE To assess the accuracy of LDBio-LFA in diagnosing ABPA, using the modified ISHAM-ABPA working group criteria as the reference standard. The secondary objective was to compare the diagnostic performance between LDBio-LFA and A. fumigatus-specific IgG (cut-offs, 27 and 40 mgA/L), using a multidisciplinary team (blinded to A. fumigatus-IgG and LDBio-LFA results) diagnosis of ABPA as the reference standard. METHODS We prospectively enrolled adult subjects with asthma and ABPA. We performed the LDBio-LFA per the manufacturer's recommendations. We used the commercially available automated fluorescent enzyme immunoassay for measuring serum A. fumigatus-specific IgG. We used the same serum sample to perform both index tests. The tests were performed by technicians blinded to the results of other tests and clinical diagnoses. RESULTS We included 123 asthmatic and 166 ABPA subjects, with a mean ± SD age of 37.4 ± 14.4 years. Bronchiectasis and high-attenuation mucus were seen in 93.6% (146/156) and 24.3% (38/156) of the ABPA subjects. The sensitivity and specificity of LDBio-LFA in diagnosing ABPA were 84.9% and 82.9%, respectively. The sensitivity of serum A. fumigatus-specific IgG ≥27 mgA/L was 13% better than LDBio-LFA, with no difference in specificity. There was no significant difference in sensitivity and specificity between LDBio-LFA and serum A. fumigatus-IgG ≥40 mgA/L. CONCLUSION LDBio-LFA is a valuable test for diagnosing ABPA. However, a negative test should be confirmed using an enzyme immunoassay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inderpaul Singh Sehgal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Valliappan Muthu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sahajal Dhooria
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kuruswamy Thurai Prasad
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shivaprakash M Rudramurthy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashutosh Nath Aggarwal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Mandeep Garg
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jean-Pierre Gangneux
- CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Univ Rennes, Rennes, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, ECMM Excellence Center in Medical Mycology, French National Reference Center on Mycoses and Antifungals (CNRMA LA-Asp C), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | | | - Ritesh Agarwal
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Schwarz C, Eschenhagen PN, Mainz JG, Schmidergall T, Schuette H, Romanowska E. Pulmonary Aspergillosis in People with Cystic Fibrosis. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:128-140. [PMID: 38286138 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
In the last decade, fungal respiratory diseases have been increasingly investigated for their impact on the clinical course of people with cystic fibrosis (CF), with a particular focus on infections caused by Aspergillus spp. The most common organisms from this genus detected from respiratory cultures are Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus terreus, followed by Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus nidulans. These species have been identified to be both chronic colonizers and sources of active infection and may negatively impact lung function in people with CF. This review article discusses definitions of aspergillosis, challenges in clinical practice, and current literature available for laboratory findings, clinical diagnosis, and treatment options for pulmonary diseases caused by Aspergillus spp. in people with CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schwarz
- HMU-Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
- Division Cystic Fibrosis, Clinic Westbrandenburg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - P N Eschenhagen
- HMU-Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
- Division Cystic Fibrosis, Clinic Westbrandenburg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - J G Mainz
- Department of Paediatric Pneumology, Allergology, Cystic Fibrosis Center, Klinikum Westbrandenburg, Brandenburg a. d. Havel, Germany
- University Hospital of the Brandenburg Medical School, Brandenburg a. d. Havel, Germany
| | - T Schmidergall
- HMU-Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
- Division Cystic Fibrosis, Clinic Westbrandenburg, Potsdam, Germany
| | - H Schuette
- Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine, Ernst von Bergmann Klinikum, Potsdam, Germany
| | - E Romanowska
- HMU-Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
- Division Cystic Fibrosis, Clinic Westbrandenburg, Potsdam, Germany
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Janssens I, Lambrecht BN, Van Braeckel E. Aspergillus and the Lung. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 45:3-20. [PMID: 38286136 PMCID: PMC10857890 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777259] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus causes a wide spectrum of diseases in the human lung, with Aspergillus fumigatus being the most pathogenic and allergenic subspecies. The broad range of clinical syndromes that can develop from the presence of Aspergillus in the respiratory tract is determined by the interaction between host and pathogen. In this review, an oversight of the different clinical entities of pulmonary aspergillosis is given, categorized by their main pathophysiological mechanisms. The underlying immune processes are discussed, and the main clinical, radiological, biochemical, microbiological, and histopathological findings are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Janssens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart N. Lambrecht
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, ErasmusMC; Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Van Braeckel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Wu YM, Yang XQ, Yang YB, Cai L, He FF, Ding ZT. The antifungal metabolites from coculture of Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria alternata associated with Coffea arabica. Nat Prod Res 2024; 38:753-758. [PMID: 37021795 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2196722] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
One new cyclohexenone derivative, asperfumtone A (1) along with six known compounds were obtained from the coculture of Aspergillus fumigatus and Alternaria alternata associated with Coffea arabica. The configuration of 2 was first reported in the research. The structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, and ECD calculation. Compounds 3, 4 and 7 showed significant antifungal activities against coffee phytopathogens A. alternata and Fusarium incarnatum with MICs of 1 μg/mL. Compounds 1 and 2 showed weak antifungal activities against A. alternata and F. incarnatum with MICs of 32-64 μg/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Mei Wu
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Qiong Yang
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Bin Yang
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Cai
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei-Fei He
- School of Agriculture, Yunnan University, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong-Tao Ding
- Functional Molecules Analysis and Biotransformation Key Laboratory of Universities in Yunnan Province, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, People's Republic of China
- Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, People's Republic of China
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Sang Z, Zhang Y, Qiu K, Zheng Y, Chen C, Xu L, Lai J, Zou Z, Tan H. Chemical Constituents and Bioactivities of the Plant-Derived Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Molecules 2024; 29:649. [PMID: 38338395 PMCID: PMC10856792 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030649] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A new bergamotane sesquiterpenoid, named xylariterpenoid H (1), along with fourteen known compounds (2-15), were isolated from the crude extract of Aspergillus fumigatus, an endophytic fungus isolated from Delphinium grandiflorum L. Their structures were elucidated mainly by extensive analyses of NMR and MS spectroscopic data. In addition, the screening results of antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of compounds 1-15 showed that compound 4 displayed antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) with an MIC value of 3.12 µg/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihuan Sang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Rsearch for Chronic Diseases, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (Z.S.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (L.X.)
- National Engineering Research Center of Navel Orange, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; (Y.Z.); (K.Q.); (J.L.)
| | - Yanjiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; (Y.Z.); (K.Q.); (J.L.)
| | - Kaidi Qiu
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; (Y.Z.); (K.Q.); (J.L.)
| | - Yuting Zheng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Rsearch for Chronic Diseases, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (Z.S.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (L.X.)
| | - Chen Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Rsearch for Chronic Diseases, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (Z.S.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (L.X.)
- National Engineering Research Center of Navel Orange, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; (Y.Z.); (K.Q.); (J.L.)
| | - Li Xu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Rsearch for Chronic Diseases, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (Z.S.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (L.X.)
| | - Jiaying Lai
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; (Y.Z.); (K.Q.); (J.L.)
| | - Zhenxing Zou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Rsearch for Chronic Diseases, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (Z.S.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (L.X.)
| | - Haibo Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Drug Rsearch for Chronic Diseases, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (Z.S.); (Y.Z.); (C.C.); (L.X.)
- National Engineering Research Center of Navel Orange, Gannan Normal University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Agricultural Plant Molecular Analysis and Genetic Improvement, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510650, China; (Y.Z.); (K.Q.); (J.L.)
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El-Sayed ASA, Shindia A, Ammar H, Seadawy MG, Khashana SA. Bioprocessing of Epothilone B from Aspergillus fumigatus under solid state fermentation: Antiproliferative activity, tubulin polymerization and cell cycle analysis. BMC Microbiol 2024; 24:43. [PMID: 38291363 PMCID: PMC10829302 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03184-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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Epothilone derivatives have been recognized as one of the most powerful anticancer drugs towards solid tumors, for their unique affinity to bind with β-tubulin microtubule arrays, stabilizing their disassembly, causing cell death. Sornagium cellulosum is the main source for Epothilone, however, the fermentation bioprocessing of this myxobacteria is the main challenge for commercial production of Epothilone. The metabolic biosynthetic potency of epothilone by Aspergillus fumigatus, an endophyte of Catharanthus roseus, raises the hope for commercial epothilone production, for their fast growth rate and feasibility of manipulating their secondary metabolites. Thus, nutritional optimization of A. fumigatus for maximizing their epothilone productivity under solid state fermentation process is the objective. The highest yield of epothilone was obtained by growing A. fumigatus on orange peels under solid state fermentation (2.2 μg/g), bioprocessed by the Plackett-Burman design. The chemical structure of the extracted epothilone was resolved from the HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis, with molecular mass 507.2 m/z and identical molecular fragmentation pattern of epothilone B of S. cellulosum. The purified A. fumigatus epothilone had a significant activity towards HepG2 (IC50 0.98 μg/ml), Pancl (IC50 1.5 μg/ml), MCF7 (IC50 3.7 μg/ml) and WI38 (IC50 4.6 μg/ml), as well as a strong anti-tubulin polymerization activity (IC50 0.52 μg/ml) compared to Paclitaxel (2.0 μg/ml). The effect of A. fumigatus epothilone on the immigration ability of HepG2 cells was assessed, as revealed from the wound closure of the monolayer cells that was estimated by ~ 63.7 and 72.5%, in response to the sample and doxorubicin, respectively, compared to negative control. From the Annexin V-PI flow cytometry results, a significant shift of the normal cells to the apoptosis was observed in response to A. fumigatus epothilone by ~ 20 folds compared to control cells, with the highest growth arrest of the HepG2 cells at the G0-G1 stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf S A El-Sayed
- Enzymology and Fungal Biotechnology lab, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Shindia
- Enzymology and Fungal Biotechnology lab, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Hala Ammar
- Enzymology and Fungal Biotechnology lab, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohamed G Seadawy
- Biological Prevention Department, Egyptian Ministry of Defense, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samar A Khashana
- Enzymology and Fungal Biotechnology lab, Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
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Wang L, Liu Y, Li H. Co-infection of Nocardia and Aspergillus fumigatus in a immunosuppressed patient: Case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37073. [PMID: 38277515 PMCID: PMC10817115 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037073] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nocardia and Aspergillus fumigatus are opportunistic pathogenic fungus that has a major impact on the mortality of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients present diagnostic challenges. Nocardia and A fumigatus are both easily overlooked because of their rarity, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. CASE PRESENTATION We report an infection caused by steroid use in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. A 76-year-old man with a history of rheumatoid arthritis was admitted to our hospital because of cough, expectoration and fever for 10 days. The patient had low immune function, granulocytopenia, diffuse infiltration could be seen on chest computed tomography, and BAL fluid galactomannan level of 1.3 S/CO. The microbiological findings reflect a possible co-infection with Nocardia and A fumigatus. Voriconazole was used to treat pulmonary aspergillosis, ceftriaxone and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole were used to treat Nocardia. After timely targeted medication administration, the patient was discharged with a good prognosis. CONCLUSION Co-infection is more common in immunosuppressed patients and warrants attention in clinical practice. Early diagnosis and treatment can help patients with Co-infection of Nocardia and A fumigatus achieve better prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Emergency department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Emergency department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Li
- Emergency department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Guruceaga X, Perez-Cuesta U, Martin-Vicente A, Pelegri-Martinez E, Thorn HI, Cendon-Sanchez S, Xie J, Nywening AV, Ramirez-Garcia A, Fortwendel JR, Rementeria A. The Aspergillus fumigatus maiA gene contributes to cell wall homeostasis and fungal virulence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1327299. [PMID: 38343890 PMCID: PMC10853476 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1327299] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, two distinct in vitro infection models of Aspergillus fumigatus, using murine macrophages (RAW264.7) and human lung epithelial cells (A549), were employed to identify the genes important for fungal adaptation during infection. Transcriptomic analyses of co-incubated A. fumigatus uncovered 140 fungal genes up-regulated in common between both models that, when compared with a previously published in vivo transcriptomic study, allowed the identification of 13 genes consistently up-regulated in all three infection conditions. Among them, the maiA gene, responsible for a critical step in the L-phenylalanine degradation pathway, was identified. Disruption of maiA resulted in a mutant strain unable to complete the Phe degradation pathway, leading to an excessive production of pyomelanin when this amino acid served as the sole carbon source. Moreover, the disruption mutant exhibited noticeable cell wall abnormalities, with reduced levels of β-glucans within the cell wall but did not show lack of chitin or mannans. The maiA-1 mutant strain induced reduced inflammation in primary macrophages and displayed significantly lower virulence in a neutropenic mouse model of infection. This is the first study linking the A. fumigatus maiA gene to fungal cell wall homeostasis and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Guruceaga
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Uxue Perez-Cuesta
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Adela Martin-Vicente
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Eduardo Pelegri-Martinez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Harrison I. Thorn
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Healths Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Saioa Cendon-Sanchez
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Jinhong Xie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Science, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Healths Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ashley V. Nywening
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Integrated Program in Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Jarrod R. Fortwendel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Aitor Rementeria
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology, and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Shao Y, Shen M, Peng D, Cheng W, Mao C, Zhang H, Sun Y. Observation of a Bone Invasion Model of Aspergillus fumigatus In Vitro and Analysis of the Antifungal Susceptibility. Mycopathologia 2024; 189:4. [PMID: 38231458 DOI: 10.1007/s11046-023-00817-y] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, the prevalence of invasive fungal infections has been on the rise, and one of the prevalent symptoms frequently observed is bone deterioration and bone loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using an in vitro model we studied how Aspergillus fumigatus invades the bone. Pathological analysis was then employed to observe the structure and distinctive features of the invading fungal elements within the bone invasion model. Meanwhile, the antifungal effects of itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and amphotericin B were evaluated. RESULTS The pathological findings showed that in the experimental group, fungal spores and hyphae invaded the bone tissue or were observed growing in the vicinity of the bone edge tissues, as indicated by both HE and PAS staining. In contrast, no fungal elements were observed in the control group, indicating that the in vitro bone invasion model of A. fumigatus was successfully constructed. Furthermore, the findings from the antifungal sensitivity test demonstrated that the lowest effective concentrations of antifungal drugs against the bone invasion model were as follows: 4 μg/ml for itraconazole, 0.5 μg/ml for voriconazole, 2 μg/ml for posaconazole, and 2 μg/ml for amphotericin B. DISCUSSION The successful construction of the bone invasion model of A. fumigatus has provided a solid basis for future investigations into the mechanisms underlying A. fumigatus bone invasion and the study of its virulence factors. Utilizing bone models is of utmost importance in advancing the development of novel antifungal treatment approaches, as well as in effectively preventing and treating fungal bone invasion and osteolytic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shao
- Department of Orthopedics, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Min Shen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Dan Peng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Wenxu Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Chenggang Mao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434020, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434020, Hubei, China.
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He R, Wei P, Odiba AS, Gao L, Usman S, Gong X, Wang B, Wang L, Jin C, Lu G, Fang W. Amino sugars influence Aspergillus fumigatus cell wall polysaccharide biosynthesis, and biofilm formation through interfering galactosaminogalactan deacetylation. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 324:121511. [PMID: 37985096 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121511] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous fungal pathogen responsible for a significant number of deaths annually due to invasive aspergillosis infection. While the utilization of diverse carbon sources, including amino sugars, has been explored in other fungi, its impact on A. fumigatus remains uncharted territory. In this study, we investigated A. fumigatus responses to glucose (Glc), glucosamine (GlcN) and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) as carbon sources. GlcN inhibited growth, reduced sporulation and delayed germination, while GlcNAc had no such effects. Both amino sugars induced alterations in cell wall composition, leading to a reduction in glucan and galactomannan levels while increasing chitin and mannan content, rendering A. fumigatus susceptible to cell wall stress and osmotic stress. GlcN repressed biofilm formation via downregulation of galactosaminogalactan (GAG) cluster genes, notably agd3, which encodes a GAG-specific deacetylase. Moreover, GlcN increased biofilm susceptibility to echinocandins, suggesting its potential for enhancing the effectiveness of antifungal treatments. This study sheds light on the multifaceted effects of amino sugars on A. fumigatus, encompassing growth, cell wall biosynthesis, and biofilm formation, offering promising avenues for innovative aspergillosis treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Institute of Biological Sciences and Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Pingzhen Wei
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Arome Solomon Odiba
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China; State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linlu Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sayed Usman
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Institute of Biological Sciences and Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiufang Gong
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China; State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Linqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- Institute of Biological Sciences and Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China; State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangtao Lu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenxia Fang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Institute of Biological Sciences and Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Muraosa Y, Hino Y, Takatsuka S, Watanabe A, Sakaida E, Saijo S, Miyazaki Y, Yamasaki S, Kamei K. Fungal chitin-binding glycoprotein induces Dectin-2-mediated allergic airway inflammation synergistically with chitin. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011878. [PMID: 38170734 PMCID: PMC10763971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Although chitin in fungal cell walls is associated with allergic airway inflammation, the precise mechanism underlying this association has yet to be elucidated. Here, we investigated the involvement of fungal chitin-binding protein and chitin in allergic airway inflammation. Recombinant Aspergillus fumigatus LdpA (rLdpA) expressed in Pichia pastoris was shown to be an O-linked glycoprotein containing terminal α-mannose residues recognized by the host C-type lectin receptor, Dectin-2. Chitin particles were shown to induce acute neutrophilic airway inflammation mediated release of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) associated with cell death. Furthermore, rLdpA-Dectin-2 interaction was shown to promote phagocytosis of rLdpA-chitin complex and activation of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). Moreover, we showed that rLdpA potently induced T helper 2 (Th2)-driven allergic airway inflammation synergistically with chitin, and Dectin-2 deficiency attenuated the rLdpA-chitin complex-induced immune response in vivo. In addition, we showed that serum LdpA-specific immunoglobulin levels were elevated in patients with pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Muraosa
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Fungal Infection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hino
- Department of Hematology, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shogo Takatsuka
- Department of Fungal Infection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Watanabe
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Emiko Sakaida
- Department of Hematology, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shinobu Saijo
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshitsugu Miyazaki
- Department of Fungal Infection, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Yamasaki
- Division of Molecular Immunology, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Division of Molecular Design, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Kamei
- Division of Clinical Research, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Division of Infection Control and Prevention, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Japanese Red Cross Ishinomaki Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
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44
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Fujiwara T, Itoh M, Matsumoto N, Koshizaki Y, Saitou S, Yamada K, Toyotome T. Most Azole-Susceptible Isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus in Hokkaido, Japan are Clustered with Worldwide Strains That Do Not Have Tandem Repeats in Cyp51A Promoter. Med Mycol J 2024; 65:13-15. [PMID: 38417882 DOI: 10.3314/mmj.23-00007] [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] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we analyzed Aspergillus fumigatus short tandem repeat patterns of 106 strains isolated from the outdoor air, clinical specimens, and king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) with aspergillosis in Japan, and compared them with those of 668 strains from AfumID (including six isolates from Japan). The results showed that the isolates were classified into three major groups. Group II contained most of the azole-resistant strains with 34- and 46-bp tandem repeats in cyp51A promoter. As in our previous study, OKH50 and Env1 strains were classified in Group II. Most of the azole-susceptible strains obtained in Japan were classified in Group III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Fujiwara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Megumi Itoh
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
| | - Naoya Matsumoto
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University
- Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
| | | | | | | | - Takahito Toyotome
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
- Diagnostic Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University
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45
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Ye J, Li Y, Hao J, Song M, Guo Y, Gao W, Zheng C, Huang Y, Feng Z, Zhang L. Rare occurrence of pulmonary coinfection involving Aspergillus fumigatus and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica in immunocompetent patients based on NGS: A case report and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36692. [PMID: 38134116 PMCID: PMC10735146 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036692] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE In our search on PubMed, we found that reports of co-infections involving Aspergillus fumigatus and Nocardia cyriacigeorgica in the literature are notably scarce. Most cases have been documented in patients with compromised immune systems or underlying pulmonary conditions. In contrast, our patient did not present with any of these risk factors. Furthermore, there have been no recent incidents such as near-drowning or other accidents in the patient history. To the best of our knowledge, this case represents a hitherto unreported clinical scenario. To enhance comprehension, we conducted a comprehensive literature review by compiling a total of 20 case reports (spanning from 1984 to 2023) on co-infections involving Aspergillus and Nocardia species, retrieved from PubMed. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS Chest CT revealed the presence of multiple nodules and clustered high-density shadows in both lungs. Bronchoscopy revealed mucosal congestion and edema in the apical segment of the right upper lobe of the lung, along with the presence of 2 spherical polypoid new organisms. The pathological analysis reported severe chronic inflammation with evidence of Aspergillus within the tissue. Next-Generation Sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid revealed the presence of reads corresponding to A fumigatus and N cyriacigeorgica. Positive cultures for A fumigatus and the Nocardia genus were yielded by prolonging the incubation of samples in the microbiology laboratory. INTERVENTIONS Treatment with voriconazole for A fumigatus and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for N cyriacigeorgica infection was given. OUTCOMES The patient improved and was discharged. After 6 months of telephone follow-up, the patient reported no clinical symptoms, discontinued the medication on his own. LESSONS A fumigatus and N cyriacigeorgica can manifest as a co-infection in immunocompetent patients. Clinicians should prioritize the significant advantages and value of NGS in detecting rare and mixed pathogens associated with pulmonary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqing Ye
- The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yahua Li
- The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Jiahao Hao
- The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Minghui Song
- The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yumei Guo
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Intractable Pathogens, Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Weili Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Intractable Pathogens, Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Cuiying Zheng
- The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yinqi Huang
- The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Zhongjun Feng
- The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Lijie Zhang
- The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
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46
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Kelty MT, Beattie SR. Development of a murine model to study the cerebral pathogenesis of Aspergillus fumigatus. mSphere 2023; 8:e0046823. [PMID: 38010145 PMCID: PMC10732035 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00468-23] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Molds are environmental fungi that can cause disease in immunocompromised individuals. The most common pathogenic mold is Aspergillus fumigatus, which is typically inhaled into the lungs and causes invasive pulmonary disease. In a subset of these patients, this infection can spread from the lungs to other organs including the brain, resulting in cerebral aspergillosis. How A. fumigatus causes brain disease is not well understood and these infections are associated with extremely high mortality rates. Thus, we developed an animal model to study the pathogenesis of cerebral aspergillosis to better understand this disease and develop better treatments for these life-threatening infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin T. Kelty
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Sarah R. Beattie
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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47
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Yassin Z, Hajsadeghi S, Shavazi MT, Fattahi M, Ahmadzadeh K, Farid A, Karimi Y, Seirafianpour F, Babaheidarian P, Goodarzi A. Endocarditis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a patient 9 months after COVID-19 infection recovery: a case report and review of the literature. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:519. [PMID: 38110954 PMCID: PMC10729585 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-04252-x] [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: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspergillus spp. are among the fungal pathogens that can cause life-threatening infections in patients with a history of COVID-19. CASE PRESENTATION We present the case of a 58-year-old Iranian woman with post-COVID-19 Aspergillus fumigatus endocarditis complicated by numerous thromboembolisms. She underwent mitral valve replacement surgery and multiple lower extremity embolectomies and was treated with voriconazole, which led to her final recovery. CONCLUSIONS Aspergillus endocarditis should be considered in any patient with suspected endocarditis who has a history of COVID-19 infection and does not respond to routine antibiotic and antifungal therapy, as COVID-19 interferes with proper immune function, and lack of underlying cardiac conditions and immunodeficiencies does not preclude the diagnosis. Culture and histopathological evaluation of vegetations and emboli, as well as PCR, can confirm the diagnosis. Early initiation of antifungal therapy and surgical removal of infected valves and emboli can improve prognosis in patients with Aspergillus endocarditis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynab Yassin
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Hajsadeghi
- Research Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran
| | - Mohsen Taghavi Shavazi
- Department of Cardiology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Fattahi
- Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Taleghani Ave, Nadery Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Koohyar Ahmadzadeh
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armita Farid
- Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Karimi
- Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Seirafianpour
- Razi Drug Research Center, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Hemmat Highway, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
| | - Pegah Babaheidarian
- Pathology Department, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Goodarzi
- Department of Dermatology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Niayesh Street, Sattarkhan Avenue, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran.
- Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran university of medical science, Tehran, 1445613131, Iran.
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48
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Kosmidis C, Hoenigl M. COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis in mechanically ventilated patients: a deadly complication. Thorax 2023; 79:9-10. [PMID: 37940199 DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2023-220621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Kosmidis
- National Aspergillosis Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Translational Medical Mycology Research Group, ECMM Excellence Center for Clinical Mycology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
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49
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Shin SH, Ye MK, Lee DW, Choi MH, Geum SY. Aspergillus Enhances Eosinophil and Neutrophil Extracellular DNA Trap Formation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17264. [PMID: 38139091 PMCID: PMC10744233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417264] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration in the sinonasal mucosa. Eosinophil and neutrophil extracellular traps (EETs and NETs, respectively) are prominently found in CRS. This study aimed to investigate the effect of airborne fungi, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus, on EET and NET formation. Nasal epithelial cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils were isolated from eosinophilic CRS (ECRS), non-ECRS (NECRS), and healthy control. We determined eosinophil and neutrophil transepithelial migration after fungal treatment. We then determined the release of EETs and NETs by fungi using Sytox Green staining and determined the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using ROS inhibitors. We identified more abundant EETs and NETs in ECRS than in NECRS. A. alternata and A. fumigatus enhanced eosinophil and neutrophil transepithelial migration. A. fumigatus strongly induced EET and NET formation in CRS and, simultaneously, suppressed fungal metabolic activity. EET formation in CRS is associated with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase and NET formation with NADPH-oxidase and mitochondrial ROS. A. fumigatus, but not A. alternata, induced EET and NET formation, and peripheral blood eosinophils and neutrophils exhibited different immune responses against A. fumigatus following the inflammatory status of the host. Aspergillus-fumigatus-induced EET and NET formation plays a crucial role in CRS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Heon Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea; (M.-K.Y.); (D.-W.L.); (M.-H.C.); (S.-Y.G.)
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50
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El-Sayed ASA, Elghamry HN, Yassin MA. Biochemical Characterization of Thermostable Acrylamide Amidohydrolase from Aspergillus fumigatus with Potential Activity for Acrylamide Degradation in Various Food Products. Curr Microbiol 2023; 81:30. [PMID: 38052960 PMCID: PMC10698087 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03544-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Acrylamide is the major by-product of the Maillard reactions in foods with the overheating processes of L-asparagine-rich foods with reducing sugars that usually allied with neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Several approaches have been used to prevent the formation of acrylamide, however, degrading the already formed acrylamide in foods remains unequivocal. Acrylamide hydrolyzing enzyme "amidohydrolase" is one of the most promising enzymes for acrylamide degradation in foods. So, amidohydrolase "amidase" from thermotolerant Aspergillus fumigatus EFBL was purified to their electrophoretic homogeneity by gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography, with overall purification folds 2.8 and yield 9.43%. The apparent molecular subunit structure of the purified A. fumigatus amidase was 50 kDa, with highest activity at reaction temperature of 40 °C and pH of 7.5 The enzyme displayed a significant thermal stability as revealed from the value of T1/2 (13.37 h), and thermal denaturation rate (Kr 0.832 × 10-3 min) at 50 °C, with metalloproteinic identity. The purified enzyme had a significant activity for acrylamide degradation in various food products such as meat, cookies, potato chips, and bread as revealed from the HPLC analysis and LC-MS analysis. So, with the purified amidase, the acrylamide in the food products was degraded by about 95% to acrylic acid, ensuring the possibility of using this enzyme in abolishing the toxic acrylamide in the foods products. This is the first report exploring the potency of A. fumigatus amidase for an actual degradation of acrylamide in foods efficiently. Further biochemical analyses are ongoing to assess the affinity of this enzyme for selective hydrolyses of acrylamide in foods, without affecting the beneficial stereochemical related compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf S A El-Sayed
- Enzymology and Fungal Biotechnology Lab, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
| | - Hala N Elghamry
- Enzymology and Fungal Biotechnology Lab, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Marwa A Yassin
- Enzymology and Fungal Biotechnology Lab, Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
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