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Kaya-Tilki E, Dikmen M. Neuroprotective effects of some epigenetic modifying drugs' on Chlamydia pneumoniae-induced neuroinflammation: A novel model. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260633. [PMID: 34847172 PMCID: PMC8631675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) is a gram-negative intracellular pathogen that causes a variety of pulmonary diseases, and there is growing evidence that it may play a role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Cpn can interact functionally with host histones, altering the host's epigenetic regulatory system by introducing bacterial products into the host tissue and inducing a persistent inflammatory response. Because Cpn is difficult to propagate, isolate, and detect, a modified LPS-like neuroinflammation model was established using lyophilized cell free supernatant (CFS) obtained from infected cell cultures, and the effects of CFS were compared to LPS. The neuroprotective effects of Trichostatin A (TSA), givinostat, and RG108, which are effective on epigenetic mechanisms, and the antibiotic rifampin, were studied in this newly introduced model and in the presence of amyloid beta (Aβ) 1-42. The neuroprotective effects of the drugs, as well as the effects of CFS and LPS, were evaluated in Aβ-induced neurotoxicity using a real-time cell analysis system, total ROS, and apoptotic impact. TSA, RG108, givinostat, and rifampin all demonstrated neuroprotective effects in both this novel model and Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. The findings are expected to provide early evidence on neuroprotective actions against Cpn-induced neuroinflammation and Aβ-induced neurotoxicity, which could represent a new treatment option for AD, for which there are currently few treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Kaya-Tilki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Miriş Dikmen
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey
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2
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Wu X, Cheng B, Guo X, Wu Q, Sun S, He P. PPARα/γ signaling pathways are involved in Chlamydia pneumoniae-induced foam cell formation via upregulation of SR-A1 and ACAT1 and downregulation of ABCA1/G1. Microb Pathog 2021; 161:105284. [PMID: 34767930 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of early atherosclerosis by inducing macrophage-derived foam cell formation in the presence of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). However, the biochemical mechanisms underlying Cpn-induced foam cell formation are still not fully elucidated. The present study showed that in LDL-treated THP-1-derived macrophages, Cpn not only upregulated the expression of scavenger receptor A1 (SR-A1) and acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), but it also downregulated the expression of ATP binding cassette transporters (ABCA1 and ABCG1) at both the mRNA and protein levels. These processes facilitated cholesterol accumulation and promoted macrophage-derived foam cell formation. Treatment with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonist rosiglitazone or the PPARα agonist fenofibrate decreased the number of foam cells induced by Cpn, while the PPARγ antagonist GW9662, the PPARα antagonist MK886, or PPARα/γ siRNAs enhanced the effect of Cpn on foam cell formation and gene expression of SR-A1, ACAT1, and ABCA1/G1. Moreover, the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone reversed the downregulation of CD36 by Cpn, while PPARγ siRNA and the PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 further suppressed CD36 expression. However, the PPARα agonist, inhibitor, and siRNA all showed no effect on CD36 expression. In conclusion, the PPARα and PPARγ pathways are both involved in Cpn-induced macrophage-derived foam cell formation by upregulating SR-A1 and ACAT1 and downregulating ABCA1/G1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China; Department of Geriatrics, Zhoushan Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhoushan, 316021, China
| | - Bei Cheng
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaojuan Guo
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qinqin Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Geriatrics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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3
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Monsey L, Best LG, Zhu J, DeCroo S, Anderson MZ. The association of mannose binding lectin genotype and immune response to Chlamydia pneumoniae: The Strong Heart Study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210640. [PMID: 30629683 PMCID: PMC6328205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in American Indian communities. The Strong Heart Study (SHS) was initiated in response to the need for population based estimates of cardiovascular disease in American Indians. Previous studies within SHS have identified correlations between heart disease and deficiencies in mannose binding lectin (MBL), a motif recognition molecule of the innate immune system. MBL mediates the immune response to invading pathogens including Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp), which has also been associated with the development and progression of CVD. However, a link between MBL2 genotype and Cp in contributing to heart disease has not been established. To address this, SHS collected baseline Cp antibody titers (IgA and IgG) and MBL2 genotypes for common functional variants from 553 individuals among twelve participating tribes. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter, designated X/Y, correlated significantly with increased Cp IgG titer levels, whereas another promoter SNP (H/L) did not significantly influence antibody levels to Cp. Two variants within exon 1 of MBL2, the A and B alleles, also displayed significant association with Cp antibody titers. Some MBL2 genotypes were absent from the population, suggesting linkage disequilibrium may be operating within the SHS cohort. Additional factors, such as increasing age and socioeconomic status, were also associated with increased Cp IgG antibody titers. This study demonstrates that MBL2 genotype associates with immune reactivity to C. pneumoniae in the SHS cohort. Thus, MBL2 may contribute to the progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among American Indians indirectly through pathogen interactions in addition to its previously defined roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laine Monsey
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Lyle G. Best
- Missouri Breaks Industries Research Inc., Timber Lakes, SD, United States of America
| | - Jianhui Zhu
- Medstar Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Susan DeCroo
- Medstar Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Matthew Z. Anderson
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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4
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Käding N, Kaufhold I, Müller C, Szaszák M, Shima K, Weinmaier T, Lomas R, Conesa A, Schmitt-Kopplin P, Rattei T, Rupp J. Growth of Chlamydia pneumoniae Is Enhanced in Cells with Impaired Mitochondrial Function. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:499. [PMID: 29259924 PMCID: PMC5723314 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective growth and replication of obligate intracellular pathogens depend on host cell metabolism. How this is connected to host cell mitochondrial function has not been studied so far. Recent studies suggest that growth of intracellular bacteria such as Chlamydia pneumoniae is enhanced in a low oxygen environment, arguing for a particular mechanistic role of the mitochondrial respiration in controlling intracellular progeny. Metabolic changes in C. pneumoniae infected epithelial cells were analyzed under normoxic (O2 ≈ 20%) and hypoxic conditions (O2 < 3%). We observed that infection of epithelial cells with C. pneumoniae under normoxia impaired mitochondrial function characterized by an enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS generation. Knockdown and mutation of the host cell ATP synthase resulted in an increased chlamydial replication already under normoxic conditions. As expected, mitochondrial hyperpolarization was observed in non-infected control cells cultured under hypoxic conditions, which was beneficial for C. pneumoniae growth. Taken together, functional and genetically encoded mitochondrial dysfunction strongly promotes intracellular growth of C. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Käding
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Inga Kaufhold
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Constanze Müller
- Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marta Szaszák
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kensuke Shima
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Weinmaier
- Division of Computational Systems Biology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrigo Lomas
- Genomics of Gene Expression Lab, Centro de Investigaciones Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Conesa
- Genomics of Gene Expression Lab, Centro de Investigaciones Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
- Microbiology and Cell Science, IFAS, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | | | - Thomas Rattei
- Division of Computational Systems Biology, Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Rupp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jan Rupp
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Luczak SET, Smits SHJ, Decker C, Nagel-Steger L, Schmitt L, Hegemann JH. The Chlamydia pneumoniae Adhesin Pmp21 Forms Oligomers with Adhesive Properties. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:22806-22818. [PMID: 27551038 PMCID: PMC5077213 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.728915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae sp. are obligate intracellular pathogens that cause a variety of diseases in humans. The adhesion of Chlamydiae to the eukaryotic host cell is a pivotal step in pathogenesis. The adhesin family of polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmp) in Chlamydia pneumoniae consists of 21 members. Pmp21 binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Pmps contain large numbers of FXXN (where X is any amino acid) and GGA(I/L/V) motifs. At least two of these motifs are crucial for adhesion by certain Pmp21 fragments. Here we describe how the two FXXN motifs in Pmp21-D (D-Wt), a domain of Pmp21, influence its self-interaction, folding, and adhesive capacities. Refolded D-Wt molecules form oligomers with high sedimentation values (8-85 S). These oligomers take the form of elongated protofibrils, which exhibit Thioflavin T fluorescence, like the amyloid protein fragment β42. A mutant version of Pmp21-D (D-Mt), with FXXN motifs replaced by SXXV, shows a markedly reduced capacity to form oligomers. Secondary-structure assays revealed that monomers of both variants exist predominantly as random coils, whereas the oligomers form predominantly β-sheets. Adhesion studies revealed that oligomers of D-Wt (D-Wt-O) mediate significantly enhanced binding to human epithelial cells relative to D-Mt-O and monomeric protein species. Moreover, D-Wt-O binds EGFR more efficiently than D-Wt monomers. Importantly, pretreatment of human cells with D-Wt-O reduces infectivity upon subsequent challenge with C. pneumoniae more effectively than all other protein species. Hence, the FXXN motif in D-Wt induces the formation of β-sheet-rich oligomeric protofibrils, which are important for adhesion to, and subsequent infection of human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christina Decker
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitaetsstrasse 1, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany and
| | - Luitgard Nagel-Steger
- Institute of Physical Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Universitaetsstrasse 1, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany and
- ICS-6 Research Center Juelich, 52425 Juelich, Germany
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Engel AC, Herbst F, Kerres A, Galle JN, Hegemann JH. The Type III Secretion System-Related CPn0809 from Chlamydia pneumoniae. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148509. [PMID: 26895250 PMCID: PMC4760673 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae is an intracellular Gram-negative bacterium that possesses a type III secretion system (T3SS), which enables the pathogen to deliver, in a single step, effector proteins for modulation of host-cell functions into the human host cell cytosol to establish a unique intracellular niche for replication. The translocon proteins located at the top of the T3SS needle filament are essential for its function, as they form pores in the host-cell membrane. Interestingly, unlike other Gram-negative bacteria, C. pneumoniae has two putative translocon operons, named LcrH_1 and LcrH_2. However, little is known about chlamydial translocon proteins. In this study, we analyzed CPn0809, one of the putative hydrophobic translocators encoded by the LcrH_1 operon, and identified an 'SseC-like family' domain characteristic of T3S translocators. Using bright-field and confocal microscopy, we found that CPn0809 is associated with EBs during early and very late phases of a C. pneumoniae infection. Furthermore, CPn0809 forms oligomers, and interacts with the T3SS chaperone LcrH_1, via its N-terminal segment. Moreover, expression of full-length CPn0809 in the heterologous host Escherichia coli causes a grave cytotoxic effect that leads to cell death. Taken together, our data indicate that CPn0809 likely represents one of the translocon proteins of the C. pneumoniae T3SS, and possibly plays a role in the translocation of effector proteins in the early stages of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid C. Engel
- Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Genomforschung der Mikroorganismen, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frauke Herbst
- Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Genomforschung der Mikroorganismen, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anne Kerres
- Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Genomforschung der Mikroorganismen, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan N. Galle
- Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Genomforschung der Mikroorganismen, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Johannes H. Hegemann
- Lehrstuhl für Funktionelle Genomforschung der Mikroorganismen, Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
- * E-mail:
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7
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Bulir DC, Waltho DA, Stone CB, Mwawasi KA, Nelson JC, Mahony JB. Chlamydia pneumoniae CopD translocator protein plays a critical role in type III secretion (T3S) and infection. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99315. [PMID: 24959658 PMCID: PMC4068993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria use type III secretion (T3S) to inject effector proteins into the host cell to create appropriate conditions for infection and intracellular replication. Chlamydia spp. are believed to use T3S to infect their host cell, and the translocator proteins are an essential component of this system. Chlamydia pneumoniae contains genes encoding two sets of translocator proteins; CopB and CopD, and CopB2 and CopD2. In this study, we identified novel interactions between CopD and three type III secretion proteins; namely, CopN, CdsN, and CdsF. We identified a CopD putative chaperone binding motif, PxLxxP, within the N-terminal region (CopD amino acids 120-125), which was necessary for interaction with its putative chaperone LcrH_1. Using size exclusion chromatography, we showed that CopD and LcrH_1 formed higher order structures in solution with CopD and LcrH_1 binding in a ratio of 1∶1, which is unique for T3SS translocator proteins. Lastly, we showed that antibodies to CopD reduced C. pneumoniae infectivity by >95%. Collectively, this data suggests that CopD plays a critical role in pathogenesis and likely functions as a hydrophobic translocator of the type III secretion system in Chlamydia pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Bulir
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, and Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel A. Waltho
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, and Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher B. Stone
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, and Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kenneth A. Mwawasi
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, and Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan C. Nelson
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, and Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - James B. Mahony
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, and Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Lin YW, Huang CY, Chen YH, Shih CM, Tsao NW, Lin CY, Chang NC, Tsai CS, Tsai HY, Tsai JC, Huang PH, Li CY, Lin FY. GroEL1, a heat shock protein 60 of Chlamydia pneumoniae, impairs neovascularization by decreasing endothelial progenitor cell function. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84731. [PMID: 24376840 PMCID: PMC3871664 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The number and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are sensitive to hyperglycemia, hypertension, and smoking in humans, which are also associated with the development of atherosclerosis. GroEL1 from Chlamydia pneumoniae has been found in atherosclerotic lesions and is related to atherosclerotic pathogenesis. However, the actual effects of GroEL1 on EPC function are unclear. In this study, we investigate the EPC function in GroEL1-administered hind limb-ischemic C57BL/B6 and C57BL/10ScNJ (a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) mutation) mice and human EPCs. In mice, laser Doppler imaging, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the degree of neo-vasculogenesis, circulating level of EPCs, and expression of CD34, vWF, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in vessels. Blood flow in the ischemic limb was significantly impaired in C57BL/B6 but not C57BL/10ScNJ mice treated with GroEL1. Circulating EPCs were also decreased after GroEL1 administration in C57BL/B6 mice. Additionally, GroEL1 inhibited the expression of CD34 and eNOS in C57BL/B6 ischemic muscle. In vitro, GroEL1 impaired the capacity of differentiation, mobilization, tube formation, and migration of EPCs. GroEL1 increased senescence, which was mediated by caspases, p38 MAPK, and ERK1/2 signaling in EPCs. Furthermore, GroEL1 decreased integrin and E-selectin expression and induced inflammatory responses in EPCs. In conclusion, these findings suggest that TLR4 and impaired NO-related mechanisms could contribute to the reduced number and functional activity of EPCs in the presence of GroEL1 from C. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yao Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hsiang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Shih
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Wen Tsao
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yen Lin
- Department of Computer Science and Information Management, Hung Kuang University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Nen-Chung Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Sung Tsai
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Ya Tsai
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Chi Tsai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsun Huang
- Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yuan Li
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yen Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Atanu FO, Oviedo-Orta E, Watson KA. A novel transport mechanism for MOMP in Chlamydophila pneumoniae and its putative role in immune-therapy. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61139. [PMID: 23637791 PMCID: PMC3634821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Major outer membrane proteins (MOMPs) of Gram negative bacteria are one of the most intensively studied membrane proteins. MOMPs are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of bacterial outer membranes and in adaptation of parasites to their hosts. There is evidence to suggest a role for purified MOMP from Chlamydophila pneumoniae and corresponding MOMP-derived peptides in immune-modulation, leading to a reduced atherosclerotic phenotype in apoE(-/-) mice via a characteristic dampening of MHC class II activity. The work reported herein tests this hypothesis by employing a combination of homology modelling and docking to examine the detailed molecular interactions that may be responsible. A three-dimensional homology model of the C. pneumoniae MOMP was constructed based on the 14 transmembrane β-barrel crystal structure of the fatty acid transporter from Escherichia coli, which provides a plausible transport mechanism for MOMP. Ligand docking experiments were used to provide details of the possible molecular interactions driving the binding of MOMP-derived peptides to MHC class II alleles known to be strongly associated with inflammation. The docking experiments were corroborated by predictions from conventional immuno-informatic algorithms. This work supports further the use of MOMP in C. pneumoniae as a possible vaccine target and the role of MOMP-derived peptides as vaccine candidates for immune-therapy in chronic inflammation that can result in cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis O. Atanu
- School of Biological Sciences, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ernesto Oviedo-Orta
- University of Surrey, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberly A. Watson
- School of Biological Sciences, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Huang CY, Shih CM, Tsao NW, Chen YH, Li CY, Chang YJ, Chang NC, Ou KL, Lin CY, Lin YW, Nien CH, Lin FY. GroEL1, from Chlamydia pneumoniae, induces vascular adhesion molecule 1 expression by p37(AUF1) in endothelial cells and hypercholesterolemic rabbit. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42808. [PMID: 22900050 PMCID: PMC3416774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by endothelial cells may play a major role in atherogenesis. The actual mechanisms of chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) relate to atherogenesis are unclear. We investigate the influence of VCAM-1 expression in the GroEL1 from C. pneumoniae-administered human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. In this study, we constructed the recombinant GroEL1 from C. pneumoniae. The HCAECs/THP-1 adhesion assay, tube formation assay, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, actinomycin D chase experiment, luciferase reporter assay, and immunohistochemical stainings were performed. The results show that GroEL1 increased both VCAM-1expression and THP-1 cell adhesives, and impaired tube-formation capacity in the HCAECs. GroEL1 significantly increased the VCAM-1 mRNA stability and cytosolic AU-binding factor 1 (AUF1) level. Overexpression of the p37AUF1 significantly increased VCAM-1 gene expression in GroEL1-induced bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). GroEL1 prolonged the stability of VCAM-1 mRNA by increasing both p37AUF1 and the regulation of the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the VCAM-1 mRNA in BAECs. In hypercholesterolemic rabbits, GroEL1 administration enhanced fatty-streak and macrophage infiltration in atherosclerotic lesions, which may be mediated by elevated VCAM-1 expression. In conclusion, GroEL1 induces VCAM-1 expression by p37AUF1 in endothelial cells and enhances atherogenesis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yao Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center For Biomedical Implants and Microsurgery Devices, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Shih
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Wen Tsao
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hsiang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yuan Li
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Medical University and Department of Anesthesiology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jia Chang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nen-Chung Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Liang Ou
- Research Center For Biomedical Implants and Microsurgery Devices, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yen Lin
- Department of Computer Science and Information Management, Hung Kuang University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hao Nien
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yen Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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11
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Stone CB, Sugiman-Marangos S, Bulir DC, Clayden RC, Leighton TL, Slootstra JW, Junop MS, Mahony JB. Structural characterization of a novel Chlamydia pneumoniae type III secretion-associated protein, Cpn0803. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30220. [PMID: 22272312 PMCID: PMC3260263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Type III secretion (T3S) is an essential virulence factor used by gram-negative pathogenic bacteria to deliver effector proteins into the host cell to establish and maintain an intracellular infection. Chlamydia is known to use T3S to facilitate invasion of host cells but many proteins in the system remain uncharacterized. The C. trachomatis protein CT584 has previously been implicated in T3S. Thus, we analyzed the CT584 ortholog in C. pneumoniae (Cpn0803) and found that it associates with known T3S proteins including the needle-filament protein (CdsF), the ATPase (CdsN), and the C-ring protein (CdsQ). Using membrane lipid strips, Cpn0803 interacted with phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylinositol, suggesting that Cpn0803 may associate with host cells. Crystallographic analysis revealed a unique structure of Cpn0803 with a hydrophobic pocket buried within the dimerization interface that may be important for binding small molecules. Also, the binding domains on Cpn0803 for CdsN, CdsQ, and CdsF were identified using Pepscan epitope mapping. Collectively, these data suggest that Cpn0803 plays a role in T3S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris B. Stone
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Seiji Sugiman-Marangos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - David C. Bulir
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Rob C. Clayden
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Tiffany L. Leighton
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | - Murray S. Junop
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - James B. Mahony
- M. G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, Faculty of Health Sciences and the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Canada
- * E-mail:
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12
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Gaballah A, Kloeckner A, Otten C, Sahl HG, Henrichfreise B. Functional analysis of the cytoskeleton protein MreB from Chlamydophila pneumoniae. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25129. [PMID: 22022378 PMCID: PMC3187750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In rod-shaped bacteria, the bacterial actin ortholog MreB is considered to organize the incorporation of cell wall precursors into the side-wall, whereas the tubulin homologue FtsZ is known to tether incorporation of cell wall building blocks at the developing septum. For intracellular bacteria, there is no need to compensate osmotic pressure by means of a cell wall, and peptidoglycan has not been reliably detected in Chlamydiaceae. Surprisingly, a nearly complete pathway for the biosynthesis of the cell wall building block lipid II has been found in the genomes of Chlamydiaceae. In a previous study, we discussed the hypothesis that conservation of lipid II biosynthesis in cell wall-lacking bacteria may reflect the intimate molecular linkage of cell wall biosynthesis and cell division and thus an essential role of the precursor in cell division. Here, we investigate why spherical-shaped chlamydiae harbor MreB which is almost exclusively found in elongated bacteria (i.e. rods, vibrios, spirilla) whereas they lack the otherwise essential division protein FtsZ. We demonstrate that chlamydial MreB polymerizes in vitro and that polymerization is not inhibited by the blocking agent A22. As observed for MreB from Bacillus subtilis, chlamydial MreB does not require ATP for polymerization but is capable of ATP hydrolysis in phosphate release assays. Co-pelleting and bacterial two-hybrid experiments indicate that MreB from Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) pneumoniae interacts with MurF, MraY and MurG, three key components in lipid II biosynthesis. In addition, MreB polymerization is improved in the presence of MurF. Our findings suggest that MreB is involved in tethering biosynthesis of lipid II and as such may be necessary for maintaining a functional divisome machinery in Chlamydiaceae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Gaballah
- University of Bonn, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Section, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Kloeckner
- University of Bonn, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Section, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Otten
- University of Bonn, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Section, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Sahl
- University of Bonn, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Section, Bonn, Germany
| | - Beate Henrichfreise
- University of Bonn, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Section, Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail:
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13
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Susnea I, Bunk S, Wendel A, Hermann C, Przybylski M. Biomarker candidates of Chlamydophila pneumoniae proteins and protein fragments identified by affinity-proteomics using FTICR-MS and LC-MS/MS. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 2011; 22:784-788. [PMID: 21472615 DOI: 10.1007/s13361-011-0082-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2009] [Revised: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 01/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We report here an affinity-proteomics approach that combines 2D-gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting with high performance mass spectrometry to the identification of both full length protein antigens and antigenic fragments of Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae). The present affinity-mass spectrometry approach effectively utilized high resolution FTICR mass spectrometry and LC-tandem-MS for protein identification, and enabled the identification of several new highly antigenic C. pneumoniae proteins that were not hitherto reported or previously detected only in other Chlamydia species, such as Chlamydia trachomatis. Moreover, high resolution affinity-MS provided the identification of several neo-antigenic protein fragments containing N- and C-terminal, and central domains such as fragments of the membrane protein Pmp21 and the secreted chlamydial proteasome-like factor (Cpaf), representing specific biomarker candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliana Susnea
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Biopolymer Structure Analysis, Department of Chemistry, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
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14
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Mannonen L, Markkula E, Puolakkainen M. Analysis of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in mononuclear cells by reverse transcription-PCR targeted to chlamydial gene transcripts. Med Microbiol Immunol 2011; 200:143-54. [PMID: 21279651 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-011-0184-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is an important etiological agent of respiratory infections including pneumonia. C. pneumoniae DNA can be detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells indicating that monocytes can assist the spread of infection to other anatomical sites. Persistent infection established at these sites could promote inflammation and enhance pathology. Thus, the mononuclear cells are in a strategic position in the development of persistent infection. To investigate the intracellular replication and fate of C. pneumoniae in mononuclear cells, we have established an in vitro model in the human Mono Mac 6 cell line. In the present study, we analyzed the transcription of 11 C. pneumoniae genes in Mono Mac 6 cells during infection by real-time RT-PCR. Our results suggest that the transcriptional profile of the studied genes in monocytes is different from that seen in epithelial cells. Furthermore, our study shows that genes related to secretion are transcribed, and secreted bacterial proteins are also translated during infection of monocytes, creating novel opportunities for the management of chlamydial infection of monocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mannonen
- Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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15
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Bianco A, Mazzarella G, Rocco D, Gasperi M, Di Marco R, Brunese L. FDG/PET uptake in asymptomatic multilobar Chlamydia pneumoniae pneumonia. Med Sci Monit 2010; 16:CS67-CS70. [PMID: 20512095] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND FDG-PET is a diagnostic imaging procedure effective in staging primary and recurrent cancer. False-positive uptake already has been described in both inflammatory and infectious respiratory diseases, although no reports associate Chlamydia pneumoniae infection to FDG uptake. CASE REPORT An incidental diagnosis of asymptomatic multilobar pneumonia during screening for thyroid malignancy is reported. Three areas of pulmonary consolidation strongly positive on PET/CT scan, mimicking pulmonary malignancy were identified. Both radiologic features and serum IgM antibodies for Chlamydia pneumoniae suggested the diagnosis of an unusual presentation of a Chlamydia pneumoniae respiratory infection. Specific antibiotic therapy induced a complete resolution of the areas of pulmonary consolidation. CONCLUSIONS This case suggests that positive PET is not an absolute indicator for malignancy. Chlamydia pneumoniae respiratory infections can exhibit positive uptake on FDG-PET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bianco
- Chair of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
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16
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Faludi I, Csanádi A, Szabó AM, Burián K, Endrész V, Miczák A. Production and purification of low calcium response protein H of Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2009; 56:389-97. [PMID: 20038490 DOI: 10.1556/amicr.56.2009.4.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydophila pneumoniae possesses a type III secretion system (TTSS), which allows the bacteria to secrete effector molecules into the inclusion membrane and into the cytosol of the host cell. Low calcium response protein H (LcrH), as a part of the TTSS, is a chaperone protein expressed from the middle to late stages of the chlamydial developmental cycle. Gene of LcrH (CPn0811) in a 6His-tagged form was cloned from C. pneumoniae CWL029, expressed and purified from Escherichia coli using the HIS-select TALON CellThru Resin. The purity was checked with mass spectrometry. The samples were used for immunization of BALB/c mice. The inducible E. coli clone, which over-expresses the chlamydial LcrH, permits the study of the biological properties of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Faludi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
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17
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Kariagina AS, Alekseevskiĭ AV, Spirin SA, Zigangirova NA, Gintsburg AL. [Effector proteins of Clamidia]. Mol Biol (Mosk) 2009; 43:963-983. [PMID: 20088373] [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: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The review summarizes the recent published data on molecular mechanisms of Chlamidiae - host cell interaction, first of all on chlamydial effector proteins. Such proteins as well as III transport system proteins that transfer many effector proteins into host cytoplasm are attractive targets for drug therapy of chlamydial infections. The majority of the data concerns two species, Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. C. trachomatis protein TARP, which is presynthesized in elementary bodies, plays an essential role in the initial stages of the infection. Patogen proteins participating in the next stage, that is the intracellular inclusion traffic to the centrosome, are CT229 of C. trachomatis and Cpn0585 of C. pneumoniae, which interact with cellular Rab GTPases. In C. trachomatis, IncA protein plays a key role in chlamydial inclusions fusion, CT847 modulates life cycle of the host cell, LDA3 is essential in acquisition of nutrients. CPAF protease and inclusion membrane proteins IncG and CADD participate in suppression of apoptosis of infected cells. The proteases CPAF and CT441, as well as deubiquitinating ChlaDub1 protein, contribute to avoiding the immune response.
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18
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Shimada K, Chen S, Dempsey PW, Sorrentino R, Alsabeh R, Slepenkin AV, Peterson E, Doherty TM, Underhill D, Crother TR, Arditi M. The NOD/RIP2 pathway is essential for host defenses against Chlamydophila pneumoniae lung infection. PLoS Pathog 2009; 5:e1000379. [PMID: 19360122 PMCID: PMC2660273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Accepted: 03/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we investigated the role of the Nod/Rip2 pathway in host responses to Chlamydophila pneumoniae–induced pneumonia in mice. Rip2−/− mice infected with C. pneumoniae exhibited impaired iNOS expression and NO production, and delayed neutrophil recruitment to the lungs. Levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ levels as well as KC and MIP-2 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were significantly decreased in Rip2−/− mice compared to wild-type (WT) mice at day 3. Rip2−/− mice showed significant delay in bacterial clearance from the lungs and developed more severe and chronic lung inflammation that continued even on day 35 and led to increased mortality, whereas WT mice cleared the bacterial load, recovered from acute pneumonia, and survived. Both Nod1−/− and Nod2−/− mice also showed delayed bacterial clearance, suggesting that C. pneumoniae is recognized by both of these intracellular receptors. Bone marrow chimera experiments demonstrated that Rip2 in BM-derived cells rather than non-hematopoietic stromal cells played a key role in host responses in the lungs and clearance of C. pneumoniae. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of WT macrophages intratracheally was able to rescue the bacterial clearance defect in Rip2−/− mice. These results demonstrate that in addition to the TLR/MyD88 pathway, the Nod/Rip2 signaling pathway also plays a significant role in intracellular recognition, innate immune host responses, and ultimately has a decisive impact on clearance of C. pneumoniae from the lungs and survival of the infectious challenge. Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is a common intracellular parasite that causes lung infections and contributes to several diseases characterized by chronic inflammation. Toll-like receptors expressed on the cell surface detect C. pneumoniae and mount a vigorous defense, but it is not known how the cell defends itself once the pathogen has taken up residence as a parasite. We reasoned that cytosolic pattern recognition receptors called Nods (nucleotide oligomerization domain) that detect microbes that gain entry into the cell might be involved. Using mice genetically deficient in Nod1 and Nod2 or their common downstream adaptor (Rip2), we show that in lung infection, Nod proteins are indeed essential in directing a defense against C. pneumoniae. Mice with defective Nod/Rip2-dependent signaling exhibited delayed recruitment of neutrophils, blunted production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and evidence of defective iNOS expression and NO production. These impaired responses led to delayed clearance of bacteria, intense persistent lung inflammation, and increased mortality. By performing bone marrow transplantation experiments and direct transfer of cells into the lungs of mice, we demonstrated that intact Nod-dependent signaling in bone marrow–derived cells was critical in the defense against C. pneumoniae. Our results indicate that Nod proteins also play an important role in host defense against C. pneumoniae. Coordinated and sequential activation of TLR and Nod signaling pathways may be necessary for an efficient immune response and host defense against C. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Shimada
- Division of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Shuang Chen
- Division of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Paul W. Dempsey
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Rosalinda Sorrentino
- Division of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Randa Alsabeh
- Division of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Anatoly V. Slepenkin
- Department of Pathology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Ellena Peterson
- Department of Pathology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Terence M. Doherty
- Division of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - David Underhill
- Immunology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Timothy R. Crother
- Division of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Moshe Arditi
- Division of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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19
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Jiang SJ, Kuo CC, Berry MW, Lee AW, Campbell LA. Identification and characterization of Chlamydia pneumoniae-specific proteins that activate tumor necrosis factor alpha production in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Infect Immun 2008; 76:1558-64. [PMID: 18227157 PMCID: PMC2292846 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01331-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 10/03/2007] [Revised: 10/22/2007] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common respiratory pathogen, which activates macrophages to induce inflammatory cytokines that may promote atherosclerosis. However, the antigens that induce macrophage activation have not been well defined. In the current study, three chlamydial proteins which are recognized during human infection, outer membrane protein 2 (OMP2) and two 53-kDa proteins (Cpn 0980 and Cpn 0809), were investigated to determine whether they activate macrophages and, if they do, what mechanism they use for this activation. It was shown that these three proteins could (i) induce expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and tissue factor and (ii) induce phosphorylation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and activation of early growth response factor 1 (Egr-1). Control proteins, the N-terminal fragment of polymorphic membrane protein 8 and the thioredoxin portion of the fusion protein, had no effect on macrophages. Treatment of cells with a MEK1/2 inhibitor, U0126, dramatically reduced the phosphorylation of ERK, activation of Egr-1, and expression of TNF-alpha in macrophages treated with recombinant proteins. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) act as sensors for microbial antigens and can signal via the MAPK pathway. Chlamydial protein-induced expression of TNF-alpha was significantly reduced in macrophages lacking TLR2 or TLR4. These findings suggest that C. pneumoniae may activate macrophages through OMP2, Cpn 0980, and Cpn 0809 in addition to cHSP60 and that activation occurs via TLR2 or TLR4, Egr-1, and MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinn-Jong Jiang
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Washington, Box 357328, Seattle, WA 98195-3873, USA
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20
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Cortes C, Rzomp KA, Tvinnereim A, Scidmore MA, Wizel B. Chlamydia pneumoniae inclusion membrane protein Cpn0585 interacts with multiple Rab GTPases. Infect Immun 2007; 75:5586-96. [PMID: 17908815 PMCID: PMC2168330 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01020-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [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] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydiae are intracellular bacteria that develop within a membrane-bound vacuole called an inclusion. To ensure that the inclusion is a safe niche for chlamydial replication, chlamydiae exploit a number of host cell processes, including membrane-trafficking pathways. Recently, several Rab GTPases were found to associate with the inclusions of various chlamydial species. Here we report that Cpn0585, a Chlamydia pneumoniae inclusion membrane protein (Inc), interacts with multiple Rab GTPases. The results from yeast two-hybrid experiments revealed that an amino-terminally truncated form of Cpn0585 (Cpn0585(102-651)) interacts with Rab1, Rab10, and Rab11 but not with Rab4 or Rab6. Cpn0585-Rab GTPase interactions are direct and GTP dependent as shown in glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays using native and recombinant Cpn0585. In C. pneumoniae-infected HEp-2 cells transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged Rab GTPases, the colocalization with Cpn0585 at the inclusion membrane was partial for EGFP-Rab1 and EGFP-Rab10, but extensive for wild-type EGFP-Rab11A and the constitutively active GTPase-deficient EGFP-Rab11AQ70L. Moreover, Cpn0585 colocalized with EGFP-Rab11AQ70L as early as 2 h postinfection. Upon delivery into live C. pneumoniae-infected cells, Cpn0585(628-651)-specific antibodies bound to the inclusion membrane, demonstrating that the Rab GTPase-interacting domain of Cpn0585 faces the host cell cytosol. Finally, ectopic expression of Cpn0585(102-651) partially inhibited the development of C. pneumoniae inclusions in EGFP. but not in EGFP-Rab11AQ70L-expressing HEp-2 cells. Collectively, these data suggest that Cpn0585 is involved in the recruitment of Rab GTPases to the inclusion membrane and that interfering with this function may adversely impact the fitness of the C. pneumoniae inclusion for chlamydial replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cortes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Center, Tyler, TX 75708, USA
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21
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Johnson DL, Mahony JB. Chlamydophila pneumoniae PknD exhibits dual amino acid specificity and phosphorylates Cpn0712, a putative type III secretion YscD homolog. J Bacteriol 2007; 189:7549-55. [PMID: 17766419 PMCID: PMC2168749 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00893-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydophila pneumoniae is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes bronchitis, pharyngitis, and pneumonia and may be involved in atherogenesis and Alzheimer's disease. Genome sequencing has identified three eukaryote-type serine/threonine protein kinases, Pkn1, Pkn5, and PknD, that may be important signaling molecules in Chlamydia. Full-length PknD was cloned and expressed as a histidine-tagged protein in Escherichia coli. Differential centrifugation followed by sodium carbonate treatment of E. coli membranes demonstrated that His-PknD is an integral membrane protein. Fusions of overlapping PknD fragments to alkaline phosphatase revealed that PknD contains a single transmembrane domain and that the kinase domain is in the cytoplasm. To facilitate solubility, the kinase domain was cloned and expressed as a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein in E. coli. Purified GST-PknD kinase domain autophosphorylated, and catalytic mutants (K33G, D156G, and K33G-D156G mutants) and activation loop mutants (T185A and T193A) were inactive. PknD phosphorylated recombinant Cpn0712, a type III secretion YscD homolog that has two forkhead-associated domains. Thin-layer chromatography revealed that the PknD kinase domain autophosphorylated on threonine and tyrosine and phosphorylated the FHA-2 domain of Cpn0712 on serine and tyrosine. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a bacterial protein kinase with amino acid specificity for both serine/threonine and tyrosine residues and this is the first study to show phosphorylation of a predicted type III secretion structural protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin L Johnson
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, and Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph's Hospital, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 4A6
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22
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Flores R, Luo J, Chen D, Sturgeon G, Shivshankar P, Zhong Y, Zhong G. Characterization of the hypothetical protein Cpn1027, a newly identified inclusion membrane protein unique to Chlamydia pneumoniae. Microbiology (Reading) 2007; 153:777-86. [PMID: 17322198 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.2006/002956-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The hypothetical protein Cpn1027 was detected in the inclusion membrane of Chlamydia pneumoniae-infected cells with antibodies raised with Cpn1027 fusion proteins in an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The inclusion membrane staining by the anti-Cpn1027 antibodies co-localized with the staining of an antibody recognizing a known inclusion membrane protein designated IncA and these membrane stainings were blocked by the corresponding but not irrelevant fusion proteins. Although Cpn1027 was not predicted to be an inclusion membrane protein, it contained a bi-lobed hydrophobic domain region at its N-terminus, a signature secondary structural motif possessed by most chlamydial inclusion membrane proteins. The Cpn1027 protein was detected as early as 12 h after C. pneumoniae infection and remained in the inclusion membrane throughout the rest of the infection cycle. Cytosolic expression of Cpn1027 via a transgene failed to affect the subsequent chlamydial infection. The anti-Cpn1027 polyclonal antisera failed to detect any significant signals in cells infected with chlamydial species other than C. pneumoniae, which is consistent with the sequence analysis result that no significant homologues of Cpn1027 were found in any other species. These experiments together have demonstrated that Cpn1027 is a newly identified inclusion membrane protein unique to C. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda Flores
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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23
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Edvinsson M, Frisk P, Molin Y, Hjelm E, Ilbäck NG. Trace element balance is changed in infected organs during acute Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection in mice. Biometals 2007; 21:229-37. [PMID: 17712530 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-007-9114-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2006] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Most infectious diseases are accompanied by changed levels of several trace elements in the blood. However, sequential changes in trace elements in tissues harbouring bacterial infections have not been studied. In the present study the respiratory pathogen Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae), adapted to C57BL/6J mice, was used to study whether the balance of trace elements is changed in infected organs. Bacteria were quantitatively measured by real-time PCR in the blood, lungs, liver, aorta, and heart on days 2, 5, and 8 of the infection. Concentrations of 13 trace elements were measured in the liver, heart, and serum by inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). Infected mice developed expected clinical signs of disease and bacteria were found in lungs, liver, and heart on all days. The number of bacteria peaked on day 2 in the heart and on day 5 in the liver. The copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) ratio in serum increased as a response to the infection. Cu increased in the liver but did not change in the heart. Iron (Fe) in serum decreased progressively, whereas in the heart it tended to increase, and in the liver it progressively increased. C. pneumoniae may thus cause a changed trace element balance in target tissues of infection that may be pivotal for bacterial growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Edvinsson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
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24
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Sessa R, Di Pietro M, Schiavoni G, Petrucca A, Cipriani P, Zagaglia C, Nicoletti M, Santino I, del Piano M. Measurement of Chlamydia pneumoniae bacterial load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells may be helpful to assess the state of chlamydial infection in patients with carotid atherosclerotic disease. Atherosclerosis 2007; 195:e224-30. [PMID: 17575984 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2007.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2007] [Revised: 04/16/2007] [Accepted: 04/27/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia pneumoniae has been repeatedly associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the pattern of distribution of C. pneumoniae among patients with carotid atherosclerotic disease evaluating chlamydial load in carotid plaque, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and lymph node from same patient. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty carotid plaques, 30 PBMC and 30 lymph nodes were examined by real-time PCR assay. C. pneumoniae DNA was detected, in carotid plaques, PBMC and lymph nodes in 11 patients; in carotid plaques and PBMC in five patients; in PBMC and lymph nodes in four patients; in lymph nodes in two patients; and in PBMC only in one patient. C. pneumoniae DNA in PBMC significantly coincided with the presence of the respective DNA in carotid plaque (p=0.0001) and lymph node (p=0.02). A higher chlamydial load was detected in PBMC than in lymph nodes and carotid plaques. More than 90% of patients with carotid plaques, PBMC and lymph nodes positive to C. pneumoniae were symptomatic, smokers, hypertensives, dyslipidemics and showed carotid plaques with rupture on the surface, hemorrhage and thrombosis. CONCLUSION The measurement of chlamydial load in PBMC may be helpful in the future to assess the state of C. pneumoniae infection and the risk of developing sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, P. le Aldo Moro, 5-00185 Rome, Italy.
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25
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Kuo CC, Lee A, Jiang SJ, Yaraei K, Campbell LA. Inoculation of Chlamydia pneumoniae or Chlamydia trachomatis with ligands that inhibit attachment to host cells reduces infectivity in the mouse model of lung infection: implication for anti-adhesive therapy. Microbes Infect 2007; 9:1139-41. [PMID: 17656142 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2007.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 02/26/2007] [Revised: 04/12/2007] [Accepted: 04/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the chlamydial glycan contains a high-mannose oligosaccharide, which mediates attachment and infectivity of the organism. Removal of the glycan decreases infectivity in vitro and in vivo. The present study demonstrates that simultaneous inoculation of chlamydial organisms and a ligand that prevents glycan binding reduces lung burden in infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho-Chou Kuo
- Department of Pathobiology, Box 357238, University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195-7238, USA.
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26
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Rupp J, Gieffers J, Klinger M, van Zandbergen G, Wrase R, Maass M, Solbach W, Deiwick J, Hellwig-Burgel T. Chlamydia pneumoniae directly interferes with HIF-1alpha stabilization in human host cells. Cell Microbiol 2007; 9:2181-91. [PMID: 17490410 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2007.00948.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiaceae are obligate intracellular bacteria that cause endemic trachoma, sexually transmitted diseases and respiratory infections. The course of the diseases is determined by local inflammatory immune responses and the propensity of the pathogen to replicate within infected host cells. Both features require energy which is inseparably coupled to oxygen availability in the microenvironment. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) regulates crucial genes involved in the adaptation to low oxygen concentrations, cell metabolism and the innate immune response. Here we report that Chlamydia pneumoniae directly interferes with host cell HIF-1alpha regulation in a biphasic manner. In hypoxia, C. pneumoniae infection had an additive effect on HIF-1alpha stabilization resulting in enhanced glucose uptake during the early phase of infection. During the late phase of intracellular chlamydial replication, host cell adaptation to hypoxia was actively silenced by pathogen-induced HIF-1alpha degradation. HIF-1alpha was targeted by the chlamydial protease-like activity factor, which was secreted into the cytoplasm of infected cells. Direct interference with HIF-1alpha stabilization was essential for efficient C. pneumoniae replication in hypoxia and highlights a novel strategy of adaptive pathogen-host interaction in chlamydial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Rupp
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Center for Structural and Cell Biology in Medicine, University of Luebeck, 23538 Luebeck, Germany.
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27
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Triantafilou M, Gamper FGJ, Lepper PM, Mouratis MA, Schumann C, Harokopakis E, Schifferle RE, Hajishengallis G, Triantafilou K. Lipopolysaccharides from atherosclerosis-associated bacteria antagonize TLR4, induce formation of TLR2/1/CD36 complexes in lipid rafts and trigger TLR2-induced inflammatory responses in human vascular endothelial cells. Cell Microbiol 2007; 9:2030-9. [PMID: 17419716 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2007.00935.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Infection with bacteria such as Chlamydia pneumonia, Helicobacter pylori or Porphyromonas gingivalis may be triggering the secretion of inflammatory cytokines that leads to atherogenesis. The mechanisms by which the innate immune recognition of these pathogens could lead to atherosclerosis remain unclear. In this study, using human vascular endothelial cells or HEK-293 cells engineered to express pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), we set out to determine Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and functionally associated PRRs involved in the innate recognition of and response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from H. pylori or P. gingivalis. Using siRNA interference or recombinant expression of cooperating PRRs, we show that H. pylori and P. gingivalis LPS-induced cell activation is mediated through TLR2. Human vascular endothelial cell activation was found to be lipid raft-dependent and to require the formation of heterotypic receptor complexes comprising of TLR2, TLR1, CD36 and CD11b/CD18. In addition, we report that LPS from these bacterial strains are able to antagonize TLR4. This antagonistic activity of H. pylori or P. gingivalis LPS, as well as their TLR2 activation capability may be associated with their ability to contribute to atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Triantafilou
- Infection and Immunity Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QG, UK
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28
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Murata M, Azuma Y, Miura K, Rahman MA, Matsutani M, Aoyama M, Suzuki H, Sugi K, Shirai M. Chlamydial SET domain protein functions as a histone methyltransferase. Microbiology (Reading) 2007; 153:585-592. [PMID: 17259630 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.29213-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
SET domain genes have been identified in numbers of bacterial genomes based on similarity to SET domains of eukaryotic histone methyltransferases. Herein, a Chlamydophila pneumoniae SET domain gene was clarified to be coincidently expressed with hctA and hctB genes encoding chlamydial histone H1-like proteins, Hc1 and Hc2, respectively. The SET domain protein (cpnSET) is localized in chlamydial cells and interacts with Hc1 and Hc2 through the C-terminal SET domain. As expected from conservation of catalytic sites in cpnSET, it functions as a protein methyltransferase to murine histone H3 and Hc1. However, little is known about protein methylation in the molecular pathogenesis of chlamydial infection. cpnSET may play an important role in chlamydial cell maturation due to modification of chlamydial histone H1-like proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Murata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Azuma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Koshiro Miura
- Department of Clinical Research, National Sanyo Hospital, 685 Higashi-Kiwa, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-0241, Japan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Mohd Akhlakur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Minenosuke Matsutani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Masahiro Aoyama
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Harumi Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Kazuro Sugi
- Department of Clinical Research, National Sanyo Hospital, 685 Higashi-Kiwa, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-0241, Japan
| | - Mutsunori Shirai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
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29
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Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a newly identified unique subset of cells that express both alphabeta T cell receptor and NK cell markers. We investigated the role of NKT cells in modulating adaptive T cell responses in chlamydial infections using human-disease-related chlamydial species. Our study provides in vivo evidence that even closely related pathogens may activate different functional NKT subsets, which can further polarize CD4+ and CD8+ cells in adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yang
- Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Departments of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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30
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Dreses-Werringloer U, Gérard HC, Whittum-Hudson JA, Hudson AP. Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) pneumoniae Infection of Human Astrocytes and Microglia in Culture Displays an Active, Rather than a Persistent, Phenotype. Am J Med Sci 2006; 332:168-74. [PMID: 17031241 DOI: 10.1097/00000441-200610000-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intracellular pathogen Chlamydia pneumoniae can cause persistent infections during which its morphologic, molecular, and pathogenic characteristics differ importantly from those of active infection. This bacterium was identified within astrocytes and microglia in the brain of late-onset Alzheimer disease patients. We investigated whether infection of these two host cell types displays an active or persistent growth phenotype. METHODS The human astrocytoma and microglioma cell lines U-87 MG and CHME-5 (respectively) and the human epithelial cell line HEp-2 were infected by the standard method with C pneumoniae strain AR-39. Cultures were harvested at 24, 48, and 72 hours postinfection and subjected to analysis of inclusion morphology. DNA and RNA were prepared from portions of each infected culture sample and analyzed for relative chromosome accumulation and presence or absence of several specific bacterial mRNAs. RESULTS Astrocytes and microglial cells infected in vitro with C pneumoniae displayed inclusions that were indistinguishable from those characteristic of active infection of the standard HEp-2 host cell line. Real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that the relative accumulation of chlamydial chromosome over time during infection of these two cell lines also was virtually identical to that in actively infected HEp-2 cells. Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) analyses showed that mRNA from ftsK, pyk, and other chlamydial genes whose expression is abrogated during persistent infection were easily identifiable in infected CHME-5 and U-87 MG cells. CONCLUSIONS In cultured human astrocytes and microglia, C pneumoniae displays an active, not a persistent, growth phenotype. This indicates normal passage through the developmental cycle with its probable concomitant destruction by lysis of some portion of host cells at the termination of that cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Dreses-Werringloer
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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31
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Webley W, Stuart E, Cirino F, Cahill F, Stec T, Andrzejewski C. Successful removal of Chlamydia pneumoniae from plateletpheresis products collected using automated leukoreduction hemapheresis techniques. J Clin Apher 2006; 21:195-201. [PMID: 16570261 DOI: 10.1002/jca.20086] [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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) is an obligate intracellular pathogen associated with a variety of maladies. Best known for its involvement in community-acquired pneumonia outbreaks; the potential role of Cp in diverse illnesses is a topic of increasing interest and investigation. Previous studies suggested that white blood cells from normal blood donors harboring this agent may be eliminated through leukoreduction by filtration. Here we examine the ability and efficacy of apheresis-related leukoreduction for its effect on the carriage and potential infectivity of these organisms in the preparation of platelet products. Matched pre-apheresis peripheral blood (PB) samples and product samples obtained from healthy plateletpheresis donors were analyzed for the presence and potential infectivity of Cp organisms by direct smear inspection and tissue culture techniques. Antibody seroreactivity directed towards the organism was assessed using a solid phase immunoassay. Forty-eight percent of the donor blood samples exhibited elevated anti-Cp antibody titers (> or =200). Specimens from 31 (27%) and 34 (30%) of 115 plateletpheresis donors were positive for the presence of Cp organisms in their pre-apheresis PB samples when analyzed by direct smear examination and culture, respectively. Examination of the 115 post-leukodepleted plateletpheresis product samples revealed only two (1.7%) and one (0.009%) product(s) to be smear-positive and culture-positive, respectively. Certain plateletpheresis donors may harbor infectious Cp organisms in circulating WBC. Collections from such donors of apheresis platelet products using standard apheresis leukoreduction strategies appear successful in markedly decreasing or eliminating the organisms found in the final products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilmore Webley
- Department of Microbiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
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32
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Al-Younes HM, Gussmann J, Braun PR, Brinkmann V, Meyer TF. Naturally occurring amino acids differentially influence the development of Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia (Chlamydophila) pneumoniae. J Med Microbiol 2006; 55:879-886. [PMID: 16772415 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.46445-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The differential influence of individual amino acids on the growth of Chlamydia trachomatis versus Chlamydia (Chlamydophila) pneumoniae was investigated. Certain essential amino acids added in excess at the middle of the infection course resulted in varying degrees of abnormality in the development of the two species. If amino acids were added as early as 2 h post-infection, these effects were even more pronounced. The most effective amino acids in terms of C. trachomatis growth inhibition were leucine, isoleucine, methionine and phenylalanine. These amino acids elicited similar effects against C. pneumoniae, except methionine, which, surprisingly, showed a lower inhibitory activity. Tryptophan and valine marginally inhibited C. trachomatis growth and, paradoxically, led to a considerable enhancement of C. pneumoniae growth. On the other hand, some non-essential amino acids administered at the middle of or throughout the infection course differentially affected the development of the two species. For example, C. trachomatis growth was efficiently inhibited by glycine and serine, whereas C. pneumoniae was relatively less sensitive to these agents. Another difference was apparent for glutamate, glutamine and aspartate, which stimulated C. pneumoniae growth more than that of C. trachomatis. Overall, several distinctive patterns of susceptibility to excess amino acid levels were revealed for two representative C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae isolates. Perturbation of amino acid levels, e.g. of leucine and isoleucine, might form a basis for the development of novel treatment or preventive regimens for chlamydial diseases.
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33
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Abstract
Background and Purpose—
To determine the relationship between chronic
Chlamydia pneumoniae
infection and stroke in Cameroon.
Methods—
Sixty-four consecutive stroke patients 26 to 80 years of age were enrolled at 2 tertiary hospitals in Yaoundé, Cameroon, between March 2000 and December 2001 and matched for age and sex to 64 controls. We measured IgG (1/64) and IgA (1/16) titers against
C pneumoniae
in both patients and controls using a validated microimmunofluorescence technique.
Results—
There was no significant difference between cases and controls with respect to hypertension (
P
=0.2), smoking (
P
=0.53), alcohol intake (
P
=0.8), body mass index (
P
=0.49), waist-to-hip ratio (
P
=0.14), and diabetes (
P
=0.76). IgA antibodies were detected in 50 (78.1%) patients and 27 (42.2%) controls (odds ratio [OR] 4.29; 95% CI, 1.84 to 11.56;
P
=0.0002), and IgG antibodies in 41 (64.1%) patients and 35 (54.7%) controls (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.68 to 3.22;
P
=0.29). For confirmed thrombotic stroke, the association with IgA antibodies became stronger (OR, 21.0; 95% CI, 3.38 to 868.45;
P
<0.0001), but there was still no association with IgG antibodies (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.69 to 5.50;
P
=0.18).
Conclusions—
Our study shows a strong statistical association between (IgA, and not IgG, as a serological marker of) chronic
C pneumoniae
infection and stroke for the first time in a resident indigenous African population. These findings, if confirmed, may have important policy implications (in terms of antibiotic use in stroke prevention) in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred K Njamnshi
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon
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34
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Ausiello CM, Fedele G, Palazzo R, Spensieri F, Ciervo A, Cassone A. 60-kDa heat shock protein of Chlamydia pneumoniae promotes a T helper type 1 immune response through IL-12/IL-23 production in monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Microbes Infect 2006; 8:714-20. [PMID: 16460983 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2005.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2005] [Revised: 07/15/2005] [Accepted: 09/06/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Infection, in particular by Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp), has been associated with atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Immune reactions to heat shock proteins (HSPs) have been advocated to link infection to atherosclerosis and its acute sequelae based on molecular mimicry with host HSPs. We have here evaluated the role played by recombinant Cp-HSP60 and Cp-HSP10 for their ability to induce maturation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC) and T cell polarization. Cp-HSP60, but not Cp-HSP10, induced a strong MDCC maturation, as assessed by the expression of co-stimulatory molecules and other markers. Secretion of regulatory cytokines and enhancement of antigen presenting ability of mature (m)MDDC toward a clear T helper (Th) 1 pattern were also induced by Cp-HSP60. An analysis of the IL-12 cytokine family demonstrated that Cp-HSP60-matured MDDC were able to express p35 and p40 mRNA subunits to form IL-12, and p19 and p40 subunits to form IL-23. Thus, preferential Th1 polarization of immune response induced by Cp-HSP60-matured MDDC appears to be due to the concomitant expression of IL-12 and IL-23. Our data suggest that Cp-HSP60-matured DC may contribute to T-cell mediated immunopathology of atherosclerosis via a chronic stimulation of Th1 immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Maria Ausiello
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic, and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299-00161 Rome, Italy.
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35
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Herrmann M, Schuhmacher A, Mühldorfer I, Melchers K, Prothmann C, Dammeier S. Identification and characterization of secreted effector proteins of Chlamydophila pneumoniae TW183. Res Microbiol 2006; 157:513-24. [PMID: 16797933 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2005.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2005] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We report the expression of several chlamydial effector proteins in Chlamydophila pneumoniae, as well as their time-dependent secretion into the inclusion membrane. Localization of the respective genes within type III secretion gene clusters as well as bioinformatic analysis suggest that the identified proteins are type III-secreted effector proteins. Immunocytochemistry with antisera raised against CpMip (C. pneumoniae macrophage infectivity potentiator, Cpn0661), Pkn5 (Cpn0703), Cpn0709, Cpn0712 and Cpn0827 showed secretion of the respective proteins into the inclusion membrane at 20 h postinfection (hpi). CpMip was detected within the inclusion membrane from 20 to 72 hpi, whereas Cpn0324 (CopN) was located in this compartment at 72 hpi only. This was confirmed by co-localization of the respective proteins with IncA, an inclusion membrane marker protein. These data illustrate the fact that different effectors are being expressed and secreted during different time intervals of the infection cycle. Proteins Cpn0706 and Cpn0808 were not secreted by C. pneumoniae. The immunophilin FK506, known to inhibit the activity of Legionella, C. trachomatis and C. psittaci Mip proteins, was shown to interfere with chlamydial infection. Here we report the putatively type III-dependent secretion of CpMip into the inclusion membrane as well as the effect of its inhibition on C. pneumoniae infection of HEp-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Herrmann
- Department of Gastroenterology (RDR/B3), ALTANA Pharma AG, Byk-Gulden Strasse 2, 78467 Konstanz, Germany.
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36
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Corrado E, Rizzo M, Tantillo R, Muratori I, Bonura F, Vitale G, Novo S. Markers of Inflammation and Infection Influence the Outcome of Patients With Baseline Asymptomatic Carotid Lesions. Stroke 2006; 37:482-6. [PMID: 16373649 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.0000198813.56398.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE It is still in debate whether the evaluation of markers of infection and inflammation may be of importance for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular prevention, and we aimed to investigate this field in a prospective 5-year clinical follow-up study in patients with early stages of atherosclerosis. METHODS We studied 668 subjects divided in 3 groups according to the results of carotid ultrasound examination: (1) normal subjects, if intima-media thickness (IMT) was <0.9 mm; (2) with IMT, if IMT was between 0.9 and 1.5 mm; and (3) with asymptomatic carotid plaque, if IMT was >1.5 mm. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were investigated, and laboratory analysis included measurement of plasma lipids, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, IgG antibodies for helicobacter pylori (HP), cytotoxic HP, cytomegalovirus, and chlamydia pneumoniae. RESULTS Cerebrovascular or cardiovascular events were registered in 18% of patients during the follow-up, and at multivariate analysis we found that the high levels of fibrinogen (P<0.0001) and C-reactive protein (P=0.014), the seropositivity to cytotoxic HP (P=0.001) and chlamydia pneumoniae (P=0.026), the presence of IMT or asymptomatic carotid plaque (P<0.0001), and the total burden of infections (P<0.0001) were the variables predictive of the clinical events. CONCLUSIONS Beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors, markers of inflammation and infections seem to significantly influence the occurrence of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events in patients with baseline asymptomatic carotid lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle Corrado
- Division of Cardiology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Apfalter P. Chlamydia pneumoniae, stroke, and serological associations: anything learned from the atherosclerosis-cardiovascular literature or do we have to start over again? Stroke 2006; 37:756-8. [PMID: 16424375 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.0000201970.88546.5e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Serologic evidence of infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae has been associated with cardiovascular disease, but its relationship with stroke risk remains uncertain. The objective of this study is to determine whether serological evidence of C pneumoniae infection is associated with risk of ischemic stroke. METHODS A population-based case-control study was performed in an urban, multiethnic population. Cases (n=246) had first ischemic stroke, and controls (n=474) matched for age, sex, and race-ethnicity were derived through random-digit dialing. Titers of C pneumoniae-specific IgG and IgA antibodies were measured using microimmunofluorescence, and positive titers were prospectively defined. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs adjusting for medical, behavioral, and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS Mean age among cases was 72.3+/-9.7 years; 50.8% were women. Elevated C pneumoniae IgA titers were associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke after adjusting for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, current cigarette use, atrial fibrillation, and levels of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (adjusted OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.2). Elevated IgG titers were not associated with stroke risk (adjusted OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.8 to 1.8). There was a trend toward an association of elevated IgA titers with atherosclerotic and lacunar stroke but less so cardioembolic or cryptogenic subtypes. CONCLUSIONS Serologic evidence of C pneumoniae infection is associated with ischemic stroke risk. IgA titers may be a better marker of risk than IgG. This association is independent of other stroke risk factors and is present for atherosclerotic, lacunar, and cardioembolic subtypes. Further studies of the effect of C pneumoniae on stroke risk are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell S V Elkind
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Yan Y, Silvennoinen-Kassinen S, Leinonen M, Saikku P. Inhibitory effect of heparan sulfate-like glycosaminoglycans on the infectivity of Chlamydia pneumoniae in HL cells varies between strains. Microbes Infect 2006; 8:866-72. [PMID: 16500132 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2005.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2005] [Revised: 09/14/2005] [Accepted: 10/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans are known to participate in the attachment of several chlamydial strains. We studied the effect of heparin, enoxaparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, chondroitin sulfate A, and heparinase I on the infectivity of Chlamydia pneumoniae strain CWL029 and two Finnish isolates, Kajaani 7 and Parola, in an HL cell line which is epithelial in origin. Two Chlamydia trachomatis strains, L2 and E, were used for comparison. The infectivity of all C. pneumoniae strains and C. trachomatis serovar E was inhibited not only by heparin derivatives but also by chondroitin sulfate A and heparinase treatment. Treatment of host cells with heparin derivatives and heparinase was also inhibitory. Different chlamydial strains and species seem, however, to vary in their ability to use heparin in their attachment to host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland.
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Sessa R, Di Pietro M, Schiavoni G, Galdiero M, Cipriani P, Romano S, Zagaglia C, Santino I, Faccilongo S, Del Piano M. Chlamydia pneumoniae in asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2006; 19:111-8. [PMID: 16569349] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated, in 415 patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis: (i) the prevalence of C. pneumoniae DNA in atherosclerotic carotid plaques and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC); (ii) the distribution of C. pneumoniae in atherosclerotic carotid plaques and PBMC from the same patients; (iii) the correlation between circulating anti-chlamydial antibodies and the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA. Overall, 160 atherosclerotic carotid plaques and 174 PBMC specimens from patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis were examined by ompA nested touchdown PCR for presence of C. pneumoniae. In addition, C. pneumoniae DNA was detected in 81 specimens of atherosclerotic carotid plaque and PBMC obtained from the same patients. C. pneumoniae DNA was found in 36.9% of atherosclerotic carotid plaques and in 40.2% of PBMC specimens examined (P=NS). With regard to 81 patients, C. pneumoniae DNA was detected in 27.2% of atherosclerotic carotid plaques and in 44.4% of PBMC specimens(P=0.05). In 18 patients, the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA in PBMC specimens and atherosclerotic carotid plaques coincided (P=0.005). No statistically significant association was found between anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies (IgG and IgA) and positive PCR results. In conclusion, our results suggest that the detection of C. pneumoniae DNA in PBMC specimens seems to be a first-choice method to identify the patients at risk for endovascular chlamydial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sessa
- Department of Public Health Sciences, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
Chlamydophila (Chlamydia) pneumoniae, a gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium, is a widespread respiratory pathogen. Chronic C. pneumoniae infection has been suggested as a trigger/promoter of inflammation that may result in vascular lesions. Although the genome of C. pneumoniae has been sequenced completely this information has not yet led to an understanding of the mechanisms of acute infection and target cell activation nor to the identification of potential chlamydial virulence factors. Intriguingly, current antibiotic treatment options for acute chlamydial infection were proven to be ineffective with respect to clinical outcome in different groups of atherosclerotic patients. The reason might be that primary infection of vascular smooth muscle cells and blood monocytes with C. pneumoniae resembles rather a persistent, antibiotic-resistant, than an active infection. In this review we will focus on the importance of putative host cell receptors for C. pneumoniae and subsequently activated signal transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Krüll
- Department of Internal Medicin/Infectious Diseases, Charité, Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
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Kälvegren H, Bylin H, Leanderson P, Richter A, Grenegård M, Bengtsson T. Chlamydia pneumoniae induces nitric oxide synthase and lipoxygenase-dependent production of reactive oxygen species in platelets. Effects on oxidation of low density lipoproteins. Thromb Haemost 2005; 94:327-35. [PMID: 16113822 DOI: 10.1160/th04-06-0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that Chlamydia pneumoniae is linked to atherosclerosis and thrombosis. In this regard, we have recently shown that C. pneumoniae stimulates platelet aggregation and secretion, which may play an important role in the progress of atherosclerosis and in thrombotic vascular occlusion. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effects of C. pneumoniae on platelet-mediated formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in vitro. ROS production was registered as changes in 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin- fluorescence in platelets with flow cytometry. LDL-oxidation was determined by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs). We found that C. pneumoniae stimulated platelet production of ROS. Polymyxin B treatment of C. pneumoniae, but not elevated temperature, abolished the stimulatory effects on platelet ROS-production, which suggests that chlamydial lipopolysaccharide has an important role. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with nitro-L-arginine, lipoxygenase with 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid and protein kinase C with GF 109203X significantly lowered the production of radicals. In contrast, inhibition of NADPH-oxidase with di-phenyleneiodonium (DPI) did not affect the C. pneumoniae induced ROS-production. These findings suggest that the activities of nitric oxide synthase and lipoxygenase are the sources for ROS and that the generation is dependent of the activity of protein kinase C. The C. pneumoniae-induced ROS-production in platelets was associated with an extensive oxidation of LDL, which was significantly higher compared to the effect obtained by separate exposure of LDL to C. pneumoniae or platelets. In conclusion, C. pneumoniae interaction with platelets leading to aggregation, ROS-production and oxidative damage on LDL, may play a crucial role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Kälvegren
- Department of Medicine and Care, Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Sweden.
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Qazi KR, Qazi MR, Julián E, Singh M, Abedi-Valugerdi M, Fernández C. Exposure to mycobacteria primes the immune system for evolutionarily diverse heat shock proteins. Infect Immun 2005; 73:7687-96. [PMID: 16239573 PMCID: PMC1273840 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.11.7687-7696.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During stress conditions, such as infection, the synthesis of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in microorganisms is upregulated. Since a high degree of homology exists within each HSP family, we postulated that exposure to microorganisms could prime the immune system for evolutionarily diverse HSPs. We tested this hypothesis by priming mice with three microorganisms, namely, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, Mycobacterium vaccae, and Chlamydia pneumoniae. After this, mice received a dose of the various HSPs. We found that BCG and M. vaccae but not C. pneumoniae primed the immune system for the induction of secondary immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to most of the HSPs tested. Analysis of the IgG1 and IgG2a profile and gamma interferon production induced against the HSPs revealed the induction of a mixture of responses. We also observed that sera from mice treated with M. vaccae and HSP70 were cross-reactive, but no antibody complexes were observed in their kidneys, which frequently are targets for autoantibody reactions. Our findings add further support for the use of HSPs as effective vaccine adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaleda Rahman Qazi
- Department of Immunology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden, Lionex Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mousumi Rahman Qazi
- Department of Immunology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden, Lionex Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Esther Julián
- Department of Immunology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden, Lionex Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mahavir Singh
- Department of Immunology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden, Lionex Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Manuchehr Abedi-Valugerdi
- Department of Immunology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden, Lionex Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Carmen Fernández
- Department of Immunology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden, Lionex Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Braunschweig, Germany
- Corresponding author. Mailing address: Department of Immunology, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden. Phone: 46 8 16 45 99. Fax: 46 8 612 95 42. E-mail:
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Lim WCT, Chow VTK. Gene expression profiles of U937 human macrophages exposed to Chlamydophila pneumoniae and/or low density lipoprotein in five study models using differential display and real-time RT-PCR. Biochimie 2005; 88:367-77. [PMID: 16466844 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2005.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2005] [Accepted: 11/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many studies on atherosclerosis have indicated an association with Chlamydophila pneumoniae, a respiratory intracellular pathogen that can infect bronchoalveolar macrophages, and be transported to sites of vascular injury. Furthermore, the connection between low density lipoprotein (LDL), macrophages, foam cell formation, and atherosclerosis is well established. Five study models were designed to mimic the early events in plaque formation, i.e. untreated U937 human macrophages as control; macrophages treated with LDL only; macrophages infected with the AR-39 strain of C. pneumoniae only; and the last two models in which macrophages were exposed to both C. pneumoniae and LDL but in different order. Differential display RT-PCR was employed to analyze mRNAs from the five models to elucidate the transcriptional responses arising from macrophage interactions with C. pneumoniae and/or LDL. Out of 235 expressed sequence tags, the altered expression patterns of 29 selected genes at various time-points were authenticated by semi-quantitative and real-time RT-PCR. In relation to atherosclerosis, some interesting modified transcripts are involved in cell proliferation (CDC2, CDC27, CDC42EP3, GBDR1, GPR6, RPL27A, Similar to COX2), apoptosis (BCL2A1), ubiquitination (CTSH, HSPC150, NUC2), and structural integrity (ACTG1, FLOT1). Other genes exhibiting altered expression include those that modulate inflammatory and immune responses or signal transduction linking infection to host immunity (ARPP-19, BLAME, HCA58, IK cytokine, IRS2, STAT1P1). The transcriptional alterations of critical human genes in response to C. pneumoniae infection and foam cell development provide insights into certain key molecular pathophysiological mechanisms of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William C T Lim
- Human Genome Laboratory and Programme in Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge 117597, Singapore
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Poppert S, Schlaupitz K, Marre R, Voisard R, Roessler W, Weckermann D, Weingärtner K, Essig A. Chlamydia pneumoniae in an ex vivo human artery culture model. Atherosclerosis 2005; 187:50-6. [PMID: 16202418 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2005.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2005] [Revised: 08/01/2005] [Accepted: 08/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The role of the obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia pneumoniae in the development of atherosclerosis could not be completely clarified. Reasons are the highly discrepant results obtained in the hitherto existing studies and the lack of an experimental system allowing the direct examination of chlamydial effects in the human vasculature. We established a human ex vivo organ culture model for the characterization of vascular chlamydial infection. Ninety sections of renal arteries, obtained from nephrectomies, were inoculated with Chlamydia pneumoniae. Using a monoclonal FITC-conjugated antibody, chlamydial LPS was broadly detected in inoculated arteries during the entire observation period of 35 days. However, recultivation of viable organisms from the artery vessel wall was impossible, indicating that productive infection in human arteries did not occur even under optimized conditions. This was substantiated by low recovery rates of Chlamydia pneumoniae, low amounts of detectable chlamydial 16S rRNA and ultramorphological presence of polymorph multilamellar bodies in experimentally infected smooth muscle cells originating from aortas, coronary and renal arteries. We could demonstrate that the complex environment of a human artery did not support the growth of Chlamydia pneumoniae although the presence of chlamydial LPS in the artery vessel wall following experimental infection was a common event. The presence of chlamydial LPS in the absence of viable organisms within the artery vessel wall may explain the failure of antibiotic treatment strategies for atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Poppert
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Ulm, Robert-Koch Str. 8, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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46
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Puolakkainen M, Kuo CC, Campbell LA. Chlamydia pneumoniae uses the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor for infection of endothelial cells. Infect Immun 2005; 73:4620-5. [PMID: 16040974 PMCID: PMC1201205 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.8.4620-4625.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several mechanisms for attachment and entry of Chlamydia have been proposed. We previously determined that the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis is glycosylated with a high-mannose oligosaccharide, and a similar structure inhibited the attachment and infectivity of C. trachomatis in epithelial cells. Because insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) was shown to enhance the infectivity of Chlamydia pneumoniae but not C. trachomatis in endothelial cells, a hapten inhibition assay was used to analyze whether the mannose 6-phosphate (M6P)/IGF2 receptor that also binds M6P could be involved in infection of endothelial cells (HMEC-1) by Chlamydia. M6P and mannose 6-phosphate-poly[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-acrylamide] (M6P-PAA) inhibited the infectivity of C. pneumoniae AR-39, but not C. trachomatis serovar UW5 or L2, while mannan inhibited the growth of C. trachomatis, but not C. pneumoniae. Using metabolically labeled organisms incubated with cells at 4 degrees C (organisms attach but do not enter) or at 37 degrees C (organisms attach and are internalized), M6P-PAA was shown to inhibit attachment and internalization of C. pneumoniae in endothelial cells but did not inhibit attachment or internalization of C. trachomatis serovar E or L2. These findings indicate that C. pneumoniae can utilize the M6P/IGF2 receptor and that the use of this receptor for attachment and entry differs between C. pneumoniae and C. trachomatis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirja Puolakkainen
- Department of Pathobiology, Box 357238, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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47
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Subtil A, Delevoye C, Balañá ME, Tastevin L, Perrinet S, Dautry-Varsat A. A directed screen for chlamydial proteins secreted by a type III mechanism identifies a translocated protein and numerous other new candidates. Mol Microbiol 2005; 56:1636-47. [PMID: 15916612 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2005.04647.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiae are strict intracellular parasites that induce their internalization upon contact with the host cell and grow inside an intracellular compartment called an inclusion. They possess a type III secretion (TTS) apparatus, which allows for the translocation of specific proteins in the host cell cytosol. In particular, chlamydial proteins of the Inc family are secreted to the inclusion membrane by a TTS mechanism; other TTS substrates are mostly unknown. Using a secretion assay based on the recognition of TTS signals in Shigella flexneri, we searched for TTS signals in the proteins of unknown function, conserved between three different chlamydial species, Chlamydia pneumoniae, C. trachomatis and C. caviae. We identified 24 new candidate proteins which did not belong to the Inc family. Four of these proteins were also secreted as full-length proteins by a TTS mechanism in S. flexneri, indicating that their translocation does not require other chlamydial proteins. One of these proteins was detected in the cytosol of infected cells using specific antibodies, directly demonstrating that it is translocated in the host cell during bacterial proliferation. More generally, this work represents the first directed search for TTS effectors not based on genetic information or sequence similarity. It reveals the abundance of proteins secreted in the host cell by chlamydiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Subtil
- Unité de Biologie des Interactions Cellulaires, Institut Pasteur, CNRS URA 2582, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
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Vandahl BBS, Stensballe A, Roepstorff P, Christiansen G, Birkelund S. Secretion of Cpn0796 from Chlamydia pneumoniae into the host cell cytoplasm by an autotransporter mechanism. Cell Microbiol 2005; 7:825-36. [PMID: 15888085 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2005.00514.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
By comparison of proteome profiles of purified Chlamydia pneumoniae and whole lysates of C. pneumoniae infected HEp-2 cells, an N-terminal fragment of the previously uncharacterized chlamydial protein Cpn0796 was identified as a secreted protein. A 38 kDa cleavage product of Cpn0796 was present in infected cells, whereas only the 65 kDa full-length Cpn0796 could be detected in purified Chlamydia. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that Cpn0796 was localized in the Chlamydia membrane in young inclusions. However, at 36 h post infection and later Cpn0796 was detected in the cytoplasm of C. pneumoniae infected HEp-2 and BHK cells. Furthermore, Cpn0796 was detected in the cytoplasm of infected cells in the lungs of C. pneumoniae infected C57Bl mice. When cleavage was inhibited, Cpn0796 was retained in the chlamydiae. We propose that Cpn0796 is an autotransporter the N-terminal of which is translocated to the host cell cytoplasm. This is the first example of secretion of a Chlamydia autotransporter passenger domain into the host cell cytoplasm. Cpn0796 is specific for C. pneumoniae, where five homologous proteins are encoded by clustered genes. None of these five proteins were found to be secreted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian B S Vandahl
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Aarhus, The Bartholin Building, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
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49
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Wolf K, Fischer E, Hackstadt T. Degradation of Chlamydia pneumoniae by peripheral blood monocytic cells. Infect Immun 2005; 73:4560-70. [PMID: 16040967 PMCID: PMC1201216 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.8.4560-4570.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2005] [Revised: 03/30/2005] [Accepted: 04/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common human respiratory pathogen that has been associated with a variety of chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis. The role of this organism in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains unknown. A key question is how C. pneumoniae is transferred from the site of primary infection to a developing atherosclerotic plaque. It has been suggested that circulating monocytes could be vehicles for dissemination of C. pneumoniae since the organism has been detected in peripheral blood monocytic cells (PBMCs). In this study we focused on survival of C. pneumoniae within PBMCs isolated from the blood of healthy human donors. We found that C. pneumoniae does not grow and multiply in cultured primary monocytes. In C. pneumoniae-infected monocyte-derived macrophages, growth of the organism was very limited, and the majority of the bacteria were eradicated. We also found that the destruction of C. pneumoniae within infected macrophages resulted in a gradual diminution of chlamydial antigens, although some of these antigens could be detected for days after the initial infection. The detected antigens present in infected monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages represented neither chlamydial inclusions nor intact organisms. The use of {N-[7-(4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole)]}-6-aminocaproyl-d-erythro-sphingosine as a vital stain for chlamydiae proved to be a sensitive method for identifying rare C. pneumoniae inclusions and was useful in the detection of even aberrant developmental forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Wolf
- Host-Parasite Interactions Section, Laboratory of Intracellular Parasites, NIAID, NIH, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
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Naiki Y, Michelsen KS, Schröder NWJ, Alsabeh R, Slepenkin A, Zhang W, Chen S, Wei B, Bulut Y, Wong MH, Peterson EM, Arditi M. MyD88 is pivotal for the early inflammatory response and subsequent bacterial clearance and survival in a mouse model of Chlamydia pneumoniae pneumonia. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:29242-9. [PMID: 15964841 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m503225200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae is the causative agent of respiratory tract infections and a number of chronic diseases. Here we investigated the involvement of the common TLR adaptor molecule MyD88 in host responses to C. pneumoniae-induced pneumonia in mice. MyD88-deficient mice were severely impaired in their ability to mount an acute early inflammatory response toward C. pneumoniae. Although the bacterial burden in the lungs was comparable 5 days after infection, MyD88-deficient mice exhibited only minor signs of pneumonia and reduced expression of inflammatory mediators. MyD88-deficient mice were unable to up-regulate proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, demonstrated delayed recruitment of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells to the lungs, and were unable to clear the pathogen from their lungs at day 14. At day 14 the MyD88-deficent mice developed a severe, chronic lung inflammation with elevated IL-1beta and IFN-gamma leading to increased mortality, whereas wild-type mice as well as TLR2- or TLR4-deficient mice recovered from acute pneumonia and did not show delayed bacterial clearance. Thus, MyD88 is essential to recognize C. pneumoniae infection and initiate a prompt and effective immune host response against this organism leading to clearance of bacteria from infected lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Naiki
- Division of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases and Immunology, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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