Interaction of spirochetes with the host

Treponema pallidum Lipoprotein TP0435 Expressed in Borrelia burgdorferi Produces Multiple Surface/Periplasmic Isoforms and mediates Adherence

The ability of Treponema pallidum, the syphilis spirochete to colonize various tissues requires the presence of surface-exposed adhesins that have been difficult to identify due to the inability to culture and genetically manipulate T. pallidum. Using a Borrelia burgdorferi-based heterologous system and gain-in-function approach, we show for the first time that a highly immunogenic lipoprotein TP0435 can be differentially processed into multiple isoforms with one variant stochastically displayed on the spirochete surface. TP0435 was previously believed to be exclusively located in T. pallidum periplasm. Furthermore, non-adherent B. burgdorferi strain expressing TP0435 acquires the ability to bind to a variety of host cells including placental cells and exhibits slow opsonophagocytosis in vitro similar to poor ex vivo phagocytosis of T. pallidum by host macrophages reported previously. This phenomenon of production of both surface and periplasmic immunogenic lipoprotein isoforms has possible implications in immune evasion of the obligate pathogen T. pallidum during infection.

Enhanced Adhesion and OspC Protein Synthesis of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia Burgdorferi Cultivated in a Host-Derived Tissue Co-Culture System

BACKGROUND

The adhesion process of Borrelia burgdorferi to susceptible host cell has not yet been completely understood regarding the function of OspA, OspB and OspC proteins and a conflict exists in the infection process.

AIMS

The adhesion rates of pathogenic (low BSK medium passaged or susceptible rat joint tissue co-cultivated) or non-pathogenic Borrelia burgdorferi (high BSK medium passaged) isolate (FNJ) to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured on coverslips and the synthesis of OspA and OspC proteins were investigated to analyze the infection process of this bacterium.

STUDY DESIGN

In-vitro study.

METHODS

Spirochetes were cultured in BSK medium or in a LEW/N rat tibiotarsal joint tissue feeder layer supported co-culture system using ESG co-culture medium and labelled with 3H-adenine for 48 hours. SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, Immunogold A labeling as well as radiolabeling experiments were used to compare pathogenic or non pathogenic spirochetes during the adhesion process.

RESULTS

Tissue co-cultured B. burgdorferi adhered about ten times faster than BSK-grown spirochetes. Trypsin inhibited attachment to HUVEC and co-culture of trypsinized spirochetes with tissues reversed the inhibition. Also, the synthesis of OspC protein by spirochetes was increased in abundance after tissue co-cultures, as determined by SDS-PAGE and by electron microscopy analysis of protein A-immunogold staining by anti-OspC antibodies. OspA protein was synthesized in similar quantities in all Borrelia cultures analyzed by the same techniques.

CONCLUSION

Low BSK passaged or tissue co-cultured pathogenic Lyme disease spirochetes adhere to HUVEC faster than non-pathogenic high BSK passaged forms of this bacterium. Spirochetes synthesized OspC protein during host tissue-associated growth. However, we did not observe a reduction of OspA synthesis during host tissue co-cultivation in vitro.

Characterization and serologic analysis of the Treponema pallidum proteome

Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum is the causative agent of syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease characterized by widespread tissue dissemination and chronic infection. In this study, we analyzed the proteome of T. pallidum by the isoelectric focusing (IEF) and nonequilibrating pH gel electrophoresis (NEPHGE) forms of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DGE), coupled with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) analysis. We determined the identity of 148 T. pallidum protein spots, representing 88 T. pallidum polypeptides; 63 of these polypeptides had not been identified previously at the protein level. To examine which of these proteins are important in the antibody response to syphilis, we performed immunoblot analysis using infected rabbit sera or human sera from patients at different stages of syphilis infection. Twenty-nine previously described antigens (predominantly lipoproteins) were detected, as were a number of previously unidentified antigens. The reactivity patterns obtained with sera from infected rabbits and humans were similar; these patterns included a subset of antigens reactive with all serum samples tested, including CfpA, MglB-2, TmpA, TmpB, flagellins, and the 47-kDa, 17-kDa, and 15-kDa lipoproteins. A unique group of antigens specifically reactive with infected human serum was also identified and included the previously described antigen TpF1 and the hypothetical proteins TP0584, TP0608, and TP0965. This combined proteomic and serologic analysis further delineates the antigens potentially useful as vaccine candidates or diagnostic markers and may provide insight into the host-pathogen interactions that occur during T. pallidum infection.

Immunochemical analysis of lipopolysaccharide-like component extracted from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Immunoelectrophoresis and its modifications were applied to analysis of a lipopolysaccharide-like component (LPS-LC) extracted from Borrelia garinii strains K24 and K48 isolated from Ixodes ricinus and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto strain B31. A modification of the hot phenol-water method was used for isolation of LPS. Immunoelectrophoresis (IE) and crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) of LPS-LC with polyclonal rabbit antisera revealed a pattern and properties partially similar to LPS from other Gram-negative bacteria. B. garinii LPS-LC formed in CIE a diffuse band extending from the start to the anode. Similarly, the shape and position of the band in IE did not show major differences from LPS of other Gram-negative bacteria. The LPS-LC extracted from the three genomic groups of B. burgdorferi sensu lato were found to have similar immunochemical properties irrespective of their genotype origin.

Sodium ion cycle in bacterial pathogens: evidence from cross-genome comparisons

Analysis of the bacterial genome sequences shows that many human and animal pathogens encode primary membrane Na+ pumps, Na+-transporting dicarboxylate decarboxylases or Na+ translocating NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, and a number of Na+ -dependent permeases. This indicates that these bacteria can utilize Na+ as a coupling ion instead of or in addition to the H+ cycle. This capability to use a Na+ cycle might be an important virulence factor for such pathogens as Vibrio cholerae, Neisseria meningitidis, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, and Yersinia pestis. In Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Chlamydia pneumoniae, the Na+ gradient may well be the only energy source for secondary transport. A survey of preliminary genome sequences of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, and Treponema denticola indicates that these oral pathogens also rely on the Na+ cycle for at least part of their energy metabolism. The possible roles of the Na+ cycling in the energy metabolism and pathogenicity of these organisms are reviewed. The recent discovery of an effective natural antibiotic, korormicin, targeted against the Na+ -translocating NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, suggests a potential use of Na+ pumps as drug targets and/or vaccine candidates. The antimicrobial potential of other inhibitors of the Na+ cycle, such as monensin, Li+ and Ag+ ions, and amiloride derivatives, is discussed.

Evidence for a new type of outer membrane lipid in oral spirochete Treponema denticola. Functioning permeation barrier without lipopolysaccharides

A new class of outer membrane lipid (OML) was isolated from the oral spirochete Treponema denticola strain ATCC 33521 using a phenol/chloroform/light petroleum procedure normally applied for lipopolysaccharide extraction. In addition to chemical analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was applied to compare the biophysical properties of OML with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and lipoteichoic acids (LTA). Isolated OML fractions represent 1.4% of the total dry cell weight, are about 4 kDa in size, and contain 6% amino sugars, 8% neutral sugars, 14% phosphate, 35% carbazol-positive compounds, and 11% fatty acids (containing iso- and anteiso-fatty acyl chains). Rare for outer membrane lipids, OML contains no significant amount of 3-deoxy-D-manno-octulosonic acids, heptoses, and beta-hydroxy fatty acids. The fatty acyl chain composition, being similar to that of the cytoplasmic membrane, is quite heterogeneous with anteiso-pentadecanoic acid (12%), palmitic acid (51%), and iso-palmitic acid (19%) as the predominant fatty acids present. Findings of a glycerol-hexose unit and two glycerol-hexadecanoic acid fragments indicate a glycolipid membrane anchor typically found in LTA. There was also no evidence for the presence of a sphingosine-based lipid structure. The results of FTIR measurements strongly suggest that the reconstituted lipid forms normal bilayer structures (vesicles) expressing a high membrane state of order with a distinct phase transition as typical for isolated LPS. However, in contrast to LPS, OML of T. denticola has a lower Tm near 22 degreesC and a lower cooperativity of the phase transition. The results suggest a different kind of permeation barrier that is built up by this particular OML of T. denticola, which is quite different from LPS normally essential for Gram-negative bacteria.

Identification and sequences of the Treponema pallidum mglA and mglC genes

Treponema pallidum, the agent of syphilis, cannot be continuously cultivated in vitro. To identify treponemal genes encoding exported proteins, we performed TnphoA mutagenesis of a T. pallidum genomic DNA library in Escherichia coli. Clone 6D2 was chosen for further study based on partial nucleotide sequence obtained from p6D2 containing a TnphoA insertion. A complete open reading frame (orf1) and a truncated orf (orf2) were identified in the treponemal DNA of p6D2. Orf1 encodes a hydrophobic protein of 531 amino acids with a calculated M(r) of 57,882 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of Orf1 has homology to the MglC proteins of E. coli, Haemophilus influenzae, and Salmonella typhimurium. T. pallidum Orf1 (MglC) contains a conserved motif that is found in integral cytoplasmic membrane proteins of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport systems. T. pallidum orf2 encodes a protein of 496 amino acids with a calculated M(r) of 55,547 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of Orf2 has homology to the MglA proteins of S. typhimurium, E. coli, H. influenzae, and Mycoplasma genitalium. Orf2 (MglA) contains two consensus ATP-binding motifs. T. pallidum mglA and mglC are located downstream of mglB, consistent with the gene order of previously identified mgl operons. The putative T. pallidum mgl operon encodes the first high-affinity ABC transport system identified in this spirochete.

Physical map of the genome of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (Nichols)

A physical map of the chromosome of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (Nichols), the causative agent of syphilis, was constructed from restriction fragments produced by NotI, SfiI, and SrfI. These rare-cutting restriction endonucleases cleaved the T. pallidum genome into 16, 8, and 15 fragments, respectively. Summation of the physical lengths of the fragments indicates that the chromosome of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum is approximately 1,030 to 1,080 kbp in size. The physical map was constructed by hybridizing a variety of probes to Southern blots of single and double digests of T. pallidum genomic DNA separated by contour-clamped homogeneous electric field electrophoresis. Probes included cosmid clones constructed from T. pallidum subsp. pallidum genomic DNA, restriction fragments excised from gels, and selected genes. Physical mapping confirmed that the chromosome of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum is circular, as the SfiI and SrfI maps formed complete circles. A total of 13 genes, including those encoding five membrane lipoproteins (tpn47, tpn41, tpn29-35, tpn17, and tpn15), a putative outer membrane porin (tpn50), the flagellar sheath and hook proteins (flaA and flgE), the cytoplasmic filament protein (cfpA), 16S rRNA (rrnA), a major sigma factor (rpoD), and a homolog of cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase (cysS), have been localized in the physical map as a first step toward studying the genetic organization of this noncultivable pathogen.

Similarity between the 38-kilodalton lipoprotein of Treponema pallidum and the glucose/galactose-binding (MglB) protein of Escherichia coli

The recent discovery that abundant and immunogenic lipoproteins constitute the integral membrane proteins of Treponema pallidum has prompted efforts to investigate their importance in the physiology and ultrastructure of the organism and in immune responses during infection. Earlier studies identified a 38-kDa lipoprotein of T. pallidum believed to be specific to the pathogen. In the present study, monoclonal antibodies generated against the 38-kDa lipoprotein of T. pallidum reacted with cognate 37-kDa molecules in the nonpathogens Treponema phagedenis, Treponema denticola, and Treponema refringens. Cloning and expression of the 38-kDa-lipoprotein gene of T. pallidum in Escherichia coli revealed that the recombinant product displayed a slightly larger (39-kDa) apparent molecular mass but remained reactive with anti-38-kDa-protein monoclonal antibodies. The recombinant product was processed and acylated in E. coli. DNA and amino acid sequence analyses indicated an open reading frame encoding 403 amino acids, with the first 25 amino acids corresponding to a leader peptide terminated by a signal peptidase II processing site of Val-Val-Gly-Cys. The predicted mature protein is 378 amino acids in length with a deduced molecular weight of 40,422 (excluding acylation). Southern blotting failed to demonstrate in nonpathogenic treponemes genomic sequences homologous with the 38-kDa-lipoprotein gene of T. pallidum. Computer analysis revealed that the 38-kDa lipoprotein of T. pallidum had 34.2% identity and 58.9% similarity with the glucose/galactose-binding protein (MglB) of E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium. Furthermore, of the 19 amino acids of MglB involved in carbohydrate binding, the 38-kDa lipoprotein had identity with 11. These studies have allowed the first putative functional assignment (carbohydrate binding) to a T. pallidum integral membrane protein. Recognition of this potential physiological role for the 38-kDa lipoprotein underscores the possibility that the membrane biology of T. pallidum may more closely resemble that of gram-positive organisms, which also utilize lipoproteins as anchored transporters, than that of gram-negative bacteria to which T. pallidum often is analogized.

Retention of B. burgdorferi pathogenicity and infectivity after multiple passages in a co-culture system

In vitro cultivation of B. burgdorferi in BSK medium results in the loss of infectivity and pathogenicity after repeated passages. To prevent this loss, a feeder layer of tibio-tarsal joint tissue derived from newborn LEW/N rats was grown on Cytodex 3 microcarriers in ESG (formerly BSKE), a novel medium developed to support the growth of both the feeder layer and B. burgdorferi. A new pathogenic isolate (FNJ) and a high passage, non-pathogenic strain (TNJ) grew well in this co-culture system with high yields of viable organism. FNJ caused no growth inhibition or visible damage to the cells in the feeder layer. FNJ remained arthritogenic for newborn LEW/N rats after 22 passages in the co-culture system, but lost its arthritogenicity after 7 passages when cultured in BSK medium. This borrelia-mammalian tissue co-culture technique presents an experimental system to study the long term interactions of B. burgdorferi with the infected host tissues in vitro, as well as facilitate diagnostic tests and vaccine development.

Characterization of the low-molecular-mass proteins of virulent Treponema pallidum

We previously demonstrated that Treponema pallidum cells incubated in vitro in the presence of heat-inactivated normal rabbit serum (HINRS) synthesize, in very small quantities, several pathogen-specific, low-molecular-mass proteins that appear to be localized extracellularly. In this study, we have taken advantage of our ability to metabolically radiolabel T. pallidum cells to high specific activity to further characterize these antigens. We found that the low-molecular-mass proteins are not related to the 15- and 17-kDa detergent-phase proteins (J. D. Radolf, N. R. Chamberlain, A. Clausell, and M. V. Norgard, Infect. Immun. 56:490-498, 1988). The low-molecular-mass proteins did not incorporate 3H-labeled fatty acids and were not precipitated by rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies directed against glutathione S-transferase fusions to the nonlipidated 15- and 17-kDa proteins. We prepared polyclonal antisera to the low-molecular-mass proteins by immunizing two rabbits with the concentrated supernatant of T. pallidum cells. IgG antibodies present in the sera of both rabbits precipitated a 21.5-kDa protein from solubilized extracts of T. pallidum supernatant and cells. IgG antibodies in the serum of the second rabbit precipitated an additional 15.5-kDa low-molecular-mass protein only from solubilized extracts of supernatant. While investigating the effect of eliminating HINRS from the extraction medium, we observed that the low-molecular-mass proteins remained associated with treponemal cells that were incubated in the absence of HINRS. These proteins could be eluted from the cells by the addition of HINRS or rabbit serum albumin, suggesting that they are located on or near the treponemal cell surface. The 15.5- and 21.5-kDa low-molecular-mass proteins were not washed off treponemal cells with buffer containing 1 M KCl. Experiments employing selective solubilization of the T. pallidum outer membrane with 0.1% Triton X-114 and proteinase K accessibility indicated that the 15.5-kDa protein, but not the 21.5-kDa protein, is cell surface exposed.

Polypeptides of Treponema pallidum: progress toward understanding their structural, functional, and immunologic roles. Treponema Pallidum Polypeptide Research Group

Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum, the spirochete that causes syphilis, is unusual in a number of respects, including its small genome size, inability to grow under standard in vitro culture conditions, microaerophilism, apparent paucity of outer membrane proteins, structurally complex periplasmic flagella, and ability to evade the host immune responses and cause disease over a period of years to decades. Many of these attributes are related ultimately to its protein content. Our knowledge of the activities, structure, and immunogenicity of its proteins has been expanded by the application of recombinant DNA, hybridoma, and structural fractionation techniques. The purpose of this monograph is to summarize and correlate this new information by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, monoclonal antibody reactivity, sequence data, and other properties as the bases of polypeptide identification. The protein profiles of the T. pallidum subspecies causing syphilis, yaws, and endemic syphilis are virtually indistinguishable but differ considerably from those of other treponemal species. Among the most abundant polypeptides are a group of lipoproteins of unknown function that appear to be important in the immune response during syphilitic infection. The periplasmic flagella of T. pallidum and other spirochetes are unique with regard to their protein content and ultrastructure, as well as their periplasmic location. They are composed of three core proteins (homologous to the other members of the eubacterial flagellin family) and a single, unrelated sheath protein; the functional significance of this arrangement is not understood at present. Although the bacterium contains the chaperonins GroEL and DnaK, these proteins are not under the control of the heat shock regulon as they are in most organisms. Studies of the immunogenicity of T. pallidum proteins indicate that many may be useful for immunodiagnosis and immunoprotection. Future goals in T. pallidum polypeptide research include continued elucidation of their structural locations and functional activities, identification and characterization of the low-abundance outer membrane proteins, further study of the immunoprotective and immunodiagnostic potential of T. pallidum proteins, and clarification of the roles of treponemal proteins in pathogenesis.