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Bektas S, Kaptan E. Microbial lectins as a potential therapeutics for the prevention of certain human diseases. Life Sci 2024; 346:122643. [PMID: 38614308 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Lectins are protein or glycoprotein molecules with a specific ability to bind to carbohydrates. From viruses to mammals, they are found in various organisms and exhibit remarkable diverse structures and functions. They are significant contributors to defense mechanisms against microbial attacks in plants. They are also involved in functions such as controlling lymphocyte migration, regulating glycoprotein biosynthesis, cell-cell recognition, and embryonic development in animals. In addition, lectins serve as invaluable molecular tools in various biological and medical disciplines due to their reversible binding ability and enable the monitoring of cell membrane changes in physiological and pathological contexts. Microbial lectins, often referred to as adhesins, play an important role in microbial colonization, pathogenicity, and interactions among microorganisms. Viral lectins are located in the bilayered viral membrane, whereas bacterial lectins are found intracellularly and on the bacterial cell surface. Microfungal lectins are typically intracellular and have various functions in host-parasite interaction, and in fungal growth and morphogenesis. Although microbial lectin studies are less extensive than those of plants and animals, they provide insights into the infection mechanisms and potential interventions. Glycan specificity, essential functions in infectious diseases, and applications in the diagnosis and treatment of viral and bacterial infections are critical aspects of microbial lectin research. In this review, we will discuss the application and therapeutic potential of viral, bacterial and microfungal lectins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suna Bektas
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34116, Turkey.
| | - Engin Kaptan
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Science Department of Biology, 34134 Vezneciler, Istanbul, Turkey.
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de Souza Pitangui N, Fernandes FF, Aparecido da Silva T, Gonçales RA, Roque-Barreira MC. Role of paracoccin on Paracoccidioides brasiliensis virulence and susceptibility to antifungal drugs in the Galleria mellonella larvae model. Virulence 2023; 14:2150455. [PMID: 36599817 PMCID: PMC9815234 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2150455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracoccin (PCN), a Paracoccidioides brasiliensis glycoprotein, has been reported to play roles in fungal biology and paracoccidioidomycosis pathogenesis. Lectin and chitinase domains account for the PCN's dual roles as an immunomodulatory agent and virulence factor. Soluble PCN injected in P. brasiliensis infected mice, by interacting with TLRs' N-glycans, drives the host immune response toward a protective Th1 axis. Otherwise, mice infection with yeasts overexpressing PCN (ov-PCN) revealed that PCN acts as a fungal virulence factor, thanks to its chitinase activity on the cell wall, resulting in resistance to phagocytes' fungicidal activity and development of severe paracoccidioidomycosis. Because antifungal drug administration follows the disease diagnosis, we studied the PCN effect on yeast resistance or susceptibility to antifungal agents. Using a paracoccidioidomycosis model developed in Galleria mellonella larvae, we confirmed the observation, in the murine host, that ov-PCN yeasts display maximum virulence compared to wild-type (wt-PCN) or PCN-silenced (kd-PCN) yeasts. PCN overexpression accounted for the highest susceptibility of P. brasiliensis to antifungal and reduced relative mRNA expression of genes encoding proteins related to cell wall remodeling. The lowest virulence, detected in infection with kd-PCN yeasts, correlated with the lowest susceptibility to antifungals and impact on genes for cell wall remodeling. So, we defined that the grade of endogenous PCN production influences the P. brasiliensis virulence and susceptibility to antifungal drugs, as well as the expression of genes related to cell wall remodeling. We postulate that this variable gene expression is mechanistically associated with P. brasiliensis virulence changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayla de Souza Pitangui
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freitas Fernandes
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Gonçales RA, Portis IG, dos Reis TF, Basso Júnior LR, Martinez R, Zhu H, Pereira M, Soares CMDA, Coelho PSR. Identification and immunogenic potential of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2023; 4:1243475. [PMID: 37746134 PMCID: PMC10512324 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1243475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
In fungal pathogens the cell wall plays an important role in host-pathogen interactions because its molecular components (e.g., polysaccharides and proteins) may trigger immune responses during infection. GPI-anchored proteins represent the main protein class in the fungal cell wall where they can perform several functions, such as cell wall remodeling and adhesion to host tissues. Genomic analysis has identified the complement of GPI-anchored proteins in many fungal pathogens, but the function has remained unknown for most of them. Here, we conducted an RNA expression analysis of GPI-anchored proteins of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis which causes paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), an important human systemic mycosis endemic in Latin America. The expression of the GPI-anchored proteins was analyzed by quantitative PCR in both the mycelium and yeast forms. qPCR analysis revealed that the transcript levels of 22 of them were increased in hyphae and 10 in yeasts, respectively, while 14 did not show any significant difference in either form. Furthermore, we cloned 46 open reading frames and purified their corresponding GPI-anchored proteins in the budding yeast. Immunoblot and ELISA analysis of four purified GPI-anchored proteins revealed immune reactivity of these proteins against sera obtained from PCM patients. The information obtained in this study provides valuable information about the expression of many GPI-anchored proteins of unknown function. In addition, based on our immune analysis, some GPI-anchored proteins are expressed during infection and therefore, they might serve as good candidates for the development of new diagnostic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relber Aguiar Gonçales
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Portugal
| | - Igor Godinho Portis
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda dos Reis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Luiz Roberto Basso Júnior
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto Martinez
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Maristela Pereira
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sergio Rodrigues Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Pitangui NDS, Fernandes FF, Gonçales RA, Roque-Barreira MC. Virulence Vs. Immunomodulation: Roles of the Paracoccin Chitinase and Carbohydrate-Binding Sites in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Infection. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:700797. [PMID: 34532342 PMCID: PMC8438136 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.700797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccin (PCN) is a bifunctional protein primarily present in the cell wall of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, a human pathogenic dimorphic fungus. PCN has one chitinase region and four potential lectin sites and acts as both a fungal virulence factor and an immunomodulator of the host response. The PCN activity on fungal virulence, mediated by the chitinase site, was discovered by infecting mice with yeast overexpressing PCN (PCN-ov). PCN-ov are characterized by increased chitin hydrolysis, a narrow cell wall, and augmented resistance to phagocytes' fungicidal activity. Compared to wild-type (wt) yeast, infection with PCN-ov yeast causes a more severe disease, which is attributed to the increased PCN chitinase activity. In turn, immunomodulation of the host response was demonstrated by injecting, subcutaneously, recombinant PCN in mice infected with wt-P. brasiliensis. Through its carbohydrate binding site, the injected recombinant PCN interacts with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) N-glycans on macrophages, triggers M1 polarization, and stimulates protective Th1 immunity against the fungus. The PCN-treatment of wt yeast-infected mice results in mild paracoccidioidomycosis. Therefore, PCN paradoxically influences the course of murine paracoccidioidomycosis. The disease is severe when caused by yeast that overexpress endogenous PCN, which exerts a robust local chitinase activity, followed by architectural changes of the cell wall and release of low size chito-oligomers. However, the disease is mild when exogenous PCN is injected, which recognizes N-glycans on systemic macrophages resulting in immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayla de Souza Pitangui
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freitas Fernandes
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Relber Aguiar Gonçales
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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García-Carnero LC, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Salazar-García LM, Lozoya-Pérez NE, González-Hernández SE, Tamez-Castrellón AK. Recognition of Fungal Components by the Host Immune System. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2021; 21:245-264. [PMID: 31889486 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666191231105546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
By being the first point of contact of the fungus with the host, the cell wall plays an important role in the pathogenesis, having many molecules that participate as antigens that are recognized by immune cells, and also that help the fungus to establish infection. The main molecules reported to trigger an immune response are chitin, glucans, oligosaccharides, proteins, melanin, phospholipids, and others, being present in the principal pathogenic fungi with clinical importance worldwide, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Sporothrix schenckii. Knowledge and understanding of how the immune system recognizes and responds to fungal antigens are relevant for the future research and development of new diagnostic tools and treatments for the control of mycosis caused by these fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C García-Carnero
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Luis M Salazar-García
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Nancy E Lozoya-Pérez
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | - Alma K Tamez-Castrellón
- Department of Biology, Exact and Natural Sciences Division, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
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Gonçales RA, Ricci-Azevedo R, Vieira VCS, Fernandes FF, Thomaz SMDO, Carvalho A, Vendruscolo PE, Cunha C, Roque-Barreira MC, Rodrigues F. Paracoccin Overexpression in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Enhances Fungal Virulence by Remodeling Chitin Properties of the Cell Wall. J Infect Dis 2020; 224:164-174. [PMID: 33201217 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The thermodimorphic fungi Paracoccidioides spp. are the etiological agents of paracoccidioidomycosis. Although poorly studied, paracoccin (PCN) from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis has been shown to harbor lectinic, enzymatic, and immunomodulatory properties that affect disease development. METHODS Mutants of P. brasiliensis overexpressing PCN (ov-PCN) were constructed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. ov-PCN strains were analyzed and inoculated intranasally or intravenously to mice. Fungal burden, lung pathology, and survival were monitored to evaluate virulence. Electron microscopy was used to evaluate the size of chito-oligomer particles released by ov-PCN or wild-type strains to growth media. RESULTS ov-PCN strains revealed no differences in cell growth and viability, although PCN overexpression favored cell separation, chitin processing that results in the release of smaller chito-oligomer particles, and enhanced virulence. Our data show that PCN triggers a critical effect in the cell wall biogenesis through the chitinase activity resulting from overexpression of PCN. As such, PCN overexpression aggravates the disease caused by P. brasiliensis. CONCLUSIONS Our data are consistent with a model in which PCN modulates the cell wall architecture via its chitinase activity. These findings highlight the potential for exploiting PCN function in future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relber Aguiar Gonçales
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/São Paulo, Brazil.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Rafael Ricci-Azevedo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa C S Vieira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Fabrício F Fernandes
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra M de O Thomaz
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Patrícia E Vendruscolo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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Cocio TA, Nascimento E, Kress MRVZ, Bagagli E, Martinez R. Characterization of a Paracoccidioides spp. strain from southeastern Brazil genotyped as Paracoccidioides restrepiensis (PS3) and review of this phylogenetic species. Genet Mol Biol 2020; 43:e20190201. [PMID: 32502230 PMCID: PMC7268198 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2019-0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Phylogenetic species of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex (S1a and S1b, PS2, PS3, and PS4) and Paracoccidioides lutzii are agents of paracoccidioidomycosis, an endemic fungal disease in Latin America. P. restrepiensis (PS3 genotype) was classified as monophyletic and geographically restricted to Colombia and neighboring territories. BAT (or Pb-327B) was isolated from a patient living in the southeast region of Brazil but with genotype similar to Colombian Paracoccidioides spp. strains. This study aimed to define the phylogenetic species of BAT isolate by using additional genotyping methods, as well as reviewing the epidemiological and clinical studies related to P. restrepiensis isolates. Genomic DNA of BAT isolate and reference strains of P. brasiliensis sensu stricto (S1b), P. americana (PS2), P. restrepiensis (PS3), and P. lutzii were analyzed by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of partial gp43 exon 2 loci, by PCR-RFLP technique of tub1 gene, and by sequencing of the whole gp43 exon 2 loci. Here, we show that BAT isolate belongs to P. restrepiensis species, which is an unusual identification in southeastern Brazil, where P. brasiliensis sensu stricto is the prevalent genotype. This identification has relevance for geographical distribution and propagation of the genus Paracoccidioides in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Alexandre Cocio
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), Departamento de Clínica Médica, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Erika Nascimento
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), Departamento de Clínica Médica, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcia R. V. Z. Kress
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP), Departmento de Análises Clínicas, Toxicológicas e Bromatológicas, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Bagagli
- Universidade Estadual Paulista ‘Júlio Mesquita Filho’ (UNESP), Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Departamento de Ciências Químicas e Biológica, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Roberto Martinez
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP), Departamento de Clínica Médica, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Pitangui NDS, Fernandes FF, Gonçales RA, Roque-Barreira MC. Paracoccin: Purification and Validation of Its Lectin and Enzymatic Properties. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2132:139-149. [PMID: 32306322 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0430-4_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Studies on the effects of components derived from the human pathogenic fungi Paracoccidioides brasiliensis have identified paracoccin (PCN), as a bifunctional protein with lectin (GlcNAc-binding) and enzymatic (chitinase) activities, able to induce modulation of host immune response. Endogenous PCN acts as a fungal virulence factor, whereas exogenous purified PCN, administered to the host, confers protective immunity in a murine model of paracoccidioidomycosis. The immunomodulation induced by purified-PCN injection has characterized it as an agent applicable in the therapy and vaccine against paracoccidioidomycosis. This section describes methods for PCN purification and validation of its lectin and enzymatic activities. It includes detailed protocols to obtain homogeneous PCN from P. brasiliensis yeasts, as well as to purify recombinant PCN from transformed heterologous microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayla de Souza Pitangui
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freitas Fernandes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Relber Aguiar Gonçales
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine University of São Paulo (FMRP/USP), Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. .,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Sakai K, Hiemori K, Tateno H, Hirabayashi J, Gonoi T. Fucose-specific lectin of Aspergillus fumigatus: binding properties and effects on immune response stimulation. Med Mycol 2019; 57:71-83. [PMID: 29370403 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the major causative fungus of aspergillosis, and many studies have explored the relationship between A. fumigatus and pathogenicity. In the current study, we focused on a fucose-specific lectin, FleA, as a novel molecule which related to the pathogenicity of A. fumigatus. The disruption of the fleA gene did not lead to clear morphological changes compared to parental strain under several stress conditions in culture, but germination become earlier. In comparison with parental strain, the pathogenicity of disruptant was enhanced in a mouse infection model. The pattern of conidial phagocytosis and adhesion to cultured cells did not explain this enhanced pathogenicity. FleA was reported to contain six conserved fucose-binding sites; the analysis of constructed FleA point mutants revealed nonequivalent contribution of the fucose-binding sites to fucose binding. Based on the immune response induced in the cultured cells upon exposure to wild-type and mutant FleA, we propose a model of the FleA molecule in A. fumigatus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanae Sakai
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Japan
| | - Keiko Hiemori
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, AIST, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tateno
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, AIST, Japan
| | - Jun Hirabayashi
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, AIST, Japan
| | - Tohru Gonoi
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Japan
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Cezar-Dos-Santos F, Lenhard-Vidal A, Assolini JP, de Souza Marquez A, Ono MA, Itano EN. Paracoccidioides restrepiensis B339 (PS3) and P. lutzii LDR2 yeast cells and soluble components display in vitro hemolytic and hemagglutinating activities on human erythrocytes. Microbiol Immunol 2018; 62:436-443. [PMID: 29733463 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by thermodimorfic fungi of Paracoccidioides species complex. Several pathogenic fungi produce hemagglutinins and hemolysins, which are virulence factors involved in adhesion of pathogens to host tissues or cells and in destruction of erythrocytes. The present research investigated hemolytic and hemagglutinating activities of yeast cells and soluble components from P. restrepiensis (PS3; former P. brasiliensis B339) and P. lutzii (LDR2). Different concentrations of live and heat-killed yeast cells and soluble components from cell free antigen preparation (CFA) (native or heated - 56 and 100 °C, 30 min) were mixed with 1% human erythrocyte suspension. Yeast cells from both species caused hemolysis, but P. lutzii LDR2 was more hemolytic than P. restrepiensis B339, while the opposite phenomena occurred with soluble components in most conditions. Live or heat-killed yeast cells of both fungi agglutinated erythrocytes, but only heated soluble components from P. restrepiensis B339 showed hemagglutinating activity. In conclusion, yeast cells of P. restrepiensis B339 and P. lutzii LDR2 produce hemolysins and hemagglutinins, which most likely are more restricted to yeast cells in P. lutzii LDR2 and are more released in soluble form byP. restrepiensis B339, requiring further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Cezar-Dos-Santos
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Rod. Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), km 380 - Campus Universitário. Zip Code 86.057-970
| | - Adriane Lenhard-Vidal
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Rod. Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), km 380 - Campus Universitário. Zip Code 86.057-970
| | - João Paulo Assolini
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Rod. Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), km 380 - Campus Universitário. Zip Code 86.057-970
| | - Audrey de Souza Marquez
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Northern Paraná, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Av. Paris, 675 - Parque Res. João Piza. Zip Code 86.041-120
| | - Mário Augusto Ono
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Rod. Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), km 380 - Campus Universitário. Zip Code 86.057-970
| | - Eiko Nakagawa Itano
- Department of Pathological Sciences, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. Rod. Celso Garcia Cid (PR 445), km 380 - Campus Universitário. Zip Code 86.057-970
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Ghufran MS, Ghosh K, Kanade SR. A fucose specific lectin from Aspergillus flavus induced interleukin-8 expression is mediated by mitogen activated protein kinase p38. Med Mycol 2017; 55:323-333. [PMID: 27664169 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myw066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is an ubiquitous, opportunistic fungus responsible to cause invasive fungal allergic diseases, including bronchopulmonary invasive aspergillosis in persons with altered immune function. Lectins have been implicated as interaction mediators between the pathogenic fungi and human host. We isolated L-fucose specific lectin from A. flavus (FFL) and purified it to homogeneity with a combination of ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography methods. Its hemagglutination activity was significantly inhibited by 125 μM L-fucose as compared to other sugars and sugar derivatives. We, then used human cell line L-132, and U937 cell line to explore the possible cytotoxicity and proinflammatory effect of this fucose-specific lectin. The lectin induced the expression of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) in a dose-dependent manner, and it was found to be associated with the p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). The p38MAPK signalling pathway regulates the transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity, which is the integration point of many signals that can differentially affect the expression and transcriptional activity of a cell. We observed activation of c-Jun, a critical component of the AP-1 complex, mediated by p38MAPK upon the FFL treatment in L-132 cells. Finally, inhibition of p38MAPK by a specific inhibitor attenuates the c-Jun, suggesting the p38MAPK involvement in the c-Jun activation, which in turn transcriptionally activates the induction of IL-8 in response to the lectin. Thus, this study showed a potential lectin-mediated mechanism to modulate the immune response during host-fungus interactions.
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Oliveira AF, Fernandes FF, Mariano VS, Almeida F, Ruas LP, Oliveira LL, Oliver C, Jamur MC, Roque-Barreira MC. Paracoccin distribution supports its role in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis growth and dimorphic transformation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184010. [PMID: 28846733 PMCID: PMC5573292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast was reported to express paracoccin, a GlcNAc-binding protein that displays N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase) activity. Highly specific anti-paracoccin antibodies have been previously used to examine the localization of paracoccin in yeast and inhibit its growth in vitro. In the present study, anti-paracoccin antibodies were used to characterize, by scanning confocal microscopy, the distribution of paracoccin in P. brasiliensis hyphae, transition forms from hyphae to yeast, and mature yeast. In the mycelial phase, paracoccin was detected mainly in the hyphae tips, where it demonstrated a punctate distribution, and was associated with the cell wall. During the first 48 hours after a temperature shift from 26°C to 37°C, paracoccin expression in the differentiating hyphae was mainly detected in the budding regions, i.e. lateral protrusions, and inside the new daughter cells. There was an increased number of chlamydoconidia that expressed a high concentration of paracoccin on their surfaces and/or in their interiors 72–96 hours after the temperature shift. After 120 hours, yeast cells were the predominant form and their cytoplasm stained extensively for paracoccin, whereas Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA) staining was predominant on their exterior walls. After 10 days at 37°C, the interior of both mother and daughter yeast cells, as well as the budding regions, stained intensely for paracoccin. The comparison of mRNA-expression in the different fungal forms showed that PCN transcripts, although detected in all evaluated morphological forms, were higher in hypha and yeast-to-hypha transition forms. In conclusion, the pattern of paracoccin distribution in all P. brasiliensis morphotypes supports prevalent beliefs that it plays important roles in fungal growth and dimorphic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Ferreira Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Fabricio Freitas Fernandes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Vânia Sammartino Mariano
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Luciana Pereira Ruas
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Constance Oliver
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Maria Celia Jamur
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Among the endemic deep mycoses in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), caused by thermodimorphic fungi of the Paracoccidioides genus, is a major cause of morbidity. Disease development and its manifestations are associated with both host and fungal factors. Concerning the latter, several recent studies have employed the methodology of gene modulation in P. brasiliensis using antisense RNA (AsRNA) and Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) to identify proteins that influence fungus virulence. Our previous observations suggested that paracoccin (PCN), a multidomain fungal protein with both lectin and enzymatic activities, may be a potential P. brasiliensis virulence factor. To explore this, we used AsRNA and ATMT methodology to obtain three independent PCN-silenced P. brasiliensis yeast strains (AsPCN1, AsPCN2, and AsPCN3) and characterized them with regard to P. brasiliensis biology and pathogenicity. AsPCN1, AsPCN2, and AsPCN3 showed relative PCN expression levels that were 60%, 40%, and 60% of that of the wild-type (WT) strain, respectively. PCN silencing led to the aggregation of fungal cells, blocked the morphological yeast-to-mycelium transition, and rendered the yeast less resistant to macrophage fungicidal activity. In addition, mice infected with AsPCN1, AsPCN2, and AsPCN3 showed a reduction in fungal burden of approximately 96% compared with those inoculated with the WT strain, which displayed a more extensive destruction of lung tissue. Finally, mice infected with the PCN-silenced yeast strains had lower mortality than those infected with the WT strain. These data demonstrate that PCN acts as a P. brasiliensis contributory virulence factor directly affecting fungal pathogenesis. The nonexistence of efficient genetic transformation systems has hampered studies in the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the etiological agent of the most frequent systemic mycosis in Latin America. The recent development of a method for gene expression knockdown by antisense RNA technology, associated with an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system, provides new strategies for studying P. brasiliensis. Through this technology, we generated yeasts that were silenced for paracoccin (PCN), a P. brasiliensis component that has lectin and enzymatic properties. By comparing the phenotypes of PCN-silenced and wild-type strains of P. brasiliensis, we identified PCN as a virulence factor whose absence renders the yeasts unable to undergo the transition to mycelium and causes a milder pulmonary disease in mice, with a lower mortality rate. Our report highlights the importance of the technology used for P. brasiliensis transformation and demonstrates that paracoccin is a virulence factor acting on fungal biology and pathogenesis.
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Freitas MS, Oliveira AF, da Silva TA, Fernandes FF, Gonçales RA, Almeida F, Roque-Barreira MC. Paracoccin Induces M1 Polarization of Macrophages via Interaction with TLR4. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1003. [PMID: 27458431 PMCID: PMC4932198 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal human pathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis contains paracoccin (PCN), a multi-domain protein that has lectin and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase activities, which account for its effects on the growth and morphogenesis of the fungus and on the activation of host macrophages through its interaction with TLR N-glycans. With the purpose of detailing the knowledge on the effects of PCN on macrophages, we used recombinant PCN expressed in Pichia pastoris (p-rPCN) to stimulate isolated murine peritoneal macrophages. The activation of these cells manifested through the release of high levels of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-12p40, and IL-6. Furthermore, peritoneal macrophages stimulated with p-rPCN increased the relative expression of STAT1, SOCS3, and iNOS2 mRNA (M1 polarization markers). However, the expression of Arginase-1, Ym-1, and FIZZ1 (M2 polarization markers) remained at basal levels. Interestingly, the observed M1 macrophages’ polarization triggered by p-rPCN was abolished in cells obtained from knockout Toll-like receptor-4 mice. In this case, the p-rPCN-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators was blocked too. These results demonstrate that the classical activation of macrophages induced by paracoccin depends on TLR4. Taken together, the results of our study indicate that paracoccin acts as a TLR agonist able to modulate immunity and exerts biological activities that favor its applicability as an immunotherapeutic agent to combat systemic fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus S Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Aline F Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Thiago A da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fabrício F Fernandes
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Relber A Gonçales
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maria C Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Extracellular vesicles from Paracoccidioides pathogenic species transport polysaccharide and expose ligands for DC-SIGN receptors. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14213. [PMID: 26387503 PMCID: PMC4585699 DOI: 10.1038/srep14213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate non-conventional transport of molecules across the fungal cell wall. We aimed at describing the carbohydrate composition and surface carbohydrate epitopes of EVs isolated from the pathogenic fungi Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii using standard procedures. Total EV carbohydrates were ethanol-precipitated from preparations depleted of lipids and proteins, then analyzed by chemical degradation, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and size-exclusion chromatography. EV glycosyl residues of Glc, Man, and Gal comprised most probably two major components: a high molecular mass 4,6-α-glucan and a galactofuranosylmannan, possibly an oligomer, bearing a 2-α-Manp main chain linked to β-Galf (1,3) and α-Manp (1,6) end units. The results also suggested the presence of small amounts of a (1→6)-Manp polymer, (1→3)-glucan and (1→6)-glucan. Glycan microarrays allowed identification of EV surface lectin(s), while plant lectin microarray profiling revealed terminal Man and GlcNAc residues exposed at the EVs surface. Mammalian lectin microarray profiling showed that DC-SIGN receptors recognized surface carbohydrate in Paracoccidioides EVs. Our results suggest that oligosaccharides, cytoplasmic storage, and cell wall polysaccharides can be exported in fungal EVs, which also expose surface PAMPs and lectins. The role of these newly identified components in the interaction with the host remains to be unraveled.
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Marcos CM, de Oliveira HC, da Silva JDF, Assato PA, Fusco-Almeida AM, Mendes-Giannini MJS. The multifaceted roles of metabolic enzymes in the Paracoccidioides species complex. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:719. [PMID: 25566229 PMCID: PMC4271699 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides species are dimorphic fungi and are the etiologic agents of paracoccidioidomycosis, which is a serious disease that involves multiple organs. The many tissues colonized by this fungus suggest a variety of surface molecules involved in adhesion. A surprising finding is that most enzymes in the glycolytic pathway, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and glyoxylate cycle in Paracoccidioides spp. have adhesive properties that aid in interacting with the host extracellular matrix and thus act as ‘moonlighting’ proteins. Moonlighting proteins have multiple functions, which adds a dimension to cellular complexity and benefit cells in several ways. This phenomenon occurs in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. For example, moonlighting proteins from the glycolytic pathway or TCA cycle can play a role in bacterial pathogenesis by either acting as proteins secreted in a conventional pathway and/or as cell surface components that facilitate adhesion or adherence. This review outlines the multifunctionality exhibited by many Paracoccidioides spp. enzymes, including aconitase, aldolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, isocitrate lyase, malate synthase, triose phosphate isomerase, fumarase, and enolase. We discuss the roles that moonlighting activities play in the virulence characteristics of this fungus and several other human pathogens during their interactions with the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Marcos
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Haroldo C de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Julhiany de F da Silva
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Patrícia A Assato
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Ana M Fusco-Almeida
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Maria J S Mendes-Giannini
- Laboratório de Micologia Clínica, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista Araraquara, Brazil
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Alegre-Maller ACP, Mendonça FC, da Silva TA, Oliveira AF, Freitas MS, Hanna ES, Almeida IC, Gay NJ, Roque-Barreira MC. Therapeutic administration of recombinant Paracoccin confers protection against paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection: involvement of TLRs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3317. [PMID: 25474158 PMCID: PMC4256291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracoccin (PCN) is an N-acetylglucosamine-binding lectin from the human pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Recombinant PCN (rPCN) induces a T helper (Th) 1 immune response when prophylactically administered to BALB/c mice, protecting them against subsequent challenge with P. brasiliensis. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of rPCN in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and the mechanism accounting for its beneficial action. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Four distinct regimens of rPCN administration were assayed to identify which was the most protective, relative to vehicle administration. In all rPCN-treated mice, pulmonary granulomas were less numerous and more compact. Moreover, fewer colony-forming units were recovered from the lungs of rPCN-treated mice. Although all therapeutic regimens of rPCN were protective, maximal efficacy was obtained with two subcutaneous injections of 0.5 µg rPCN at 3 and 10 days after infection. The rPCN treatment was also associated with higher pulmonary levels of IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, nitric oxide (NO), and IL-10, without IL-4 augmentation. Encouraged by the pulmonary cytokine profile of treated mice and by the fact that in vitro rPCN-stimulated macrophages released high levels of IL-12, we investigated the interaction of rPCN with Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Using a reporter assay in transfected HEK293T cells, we verified that rPCN activated TLR2 and TLR4. The activation occurred independently of TLR2 heterodimerization with TLR1 or TLR6 and did not require the presence of the CD14 or CD36 co-receptors. The interaction between rPCN and TLR2 depended on carbohydrate recognition because it was affected by mutation of the receptor's N-glycosylation sites. The fourth TLR2 N-glycan was especially critical for the rPCN-TLR2 interaction. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Based on our results, we propose that PCN acts as a TLR agonist. PCN binds to N-glycans on TLRs, triggers regulated Th1 immunity, and exerts a therapeutic effect against P. brasiliensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Paiva Alegre-Maller
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Flávia Costa Mendonça
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Thiago Aparecido da Silva
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Aline Ferreira Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Mateus Silveira Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Ebert Seixas Hanna
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Igor C. Almeida
- Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nicholas J. Gay
- Department of Biochemistry, Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail: ,
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Recombinant paracoccin reproduces the biological properties of the native protein and induces protective Th1 immunity against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e2788. [PMID: 24743161 PMCID: PMC3990478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paracoccin is a dual-function protein of the yeast Paracoccidioides brasiliensis that has lectin properties and N-acetylglucosaminidase activities. Proteomic analysis of a paracoccin preparation from P. brasiliensis revealed that the sequence matched that of the hypothetical protein encoded by PADG-3347 of isolate Pb-18, with a polypeptide sequence similar to the family 18 endochitinases. These endochitinases are multi-functional proteins, with distinct lectin and enzymatic domains. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The multi-exon assembly and the largest exon of the predicted ORF (PADG-3347), was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli cells, and the features of the recombinant proteins were compared to those of the native paracoccin. The multi-exon protein was also used for protection assays in a mouse model of paracoccidioidomycosis. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results showed that the recombinant protein reproduced the biological properties described for the native protein-including binding to laminin in a manner that is dependent on carbohydrate recognition-showed N-acetylglucosaminidase activity, and stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages to produce high levels of TNF-α and nitric oxide. Considering the immunomodulatory potential of glycan-binding proteins, we also investigated whether prophylactic administration of recombinant paracoccin affected the course of experimental paracoccidioidomycosis in mice. In comparison to animals injected with vehicle (controls), mice treated with recombinant paracoccin displayed lower pulmonary fungal burdens and reduced pulmonary granulomas. These protective effects were associated with augmented pulmonary levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ. We also observed that injection of paracoccin three days before challenge was the most efficient administration protocol, as the induced Th1 immunity was balanced by high levels of pulmonary IL-10, which may prevent the tissue damage caused by exacerbated inflammation. The results indicated that paracoccin is the protein encoded by PADG-3347, and we propose that this gene and homologous proteins in other P. brasiliensis strains be called paracoccin. We also concluded that recombinant paracoccin confers resistance to murine P. brasiliensis infection by exerting immunomodulatory effects.
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19
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Fungal lectins: structure, function and potential applications. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2013; 23:678-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Souza MA, Carvalho FC, Ruas LP, Ricci-Azevedo R, Roque-Barreira MC. The immunomodulatory effect of plant lectins: a review with emphasis on ArtinM properties. Glycoconj J 2013; 30:641-57. [PMID: 23299509 PMCID: PMC3769584 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-012-9464-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the glycobiology and immunology fields have provided many insights into the role of carbohydrate-protein interactions in the immune system. We aim to present a comprehensive review of the effects that some plant lectins exert as immunomodulatory agents, showing that they are able to positively modify the immune response to certain pathological conditions, such as cancer and infections. The present review comprises four main themes: (1) an overview of plant lectins that exert immunomodulatory effects and the mechanisms accounting for these activities; (2) general characteristics of the immunomodulatory lectin ArtinM from the seeds of Artocarpus heterophyllus; (3) activation of innate immunity cells by ArtinM and consequent induction of Th1 immunity; (4) resistance conferred by ArtinM administration in infections with intracellular pathogens, such as Leishmania (Leishmania) major, Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. We believe that this review will be a valuable resource for more studies in this relatively neglected area of research, which has the potential to reveal carbohydrate targets for novel prophylactic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Souza
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
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Valim CXR, Basso LR, dos Reis Almeida FB, Reis TF, Damásio ARL, Arruda LK, Martinez R, Roque-Barreira MC, Oliver C, Jamur MC, Coelho PSR. Characterization of PbPga1, an antigenic GPI-protein in the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44792. [PMID: 23024763 PMCID: PMC3443090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the etiologic agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), one of the most prevalent mycosis in Latin America. P. brasiliensis cell wall components interact with host cells and influence the pathogenesis of PCM. Cell wall components, such as glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-proteins play a critical role in cell adhesion and host tissue invasion. Although the importance of GPI-proteins in the pathogenesis of other medically important fungi is recognized, little is known about their function in P. brasiliensis cells and PCM pathogenesis. We cloned the PbPga1 gene that codifies for a predicted GPI-anchored glycoprotein from the dimorphic pathogenic fungus P. brasiliensis. PbPga1 is conserved in Eurotiomycetes fungi and encodes for a protein with potential glycosylation sites in a serine/threonine-rich region, a signal peptide and a putative glycosylphosphatidylinositol attachment signal sequence. Specific chicken anti-rPbPga1 antibody localized PbPga1 on the yeast cell surface at the septum between the mother cell and the bud with stronger staining of the bud. The exposure of murine peritoneal macrophages to rPbPga1 induces TNF-α release and nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages. Furthermore, the presence of O-glycosylation sites was demonstrated by β-elimination under ammonium hydroxide treatment of rPbPga1. Finally, sera from PCM patients recognized rPbPga1 by Western blotting indicating the presence of specific antibodies against rPbPga1. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the PbPga1gene codifies for a cell surface glycoprotein, probably attached to a GPI-anchor, which may play a role in P. brasiliensis cell wall morphogenesis and infection. The induction of inflammatory mediators released by rPbPga1 and the reactivity of PCM patient sera toward rPbPga1 imply that the protein favors the innate mechanisms of defense and induces humoral immunity during P. brasiliensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa X. R. Valim
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Biagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Roberto Basso
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Biagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fausto B. dos Reis Almeida
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Biagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thaila Fernanda Reis
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Biagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luisa Karla Arruda
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto Martinez
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Biagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Constance Oliver
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Biagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Célia Jamur
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Biagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Sergio Rodrigues Coelho
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Biagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Dos Reis Almeida FB, Carvalho FC, Mariano VS, Alegre ACP, Silva RDN, Hanna ES, Roque-Barreira MC. Influence of N-glycosylation on the morphogenesis and growth of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and on the biological activities of yeast proteins. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29216. [PMID: 22216217 PMCID: PMC3244461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a human pathogen that causes paracoccidioidomycosis, the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. The cell wall of P. brasiliensis is a network of glycoproteins and polysaccharides, such as chitin, that perform several functions. N-linked glycans are involved in glycoprotein folding, intracellular transport, secretion, and protection from proteolytic degradation. Here, we report the effects of tunicamycin (TM)-mediated inhibition of N-linked glycosylation on P. brasiliensis yeast cells. The underglycosylated yeasts were smaller than their fully glycosylated counterparts and exhibited a drastic reduction of cell budding, reflecting impairment of growth and morphogenesis by TM treatment. The intracellular distribution in TM-treated yeasts of the P. brasiliensis glycoprotein paracoccin was investigated using highly specific antibodies. Paracoccin was observed to accumulate at intracellular locations, far from the yeast wall. Paracoccin derived from TM-treated yeasts retained the ability to bind to laminin despite their underglycosylation. As paracoccin has N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAGase) activity and induces the production of TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) by macrophages, we compared these properties between glycosylated and underglycosylated yeast proteins. Paracoccin demonstrated lower NAGase activity when underglycosylated, although no difference was detected between the pH and temperature optimums of the two forms. Murine macrophages stimulated with underglycosylated yeast proteins produced significantly lower levels of TNF-α and NO. Taken together, the impaired growth and morphogenesis of tunicamycin-treated yeasts and the decreased biological activities of underglycosylated fungal components suggest that N-glycans play important roles in P. brasiliensis yeast biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausto Bruno Dos Reis Almeida
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Caroline Carvalho
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vânia Sammartino Mariano
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Paiva Alegre
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto do Nascimento Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ebert Seixas Hanna
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Invent Biotecnologia Ltda. ME, Incubadora Supera, Rua dos Técnicos s/n, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Puccia R, Vallejo MC, Matsuo AL, Longo LVG. The paracoccidioides cell wall: past and present layers toward understanding interaction with the host. Front Microbiol 2011; 2:257. [PMID: 22194733 PMCID: PMC3243086 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2011.00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell wall of pathogenic fungi plays import roles in the interaction with the host, so that its composition and structure may determine the course of infection. Here we present an overview of the current and past knowledge on the cell wall constituents of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and P. lutzii. These are temperature-dependent dimorphic fungi that cause paracoccidioidomycosis, a systemic granulomatous, and debilitating disease. Focus is given on cell wall carbohydrate and protein contents, their immune-stimulatory features, adhesion properties, drug target characteristics, and morphological phase specificity. We offer a journey toward the future understanding of the dynamic nature of the cell wall and of the changes that may occur when the fungus infects the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosana Puccia
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina São Paulo, Brazil
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Singh R, Bhari R, Kaur HP. Characteristics of yeast lectins and their role in cell–cell interactions. Biotechnol Adv 2011; 29:726-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Cell-free antigens from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis drive IL-4 production and increase the severity of paracoccidioidomycosis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21423. [PMID: 21731741 PMCID: PMC3120880 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The thermally dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) is the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), one of the most frequent systemic mycosis that affects the rural population in Latin America. PCM is characterized by a chronic inflammatory granulomatous reaction, which is consequence of a Th1-mediated adaptive immune response. In the present study we investigated the mechanisms involved in the immunoregulation triggered after a prior contact with cell-free antigens (CFA) during a murine model of PCM. The results showed that the inoculation of CFA prior to the infection resulted in disorganized granulomatous lesions and increased fungal replication in the lungs, liver and spleen, that paralleled with the higher levels of IL-4 when compared with the control group. The role of IL-4 in facilitating the fungal growth was demonstrated in IL-4-deficient- and neutralizing anti-IL-4 mAb-treated mice. The injection of CFA did not affect the fungal growth in these mice, which, in fact, exhibited a significant diminished amount of fungus in the tissues and smaller granulomas. Considering that in vivo anti-IL-4-application started one week after the CFA-inoculum, it implicates that IL-4-CFA-induced is responsible by the mediation of the observed unresponsiveness. Further, the characterization of CFA indicated that a proteic fraction is required for triggering the immunosuppressive mechanisms, while glycosylation or glycosphingolipids moieties are not. Taken together, our data suggest that the prior contact with soluble Pb antigens leads to severe PCM in an IL-4 dependent manner.
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Immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential of a mycelial lectin from Aspergillus nidulans. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2011; 165:624-38. [PMID: 21590306 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-011-9281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2010] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Lectins bind to surface receptors on target cells, and activate a cascade of events, eventually leading to altered immune status of host. The immunomodulatory potential of purified lectin from Aspergillus nidulans was evaluated in Swiss albino mice treated intraperitoneally with seven different doses of purified lectin. Lectin prevented BSA-induced Arthus reaction and systemic anaphylaxis. The enhanced functional ability of macrophages was evident from respiratory burst activity and nitric oxide production in splenocyte cultures. Interferon-gamma and interleukin-6 levels were significantly up-regulated in treated groups. Maximum stimulatory effect was observed at the dose of 1.5 mg/kg body weight. Therapeutic potential of A. nidulans lectin was assessed against trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in male Wistar rats. Rats pre-treated with 80 mg/kg body weight of purified lectin intraperitoneally prior to colitis induction showed lesser disease severity and recovery within 7 days, while rats post-treated with the same dose showed recovery in 11 days. The results demonstrate immunomodulatory effects of A. nidulans lectin in Swiss albino mice, resulting in improved immune status of the animals and unfold its curative effect against ulcerative colitis in rat model. This is the first report on immunomodulatory and therapeutic potential of a lectin from microfungi.
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Fredrich AL, Nagashima LA, Pavanelli WR, Marquez ADS, Kaminami MS, Carlos NDJ, Sano A, Ono MA, Itano EN. High molecular mass fraction in clinical isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2010; 43:526-30. [PMID: 21085863 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822010000500011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Different serum levels of the IgG/IgE for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis high mass molecular (hMM) fraction (~366 kDa) in the acute and chronic forms of the disease have been reported. Considering the nonexistence of hMM fraction investigation involving clinical isolates of P. brasiliensis, the present study aimed to investigate the presence of the hMM fraction (~366 kDa) in cell free antigens (CFA) from P. brasiliensis clinical isolates. METHODS CFA from 10 clinical isolates and a reference strain (Pb18) were submitted to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by gel image capturing and densitometer analysis. Additionally, CFA from 20 isolates and Pb18 were analyzed by capture ELISA (cELISA) using polyclonal (polAb) or monoclonal (mAb) antibodies to the hMM fraction. RESULTS The presence of the hMM component was observed in CFA of all samples analyzed by SDS-PAGE/densitometry and by cELISA. In addition, Pearson's correlation test demonstrated stronger coefficients between hMM fraction levels using pAb and mAb (R = 0.853) in cELISA. CONCLUSIONS The soluble hMM fraction was present in all the P. brasiliensis clinical isolates analyzed and the reference strain Pb18, which could be used as a source of this antigen. The work also introduces for first time, the cELISA method for P. brasiliensis hMM fraction detection. Analysis also suggests that detection is viable using polAb or mAb and this methodology may be useful for future investigation of the soluble hMM fraction (~366 kDa) in sera from PCM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Longoni Fredrich
- Department of Pathology Science, Biological Science Center, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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Nogueira SV, Fonseca FL, Rodrigues ML, Mundodi V, Abi-Chacra EA, Winters MS, Alderete JF, Soares CMDA. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis enolase is a surface protein that binds plasminogen and mediates interaction of yeast forms with host cells. Infect Immun 2010; 78:4040-50. [PMID: 20605975 PMCID: PMC2937444 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00221-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, is a disseminated, systemic disorder that involves the lungs and other organs. The ability of the pathogen to interact with host components, including extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, is essential to further colonization, invasion, and growth. Previously, enolase (EC 4.2.1.11) was characterized as a fibronectin binding protein in P. brasiliensis. Interaction of surface-bound enolase with plasminogen has been incriminated in tissue invasion for pathogenesis in several pathogens. In this paper, enolase was expressed in Escherichia coli as a recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein (recombinant P. brasiliensis enolase [rPbEno]). The P. brasiliensis native enolase (PbEno) was detected at the fungus surface and cytoplasm by immunofluorescence with an anti-rPbEno antibody. Immobilized purified rPbEno bound plasminogen in a specific, concentration-dependent fashion. Both native enolase and rPbEno activated conversion of plasminogen to plasmin through tissue plasminogen activator. The association between PbEno and plasminogen was lysine dependent. In competition experiments, purified rPbEno, in its soluble form, inhibited plasminogen binding to fixed P. brasiliensis, suggesting that this interaction required surface-localized PbEno. Plasminogen-coated P. brasiliensis yeast cells were capable of degrading purified fibronectin, providing in vitro evidence for the generation of active plasmin on the fungus surface. Exposure of epithelial cells and phagocytes to enolase was associated with an increased expression of surface sites of adhesion. In fact, the association of P. brasiliensis with epithelial cells and phagocytes was increased in the presence of rPbEno. The expression of PbEno was upregulated in yeast cells derived from mouse-infected tissues. These data indicate that surface-associated PbEno may contribute to the pathogenesis of P. brasiliensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Veloso Nogueira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, Laboratorio de Estudos Integrados em Bioquimica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Fernanda L. Fonseca
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, Laboratorio de Estudos Integrados em Bioquimica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Marcio L. Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, Laboratorio de Estudos Integrados em Bioquimica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Vasanth Mundodi
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, Laboratorio de Estudos Integrados em Bioquimica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Erika A. Abi-Chacra
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, Laboratorio de Estudos Integrados em Bioquimica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Michael S. Winters
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, Laboratorio de Estudos Integrados em Bioquimica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - John F. Alderete
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, Laboratorio de Estudos Integrados em Bioquimica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74001-970 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil, Laboratorio de Estudos Integrados em Bioquimica Microbiana, Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Goes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil, School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
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Pinzan CF, Ruas LP, Casabona-Fortunato AS, Carvalho FC, Roque-Barreira MC. Immunological basis for the gender differences in murine Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection. PLoS One 2010; 5:e10757. [PMID: 20505765 PMCID: PMC2873977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0010757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the immunological mechanisms involved in the gender distinct incidence of paracoccidioidomycosis (pcm), an endemic systemic mycosis in Latin America, which is at least 10 times more frequent in men than in women. Then, we compared the immune response of male and female mice to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection, as well as the influence in the gender differences exerted by paracoccin, a P. brasiliensis component with carbohydrate recognition property. High production of Th1 cytokines and T-bet expression have been detected in the paracoccin stimulated cultures of spleen cells from infected female mice. In contrast, in similar experimental conditions, cells from infected males produced higher levels of the Th2 cytokines and expressed GATA-3. Macrophages from male and female mice when stimulated with paracoccin displayed similar phagocytic capability, while fungicidal activity was two times more efficiently performed by macrophages from female mice, a fact that was associated with 50% higher levels of nitric oxide production. In order to evaluate the role of sexual hormones in the observed gender distinction, we have utilized mice that have been submitted to gonadectomy followed by inverse hormonal reconstitution. Spleen cells derived from castrated males reconstituted with estradiol have produced higher levels of IFN-γ (1291±15 pg/mL) and lower levels of IL-10 (494±38 pg/mL), than normal male in response to paracoccin stimulus. In contrast, spleen cells from castrated female mice that had been treated with testosterone produced more IL-10 (1284±36 pg/mL) and less IFN-γ (587±14 pg/mL) than cells from normal female. In conclusion, our results reveal that the sexual hormones had a profound effect on the biology of immune cells, and estradiol favours protective responses to P. brasiliensis infection. In addition, fungal components, such as paracoccin, may provide additional support to the gender dimorphic immunity that marks P. brasiliensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Figueiredo Pinzan
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Luciana Pereira Ruas
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Fernanda Caroline Carvalho
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Maria-Cristina Roque-Barreira
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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dos Reis Almeida FB, de Oliveira LL, Valle de Sousa M, Roque Barreira MC, Hanna ES. Paracoccin from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis; purification through affinity with chitin and identification of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity. Yeast 2010; 27:67-76. [PMID: 19908201 DOI: 10.1002/yea.1731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is the causative agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, the most frequent systemic mycosis in Latin America. Our group has been working with paracoccin, a P. brasiliensis lectin with MM 70 kDa, which is purified by affinity with immobilized N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). Paracoccin has been described to play a role in fungal adhesion to extracellular matrix components and to induce high and persistent levels of TNFalpha and nitric oxide production by macrophages. In the cell wall, paracoccin colocalizes with the beta-1,4-homopolymer of GlcNAc into the budding sites of the P. brasiliensis yeast cell. In this paper we present a protocol for the chitin-affinity purification of paracoccin. This procedure provided higher yields than those achieved by means of the technique based on the affinity of this lectin with GlcNAc and had an impact on downstream assays. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis revealed similarities between the N-acetylglucosamine- and chitin-bound fractions, confirmed by MALDI-TOF-MS of trypsinic peptides. Western blot of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the yeast extract showed a major spot with M(r) 70,000 and pI approximately 5.63. Moreover, an N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity was reported for paracoccin, thereby providing new insights into the mechanisms that lead to cell wall remodelling and opening new perspectives for its structural characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fausto Bruno dos Reis Almeida
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Molecular e Bioagentes Patogênicos, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil
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Donofrio FC, Calil ACA, Miranda ET, Almeida AMF, Benard G, Soares CP, Veloso SN, Soares CMDA, Mendes Giannini MJS. Enolase from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis: isolation and identification as a fibronectin-binding protein. J Med Microbiol 2009; 58:706-713. [PMID: 19429745 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.003830-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast cells can enter mammalian cells and may manipulate the host cell environment to favour their own growth and survival. Moreover, fibronectin and several other host extracellular matrix proteins are recognized by various components of the yeast cell extracts. The present study was designed to isolate and characterize a fibronectin-binding protein from P. brasiliensis. We also compared P. brasiliensis strain 18, tested before (Pb18a) and after (Pb18b) animal passage, in relation to its adhesion and invasion processes. Extracts from both samples, when cultured on blood agar solid medium, showed higher levels of protein expression than when the same samples were cultured on Fava-Netto solid medium, as demonstrated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and SDS-PAGE. Also, both Pb18a and Pb18b exhibited stronger adhesion to A549 epithelial cells when cultured on blood agar medium than when cultured on Fava-Netto medium. Ligand affinity binding assays revealed a protein of 54 kDa and pI 5.6 in P. brasiliensis cell-free extracts with the properties of a fibronectin-binding adhesin, which was characterized by tryptic digestion and mass spectroscopy as a homologue of enolase from P. brasiliensis. Antibody raised against this 54 kDa protein abolished 80 % of P. brasiliensis adhesion to A549 epithelial cells. Our results demonstrate that P. brasiliensis produces a fibronectin-binding adhesin, irrespective of the culture medium, and that this activity can be inhibited by a specific antibody and is involved in the adhesion of the fungus to pulmonary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Cristina Donofrio
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Alvarez Calil
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine Toscano Miranda
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Marisa Fusco Almeida
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gil Benard
- Laboratório de Dermatologia e Imunodeficiências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christiane Pienna Soares
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, UNESP, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sarah Nogueira Veloso
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Célia Maria de Almeida Soares
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Tronchin G, Pihet M, Lopes-Bezerra LM, Bouchara JP. Adherence mechanisms in human pathogenic fungi. Med Mycol 2008; 46:749-72. [DOI: 10.1080/13693780802206435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Mendes-Giannini MJS, Monteiro da Silva JL, de Fátima da Silva J, Donofrio FC, Miranda ET, Andreotti PF, Soares CP. Interactions of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis with host cells: recent advances. Mycopathologia 2007; 165:237-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s11046-007-9074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Van Damme EJM, Nakamura-Tsuruta S, Hirabayashi J, Rougé P, Peumans WJ. The Sclerotinia sclerotiorum agglutinin represents a novel family of fungal lectins remotely related to the Clostridium botulinum non-toxin haemagglutinin HA33/A. Glycoconj J 2007; 24:143-56. [PMID: 17294128 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-006-9022-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2006] [Revised: 11/11/2006] [Accepted: 11/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that sclerotes of the phytopathogenic Ascomycete Sclerotinia sclerotiorum contain a lectin that based on its molecular structure, specificity and N-terminal amino acid sequence could not be classified yet into any lectin family. Using a combination of molecular cloning, frontal affinity chromatography and molecular modelling the identity of the S. sclerotiorum agglutinin (SSA) was analyzed. Molecular cloning demonstrated that SSA shares no sequence similarity with any known fungal lectin or protein. The lectin is synthesized as a 153 amino acid polypeptide without signal peptide and undergoes apart from the removal of the N-terminal methionine no further processing. Frontal affinity chromatography revealed that the binding site of SSA primarily accommodates a non-reducing terminal GalNAc with a preference for the alpha- over the beta-anomer. SSA also strongly interacts with both glycolipid type glycans with terminal non-reducing Gal or GalNAc and galactosylated N-glycans. SSA shares a residual sequence similarity with part of the non-toxin haemagglutinin HA33/A from Clostridium botulinum. Molecular modeling using the three-dimensional structure of HA33/A as a template indicated that SSA can fold into a similar beta-trefoil domain. Though these results should be interpreted with care it is tempting to speculate that the Sclerotiniaceae lectins thus appear to be structurally related to the ricin-B superfamily. All evidence suggests that SSA represents a novel family of fungal lectins with a unique sequence and sugar-binding properties. Taking into account that orthologues of SSA are fairly common within the family Sclerotiniaceae but could not be identified in any other fungal species one can reasonably conclude that SSA-type lectins are confined to a small taxonomic group of the Ascomycota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els J M Van Damme
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Lab. Biochemistry and Glycobiology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Current awareness on yeast. Yeast 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/yea.1322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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