The superantigenic toxin of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis: a novel virulence factor?

Superantigen-presentation by rat major histocompatibility complex class II molecules RT1.Bl and RT1.Dl

Rat major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules RT1.B(l) (DQ-like) and RT1.D(l) (DR-like) were cloned from the LEW strain using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and expressed in mouse L929 cells. The transduced lines bound MHC class II-specific monoclonal antibodies in an MHC-isotype-specific manner and presented peptide antigens and superantigens to T-cell hybridomas. The T-cell-hybridomas responded well to all superantigens presented by human MHC class II, whereas the response varied considerably with rat MHC class II-transduced lines as presenters. The T-cell hybridomas responded to the pyrogenic superantigens Staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB), SEC1, SEC2 and SEC3 only at high concentrations with RT1.B(l)-transduced and RT1.D(l)-transduced cells as presenters. The same was true for streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A (SPEA), but this was presented only by RT1.B(l) and not by RT1.D(l). SPEC was recognized only if presented by human MHC class II. Presentation of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis superantigen (YPM) showed no MHC isotype preference, while Mycoplasma arthritidis superantigen (MAS or MAM) was presented by RT1.D(l) but not by RT1.B(l). Interestingly, and in contrast to RT1.B(l), the RT1.D(l) completely failed to present SEA and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 even after transduction of invariant chain (CD74) or expression in other cell types such as the surface MHC class II-negative mouse B-cell lymphoma (M12.4.1.C3). We discuss the idea that a lack of SEA presentation may not be a general feature of RT1.D molecules but could be a consequence of RT1.D(l)beta-chain allele-specific substitutions (arginine 80 to lysine, asparagine 82 to aspartic acid) in the extremely conserved region flanking the Zn(2+)-binding histidine 81, which is crucial for high-affinity SEA-binding.

The complete genome sequence of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis IP31758, the causative agent of Far East scarlet-like fever

The first reported Far East scarlet-like fever (FESLF) epidemic swept the Pacific coastal region of Russia in the late 1950s. Symptoms of the severe infection included erythematous skin rash and desquamation, exanthema, hyperhemic tongue, and a toxic shock syndrome. The term FESLF was coined for the infection because it shares clinical presentations with scarlet fever caused by group A streptococci. The causative agent was later identified as Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, although the range of morbidities was vastly different from classical pseudotuberculosis symptoms. To understand the origin and emergence of the peculiar clinical features of FESLF, we have sequenced the genome of the FESLF-causing strain Y. pseudotuberculosis IP31758 and compared it with that of another Y. pseudotuberculosis strain, IP32953, which causes classical gastrointestinal symptoms. The unique gene pool of Y pseudotuberculosis IP31758 accounts for more than 260 strain-specific genes and introduces individual physiological capabilities and virulence determinants, with a significant proportion horizontally acquired that likely originated from Enterobacteriaceae and other soil-dwelling bacteria that persist in the same ecological niche. The mobile genome pool includes two novel plasmids phylogenetically unrelated to all currently reported Yersinia plasmids. An icm/dot type IVB secretion system, shared only with the intracellular persisting pathogens of the order Legionellales, was found on the larger plasmid and could contribute to scarlatinoid fever symptoms in patients due to the introduction of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive capabilities. We determined the common and unique traits resulting from genome evolution and speciation within the genus Yersinia and drew a more accurate species border between Y. pseudotuberculosis and Y. pestis. In contrast to the lack of genetic diversity observed in the evolutionary young descending Y. pestis lineage, the population genetics of Y. pseudotuberculosis is more heterogenous. Both Y. pseudotuberculosis strains IP31758 and the previously sequenced Y. pseudotuberculosis strain IP32953 have evolved by the acquisition of specific plasmids and by the horizontal acquisition and incorporation of different genetic information into the chromosome, which all together or independently seems to potentially impact the phenotypic adaptation of these two strains.

Chapter 11.6 Clays and Clay Minerals as Drugs

This chapter discusses the applications of clays and clay materials as drugs. Clay minerals are efficient against several aggressors that cause major disorders of the gut. These beneficial effects of clay minerals (on the gastrointestinal mucosa) are associated with two mechanisms of action: (1) adsorption of the aggressors or their toxic secretions and (2) modification of the thickness and rheological properties of the adherent mucus, reinforcing the natural defenses of the gastrointestinal mucosa. At the surface of the gut, a mucus gel adheres to the epithelial cells of the mucosa. This adherent mucus is dynamic, being continuously secreted by the calceiform cells and regularly eroded by environmental aggressors present in the gut lumen. The mucus gel is largely composed of glycoprotein polymers, lipids, and proteins linked together by covalent bonds. It acts as a physical barrier protecting the mucosa against penetration by extraneous molecules and mechanical injury. By maintaining a pH gradient and competing with the epithelial surface for microorganisms, the mucus gel also acts as a chemical barrier.