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Gonçalves SM, Pereira I, Feys S, Cunha C, Chamilos G, Hoenigl M, Wauters J, van de Veerdonk FL, Carvalho A. Integrating genetic and immune factors to uncover pathogenetic mechanisms of viral-associated pulmonary aspergillosis. mBio 2024; 15:e0198223. [PMID: 38651925 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01982-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a severe fungal infection primarily affecting immunocompromised patients. Individuals with severe viral infections have recently been identified as vulnerable to developing invasive fungal infections. Both influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) and COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) are linked to high mortality rates, emphasizing the urgent need for an improved understanding of disease pathogenesis to unveil new molecular targets with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. The recent establishment of animal models replicating the co-infection context has offered crucial insights into the mechanisms that underlie susceptibility to disease. However, the development and progression of human viral-fungal co-infections exhibit a significant degree of interindividual variability, even among patients with similar clinical conditions. This observation implies a significant role for host genetics, but information regarding the genetic basis for viral-fungal co-infections is currently limited. In this review, we discuss how genetic factors known to affect either antiviral or antifungal immunity could potentially reveal pathogenetic mechanisms that predispose to IAPA or CAPA and influence the overall disease course. These insights are anticipated to foster further research in both pre-clinical models and human patients, aiming to elucidate the complex pathophysiology of viral-associated pulmonary aspergillosis and contributing to the identification of new diagnostic and therapeutic targets to improve the management of these co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Inês Pereira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Simon Feys
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Martin Hoenigl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, ECMM Excellence Center for Medical Mycology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed, Graz, Austria
| | - Joost Wauters
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
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2
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Santos-Ribeiro D, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Humoral pathways of innate immune regulation in granuloma formation. Trends Immunol 2024; 45:419-427. [PMID: 38762333 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2024.04.008] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The humoral arm of mammalian innate immunity regulates several molecular mechanisms involved in resistance to pathogens, inflammation, and tissue repair. Recent studies highlight the crucial role played by humoral mediators in granulomatous inflammation. However the molecular mechanisms linking the function of these soluble molecules to the initiation and maintenance of granulomas remain elusive. We propose that humoral innate immunity coordinates fundamental physiological processes in macrophages which, in turn, initiate activation and transformation events that enable granuloma formation. We discuss the involvement of humoral mediators in processes such as immune activation, phagocytosis, metabolism, and tissue remodeling, and how these can dictate macrophage functionality during granuloma formation. These advances present opportunities for discovering novel disease factors and developing targeted, more effective treatments for granulomatous diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Santos-Ribeiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
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3
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Mpakosi A, Kaliouli-Antonopoulou C. Immune Mechanisms of Filamentous Fungal Keratitis. Cureus 2024; 16:e61954. [PMID: 38855487 PMCID: PMC11162199 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungal keratitis is a particularly serious eye infection that often results in ulceration, corneal perforation, and blindness. The cornea acts as a natural barrier against harmful agents due to the close connection of its epithelial cells. In addition, on its surface, there is a large number of substances with anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, such as secretory IgA and mucin glycoproteins, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) and LL-37, which are especially increased in filamentous fungal keratitis. The interaction between pathogenic fungi and the host's immune mechanisms is a complex process: pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) molecules (chitin, β-glucan, and mannan) found in the fungal cell wall are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) (toll-like receptors {TLRs}, C-type lectin receptors {CLRs}, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors {NLRs}, and scavenger receptors {SR}) found in host defense cells, triggering the secretion of various types of cytokines, such as interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), and chemokines, which recruit macrophages and neutrophils to migrate to the site of infection and activate inflammatory responses. In addition, the interaction of hyphae and corneal epithelial cells can activate cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells and induce secretion of T-helper (Th)-type cytokines 2 (IL-4 and IL-13) and IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Mpakosi
- Department of Microbiology, General Hospital of Nikaia "Agios Panteleimon", Piraeus, GRC
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4
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Reedy JL, Jensen KN, Crossen AJ, Basham KJ, Ward RA, Reardon CM, Harding HB, Hepworth OW, Simaku P, Kwaku GN, Tone K, Willment JA, Reid DM, Stappers MHT, Brown GD, Rajagopal J, Vyas JM. Fungal melanin suppresses airway epithelial chemokine secretion through blockade of calcium fluxing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.03.28.534632. [PMID: 37034634 PMCID: PMC10081279 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.28.534632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory infections caused by the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a major cause of mortality for immunocompromised patients. Exposure to these pathogens occurs through inhalation, although the role of the respiratory epithelium in disease pathogenesis has not been fully defined. Employing a primary human airway epithelial model, we demonstrate that fungal melanins potently block the post-translational secretion of the chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL8 independent of transcription or the requirement of melanin to be phagocytosed, leading to a significant reduction in neutrophil recruitment to the apical airway both in vitro and in vivo . Aspergillus -derived melanin, a major constituent of the fungal cell wall, dampened airway epithelial chemokine secretion in response to fungi, bacteria, and exogenous cytokines. Furthermore, melanin muted pathogen-mediated calcium fluxing and hindered actin filamentation. Taken together, our results reveal a critical role for melanin interaction with airway epithelium in shaping the host response to fungal and bacterial pathogens.
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Boucher MJ, Madhani HD. Convergent evolution of innate immune-modulating effectors in invasive fungal pathogens. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:435-447. [PMID: 37985333 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections pose a major threat to human health. Bacterial and protozoan pathogens secrete protein effectors that overcome innate immune barriers to promote microbial colonization, yet few such molecules have been identified in human fungal pathogens. Recent studies have begun to reveal these long-sought effectors and have illuminated how they subvert key cellular pathways, including apoptosis, myeloid cell polarization, Toll-like receptor signaling, and phagosome action. Thus, despite lacking the specialized secretion systems of bacteria and parasites, it is increasingly clear that fungi independently evolved effectors targeting pathways often subverted by other classes of pathogens. These findings demonstrate the remarkable power of convergent evolution to enable diverse microbes to infect humans while also setting the stage for detailed dissection of fungal disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Boucher
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Hiten D Madhani
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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6
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Rudhra O, Gnanam H, Sivaperumal S, Namperumalsamy V, Prajna L, Kuppamuthu D. Melanin depletion affects Aspergillus flavus conidial surface proteins, architecture, and virulence. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:291. [PMID: 38592509 PMCID: PMC11004046 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13107-4] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Melanin is an Aspergillus flavus cell wall component that provides chemical and physical protection to the organism. However, the molecular and biological mechanisms modulating melanin-mediated host-pathogen interaction in A. flavus keratitis are not well understood. This work aimed to compare the morphology, surface proteome profile, and virulence of melanized conidia (MC) and non-melanized conidia (NMC) of A. flavus. Kojic acid treatment inhibited melanin synthesis in A. flavus, and the conidial surface protein profile was significantly different in kojic acid-treated non-melanized conidia. Several cell wall-associated proteins and proteins responsible for oxidative stress, carbohydrate, and chitin metabolic pathways were found only in the formic acid extracts of NMC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the conidial surface morphology difference between the NMC and MC, indicating the role of melanin in the structural integrity of the conidial cell wall. The levels of calcofluor white staining efficiency were different, but there was no microscopic morphology difference in lactophenol cotton blue staining between MC and NMC. Evaluation of the virulence of MC and NMC in the Galleria mellonella model showed NMC was less virulent compared to MC. Our findings showed that the integrity of the conidial surface is controlled by the melanin layer. The alteration in the surface protein profile indicated that many surface proteins are masked by the melanin layer, and hence, melanin can modulate the host response by preventing the exposure of fungal proteins to the host immune defense system. The G. mellonella virulence assay also confirmed that the NMC were susceptible to host defense as in other Aspergillus pathogens. KEY POINTS: • l-DOPA melanin production was inhibited in A. flavus isolates by kojic acid, and for the first time, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed morphological differences between MC and NMC of A. flavus strains • Proteome profile of non-melanized conidia showed more conidial surface proteins and these proteins were mainly involved in the virulence, oxidative stress, and metabolism pathways • Non-melanized conidia of A. flavus strains were shown to be less virulent than melanised conidia in an in vivo virulence experiment with the G. melonella model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondippili Rudhra
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hariharan Gnanam
- Department of Proteomics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sivaramakrishnan Sivaperumal
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Lalitha Prajna
- Department of Ocular Microbiology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Sonnberger J, Kasper L, Lange T, Brunke S, Hube B. "We've got to get out"-Strategies of human pathogenic fungi to escape from phagocytes. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:341-358. [PMID: 37800630 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Human fungal pathogens are a deadly and underappreciated risk to global health that most severely affect immunocompromised individuals. A virulence attribute shared by some of the most clinically relevant fungal species is their ability to survive inside macrophages and escape from these immune cells. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms behind intracellular survival and elaborate how escape is mediated by lytic and non-lytic pathways as well as strategies to induce programmed host cell death. We also discuss persistence as an alternative to rapid host cell exit. In the end, we address the consequences of fungal escape for the host immune response and provide future perspectives for research and development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Sonnberger
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Theresa Lange
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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Lionakis MS. Exploiting antifungal immunity in the clinical context. Semin Immunol 2023; 67:101752. [PMID: 37001464 PMCID: PMC10192293 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The continuous expansion of immunocompromised patient populations at-risk for developing life-threatening opportunistic fungal infections in recent decades has helped develop a deeper understanding of antifungal host defenses, which has provided the foundation for eventually devising immune-based targeted interventions in the clinic. This review outlines how genetic variation in certain immune pathway-related genes may contribute to the observed clinical variability in the risk of acquisition and/or severity of fungal infections and how immunogenetic-based patient stratification may enable the eventual development of personalized strategies for antifungal prophylaxis and/or vaccination. Moreover, this review synthesizes the emerging cytokine-based, cell-based, and other immunotherapeutic strategies that have shown promise as adjunctive therapies for boosting or modulating tissue-specific antifungal immune responses in the context of opportunistic fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail S Lionakis
- From the Fungal Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Camacho E, Coelho C. Getaway car: Fungal HscA steers human phagosomal p11 into an escape route. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:324-327. [PMID: 36893729 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Jia and colleagues discover how the human p11 (s100A10)-Anxa2 heterodimer drives sorting of microbial phagosomes into recycling versus degradative pathways. In a remarkable evolutionary arms race, the Aspergillus fumigatus protein HscA latches to p11 to steer its phagosome away from fungal killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Camacho
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Carolina Coelho
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD Devon, UK.
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Jia LJ, Rafiq M, Radosa L, Hortschansky P, Cunha C, Cseresnyés Z, Krüger T, Schmidt F, Heinekamp T, Straßburger M, Löffler B, Doenst T, Lacerda JF, Campos A, Figge MT, Carvalho A, Kniemeyer O, Brakhage AA. Aspergillus fumigatus hijacks human p11 to redirect fungal-containing phagosomes to non-degradative pathway. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:373-388.e10. [PMID: 36893734 PMCID: PMC10016320 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The decision whether endosomes enter the degradative or recycling pathway in mammalian cells is of fundamental importance for pathogen killing, and its malfunctioning has pathological consequences. We discovered that human p11 is a critical factor for this decision. The HscA protein present on the conidial surface of the human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus anchors p11 on conidia-containing phagosomes (PSs), excludes the PS maturation mediator Rab7, and triggers binding of exocytosis mediators Rab11 and Sec15. This reprogramming redirects PSs to the non-degradative pathway, allowing A. fumigatus to escape cells by outgrowth and expulsion as well as transfer of conidia between cells. The clinical relevance is supported by the identification of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the non-coding region of the S100A10 (p11) gene that affects mRNA and protein expression in response to A. fumigatus and is associated with protection against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. These findings reveal the role of p11 in mediating fungal PS evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Jie Jia
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Muhammad Rafiq
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Lukáš Radosa
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Peter Hortschansky
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | | | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Franziska Schmidt
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Thorsten Heinekamp
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Bettina Löffler
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Torsten Doenst
- Klinik für Herz- und Thoraxchirurgie, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - João F Lacerda
- Serviço de Hematologia e Transplantação de Medula, Hospital de Santa Maria, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Campos
- Serviço de Transplantação de Medula Óssea, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marc Thilo Figge
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany; Research Group Applied Systems Biology, Leibniz-HKI, Jena, Germany
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI), 07745 Jena, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07745 Jena, Germany.
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Wang Z, Qu S, Gao D, Shao Q, Nie C, Xing C. A Strategy of On-Demand Immune Activation for Antifungal Treatment Using Near-Infrared Responsive Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:326-335. [PMID: 36548213 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c04484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic fungal infection is a major clinical threat because pathogenic fungi have developed resistant mechanisms to evade the innate immune response, especially interactions with macrophages. Herein, a strategy to activate immune responses of macrophages to fungi based on near-infrared (NIR) responsive conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs-M) is reported for antifungal immunotherapy. Under NIR light irradiation, CPNs-M exposes β-glucan on the surface of fungal conidia by photothermal damage and drug released from CPNs-M. The exposed β-glucan elicits macrophage recognition and subsequently activates calcium-calmodulin (Ca2+-CaM) signaling followed by the LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) pathway to kill fungal conidia. Consequently, a remarkable elimination of intracellular fugal conidia and successful treatment of fungal pneumonia are achieved. This remote regulation strategy to restore pathogen-immune cell interaction on demand provides a new insight into combatting intractable intracellular infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijuan Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Shuyi Qu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Dong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Qi Shao
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Chenyao Nie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cixi Biomedical Research Institute, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Chengfen Xing
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
- Key Laboratory of Hebei Province for Molecular Biophysics, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
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12
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Forn-Cuní G, Welvaarts L, Stel FM, van den Hondel CJ, Arentshorst M, Ram AFJ, Meijer AH. Stimulating the autophagic-lysosomal axis enhances host defense against fungal infection in a zebrafish model of invasive Aspergillosis. Autophagy 2023; 19:324-337. [PMID: 35775203 PMCID: PMC9809955 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2090727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of antifungal-resistant human pathogenic fungi, particularly azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, is a life-threatening challenge to the immunocompromised population. Autophagy-related processes such as LC3-associated phagocytosis have been shown to be activated in the host response against fungal infection, but their overall effect on host resistance remains uncertain. To analyze the relevance of these processes in vivo, we used a zebrafish animal model of invasive Aspergillosis. To confirm the validity of this model to test potential treatments for this disease, we confirmed that immunosuppressive treatments or neutropenia rendered zebrafish embryos more susceptible to A. fumigatus. We used GFP-Lc3 transgenic zebrafish to visualize the autophagy-related processes in innate immune phagocytes shortly after phagocytosis of A. fumigatus conidia, and found that both wild-type and melanin-deficient conidia elicited Lc3 recruitment. In macrophages, we observed GFP-Lc3 accumulation in puncta after phagocytosis, as well as short, rapid events of GFP-Lc3 decoration of single and multiple conidia-containing vesicles, while neutrophils covered single conidia-containing vesicles with bright and long-lasting GFP-Lc3 signal. Next, using genetic and pharmacological stimulation of three independent autophagy-inducing pathways, we showed that the antifungal autophagy response improves the host survival against A. fumigatus infection, but only in the presence of phagocytes. Therefore, we provide proof-of-concept that stimulating the (auto)phagolysosomal pathways is a promising approach to develop host-directed therapies against invasive Aspergillosis, and should be explored further either as adjunctive or stand-alone therapy for drug-resistant Aspergillus infections.Abbreviations: DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; HR: hazard ratio; HDT: host-directed therapy; Hpf: hours post fertilization; IA: invasive Aspergillosis; LAP: LC3-associated phagocytosis; MTZ: metronidazole; PTU: N-phenylthiourea; ROS: reactive oxygen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Forn-Cuní
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands,CONTACT G Forn-Cuní Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - L Welvaarts
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - FM Stel
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - CJ van den Hondel
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M Arentshorst
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - AFJ Ram
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - AH Meijer
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands,AH Meijer Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333CC Leiden, The Netherlands
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13
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Wang Y, Ramos M, Jefferson M, Zhang W, Beraza N, Carding S, Powell PP, Stewart JP, Mayer U, Wileman T. Control of infection by LC3-associated phagocytosis, CASM, and detection of raised vacuolar pH by the V-ATPase-ATG16L1 axis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn3298. [PMID: 36288298 PMCID: PMC9604538 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn3298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The delivery of pathogens to lysosomes for degradation provides an important defense against infection. Degradation is enhanced when LC3 is conjugated to endosomes and phagosomes containing pathogens to facilitate fusion with lysosomes. In phagocytic cells, TLR signaling and Rubicon activate LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) where stabilization of the NADPH oxidase leads to sustained ROS production and raised vacuolar pH. Raised pH triggers the assembly of the vacuolar ATPase on the vacuole membrane where it binds ATG16L1 to recruit the core LC3 conjugation complex (ATG16L1:ATG5-12). This V-ATPase-ATG16L1 axis is also activated in nonphagocytic cells to conjugate LC3 to endosomes containing extracellular microbes. Pathogens provide additional signals for recruitment of LC3 when they raise vacuolar pH with pore-forming toxins and proteins, phospholipases, or specialized secretion systems. Many microbes secrete virulence factors to inhibit ROS production and/or the V-ATPase-ATG16L1 axis to slow LC3 recruitment and avoid degradation in lysosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Wang
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, UK
| | - Maria Ramos
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Weijiao Zhang
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | | | | | - Penny P. Powell
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - James P. Stewart
- Department of Infection Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ulrike Mayer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Thomas Wileman
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, UK
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14
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Magné J, Green DR. LC3-associated endocytosis and the functions of Rubicon and ATG16L1. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo5600. [PMID: 36288306 PMCID: PMC9604520 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo5600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
LC3-associated endocytosis (LANDO) is a noncanonical function of the autophagy machinery, in which LC3 (microtubule-associated protein light chain) is conjugated to rab5-positive endosomes, using a portion of the canonical autophagy pathway. LANDO was initially discovered in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease as a critical regulator of amyloid-β receptor recycling in microglial cells, playing a protective role against neuronal loss and memory impairment. Recent evidence suggests an emerging role of LANDO in cytokine receptor signaling and innate immunity. Here, we discuss the regulation of two crucial effectors of LANDO, Rubicon and ATG16L1, and their impact on endocytosis, autophagy, and phagocytosis.
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15
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da Silva-Ferreira S, Duarte-Oliveira C, Antunes D, Barbosa-Matos C, Mendes-Frias A, Torrado E, Costa S, Silvestre R, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Hypoxia inducible-factor 1 alpha regulates neutrophil recruitment during fungal-elicited granulomatous inflammation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1005839. [PMID: 36275017 PMCID: PMC9582458 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1005839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is a devastating disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. The characteristic granulomatous-like inflammation poses as the major setback to effective antifungal therapies by limiting drug access to fungi. These inflammatory lung structures are reported to be severely hypoxic; nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms whereby these processes contribute to fungal persistence remain largely unknown. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), besides being the major cellular response regulator to hypoxia, is a known central immune modulator. Here, we used a model of Aspergillus fumigatus airway infection in myeloid-restricted HIF-1α knock-out (mHif1α-/-) mice to replicate the complex structures resembling fungal granulomas and evaluate the contribution of HIF-1α to antifungal immunity and disease development. We found that fungal-elicited granulomas in mHif1α-/- mice had significantly smaller areas, along with extensive hyphal growth and increased lung fungal burden. This phenotype was associated with defective neutrophil recruitment and an increased neutrophil death, therefore highlighting a central role for HIF-1α-mediated regulation of neutrophil function in the pathogenesis of chronic fungal infection. These results hold the promise of an improved capacity to manage the progression of chronic fungal disease and open new avenues for additional therapeutic targets and niches of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara da Silva-Ferreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s– PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Duarte-Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s– PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Daniela Antunes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s– PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Barbosa-Matos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s– PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Mendes-Frias
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s– PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Egídio Torrado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s– PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Sandra Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s– PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Silvestre
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s– PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s– PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s– PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Agostinho Carvalho,
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16
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Li M, Huang H, Liu J, Zhang X, Li Q, Li D, Luo M, Wang X, Zeng W, Sun J, Liu H, Xi L. Deletion C-terminal thioesterase abolishes melanin biosynthesis, affects metabolism and reduces the pathogenesis of Fonsecaea monophora. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010485. [PMID: 35696422 PMCID: PMC9255740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Dematiaceous Fonsecaea monophora is one of the major pathogens of chromoblastomycosis. It has been well established that melanization is catalyzed by the type I polyketide synthase (PKS) in F. monophora. Multidomain protein Type I PKS is encoded by six genes, in which the last enzyme thioesterase (TE) catalyzes the cyclization and releases polyketide. Two PKS genes AYO21_03016 (pks1) and AYO21_10638 have been found in F. monophora and both PKS loci have the same gene arrangement but the TE domain in AYO21_10638 is truncated at 3’- end. TE may be the key enzyme to maintain the function of pks1. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a 3’-end 500 bp deletion mutant of AYO21_03016 (Δpks1-TE-C500) and its complemented strain. We profiled metabolome of this mutant and analyzed the consequences of impaired metabolism in this mutant by fungal growth in vitro and by pathogenesis in vivo. Compared with wild-type strain, we found that the mutant repressed pks1 expression and other 5 genes expression levels were reduced by more than 50%, perhaps leading to a corresponding melanin loss. The mutant also reduced sporulation and delayed germination, became vulnerable to various environmental stresses and was less resistance to macrophage or neutrophil killings in vitro, and less virulence in mice footpad model. Metabolomic analysis indicated that many metabolites were remarkably affected in Δpks1-TE-C500, in particular, an increased nicotinamide and antioxidant glutathione. In conclusion, we confirmed the crucial role of C-terminal TE in maintaining fully function of pks1 in F. monophora. Deletion of TE negatively impacts on the synthesis of melanin and metabolites that eventually affect growth and virulence of F. monophora. Any potential inhibitor of TE then could be a novel antifungal target for drug development. F. monophora is a fungal pathogen that causes chromoblastomycosis. Melanin of F. monophora was synthesized through PKS in which TE is the last enzyme to catalyze the cyclization and release polyketide. Few studies have investigated the effect of TE on the metabolism and pathogenesis of F. monophora. In this study, TE deletion leads to albino phenotype, decreases the expression of other domains of the pks1, and reduces biosynthesis of metabolites. The Δpks1-TE-C500 strain exhibits a changed morphogenesis and becomes less resistant to various environmental stresses. In vitro study, the Δpks1-TE-C500 strain is avirulent and less resistant to macrophages and neutrophils. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the 500 bp C-terminal of TE is essential for the function of pks1, perhaps through its effects on melanin and metabolites to regulate the growth and virulence of F. monophora. Data from this study could inspire an exploration in development of clinical therapy for CBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minying Li
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan Huang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Li
- Guangdong Clinical College of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Mingfen Luo
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyue Wang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiying Zeng
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiufeng Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongfang Liu
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (HL); (LX)
| | - Liyan Xi
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (HL); (LX)
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17
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Gonçalves SM, Ferreira AV, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Targeting immunometabolism in host-directed therapies to fungal disease. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 208:158-166. [PMID: 35641161 PMCID: PMC9188340 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections affect over a billion people and are responsible for more than 1.5 million deaths each year. Despite progress in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, the management of severe fungal infections remains a challenge. Recently, the reprogramming of cellular metabolism has emerged as a central mechanism through which the effector functions of immune cells are supported to promote antifungal activity. An improved understanding of the immunometabolic signatures that orchestrate antifungal immunity, together with the dissection of the mechanisms that underlie heterogeneity in individual immune responses, may therefore unveil new targets amenable to adjunctive host-directed therapies. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the metabolic regulation of host-fungus interactions and antifungal immune responses, and outline targetable pathways and mechanisms with promising therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Anaísa V Ferreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
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18
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Hooper KM, Jacquin E, Li T, Goodwin JM, Brumell JH, Durgan J, Florey O. V-ATPase is a universal regulator of LC3-associated phagocytosis and non-canonical autophagy. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:213194. [PMID: 35511089 PMCID: PMC9082624 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202105112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-canonical autophagy is a key cellular pathway in immunity, cancer, and neurodegeneration, characterized by conjugation of ATG8 to endolysosomal single membranes (CASM). CASM is activated by engulfment (endocytosis, phagocytosis), agonists (STING, TRPML1), and infection (influenza), dependent on K490 in the ATG16L1 WD40-domain. However, factors associated with non-canonical ATG16L1 recruitment and CASM induction remain unknown. Here, using pharmacological inhibitors, we investigate a role for V-ATPase during non-canonical autophagy. We report that increased V0–V1 engagement is associated with, and sufficient for, CASM activation. Upon V0–V1 binding, V-ATPase recruits ATG16L1, via K490, during LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), STING- and drug-induced CASM, indicating a common mechanism. Furthermore, during LAP, key molecular players, including NADPH oxidase/ROS, converge on V-ATPase. Finally, we show that LAP is sensitive to Salmonella SopF, which disrupts the V-ATPase–ATG16L1 axis and provide evidence that CASM contributes to the Salmonella host response. Together, these data identify V-ATPase as a universal regulator of CASM and indicate that SopF evolved in part to evade non-canonical autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elise Jacquin
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.,Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale UMR-S 1193, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Taoyingnan Li
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Cell Biology Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - John H Brumell
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Cell Biology Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,SickKids Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanne Durgan
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver Florey
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
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19
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de Sousa HR, de Oliveira GP, Frazão SDO, Gorgonha KCDM, Rosa CP, Garcez EM, Lucas J, Correia AF, de Freitas WF, Borges HM, de Brito Alves LG, Paes HC, Trilles L, Lazera MDS, Teixeira MDM, Pinto VL, Felipe MSS, Casadevall A, Silva-Pereira I, Albuquerque P, Nicola AM. Faster Cryptococcus Melanization Increases Virulence in Experimental and Human Cryptococcosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:393. [PMID: 35448624 PMCID: PMC9029458 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus spp. are human pathogens that cause 181,000 deaths per year. In this work, we systematically investigated the virulence attributes of Cryptococcus spp. clinical isolates and correlated them with patient data to better understand cryptococcosis. We collected 66 C. neoformans and 19 C. gattii clinical isolates and analyzed multiple virulence phenotypes and host-pathogen interaction outcomes. C. neoformans isolates tended to melanize faster and more intensely and produce thinner capsules in comparison with C. gattii. We also observed correlations that match previous studies, such as that between secreted laccase and disease outcome in patients. We measured Cryptococcus colony melanization kinetics, which followed a sigmoidal curve for most isolates, and showed that faster melanization correlated positively with LC3-associated phagocytosis evasion, virulence in Galleria mellonella and worse prognosis in humans. These results suggest that the speed of melanization, more than the total amount of melanin Cryptococcus spp. produces, is crucial for virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herdson Renney de Sousa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (H.R.d.S.); (K.C.d.M.G.); (C.P.R.); (E.M.G.); (W.F.d.F.); (H.M.B.); (L.G.d.B.A.); (H.C.P.); (M.d.M.T.)
| | - Getúlio Pereira de Oliveira
- Division of Allergy and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Stefânia de Oliveira Frazão
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Pathogenic Fungi, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (S.d.O.F.); (I.S.-P.); (P.A.)
| | - Kaio César de Melo Gorgonha
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (H.R.d.S.); (K.C.d.M.G.); (C.P.R.); (E.M.G.); (W.F.d.F.); (H.M.B.); (L.G.d.B.A.); (H.C.P.); (M.d.M.T.)
| | - Camila Pereira Rosa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (H.R.d.S.); (K.C.d.M.G.); (C.P.R.); (E.M.G.); (W.F.d.F.); (H.M.B.); (L.G.d.B.A.); (H.C.P.); (M.d.M.T.)
| | - Emãnuella Melgaço Garcez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (H.R.d.S.); (K.C.d.M.G.); (C.P.R.); (E.M.G.); (W.F.d.F.); (H.M.B.); (L.G.d.B.A.); (H.C.P.); (M.d.M.T.)
| | - Joaquim Lucas
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz–Brasília), Brasília 70904-130, DF, Brazil; (J.L.J.); (V.L.P.J.)
| | | | - Waleriano Ferreira de Freitas
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (H.R.d.S.); (K.C.d.M.G.); (C.P.R.); (E.M.G.); (W.F.d.F.); (H.M.B.); (L.G.d.B.A.); (H.C.P.); (M.d.M.T.)
| | - Higor Matos Borges
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (H.R.d.S.); (K.C.d.M.G.); (C.P.R.); (E.M.G.); (W.F.d.F.); (H.M.B.); (L.G.d.B.A.); (H.C.P.); (M.d.M.T.)
| | - Lucas Gomes de Brito Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (H.R.d.S.); (K.C.d.M.G.); (C.P.R.); (E.M.G.); (W.F.d.F.); (H.M.B.); (L.G.d.B.A.); (H.C.P.); (M.d.M.T.)
| | - Hugo Costa Paes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (H.R.d.S.); (K.C.d.M.G.); (C.P.R.); (E.M.G.); (W.F.d.F.); (H.M.B.); (L.G.d.B.A.); (H.C.P.); (M.d.M.T.)
| | - Luciana Trilles
- Mycology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz–Rio de Janeiro), Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, RJ, Brazil; (L.T.); (M.d.S.L.)
| | - Márcia dos Santos Lazera
- Mycology Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz–Rio de Janeiro), Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, RJ, Brazil; (L.T.); (M.d.S.L.)
| | - Marcus de Melo Teixeira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (H.R.d.S.); (K.C.d.M.G.); (C.P.R.); (E.M.G.); (W.F.d.F.); (H.M.B.); (L.G.d.B.A.); (H.C.P.); (M.d.M.T.)
| | - Vitor Laerte Pinto
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz–Brasília), Brasília 70904-130, DF, Brazil; (J.L.J.); (V.L.P.J.)
| | - Maria Sueli Soares Felipe
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília 70790-160, DF, Brazil;
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Ildinete Silva-Pereira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Pathogenic Fungi, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (S.d.O.F.); (I.S.-P.); (P.A.)
| | - Patrícia Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Pathogenic Fungi, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (S.d.O.F.); (I.S.-P.); (P.A.)
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília 72220-275, DF, Brazil
| | - André Moraes Nicola
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, DF, Brazil; (H.R.d.S.); (K.C.d.M.G.); (C.P.R.); (E.M.G.); (W.F.d.F.); (H.M.B.); (L.G.d.B.A.); (H.C.P.); (M.d.M.T.)
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília 70790-160, DF, Brazil;
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20
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Gonçalves SM, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Understanding the genetic basis of immune responses to fungal infection. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2022; 20:987-996. [PMID: 35385368 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2022.2063839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fungal infections represent a global public health problem that affect millions of people. Despite remarkable advances achieved over the last decades, available diagnostic and therapeutic tools remain insufficient for the optimal management of these diseases. The clinical course of fungal infection is highly variable, and evidence accumulated from patients with rare mutations and cohort-based studies suggests that the trajectory of disease is largely defined by patient genetics and its impact on immune responses. Therefore, there is an urgent need to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which which genetic variants influence the risk, progression, and outcome of fungal infection. AREAS COVERED In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the genetic factors that influence antifungal immune responses based on candidate gene studies and genome-wide approaches performed in different experimental and clinical models. EXPERT OPINION Research on genetics of susceptibility to infection is expected to lead to a detailed knowledge framework for the pathogenesis of human fungal infections and unveil novel targets and pathways amenable to clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
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21
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Palmieri F, Koutsokera A, Bernasconi E, Junier P, von Garnier C, Ubags N. Recent Advances in Fungal Infections: From Lung Ecology to Therapeutic Strategies With a Focus on Aspergillus spp. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:832510. [PMID: 35386908 PMCID: PMC8977413 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.832510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections are estimated to be the main cause of death for more than 1.5 million people worldwide annually. However, fungal pathogenicity has been largely neglected. This is notably the case for pulmonary fungal infections, which are difficult to diagnose and to treat. We are currently facing a global emergence of antifungal resistance, which decreases the chances of survival for affected patients. New therapeutic approaches are therefore needed to face these life-threatening fungal infections. In this review, we will provide a general overview on respiratory fungal infections, with a focus on fungi of the genus Aspergillus. Next, the immunological and microbiological mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis will be discussed. The role of the respiratory mycobiota and its interactions with the bacterial microbiota on lung fungal infections will be presented from an ecological perspective. Finally, we will focus on existing and future innovative approaches for the treatment of respiratory fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Palmieri
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Fabio Palmieri,
| | - Angela Koutsokera
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Bernasconi
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pilar Junier
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Christophe von Garnier
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Niki Ubags
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Service de Pneumologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Niki Ubags,
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22
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Souza TN, Valdez AF, Rizzo J, Zamith-Miranda D, Guimarães AJ, Nosanchuk JD, Nimrichter L. Host cell membrane microdomains and fungal infection. Cell Microbiol 2021; 23:e13385. [PMID: 34392593 PMCID: PMC8664998 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Lipid microdomains or lipid rafts are dynamic and tightly ordered regions of the plasma membrane. In mammalian cells, they are enriched in cholesterol, glycosphingolipids, Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored and signalling-related proteins. Several studies have suggested that mammalian pattern recognition receptors are concentrated or recruited to lipid domains during host-pathogen association to enhance the effectiveness of host effector processes. However, pathogens have also evolved strategies to exploit these domains to invade cells and survive. In fungal organisms, a complex cell wall network usually mediates the first contact with the host cells. This cell wall may contain virulence factors that interfere with the host membrane microdomains dynamics, potentially impacting the infection outcome. Indeed, the microdomain disruption can dampen fungus-host cell adhesion, phagocytosis and cellular immune responses. Here, we provide an overview of regulatory strategies employed by pathogenic fungi to engage with and potentially subvert the lipid microdomains of host cells. TAKE AWAY: Lipid microdomains are ordered regions of the plasma membrane enriched in cholesterol, glycosphingolipids (GSL), GPI-anchored and signalling-related proteins. Pathogen recognition by host immune cells can involve lipid microdomain participation. During this process, these domains can coalesce in larger complexes recruiting receptors and signalling proteins, significantly increasing their signalling abilities. The antifungal innate immune response is mediated by the engagement of pathogen-associated molecular patterns to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) at the plasma membrane of innate immune cells. Lipid microdomains can concentrate or recruit PRRs during host cell-fungi association through a multi-interactive mechanism. This association can enhance the effectiveness of host effector processes. However, virulence factors at the fungal cell surface and extracellular vesicles can re-assembly these domains, compromising the downstream signalling and favouring the disease development. Lipid microdomains are therefore very attractive targets for novel drugs to combat fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiane N Souza
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alessandro F Valdez
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Juliana Rizzo
- Unité Biologie des ARN des Pathogènes Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Allan Jefferson Guimarães
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia-MIP, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Joshua D Nosanchuk
- Departments of Medicine (Division of Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Leonardo Nimrichter
- Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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23
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Kastelberg B, Ayubi T, Tubau-Juni N, Leber A, Hontecillas R, Bassaganya-Riera J, Kale SD. Nlrx1-Regulated Defense and Metabolic Responses to Aspergillus fumigatus Are Morphotype and Cell Type Specific. Front Immunol 2021; 12:749504. [PMID: 34790195 PMCID: PMC8591139 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.749504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nlr family member X1 (Nlrx1) is an immuno-metabolic hub involved in mediating effective responses to virus, bacteria, fungi, cancer, and auto-immune diseases. We have previously shown that Nlrx1 is a critical regulator of immune signaling and mortality in several models of pulmonary fungal infection using the clinically relevant fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. In the absence of Nlrx1, hosts produce an enhanced Th2 response primarily by CD103+ dendritic cell populations resulting in enhanced mortality via immunopathogenesis as well as enhanced fungal burden. Here, we present our subsequent efforts showcasing loss of Nlrx1 resulting in a decreased ability of host cells to process A. fumigatus conidia in a cell-type-specific manner by BEAS-2B airway epithelial cells, alveolar macrophages, bone marrow-derived macrophages, but not bone marrow-derived neutrophils. Furthermore, loss of Nlrx1 results in a diminished ability to generate superoxide and/or generic reactive oxygen species during specific responses to fungal PAMPs, conidia, and hyphae. Analysis of glycolysis and mitochondrial function suggests that Nlrx1 is needed to appropriately shut down glycolysis in response to A. fumigatus conidia and increase glycolysis in response to hyphae in BEAS-2B cells. Blocking glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) via 2-DG and NADPH production through glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor resulted in significantly diminished conidial processing in wild-type BEAS-2B cells to the levels of Nlrx1-deficient BEAS-2B cells. Our findings suggest a need for airway epithelial cells to generate NADPH for reactive oxygen species production in response to conidia via PPP. In context to fungal pulmonary infections, our results show that Nlrx1 plays significant roles in host defense via PPP modulation of several aspects of metabolism, particularly glycolysis, to facilitate conidia processing in addition to its critical role in regulating immune signaling.
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24
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Akoumianaki T, Vaporidi K, Diamantaki E, Pène F, Beau R, Gresnigt MS, Gkountzinopulou M, Venichaki M, Drakos E, El-Benna J, Samonis G, Le KTT, Kumar V, Georgopoulos D, van de Veerdonk FL, Netea MG, Latge JP, Chamilos G. Uncoupling of IL-6 signaling and LC3-associated phagocytosis drives immunoparalysis during sepsis. Cell Host Microbe 2021; 29:1277-1293.e6. [PMID: 34214493 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immune deactivation of phagocytes is a central event in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Herein, we identify a master regulatory role of IL-6 signaling on LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) and reveal that uncoupling of these two processes during sepsis induces immunoparalysis in monocytes/macrophages. In particular, we demonstrate that activation of LAP by the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus depends on ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation of p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase. Physiologically, autocrine IL-6/JAK2/Ninein axis orchestrates microtubule organization and dynamics regulating ERK recruitment to the phagosome and LC3+ phagosome (LAPosome) formation. In sepsis, loss of IL-6 signaling specifically abrogates microtubule-mediated trafficking of ERK, leading to defective activation of LAP and impaired killing of bacterial and fungal pathogens by monocytes/macrophages, which can be selectively restored by IL-6 supplementation. Our work uncovers a molecular pathway linking IL-6 signaling with LAP and provides insight into the mechanisms underlying immunoparalysis in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonia Akoumianaki
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Katerina Vaporidi
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Eleni Diamantaki
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Heraklion, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Frédéric Pène
- Medical ICU, Hôpital Cochin, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Institut Cochin INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Remi Beau
- Unité des Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Department of Internal Medicine (463) and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 8, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Marina Gkountzinopulou
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Venichaki
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elias Drakos
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Jamel El-Benna
- Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation (CRI), INSERM U1149, CNRS-ERL 8252, Laboratoire d'Excellence Inflamex, Faculté de Médecine Xavier Bichat, Paris, France
| | - George Samonis
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Kieu T T Le
- Department of Internal Medicine (463) and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 8, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine (463) and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 8, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Genetics, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dimitrios Georgopoulos
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Frank L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine (463) and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 8, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine (463) and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI), Radboudumc, Geert Grooteplein 8, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department for Genomics & Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jean-Paul Latge
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Unité des Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, 71300 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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25
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Characterisation of Aspergillus fumigatus Endocytic Trafficking within Airway Epithelial Cells Using High-Resolution Automated Quantitative Confocal Microscopy. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7060454. [PMID: 34200399 PMCID: PMC8229978 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise characterization of the mechanisms modulating Aspergillus fumigatus survival within airway epithelial cells has been impaired by the lack of live-cell imaging technologies and user-friendly quantification approaches. Here we described the use of an automated image analysis pipeline to estimate the proportion of A. fumigatus spores taken up by airway epithelial cells, those contained within phagolysosomes or acidified phagosomes, along with the fungal factors contributing to these processes. Coupling the use of fluorescent A. fumigatus strains and fluorescent epithelial probes targeting lysosomes, acidified compartments and cell membrane, we found that both the efficacy of lysosome recruitment to phagosomes and phagosome acidification determines the capacity of airway epithelial cells to contain A. fumigatus growth. Overall, the capability of the airway epithelium to prevent A. fumigatus survival was higher in bronchial epithelial than alveolar epithelial cells. Certain A. fumigatus cell wall mutants influenced phagosome maturation in airway epithelial cells. Taken together, this live-cell 4D imaging approach allows observation and measurement of the very early processes of A. fumigatus interaction within live airway epithelial monolayers.
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26
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Flotillin-Dependent Membrane Microdomains Are Required for Functional Phagolysosomes against Fungal Infections. Cell Rep 2021; 32:108017. [PMID: 32814035 PMCID: PMC10054021 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid rafts form signaling platforms on biological membranes with incompletely characterized role in immune response to infection. Here we report that lipid-raft microdomains are essential components of phagolysosomal membranes of macrophages and depend on flotillins. Genetic deletion of flotillins demonstrates that the assembly of both major defense complexes vATPase and NADPH oxidase requires membrane microdomains. Furthermore, we describe a virulence mechanism leading to dysregulation of membrane microdomains by melanized wild-type conidia of the important human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus resulting in reduced phagolysosomal acidification. We show that phagolysosomes with ingested melanized conidia contain a reduced amount of free Ca2+ ions and that inhibition of Ca2+-dependent calmodulin activity led to reduced lipid-raft formation. We identify a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the human FLOT1 gene resulting in heightened susceptibility for invasive aspergillosis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Collectively, flotillin-dependent microdomains on the phagolysosomal membrane play an essential role in protective antifungal immunity.
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27
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Human Corneal Epithelial Cells Internalize Aspergillus flavus Spores by Actin-Mediated Endocytosis. Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00794-20. [PMID: 33753415 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00794-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells play a significant role in the innate immune response by secreting cytokines and antimicrobial peptides when they encounter fungal pathogens. But the detailed mechanism of attachment and engulfment of the fungal conidia by HCE cells is not well understood. Here, we show the phagocytosis of Aspergillus flavus conidia by RCB2280 cells and primary HCE cultures using confocal microscopy and proteomic analysis of conidium-containing phagosomes. Phalloidin staining showed actin polymerization, leading to an actin ring around engulfed conidia. Cytochalasin D inhibited the actin-mediated endocytosis of the conidia. Immunolabeling of the early endosomal markers CD71 and early endosomal antigen (EEA1) and the late endosomal markers lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), Rab7, and cathepsin G showed that endosomal proteins were recruited to the site of conidia and showed maturation of the conidium-containing phagosomes. Lysotracker red DND 99 labeling showed the acidification of the phagosomes containing conidia. Phagosome-specific proteome analysis confirmed the recruitment of various phagosomal and endosomal proteins to the conidium-containing phagosomes. These results show that the ocular surface epithelium contributes actively to antifungal defense by the phagocytosis of invading fungal conidia.
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28
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Morgan AJ, Davis LC, Galione A. Choreographing endo-lysosomal Ca 2+ throughout the life of a phagosome. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:119040. [PMID: 33872669 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of endo-lysosomes as ubiquitous Ca2+ stores with their unique cohort of channels has resulted in their being implicated in a growing number of processes in an ever-increasing number of cell types. The architectural and regulatory constraints of these acidic Ca2+ stores distinguishes them from other larger Ca2+ sources such as the ER and influx across the plasma membrane. In view of recent advances in the understanding of the modes of operation, we discuss phagocytosis as a template for how endo-lysosomal Ca2+ signals (generated via TPC and TRPML channels) can be integrated in multiple sophisticated ways into biological processes. Phagocytosis illustrates how different endo-lysosomal Ca2+ signals drive different phases of a process, and how these can be altered by disease or infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Morgan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Park, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
| | - Lianne C Davis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Park, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Antony Galione
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Park, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
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29
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Liu S, Youngchim S, Zamith-Miranda D, Nosanchuk JD. Fungal Melanin and the Mammalian Immune System. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7040264. [PMID: 33807336 PMCID: PMC8066723 DOI: 10.3390/jof7040264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanins are ubiquitous complex polymers that are commonly known in humans to cause pigmentation of our skin. Melanins are also present in bacteria, fungi, and helminths. In this review, we will describe the diverse interactions of fungal melanin with the mammalian immune system. We will particularly focus on Cryptococcus neoformans and also discuss other major melanotic pathogenic fungi. Melanin interacts with the immune system through diverse pathways, reducing the effectiveness of phagocytic cells, binding effector molecules and antifungals, and modifying complement and antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichen Liu
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (S.L.); (D.Z.-M.)
| | - Sirida Youngchim
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Daniel Zamith-Miranda
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (S.L.); (D.Z.-M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Joshua D. Nosanchuk
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (S.L.); (D.Z.-M.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence:
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30
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Abstract
The analysis of phagolysosomes within professional phagocytic cells is facilitated by their isolation. Here, we optimized a protocol for the isolation of intact phagolysosomes from macrophages infected with the spores of Aspergillus fumigatus. Purified phagolysosomes allow improved immunostaining, e.g., of phagolysosomal membrane proteins, or proteome analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Schmidt et al. (2020).
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31
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Wang Y, Sharma P, Jefferson M, Zhang W, Bone B, Kipar A, Bitto D, Coombes JL, Pearson T, Man A, Zhekova A, Bao Y, Tripp RA, Carding SR, Yamauchi Y, Mayer U, Powell PP, Stewart JP, Wileman T. Non-canonical autophagy functions of ATG16L1 in epithelial cells limit lethal infection by influenza A virus. EMBO J 2021; 40:e105543. [PMID: 33586810 PMCID: PMC7957399 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) cause pandemic infections where cytokine storm syndrome and lung inflammation lead to high mortality. Given the high social and economic cost of respiratory viruses, there is an urgent need to understand how the airways defend against virus infection. Here we use mice lacking the WD and linker domains of ATG16L1 to demonstrate that ATG16L1-dependent targeting of LC3 to single-membrane, non-autophagosome compartments - referred to as non-canonical autophagy - protects mice from lethal IAV infection. Mice with systemic loss of non-canonical autophagy are exquisitely sensitive to low-pathogenicity IAV where extensive viral replication throughout the lungs, coupled with cytokine amplification mediated by plasmacytoid dendritic cells, leads to fulminant pneumonia, lung inflammation and high mortality. IAV was controlled within epithelial barriers where non-canonical autophagy reduced IAV fusion with endosomes and activation of interferon signalling. Conditional mouse models and ex vivo analysis showed that protection against IAV infection of lung was independent of phagocytes and other leucocytes. This establishes non-canonical autophagy in airway epithelial cells as a novel innate defence that restricts IAV infection and lethal inflammation at respiratory surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Wang
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Parul Sharma
- Department of Infection Biology and MicrobiomesUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | | | - Weijiao Zhang
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Ben Bone
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Anja Kipar
- Department of Infection Biology and MicrobiomesUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- Institute of Veterinary PathologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - David Bitto
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of Life SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Janine L Coombes
- Department of Infection Biology and MicrobiomesUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | | | | | - Alex Zhekova
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Yongping Bao
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Ralph A Tripp
- Department of Infectious DiseaseUniversity of GeorgiaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Simon R Carding
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
- Gut Microbes and Health Research ProgrammeQuadram Institute BioscienceNorwichUK
| | - Yohei Yamauchi
- School of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of Life SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Ulrike Mayer
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - Penny P Powell
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - James P Stewart
- Department of Infection Biology and MicrobiomesUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- Department of Infectious DiseaseUniversity of GeorgiaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Thomas Wileman
- Norwich Medical SchoolUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
- Gut Microbes and Health Research ProgrammeQuadram Institute BioscienceNorwichUK
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32
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Nguyen JA, Yates RM. Better Together: Current Insights Into Phagosome-Lysosome Fusion. Front Immunol 2021; 12:636078. [PMID: 33717183 PMCID: PMC7946854 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.636078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Following phagocytosis, the nascent phagosome undergoes maturation to become a phagolysosome with an acidic, hydrolytic, and often oxidative lumen that can efficiently kill and digest engulfed microbes, cells, and debris. The fusion of phagosomes with lysosomes is a principal driver of phagosomal maturation and is targeted by several adapted intracellular pathogens. Impairment of this process has significant consequences for microbial infection, tissue inflammation, the onset of adaptive immunity, and disease. Given the importance of phagosome-lysosome fusion to phagocyte function and the many virulence factors that target it, it is unsurprising that multiple molecular pathways have evolved to mediate this essential process. While the full range of these pathways has yet to be fully characterized, several pathways involving proteins such as members of the Rab GTPases, tethering factors and SNAREs have been identified. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge to clarify the ambiguities in the field and construct a more comprehensive phagolysosome formation model. Lastly, we discuss how other cellular pathways help support phagolysosome biogenesis and, consequently, phagocyte function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A Nguyen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Robin M Yates
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Cumming School of Medicine, Snyder Institute of Chronic Disease, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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33
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Last A, Maurer M, Mosig AS, Gresnigt MS, Hube B. In vitro infection models to study fungal-host interactions. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:6125970. [PMID: 33524102 PMCID: PMC8498566 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections (mycoses) affect over a billion people per year. Approximately, two million of these infections are life-threatening, especially for patients with a compromised immune system. Fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Candida, Histoplasma and Cryptococcus are opportunistic pathogens that contribute to a substantial number of mycoses. To optimize the diagnosis and treatment of mycoses, we need to understand the complex fungal–host interplay during pathogenesis, the fungal attributes causing virulence and how the host resists infection via immunological defenses. In vitro models can be used to mimic fungal infections of various tissues and organs and the corresponding immune responses at near-physiological conditions. Furthermore, models can include fungal interactions with the host–microbiota to mimic the in vivo situation on skin and mucosal surfaces. This article reviews currently used in vitro models of fungal infections ranging from cell monolayers to microfluidic 3D organ-on-chip (OOC) platforms. We also discuss how OOC models can expand the toolbox for investigating interactions of fungi and their human hosts in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Last
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Michelle Maurer
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander S Mosig
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knoell-Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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Breda LCD, Menezes IG, Paulo LNM, de Almeida SR. Immune Sensing and Potential Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Control Chromoblastomycosis. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 7:jof7010003. [PMID: 33375204 PMCID: PMC7822212 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a neglected, chronic, and progressive subcutaneous mycosis caused by different species of fungi from the Herpotrichiellaceae family. CBM disease is usually associated with agricultural activities, and its infection is characterized by verrucous, erythematous papules, and atrophic lesions on the upper and lower limbs, leading to social stigma and impacts on patients' welfare. The economic aspect of disease treatment is another relevant issue. There is no specific treatment for CBM, and different anti-fungal drug associations are used to treat the patients. However, the long period of the disease and the high cost of the treatment lead to treatment interruption and, consequently, relapse of the disease. In previous years, great progress had been made in the comprehension of the CBM pathophysiology. In this review, we discuss the differences in the cell wall composition of conidia, hyphae, and muriform cells, with a particular focus on the activation of the host immune response. We also highlight the importance of studies about the host skin immunology in CBM. Finally, we explore different immunotherapeutic studies, highlighting the importance of these approaches for future treatment strategies for CBM.
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Obar JJ. Sensing the threat posed by Aspergillus infection. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:47-55. [PMID: 32898768 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian immune system can tune its inflammatory response to the threat level posed by an invading pathogen. It is well established that the host utilizes numerous 'patterns of pathogenicity', such as microbial growth, invasion, and viability, to achieve this tuning during bacterial infections. This review discusses how this notion fits during fungal infection, particularly regarding Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Moreover, how the environmental niches filled by A. fumigatus may drive the evolution of the fungal traits responsible for inducing the strain-specific inflammatory responses that have been experimentally observed will be discussed. Moving forward understanding the mechanisms of the fungal strain-specific inflammatory response due to the initial interactions with the host innate immune system will be essential for enhancing our therapeutic options for the treatment of invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua J Obar
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Hinman Box 7556, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
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Papon N, Gangneux JP, Delneste Y. Fungal Melanin Rewires Macrophage Metabolism. Trends Biochem Sci 2020; 45:728-730. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Jia LJ, Krüger T, Blango MG, von Eggeling F, Kniemeyer O, Brakhage AA. Biotinylated Surfome Profiling Identifies Potential Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Therapy of Aspergillus fumigatus Infection. mSphere 2020; 5:e00535-20. [PMID: 32817453 PMCID: PMC7426169 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00535-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most common airborne molds capable of causing mycoses and allergies in humans. During infection, fungal surface proteins mediate the first contact with the human immune system to evade immune responses or to induce hypersensitivity. Several methods have been established for surface proteomics (surfomics). Biotinylation coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identification of peptides is a particularly efficient method to identify the surface-exposed regions of proteins that potentially mediate interaction with the host. After biotinylation of surface proteins during spore germination, we detected 231 different biotinylated surface proteins (including several well-known proteins such as RodA, CcpA, and DppV; allergens; and heat shock proteins [HSPs]), as well as some previously undescribed surface proteins. The dynamic change of the surface proteome was illustrated by detection of a relatively high number of proteins exclusively at one developmental stage. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we confirmed the surface localization of several HSPs of the HSP70 family, which may have moonlighting functions. Collectively, by comparing our data with data representative of previously published A. fumigatus surface proteomes, our study generated a comprehensive data set corresponding to the A. fumigatus surfome and uncovered the surface-exposed regions of many proteins on the surface of conidia or hyphae. These surface-exposed regions are candidates for direct interaction with host cells and may represent antigenic epitopes that either induce protective immune responses or mediate immune evasion. Thus, our data sets provided and compiled here represent reasonable immunotherapy and diagnostic targets for future investigations.IMPORTANCEAspergillus fumigatus is the most important airborne human-pathogenic mold, capable of causing both life-threatening invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients and allergy-inducing infections in individuals with atopic allergy. Despite its obvious medical relevance, timely diagnosis and efficient antifungal treatment of A. fumigatus infection remain major challenges. Proteins on the surface of conidia (asexually produced spores) and mycelium directly mediate host-pathogen interaction and also may serve as targets for diagnosis and immunotherapy. However, the similarity of protein sequences between A. fumigatus and other organisms, sometimes even including the human host, makes selection of targets for immunological-based studies difficult. Here, using surface protein biotinylation coupled with LC-MS/MS analysis, we identified hundreds of A. fumigatus surface proteins with exposed regions, further defining putative targets for possible diagnostic and immunotherapeutic design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Jie Jia
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthew G Blango
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Ferdinand von Eggeling
- Jena University Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology, Jena, Germany
- Jena University Hospital, Core Unit Proteome Analysis, Jena, Germany
- Jena University Hospital, DFG Core Unit Jena Biophotonic and Imaging Laboratory (JBIL), Jena, Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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Weerasinghe H, Traven A. Immunometabolism in fungal infections: the need to eat to compete. Curr Opin Microbiol 2020; 58:32-40. [PMID: 32781324 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Immune cells, including macrophages and monocytes, remodel their metabolism and have specific nutritional needs when dealing with microbial pathogens. While we are just beginning to understand immunometabolism in fungal infections, emerging themes include recognition of fungal cell surface molecule driving metabolic remodelling to increase glycolysis, the critical role of glycolysis in the production of antifungal cytokines and fungicidal effector molecules, and the need for maintaining host glucose homeostasis to defeat fungal infections. A crosstalk between host and pathogen metabolic pathways determines the fate of immune cells and fungi when they interact. Thus, immunometabolic interactions offer potential for innovation in antifungal treatments in the future. For this to become a reality, we must decipher the mechanisms by which diverse fungal pathogens activate and manipulate immunometabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshini Weerasinghe
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton (Melbourne), 3800 Victoria, Australia
| | - Ana Traven
- Infection and Immunity Program and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton (Melbourne), 3800 Victoria, Australia.
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Ahamefule CS, Qin Q, Odiba AS, Li S, Moneke AN, Ogbonna JC, Jin C, Wang B, Fang W. Caenorhabditis elegans-Based Aspergillus fumigatus Infection Model for Evaluating Pathogenicity and Drug Efficacy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:320. [PMID: 32670897 PMCID: PMC7332887 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is the most reported causative pathogen associated with the increasing global incidences of aspergilloses, with the health of immunocompromised individuals mostly at risk. Monitoring the pathogenicity of A. fumigatus strains to identify virulence factors and evaluating the efficacy of potent active agents against this fungus in animal models are indispensable in current research effort. Caenorhabditis elegans has been successfully utilized as an infection model for bacterial and dimorphic fungal pathogens because of the advantages of being time-efficient, and less costly. However, application of this model to the filamentous fungus A. fumigatus is less investigated. In this study, we developed and optimized a stable and reliable C. elegans model for A. fumigatus infection, and demonstrated the infection process with a fluorescent strain. Virulence results of several mutant strains in our nematode model demonstrated high consistency with the already reported pathogenicity pattern in other models. Furthermore, this C. elegans-A. fumigatus infection model was optimized for evaluating the efficacy of current antifungal drugs. Interestingly, the azole drugs in nematode model prevented conidial germination to a higher extent than amphotericin B. Overall, our established C. elegans infection model for A. fumigatus has potential applications in pathogenicity evaluation, antifungal agents screening, drug efficacy evaluation as well as host-pathogen interaction studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chukwuemeka Samson Ahamefule
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Qijian Qin
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Arome Solomon Odiba
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Siqiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Non-food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Anene N. Moneke
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - James C. Ogbonna
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Cheng Jin
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Bin Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
- State Key Laboratory of Non-food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Wenxia Fang
- National Engineering Research Center for Non-food Biorefinery, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
- State Key Laboratory of Non-food Biomass and Enzyme Technology, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
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Ferling I, Dunn JD, Ferling A, Soldati T, Hillmann F. Conidial Melanin of the Human-Pathogenic Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus Disrupts Cell Autonomous Defenses in Amoebae. mBio 2020; 11:e00862-20. [PMID: 32457245 PMCID: PMC7251208 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00862-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human-pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is a ubiquitous saprophyte that causes fatal lung infections in immunocompromised individuals. Following inhalation, conidia are ingested by innate immune cells and can arrest phagolysosome maturation. How this virulence trait could have been selected for in natural environments is unknown. Here, we found that surface exposure of the green pigment 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-(DHN)-melanin can protect conidia from phagocytic uptake and intracellular killing by the fungivorous amoeba Protostelium aurantium and delays its exocytosis from the nonfungivorous species Dictyostelium discoideum To elucidate the antiphagocytic properties of the surface pigment, we followed the antagonistic interactions of A. fumigatus conidia with the amoebae in real time. For both amoebae, conidia covered with DHN-melanin were internalized at far lower rates than were seen with conidia lacking the pigment, despite high rates of initial attachment to nonkilling D. discoideum When ingested by D. discoideum, the formation of nascent phagosomes was followed by transient acidification of phagolysosomes, their subsequent neutralization, and, finally, exocytosis of the conidia. While the cycle was completed in less than 1 h for unpigmented conidia, the process was significantly prolonged for conidia covered with DHN-melanin, leading to an extended intracellular residence time. At later stages of this cellular infection, pigmented conidia induced enhanced damage to phagolysosomes and infected amoebae failed to recruit the ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) membrane repair machinery or the canonical autophagy pathway to defend against the pathogen, thus promoting prolonged intracellular persistence in the host cell and the establishment of a germination niche in this environmental phagocyte.IMPORTANCE Infections with Aspergillus fumigatus are usually acquired by an inhalation of spores from environmental sources. How spores of a saprophytic fungus have acquired abilities to withstand and escape the phagocytic attacks of innate immune cells is not understood. The fungal surface pigment dihydroxynaphtalene-melanin has been shown to be a crucial factor for the delay in phagosome maturation. Here, we show that this pigment also has a protective function against environmental phagocytes. Pigmented conidia escaped uptake and killing by the fungus-eating amoeba Protostelium aurantium When ingested by the nonfungivorous phagocyte Dictyostelium discoideum, the pigment attenuated the launch of cell autonomous defenses against the fungal invader, such as membrane repair and autophagy, leading to prolonged intracellular retention. Membrane damage and cytoplasmic leakage may result in an influx of nutrients and thus may further promote intracellular germination of the fungus, indicating that A. fumigatus has acquired some of the basic properties of intracellular pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Ferling
- Junior Research Group Evolution of Microbial Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Joe Dan Dunn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Ferling
- Heid-Tech, Technische Schule Heidenheim, Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany
| | - Thierry Soldati
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Falk Hillmann
- Junior Research Group Evolution of Microbial Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knöll Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
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41
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Wehmeier S, Morrison E, Plato A, Raab A, Feldmann J, Bedekovic T, Wilson D, Brand AC. Multi trace element profiling in pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:516-524. [PMID: 32389315 PMCID: PMC7232024 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining appropriate levels of trace elements during infection of a host is essential for microbial pathogenicity. Here we compared the uptake of 10 trace elements from 3 commonly-used laboratory media by 3 pathogens, Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus, and a model yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The trace element composition of the yeasts, C. albicans, C. neoformans and S. cerevisiae, grown in rich (YPD) medium, differed primarily in P, S, Fe, Zn and Co. Speciation analysis of the intracellular fraction, which indicates the size of the organic ligands with which trace elements are complexed, showed that the ligands for S were similar in the three fungi but there were significant differences in binding partners for Fe and Zn between C. neoformans and S.cerevisiae. The profile for Cu varied across the 3 yeast species. In a comparison of C. albicans and A. fumigatus hyphae, the former showed higher Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn, while A. fumigatus contained higher P, S Ca and Mo. Washing C. albicans cells with the cell-impermeable chelator, EGTA, depleted 50–90 % of cellular Ca, suggesting that a large proportion of this cation is stored in the cell wall. Treatment with the cell wall stressor, Calcofluor White (CFW), alone had little effect on the elemental profile whilst combined Ca + CFW stress resulted in high cellular Cu and very high Ca. Together our data enhance our understanding of trace element uptake by pathogenic fungi and provide evidence for the cell wall as an important storage organelle for Ca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Wehmeier
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Emma Morrison
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Anthony Plato
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Andrea Raab
- TESLA, School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Meston Walk, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- TESLA, School of Natural and Computing Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Meston Walk, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
| | - Tina Bedekovic
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK; Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Duncan Wilson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Alexandra C Brand
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK; Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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42
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Gonçalves SM, Duarte-Oliveira C, Campos CF, Aimanianda V, Ter Horst R, Leite L, Mercier T, Pereira P, Fernández-García M, Antunes D, Rodrigues CS, Barbosa-Matos C, Gaifem J, Mesquita I, Marques A, Osório NS, Torrado E, Rodrigues F, Costa S, Joosten LA, Lagrou K, Maertens J, Lacerda JF, Campos A, Brown GD, Brakhage AA, Barbas C, Silvestre R, van de Veerdonk FL, Chamilos G, Netea MG, Latgé JP, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Phagosomal removal of fungal melanin reprograms macrophage metabolism to promote antifungal immunity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2282. [PMID: 32385235 PMCID: PMC7210971 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16120-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to infection, macrophages adapt their metabolism rapidly to enhance glycolysis and fuel specialized antimicrobial effector functions. Here we show that fungal melanin is an essential molecule required for the metabolic rewiring of macrophages during infection with the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Using pharmacological and genetic tools, we reveal a molecular link between calcium sequestration by melanin inside the phagosome and induction of glycolysis required for efficient innate immune responses. By remodeling the intracellular calcium machinery and impairing signaling via calmodulin, melanin drives an immunometabolic signaling axis towards glycolysis with activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) and phagosomal recruitment of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). These data demonstrate a pivotal mechanism in the immunometabolic regulation of macrophages during fungal infection and highlight the metabolic repurposing of immune cells as a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Duarte-Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia F Campos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Rob Ter Horst
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Luis Leite
- STMO, Instituto Português de Oncologia, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Toine Mercier
- Department of Hematology, UZ Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel Fernández-García
- Center for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, San Pablo CEU University, 28668, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniela Antunes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Cláudia S Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Barbosa-Matos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Joana Gaifem
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Inês Mesquita
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - António Marques
- Serviço de Imuno-Hemoterapia, Hospital de Braga, 4710-243, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno S Osório
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Egídio Torrado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Fernando Rodrigues
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Sandra Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Leo Ab Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Katrien Lagrou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, UZ Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Hematology, UZ Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - João F Lacerda
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - António Campos
- STMO, Instituto Português de Oncologia, 4200-072, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gordon D Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Coral Barbas
- Center for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, San Pablo CEU University, 28668, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Silvestre
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Frank L van de Veerdonk
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, FORTH, 70013, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500HB, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department of Genomics & Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jean-Paul Latgé
- Unité des Aspergillus, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Cristina Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal
| | - Agostinho Carvalho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães/Braga, Portugal.
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LC3-associated phagocytosis - The highway to hell for phagocytosed microbes. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 101:68-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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The role of melanins in melanotic fungi for pathogenesis and environmental survival. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:4247-4257. [PMID: 32206837 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Melanins provide fungi protection from environmental stressors, support their ecological roles, and can confer virulence in pathogens. While the function, structure, and synthesis of melanins in fungi are not fully understood, they have been shown to have varied roles. Recent research has revealed a wide range of functions, from radiation resistance to increasing virulence, shedding light on fungal diversity. Understanding fungal melanins can provide useful information, from harnessing the properties of these various melanins to targeting fungal infections.Key Points• Melanotic fungi are widespread in nature. • Melanin functions to protect fungi in the environment from a range of stresses. • Melanin contributes to pathogenesis and drug resistance of pathogenic fungi.
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Contributions of Spore Secondary Metabolites to UV-C Protection and Virulence Vary in Different Aspergillus fumigatus Strains. mBio 2020; 11:mBio.03415-19. [PMID: 32071276 PMCID: PMC7029147 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03415-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal spores contain secondary metabolites that can protect them from a multitude of abiotic and biotic stresses. Conidia (asexual spores) of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus synthesize several metabolites, including melanin, which has been reported to be important for virulence in this species and to be protective against UV radiation in other fungi. Here, we investigate the role of melanin in diverse isolates of A. fumigatus and find variability in its ability to protect spores from UV-C radiation or impact virulence in a zebrafish model of invasive aspergillosis in two clinical strains and one ISS strain. Further, we assess the role of other spore metabolites in a clinical strain of A. fumigatus and identify fumiquinazoline as an additional UV-C-protective molecule but not a virulence determinant. The results show differential roles of secondary metabolites in spore protection dependent on the environmental stress and strain of A. fumigatus. As protection from elevated levels of radiation is of paramount importance for future human outer space explorations, the discovery of small molecules with radiation-protective potential may result in developing novel safety measures for astronauts. Fungi are versatile organisms which thrive in hostile environments, including the International Space Station (ISS). Several isolates of the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus have been found contaminating the ISS, an environment with increased exposure to UV radiation. Secondary metabolites (SMs) in spores, such as melanins, have been shown to protect spores from UV radiation in other fungi. To test the hypothesis that melanin and other known spore SMs provide UV protection to A. fumigatus isolates, we subjected SM spore mutants to UV-C radiation. We found that 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin mutants of two clinical A. fumigatus strains (Af293 and CEA17) but not an ISS-isolated strain (IF1SW-F4) were more sensitive to UV-C than their respective wild-type (WT) strains. Because DHN-melanin has been shown to shield A. fumigatus from the host immune system, we examined all DHN mutants for virulence in the zebrafish model of invasive aspergillosis. Following recent studies highlighting the pathogenic variability of different A. fumigatus isolates, we found DHN-melanin to be a virulence factor in CEA17 and IF1SW-F4 but not Af293. Three additional spore metabolites were examined in Af293, where fumiquinazoline also showed UV-C-protective properties, but two other spore metabolites, monomethylsulochrin and fumigaclavine, provided no UV-C-protective properties. Virulence tests of these three SM spore mutants indicated a slight increase in virulence of the monomethylsulochrin deletion strain. Taken together, this work suggests differential roles of specific spore metabolites across Aspergillus isolates and by types of environmental stress.
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Keller MD, Torres VJ, Cadwell K. Autophagy and microbial pathogenesis. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:872-886. [PMID: 31896796 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-019-0481-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cell biological process that promotes resilience in the face of environmental perturbations. Given that infectious agents represent a major type of environmental threat, it follows that the autophagy pathway is central to the outcome of host-microbe interactions. Detailed molecular studies have revealed intricate ways in which autophagy suppresses or enhances the fitness of infectious agents, particularly intracellular pathogens such as viruses that require the host cell machinery for replication. Findings in animal models have reinforced the importance of these events that occur within individual cells and have extended the role of autophagy to extracellular microbes and immunity at the whole organism level. These functions impact adaptation to bacteria that are part of the gut microbiota, which has implications for the etiology of chronic disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease. Despite major advances in how autophagy regulates inflammatory reactions toward microbes, many challenges remain, including distinguishing autophagy from closely related pathways such as LC3-associated phagocytosis. Here, we review the role of autophagy in microbial pathogenesis at the level of organismal biology. In addition to providing an overview of the prominent function of autophagy proteins in host-microbe interactions, we highlight how observations at the cellular level are informing pathogenesis studies and offer our perspective on the future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Keller
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine, Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Victor J Torres
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Ken Cadwell
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine, Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA. .,Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA. .,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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Abstract
Dihydroxynaphthalene melanin (DHN-melanin) is an integral component of the conidial cell wall surface, which has a central role in the pathogenicity of the major human airborne fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Although the biosynthetic pathway for A. fumigatus DHN-melanin production has been well characterized, the molecular interactions of DHN-melanin with the immune system have been incompletely understood. Recent studies demonstrated that apart from concealing immunostimulatory cell wall polysaccharides, calcium sequestration by DHN-melanin inhibits essential host effector pathways regulating phagosome biogenesis and prevents A. fumigatus conidia killing by phagocytes. From the host perspective, DHN-melanin is specifically recognized by a C-type lectin receptor (MelLeC) present in murine endothelia and in human myeloid cells. Furthermore, DHN-melanin activates platelets and facilitates opsonophagocytosis by macrophages via binding to soluble pattern recognition receptors. Dissecting the dynamics of DHN-melanin organization on the fungal cell wall and the molecular interplay with the immune system will lead to a better understanding of A. fumigatus pathophysiology.
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Abstract
Aspergillus fumigatus is a saprotrophic fungus; its primary habitat is the soil. In its ecological niche, the fungus has learned how to adapt and proliferate in hostile environments. This capacity has helped the fungus to resist and survive against human host defenses and, further, to be responsible for one of the most devastating lung infections in terms of morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will provide (i) a description of the biological cycle of A. fumigatus; (ii) a historical perspective of the spectrum of aspergillus disease and the current epidemiological status of these infections; (iii) an analysis of the modes of immune response against Aspergillus in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients; (iv) an understanding of the pathways responsible for fungal virulence and their host molecular targets, with a specific focus on the cell wall; (v) the current status of the diagnosis of different clinical syndromes; and (vi) an overview of the available antifungal armamentarium and the therapeutic strategies in the clinical context. In addition, the emergence of new concepts, such as nutritional immunity and the integration and rewiring of multiple fungal metabolic activities occurring during lung invasion, has helped us to redefine the opportunistic pathogenesis of A. fumigatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Latgé
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Georgios Chamilos
- School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Antunes D, Cunha C, Carvalho A. Genetic Regulation of the Host-Fungus Interaction in the Pathogenesis of Aspergillosis. CURRENT FUNGAL INFECTION REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12281-019-00344-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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LC3-associated phagocytosis: host defense and microbial response. Curr Opin Immunol 2019; 60:81-90. [PMID: 31247378 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The innate immune system has evolved to recognize diverse microbes and destroy them. At the same time, microbial pathogens undermine immunity to cause disease. Here, we highlight recent advances in understanding an antimicrobial pathway called LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP), which combines features of autophagy with phagocytosis. Upon phagocytosis, many microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites, are sequestered in an LC3-positive, single-membrane bound compartment, a hallmark of LAP. LAP depends upon NADPH oxidase activity at the incipient phagosome and culminates in lysosomal trafficking and microbial degradation. Most often LAP is an effective host defense, but some pathogens evade LAP or replicate successfully in this microenvironment. Here, we review how LAP targets microbial pathogens and strategies pathogens employ to circumvent LAP.
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