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Harris-Jones TN, Chan JM, Hackett KT, Weyand NJ, Schaub RE, Dillard JP. Peptidoglycan fragment release and NOD activation by commensal Neisseria species from humans and other animals. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0000424. [PMID: 38563734 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00004-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a human restricted pathogen, releases inflammatory peptidoglycan (PG) fragments that contribute to the pathophysiology of pelvic inflammatory disease. The genus Neisseria is also home to multiple species of human- or animal-associated Neisseria that form part of the normal microbiota. Here we characterized PG release from the human-associated nonpathogenic species Neisseria lactamica and Neisseria mucosa and animal-associated Neisseria from macaques and wild mice. An N. mucosa strain and an N. lactamica strain were found to release limited amounts of the proinflammatory monomeric PG fragments. However, a single amino acid difference in the PG fragment permease AmpG resulted in increased PG fragment release in a second N. lactamica strain examined. Neisseria isolated from macaques also showed substantial release of PG monomers. The mouse colonizer Neisseria musculi exhibited PG fragment release similar to that seen in N. gonorrhoeae with PG monomers being the predominant fragments released. All the human-associated species were able to stimulate NOD1 and NOD2 responses. N. musculi was a poor inducer of mouse NOD1, but ldcA mutation increased this response. The ability to genetically manipulate N. musculi and examine effects of different PG fragments or differing amounts of PG fragments during mouse colonization will lead to a better understanding of the roles of PG in Neisseria infections. Overall, we found that only some nonpathogenic Neisseria have diminished release of proinflammatory PG fragments, and there are differences even within a species as to types and amounts of PG fragments released.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany N Harris-Jones
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jia Mun Chan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kathleen T Hackett
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nathan J Weyand
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Ryan E Schaub
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joseph P Dillard
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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2
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Girgis MM, Christodoulides M. Vertebrate and Invertebrate Animal and New In Vitro Models for Studying Neisseria Biology. Pathogens 2023; 12:782. [PMID: 37375472 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The history of Neisseria research has involved the use of a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate animal models, from insects to humans. In this review, we itemise these models and describe how they have made significant contributions to understanding the pathophysiology of Neisseria infections and to the development and testing of vaccines and antimicrobials. We also look ahead, briefly, to their potential replacement by complex in vitro cellular models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Girgis
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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3
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Kim ET, Kim YS, Park SJ. Genomic sequence of the non-pathogen Neisseria sp. strain MA1-1 with antibiotic resistance and virulence factors isolated from a head and neck cancer patient. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:591. [PMID: 36053331 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03212-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has claimed virulence factors or antimicrobial resistance in commensal or non-pathogenic Neisseria spp. This study aimed to isolate and analyze commensal microorganisms related to the genus Neisseria from the oral cavity of a patient with head and neck cancer. We successfully isolated strain MA1-1 and identified its functional gene contents. Although strain MA1-1 was related to Neisseria flava based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, genomic relatedness analysis revealed that strain MA1-1 was closely related to Neisseria mucosa, reported as a commensal Neisseria species. The strain MA1-1 genome harbored genes for microaerobic respiration and the complete core metabolic pathway with few transporters for nutrients. A number of genes have been associated with virulence factors and resistance to various antibiotics. In addition, the comparative genomic analysis showed that most genes identified in the strain MA1-1 were shared with other Neisseria spp. including two well-known pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis. This indicates that the gene content of intra-members of the genus Neisseria has been evolutionarily conserved and is stable, with no gene recombination with other microbes in the host. Finally, this study provides more fundamental interpretations for the complete gene sequence of commensal Neisseria spp. and will contribute to advancing public health knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eui Tae Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Aran 13-15, Jeju, 63241, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Suk Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju National University Hospital, Aran 13-15, Jeju, 63241, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Je Park
- Department of Biology, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju, 63243, Republic of Korea.
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Baerentsen R, Tang CM, Exley RM. Et tu, Neisseria? Conflicts of Interest Between Neisseria Species. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:913292. [PMID: 35811666 PMCID: PMC9263626 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.913292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are two obligate human pathogens that have evolved to be uniquely adapted to their host. The meningococcus is frequently carried asymptomatically in the nasopharynx, while gonococcal infection of the urogenital tract usually elicits a marked local inflammatory response. Other members of the Neisseria genus are abundant in the upper airway where they could engage in co-operative or competitive interactions with both these pathogens. Here, we briefly outline the potential sites of contact between Neisseria spp. in the body, with emphasis on the upper airway, and describe the growing yet circumstantial evidence for antagonism from carriage studies and human volunteer challenge models with Neisseria lactamica. Recent laboratory studies have characterized antagonistic mechanisms that enable competition between Neisseria species. Several of these mechanisms, including Multiple Adhesin family (Mafs), Two Partner Secretion Systems, and Type VI secretion system, involve direct contact between bacteria; the genetic organisation of these systems, and the domain structure of their effector molecules have striking similarities. Additionally, DNA from one species of Neisseria can be toxic to another species, following uptake. More research is needed to define the full repertoire of antagonistic mechanisms in Neisseria spp., their distribution in strains, their range of activity, and contribution to survival in vivo. Understanding the targets of effectors could reveal how antagonistic relationships between close relatives shape subsequent interactions between pathogens and their hosts.
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Nyongesa S, Chenal M, Bernet È, Coudray F, Veyrier FJ. Sequential markerless genetic manipulations of species from the Neisseria genus. Can J Microbiol 2022; 68:551-560. [PMID: 35512370 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2022-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of simple and highly efficient strategies for genetic modifications are essential for post-genetic studies aimed at characterizing gene functions for various applications. We sought to develop a reliable system for Neisseria species that allows for both unmarked and accumulation of multiple genetic modifications in a single strain. In this work we developed and validated three-gene cassettes named RPLK and RPCC, comprising of an antibiotic resistance marker for positive selection, the phenotypic selection marker lacZ or mCherry, and the counter selection gene rpsL. These cassettes can be transformed with high efficiency across the Neisseria genus while significantly reducing the number of false positives compared to similar approaches. We exemplify the versatility and application of these systems by obtaining unmarked luminescent strains (knock-in) or mutants (knock-out) in different pathogenic and commensal species across the Neisseria genus in addition to the cumulative deletion of six loci in a single strain of Neisseria elongata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Nyongesa
- INRS, 14851, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Quebec, Quebec, Canada;
| | - Martin Chenal
- INRS, 14851, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Quebec, Quebec, Canada;
| | - Ève Bernet
- INRS, 14851, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Quebec, Quebec, Canada;
| | - Florian Coudray
- INRS, 14851, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Quebec, Quebec, Canada;
| | - Frédéric J Veyrier
- INRS, 14851, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Quebec, Quebec, Canada;
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Thapa E, Aluvathingal J, Nadendla S, Mehta A, Tettelin H, Weyand NJ. Complete Genome Sequence of Neisseria musculi Using Illumina and PacBio Sequencing. Microbiol Resour Announc 2021; 10:e0045221. [PMID: 34110239 DOI: 10.1128/MRA.00452-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria musculi is an oral commensal of wild-caught mice. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of N. musculi strain NW831, generated using a combination of the Illumina and PacBio platforms.
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Abstract
The Gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria macacae is a commensal bacterium of the mucosal surfaces in humans. A 52-year-old woman receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis was admitted because of abdominal pain and turbid peritoneal fluid. N. macacae was isolated from peritoneal fluid culture and showed susceptibility to ceftriaxone. Despite appropriate antibiotics, the peritonitis was refractory, leading to the removal of the peritoneal dialysis catheter. We herein report the first case of peritoneal dialysis peritonitis caused by Neisseria macacae and review previous case reports of N. macacae infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuji Iyama
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Japan
| | - Shintaro Hamada
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Takata
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Japan
| | - Shotaro Hoi
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Japan
| | - Satoko Fukuda
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Japan
| | - Hajime Isomoto
- Division of Medicine and Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Japan
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Thapa E, Knauss HM, Colvin BA, Fischer BA, Weyand NJ. Persistence Dynamics of Antimicrobial-Resistant Neisseria in the Pharynx of Rhesus Macaques. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:e02232-19. [PMID: 32423958 DOI: 10.1128/AAC.02232-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharyngeal infections by Neisseria gonorrhoeae are often asymptomatic, making them difficult to treat. However, in vivo animal modeling of human pharyngeal infections by pathogenic Neisseria species is challenging due to numerous host tropism barriers. We have relied on rhesus macaques to investigate pharyngeal persistence of naturally occurring Neisseria species in response to antibiotics. These species include Neisseria mucosa, Neisseria oralis, and a species unique to macaques. Four animals previously treated intramuscularly with the fluoroquinolone enrofloxacin for 2 weeks were monitored for persistence of their preexisting Neisseria populations for a period of 10 weeks. Enrofloxacin exposure did not eliminate preexisting flora from two of the four animals. Characterization of a collection of macaque Neisseria isolates supported the hypothesis that pharyngeal persistence was linked to reduced enrofloxacin susceptibility conferred by mutations in either gyrA or parC Interestingly, we observed a change in neisserial population dynamics for several weeks following enrofloxacin exposure. Enrofloxacin appeared to promote competition between strains for dominance in the pharyngeal niche. Specifically, following enrofloxacin treatment, strains bearing single gyrA mutations and low MICs persisted long-term. In contrast, strains with both gyrA and parC mutations and high MICs became culturally undetectable, consistent with the hypothesis that they were less fit. Our study has provided insight into pharyngeal persistence dynamics of Neisseria species bearing fluoroquinolone resistance determinants. The rhesus macaque provides a valuable host animal that may be used in the future to simulate treatment failures associated with the presence of antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria spp. in the human pharynx.
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9
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Portilho AI, Trzewikoswki de Lima G, De Gaspari E. Neisseria meningitidis: analysis of pili and LPS in emerging Brazilian strains. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2020; 8:2515135520919195. [PMID: 32435751 PMCID: PMC7225800 DOI: 10.1177/2515135520919195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neisseria meningitidis is the main cause of bacterial meningitis in Brazil, where the main serogroups isolated are B and C; however, the serogroup W has recently emerged. LPS and type IV pili are important virulence factors that increase meningococci pathogenicity. METHODS The characterization of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and type IV pili in 19 meningococci strains of serogroup B, 21 of serogroup C, 45 of serogroup W and 28 of serogroup Y, isolated in Brazil between 2011 and 2017, was conducted using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (Dot- ELISA) technique and monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS We would like to emphasize the importance of characterizing relevant antigens, such as pili and LPS, the use of monoclonal antibodies to support it, and how such studies improve vaccine development and monitoring. Most of the strains studied presented L3,7,9 LPS and type IV pili; both antigens are associated with the capacity to cause invasive disease. CONCLUSION Due to the impact of meningococcal disease, it is important to maintain and improve vaccine studies. Epitopes characterization provides data about the virulence of circulating strains. The use of monoclonal antibodies and serological techniques are relevant and support vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Izeli Portilho
- Departament of Immunology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo, Brazil Post-Graduate Program Interunity in Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Trzewikoswki de Lima
- Departament of Immunology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo, Brazil Post-Graduate Program Interunity in Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth De Gaspari
- Departament of Immunology, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Dr Arnaldo Avenue 355, 11 floor, São Paulo, SP 01246-902, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program Interunity in Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, São Paulo, Brazil
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10
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Bucsan AN, Mehra S, Khader SA, Kaushal D. The current state of animal models and genomic approaches towards identifying and validating molecular determinants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis disease. Pathog Dis 2020; 77:5543892. [PMID: 31381766 PMCID: PMC6687098 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models are important in understanding both the pathogenesis of and immunity to tuberculosis (TB). Unfortunately, we are beginning to understand that no animal model perfectly recapitulates the human TB syndrome, which encompasses numerous different stages. Furthermore, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is a very heterogeneous event at both the levels of pathogenesis and immunity. This review seeks to establish the current understanding of TB pathogenesis and immunity, as validated in the animal models of TB in active use today. We especially focus on the use of modern genomic approaches in these models to determine the mechanism and the role of specific molecular pathways. Animal models have significantly enhanced our understanding of TB. Incorporation of contemporary technologies such as single cell transcriptomics, high-parameter flow cytometric immune profiling, proteomics, proteomic flow cytometry and immunocytometry into the animal models in use will further enhance our understanding of TB and facilitate the development of treatment and vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison N Bucsan
- Tulane Center for Tuberculosis Research, Covington, LA, USA.,Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
| | - Smriti Mehra
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA
| | | | - Deepak Kaushal
- Tulane Center for Tuberculosis Research, Covington, LA, USA.,Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, USA.,Southwest National Primate Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Abstract
We have developed a natural mouse model to study persistent colonization by commensal Neisseria. The system couples the ordinary lab mouse with Neisseria musculi (Nmus), a commensal in the oral cavity and gut of the wild mouse, Mus musculus. The pairing of Nmus with its natural reservoir circumvents host restriction barriers that have impeded previous studies of Neisseria in vivo behavior. The model allows, for the first time, for the dissection of host and neisserial determinants of asymptomatic colonization. Inoculation procedures are noninvasive and susceptibility to Nmus colonization varies with host genetic background. In colonized mice, bacterial burdens are detectable up to 1-year post inoculation, making it an ideal model for the study of persistence. As Nmus encodes several Neisseria gonorrhoeae (and Neisseria meningitidis) host interaction factors, the system can be used to query the in vivo functions of these commonly held genes and factors. Nmus also encodes many pathogenic Neisseria vaccine targets including a polysaccharide capsule, making the model potentially useful for vaccine development. The ease of genetic manipulation of Nmus enhances the feasibility of such studies.
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Abstract
Laboratory techniques for transformation of the pathogenic Neisseria are well developed, and take advantage of the natural transformability of these species. More recently, these techniques have been successfully applied to some nonpathogenic species of Neisseria as well. This chapter provides foundational information on the mechanism of Neisseria transformation, considerations for DNA transformation substrate design, two methods for transforming Neisseria in the laboratory, and guidelines for identifying successful transformants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie M Callaghan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Joseph P Dillard
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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13
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Rendón MA, Lona B, Ma M, So M. RpoN and the Nps and Npa two-component regulatory system control pilE transcription in commensal Neisseria. Microbiologyopen 2018; 8:e00713. [PMID: 30079633 PMCID: PMC6528607 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 20 genes are involved in the biogenesis and function of the Neisseria Type IV pilus (Tfp). In the pathogenic species, RpoD and the integration host factor (IHF) protein regulate expression of pilE, encoding the Tfp structural subunit. We previously reported that in commensal species, pilE transcription is regulated by RpoN, IHF, and activator Npa. Npa has many hallmarks of response regulators in two‐component regulatory systems, leading us to search for its response regulator partner. We report that Npa partners with sensor kinase Nps to control pilE transcription. Among the genes involved in Tfp biogenesis and function, only pilE is controlled by RpoN and Npa/Nps. We summarize our findings in a model, and discuss the implications of the differential regulation of pilE the context of Neisseria Tfp biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A Rendón
- The BIO5 Institute and Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Beatriz Lona
- The BIO5 Institute and Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Mancheong Ma
- The BIO5 Institute and Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Magdalene So
- The BIO5 Institute and Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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14
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Ma M, Powell DA, Weyand NJ, Rhodes KA, Rendón MA, Frelinger JA, So M. A Natural Mouse Model for Neisseria Colonization. Infect Immun 2018; 86:e00839-17. [PMID: 29440372 DOI: 10.1128/IAI.00839-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Commensals are important for the proper functioning of multicellular organisms. How a commensal establishes persistent colonization of its host is little understood. Studies of this aspect of microbe-host interactions are impeded by the absence of an animal model. We have developed a natural small animal model for identifying host and commensal determinants of colonization and of the elusive process of persistence. Our system couples a commensal bacterium of wild mice, Neisseria musculi, with the laboratory mouse. The pairing of a mouse commensal with its natural host circumvents issues of host restriction. Studies are performed in the absence of antibiotics, hormones, invasive procedures, or genetic manipulation of the host. A single dose of N. musculi, administered orally, leads to long-term colonization of the oral cavity and gut. All mice are healthy. Susceptibility to colonization is determined by host genetics and innate immunity. For N. musculi, colonization requires the type IV pilus. Reagents and powerful tools are readily available for manipulating the laboratory mouse, allowing easy dissection of host determinants controlling colonization resistance. N. musculi is genetically related to human-dwelling commensal and pathogenic Neisseria and encodes host interaction factors and vaccine antigens of pathogenic Neisseria. Our system provides a natural approach for studying Neisseria-host interactions and is potentially useful for vaccine efficacy studies.
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15
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Weyand NJ. Neisseria models of infection and persistence in the upper respiratory tract. Pathog Dis 2017; 75:3078547. [DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Vecten M, Martel H, Casalta JP, Hubert S, Lepidi H, Habib G, Raoult D, Gouriet F. Fatal Neisseria macacae infective endocarditis: first report. Infection 2017; 45:369-371. [PMID: 28132395 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-017-0985-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neisseria macacae is a Gram-negative diplococcus, found in the oropharynx of healthy Rhesus Monkeys. Infections caused by N. macacae in humans are extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION We present here the first case of N. macacae infective endocarditis in a 65-year-old man with a native aortic valve infection complicated by a peri-aortic abscess. N. macacae was isolated from blood culture and was found on the cardiac valve using 16S rDNA detection. Despite an appropriate antibiotic therapy, and aortic homograft replacement, and mitral repair, the patient died 4 days after surgery from a massive hemorrhagic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Vecten
- Faculté de Médecine, URMITE, Aix-Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Pôle de Maladies Infectieuses, Hôpital de la Timone, Rue St Pierre, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Hélène Martel
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Hôpital de La Timone, AP-HM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Paul Casalta
- Faculté de Médecine, URMITE, Aix-Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Pôle de Maladies Infectieuses, Hôpital de la Timone, Rue St Pierre, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Sandrine Hubert
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Hôpital de La Timone, AP-HM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Hubert Lepidi
- Faculté de Médecine, URMITE, Aix-Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Gilbert Habib
- Department of Cardiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Hôpital de La Timone, AP-HM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Faculté de Médecine, URMITE, Aix-Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Pôle de Maladies Infectieuses, Hôpital de la Timone, Rue St Pierre, 13385, Marseille, France
| | - Frédérique Gouriet
- Faculté de Médecine, URMITE, Aix-Marseille Université, UM63, CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM 1095, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France. .,Pôle de Maladies Infectieuses, Hôpital de la Timone, Rue St Pierre, 13385, Marseille, France.
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Weyand NJ, Ma M, Phifer-Rixey M, Taku NA, Rendón MA, Hockenberry AM, Kim WJ, Agellon AB, Biais N, Suzuki TA, Goodyer-Sait L, Harrison OB, Bratcher HB, Nachman MW, Maiden MCJ, So M. Isolation and characterization of Neisseria musculi sp. nov., from the wild house mouse. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2016; 66:3585-3593. [PMID: 27298306 PMCID: PMC5880574 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.001237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the genus Neisseria have been isolated from or detected in a wide range of animals, from non-human primates and felids to a rodent, the guinea pig. By means of selective culture, biochemical testing, Gram staining and PCR screening for the Neisseria-specific internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA operon, we isolated four strains of the genus Neisseria from the oral cavity of the wild house mouse, Mus musculus subsp. domesticus. The isolates are highly related and form a separate clade in the genus, as judged by tree analyses using either multi-locus sequence typing of ribosomal genes or core genes. One isolate, provisionally named Neisseria musculi sp. nov. (type strain AP2031T=DSM 101846T=CCUG 68283T=LMG 29261T), was studied further. Strain AP2031T/N. musculi grew well in vitro. It was naturally competent, taking up DNA in a DNA uptake sequence and pilT-dependent manner, and was amenable to genetic manipulation. These and other genomic attributes of N. musculi sp. nov. make it an ideal candidate for use in developing a mouse model for studying Neisseria-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J. Weyand
- Department of Immunobiology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Mancheong Ma
- Department of Immunobiology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Megan Phifer-Rixey
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Nyiawung A. Taku
- Department of Immunobiology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - María A. Rendón
- Department of Immunobiology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Alyson M. Hockenberry
- Department of Immunobiology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Won J. Kim
- Department of Immunobiology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Al B. Agellon
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Nicolas Biais
- Department of Biology, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
| | - Taichi A. Suzuki
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michael W. Nachman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | | | - Magdalene So
- Department of Immunobiology and BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
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18
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Abstract
The genus Neisseria contains the important pathogens Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These Gram-negative coccoid bacteria are generally thought to be restricted to humans and inhabit mucosal surfaces in the upper respiratory and genito-urinary tracts. While the meningococcus and gonococcus have been widely studied, far less attention has been paid to other Neisseria species. Here we review current knowledge of the distribution of commensal Neisseria in humans and other hosts. Analysis of the microbiome has revealed that Neisseria is an abundant member of the oropharyngeal flora, and we review its potential impact on health and disease. Neisseria also exhibit remarkable diversity, exhibiting both coccoid and rod-shaped morphologies, as well as environmental strains which are capable of degrading complex organic molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Liu
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Christoph M Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Rachel M Exley
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
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19
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Dando SJ, Mackay-Sim A, Norton R, Currie BJ, St John JA, Ekberg JAK, Batzloff M, Ulett GC, Beacham IR. Pathogens penetrating the central nervous system: infection pathways and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of invasion. Clin Microbiol Rev 2014; 27:691-726. [PMID: 25278572 PMCID: PMC4187632 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00118-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is well protected against microbial invasion by cellular barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). In addition, cells within the central nervous system (CNS) are capable of producing an immune response against invading pathogens. Nonetheless, a range of pathogenic microbes make their way to the CNS, and the resulting infections can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Bacteria, amoebae, fungi, and viruses are capable of CNS invasion, with the latter using axonal transport as a common route of infection. In this review, we compare the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens reach the CNS and infect the brain. In particular, we focus on recent data regarding mechanisms of bacterial translocation from the nasal mucosa to the brain, which represents a little explored pathway of bacterial invasion but has been proposed as being particularly important in explaining how infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei can result in melioidosis encephalomyelitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Dando
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alan Mackay-Sim
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert Norton
- Townsville Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bart J Currie
- Menzies School of Health Research and Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - James A St John
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jenny A K Ekberg
- Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Batzloff
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glen C Ulett
- School of Medical Science and Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ifor R Beacham
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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20
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Beernink PT, Shaughnessy J, Stefek H, Ram S, Granoff DM. Heterogeneity in rhesus macaque complement factor H binding to meningococcal factor H binding protein (FHbp) informs selection of primates to assess immunogenicity of FHbp-based vaccines. Clin Vaccine Immunol 2014; 21:1505-11. [PMID: 25185576 DOI: 10.1128/CVI.00517-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis causes disease only in humans. An important mechanism underlying this host specificity is the ability of the organism to resist complement by recruiting the complement downregulator factor H (FH) to the bacterial surface. In previous studies, binding of FH to one of the major meningococcal FH ligands, factor H binding protein (FHbp), was reported to be specific for human FH. Here we report that sera from 23 of 73 rhesus macaques (32%) tested had high FH binding to FHbp. Similar to human FH, binding of macaque FH to the meningococcal cell surface inhibited the complement alternative pathway by decreasing deposition of C3b. FH contains 20 domains (or short consensus repeats), with domains 6 and 7 being responsible for binding of human FH to FHbp. DNA sequence analyses of FH domains 6 and 7 from macaques with high or low FH binding showed a polymorphism at residue 352 in domain 6, with Tyr being associated with high binding and His with low binding. A recombinant macaque FH 6,7/Fc fragment with Tyr352 showed higher binding to FHbp than the corresponding fragment with His352. In previous studies in human FH transgenic mice, binding of FH to FHbp vaccines decreased protective antibody responses, and mutant FHbp vaccines with decreased FH binding elicited serum antibodies with greater protective activity. Thus, macaques with high FH binding to FHbp represent an attractive nonhuman primate model to investigate further the effects of FH binding on the immunogenicity of FHbp vaccines.
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21
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Abstract
As mediators of adhesion, autoaggregation and bacteria-induced plasma membrane reorganization, type IV pili are at the heart of Neisseria meningitidis infection. Previous studies have proposed that two minor pilins, PilV and PilX, are displayed along the pilus structure and play a direct role in mediating these effects. In contrast with this hypothesis, combining imaging and biochemical approaches we found that PilV and PilX are located in the bacterial periplasm rather than along pilus fibers. Furthermore, preventing exit of these proteins from the periplasm by fusing them to the mCherry protein did not alter their function. Deletion of the pilV and pilX genes led to a decrease in the number, but not length, of pili displayed on the bacterial surface indicating a role in the initiation of pilus biogenesis. By finely regulating the expression of a central component of the piliation machinery, we show that the modest reductions in the number of pili are sufficient to recapitulate the phenotypes of the pilV and pilX mutants. We further show that specific type IV pili-dependent functions require different ranges of pili numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Flore Imhaus
- INSERM U970 Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Duménil
- INSERM U970 Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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