Variable region in streptococcal M-proteins provides stable binding with host fibrinogen for plasminogen-mediated bacterial invasion

Fibrinogen-binding M-related proteins facilitate the recruitment of plasminogen by Streptococcus pyogenes

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) M-related proteins (Mrp) are dimeric α-helical coiled-coil cell-wall-attached proteins. During infection, Mrp recruit human fibrinogen (Fg) to the bacterial surface, enhancing phagocytosis resistance and promoting growth in human blood. However, Mrp exhibit a high degree of sequence diversity, clustering into four evolutionarily distinct groups. It is currently unknown whether this diversity affects the host-pathogen interactions mediated by Mrp. In this study, nine Mrp sequences from the four major evolutionary groups were selected to examine the effect of sequence diversity on protein-protein interactions with Fg. Negative staining transmission electron microscopy confirmed that Mrp are fibrillar proteins measuring between 45.4 and 47.3 nm in length, and mass photometry confirmed the ability of Mrp to form dimers. Surface plasmon resonance was used to evaluate the affinity of each Mrp for Fg. All Mrp studied bound to Fg via Fragment D (FgD) with nanomolar affinity. Previous studies have linked the acquisition of plasminogen (Plg) by GAS Fg-binding M proteins to tissue destruction and excessive stimulation of the human inflammatory response during infection. Our findings show that Mrp provide an alternative mechanism for Plg recruitment, as Plg binding by Mrp was significantly enhanced following pre-incubation with Fg. These data suggest that Mrp play an important role in GAS host-pathogen interactions. However, further studies are necessary to investigate the relevance of these findings in vivo.

High-resolution cryo-EM analysis of a Streptococcus pyogenes M-protein/human plasminogen complex

The importance of human plasminogen (hPg)/plasmin (hPm)/cell receptor complexes in invasiveness of cells has been amply established. The objective of this investigation was to determine a high-resolution structure of a major Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacterial receptor (PAM) for hPg/hPm when bound on a cell surface to its major ligand, hPg. As a model cell surface with endogenous PAM, we employed engineered PAM-expressing lentivirus (LV) particles. We show that the ectodomain of a PAM-type M-Protein (M-Prt), in complex with hPg, is folded through distinct intra- and inter-domain interactions to a more compact form on the cell surface, thus establishing a new paradigm for membrane-bound M-Prt/ligand structures. These studies provide a framework for addressing the need for treatments of GAS disease by providing a molecular platform to solve structures of virulence-determining membrane proteins.

High-Resolution Single-Particle Cryo-EM Hydrated Structure of Streptococcus pyogenes Enolase Offers Insights into Its Function as a Plasminogen Receptor

Cellular plasminogen (Pg) receptors (PgRs) are utilized to recruit Pg; stimulate its activation to the serine protease, plasmin (Pm); and sterically protect the surface Pm from inactivation by host inhibitors. One such PgR is the moonlighting enzyme, enolase, some of which leaves the cytoplasm and resides at the cell surface to potentially function as a PgR. Since microbes employ conscription of host Pg by PgRs as one virulence mechanism, we explored the structural basis of the ability of Streptococcus pyogenes enolase (Sen) to function in this manner. Employing single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), recombinant Sen from S. pyogenes was modeled at 2.6 Å as a stable symmetrical doughnut-shaped homooctamer with point group 422 (D4) symmetry, with a monomeric subunit molecular weight of ∼49 kDa. Binding sites for hPg were reported in other studies to include an internal K^252,255 and the COOH-terminal K^434,435 residues of Sen. However, in native Sen, the latter are buried within the minor interfaces of the octamer and do not function as a Pg-binding epitope. Whereas Sen and hPg do not interact in solution, when Sen is bound to a surface, hPg interacts with Sen independently of K^{252,255,434,435}. PgRs devoid of COOH-terminal lysine utilize lysine isosteres comprising a basic residue, "i", and an anionic residue at "i + 3" around one turn of an α-helix. We highlight a number of surface-exposed potential hPg-binding lysine isosteres and further conclude that while the octameric structure of Sen is critical for hPg binding, disruption of this octamer without dissociation exposes hPg-binding epitopes.

Distinct serotypes of streptococcal M proteins mediate fibrinogen-dependent platelet activation and pro-inflammatory effects

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of infection that is characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory state and disturbed hemostasis. Platelets are the main regulators of hemostasis, and they also respond to inflammation. The human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes can cause local infection that may progress to sepsis. There are more than 200 serotypes of S. pyogenes defined according to sequence variations in the M protein. The M1 serotype is among 10 serotypes that are predominant in invasive infection. M1 protein can be released from the surface and has previously been shown to generate platelet, neutrophil, and monocyte activation. The platelet-dependent proinflammatory effects of other serotypes of M protein associated with invasive infection (M3, M5, M28, M49, and M89) are now investigated using a combination of multiparameter flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), aggregometry, and quantitative mass spectrometry. We demonstrate that only M1, M3, and M5 protein serotypes can bind fibrinogen in plasma and mediate fibrinogen- and IgG-dependent platelet activation and aggregation, release of granule proteins, upregulation of CD62P to the platelet surface, and complex formation with neutrophils and monocytes. Neutrophil and monocyte activation, determined as upregulation of surface CD11b, is also mediated by M1, M3, and M5 protein serotypes, while M28, M49, and M89 proteins failed to mediate activation of platelets or leukocytes. Collectively, our findings reveal novel aspects of the immunomodulatory role of fibrinogen acquisition and platelet activation during streptococcal infections.

Binding of the kringle-2 domain of human plasminogen to streptococcal PAM-type M-protein causes dissociation of PAM dimers

The direct binding of human plasminogen (hPg), via its kringle-2 domain (K2hPg ), to streptococcal M-protein (PAM), largely contributes to the pathogenesis of Pattern D Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS). However, the mechanism of complex formation is unknown. In a system consisting of a Class II PAM from Pattern D GAS isolate NS88.2 (PAMNS88.2 ), with one K2hPg binding a-repeat in its A-domain, we employed biophysical techniques to analyze the mechanism of the K2hPg /PAMNS88.2 interaction. We show that apo-PAMNS88.2 is a coiled-coil homodimer (M.Wt. ~80 kDa) at 4°C-25°C, and is monomeric (M.Wt. ~40 kDa) at 37°C, demonstrating a temperature-dependent dissociation of PAMNS88.2 over a narrow temperature range. PAMNS88.2 displayed a single tight binding site for K2hPg at 4°C, which progressively increased at 25°C through 37°C. We isolated the K2hPg /PAMNS88.2 complexes at 4°C, 25°C, and 37°C and found molecular weights of ~50 kDa at each temperature, corresponding to a 1:1 (m:m) K2hPg /PAMNS88.2  monomer complex. hPg activation experiments by streptokinase demonstrated that the hPg/PAMNS88.2  monomer complexes are fully functional. The data show that PAM dimers dissociate into functional monomers at physiological temperatures or when presented with the active hPg module (K2hPg ) showing that PAM is a functional monomer at 37°C.

Attenuation of virulence in multiple serotypes (M1, M3, and M28) of Group A Streptococcus after the loss of secreted esterase

INTRODUCTION

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) can produce streptococcal secreted esterase (Sse), which inhibits neutrophil recruitment to the site of infection and is crucial for GAS pathogenesis. As an effective esterase, Sse hydrolyzes the sn-2 ester bond of human platelet-activating factor, inactivating it and abolishing its ability to recruit neutrophils.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sse deletion on the virulence of multiple serotypes of GAS.

METHODS

Isogenic strains that lack the sse gene (Δsse) were derived from the parent strains MGAS5005 (serotype M1, CovRS mutant), MGAS2221 (serotype M1, wild-type CovRS), MGAS315 (serotype M3, CovRS mutant) and MGAS6180 (serotype M28, wild-type CovRS) and were used to study the differences in virulence and pathogenicity of GAS serotypes.

RESULTS

In a subcutaneous infection model, mice infected with MGAS5005^Δsse exhibited higher survival rates but decreased dissemination to the organs compared with mice infected with MGAS5005. When mice were infected with the four Δsse mutants, the MPO activity and IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6 levels increased, but the skin lesion sizes decreased. In an intraperitoneal infection model, the absence of Sse significantly reduced the virulence of GAS, leading to increased mouse survival rates and decreased GAS burdens in the organs in most of the challenge experiments. In addition, the numbers of the four Δsse mutants were greatly reduced 60 min after incubation with isolated rat neutrophils.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that Sse participates in the pathogenesis of multiple GAS serotypes (MGAS5005, MGAS2221, MGAS315 and MGAS6180), particularly the hypervirulent CovS mutant strains MGAS5005 and MGAS315. These strain differences were positively correlated with the virulence of the serotype.

The Role of Fibrin(ogen) in Wound Healing and Infection Control

Fibrinogen, one of the most abundant plasma proteins playing a key role in hemostasis, is an important modulator of wound healing and host defense against microbes. In the current review, we address the role of fibrin(ogen) throughout the process of wound healing and subsequent tissue repair. Initially fibrin(ogen) acts as a provisional matrix supporting incoming leukocytes and acting as reservoir for growth factors. It later goes on to support re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and fibroplasia. Importantly, removal of fibrin(ogen) from the wound is essential for wound healing to progress. We also discuss how fibrin(ogen) functions through several mechanisms to protect the host against bacterial infection by providing a physical barrier, entrapment of bacteria in fibrin(ogen) networks, and by directing immune cell function. The central role of fibrin(ogen) in defense against bacterial infection has made it a target of bacterial proteins, evolved to interact with fibrin(ogen) to manipulate clot formation and degradation for the purpose of promoting microbial virulence and survival. Further understanding of the dual roles of fibrin(ogen) in wound healing and infection could provide novel means of therapy to improve recovery from surgical or chronic wounds and help to prevent infection from highly virulent bacterial strains, including those resistant to antibiotics.

A local α-helix drives structural evolution of streptococcal M-protein affinity for host human plasminogen

Plasminogen-binding group A streptococcal M-protein (PAM) is a signature surface virulence factor of specific strains of Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) and is an important tight binding protein for human plasminogen (hPg). After activation of PAM-bound hPg to the protease, plasmin (hPm), GAS cells develop invasive surfaces that are critical for their pathogenicity. PAMs are helical dimers in solution, which are sensitive to temperature changes over a physiological temperature range. We previously categorized PAMs into three classes (I-III) based on the number and nature of short tandem α-helical repeats (a1 and a2) in their NH2-terminal A-domains that dictate interactions with hPg/hPm. Class II PAMs are special cases since they only contain the a2-repeat, while Class I and Class III PAMs encompass complete a1a2-repeats. All dimeric PAMs tightly associate with hPg, regardless of their categories, but monomeric Class II PAMs bind to hPg much weaker than their Class I and Class III monomeric counterparts. Additionally, since the A-domains of Class II PAMs comprise different residues from other PAMs, the issue emerges as to whether Class II PAMs utilize different amino acid side chains for interactions with hPg. Herein, through NMR-refined structural analyses, we elucidate the atomic-level hPg-binding mechanisms adopted by two representative Class II PAMs. Furthermore, we develop an evolutionary model that explains from unique structural perspectives why PAMs develop variable A-domains with regard to hPg-binding affinity.

Solution structural model of the complex of the binding regions of human plasminogen with its M-protein receptor from Streptococcus pyogenes

VEK50 is a truncated peptide from a Streptococcal pyogenes surface human plasminogen (hPg) binding M-protein (PAM). VEK50 contains the full A-domain of PAM, which is responsible for its low nanomolar binding to hPg. The interaction of VEK50 with kringle 2, the PAM-binding domain in hPg (K2hPg), has been studied by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy. The data show that each VEK50 monomer in solution contains two tight binding sites for K2hPg, one each in the a1- (RH1; R17H18) and a2- (RH2; R30H31) repeats within the A-domain of VEK50. Two mutant forms of VEK50, viz., VEK50[RH1/AA] (VEK50ΔRH1) and VEK50[RH2/AA] (VEK50ΔRH2), were designed by replacing each RH with AA, thus eliminating one of the K2hPg binding sites within VEK50, and allowing separate study of each binding site. Using 13C- and 15N-labeled peptides, NMR-derived solution structures of VEK50 in its complex with K2hPg were solved. We conclude that the A-domain of PAM can accommodate two molecules of K2hPg docked within a short distance of each other, and the strength of the binding is slightly different for each site. The solution structure of the VEK50/K2hPg, complex, which is a reductionist model of the PAM/hPg complex, provides insights for the binding mechanism of PAM to a host protein, a process that is critical to S. pyogenes virulence.

Variations in the secondary structures of PAM proteins influence their binding affinities to human plasminogen

M-proteins (M-Prts) are major virulence determinants of Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) that are covalently anchored to the cell wall at their conserved COOH-termini while the NH₂-terminal regions extend through the capsule into extracellular space. Functional M-Prts are also secreted and/or released from GAS cells where they exist as helical coiled-coil dimers in solution. Certain GAS strains (Pattern D) uniquely express an M-protein (plasminogen-binding group A streptococcal M-protein; PAM) that directly interacts with human plasminogen (hPg), a process strongly implicated in the virulence of these strains. M-Prt expressed by the emm gene is employed to serotype over 250 known strains of GAS, ∼20 of which are hitherto found to express PAMs. We have developed a modular structural model of the PAM dimer that describes the roles of different domains of this protein in various functions. While the helical COOH-terminal domains of PAM are essential for dimerization in solution, regions of its NH₂-terminal domains also exhibit a weak potential to dimerize. We find that temperature controls the open (unwound) or closed (wound) states of the functional NH₂-terminal domains of PAM. As temperature increases, α-helices are dramatically reduced, which concomitantly destabilizes the helical coiled-coil PAM dimers. PAMs with two a-repeats within the variable NH₂-terminal A-domain (class I/III) bind to hPg tightly, but natural PAM isolates with a single a-repeat in this domain (class II) display dramatic changes in hPg binding with temperature. We conclude that coexistence of two a-repeats in PAM is critical to achieve optimal binding to hPg, especially in its monomeric form, at the biologically relevant temperature.

Crystal structure of GAPDH of Streptococcus agalactiae and characterization of its interaction with extracellular matrix molecules

GAPDH being a key enzyme in the glycolytic pathway is one of the surface adhesins of many Gram-positive bacteria including Streptococcus agalactiae. This anchorless adhesin is known to bind to host plasminogen (PLG) and fibrinogen (Fg), which enhances the virulence and modulates the host immune system. The crystal structure of the recombinant GAPDH from S. agalactiae (SagGAPDH) was determined at 2.6 Å resolution by molecular replacement. The structure was found to be highly conserved with a typical NAD binding domain and a catalytic domain. In this paper, using biolayer interferometry studies, we report that the multifunctional SagGAPDH enzyme binds to a variety of host molecules such as PLG, Fg, laminin, transferrin and mucin with a K_D value of 4.4 × 10^-7 M, 9.8 × 10^-7 M, 1 × 10^-5 M, 9.7 × 10^-12 M and 1.4 × 10^-7 M respectively. The ligand affinity blots reveal that SagGAPDH binds specifically to α and β subunits of Fg and the competitive binding ELISA assay reveals that the Fg and PLG binding sites on GAPDH does not overlap each other. The PLG binding motif of GAPDH varies with organisms, however positively charged residues in the hydrophobic surroundings is essential for PLG binding. The lysine analogue competitive binding assay and lysine succinylation experiments deciphered the role of SagGAPDH lysines in PLG binding. On structural comparison with S. pneumoniae GAPDH, K171 of SagGAPDH is being predicted to be involved in PLG binding. Further SagGAPDH exhibited enzymatic activity in the presence of Fg, PLG and transferrin. This suggests that these host molecules does not mask the active site and bind at some other region of GAPDH.

Contributions of different modules of the plasminogen-binding Streptococcus pyogenes M-protein that mediate its functional dimerization

Group A Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS) is a causative agent of pharyngeal and dermal infections in humans. A major virulence determinant of GAS is its dimeric signature fibrillar M-protein (M-Prt), which is evolutionarily designed in modules, ranging from a hypervariable extracellular N-terminal region to a progressively more highly conserved C-terminus that is covalently anchored to the cell wall. Of the >250 GAS isolates classified, only the subset of skin-trophic Pattern D strains expresses a specific serotype of M-Prt, PAM, that directly binds to host human plasminogen (hPg) via its extracellular NH2-terminal variable A-domain region. This interaction allows these GAS strains to accumulate components of the host fibrinolytic system on their surfaces to serve extracellular functions. While structure-function studies have been accomplished on M-Prts from Pattern A-C GAS isolates with different direct ligand binding properties compared to PAM, much less is known regarding the structure-function relationships of PAM-type M-Prts, particularly their dimerization determinants. To examine these questions, PAMs from seven GAS strains with sequence variations in the NH2-terminal ligand binding domains, as well as truncated versions of PAM, were designed and studied. The results from bioinformatic and biophysical analyses show that the different domains of PAM are disparately engaged in dimerization. From these data, we propose an experimentally-based model for PAM secondary and quaternary structures that is highly dependent on the conserved helical C-terminal C-D-domains. In addition, while the N-terminal regions of PAMs are variable in sequence, the binding properties of hPg and its activated product, plasmin, to the A-domain, remain intact.

The Effect of Permethrin Resistance on Aedes aegypti Transcriptome Following Ingestion of Zika Virus Infected Blood

Aedes aegypti (L.) is the primary vector of many emerging arboviruses. Insecticide resistance among mosquito populations is a consequence of the application of insecticides for mosquito control. We used RNA-sequencing to compare transcriptomes between permethrin resistant and susceptible strains of Florida Ae. aegypti in response to Zika virus infection. A total of 2459 transcripts were expressed at significantly different levels between resistant and susceptible Ae. aegypti. Gene ontology analysis placed these genes into seven categories of biological processes. The 863 transcripts were expressed at significantly different levels between the two mosquito strains (up/down regulated) more than 2-fold. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was used to validate the Zika-infection response. Our results suggested a highly overexpressed P450, with AAEL014617 and AAEL006798 as potential candidates for the molecular mechanism of permethrin resistance in Ae. aegypti. Our findings indicated that most detoxification enzymes and immune system enzymes altered their gene expression between the two strains of Ae. aegypti in response to Zika virus infection. Understanding the interactions of arboviruses with resistant mosquito vectors at the molecular level allows for the possible development of new approaches in mitigating arbovirus transmission. This information sheds light on Zika-induced changes in insecticide resistant Ae. aegypti with implications for mosquito control strategies.

Streptococcal inhibitor of complement (SIC) modulates fibrinolysis and enhances bacterial survival within fibrin clots

Some strains of the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes secrete protein SIC (streptococcal inhibitor of complement), including strains of the clinically relevant M1 serotype. SIC neutralizes the effect of a number of antimicrobial proteins/peptides and interferes with the function of the host complement system. Previous studies have shown that some S. pyogenes proteins bind and modulate coagulation and fibrinolysis factors, raising the possibility that SIC also may interfere with the activity of these factors. Here we show that SIC interacts with both human thrombin and plasminogen, key components of coagulation and fibrinolysis. We found that during clot formation, SIC binds fibrin through its central region and that SIC inhibits fibrinolysis by interacting with plasminogen. Flow cytometry results indicated that SIC and plasminogen bind simultaneously to S. pyogenes bacteria, and fluorescence microscopy revealed co-localization of the two proteins at the bacterial surface. As a consequence, SIC-expressing bacteria entrapped in clots inhibit fibrinolysis, leading to delayed bacterial escape from the clots as compared with mutant bacteria lacking SIC. Moreover, within the clots SIC-expressing bacteria were protected against killing. In an animal model of subcutaneous infection, SIC-expressing bacteria exhibited a delayed systemic spread. These results demonstrate that the bacterial protein SIC interferes with coagulation and fibrinolysis and thereby enhances bacterial survival, a finding that has significant implications for S. pyogenes virulence.

Variation, Indispensability, and Masking in the M protein

The M protein is the major surface-associated virulence factor of group A Streptococcus (GAS) and an antigenically variable target of host immunity. How selection pressures to escape immune recognition, maintain indispensable functions, and mask vulnerabilities have shaped the sequences of the >220M protein types is unclear. Recent experiments have shed light on this question by showing that, hidden within the antigenic variability of many M protein types, are sequence patterns conserved for recruiting human C4b-binding protein (C4BP). Other host factors may be recruited in a similar manner by conserved but hidden sequence patterns in the M protein. The identification of such patterns may be applicable to the development of a GAS vaccine.