Yersinia enterocolitica impairs activation of transcription factor NF-kappaB: involvement in the induction of programmed cell death and in the suppression of the macrophage tumor necrosis factor alpha production

Blockade of IKK signaling induces RIPK1-independent apoptosis in human macrophages

Regulated cell death in response to microbial infection plays an important role in immune defense and is triggered by pathogen disruption of essential cellular pathways. Gram-negative bacterial pathogens in the Yersinia genus disrupt NF-κB signaling via translocated effectors injected by a type III secretion system, thereby preventing induction of cytokine production and antimicrobial defense. In murine models of infection, Yersinia blockade of NF-κB signaling triggers cell-extrinsic apoptosis through Receptor Interacting Serine-Threonine Protein Kinase 1 (RIPK1) and caspase-8, which is required for bacterial clearance and host survival. Unexpectedly, we find that human macrophages undergo apoptosis independently of RIPK1 in response to Yersinia or chemical blockade of IKKβ. Instead, IKK blockade led to decreased cFLIP expression, and overexpression of cFLIP contributed to protection from IKK blockade-induced apoptosis in human macrophages. We found that IKK blockade also induces RIPK1 kinase activity-independent apoptosis in human T cells and human pancreatic cells. Altogether, our data indicate that, in contrast to murine cells, blockade of IKK activity in human cells triggers a distinct apoptosis pathway that is independent of RIPK1 kinase activity. These findings have implications for the contribution of RIPK1 to cell death in human cells and the efficacy of RIPK1 inhibition in human diseases.

Roles of RIPK1 as a stress sentinel coordinating cell survival and immunogenic cell death

Cell death and inflammation are closely linked arms of the innate immune response to combat infection and tissue malfunction. Recent advancements in our understanding of the intricate signals originating from dying cells have revealed that cell death serves as more than just an end point. It facilitates the exchange of information between the dying cell and cells of the tissue microenvironment, particularly immune cells, alerting and recruiting them to the site of disturbance. Receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is emerging as a critical stress sentinel that functions as a molecular switch, governing cellular survival, inflammatory responses and immunogenic cell death signalling. Its tight regulation involves multiple layers of post-translational modifications. In this Review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms that regulate RIPK1 to maintain homeostasis and cellular survival in healthy cells, yet drive cell death in a context-dependent manner. We address how RIPK1 mutations or aberrant regulation is associated with inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and cancer. Moreover, we tease apart what is known about catalytic and non-catalytic roles of RIPK1 and discuss the successes and pitfalls of current strategies that aim to target RIPK1 in the clinic.

Reprogramming of Cell Death Pathways by Bacterial Effectors as a Widespread Virulence Strategy

The modulation of programmed cell death (PCD) processes during bacterial infections is an evolving arms race between pathogens and their hosts. The initiation of apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis pathways are essential to immunity against many intracellular and extracellular bacteria. These cellular self-destructive mechanisms are used by the infected host to restrict and eliminate bacterial pathogens. Without a tight regulatory control, host cell death can become a double-edged sword. Inflammatory PCDs contribute to an effective immune response against pathogens, but unregulated inflammation aggravates the damage caused by bacterial infections. Thus, fine-tuning of these pathways is required to resolve infection while preserving the host immune homeostasis. In turn, bacterial pathogens have evolved secreted virulence factors or effector proteins that manipulate PCD pathways to promote infection. In this review, we discuss the importance of controlled cell death in immunity to bacterial infection. We also detail the mechanisms employed by type 3 secreted bacterial effectors to bypass these pathways and their importance in bacterial pathogenesis.

Heightened Virulence of Yersinia Is Associated with Decreased Function of the YopJ Protein

Despite the maintenance of YopP/J alleles throughout the human-pathogenic Yersinia lineage, the benefit of YopP/J-induced phagocyte death for Yersinia pathogenesis in animals is not obvious. To determine how the sequence divergence of YopP/J has impacted Yersinia virulence, we examined protein polymorphisms in this type III secreted effector protein across 17 Yersinia species and tested the consequences of polymorphism in a murine model of subacute systemic yersiniosis. Our evolutionary analysis revealed that codon 177 has been subjected to positive selection; the Yersinia enterocolitica residue had been altered from a leucine to a phenylalanine in nearly all Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia pestis strains examined. Despite this change being minor, as both leucine and phenylalanine have hydrophobic side chains, reversion of YopJ^F177 to the ancestral YopJ^L177 variant yielded a Y. pseudotuberculosis strain with enhanced cytotoxicity toward macrophages, consistent with previous findings. Surprisingly, expression of YopJ^F177L in the mildly attenuated ksgA^- background rendered the strain completely avirulent in mice. Consistent with this hypothesis that YopJ activity relates indirectly to Yersinia pathogenesis in vivo, ksgA^- strains lacking functional YopJ failed to kill macrophages but actually regained virulence in animals. Also, treatment with the antiapoptosis drug suramin prevented YopJ-mediated macrophage cytotoxicity and enhanced Y. pseudotuberculosis virulence in vivo. Our results demonstrate that Yersinia-induced cell death is detrimental for bacterial pathogenesis in this animal model of illness and indicate that positive selection has driven YopJ/P and Yersinia evolution toward diminished cytotoxicity and increased virulence, respectively.

Galectin-1 Cooperates with Yersinia Outer Protein (Yop) P to Thwart Protective Immunity by Repressing Nitric Oxide Production

Yersinia enterocolitica (Ye) inserts outer proteins (Yops) into cytoplasm to infect host cells. However, in spite of considerable progress, the mechanisms implicated in this process, including the association of Yops with host proteins, remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the functional role of Galectin-1 (Gal1), an endogenous β-galactoside-binding protein, in modulating Yop interactions with host cells. Our results showed that Gal1 binds to Yops in a carbohydrate-dependent manner. Interestingly, Gal1 binding to Yops protects these virulence factors from trypsin digestion. Given that early control of Ye infection involves activation of macrophages, we evaluated the role of Gal1 and YopP in the modulation of macrophage function. Although Gal1 and YopP did not influence production of superoxide anion and/or TNF by Ye-infected macrophages, they coordinately inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production. Notably, recombinant Gal1 (rGal1) did not rescue NO increase observed in Lgals1-/- macrophages infected with the YopP mutant Ye ∆yopP. Whereas NO induced apoptosis in macrophages, no significant differences in cell death were detected between Gal1-deficient macrophages infected with Ye ∆yopP, and WT macrophages infected with Ye wt. Strikingly, increased NO production was found in WT macrophages treated with MAPK inhibitors and infected with Ye wt. Finally, rGal1 administration did not reverse the protective effect in Peyer Patches (PPs) of Lgals1-/- mice infected with Ye ∆yopP. Our study reveals a cooperative role of YopP and endogenous Gal1 during Ye infection.

The role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in filarial pathology

The transcription factor NF-κB promotes immunity by controlling the expression of genes involved in inflammation. Cytokines and pathogen-associated molecular patterns stimulate cell surface receptors, including toll-like receptors, to initiate a signalling cascade resulting in the activation of NF-κB. NF-κB drives the expression of target genes that mediate cell proliferation and release antimicrobial molecules and cytokines to activate an immune response. Filariasis is one of the most complex infections of humans. The actual causes of the heterogeneity in infection are not well understood. However, they have been attributed to differences in inflammatory processes that are immune-mediated, secondary bacterial infections, and host immune-genetics. Elevated production of angiogenic molecules (VEGFs, CEACAM and MMPs) in filarial pathology has been shown to be dependent on phosphorylation and intracellular activation of NF-κB. This review examines the role of NF-κB in filarial pathology and its potential therapeutic options for individuals with the disease.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum Activates NF-κB Signaling via Redundant Pathways

Anaplasma phagocytophilum subverts neutrophil function permitting intracellular survival, propagation and transmission. Sustained pro-inflammatory response, recruitment of new host cells for population expansion, and delayed apoptosis are associated with prolonged nuclear presence of NF-κB. We investigated NF-κB signaling and transcriptional activity with A. phagocytophilum infection using inhibitors of NF-κB signaling pathways, and through silencing of signaling pathway genes. How inhibitors or silencing affected A. phagocytophilum growth, inflammatory response (transcription of the κB-enhanced genes CXCL8 and MMP9), and NF-κB signaling pathway gene expression were tested. Among A. phagocytophilum-infected HL-60 cells, nuclear NF-κB p50, p65, and p52 were detected by immunoblots or iTRAQ proteomics. A. phagocytophilum growth was affected most by the IKKαβ inhibitor wedelolactone (reductions of 96 to 99%) as compared with SC-514 that selectively inhibits IKKβ, illustrating a role for the non-canonical pathway. Wedelolactone inhibited transcription of both CXCL8 (p = 0.001) and MMP9 (p = 0.002) in infected cells. Compared to uninfected THP-1 cells, A. phagocytophilum infection led to >2-fold down regulation of 64 of 92 NF-κB signaling pathway genes, and >2-fold increased expression in only 4. Wedelolactone and SC-514 reversed downregulation in all 64 and 45, respectively, of the genes down-regulated by infection, but decreased expression in 1 gene with SC-514 only. Silencing of 20 NF-κB signal pathway genes increased bacterial growth in 12 (IRAK1, MAP3K1, NFKB1B, MAP3K7, TICAM2, TLR3, TRADD, TRAF3, CHUK, IRAK2, LTBR, and MALT1). Most findings support canonical pathway activation; however, the presence of NFKB2 in infected cell nuclei, selective non-canonical pathway inhibitors that dampen CXCL8 and MMP9 transcription with infection, upregulation of non-canonical pathway target genes CCL13 and CCL19, enhanced bacterial growth with TRAF3 and LTBR silencing provide evidence for non-canonical pathway signaling. Whether this impacts distinct inflammatory processes that underlie disease, and whether and how A. phagocytophilum subverts NF-κB signaling via these pathways, need to be investigated.

The Yersinia Type III Secretion System as a Tool for Studying Cytosolic Innate Immune Surveillance

Microbial pathogens have evolved complex mechanisms to interface with host cells in order to evade host defenses and replicate. However, mammalian innate immune receptors detect the presence of molecules unique to the microbial world or sense the activity of virulence factors, activating antimicrobial and inflammatory pathways. We focus on how studies of the major virulence factor of one group of microbial pathogens, the type III secretion system (T3SS) of human pathogenic Yersinia, have shed light on these important innate immune responses. Yersinia are largely extracellular pathogens, yet they insert T3SS cargo into target host cells that modulate the activity of cytosolic innate immune receptors. This review covers both the host pathways that detect the Yersinia T3SS and the effector proteins used by Yersinia to manipulate innate immune signaling.

Lung Macrophage Functional Properties in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by the chronic exposure of the lungs to toxic particles and gases. These exposures initiate a persistent innate and adaptive immune inflammatory response in the airways and lung tissues. Lung macrophages (LMs) are key innate immune effector cells that identify, engulf, and destroy pathogens and process inhaled particles, including cigarette smoke and particulate matter (PM), the main environmental triggers for COPD. The number of LMs in lung tissues and airspaces is increased in COPD, suggesting a potential key role for LMs in initiating and perpetuating the chronic inflammatory response that underpins the progressive nature of COPD. The purpose of this brief review is to discuss the origins of LMs, their functional properties (chemotaxis, recruitment, mediator production, phagocytosis and apoptosis) and changes in these properties due to exposure to cigarette smoke, ambient particulate and pathogens, as well as their persistent altered functional properties in subjects with established COPD. We also explore the potential to therapeutically modulate and restore LMs functional properties, to improve impaired immune system, prevent the progression of lung tissue destruction, and improve both morbidity and mortality related to COPD.

Outer Membrane Protein 25 of Brucella Activates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Pathway in Human Trophoblast Cells

Outer membrane protein 25 (OMP25), a virulence factor from Brucella, plays an important role in maintaining the structural stability of Brucella. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal pathway widely exists in eukaryotic cells. In this study, human trophoblast cell line HPT-8 and BALB/c mice were infected with Brucella abortus 2308 strain (S2308) and 2308ΔOmp25 mutant strain. The expression of cytokines and activation of MAPK signal pathway were detected. We found that the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were increased in HPT-8 cells infected with S2308 and 2308ΔOmp25 mutant. S2308 also activated p38 phosphorylation protein, extracellular-regulated protein kinases (ERK), and Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) from MAPK signal pathway. 2308ΔOmp25 could not activate p38, ERK, and JNK branches. Immunohistochemistry experiments showed that S2308 was able to activate phosphorylation of p38 and ERK in BABL/c mice. However, 2308ΔOmp25 could weakly activate phosphorylation of p38 and ERK. These results suggest that Omp25 played an important role in the process of Brucella activation of the MAPK signal pathway.

RIPK1-dependent apoptosis bypasses pathogen blockade of innate signaling to promote immune defense

RIPK1 regulates cytokine signaling and cell death during infection and inflammation. Peterson et al. show that RIPK1 kinase activity triggers apoptosis in response to bacterial pathogen blockade of innate immune signaling and that this pathway of effector-triggered immunity is critical for a successful antibacterial response.

Many pathogens deliver virulence factors or effectors into host cells in order to evade host defenses and establish infection. Although such effector proteins disrupt critical cellular signaling pathways, they also trigger specific antipathogen responses, a process termed “effector-triggered immunity.” The Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Yersinia inactivates critical proteins of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascade, thereby blocking inflammatory cytokine production but also inducing apoptosis. Yersinia-induced apoptosis requires the kinase activity of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), a key regulator of cell death, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling. Through the targeted disruption of RIPK1 kinase activity, which selectively disrupts RIPK1-dependent cell death, we now reveal that Yersinia-induced apoptosis is critical for host survival, containment of bacteria in granulomas, and control of bacterial burdens in vivo. We demonstrate that this apoptotic response provides a cell-extrinsic signal that promotes optimal innate immune cytokine production and antibacterial defense, demonstrating a novel role for RIPK1 kinase–induced apoptosis in mediating effector-triggered immunity to circumvent pathogen inhibition of immune signaling.

Activation and Evasion of Inflammasomes by Yersinia

The innate immune system plays an essential role in initiating the early response against microbial infection, as well as instructing and shaping subsequent responses. Microbial pathogens are enormously diverse in terms of the niches they occupy, their metabolic properties and requirements, and the cellular pathways that they target. Nevertheless, innate sensing of pathogens triggers a relatively stereotyped set of responses that involve transcriptional induction of key inflammatory mediators, as well as post-translational assembly and activation of a multiprotein inflammatory complex termed 'the inflammasome.' Along with classical Pattern Recognition Receptors, the inflammasome activation pathway has emerged as a key regulator of tissue homeostasis and immune defense. Components of the inflammasome generally exist within the cell in a soluble, monomeric state, and oligomerize in response to diverse enzymatic activities associated with infection or cellular stress. Inflammasome assembly triggers activation of the pro-enzyme caspase-1, resulting in the cleavage of caspase-1 targets. The most extensively studied targets are the cytokines of the IL-1 family, but the recent discovery of Gasdermin D as a novel target of caspase-1 and the related inflammatory caspase, caspase-11, has begun to mechanistically define the links between caspase-1 activation and cell death. Cell death is a hallmark of macrophage infection by many pathogens, including the gram-negative bacterial pathogens of the genus Yersinia. Intriguingly, the activities of the Yersinia-secreted effector proteins and the type III secretion system (T3SS) itself have been linked to both inflammasome activation and evasion during infection. The balance between these activating and inhibitory activities shapes the outcome of Yersinia infection. Here, we describe the current state of knowledge on interactions between Yersinia and the inflammasome system, with the goal of integrating these findings within the general framework of inflammasome responses to microbial pathogens.

Cell-Extrinsic TNF Collaborates with TRIF Signaling To Promote Yersinia-Induced Apoptosis

Innate immune responses that are crucial for control of infection are often targeted by microbial pathogens. Blockade of NF-κB and MAPK signaling by the Yersinia virulence factor YopJ inhibits cytokine production by innate immune cells but also triggers cell death. This cell death requires RIPK1 kinase activity and caspase-8, which are engaged by TLR4 and the adaptor protein TRIF. Nevertheless, TLR4- and TRIF-deficient cells undergo significant apoptosis, implicating TLR4/TRIF-independent pathways in the death of Yersinia-infected cells. In this article, we report a key role for TNF/TNFR1 in Yersinia-induced cell death of murine macrophages, which occurs despite the blockade of NF-κB and MAPK signaling imposed by Yersinia on infected cells. Intriguingly, direct analysis of YopJ injection revealed a heterogeneous population of injection-high and injection-low cells, and demonstrated that TNF expression came from the injection-low population. Moreover, TNF production by this subpopulation was necessary for maximal apoptosis in the population of highly injected cells, and TNFR-deficient mice displayed enhanced susceptibility to Yersinia infection. These data demonstrate an important role for collaboration between TNF and pattern recognition receptor signals in promoting maximal apoptosis during bacterial infection, and demonstrate that heterogeneity in virulence factor injection and cellular responses play an important role in promoting anti-Yersinia immune defense.

Yersinia virulence factors - a sophisticated arsenal for combating host defences

The human pathogens Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia enterocolitica cause enterocolitis, while Yersinia pestis is responsible for pneumonic, bubonic, and septicaemic plague. All three share an infection strategy that relies on a virulence factor arsenal to enable them to enter, adhere to, and colonise the host while evading host defences to avoid untimely clearance. Their arsenal includes a number of adhesins that allow the invading pathogens to establish a foothold in the host and to adhere to specific tissues later during infection. When the host innate immune system has been activated, all three pathogens produce a structure analogous to a hypodermic needle. In conjunction with the translocon, which forms a pore in the host membrane, the channel that is formed enables the transfer of six ‘effector’ proteins into the host cell cytoplasm. These proteins mimic host cell proteins but are more efficient than their native counterparts at modifying the host cell cytoskeleton, triggering the host cell suicide response. Such a sophisticated arsenal ensures that yersiniae maintain the upper hand despite the best efforts of the host to counteract the infecting pathogen.

Negative regulation of the inflammasome: keeping inflammation under control

In addition to its roles in controlling infection and tissue repair, inflammation plays a critical role in diverse and distinct chronic diseases, such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative disorders, underscoring the harmful effect of an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Regardless of the nature of the stimulus, initiation of the inflammatory response is mediated by assembly of a multimolecular protein complex called the inflammasome, which is responsible for the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. The different stimuli and mechanisms that control inflammasome activation are fairly well understood, but the mechanisms underlying the control of undesired inflammasome activation and its inactivation remain largely unknown. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that negatively regulate inflammasome activation to prevent unwanted activation in the resting state, as well as those involved in terminating the inflammatory response after a specific insult to maintain homeostasis.

Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis (ReA) is an immune-mediated seronegative arthritis that belongs to the group of spondyloarthropathies and develops after a gastrointestinal or genitourinary system infection. The condition is considered to be characterized by a triad of symptoms (conjunctivitis, arthritis and urethritis) although a constellation of other manifestations may also be present. ReA is characterized by psoriasiform dermatological manifestations that may resemble those of pustular psoriasis and, similar to guttate psoriasis, is a post-infectious entity. Also, the articular manifestations of the disorder are similar to those of psoriatic arthritis and both conditions show a correlation with HLA-B27. These facts have led several authors to suggest that there is a connection between ReA and psoriasis, listing ReA among the disorders related to psoriasis. However, the pathogenetic mechanism behind the condition is complex and poorly understood. Bacterial antigenicity, the type of host response (i.e. Th1/Th2 imbalance) and various genetic factors (i.e. HLA-B27 etc.) play an important role in the development of the disorder. It is unknown whether all the aforementioned factors are part of a mechanism that could be similar to, or share basic aspects with known psoriasis pathogenesis mechanisms.

Subversion of inflammasome activation and pyroptosis by pathogenic bacteria

Activation of the inflammasome occurs in response to a notably high number of pathogenic microbes and is a broad innate immune response that effectively contributes to restriction of pathogen replication and generation of adaptive immunity. Activation of these platforms leads to caspase-1- and/or caspase-11-dependent secretion of proteins, including cytokines, and induction of a specific form of cell death called pyroptosis, which directly or indirectly contribute for restriction of pathogen replication. Not surprisingly, bona fide intracellular pathogens developed strategies for manipulation of cell death to guarantee intracellular replication. In this sense, the remarkable advances in the knowledge of the inflammasome field have been accompanied by several reports characterizing the inhibition of this platform by several pathogenic bacteria. Herein, we review some processes used by pathogenic bacteria, including Yersinia spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Francisella tularensis, Shigella flexneri, Legionella pneumophila, and Coxiella burnetii to evade the activation of the inflammasome and the induction of pyroptosis.

Modulation of host immune defenses by Aeromonas and Yersinia species: convergence on toxins secreted by various secretion systems

Like other pathogenic bacteria, Yersinia and Aeromonas species have been continuously co-evolving with their respective hosts. Although the former is a bonafide human pathogen, the latter has gained notararity as an emerging disease-causing agent. In response to immune cell challenges, bacterial pathogens have developed diverse mechanism(s) enabling their survival, and, at times, dominance over various host immune defense systems. The bacterial type three secretion system (T3SS) is evolutionarily derived from flagellar subunits and serves as a vehicle by which microbes can directly inject/translocate anti-host factors/effector proteins into targeted host immune cells. A large number of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens possess a T3SS empowering them to disrupt host cell signaling, actin cytoskeleton re-arrangements, and even to induce host-cell apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways. All pathogenic yersiniae and most Aeromonas species possess a T3SS, but they also possess T2- and T6-secreted toxins/effector proteins. This review will focus on the mechanisms by which the T3SS effectors Yersinia outer membrane protein J (YopJ) and an Aeromonas hydrophila AexU protein, isolated from the diarrheal isolate SSU, mollify host immune system defenses. Additionally, the mechanisms that are associated with host cell apoptosis/pyroptosis by Aeromonas T2SS secreted Act, a cytotoxic enterotoxin, and Hemolysin co-regulated protein (Hcp), an A. hydrophila T6SS effector, will also be discussed.

Interaction of Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A with cultured cells in vitro does not reflect the two previously identified clonal groups

Yersinia enterocolitica biovar 1A strains have been delineated into two clonal groups (A and B) based on repetitive extragenic palindrome- and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR genotyping. The present study investigated the interaction of Y. enterocolitica biovar 1A strains with cultured cells in vitro by their ability to adhere, invade and survive within these cells. The response of macrophages to these strains was also studied by quantifying the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, production of nitric oxide and cytokines, and activation of NFκB. The survival rate of clonal group B strains inside macrophages was significantly higher than that of clonal group A strains. In addition, strains harbouring the fepA gene showed better survival inside macrophages. However, the production of nitric oxide and cytokines and activation of NFκB did not show any significant differences between the two clonal groups. In this study, interaction of Y. enterocolitica biovar 1A with cultured cells in vitro did not reflect the previously identified clonal groups, but was more dependent on the characteristics of the individual strains. Therefore, a combination of genotype and phenotype data must be used to characterize this extremely heterogeneous organism.

Tumour necrosis factor in infectious disease

TNF signals through two distinct receptors, designated TNFR1 and TNFR2, which initiate diverse cellular effects that include cell survival, activation, differentiation, and proliferation and cell death. These cellular responses can promote immunological and inflammatory responses that eradicate infectious agents, but can also lead to local tissue injury at sites of infection and harmful systemic effects. Defining the molecular mechanisms involved in TNF responses, the effects of natural and experimental genetic diversity in TNF signalling and the effects of therapeutic blockade of TNF has increased our understanding of the key role that TNF plays in infectious disease.

Yersinia enterocolitica inactivates NK cells

Natural Killer (NK) cells serve as an important source of proinflammatory cytokines early during infection. Hypothesizing that Yersinia enterocolitica might interact with and inactivate NK cells, we examined NK cell-Y. enterocolitica interactions in vitro and in vivo. Y. enterocolitica adheres to NK cells in an Invasin dependent manner and inhibits NK cell cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production induced by IL-12+IL-18 or IL-12 alone. YopP, an acetyltransferase known to inhibit MAPK and NFκB signaling, suppresses IL-12 and IL-12+IL-18 mediated IFN-γ production in NK cells by inhibiting phosphorylation of Tyk2 and STAT4 in addition to MAPK. YopP inhibits induction of all genes whose expression is induced by IL-12+IL-18 in NK cells. Y. enterocolitica-mediated adherence to and inactivation of NK cells also occurs after infection in vivo. Thus, we present the first report of a bacterial pathogen inactivating NK cells, and report interaction with Tyk2-STAT4 signaling as a novel function of YopP.

The apoptogenic toxin AIP56 is a metalloprotease A-B toxin that cleaves NF-κb P65

AIP56 (apoptosis-inducing protein of 56 kDa) is a major virulence factor of Photobacterium damselae piscicida (Phdp), a Gram-negative pathogen that causes septicemic infections, which are among the most threatening diseases in mariculture. The toxin triggers apoptosis of host macrophages and neutrophils through a process that, in vivo, culminates with secondary necrosis of the apoptotic cells contributing to the necrotic lesions observed in the diseased animals. Here, we show that AIP56 is a NF-κB p65-cleaving zinc-metalloprotease whose catalytic activity is required for the apoptogenic effect. Most of the bacterial effectors known to target NF-κB are type III secreted effectors. In contrast, we demonstrate that AIP56 is an A-B toxin capable of acting at distance, without requiring contact of the bacteria with the target cell. We also show that the N-terminal domain cleaves NF-κB at the Cys³⁹-Glu⁴⁰ peptide bond and that the C-terminal domain is involved in binding and internalization into the cytosol.

The apoptosis inducing protein of 56 kDa (AIP56) is a key virulence factor secreted by Photobacterium damselae piscicida (Phdp), a Gram-negative bacterium that causes septicaemic infections in economically important marine fish species. It is known that AIP56 induces massive destruction of the phagocytic cells of the infected host, allowing the extracellular multiplication of the bacteria and contributing to the genesis of the pathology. Here we show that AIP56 acts by cleaving NF-κB p65. The NF-κB family of transcription factors is evolutionarily conserved and plays a central role in the host responses to microbial pathogen invasion, regulating the expression of inflammatory and anti-apoptotic genes. Pathogenic bacteria have evolved complex strategies to interfere with NF-κB signalling, usually by injecting protein effectors directly into the cell's cytosol through bacterial secretion machineries that require contact with host cells. In contrast, AIP56 acts at distance and has an intrinsic ability to reach the cytosol due to the presence of a C-terminal domain that functions as “delivery module.”

Infection-induced bystander-apoptosis of monocytes is TNF-alpha-mediated

Phagocytosis induced cell death (PICD) is crucial for controlling phagocyte effector cells, such as monocytes, at sites of infection, and essentially contributes to termination of inflammation. Here we tested the hypothesis, that during PICD bystander apoptosis of non-phagocyting monocytes occurs, that apoptosis induction is mediated via tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α and that TNF-α secretion and -signalling is causal. Monocytes were infected with Escherichia coli (E. coli), expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), or a pH-sensitive Eos-fluorescent protein (EOS-FP). Monocyte phenotype, phagocytic activity, apoptosis, TNF-receptor (TNFR)-1, -2-expression and TNF-α production were analyzed. Apoptosis occured in phagocyting and non-phagocyting, bystander monocytes. Bacterial transport to the phagolysosome was no prerequisite for apoptosis induction, and desensitized monocytes from PICD, as confirmed by EOS-FP expressing E. coli. Co-cultivation with non-infected carboxyfluorescein-succinimidyl-ester- (CFSE-) labelled monocytes resulted in significant apoptotic cell death of non-infected bystander monocytes. This process required protein de-novo synthesis and still occurred in a diminished way in the absence of cell-cell contact. E. coli induced a robust TNF-α production, leading to TNF-mediated apoptosis in monocytes. Neutralization with an anti-TNF-α antibody reduced monocyte bystander apoptosis significantly. In contrast to TNFR2, the pro-apoptotic TNFR1 was down-regulated on the monocyte surface, internalized 30 min. p.i. and led to apoptosis predominantly in monocytes without phagocyting bacteria by themselves. Our results suggest, that apoptosis of bystander monocytes occurs after infection with E. coli via internalization of TNFR1, and indicate a relevant role for TNF-α. Modifying monocyte apoptosis in sepsis may be a future therapeutic option.

Cell death programs in Yersinia immunity and pathogenesis

Cell death plays a central role in host-pathogen interactions, as it can eliminate the pathogen's replicative niche and provide pro-inflammatory signals necessary for an effective immune response; conversely, cell death can allow pathogens to eliminate immune cells and evade anti-microbial effector mechanisms. In response to developmental signals or cell-intrinsic stresses, the executioner caspases-3 and -7 mediate apoptotic cell death, which is generally viewed as immunologically silent or immunosuppressive. A proinflammatory form of cell death that requires caspase-1, termed pyroptosis, is activated in response to microbial products within the host cytosol or disruption of cellular membranes by microbial pathogens. Infection by the bacterial pathogen Yersinia has features of both apoptosis and pyroptosis. Cell death and caspase-1 processing in Yersinia-infected cells occur in response to inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling by the Yersinia virulence factor YopJ. However, the molecular basis of YopJ-induced cell death, and the role of different death pathways in anti-Yersinia immune responses remain enigmatic. Here, we discuss the role that cell death may play in inducing specific pro-inflammatory signals that shape innate and adaptive immune responses against Yersinia infection.

TLR2 signaling subpathways regulate TLR9 signaling for the effective induction of IL-12 upon stimulation by heat-killed Brucella abortus

Brucella abortus is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium that induces MyD88-dependent IL-12 production in dentritic cells (DCs) and a subsequent protective Th1 immune response. Previous studies have shown that the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is required for tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) production, whereas TLR9 is responsible for IL-12 induction in DCs after exposure to heat-killed Brucella abortus (HKBA). TLR2 is located on the cell surface and is required for optimal microorganism-induced phagocytosis by innate immune cells; thus, phagocytosis is an indispensable preliminary step for bacterial genomic DNA recognition by TLR9 in late-endosomal compartments. Here, we hypothesized that TLR2-triggered signals after HKBA stimulation might cross-regulate TLR9 signaling through the indirect modulation of the phagocytic function of DCs or the direct modulation of cytokine gene expression. Our results indicate that HKBA phagocytosis was TLR2-dependent and an essential step for IL-12p40 induction. In addition, HKBA exposure triggered the TLR2-mediated activation of both p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Interestingly, although p38 was required for HKBA phagocytosis and phagosome maturation, ERK1/2 did not affect these processes but negatively regulated IL-12 production. Although p38 inhibitors tempered both TNF and IL-12 responses to HKBA, pre-treatment with an ERK1/2 inhibitor significantly increased IL-12p40 and abrogated TNF production in HKBA-stimulated DCs. Further experiments showed that the signaling events that mediated ERK1/2 activation after TLR2 triggering also required HKBA-induced Ras activation. Furthermore, Ras-guanine nucleotide-releasing protein 1 (RasGRP1) mediated the TLR2-induced ERK1/2 activation and inhibition of IL-12p40 production. Taken together, our results demonstrated that HKBA-mediated TLR2-triggering activates both the p38 and ERK1/2 signaling subpathways, which divergently regulate TLR9 activation at several levels to induce an appropriate protective IL-12 response.

Aeromonas salmonicida-secreted protein AopP is a potent inducer of apoptosis in a mammalian and a Drosophila model

Some pathogens are able to establish themselves within the host because they have evolved mechanisms to disrupt host innate immunity. For example, a number of pathogens secrete preformed effector proteins via type III secretion apparatuses that influence innate immune or apoptotic signalling pathways. One group of effector proteins that usurp innate immune signalling is the YopJ-like family of bacterial effector proteins, which includes AopP from Aeromonas salmonicida. Aeromonas species are known to cause gastrointestinal disease in humans, and are associated mainly with subcutaneous wound infections and septicaemia in other metazoans, particularly fish. AopP has been reported to have inhibitory activity against the NF-κB pathway in cultured cells, although the pathological outcomes of AopP activity have not been examined. Here, we show that AopP has potent pro-apoptotic activity when expressed in cultured mammalian macrophage or epithelial cells, or when ectopically expressed in Drosophila melanogaster haemocytes or imaginal disk epithelial cells. Furthermore, apoptosis was significantly elevated upon concurrent AopP expression and TNF-α cellular stimulation. Together, our results demonstrate how the specificity of a YopJ-like protein towards signalling pathways directly governs cellular pathological outcome in disease.

Interactions of bacterial proteins with host eukaryotic ubiquitin pathways

Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification in which one or more 76 amino acid polypeptide ubiquitin molecules are covalently linked to the lysine residues of target proteins. Ubiquitination is the main pathway for protein degradation that governs a variety of eukaryotic cellular processes, including the cell-cycle, vesicle trafficking, antigen presentation, and signal transduction. Not surprisingly, aberrations in the system have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases including inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies have revealed that viruses and bacterial pathogens exploit the host ubiquitination pathways to gain entry and to aid their survival/replication inside host cells. This review will summarize recent developments in understanding the biochemical and structural mechanisms utilized by bacterial pathogens to interact with the host ubiquitination pathways.

Enhancing the role of veterinary vaccines reducing zoonotic diseases of humans: linking systems biology with vaccine development

The aim of research on infectious diseases is their prevention, and brucellosis and salmonellosis as such are classic examples of worldwide zoonoses for application of a systems biology approach for enhanced rational vaccine development. When used optimally, vaccines prevent disease manifestations, reduce transmission of disease, decrease the need for pharmaceutical intervention, and improve the health and welfare of animals, as well as indirectly protecting against zoonotic diseases of people. Advances in the last decade or so using comprehensive systems biology approaches linking genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology with immunology, pathogenesis and vaccine formulation and delivery are expected to enable enhanced approaches to vaccine development. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the role of computational systems biology analysis of host:pathogen interactions (the interactome) as a tool for enhanced rational design of vaccines. Systems biology is bringing a new, more robust approach to veterinary vaccine design based upon a deeper understanding of the host-pathogen interactions and its impact on the host's molecular network of the immune system. A computational systems biology method was utilized to create interactome models of the host responses to Brucella melitensis (BMEL), Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP), Salmonella enterica Typhimurium (STM), and a Salmonella mutant (isogenic ΔsipA, sopABDE2) and linked to the basis for rational development of vaccines for brucellosis and salmonellosis as reviewed by Adams et al. and Ficht et al. [1,2]. A bovine ligated ileal loop biological model was established to capture the host gene expression response at multiple time points post infection. New methods based on Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN) machine learning were employed to conduct a comparative pathogenicity analysis of 219 signaling and metabolic pathways and 1620 gene ontology (GO) categories that defined the host's biosignatures to each infectious condition. Through this DBN computational approach, the method identified significantly perturbed pathways and GO category groups of genes that define the pathogenicity signatures of the infectious agent. Our preliminary results provide deeper understanding of the overall complexity of host innate immune response as well as the identification of host gene perturbations that defines a unique host temporal biosignature response to each pathogen. The application of advanced computational methods for developing interactome models based on DBNs has proven to be instrumental in elucidating novel host responses and improved functional biological insight into the host defensive mechanisms. Evaluating the unique differences in pathway and GO perturbations across pathogen conditions allowed the identification of plausible host-pathogen interaction mechanisms. Accordingly, a systems biology approach to study molecular pathway gene expression profiles of host cellular responses to microbial pathogens holds great promise as a methodology to identify, model and predict the overall dynamics of the host-pathogen interactome. Thus, we propose that such an approach has immediate application to the rational design of brucellosis and salmonellosis vaccines.

Multi-comparative systems biology analysis reveals time-course biosignatures of in vivo bovine pathway responses to B.melitensis, S.enterica Typhimurium and M.avium paratuberculosis

BACKGROUND

To decipher the complexity and improve the understanding of host-pathogen interactions, biologists must adopt new system level approaches in which the hierarchy of biological interactions and dynamics can be studied. This paper presents the application of systems biology for the cross-comparative analysis and interactome modeling of three different infectious agents, leading to the identification of novel, unique and common molecular host responses (biosignatures).

METHODS

A computational systems biology method was utilized to create interactome models of the host responses to Brucella melitensis (BMEL), Salmonella enterica Typhimurium (STM) and Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP). A bovine ligated ileal loop biological model was employed to capture the host gene expression response at four time points post infection. New methods based on Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN) machine learning were employed to conduct a systematic comparative analysis of pathway and Gene Ontology category perturbations.

RESULTS

A cross-comparative assessment of 219 pathways and 1620 gene ontology (GO) categories was performed on each pathogen-host condition. Both unique and common pathway and GO perturbations indicated remarkable temporal differences in pathogen-host response profiles. Highly discriminatory pathways were selected from each pathogen condition to create a common system level interactome model comprised of 622 genes. This model was trained with data from each pathogen condition to capture unique and common gene expression features and relationships leading to the identification of candidate host-pathogen points of interactions and discriminatory biosignatures.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide deeper understanding of the overall complexity of host defensive and pathogen invasion processes as well as the identification of novel host-pathogen interactions. The application of advanced computational methods for developing interactome models based on DBN has proven to be instrumental in conducting multi-conditional cross-comparative analyses. Further, this approach generates a fully simulateable model with capabilities for predictive analysis as well as for diagnostic pattern recognition. The resulting biosignatures may represent future targets for identification of emerging pathogens as well as for development of antimicrobial drugs, immunotherapeutics, or vaccines for prevention and treatment of diseases caused by known, emerging/re-emerging infectious agents.

Bacterial manipulation of innate immunity to promote infection

The mammalian innate immune response provides a barrier against invading pathogens. Innate immune mechanisms are used by the host to respond to a range of bacterial pathogens in an acute and conserved fashion. Host cells express pattern recognition receptors that sense pathogen-associated molecular patterns. After detection, an arsenal of antimicrobial mechanisms is deployed to kill bacteria in infected cells. Innate immunity also stimulates antigen-specific responses mediated by the adaptive immune system. In response, pathogens manipulate host defence mechanisms to survive and eventually replicate. This Review focuses on the control of host innate immune responses by pathogenic intracellular bacteria.

Telling apart friend from foe: discriminating between commensals and pathogens at mucosal sites

From the moment we are born, we are exposed to a vast variety of microbes. The intestine in particular is perhaps inhabited by the largest number of microbes, consisting of both established commensals as well as sporadic pathogens. Mucosal surfaces form an important barrier against microbial invasion. Together with the physical barrier that they provide, mucosal surfaces also rely on innate immune functions to sense luminal microbes and signal accordingly to generate protective immune responses. However, since innate immune recognition is microbial specific and antigen-independent, the contact with both beneficial commensals and harmful pathogens creates the need for discrimination between the two. The mechanisms governing the ability of the mucosal immune system to discriminate between commensals and pathogens have long been unclear; however, recent discoveries have shed some light on this distinction. This review will summarize the current theories put forth to explain how the mucosal immune system maintains tolerance towards commensals while retaining the ability to mount inflammatory responses against pathogens.

Recombinant YopJ induces apoptosis in murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro: involvement of mitochondrial death pathway

Yersinia species during infection adhere to host immune cells primarily to macrophages and employ its secretary proteins known as Yersinia outer proteins to trigger death in infected cells. In the present study, it is shown that recombinant Yersinia outer protein J (rYopJ) could induce apoptosis in murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro as assessed by morphological features, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, change in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (Deltapsim), activation of caspases and Annexin V binding. rYopJ-induced cell death was dose and time dependent. Pre-treatment with broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK, caspase-3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO and caspase-8 inhibitor Z-IETD-FMK prevented the change in MMP and DNA fragmentation, suggesting caspase-dependent apoptosis of rYopJ-treated macrophages. Blocking the endocytosis by pre-treatment of cells with cytochalasin B did not prevent the rYopJ-induced macrophages apoptosis. The data further suggest that rYopJ-induced apoptosis is mediated by molecules upstream of caspase-8 and relay through mitochondrial pathway involving Bax, Bcl-2, activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3, Bid and polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase cleavage, cytochrome c release and DNA fragmentation.

Yersinia pestis endowed with increased cytotoxicity is avirulent in a bubonic plague model and induces rapid protection against pneumonic plague

An important virulence strategy evolved by bacterial pathogens to overcome host defenses is the modulation of host cell death. Previous observations have indicated that Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague disease, exhibits restricted capacity to induce cell death in macrophages due to ineffective translocation of the type III secretion effector YopJ, as opposed to the readily translocated YopP, the YopJ homologue of the enteropathogen Yersinia enterocolitica Oratio8. This led us to suggest that reduced cytotoxic potency may allow pathogen propagation within a shielded niche, leading to increased virulence. To test the relationship between cytotoxic potential and virulence, we replaced Y. pestis YopJ with YopP. The YopP-expressing Y. pestis strain exhibited high cytotoxic activity against macrophages in vitro. Following subcutaneous infection, this strain had reduced ability to colonize internal organs, was unable to induce septicemia and exhibited at least a 10(7)-fold reduction in virulence. Yet, upon intravenous or intranasal infection, it was still as virulent as the wild-type strain. The subcutaneous administration of the cytotoxic Y. pestis strain appears to activate a rapid and potent systemic, CTL-independent, immunoprotective response, allowing the organism to overcome simultaneous coinfection with 10,000 LD(50) of virulent Y. pestis. Moreover, three days after subcutaneous administration of this strain, animals were also protected against septicemic or primary pneumonic plague. Our findings indicate that an inverse relationship exists between the cytotoxic potential of Y. pestis and its virulence following subcutaneous infection. This appears to be associated with the ability of the engineered cytotoxic Y. pestis strain to induce very rapid, effective and long-lasting protection against bubonic and pneumonic plague. These observations have novel implications for the development of vaccines/therapies against Y. pestis and shed new light on the virulence strategies of Y. pestis in nature.

Yersinia enterocolitica Yop mutants as oral live carrier vaccines

Attenuated enteropathogenic yersiniae that translocate heterologous antigens into the cytosol of antigen presenting cells via their type three secretion system (TTSS) are considered promising candidates for the development of live oral vaccine carrier strains that induce CD8 T cell responses. Wild type Yersinia enterocolitica of serotype O:8 however efficiently suppresses the immune response of the host by translocating effector proteins called Yersinia outer proteins (Yops) into the cytosol of immune cells. We therefore tested immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and virulence ofyop mutants that translocate the model antigen Listeriolysin (LLO) of Listeria monocytogenes in a mouse model. A deltayopP mutant-based vaccine carrier strain induced the highest numbers of LLO91-99-specific CD8 T cells and effectively protected mice against a lethal challenge with Listeria whereas deltayopPT, deltayopPV(K42Q), and deltayopPO mutants of Y. enterocolitica induced fewer CD8 T cells and conferred only partial protection. The deltayopPH, deltayopPE, deltayopPM, and deltayopPQ mutants induced the weakest CD8 T cell response and did not significantly protect mice against Listeria presumably due to the strong attenuation of these strains in the mouse model. Even though a Y. enterocolitica strain WA-C(pTTSS), which translocated only LLO (but not Yops), induced superior MHC class I-restricted antigen presentation in DC compared to the deltayopP mutants in vitro, this strain was not able to significantly colonize mouse tissue or to induce CD8 T cell responses in vivo. The success in designing a Yersinia oral vaccine carrier is therefore dependent to a great extent on the subtle balance between immunogenicity and attenuation.

A Dynamic Mathematical Model To Clarify Signaling Circuitry Underlying Programmed Cell Death Control in Arabidopsis Disease Resistance

Plant cells undergo programmed cell death in response to invading pathogens. This cell death limits the spread of the infection and triggers whole plant antimicrobial and immune responses. The signaling network connecting molecular recognition of pathogens to these responses is a prime target for manipulation in genetic engineering strategies designed to improve crop plant disease resistance. Moreover, as alterations to metabolism can be misinterpreted as pathogen infection, successful plant metabolic engineering will ultimately depend on controlling these signaling pathways to avoid inadvertent activation of cell death. Programmed cell death resulting from infection of Arabidopsis thaliana with Pseudomonas syringae bacterial pathogens was chosen as a model system. Signaling circuitry hypotheses in this model system were tested by construction of a differential-equations-based mathematical model. Model-based simulations of time evolution of signaling components matched experimental measurements of programmed cell death and associated signaling components obtained in a companion study. Simulation of systems-level consequences of mutations used in laboratory studies led to two major improvements in understanding of signaling circuitry: (1) Simulations supported experimental evidence that a negative feedback loop in salicylic acid biosynthesis postulated by others does not exist. (2) Simulations showed that a second negative regulatory circuit for which there was strong experimental support did not affect one of two pathways leading to programmed cell death. Simulations also generated testable predictions to guide future experiments. Additional testable hypotheses were generated by results of individually varying each model parameter over 2 orders of magnitude that predicted biologically important changes to system dynamics. These predictions will be tested in future laboratory studies designed to further elucidate the signaling network control structure.

Salmonella AvrA Coordinates Suppression of Host Immune and Apoptotic Defenses via JNK Pathway Blockade

Salmonellae are bacterial pathogens that have evolved sophisticated strategies to evade host immune defenses. These strategies include the secretion of effector proteins into mammalian cells so as to subvert innate immune and apoptotic signaling pathways, thereby allowing Salmonella to avoid elimination. Here, we show that the secreted Salmonella typhimurium effector protein AvrA possesses acetyltransferase activity toward specific mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKKs) and potently inhibits c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and NF-kappaB signaling pathways in both transgenic Drosophila and murine models. Furthermore, we show that AvrA dampens the proapoptotic innate immune response to Salmonella at the mouse intestinal mucosa. This activity is consistent with the natural history of Salmonella in mammalian hosts, where the bacteria elicit transient inflammation but do not destroy epithelial cells. Our findings suggest that targeting JNK signaling to dampen apoptosis may be a conserved strategy for intracellular pathogens.

Differential roles of Yersinia outer protein P-mediated inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B in the induction of cell death in dendritic cells and macrophages

Yersinia outer protein P (YopP) induces cell death in macrophages and dendritic cells (DC). In DC this YopP-dependent cell death coincides with the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation. However, as shown by measurement of propidium iodide uptake via disrupted cellular membranes, the preincubation of DC with several NF-kappaB inhibitors prior to infection with Yersinia did not restore the death-inducing capacity of a YopP-deficient Yersinia mutant. These results suggest that in contrast to macrophages, in DC the YopP-dependent inhibition of NF-kappaB activation is not causative for the induction of cell death. Instead, in DC, the inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), in particular, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, prior to infection with a YopP-deficient Yersinia mutant substituted the death-inducing capacity of the Yersinia wild-type strain, indicating that the YopP-dependent inhibition of MAPKs mediates Yersinia-induced DC death. The differences between DC and macrophages in the mechanisms of cell death induction by YopP presented herein might be crucial for the function of these antigen-presenting cells.

Catalytically active Yersinia outer protein P induces cleavage of RIP and caspase-8 at the level of the DISC independently of death receptors in dendritic cells

Yersinia outer protein P (YopP) is injected by Y. enterocolitica into host cells thereby inducing apoptotic and necrosis-like cell death in dendritic cells (DC). Here we show the pathways involved in DC death caused by the catalytic activity of YopP. Infection with Yersinia enterocolitica, translocating catalytically active YopP into DC, triggered procaspase-8 cleavage and c-FLIPL degradation. YopP-dependent caspase-8 activation was, however, not mediated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family members since the expression of both CD95/Fas/APO-1 and TRAIL-R2 on DC was low, and DC were resistant to apoptosis induced by agonistic anti-CD95 antibodies or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Moreover, DC from TNF-Rp55-/- mice were not protected against YopP-induced cell death demonstrating that TNF-R1 is also not involved in this process. Activation of caspase-8 was further investigated by coimmunoprecitation of FADD from Yersinia-infected DC. We found that both cleaved caspase-8 and receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP1) were associated with the Fas-associated death domain (FADD) indicating the formation of an atypical death-inducing signaling complex (DISC). Furthermore, degradation of RIP mediated by the Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin significantly impaired YopP-induced cell death. Altogether our findings indicate that Yersinia-induced DC death is independent of death domain containing receptors, but mediated by RIP and caspase-8 at the level of DISC.

In vitro signaling by MAPK and NFkappaB pathways inhibited by Yersinia YopJ

A procedure for an in vitro signaling assay is described for the MAPK and NFkappaB pathways. The method uses a membrane-cleared lysate that contains all the soluble components required for activating these signaling cascades. The pathways can be activated by variety of molecules, including kinases, G-proteins, and E3 ligases. We demonstrate that YopJ inhibits downstream of all these activators. The in vitro signaling assay is ideal for initial biochemical studies on activators and inhibitors of the MAPK and NFkappaB pathways.

Disparity between Yersinia pestis and Yersinia enterocolitica O:8 in YopJ/YopP-dependent functions

YopP in Y. enterocolitica and YopJ in Y. pseudotuberculosis, have been shown to exert a variety of adverse effects on cell signaling leading to suppression of cytokine expression and induction of programmed cell death. A comparative in vitro study with Y. pestis and Y. enterocolitica O:8 virulent strains shows some critical disparity in YopJ/YopP-related effects on immune cells. Involvement of yopJ in virulence was evaluated in mouse model of bubonic plague.

Yersinia as oral live carrier vaccine: influence of Yersinia outer proteins (Yops) on the T-cell response

Attenuated enteropathogenic Yersinia strains are attractive candidates for the development of oral live carrier vaccines. Yersiniae colonize the small intestine and invade lymphoid tissue of the terminal ileum where they replicate extracellularly. Yersiniae can be engineered to secrete or translocate heterologous antigens into the cytosol of antigen-presenting cells by their type 3 secretion system (T3SS). This results in the induction of both cellular and humoral immune responses to heterologous antigens of viral, bacterial and parasitic origin. In this review, we summarize the progress in developing Yersinia-based vaccine carrier strains by mutating the T3SS effector proteins of Yersinia called Yops (Yersinia outer proteins) to both attenuate the strains and to modulate the T-cell response.

The fraction 1 and V protein antigens of Yersinia pestis activate dendritic cells to induce primary T cell responses

The F1 and V antigens of Yersinia pestis, despite acting as virulence factors secreted by the organism during infection, also combine to produce an effective recombinant vaccine against plague, currently in clinical trial. The protective mechanisms induced by rF1 + rV probably involve interactions with dendritic cells (DC) as antigen uptake, processing and presenting cells. To study such interactions, naive ex vivo DC from bone marrow, spleen and lymph node were cultured with rF1, rV or combined antigens and demonstrated to secrete interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-12 into the culture supernatant. Cytokine production in response to pulsing was dependent on the maturity of the bone marrow-derived DC culture, so that pulsed 8-day-old cultures had accumulated significantly more intracellular IL-4 and IL-12 than unpulsed cells. DC, pulsed with rF1 + rV for 2-24 h, were able to prime naive autologous lymph node T cells to proliferate in an antigen dose-dependent manner, with an order of potency of 3d bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC) > 7d BMDC > splenic DC. Significantly, cell-free supernatants from rF1 + rV-pulsed BMDC and splenic DC were also able to induce specific primary responses effectively in naive T cells, suggesting that these supernatants contained stimulatory factor(s). This study suggests an important role for DC, or factors secreted by them, in the induction of protective immunity to plague by the rF1 and rV antigens.

Yersinia enterocolitica: subversion of adaptive immunity and implications for vaccine development

Enteric Yersinia spp. invade Peyer's patches, disseminate to lymphoid tissues, and induce mucosal and systemic immune responses. Many virulence factors of Yersinia enterocolitica have been investigated in detail and were found to act on host cells involved in innate and adaptive immunity. Recent work explored as to whether attenuated Y. enterocolitica or recombinant components of Y. enterocolitica can be used as tools for vaccination. We and others have tested whether by means of the type three secretion system in attenuated Y. enterocolitica strains antigens might be delivered to antigen-presenting cells in order to induce CD8 and CD4 T cell responses. Alternatively, recombinant components of Y. enterocolitica such as invasin protein which binds to beta1 integrins of host cells have been tested for their ability to target antigen along with microparticles (fused to invasin) to antigen-presenting cells and to act as adjuvant. The work summarized in this article demonstrates that Y. enterocolitica and its components might be useful tools for novel vaccination strategies; in fact, invasin when fused to antigen and coated to microparticles might induce both CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. Likewise, attenuated Y. enterocolitica live carrier strains were reported to induce both CD8 and some CD4 T cell responses. However, we need to know more about how Y. enterocolitica subverts functions of antigen-presenting cells in order to design mutants with optimized antigen delivery features and deletion in those virulence factor that contribute to subversion of innate or adaptive immune responses.

Host responses to secreted Shigella virulence factors

Shigella and related enteropathogens deliver effector molecules into the cytoplasm of epithelial cells and macrophages via a type III secretion system. Epithelial cells respond to contact with Shigella by rearranging the cytoskeleton, which leads to uptake of the bacterium. Apart from several cytoskeletal proteins, this process involves the recruitment and activation of kinases, and the small GTPase rho. Macrophages infected with Shigella undergo apoptosis and release mature IL-1beta, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. This apoptotic pathway requires caspase-1 (IL-1beta-converting enzyme). Pro-inflammatory macrophage apoptosis triggers acute shigellosis and might be relevant in other infectious diseases.