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Guvenc F, Kaul R, Gray-Owen SD. Intimate Relations: Molecular and Immunologic Interactions Between Neisseria gonorrhoeae and HIV-1. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1299. [PMID: 32582133 PMCID: PMC7284112 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
While the global incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) remains well above UNAIDS targets, sexual transmission HIV is surprisingly inefficient. A variety of host, viral and environmental factors can either increase HIV-1 shedding in the infected partner and/or increase mucosal susceptibility of the HIV-1 uninfected partner. Clinical and epidemiological studies have clearly established that Neisseria gonorrhoeae substantially enhances HIV-1 transmission, despite it not being an ulcerative infection. This review will consider findings from molecular, immunologic and clinical studies that have focused on each of these two human-restricted pathogens, in order to develop an integrative model that describes how gonococci can both increase mucosal shedding of HIV-1 from a co-infected person and facilitate virus establishment in a susceptible host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furkan Guvenc
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Infectious Diseases, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Scott D Gray-Owen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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2
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Schönfeld M, Knackmuss U, Chandorkar P, Hörtnagl P, Hope TJ, Moris A, Bellmann-Weiler R, Lass-Flörl C, Posch W, Wilflingseder D. Co- but not Sequential Infection of DCs Boosts Their HIV-Specific CTL-Stimulatory Capacity. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1123. [PMID: 31178863 PMCID: PMC6542955 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria and their microbial products activate dendritic cells (DCs) at mucosal surfaces during sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and therefore might also differently shape DC functions during co-infection with HIV-1. We recently illustrated that complement (C) coating of HIV-1 (HIV-C), as primarily found during the acute phase of infection before appearance of HIV-specific antibodies, by-passed SAMHD1-mediated restriction in DCs and therefore mediated an increased DC activation and antiviral capacity. To determine whether the superior antiviral effects of HIV-C-exposed DCs also apply during STIs, we developed a co-infection model in which DCs were infected with Chlamydia spp. simultaneously (HIV-C/Chlam-DCs or HIV/Chlam-DCs) or a sequential infection model, where DCs were exposed to Chlamydia for 3 or 24 h (Chlam-DCs) followed by HIV-1 infection. Co-infection of DCs with HIV-1 and Chlamydia significantly boosted the CTL-stimulatory capacity compared to HIV-1-loaded iDCs and this boost was independent on the opsonization pattern. This effect was lost in the sequential infection model, when opsonized HIV-1 was added delayed to Chlamydia-loaded DCs. The reduction in the CTL-stimulatory capacity of Chlam-DCs was not due to lower HIV-1 binding or infection compared to iDCs or HIV-C/Chlam-DCs, but due to altered fusion and internalization mechanisms within DCs. The CTL-stimulatory capacity of HIV-C in Chlam-DCs correlated with significantly reduced viral fusion compared to iDCs and HIV-C/Chlam-DCs and illustrated considerably increased numbers of HIV-C-containing vacuoles than iDCs. The data indicate that Chlamydia co-infection of DCs mediates a transient boost of their HIV-specific CTL-stimulatory and antiviral capacity, while in the sequential infection model this is reversed and associated with hazard to the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Schönfeld
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ulla Knackmuss
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Parul Chandorkar
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Paul Hörtnagl
- Central Institute for Blood Transfusion and Immunological Department, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas John Hope
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Arnaud Moris
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Center for Immunology and Microbial Infections - CIMI-Paris, Paris, France.,Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Rosa Bellmann-Weiler
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wilfried Posch
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Doris Wilflingseder
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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3
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Lovett A, Duncan JA. Human Immune Responses and the Natural History of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection. Front Immunol 2019; 9:3187. [PMID: 30838004 PMCID: PMC6389650 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The intimate relationship between humans and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections span centuries, which is evidenced in case reports from studies dating back to the late 1700s and historical references that predate medical literature. N. gonorrhoeae is an exclusive human pathogen that infects the genital tract of both men and women as well as other mucosal surfaces including the oropharynx and rectum. In symptomatic infections, N. gonorrhoeae induces a robust inflammatory response at the site of infection. However, infections can also present asymptomatically complicating efforts to reduce transmission. N. gonorrhoeae infections have been effectively treated with antibiotics since their use was introduced in humans. Despite the existence of effective antibiotic treatments, N. gonorrhoeae remains one of the most common sexually transmitted pathogens and antibiotic resistant strains have arisen that limit treatment options. Development of a vaccine to prevent infection is considered a critical element of controlling this pathogen. The efforts to generate an effective gonococcal vaccine is limited by our poor understanding of the natural immunologic responses to infection. It is largely accepted that natural protective immunity to N. gonorrhoeae infections in humans does not occur or is very rare. Previous studies of the natural history of infection as well as some of the humoral and cellular immune responses to infection offer a window into the issues surrounding N. gonorrhoeae vaccine development. In this review, we summarize the current body of knowledge pertaining to human immune responses to gonococcal infections and the role of these responses in mediating protection from N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Lovett
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Joseph A Duncan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Ghassabi F, Malekzadegan Y, Sedigh Ebrahim-Saraie H, Heidari H, Sabet M, Bagheri A, Bagheri N, Raeisi Shahraki H, Hasanabadi A, Motamedifar M. Gonorrhea and syphilis co-infection and related risk factors in HIV patients from Shiraz, South of Iran. CASPIAN JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2018; 9:397-402. [PMID: 30510656 PMCID: PMC6230453 DOI: 10.22088/cjim.9.4.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Neisseria gonorrhea and Treponema pallidum as an obligate human pathogen are two common causes of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae and T. pallidum among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in the southwest Iran. Methods: This retrospective study was performed from 2004 to 2013, on HIV patients who were tested for detection of gonorrhea and syphilis infection at Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center. ELISA technique was used for preliminary detection of HIV and confirmed by a Western Blotting test. Gonorrhea was routinely diagnosed using direct Gram-staining and culturing on selective agar. Syphilis was routinely diagnosed by RPR test. Results: Of the 806 HIV patients, 39 (2.6%) cases had co-infection with gonorrhea. Compared with mono-HIV infected patients, gonorrhea was significantly more likely among the males (69.4% vs. 92.3%, P=0.002). History of addiction and prison seems to be a significant risk factor for gonorrhea infection (P<0.05). Also, the mean of CD4+lymphocyte was higher among gonorrhea infected patients (368±238 vs. 415±328). Logistic regression analysis showed that sexual contact increased risk of gonococcal infection about 4 fold (OR: 4, CI: 1.7-9.39, P=0.001). None of the HIV patients had syphilis co-infection. Conclusions: As a preliminary survey, our findings provided unique information on the prevalence of gonorrhea and syphilis co-infections among HIV patients. Moreover, we introduced the main risk factors associated with gonorrhea co-infection in HIV patients in our region including gender, history of addiction and prison, CD4+lymphocyte count, and transmission routes for effective management of STDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Ghassabi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Yalda Malekzadegan
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hadi Sedigh Ebrahim-Saraie
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamid Heidari
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Sabet
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdollatif Bagheri
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Narges Bagheri
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hadi Raeisi Shahraki
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Alireza Hasanabadi
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Motamedifar
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Neisseria gonorrhoeae co-infection exacerbates vaginal HIV shedding without affecting systemic viral loads in human CD34+ engrafted mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191672. [PMID: 29360873 PMCID: PMC5779692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV synergy with sexually transmitted co-infections is well-documented in the clinic. Co-infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae in particular, increases genital HIV shedding and mucosal transmission. However, no animal model of co-infection currently exists to directly explore this relationship or to bridge the gap in understanding between clinical and in vitro studies of this interaction. This study aims to test the feasibility of using a humanized mouse model to overcome this barrier. Combining recent in vivo modelling advancements in both HIV and gonococcal research, we developed a co-infection model by engrafting immunodeficient NSG mice with human CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells to generate humanized mice that permit both systemic HIV infection and genital N. gonorrhoeae infection. Systemic plasma and vaginal lavage titres of HIV were measured in order to assess the impact of gonococcal challenge on viral plasma titres and genital shedding. Engrafted mice showed human CD45+ leukocyte repopulation in blood and mucosal tissues. Systemic HIV challenge resulted in 104−105 copies/mL of viral RNA in blood by week 4 post-infection, as well as vaginal shedding of virus. Subsequent gonococcal challenge resulted in unchanged plasma HIV levels but higher viral shedding in the genital tract, which reflects published clinical observations. Thus, human CD34+ stem cell-transplanted NSG mice represent an experimentally tractable animal model in which to study HIV shedding during gonococcal co-infection, allowing dissection of molecular and immunological interactions between these pathogens, and providing a platform to assess future therapeutics aimed at reducing HIV transmission.
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Foschi C, Salvo M, Cevenini R, Parolin C, Vitali B, Marangoni A. Vaginal Lactobacilli Reduce Neisseria gonorrhoeae Viability through Multiple Strategies: An in Vitro Study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:502. [PMID: 29270390 PMCID: PMC5723648 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) underline the need of “antibiotic-free” strategies for the control of gonorrhea. The aim of this study was to assess the anti-gonococcal activity of 14 vaginal Lactobacillus strains, belonging to different species (L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. vaginalis), isolated from healthy pre-menopausal women. In particular, we performed “inhibition” experiments, evaluating the ability of both lactobacilli cells and culture supernatants in reducing GC viability, at two different contact times (7 and 60 min). First, we found that the acidic environment, associated to lactobacilli metabolism, is extremely effective in counteracting GC growth, in a pH- and time-dependent manner. Indeed, a complete abolishment of GC viability by lactobacilli supernatants was observed only for pH values < 4.0, even at short contact times. On the contrary, for higher pH values, no 100%-reduction of GC growth was reached at any contact time. Experiments with organic/inorganic acid solutions confirmed the strict correlation between the pH levels and the anti-gonococcal effect. In this context, the presence of lactate seemed to be crucial for the anti-gonococcal activity, especially for pH values in the range 4.4–5.3, indicating that the presence of H+ ions is necessary but not sufficient to kill gonococci. Moreover, experiments with buffered supernatants led to exclude a direct role in the GC killing by other bioactive molecules produced by lactobacilli. Second, we noticed that lactobacilli cells are able to reduce GC viability and to co-aggregate with gonococci. In this context, we demonstrated that released-surface components with biosurfactant properties, isolated from “highly-aggregating” lactobacilli, could affect GC viability. The antimicrobial potential of biosurfactants isolated from lactobacilli against pathogens has been largely investigated, but this is the first report about a possible use of these molecules in order to counteract GC infectivity. In conclusion, we identified specific Lactobacillus strains, mainly belonging to L. crispatus species, able to counteract GC viability through multiple mechanisms. These L. crispatus strains could represent a new potential probiotic strategy for the prevention of GC infections in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology, Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine - DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Melissa Salvo
- Microbiology, Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine - DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Cevenini
- Microbiology, Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine - DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carola Parolin
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Vitali
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Marangoni
- Microbiology, Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine - DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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7
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Kridin K, Grifat R, Khamaisi M. Is there an ethnic variation in the epidemiology of gonorrhoea? A retrospective population-based study from northern Israel over 15 years between 2001 and 2015. BMJ Open 2017. [PMID: 28645955 PMCID: PMC5541475 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the trends in the incidence of gonorrhoea through an extended period of time and to compare the epidemiology of gonorrhoea infection between 2 distinct ethnic groups (Jews and Arabs). DESIGN A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted on all consecutive patients diagnosed with gonorrhoea through the years 2001-2015. SETTING National Department of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Health, Haifa District, Israel. PARTICIPANTS A total of 837 reports on gonorrhoea were received, derived from 779 (93.1%) male and 58 (6.9%) female patients. Approximately 1 million people reside in the Haifa region. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES We examined the incidence rate of gonorrhoea among residents of Haifa District, northern Israel from 2001 to 2015, by reviewing archives of the Department of Epidemiology, Israeli Ministry of Health. Notified cases were stratified by age, gender and ethnicity. RESULTS The overall gonorrhoea incidence was 6.4 cases per 100 000 population per year. The annual incidence rate dropped from 20.5 per 100 000 population in 2001 to a period of 2.2 cases per 100 000 population in 2005, showing a >9-fold decline. This was followed by a relatively steady increase of incidence of 2.5-4.5 per 100 000 population from 2006 to 2015. Men were predominantly more affected than women, with a 13.4-fold higher incidence rate. The most affected age group was residents between 25 and 34 years old. The estimated rate among Jews was 2.5-fold higher relative to Arabs. Only 1.3% recurrent episodes of gonorrhoea were reported. The prevalence of HIV positivity among patients with gonorrhoea is significantly higher than that of the general population (500.0 vs 88.1 cases per 100 000 population, respectively, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Gonorrhoea incidence rate decreased dramatically until 2005, with no substantial subsequent fluctuations. The infection is much more prevalent among patients of Jewish ethnicity, possibly due to riskier sex practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalaf Kridin
- Department of Dermatology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rami Grifat
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Haifa District Office, Ministry of Health, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mogher Khamaisi
- Diabetes and Metabolism and Internal Medicine D, Institute of Endocrinology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
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Ndesendo VMK, Choonara YE, Meyer LCR, Kumar P, Tomar LK, Tyagi C, du Toit LC, Pillay V. In vivo evaluation of a mucoadhesive polymeric caplet for intravaginal anti-HIV-1 delivery and development of a molecular mechanistic model for thermochemical characterization. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2014; 41:1274-87. [PMID: 25109400 DOI: 10.3109/03639045.2014.947506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop, characterize and evaluate a mucoadhesive caplet resulting from a polymeric blend (polymeric caplet) for intravaginal anti-HIV-1 delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid, ethylcellulose, poly(vinylalcohol), polyacrylic acid and modified polyamide 6, 10 polymers were blended and compressed to a caplet-shaped device, with and without two model drugs 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS). Thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy and microscopic analysis were carried out on the caplets employing temperature-modulated DSC (TMDSC), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrometer and scanning electron microscope, respectively. In vitro and in vivo drug release analyses as well as the histopathological toxicity studies were carried out on the drug-loaded caplets. Furthermore, molecular mechanics (MM) simulations were carried out on the drug-loaded caplets to corroborate the experimental findings. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION There was a big deviation between the Tg of the polymeric caplet from the Tg's of the constituent polymers indicating a strong interaction between constituent polymers. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of specific ionic and non-ionic interactions within the caplet. A controlled near zero-order drug release was obtained for AZT (20 d) and PSS (28 d). In vivo results, i.e. the drug concentration in plasma ranged between 0.012-0.332 mg/mL and 0.009-0.256 mg/mL for AZT and PSS over 1-28 d. CONCLUSION The obtained results, which were corroborated by MM simulations, attested that the developed system has the potential for effective delivery of anti-HIV-agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valence M K Ndesendo
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg, Parktown , South Africa
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Edwards VL, Wang LC, Dawson V, Stein DC, Song W. Neisseria gonorrhoeae breaches the apical junction of polarized epithelial cells for transmigration by activating EGFR. Cell Microbiol 2013; 15:1042-57. [PMID: 23279089 PMCID: PMC5584544 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae initiates infection at the apical surface of columnar endocervical epithelial cells in the female reproductive tract. These cells provide a physical barrier against pathogens by forming continuous apical junctional complexes between neighbouring cells. This study examines the interaction of gonococci (GC) with polarized epithelial cells. We show that viable GC preferentially localize at the apical side of the cell-cell junction in polarized endometrial and colonic epithelial cells, HEC-1-B and T84. In GC-infected cells, continuous apical junctional complexes are disrupted, and the junction-associated protein β-catenin is redistributed from the apical junction to the cytoplasm and to GC adherent sites; however, overall cellular levels remain unchanged. This redistribution of junctional proteins is associated with a decrease in the 'fence' function of the apical junction but not its 'gate' function. Disruption of the apical junction by removing calcium increases GC transmigration across the epithelial monolayer. GC inoculation induces the phosphorylation of both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and β-catenin, while inhibition of EGFR kinase activity significantly reduces both GC-induced β-catenin redistribution and GC transmigration. Therefore, the gonococcus is capable of weakening the apical junction and polarity of epithelial cells by activating EGFR, which facilitates GC transmigration across the epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vonetta L. Edwards
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Liang-Chun Wang
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Valerie Dawson
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Daniel C. Stein
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Wenxia Song
- Department of Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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10
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Dobson-Belaire WN, Rebbapragada A, Malott RJ, Yue FY, Kovacs C, Kaul R, Ostrowski MA, Gray-Owen SD. Neisseria gonorrhoeae effectively blocks HIV-1 replication by eliciting a potent TLR9-dependent interferon-α response from plasmacytoid dendritic cells. Cell Microbiol 2010; 12:1703-17. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2010.01502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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11
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Ndesendo VMK, Pillay V, Choonara YE, Du Toit LC, Meyer LCR, Buchmann E, Kumar P, Khan RA. In vivo evaluation of the release of zidovudine and polystyrene sulfonate from a dual intravaginal bioadhesive polymeric device in the pig model. J Pharm Sci 2010; 100:1416-35. [PMID: 20960571 DOI: 10.1002/jps.22365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2010] [Revised: 09/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study focused on determining the concentration of zidovudine (AZT) and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) in the plasma and vaginal tissue of the large white pig from an intravaginal bioadhesive polymeric device (IBPD). Biocompatible polymers were compressed with AZT and PSS into caplet-shaped devices for insertion into the posterior fornix of the pig vagina. A total of 25 pigs were used in this study. Plasma was sampled from the jugular vein at various time points after insertion of the IBPD reaching 28 days. At day 28, the pigs were euthanized and vaginal tissue was removed and digested with subtilisin for AZT and PSS extraction. The mean concentration detected in vaginal tissue at day 28 was 1.214 ± 0.062 mg/mL for AZT and 1.400 ± 0.071 mg/mL for PSS. Plasma concentration was significantly lower for AZT (0.332 ± 0.014 mg/mL) and PSS (0.256 ± 0.013 mg/mL). This indicated higher retention of AZT and PSS within the vaginal tissue. Molecular mechanics simulations blueprinted polymer-drug-mucin force-field interactions and energies that explicated the spatial preference of AZT and PSS for the vaginal tissue. Histopathotoxicity studies revealed negative-to-mild foreign body events and results strongly suggest that the IBPD may be suitable for prolonged intravaginal drug delivery in preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valence M K Ndesendo
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa
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12
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Lactobacillus jensenii surface-associated proteins inhibit Neisseria gonorrhoeae adherence to epithelial cells. Infect Immun 2010; 78:3103-11. [PMID: 20385752 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01200-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
High numbers of lactobacilli in the vaginal tract have been correlated with a decreased risk of infection by the sexually transmitted pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae. We have previously shown that Lactobacillus jensenii, one of the most prevalent microorganisms in the healthy human vaginal tract, can inhibit gonococcal adherence to epithelial cells in culture. Here we examined the role of the epithelial cells and the components of L. jensenii involved in the inhibition of gonococcal adherence. L. jensenii inhibited the adherence of gonococci to glutaraldehyde-fixed epithelial cells like it inhibited the adherence of gonococci to live epithelial cells, suggesting that the epithelial cells do not need to be metabolically active for the inhibition to occur. In addition, methanol-fixed L. jensenii inhibited gonococcal adherence to live epithelial cells, indicating that L. jensenii uses a constitutive component to inhibit gonococcal interactions with epithelial cells. Proteinase K treatment of methanol-fixed lactobacilli eliminated the inhibitory effect, suggesting that the inhibitory component contains protein. Released surface components (RSC) isolated from L. jensenii were found to contain at least two inhibitory components, both of which are protease sensitive. Using anion-exchange and size exclusion chromatography, an inhibitory protein which exhibits significant similarity to the enzyme enolase was isolated. A recombinant His6-tagged version of this protein was subsequently produced and shown to inhibit gonococcal adherence to epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner.
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Pala P, Gomez-Roman VR, Gilmour J, Kaleebu P. An African perspective on mucosal immunity and HIV-1. Mucosal Immunol 2009; 2:300-14. [PMID: 19421180 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2009.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
HIV prevention mandates an understanding of the mechanisms of mucosal immunity with attention to some unique features of the epidemic and mucosal environment in the developing world. An effective vaccine will have to induce mucosal protection against a highly diverse virus, which is equipped with a number of immune evasion strategies. Its development will require assessment of mucosal immune responses, and it will have to protect a mucosal environment where inflammation and altered immune responses are common because of the presence of other mucosal infections, such as sexually transmitted infections and parasites, and where nutritional status may also be compromised. Ideally, not only prevention methods would protect adults but also provide cover against gastrointestinal transmission through maternal milk. Prevention might also be complemented by microbicides and circumcision, two alternative approaches to mucosal protection. It seems unlikely that a single solution will work in all instances and intervention might have to act at multiple levels and be tailored to local circumstances. We review here some of the mucosal events associated with HIV infection that are most relevant in an African setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Pala
- Medical Research Council-Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
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