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Camargo A, Ramírez JD, Kiu R, Hall LJ, Muñoz M. Unveiling the pathogenic mechanisms of Clostridium perfringens toxins and virulence factors. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2341968. [PMID: 38590276 PMCID: PMC11057404 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2341968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens causes multiple diseases in humans and animals. Its pathogenic effect is supported by a broad and heterogeneous arsenal of toxins and other virulence factors associated with a specific host tropism. Molecular approaches have indicated that most C. perfringens toxins produce membrane pores, leading to osmotic cell disruption and apoptosis. However, identifying mechanisms involved in cell tropism and selective toxicity effects should be studied more. The differential presence and polymorphisms of toxin-encoding genes and genes encoding other virulence factors suggest that molecular mechanisms might exist associated with host preference, receptor binding, and impact on the host; however, this information has not been reviewed in detail. Therefore, this review aims to clarify the current state of knowledge on the structural features and mechanisms of action of the major toxins and virulence factors of C. perfringens and discuss the impact of genetic diversity of toxinotypes in tropism for several hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anny Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Molecular Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raymond Kiu
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Lindsay J. Hall
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Gut Microbes and Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Instituto de Biotecnología-UN (IBUN), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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Badilla-Vargas L, Pereira R, Molina-Mora JA, Alape-Girón A, Flores-Díaz M. Clostridium perfringens phospholipase C, an archetypal bacterial virulence factor, induces the formation of extracellular traps by human neutrophils. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1278718. [PMID: 37965263 PMCID: PMC10641792 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1278718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are networks of DNA and various microbicidal proteins released to kill invading microorganisms and prevent their dissemination. However, a NETs excess is detrimental to the host and involved in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory and immunothrombotic diseases. Clostridium perfringens is a widely distributed pathogen associated with several animal and human diseases, that produces many exotoxins, including the phospholipase C (CpPLC), the main virulence factor in gas gangrene. During this disease, CpPLC generates the formation of neutrophil/platelet aggregates within the vasculature, favoring an anaerobic environment for C. perfringens growth. This work demonstrates that CpPLC induces NETosis in human neutrophils. Antibodies against CpPLC completely abrogate the NETosis-inducing activity of recombinant CpPLC and C. perfringens secretome. CpPLC induces suicidal NETosis through a mechanism that requires calcium release from inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3) sensitive stores, activation of protein kinase C (PKC), and the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathways, as well as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the metabolism of arachidonic acid. Proteomic analysis of the C. perfringens secretome identified 40 proteins, including a DNAse and two 5´-nucleotidases homologous to virulence factors that could be relevant in evading NETs. We suggested that in gas gangrene this pathogen benefits from having access to the metabolic resources of the tissue injured by a dysregulated intravascular NETosis and then escapes and spreads to deeper tissues. Understanding the role of NETs in gas gangrene could help develop novel therapeutic strategies to reduce mortality, improve muscle regeneration, and prevent deleterious patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Badilla-Vargas
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Reynaldo Pereira
- Centro Nacional de alta Tecnología, Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE), San José, Costa Rica
| | - José Arturo Molina-Mora
- Centro de investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Alberto Alape-Girón
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marietta Flores-Díaz
- Instituto Clodomiro Picado, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Takehara M, Kobayashi K, Nagahama M. Clostridium perfringens α-toxin up-regulates plasma membrane CD11b expression on murine neutrophils by changing intracellular localization. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:184054. [PMID: 36155052 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gas gangrene caused by Clostridium perfringens type A infection is a highly lethal infection of soft tissue characterized by rapid spread of tissue necrosis. This tissue destruction is related to profound attenuation of blood flow accompanied by formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates in the blood vessels. Several studies have identified α-toxin, which has both sphingomyelinase and phospholipase C activities, as a major virulence factor in the aggregate formation via activation of the platelet gpIIbIIIa. Here, we show that α-toxin greatly and rapidly increases plasma membrane localization of CD11b, which binds to the platelet gpIIbIIIa via fibrinogen, in mouse neutrophils. Interestingly, short-term treatment of α-toxin has little effect on gene expression profiles in neutrophils, and the toxin does not change the total protein expression levels of CD11b in whole cell lysates. The following analysis demonstrated that CD11b localizes to intracellular vesicles in intact cells, but the localization changed to the cytoplasmic membrane in α-toxin-treated cells. These results suggest that CD11b is recruited to the cytoplasmic membrane by α-toxin. Previously, we reported that α-toxin promotes the formation of ceramide by its sphingomyelinase activity in mouse neutrophils. Interestingly, a synthetic cell-permeable ceramide analog, C2-ceramide, increases plasma membrane localization of CD11b, suggesting that ceramide production by α-toxin recruits CD11b to the cytoplasmic membrane to promote platelet-leukocyte aggregation. Together, our results illustrate that the increase of cell membrane CD11b expression by α-toxin might be crucial for the pathogenesis of C. perfringens to promote formation of platelet-leukocyte aggregates, leading to rapid tissue necrosis due to ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Takehara
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan.
| | - Keiko Kobayashi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nagahama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan.
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Abstract
Clostridium perfringens, a prevalent Gram-positive bacterium, causes necrotic diseases associated with abundant life loss and economic burdens of billions of USD. The mechanism of C. perfringens-induced necrotic diseases remains largely unknown, in part, because of the lack of effective animal models and the presence of a large array of exotoxins and diverse disease manifestations from the skin and deep tissues to the gastrointestinal tract. In the light of the advancement of medical and veterinary research, a large body of knowledge is accumulating on the factors influencing C. perfringens-induced necrotic disease onset, development, and outcomes. Here, we present an overview of the key virulence factors of C. perfringens exotoxins. Subsequently, we focus on comprehensively reviewing C. perfringens-induced necrotic diseases such as myonecrosis, acute watery diarrhea, enteritis necroticans, preterm infant necrotizing enterocolitis, and chicken necrotic enteritis. We then review the current understanding on the mechanisms of myonecrosis and enteritis in relation to the immune system and intestinal microbiome. Based on these discussions, we then review current preventions and treatments of the necrotic diseases and propose potential new intervention options. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated and comprehensive knowledge on the role of the host–microbe interaction to develop new interventions against C. perfringens-induced necrotic diseases.
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Clostridial Diseases of Horses: A Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020318. [PMID: 35214776 PMCID: PMC8876495 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The clostridial diseases of horses can be divided into three major groups: enteric/enterotoxic, histotoxic, and neurotoxic. The main enteric/enterotoxic diseases include those produced by Clostridium perfringens type C and Clostridioides difficile, both of which are characterized by enterocolitis. The main histotoxic diseases are gas gangrene, Tyzzer disease, and infectious necrotic hepatitis. Gas gangrene is produced by one or more of the following microorganisms: C. perfringens type A, Clostridium septicum, Paeniclostridium sordellii, and Clostridium novyi type A, and it is characterized by necrotizing cellulitis and/or myositis. Tyzzer disease is produced by Clostridium piliforme and is mainly characterized by multifocal necrotizing hepatitis. Infectious necrotic hepatitis is produced by Clostridium novyi type B and is characterized by focal necrotizing hepatitis. The main neurotoxic clostridial diseases are tetanus and botulism, which are produced by Clostridium tetani and Clostridium botulinum, respectively. Tetanus is characterized by spastic paralysis and botulism by flaccid paralysis. Neither disease present with specific gross or microscopic lesions. The pathogenesis of clostridial diseases involves the production of toxins. Confirming a diagnosis of some of the clostridial diseases of horses is sometimes difficult, mainly because some agents can be present in tissues of normal animals. This paper reviews the main clostridial diseases of horses.
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Takehara M. [Study on the interaction between Clostridium perfringens and the host]. Nihon Saikingaku Zasshi 2021; 76:149-160. [PMID: 34789601 DOI: 10.3412/jsb.76.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type A causes gas gangrene, which is a serious disease caused by wound infection. α-Toxin produced by C. perfringens is known to be the primary pathogenic factor of gas gangrene. Although it has been proposed to induce tissue damage by impairing the host immune system and peripheral circulation, sufficient findings have not been obtained to explain the high virulence of C. perfringens. For the purpose of elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of this bacterium, I focused on the disease progressions such as the bacterial colonization, muscle tissue destruction and repair, and sepsis. In this review, focusing on the action of α-toxin, it will be explained together with the latest research results that the toxin suppresses the activation of the host immune response, represents toxicity to vascular endothelial cells, induces peripheral circulatory disorders due to hematopoietic disorders, inhibits muscle tissue repair, and induces excessive immune response. These mechanisms suggest that α-toxin acts in multiple steps to disrupt host defense and that C. perfringens attacks the host with a highly sophisticated mechanism. It is expected that the onset mechanism of gas gangrene would be elucidated, and I hope that new therapeutic strategies are developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Takehara
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University
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Pleskova SN, Bobyk SZ, Kriukov RN, Gorshkova EN, Novikov DV, Vasilchikov PI, Bezrukov NA, Novikov VV. S. aureus and E. coli change the force and work of adhesion between P- and E-selectins of endothelial cells and ligands of neutrophil granulocytes. Micron 2021; 150:103139. [PMID: 34428610 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2021.103139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Thanks to the modification of the force spectroscopy method, when a neutrophil is fixed on the tip, and an endotheliocyte culture is grown on the substrate, the exact indicators of the adhesion force and adhesion work between cells have been investigated. The high variability of adhesion contacts in different donors associated with different expression profiles of neutrophils. It was found by flow cytometry that the EA.hy926 cell line actively expresses VCAM-1, as well as P- and E-selectin under the Staphylococcus aureus influence after 60 min of co-incubation. At the same time, the integral indicators of the adhesion force and adhesion work in the "neutrophil - endothelial cell" interaction were significantly inhibited by S. aureus in all studied donors. Since the VCAM-1 receptor is not involved in the adhesion bonds between neutrophils and endothelial cells, the suppression of the interaction is associated with the inhibition of P- and E-selectins, but direct receptors removal from the endothelial cells surface of the EA.hy926 cell line does not occur. Escherichia coli causes multidirectional effects in the system of interaction "neutrophil - endothelial cell", depending on the expression profile of the donor's neutrophils. However, the cumulative effect of interaction from all donors shows that in general, under the influence of E. coli, there is an increase in adhesion force and a suppression of adhesion work.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Pleskova
- Research and Education Center for Physics of Solid State Nanostructures, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina Ave., 23, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; Department "Nanotechnology and Biotechnology", R.E. Alekseev Technical State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Minina St., 24, 603155, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - S Z Bobyk
- Research and Education Center for Physics of Solid State Nanostructures, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina Ave., 23, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - R N Kriukov
- Research and Education Center for Physics of Solid State Nanostructures, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina Ave., 23, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - E N Gorshkova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina Ave., 23, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - D V Novikov
- Nizhniy Novgorod Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Academician I.N. Blokhina, Malaya Yamskaya St., 71, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - P I Vasilchikov
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Gagarina Ave., 23, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - N A Bezrukov
- Department "Nanotechnology and Biotechnology", R.E. Alekseev Technical State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Minina St., 24, 603155, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - V V Novikov
- Nizhniy Novgorod Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Academician I.N. Blokhina, Malaya Yamskaya St., 71, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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Takehara M, Kobayashi K, Nagahama M. Toll-Like Receptor 4 Protects Against Clostridium perfringens Infection in Mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:633440. [PMID: 33763386 PMCID: PMC7982660 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.633440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been reported to protect against Gram-negative bacteria by acting as a pathogen recognition receptor that senses mainly lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria. However, the role of TLR4 in Gram-positive bacterial infection is less well understood. Clostridium perfringens type A is a Gram-positive bacterium that causes gas gangrene characterized by severe myonecrosis. It was previously demonstrated that C. perfringens θ-toxin is a TLR4 agonist, but the role of TLR4 in C. perfringens infection is unclear. Here, TLR4-defective C3H/HeJ mice infected with C. perfringens showed a remarkable decrease in survival rate, an increase in viable bacterial counts, and accelerated destruction of myofibrils at the infection site compared with wild-type C3H/HeN mice. These results demonstrate that TLR4 plays an important role in the elimination of C. perfringens. Remarkable increases in levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), were observed in C. perfringens-infected C3H/HeN mice, whereas the increases were limited in C3H/HeJ mice. Generally, increased G-CSF accelerates granulopoiesis in the bone marrow and the spleen to exacerbate neutrophil production, resulting in elimination of bacteria. The number of neutrophils in the spleen was increased in C. perfringens-infected C3H/HeN mice compared with non-infected mice, while the increase was lower in C. perfringens-infected C3H/HeJ mice. Furthermore, DNA microarray analysis revealed that the mutation in TLR4 partially affects host gene expression during C. perfringens infection. Together, our results illustrate that TLR4 is crucial for the innate ability to eliminate C. perfringens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Takehara
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Japan
| | - Keiko Kobayashi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nagahama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Japan
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A Putative Amidase Endolysin Encoded by Clostridium perfringens St13 Exhibits Specific Lytic Activity and Synergizes with the Muramidase Endolysin Psm. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10030245. [PMID: 33804492 PMCID: PMC7999503 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is an often-harmful intestinal bacterium that causes various diseases ranging from food poisoning to life-threatening fulminant disease. Potential treatments include phage-derived endolysins, a promising family of alternative antimicrobial agents. We surveyed the genome of the C. perfringens st13 strain and identified an endolysin gene, psa, in the phage remnant region. Psa has an N-terminal catalytic domain that is homologous to the amidase_2 domain, and a C-terminal domain of unknown function. psa and gene derivatives encoding various Psa subdomains were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as N-terminal histidine-tagged proteins. Purified His-tagged full-length Psa protein (Psa-his) showed C. perfringens-specific lytic activity in turbidity reduction assays. In addition, we demonstrated that the uncharacterized C-terminal domain has cell wall-binding activity. Furthermore, cell wall-binding measurements showed that Psa binding was highly specific to C. perfringens. These results indicated that Psa is an amidase endolysin that specifically lyses C. perfringens; the enzyme’s specificity is highly dependent on the binding of the C-terminal domain. Moreover, Psa was shown to have a synergistic effect with another C. perfringens-specific endolysin, Psm, which is a muramidase that cleaves peptidoglycan at a site distinct from that targeted by Psa. The combination of Psa and Psm may be effective in the treatment and prevention of C. perfringens infections.
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McMullen PD, Cho JH, Miller JL, Husain AN, Pytel P, Krausz T. A Descriptive and Quantitative Immunohistochemical Study Demonstrating a Spectrum of Platelet Recruitment Patterns Across Pulmonary Infections Including COVID-19. Am J Clin Pathol 2021; 155:354-363. [PMID: 33174599 PMCID: PMC7717231 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pulmonary platelet deposition and microangiopathy are increasingly recognized components of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Thrombosis is a known component of sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. We sought to compare the level of platelet deposition in the pulmonary vasculature in cases of confirmed COVID-19 infection to other lung injuries and infections. METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed on 27 autopsy cases and 2 surgical pathology cases targeting CD61. Multiple cases of normal lung, diffuse alveolar damage, COVID-19, influenza, and bacterial and fungal infections, as well as one case of pulmonary emboli, were included. The levels of CD61 staining were compared quantitatively in the autopsy cases, and patterns of staining were described. RESULTS Nearly all specimens exhibited an increase in CD61 staining relative to control lung tissue. The area of CD61 staining in COVID-19 infection was higher than influenza but still comparable to many other infectious diseases. Cases of aspiration pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus infection, and blastomycosis exhibited the highest levels of CD61 staining. CONCLUSIONS Platelet deposition is a phenomenon common to many pulmonary insults. A spectrum of staining patterns was observed, suggestive of pathogen-specific mechanisms of platelet deposition. Further study into the mechanisms driving platelet deposition in pulmonary injuries and infections is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip D McMullen
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Joseph H Cho
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Jonathan L Miller
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Aliya N Husain
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Peter Pytel
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Thomas Krausz
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
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Abstract
Necrotizing soft tissue infections occur after traumatic injuries, minor skin lesions, nonpenetrating injuries, natural childbirth, and in postsurgical and immunocompromised patients. Infections can be severe, rapidly progressive, and life threatening. Survivors often endure multiple surgeries and prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation. Despite subtle nuances that may distinguish one entity from another, clinical approaches to diagnosis and treatment are highly similar. This review describes the clinical and laboratory features of necrotizing soft tissue infections and addresses recommended diagnostic and treatment modalities. It discusses the impact of delays in surgical debridement, antibiotic use, and resuscitation on mortality, and summarizes key pathogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis L Stevens
- Infectious Diseases Center of Biomedical Research Excellence, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 West Fort Street (Mail Stop 151), Boise, ID 83702, USA
| | - Amy E Bryant
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, 1311 East Central Drive, Meridian, ID 83642, USA.
| | - Ellie Jc Goldstein
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90074, USA; R M Alden Research Laboratory, 2021 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite #740 East, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
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Bunkar N, Sharma J, Chouksey A, Kumari R, Gupta PK, Tiwari R, Lodhi L, Srivastava RK, Bhargava A, Mishra PK. Clostridium perfringens phospholipase C impairs innate immune response by inducing integrated stress response and mitochondrial-induced epigenetic modifications. Cell Signal 2020; 75:109776. [PMID: 32916276 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens, a rod-shaped, gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium is one of the most widely occurring bacterial pathogens, associated with a spectrum of diseases in humans. A major virulence factor during its infection is the enzyme phospholipase C encoded by the plc gene, known as Clostridium perfringens phospholipase C (CpPLC). The present study was designed to understand the role of CpPLC in inducing survival mechanisms and mitochondrial-induced epigenetic changes in a human lymphocyte cell culture model. Following exposure to CpPLC, a significant generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species was observed, which coincided with the changes in the expression of vital components of MAP/ERK/RTK signaling cascade that regulates the downstream cellular functions. These disturbances further led to alterations in the mitochondrial genome and functioning. This was supported by the observed upregulation in the expression of mitochondrial fission genes Drp1, Fis1, and Mff, and mitochondrial fusion genes MFN1, MFN2, and OPA1 following CpPLC exposure. CpPLC exposed cells showed upregulation of OMA1, DELE1, and HRI genes involved in the integrated stress response (ISR), which suggests that it may induce the ISR that provides a pro-survival mechanism to the host cell. CpPLC also initiated immune patho-physiologic mechanisms including mitochondrial-induced epigenetic modifications through a mitochondrial-ROS driven signaling pathway. Interestingly, epigenetic machinery not only play a pivotal role in lymphocyte homeostasis by contributing to cell-fate decisions but thought to be one of the mechanisms by which intracellular pathogens survive within the host cells. Importantly, the impairment of mtDNA repair among the CpPLC exposed cells, induced alterations within mtDNA methylation, and led to the deregulation of MT-CO1, MT-ND6, MT-ATPase 6, and MT-ATPase8 gene expression profiles that are important for mitochondrial bioenergetics and subsequent metabolic pathways. This was further confirmed by the changes in the activity of mitochondrial electron chain complexes (complex I, II, III, IV and V). The altered mtDNA methylation profile was also found to be closely associated with the varied expression of mitomiRs and their targets. CpPLC exposed cells showed up-regulation of miR24 expression and down-regulation of miR34a, miR150, and miR155, while the increased expression of mitomiR target genes i.e. of K-Ras, MYC, EGFR, and NF-kβ was also observed in these cells. Altogether, our findings provide novel insights into the derailment of redox signaling machinery in CpPLC treated lymphocytes and its role in the induction of survival mechanisms and mitochondrial-induced epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Bunkar
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Jahnavi Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Anju Chouksey
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Roshani Kumari
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Pushpendra Kumar Gupta
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Rajnarayan Tiwari
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Lalit Lodhi
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | | | - Arpit Bhargava
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India
| | - Pradyumna Kumar Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, India.
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Takehara M, Kobayashi K, Nagahama M. Clostridium perfringens α-toxin inhibits myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. Anaerobe 2020; 65:102265. [PMID: 32860931 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2020.102265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type A is the causative agent of clostridial myonecrosis, and α-toxin has been reported to be responsible for the pathogenesis. Recently, it was reported that regeneration of skeletal muscle after C. perfringens-induced muscle disorders is delayed, but the detailed mechanisms have not been elucidated. Here, we tested whether α-toxin impairs the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts, a useful cell line to study muscle growth, maturation, and regeneration in vitro. α-Toxin dose-dependently inhibited myotube formation in C2C12 cultures after induction of their differentiation by horse serum. Also, immunoblot analysis revealed that α-toxin dose-dependently decreases the expressions of two skeletal muscle differentiation markers, myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD) and myogenin. These results demonstrate that α-toxin impairs the myogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. To reveal the mechanism behind α-toxin-mediated impairment of myogenic differentiation, we focused on ceramide production since α-toxin is known to promote the formation of ceramide by its sphingomyelinase activity. Immunofluorescent analysis revealed that ceramide production is accelerated by treatment with α-toxin. Furthermore, a synthetic cell-permeable ceramide analog, C2-ceramide, inhibited myotube formation in C2C12 cells and decreased the expressions of MyoD and myogenin, suggesting that accelerated ceramide production is involved in the α-toxin-mediated blockage of myogenic differentiation. Together, our results illustrate that the impairment of myogenic differentiation by α-toxin might be crucial for the pathogenesis of C. perfringens to delay regeneration of severely damaged skeletal muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Takehara
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan.
| | - Keiko Kobayashi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nagahama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan.
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14
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Takehara M, Bandou H, Kobayashi K, Nagahama M. Clostridium perfringens α-toxin specifically induces endothelial cell death by promoting ceramide-mediated apoptosis. Anaerobe 2020; 65:102262. [PMID: 32828915 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2020.102262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type A-induced gas gangrene is characterized by severe myonecrosis, and α-toxin has been revealed to be a major virulence factor involved in the pathogenesis. However, the detailed mechanism is unclear. Here, we show that CD31+ endothelial cell counts decrease in muscles infected with C. perfringens in an α-toxin-dependent manner. In vitro experiments revealed that α-toxin preferentially and rapidly induces the death of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) compared with C2C12 murine muscle cells. The toxin induces apoptosis of HUVECs by increasing ceramide. Furthermore, the specificity might be dependent on differences in the sensitivity to ceramide between these cell lines. Together, our results suggest that α-toxin-induced endothelial cell death promotes severe myonecrosis and is involved in the pathogenesis of C. perfringens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Takehara
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan.
| | - Hiroto Bandou
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan
| | - Keiko Kobayashi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nagahama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514, Japan.
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15
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Interaction of Macrophages and Cholesterol-Dependent Cytolysins: The Impact on Immune Response and Cellular Survival. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090531. [PMID: 32825096 PMCID: PMC7551085 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are key virulence factors involved in many lethal bacterial infections, including pneumonia, necrotizing soft tissue infections, bacterial meningitis, and miscarriage. Host responses to these diseases involve myeloid cells, especially macrophages. Macrophages use several systems to detect and respond to cholesterol-dependent cytolysins, including membrane repair, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling, phagocytosis, cytokine production, and activation of the adaptive immune system. However, CDCs also promote immune evasion by silencing and/or destroying myeloid cells. While there are many common themes between the various CDCs, each CDC also possesses specific features to optimally benefit the pathogen producing it. This review highlights host responses to CDC pathogenesis with a focus on macrophages. Due to their robust plasticity, macrophages play key roles in the outcome of bacterial infections. Understanding the unique features and differences within the common theme of CDCs bolsters new tools for research and therapy.
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16
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The Agr-Like Quorum-Sensing System Is Important for Clostridium perfringens Type A Strain ATCC 3624 To Cause Gas Gangrene in a Mouse Model. mSphere 2020; 5:5/3/e00500-20. [PMID: 32554714 PMCID: PMC7300355 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00500-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type A is involved in gas gangrene in humans and animals. Following a traumatic injury, rapid bacterial proliferation and exotoxin production result in severe myonecrosis. C. perfringens alpha toxin (CPA) and perfringolysin (PFO) are the main virulence factors responsible for the disease. Recent in vitro studies have identified an Agr-like quorum-sensing (QS) system in C. perfringens that regulates the production of both toxins. The system is composed of an AgrB membrane transporter and an AgrD peptide that interacts with a two-component regulatory system in response to fluctuations in the cell population density. In addition, a synthetic peptide named 6-R has been shown to interfere with this signaling mechanism, affecting the function of the Agr-like QS system in vitro In the present study, C. perfringens type A strain ATCC 3624 and an isogenic agrB-null mutant were tested in a mouse model of gas gangrene. When mice were intramuscularly challenged with 106 CFU of wild-type ATCC 3624, severe myonecrosis and leukocyte aggregation occurred by 4 h. Similar numbers of an agrB-null mutant strain produced significantly less severe changes in the skeletal muscle of challenged mice. Complementation of the mutant to regain agrB expression restored virulence to wild-type levels. The burdens of all three C. perfringens strains in infected muscle were similar. In addition, animals injected intramuscularly with wild-type ATCC 3624 coincubated with the 6-R peptide developed less severe microscopic changes. This study provides the first in vivo evidence that the Agr-like QS system is important for C. perfringens type A-mediated gas gangrene.IMPORTANCE Clostridium perfringens type A strains produce toxins that are responsible for clostridial myonecrosis, also known as gas gangrene. Toxin production is regulated by an Agr-like quorum-sensing (QS) system that responds to changes in cell population density. In this study, we investigated the importance of this QS system in a mouse model of gas gangrene. Mice challenged with a C. perfringens strain with a nonfunctional regulatory system developed less severe changes in the injected skeletal muscle compared to animals receiving the wild-type strain. In addition, a synthetic peptide was able to decrease the effects of the QS in this disease model. These studies provide new understanding of the pathogenesis of gas gangrene and identified a potential therapeutic target to prevent the disease.
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17
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Junior CAO, Silva ROS, Lobato FCF, Navarro MA, Uzal FA. Gas gangrene in mammals: a review. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:175-183. [PMID: 32081096 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720905830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas gangrene is a necrotizing infection of subcutaneous tissue and muscle that affects mainly ruminants and horses, but also other domestic and wild mammals. Clostridium chauvoei, C. septicum, C. novyi type A, C. perfringens type A, and C. sordellii are the etiologic agents of this disease, acting singly or in combination. Although a presumptive diagnosis of gas gangrene can be established based on clinical history, clinical signs, and gross and microscopic changes, identification of the clostridia involved is required for confirmatory diagnosis. Gross and microscopic lesions are, however, highly suggestive of the disease. Although the disease has a worldwide distribution and can cause significant economic losses, the literature is limited mostly to case reports. Thus, we have reviewed the current knowledge of gas gangrene in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Oliveira Junior
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Oliveira Junior, Silva, Lobato).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California, Davis, CA (Navarro, Uzal)
| | - Rodrigo O S Silva
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Oliveira Junior, Silva, Lobato).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California, Davis, CA (Navarro, Uzal)
| | - Francisco C F Lobato
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Oliveira Junior, Silva, Lobato).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California, Davis, CA (Navarro, Uzal)
| | - Mauricio A Navarro
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Oliveira Junior, Silva, Lobato).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California, Davis, CA (Navarro, Uzal)
| | - Francisco A Uzal
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Oliveira Junior, Silva, Lobato).,California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California, Davis, CA (Navarro, Uzal)
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18
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Yamamura K, Ashida H, Okano T, Kinoshita-Daitoku R, Suzuki S, Ohtani K, Hamagaki M, Ikeda T, Suzuki T. Inflammasome Activation Induced by Perfringolysin O of Clostridium perfringens and Its Involvement in the Progression of Gas Gangrene. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2406. [PMID: 31708887 PMCID: PMC6823607 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is Gram-positive anaerobic, spore-forming rod-shaped bacterial pathogen that is widely distributed in nature. This bacterium is known as the causative agent of a foodborne illness and of gas gangrene. While the major virulence factors are the α-toxin and perfringolysin O (PFO) produced by type A strains of C. perfringens, the precise mechanisms of how these toxins induce the development of gas gangrene are still not well understood. In this study, we analyzed the host responses to these toxins, including inflammasome activation, using mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Our results demonstrated, for the first time, that C. perfringens triggers the activation of caspase-1 and release of IL-1β through PFO-mediated inflammasome activation via a receptor of the Nod-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin-domain containing 3 protein (NLRP3). The PFO-mediated inflammasome activation was not induced in the cultured myocytes. We further analyzed the functional roles of the toxins in inducing myonecrosis in a mouse model of gas gangrene. Although the myonecrosis was found to be largely dependent on the α-toxin, PFO also induced myonecrosis to a lesser extent, again through the mediation of NLRP3. These results suggest that C. perfringens triggers inflammatory responses via PFO-mediated inflammasome activation via NLRP3, and that this axis contributes in part to the progression of gas gangrene. Our findings provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of gas gangrene caused by C. perfringens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyonobu Yamamura
- Department of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Infection and Host Response, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ashida
- Department of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Infection and Host Response, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tokuju Okano
- Department of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Infection and Host Response, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Kinoshita-Daitoku
- Department of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Infection and Host Response, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiho Suzuki
- Department of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Infection and Host Response, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Ohtani
- Department of Bacteriology and Bacterial Infection, Division of Host Defense Mechanism, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Miwako Hamagaki
- Department of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tohru Ikeda
- Department of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Suzuki
- Department of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Infection and Host Response, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Tessier JM, Sanders J, Sartelli M, Ulrych J, De Simone B, Grabowski J, Buckman S, Duane TM. Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A Focused Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Operative Management, Antimicrobial Therapy, and Pediatrics. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2019; 21:81-93. [PMID: 31584343 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2019.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a major health problem throughout the world. The purpose of this review is to assist providers with the care of these patients through a better understanding of the pathophysiology and management options. Methods: This is a collaborative review of the literature between members of the Surgical Infection Society of North America and World Society of Emergency Surgery. Results: Necrotizing fasciitis continues to be difficult to manage with the mainstay being early diagnosis and surgical intervention. Recognition of at-risk populations assists with the initiation of treatment, thereby impacting outcomes. Conclusions: Although there are some additional treatment strategies available, surgical debridement and antimicrobial therapy are central to the successful eradication of the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Tessier
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
| | - James Sanders
- Antimicrobial Stewardship, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Jan Ulrych
- First Department of Surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Belinda De Simone
- Emergency and Trauma Surgery Department, Parma University Hospital, Parma, Italy
| | - Julia Grabowski
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Northwestern University Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sara Buckman
- Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
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20
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Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Does Not Influence Clostridium Perfringens α-Toxin-Induced Myonecrosis in Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090509. [PMID: 31480318 PMCID: PMC6784116 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens type A causes gas gangrene characterized by myonecrosis and development of an effective therapy for treating affected patients is of clinical importance. It was recently reported that the expression of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is greatly up-regulated by C. perfringens infection. However, the role of G-CSF in C. perfringens-mediated myonecrosis is still unclear. Here, we assessed the destructive changes in C. perfringens-infected skeletal muscles and tested whether inhibition of G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) signaling or administration of recombinant G-CSF affects the tissue injury. Severe edema, contraction of muscle fiber diameter, and increased plasma creatine kinase activity were observed in mice intramuscularly injected with C. perfringens type A, and the destructive changes were α-toxin-dependent, indicating that infection induces the destruction of skeletal muscle in an α-toxin-dependent manner. G-CSF plays important roles in the protection of tissue against damage and in the regeneration of injured tissue. However, administration of a neutralizing antibody against G-CSFR had no profound impact on the destructive changes to skeletal muscle. Moreover, administration of recombinant human G-CSF, filgrastim, imparted no inhibitory effect against the destructive changes caused by C. perfringens. Together, these results indicate that G-CSF is not beneficial for treating C. perfringens α-toxin-mediated myonecrosis, but highlight the importance of revealing the mechanism by which C. perfringens negates the protective effects of G-CSF in skeletal muscle.
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21
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
The pathogenesis of clostridial myonecrosis or gas gangrene involves an interruption to the blood supply to the infected tissues, often via a traumatic wound, anaerobic growth of the infecting clostridial cells, the production of extracellular toxins, and toxin-mediated cell and tissue damage. This review focuses on host-pathogen interactions in
Clostridium perfringens
-mediated and
Clostridium septicum
-mediated myonecrosis. The major toxins involved are
C. perfringens
α-toxin, which has phospholipase C and sphingomyelinase activity, and
C. septicum
α-toxin, a β-pore-forming toxin that belongs to the aerolysin family. Although these toxins are cytotoxic, their effects on host cells are quite complex, with a range of intracellular cell signaling pathways induced by their action on host cell membranes.
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22
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Takehara M, Seike S, Sonobe Y, Bandou H, Yokoyama S, Takagishi T, Miyamoto K, Kobayashi K, Nagahama M. Clostridium perfringens α-toxin impairs granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor-mediated granulocyte production while triggering septic shock. Commun Biol 2019; 2:45. [PMID: 30729183 PMCID: PMC6355902 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0280-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During bacterial infection, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is produced and accelerates neutrophil production from their progenitors. This process, termed granulopoiesis, strengthens host defense, but Clostridium perfringens α-toxin impairs granulopoiesis via an unknown mechanism. Here, we tested whether G-CSF accounts for the α-toxin-mediated impairment of granulopoiesis. We find that α-toxin dramatically accelerates G-CSF production from endothelial cells in response to Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) agonists through activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. Meanwhile, α-toxin inhibits G-CSF-mediated cell proliferation of Ly-6G+ neutrophils by inducing degradation of G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR). During sepsis, administration of α-toxin promotes lethality and tissue injury accompanied by accelerated production of inflammatory cytokines in a TLR4-dependent manner. Together, our results illustrate that α-toxin disturbs G-CSF-mediated granulopoiesis by reducing the expression of G-CSFR on neutrophils while augmenting septic shock due to excess inflammatory cytokine release, which provides a new mechanism to explain how pathogenic bacteria modulate the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Takehara
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514 Japan
| | - Soshi Seike
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514 Japan
| | - Yuuta Sonobe
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514 Japan
| | - Hiroto Bandou
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514 Japan
| | - Saki Yokoyama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514 Japan
| | - Teruhisa Takagishi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514 Japan
| | - Kazuaki Miyamoto
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514 Japan
| | - Keiko Kobayashi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514 Japan
| | - Masahiro Nagahama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima, 770-8514 Japan
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23
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Takehara M. [Host Defense against Bacterial Infection and Bacterial Toxin-induced Impairment of Innate Immunity]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2018; 138:1249-1253. [PMID: 30270267 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.18-00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Whereas granulopoiesis during Gram-negative bacterial infection is accelerated through activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), it has not been elucidated whether Gram-positive bacterial infection can stimulate granulopoiesis. Using the well-known TLR2 agonist peptidoglycan (PGN), it was shown that neutrophils in bone marrow and spleen and plasma granulocyte colony-stimulating factor were increased in mice that had received intraperitoneal administration of PGN. Incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine into bone marrow neutrophils increased in mice administered PGN, demonstrating that PGN promotes granulopoiesis. These results illustrate that bacterial recognition by TLR2 facilitates granulopoiesis during Gram-positive bacterial infection. Thus, granulopoiesis is accelerated to suppress bacterial infection, but some bacteria can still cause severe infections. Clostridium perfringens is a Gram-positive, anaerobic pathogenic bacterium and causes life-threatening gas gangrene in humans. Of the many toxins produced by C. perfringens, α-toxin is known to be a major virulence factor during infection. Recently, it has been revealed that C. perfringens α-toxin impairs the innate immune system by inhibiting neutrophil differentiation, which is crucial for the pathogenesis of C. perfringens. Moreover, the toxin also attenuates erythropoiesis, which would cause severe anemia in clinical settings. The findings provide new insight to understand how hosts strengthen innate immunity to fight pathogenic bacteria and how they evade the hosts' immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Takehara
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University
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24
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Low LY, Harrison PF, Gould J, Powell DR, Choo JM, Forster SC, Chapman R, Gearing LJ, Cheung JK, Hertzog P, Rood JI. Concurrent Host-Pathogen Transcriptional Responses in a Clostridium perfringens Murine Myonecrosis Infection. mBio 2018; 9:e00473-18. [PMID: 29588405 PMCID: PMC5874911 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00473-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To obtain an insight into host-pathogen interactions in clostridial myonecrosis, we carried out comparative transcriptome analysis of both the bacterium and the host in a murine Clostridium perfringens infection model, which is the first time that such an investigation has been conducted. Analysis of the host transcriptome from infected muscle tissues indicated that many genes were upregulated compared to the results seen with mock-infected mice. These genes were enriched for host defense pathways, including Toll-like receptor (TLR) and Nod-like receptor (NLR) signaling components. Real-time PCR confirmed that host TLR2 and NLRP3 inflammasome genes were induced in response to C. perfringens infection. Comparison of the transcriptome of C. perfringens cells from the infected tissues with that from broth cultures showed that host selective pressure induced a global change in C. perfringens gene expression. A total of 33% (923) of C. perfringens genes were differentially regulated, including 10 potential virulence genes that were upregulated relative to their expression in vitro These genes encoded putative proteins that may be involved in the synthesis of cell wall-associated macromolecules, in adhesion to host cells, or in protection from host cationic antimicrobial peptides. This report presents the first successful expression profiling of coregulated transcriptomes of bacterial and host genes during a clostridial myonecrosis infection and provides new insights into disease pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.IMPORTANCEClostridium perfringens is the causative agent of traumatic clostridial myonecrosis, or gas gangrene. In this study, we carried out transcriptional analysis of both the host and the bacterial pathogen in a mouse myonecrosis infection. The results showed that in comparison to mock-infected control tissues, muscle tissues from C. perfringens-infected mice had a significantly altered gene expression profile. In particular, the expression of many genes involved in the innate immune system was upregulated. Comparison of the expression profiles of C. perfringens cells isolated from the infected tissues with those from equivalent broth cultures identified many potential virulence genes that were significantly upregulated in vivo These studies have provided a new understanding of the range of factors involved in host-pathogen interactions in a myonecrosis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Yean Low
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Paul F Harrison
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jodee Gould
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - David R Powell
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jocelyn M Choo
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Samuel C Forster
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ross Chapman
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Linden J Gearing
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jackie K Cheung
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Paul Hertzog
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, School of Clinical Science, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Julian I Rood
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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25
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Awad MM, Cheung JK, Tan JE, McEwan AG, Lyras D, Rood JI. Functional analysis of an feoB mutant in Clostridium perfringens strain 13. Anaerobe 2016; 41:10-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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The Aminopeptidase CD13 Induces Homotypic Aggregation in Neutrophils and Impairs Collagen Invasion. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160108. [PMID: 27467268 PMCID: PMC4965216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminopeptidase N (CD13) is a widely expressed cell surface metallopeptidase involved in the migration of cancer and endothelial cells. Apart from our demonstration that CD13 modulates the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced apoptosis in neutrophils, no other function for CD13 has been ascribed in this cell. We hypothesized that CD13 may be involved in neutrophil migration and/or homotypic aggregation. Using purified human blood neutrophils we confirmed the expression of CD13 on neutrophils and its up-regulation by pro-inflammatory agonists. However, using the anti-CD13 monoclonal antibody WM-15 and the aminopeptidase enzymatic inhibitor bestatin we were unable to demonstrate any direct involvement of CD13 in neutrophil polarisation or chemotaxis. In contrast, IL-8-mediated neutrophil migration in type I collagen gels was significantly impaired by the anti-CD13 monoclonal antibodies WM-15 and MY7. Notably, these antibodies also induced significant homotypic aggregation of neutrophils, which was dependent on CD13 cross-linking and was attenuated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase and extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 inhibition. Live imaging demonstrated that in WM-15-treated neutrophils, where homotypic aggregation was evident, the number of cells entering IL-8 impregnated collagen I gels was significantly reduced. These data reveal a novel role for CD13 in inducing homotypic aggregation in neutrophils, which results in a transmigration deficiency; this mechanism may be relevant to neutrophil micro-aggregation in vivo.
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Takehara M, Takagishi T, Seike S, Ohtani K, Kobayashi K, Miyamoto K, Shimizu T, Nagahama M. Clostridium perfringens α-Toxin Impairs Innate Immunity via Inhibition of Neutrophil Differentiation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28192. [PMID: 27306065 PMCID: PMC4910053 DOI: 10.1038/srep28192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although granulopoiesis is accelerated to suppress bacteria during infection, some bacteria can still cause life-threatening infections, but the mechanism behind this remains unclear. In this study, we found that mature neutrophils in bone marrow cells (BMCs) were decreased in C. perfringens-infected mice and also after injection of virulence factor α-toxin. C. perfringens infection interfered with the replenishment of mature neutrophils in the peripheral circulation and the accumulation of neutrophils at C. perfringens-infected sites in an α-toxin-dependent manner. Measurements of bacterial colony-forming units in C. perfringens-infected muscle revealed that α-toxin inhibited a reduction in the load of C. perfringens. In vitro treatment of isolated BMCs with α-toxin (phospholipase C) revealed that α-toxin directly decreased mature neutrophils. α-Toxin did not influence the viability of isolated mature neutrophils, while simultaneous treatment of BMCs with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor attenuated the reduction of mature neutrophils by α-toxin. Together, our results illustrate that impairment of the innate immune system by the inhibition of neutrophil differentiation is crucial for the pathogenesis of C. perfringens to promote disease to a life-threatening infection, which provides new insight to understand how pathogenic bacteria evade the host immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Takehara
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Teruhisa Takagishi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Soshi Seike
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Kaori Ohtani
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan.,Miyarisan Pharmaceutical Co., LTD, 1-10-3, Kaminakazato, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0016, Japan
| | - Keiko Kobayashi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Miyamoto
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
| | - Tohru Shimizu
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takara-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Masahiro Nagahama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Yamashiro-cho, Tokushima 770-8514, Japan
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Guo S, Li C, Liu D, Guo Y. Inflammatory responses to a Clostridium perfringens type A strain and α-toxin in primary intestinal epithelial cells of chicken embryos. Avian Pathol 2015; 44:81-91. [PMID: 25584964 DOI: 10.1080/03079457.2015.1005573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The causative pathogen of necrotic enteritis is the Gram-positive bacterium Clostridium perfringens. Its main cell wall component, peptidoglycan (PGN), can be recognized by Toll-like receptor 2 and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD). Consequently, the immune response is initiated via activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signalling pathway. An in vitro study was conducted to investigate chicken intestinal inflammatory responses to C. perfringens type A and one of its virulence factors, α-toxin. In primary intestinal epithelial cells, C. perfringens as well as commercially available PGN and α-toxin challenge upregulated mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) with a dosage-dependent manner at 3 h post infection (p.i.; P ≤ 0.001). Time-course effects of three stimulators at high concentration were further examined. C. perfringens infection elevated IL-6, IL-8 and iNOS levels from 1 h to 9 h p.i., while PGN treatment increased IL-6 and IL-8 expression at 1 h and 3 h p.i. (P < 0.05). Bacterial and PGN treatments induced NOD1 expression at 6 h p.i. and only bacterial infection boosted NF-κB p65 expression at 6 h and 9 h p.i. (P < 0.05). α-Toxin treatment upregulated IL-6 and IL-8 expression throughout infection, as well as iNOS, TNF-α and NF-κB p65 expression at later hours p.i. (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both C. perfringens and α-toxin challenge induced intense cytokine expression associated with NF-κB activation in chicken intestinal epithelial cells. The receptors for the recognition of PGN component of C. perfringens need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Guo
- a State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Animal Nutrition and Feed Safety, College of Animal Science and Technology , China Agricultural University , Beijing 100193 , China
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Perfringolysin O: The Underrated Clostridium perfringens Toxin? Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:1702-21. [PMID: 26008232 PMCID: PMC4448169 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7051702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The anaerobic bacterium Clostridium perfringens expresses multiple toxins that promote disease development in both humans and animals. One such toxin is perfringolysin O (PFO, classically referred to as θ toxin), a pore-forming cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC). PFO is secreted as a water-soluble monomer that recognizes and binds membranes via cholesterol. Membrane-bound monomers undergo structural changes that culminate in the formation of an oligomerized prepore complex on the membrane surface. The prepore then undergoes conversion into the bilayer-spanning pore measuring approximately 250–300 Å in diameter. PFO is expressed in nearly all identified C. perfringens strains and harbors interesting traits that suggest a potential undefined role for PFO in disease development. Research has demonstrated a role for PFO in gas gangrene progression and bovine necrohemorrhagic enteritis, but there is limited data available to determine if PFO also functions in additional disease presentations caused by C. perfringens. This review summarizes the known structural and functional characteristics of PFO, while highlighting recent insights into the potential contributions of PFO to disease pathogenesis.
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Chakravorty A, Awad MM, Cheung JK, Hiscox TJ, Lyras D, Rood JI. The pore-forming α-toxin from clostridium septicum activates the MAPK pathway in a Ras-c-Raf-dependent and independent manner. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:516-34. [PMID: 25675415 PMCID: PMC4344638 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7020516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium septicum is the causative agent of atraumatic gas gangrene, with α-toxin, an extracellular pore-forming toxin, essential for disease. How C. septicum modulates the host’s innate immune response is poorly defined, although α-toxin-intoxicated muscle cells undergo cellular oncosis, characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction and release of reactive oxygen species. Nonetheless, the signalling events that occur prior to the initiation of oncosis are poorly characterised. Our aims were to characterise the ability of α-toxin to activate the host mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of Vero cells with purified α-toxin activated the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 arms of the MAPK pathway and stimulated the release of TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. Studies using inhibitors of all three MAPK components suggested that activation of ERK occurred in a Ras-c-Raf dependent manner, whereas activation of JNK and p38 occurred by a Ras-independent mechanism. Toxin-mediated activation was dependent on efficient receptor binding and pore formation and on an influx of extracellular calcium ions. In the mouse myonecrosis model we showed that the MAPK pathway was activated in tissues of infected mice, implying that it has an important role in the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Chakravorty
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Milena M Awad
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Jackie K Cheung
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Thomas J Hiscox
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Dena Lyras
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Julian I Rood
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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Abd Rashid AH, Ramli R, Ibrahim S. Clostridium perfringens surgical site infection after osteotomy for knee deformity correction in a non-immunocompromised child. Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2014; 15:656-8. [PMID: 24828080 DOI: 10.1089/sur.2012.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium perfringens myonecrosis following an elective surgical procedure in a previously healthy child is a rare incident. METHODS Case report and literature review. RESULTS A two-year old boy admitted for elective bilateral osteotomies of tibiae was detected to be febrile at day one post-operatively with crepitus felt at his left ankle. An emergency wound debridement was performed followed by a course of antibiotics. Clostridium perfringens was isolated from tissue culture. His wound was later covered with a split-thickness skin graft. CONCLUSION Clostridium perfringens infection following a surgical procedure in a healthy child is rare. A high index of suspicion is important to recognize this debilitating infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Halim Abd Rashid
- 1 Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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33
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Tamai E, Yoshida H, Sekiya H, Nariya H, Miyata S, Okabe A, Kuwahara T, Maki J, Kamitori S. X-ray structure of a novel endolysin encoded by episomal phage phiSM101 ofClostridium perfringens. Mol Microbiol 2014; 92:326-37. [DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Tamai
- Life Science Research Center; Kagawa University; 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho Kita-gun Kagawa 761-0793 Japan
- Department of Infectious Disease; College of Pharmaceutical Science; Matsuyama University; 4-2 Bunkyo-cho Matsuyama Ehime 790-8578 Japan
| | - Hiromi Yoshida
- Life Science Research Center; Kagawa University; 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho Kita-gun Kagawa 761-0793 Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sekiya
- Department of Infectious Disease; College of Pharmaceutical Science; Matsuyama University; 4-2 Bunkyo-cho Matsuyama Ehime 790-8578 Japan
| | - Hirofumi Nariya
- Department of Microbiology; Faculty of Medicine; Kagawa University; 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho Kita-gun Kagawa 761-0793 Japan
| | - Shigeru Miyata
- Life Science Research Center; Kagawa University; 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho Kita-gun Kagawa 761-0793 Japan
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology; Chubu University; 1200 Matsumoto-cho Kasugai Aichi 487-8501 Japan
| | - Akinobu Okabe
- Department of Human Nutrition; Faculty of Contemporary Life Science; Chugokugakuen University; Niwase 83 Kita-ku Okayama 761-0197 Japan
| | - Tomomi Kuwahara
- Department of Microbiology; Faculty of Medicine; Kagawa University; 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho Kita-gun Kagawa 761-0793 Japan
| | - Jun Maki
- Department of Infectious Disease; College of Pharmaceutical Science; Matsuyama University; 4-2 Bunkyo-cho Matsuyama Ehime 790-8578 Japan
| | - Shigehiro Kamitori
- Life Science Research Center; Kagawa University; 1750-1, Ikenobe, Miki-cho Kita-gun Kagawa 761-0793 Japan
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Chakravorty A, Awad MM, Hiscox TJ, Cheung JK, Choo JM, Lyras D, Rood JI. Opioid analgesics stop the development of clostridial gas gangrene. J Infect Dis 2014; 210:483-92. [PMID: 24550443 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas gangrene is a potentially fatal disease that is primarily caused by the ubiquitous, anaerobic bacteria Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium septicum. Treatment is limited to antibiotic therapy, debridement of the infected tissue, and, in severe cases, amputation. The need for new treatment approaches is compelling. Opioid-based analgesics such as buprenorphine and morphine also have immunomodulatory properties, usually leading to faster disease progression. However, here we show that mice pretreated with buprenorphine and morphine do not die from clostridial myonecrosis. Treatment with buprenorphine after the onset of infection also arrested disease development. Protection against myonecrotic disease was specific to C. perfringens-mediated myonecrosis; buprenorphine did not protect against disease caused by C. septicum infection even though infections due to both species are very similar. These data provide the first evidence of a protective role for opioids during infection and suggest that new therapeutic strategies may be possible for the treatment of C. perfringens-mediated myonecrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milena M Awad
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Thomas J Hiscox
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jackie K Cheung
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jocelyn M Choo
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Dena Lyras
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Julian I Rood
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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35
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Parimon T, Li Z, Bolz DD, McIndoo ER, Bayer CR, Stevens DL, Bryant AE. Staphylococcus aureus α-hemolysin promotes platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation. J Infect Dis 2013; 208:761-70. [PMID: 23698812 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) causes severe hemorrhagic necrotizing pneumonia associated with high mortality. Exotoxins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this infection; however, the cellular mechanisms responsible remain largely undefined. Because platelet-neutrophil aggregates (PNAs) can dysregulate inflammatory responses and contribute to tissue destruction, we investigated whether exotoxins from MRSA could stimulate formation of PNAs in human whole blood. Strong PNA formation was stimulated by toxins from stationary phase but not log phase CA-MRSA, and α-hemolysin was singularly identified as the mediator of this activity. MRSA exotoxins also caused neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte) activation, as measured by increased CD11b expression, although platelet binding was not driven by this mechanism; rather, α-hemolysin-induced PNA formation was solely platelet P-selectin dependent. These findings suggest a role for S. aureus α-hemolysin-induced PNA formation in alveolar capillary destruction in hemorrhagic/necrotizing pneumonia caused by CA-MRSA and offer novel targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanyalak Parimon
- Research and Development Service, Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, Idaho 83702, USA. (
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Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin induces the release of IL-8 through a dual pathway via TrkA in A549 cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2012; 1822:1581-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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37
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Bryant AE, Stevens DL. 'Flesh-eating' necrotizing infections: must we amputate? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2012; 10:1-3. [PMID: 22149607 DOI: 10.1586/eri.11.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Stevens DL, Aldape MJ, Bryant AE. Life-threatening clostridial infections. Anaerobe 2011; 18:254-9. [PMID: 22120198 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2011.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Life-threatening soft tissue infections caused by Clostridium species have been described in the medical literature for hundreds of years largely because of their fulminant nature, distinctive clinical presentations and complex management issues. The Clostridium species perfringens, septicum and histolyticum are the principal causes of trauma-associated gas gangrene and their incidence increases dramatically in times of war, hurricanes, earthquakes and other mass casualty conditions. Recently, there has also been an increased incidence of spontaneous gas gangrene caused by Clostridium septicum in association with gastrointestinal abnormalities and neutropenia. Similarly, over the last 15 years there has been increased recognition of a toxic shock-like syndrome associated with Clostridium sordellii in individuals skin-popping black tar heroin, in women undergoing childbirth or other gynecologic procedures including medically-induced abortion. Like their cousins Clostridium tetanus and Clostridium botulinum, the pathogenesis of these clostridial infections is largely the consequence of potent exotoxin production. Strategies to inhibit toxin production, neutralize circulating toxins and prevent their interaction with cells of the innate immune response are sorely needed. Recent studies have elucidated novel targets that may hold promise for newer therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis L Stevens
- Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, ID 83702, USA
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39
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Chakravorty A, Awad MM, Hiscox TJ, Cheung JK, Carter GP, Choo JM, Lyras D, Rood JI. The cysteine protease α-clostripain is not essential for the pathogenesis of Clostridium perfringens-mediated myonecrosis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22762. [PMID: 21829506 PMCID: PMC3146509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is the causative agent of clostridial myonecrosis or gas gangrene and produces many different extracellular toxins and enzymes, including the cysteine protease α-clostripain. Mutation of the α-clostripain structural gene, ccp, alters the turnover of secreted extracellular proteins in C. perfringens, but the role of α-clostripain in disease pathogenesis is not known. We insertionally inactivated the ccp gene C. perfringens strain 13 using TargeTron technology, constructing a strain that was no longer proteolytic on skim milk agar. Quantitative protease assays confirmed the absence of extracellular protease activity, which was restored by complementation with the wild-type ccp gene. The role of α-clostripain in virulence was assessed by analysing the isogenic wild-type, mutant and complemented strains in a mouse myonecrosis model. The results showed that although α-clostripain was the major extracellular protease, mutation of the ccp gene did not alter either the progression or the development of disease. These results do not rule out the possibility that this extracellular enzyme may still have a role in the early stages of the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milena M. Awad
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Thomas J. Hiscox
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jackie K. Cheung
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Glen P. Carter
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jocelyn M. Choo
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Dena Lyras
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Julian I. Rood
- Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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40
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Bryant AE, Stevens DL. Clostridial myonecrosis: new insights in pathogenesis and management. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2011; 12:383-91. [PMID: 21308521 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-010-0127-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Clostridial myonecrosis remains an important cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although traumatic gas gangrene can be readily diagnosed from clinical findings and widely available technologies, spontaneous gas gangrene is more insidious, and gynecologic infections due to Clostridium sordellii progress so rapidly that death often precedes diagnosis. In each case, extensive tissue destruction and the subsequent systemic manifestations are mediated directly and indirectly by potent bacterial exotoxins. The management triumvirate of timely diagnosis, thorough surgical removal of necrotic tissue, and treatment with antibiotics that inhibit toxin synthesis remains the gold standard of care. Yet, despite these measures, mortality remains 30% to 100% and survivors often must cope with life-altering amputations. Recent insights regarding the genetic regulation of toxin production, the molecular mechanisms of toxin-induced host cell dysfunction, and the roles of newly described toxins in pathogenesis suggest that novel prevention, diagnostic, and treatment modalities may be on the horizon for these devastating infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Bryant
- Infectious Diseases Section, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 West Fort Street (Bldg 45), Boise, ID, 83702, USA,
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41
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Nariya H, Miyata S, Tamai E, Sekiya H, Maki J, Okabe A. Identification and characterization of a putative endolysin encoded by episomal phage phiSM101 of Clostridium perfringens. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2011; 90:1973-9. [PMID: 21484204 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3253-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens produces potent toxins and histolytic enzymes, causing various diseases including life-threatening fulminant diseases in humans and other animals. Aiming at utilizing a phage endolysin as a therapeutic alternative to antibiotics, we surveyed the genome and bacteriophage sequences of C. perfringens. A phiSM101 muramidase gene (psm) revealed by this study can be assumed to encode an N-acetylmuramidase, since the N-terminal catalytic domain deduced from the gene shows high homology of those of N-acetylmuramidases. The psm gene is characteristic in that it is present in phiSM101, an episomal phage of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens type A strain, SM101, and also in that homologous genes are present in the genomes of all five C. perfringens toxin types. The psm gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli as a protein histidine-tagged at the N-terminus (Psm-his). Psm-his was purified to homogeneity by nickel-charged immobilized metal affinity chromatography and anion-exchange chromatography. The purified enzyme lysed cells of all C. perfringens toxin types but not other clostridial species tested, as was shown by a turbidity reduction assay. These results indicate the Psm-his is useful as a cell-wall lytic enzyme and also suggest that it is potentially useful for biocontrol of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Nariya
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, Japan.
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43
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Rajendran G, Bothma P, Brodbeck A. Intravascular haemolysis and septicaemia due to Clostridium perfringens liver abscess. Anaesth Intensive Care 2010; 38:942-5. [PMID: 20865884 DOI: 10.1177/0310057x1003800522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Intravascular haemolysis is a rare but serious complication of Clostridium perfringens sepsis. The outcome is usually fatal unless treatment is started early. We describe a case of survival after haemolysis and multiple organ failure in the setting of a ruptured liver abscess and sepsis caused by C. perfringens in an immunocompetent 58-year-old male.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rajendran
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, James Paget University Hospital, Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom.
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Purification and characterization of a clostripain-like protease from a recombinant Clostridium perfringens culture. Microbiology (Reading) 2010; 156:561-569. [DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.031609-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens produces a homologue of clostripain (Clo), the arginine-specific endopeptidase of Clostridium histolyticum. To determine the biochemical and biological properties of the C. perfringens homologue (Clp), it was purified from the culture supernatant of a recombinant C. perfringens strain by cation-exchange chromatography and ultrafiltration. Analysis by SDS-PAGE, N-terminal amino acid sequencing and TOF mass spectrometry revealed that Clp consists of two polypeptides comprising heavy (38 kDa) and light (16 kDa or 15 kDa) chains, and that the two light chains differ in the N-terminal cleavage site. This difference in the light chain did not affect the enzymic activity toward N-benzoyl-l-arginine p-nitroanilide (Bz-l-arginine pNA), as demonstrated by assaying culture supernatants differing in the relative ratio of the two light chains. Although the purified Clp preferentially degraded Bz-dl-arginine pNA rather than Bz-dl-lysine pNA, it degraded the latter more efficiently than did Clo. Clp showed 2.3-fold higher caseinolytic activity than Clo, as expected from the difference in substrate specificity. Clp caused an increase in vascular permeability when injected intradermally into mice, implying a possible role of Clp in the pathogenesis of clostridial myonecrosis.
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Van Immerseel F, Rood JI, Moore RJ, Titball RW. Rethinking our understanding of the pathogenesis of necrotic enteritis in chickens. Trends Microbiol 2008; 17:32-6. [PMID: 18977143 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2008.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2008] [Revised: 09/05/2008] [Accepted: 09/17/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
For decades, low doses of antibiotics have been used widely in animal production to promote growth. However, there is a trend to reduce this use of antibiotics in feedstuffs, and legislation is now in place in Europe to prohibit their use in this way. As a consequence, economically important diseases, such as necrotic enteritis (NE) of chickens, that are caused by Clostridium perfringens have become more prevalent. Recent research is creating a paradigm shift in our understanding of the pathogenesis of NE and is now providing information that will be necessary to monitor and control the incidence of NE in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Van Immerseel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Research Group Veterinary Public Health and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Molecular and cellular basis of microvascular perfusion deficits induced by Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium septicum. PLoS Pathog 2008; 4:e1000045. [PMID: 18404211 PMCID: PMC2275794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 03/14/2008] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced tissue perfusion leading to tissue ischemia is a central component of the pathogenesis of myonecrosis caused by Clostridium perfringens. The C. perfringens α-toxin has been shown capable of inducing these changes, but its potential synergy with perfringolysin O (θ-toxin) is less well understood. Similarly, Clostridium septicum is a highly virulent causative agent of spontaneous gas gangrene, but its effect on the microcirculation has not been examined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use intravital microscopy to examine the effects of C. perfringens and C. septicum on the functional microcirculation, coupled with the use of isogenic toxin mutants to elucidate the role of particular toxins in the resultant microvascular perfusion deficits. This study represents the first time this integrated approach has been used in the analysis of the pathological response to clostridial toxins. Culture supernatants from wild-type C. perfringens induced extensive cell death within 30 min, as assessed by in vivo uptake of propidium iodide. Furthermore, significant reductions in capillary perfusion were observed within 60 min. Depletion of either platelets or neutrophils reduced the alteration in perfusion, consistent with a role for these blood-borne cells in obstructing perfusion. In addition, mutation of either the α-toxin or perfringolysin O structural genes attenuated the reduction in perfusion, a process that was reversed by genetic complementation. C. septicum also induced a marked reduction in perfusion, with the degree of microvascular compromise correlating with the level of the C. septicum α-toxin. Together, these data indicate that as a result of its ability to produce α-toxin and perfringolysin O, C. perfringens rapidly induces irreversible cellular injury and a marked reduction in microvascular perfusion. Since C. septicum induces a similar reduction in microvascular perfusion, it is postulated that this function is central to the pathogenesis of clostridial myonecrosis, irrespective of the causative bacterium. Clostridial myonecrosis is a life-threatening process induced by infection with species such as C. perfringens and C. septicum. The associated pathology includes muscle death and a characteristic disruption in tissue perfusion. Exotoxins produced by these species have been implicated in the reduction in perfusion. However, how these toxins function in tandem remains unclear. In this study we used intravital microscopy to study microvascular blood flow in a muscle exposed to products of C. perfringens and C. septicum. C. perfringens supernatants induced cellular injury and a progressive reduction in blood flow. Removal of blood-borne platelets and neutrophils from the circulation reduced the alteration in blood flow. In addition, this response was reduced by genetic deletion of either the α-toxin or perfringolysin O, providing the first indication that each of these exotoxins contributes to the reduction in blood supply to affected tissues. Using a similar approach, we observed that C. septicum supernatant induced a comparable reduction in perfusion, which was mediated in part via the C. septicum α-toxin. These results indicate that platelets, neutrophils and multiple clostridial toxins contribute to reduced blood supply and oxygen delivery associated with clostridial infection and suggest that the dominant component of the pathology is toxin-induced cellular injury and death.
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Enhanced production of phospholipase C and perfringolysin O (alpha and theta toxins) in a gatifloxacin-resistant strain of Clostridium perfringens. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2007; 52:895-900. [PMID: 18160514 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01316-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens-induced gas gangrene is mediated by potent extracellular toxins, especially alpha toxin (a phospholipase C [PLC]) and theta toxin (perfringolysin O [PFO], a thiol-activated cytolysin); and antibiotic-induced suppression of toxin synthesis is an important clinical goal. The production of PLC and PFO by a gatifloxacin-induced, fluoroquinolone-resistant mutant strain of C. perfringens, strain 10G, carrying a stable mutation in DNA gyrase was compared with that of the wild-type (WT) parent strain. Zymography (with sheep red blood cell and egg yolk overlays) and time course analysis [with hydrolysis of egg yolk lecithin and O-(4 nitrophenyl-phosphoryl)choline] demonstrated that strain 10G produced more PLC and PFO than the WT strain. Increased toxin production in strain 10G was not related either to differences in growth characteristics between the wild-type and the mutant strain or to nonsynonymous polymorphisms in PLC, PFO, or their known regulatory proteins. Increased PLC and PFO production by strain 10G was associated with increased cytotoxic activity for HT-29 human adenocarcinoma cells and with increased platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation. Four other gatifloxacin-induced gyrase mutants did not show increased toxin production, suggesting that gatifloxacin resistance was not always associated with increased toxin production in all strains of C. perfringens. This is the first report of increased toxin production in a fluoroquinolone-resistant strain of C. perfringens.
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O'Brien DK, Therit BH, Woodman ME, Melville SB. The role of neutrophils and monocytic cells in controlling the initiation of Clostridium perfringens gas gangrene. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 50:86-93. [PMID: 17428305 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2007.00235.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is a common cause of the fatal disease gas gangrene (myonecrosis). Established gas gangrene is notable for a profound absence of neutrophils and monocytic cells (phagocytes), and it has been suggested that the bactericidal activities of these cells play an insignificant role in controlling the progression of the infection. However, large inocula of bacteria are needed to establish an infection in experimental animals, suggesting phagocytes may play a role in inhibiting the initiation of gangrene. Examination of tissue sections of mice infected with a lethal (1 x 10(9)) or sublethal (1 x 10(6)) inoculum of C. perfringens revealed that phagocyte infiltration in the first 3 h postinfection was inhibited with a lethal dose but not with a sublethal dose, indicating that exclusion of phagocytes begins very early in the infection cycle. Experiments in which mice were depleted of either circulating monocytes or neutrophils before infection with C. perfringens showed that monocytes play a role in inhibiting the onset of gas gangrene at intermediate inocula but, although neutrophils can slow the onset of the infection, they are not protective. These results suggest that treatments designed to increase monocyte infiltration and activate macrophages may lead to increased resistance to the initiation of gas gangrene.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K O'Brien
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Tsokos M, Schalinski S, Paulsen F, Sperhake JP, Püschel K, Sobottka I. Pathology of fatal traumatic and nontraumatic clostridial gas gangrene: a histopathological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural study of six autopsy cases. Int J Legal Med 2007; 122:35-41. [PMID: 17370083 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-007-0163-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2006] [Accepted: 02/20/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We prospectively investigated six fatal cases of clostridial gas gangrene using autopsy, histology, immunohistochemistry, microbiology, and scanning electron microscopy. The causative pathogen was Clostridium perfringens in four cases, C. sordellii in one case, and a mixed infection with both C. perfringens and C. sordellii in one case. According to the previous medical history and autopsy findings, clostridial infection was related to trauma in three cases. Characterized by extensive tissue necrosis and total absence of an accompanying leukocyte infiltration and tissue inflammatory response, the histopathological picture of clostridial gas gangrene is distinctly different from other bacterial infections. In medicolegal casework, the proof of the source of infection and the portal of entry of the responsible pathogen is not always an easy task, especially in the absence of trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tsokos
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Turmstr. 21 (Haus L), 10559, Berlin, Germany.
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