1
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Jones RA, Jerse AE, Tang CM. Gonococcal PorB: a multifaceted modulator of host immune responses. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:355-364. [PMID: 37891023 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen responsible for the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhoea. N. gonorrhoeae promotes its survival by manipulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. The most abundant gonococcal outer-membrane protein is PorB, an essential porin that facilitates ion exchange. Importantly, gonococcal PorB has several immunomodulatory properties. To subvert the innate immune response, PorB suppresses killing mechanisms of macrophages and neutrophils, and recruits negative regulators of complement to the gonococcal cell surface. For manipulation of adaptive immune responses, gonococcal PorB suppresses the capability of dendritic cells to stimulate proliferation of T cells. As gonococcal PorB is highly abundant in outer-membrane vesicles, consideration of the immunomodulatory properties of this porin is critical when designing gonococcal vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah A Jones
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Ann E Jerse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christoph M Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK.
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2
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Heydarian M, Rühl E, Rawal R, Kozjak-Pavlovic V. Tissue Models for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Research—From 2D to 3D. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:840122. [PMID: 35223556 PMCID: PMC8873371 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.840122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human-specific pathogen that causes gonorrhea, the second most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Disease progression, drug discovery, and basic host-pathogen interactions are studied using different approaches, which rely on models ranging from 2D cell culture to complex 3D tissues and animals. In this review, we discuss the models used in N. gonorrhoeae research. We address both in vivo (animal) and in vitro cell culture models, discussing the pros and cons of each and outlining the recent advancements in the field of three-dimensional tissue models. From simple 2D monoculture to complex advanced 3D tissue models, we provide an overview of the relevant methodology and its application. Finally, we discuss future directions in the exciting field of 3D tissue models and how they can be applied for studying the interaction of N. gonorrhoeae with host cells under conditions closely resembling those found at the native sites of infection.
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3
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Yu Q, Wang LC, Di Benigno S, Stein DC, Song W. Gonococcal invasion into epithelial cells depends on both cell polarity and ezrin. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009592. [PMID: 34852011 PMCID: PMC8668114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) establishes infection in women from the cervix, lined with heterogeneous epithelial cells from non-polarized stratified at the ectocervix to polarized columnar at the endocervix. We have previously shown that GC differentially colonize and transmigrate across the ecto and endocervical epithelia. However, whether and how GC invade into heterogeneous cervical epithelial cells is unknown. This study examined GC entry of epithelial cells with various properties, using human cervical tissue explant and non-polarized/polarized epithelial cell line models. While adhering to non-polarized and polarized epithelial cells at similar levels, GC invaded into non-polarized more efficiently than polarized epithelial cells. The enhanced GC invasion in non-polarized epithelial cells was associated with increased ezrin phosphorylation, F-actin and ezrin recruitment to GC adherent sites, and the elongation of GC-associated microvilli. Inhibition of ezrin phosphorylation inhibited F-actin and ezrin recruitment and microvilli elongation, leading to a reduction in GC invasion. The reduced GC invasion in polarized epithelial cells was associated with non-muscle myosin II-mediated F-actin disassembly and microvilli denudation at GC adherence sites. Surprisingly, intraepithelial GC were only detected inside epithelial cells shedding from the cervix by immunofluorescence microscopy, but not significantly in the ectocervical and the endocervical regions. We observed similar ezrin and F-actin recruitment in exfoliated cervical epithelial cells but not in those that remained in the ectocervical epithelium, as the luminal layer of ectocervical epithelial cells expressed ten-fold lower levels of ezrin than those beneath. However, GC inoculation induced F-actin reduction and myosin recruitment in the endocervix, similar to what was seen in polarized epithelial cells. Collectively, our results suggest that while GC invade non-polarized epithelial cells through ezrin-driven microvilli elongation, the apical polarization of ezrin and F-actin inhibits GC entry into polarized epithelial cells. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) causes gonorrhea in women by infecting the female reproductive tract. GC entry of epithelial cells has long been observed in patients’ biopsies and studied in various types of epithelial cells. However, how GC invade into the heterogeneous epithelia of the human cervix is unknown. This study reveals that both the expression level of ezrin, an actin-membrane linker protein, and the polarization of ezrin-actin networks in epithelial cells regulate GC invasion. GC interactions with non-polarized squamous epithelial cells expressing ezrin induce ezrin activation, ezrin-actin accumulation, and microvilli elongation at GC adherent sites, leading to invasion. Low ezrin expression levels in the luminal ectocervical epithelial cells are associated with low levels of intraepithelial GC. In contrast, apical polarization of ezrin-actin networks in columnar endocervical epithelial cells reduces GC invasion. GC interactions induce myosin activation, which causes disassembly of ezrin-actin networks and microvilli modification at GC adherent sites, extending GC-epithelial contact. Expression of opacity-associated proteins on GC promotes GC invasion by enhancing ezrin-actin accumulation in squamous epithelial cells and inhibiting ezrin-actin disassembly in columnar endocervical epithelial cells. Thus, reduced ezrin expression and ezrin-actin polarization are potential ways for cervical epithelial cells to curtail GC invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Liang-Chun Wang
- Marine & Pathogenic Microbiology Lab, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sofia Di Benigno
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Daniel C Stein
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wenxia Song
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
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4
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Peters S, Fohmann I, Rudel T, Schubert-Unkmeir A. A Comprehensive Review on the Interplay between Neisseria spp. and Host Sphingolipid Metabolites. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113201. [PMID: 34831424 PMCID: PMC8623382 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids represent a class of structural related lipids involved in membrane biology and various cellular processes including cell growth, apoptosis, inflammation and migration. Over the past decade, sphingolipids have become the focus of intensive studies regarding their involvement in infectious diseases. Pathogens can manipulate the sphingolipid metabolism resulting in cell membrane reorganization and receptor recruitment to facilitate their entry. They may recruit specific host sphingolipid metabolites to establish a favorable niche for intracellular survival and proliferation. In contrast, some sphingolipid metabolites can also act as a first line defense against bacteria based on their antimicrobial activity. In this review, we will focus on the strategies employed by pathogenic Neisseria spp. to modulate the sphingolipid metabolism and hijack the sphingolipid balance in the host to promote cellular colonization, invasion and intracellular survival. Novel techniques and innovative approaches will be highlighted that allow imaging of sphingolipid derivatives in the host cell as well as in the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Peters
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany; (S.P.); (I.F.)
| | - Ingo Fohmann
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany; (S.P.); (I.F.)
| | - Thomas Rudel
- Chair of Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany;
| | - Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany; (S.P.); (I.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-931-31-46721; Fax: +49-931-31-46445
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5
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Krones D, Rühling M, Becker KA, Kunz TC, Sehl C, Paprotka K, Gulbins E, Fraunholz M. Staphylococcus aureus α-Toxin Induces Acid Sphingomyelinase Release From a Human Endothelial Cell Line. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:694489. [PMID: 34394034 PMCID: PMC8358437 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.694489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is well known to express a plethora of toxins of which the pore-forming hemolysin A (α-toxin) is the best-studied cytolysin. Pore-forming toxins (PFT) permeabilize host membranes during infection thereby causing concentration-dependent effects in host cell membranes ranging from disordered ion fluxes to cytolysis. Host cells possess defense mechanisms against PFT attack, resulting in endocytosis of the breached membrane area and delivery of repair vesicles to the insulted plasma membrane as well as a concurrent release of membrane repair enzymes. Since PFTs from several pathogens have been shown to recruit membrane repair components, we here investigated whether staphylococcal α-toxin is able to induce these mechanisms in endothelial cells. We show that S. aureus α-toxin induced increase in cytosolic Ca2+ in endothelial cells, which was accompanied by p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Toxin challenge led to increased endocytosis of an extracellular fluid phase marker as well as increased externalization of LAMP1-positive membranes suggesting that peripheral lysosomes are recruited to the insulted plasma membrane. We further observed that thereby the lysosomal protein acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) was released into the cell culture medium. Thus, our results show that staphylococcal α-toxin triggers mechanisms in endothelial cells, which have been implicated in membrane repair after damage of other cell types by different toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Krones
- Chair of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Rühling
- Chair of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Anne Becker
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Tobias C Kunz
- Chair of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Sehl
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Paprotka
- Chair of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Martin Fraunholz
- Chair of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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6
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Götz R, Kunz TC, Fink J, Solger F, Schlegel J, Seibel J, Kozjak-Pavlovic V, Rudel T, Sauer M. Nanoscale imaging of bacterial infections by sphingolipid expansion microscopy. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6173. [PMID: 33268771 PMCID: PMC7710728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19897-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Expansion microscopy (ExM) enables super-resolution imaging of proteins and nucleic acids on conventional microscopes. However, imaging of details of the organization of lipid bilayers by light microscopy remains challenging. We introduce an unnatural short-chain azide- and amino-modified sphingolipid ceramide, which upon incorporation into membranes can be labeled by click chemistry and linked into hydrogels, followed by 4× to 10× expansion. Confocal and structured illumination microscopy (SIM) enable imaging of sphingolipids and their interactions with proteins in the plasma membrane and membrane of intracellular organelles with a spatial resolution of 10–20 nm. As our functionalized sphingolipids accumulate efficiently in pathogens, we use sphingolipid ExM to investigate bacterial infections of human HeLa229 cells by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Simkania negevensis with a resolution so far only provided by electron microscopy. In particular, sphingolipid ExM allows us to visualize the inner and outer membrane of intracellular bacteria and determine their distance to 27.6 ± 7.7 nm. Imaging of lipid bilayers using light microscopy is challenging. Here the authors label cells using a short chain click-compatible ceramide to visualize mammalian and bacterial membranes with expansion microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Götz
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias C Kunz
- Department of Microbiology, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julian Fink
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Solger
- Department of Microbiology, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schlegel
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Seibel
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vera Kozjak-Pavlovic
- Department of Microbiology, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Rudel
- Department of Microbiology, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
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7
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Solger F, Kunz TC, Fink J, Paprotka K, Pfister P, Hagen F, Schumacher F, Kleuser B, Seibel J, Rudel T. A Role of Sphingosine in the Intracellular Survival of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:215. [PMID: 32477967 PMCID: PMC7235507 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Obligate human pathogenic Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the second most frequent bacterial cause of sexually transmitted diseases. These bacteria invade different mucosal tissues and occasionally disseminate into the bloodstream. Invasion into epithelial cells requires the activation of host cell receptors by the formation of ceramide-rich platforms. Here, we investigated the role of sphingosine in the invasion and intracellular survival of gonococci. Sphingosine exhibited an anti-gonococcal activity in vitro. We used specific sphingosine analogs and click chemistry to visualize sphingosine in infected cells. Sphingosine localized to the membrane of intracellular gonococci. Inhibitor studies and the application of a sphingosine derivative indicated that increased sphingosine levels reduced the intracellular survival of gonococci. We demonstrate here, that sphingosine can target intracellular bacteria and may therefore exert a direct bactericidal effect inside cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Solger
- Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias C Kunz
- Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julian Fink
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Paprotka
- Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Pfister
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Hagen
- Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Schumacher
- Department of Toxicology, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany.,Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Department of Toxicology, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Jürgen Seibel
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Rudel
- Chair of Microbiology, University of Würzburg Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
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8
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Kunz TC, Kozjak-Pavlovic V. Diverse Facets of Sphingolipid Involvement in Bacterial Infections. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:203. [PMID: 31608278 PMCID: PMC6761390 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are constituents of the cell membrane that perform various tasks as structural elements and signaling molecules, in addition to regulating many important cellular processes, such as apoptosis and autophagy. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that sphingolipids and sphingolipid signaling play a vital role in infection processes. In many cases the attachment and uptake of pathogenic bacteria, as well as bacterial development and survival within the host cell depend on sphingolipids. In addition, sphingolipids can serve as antimicrobials, inhibiting bacterial growth and formation of biofilms. This review will give an overview of our current information about these various aspects of sphingolipid involvement in bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vera Kozjak-Pavlovic
- Department of Microbiology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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9
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Rolando M, Buchrieser C. A Comprehensive Review on the Manipulation of the Sphingolipid Pathway by Pathogenic Bacteria. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:168. [PMID: 31497599 PMCID: PMC6712060 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens have developed many different strategies to hijack host cell responses to promote their own survival. The manipulation of lipid biogenesis and cell membrane stability is emerging as a key player in bacterial host cell control. Indeed, many bacterial pathogens such as Legionella, Pseudomonas, Neisseria, Staphylococci, Mycobacteria, Helicobacter, or Clostridia are able to manipulate and use host sphingolipids during multiple steps of the infectious process. Sphingolipids have long been considered only as structural components of cell membranes, however, it is now well known that they are also intracellular and intercellular signaling molecules that play important roles in many eukaryotic cell functions as well as in orchestrating immune responses. Furthermore, they are important to eliminate invading pathogens and play a crucial role in infectious diseases. In this review, we focus on the different strategies employed by pathogenic bacteria to hijack the sphingolipid balance in the host cell to promote cellular colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Rolando
- Biologie des Bactéries Intracellulaires, CNRS UMR 3525, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Carmen Buchrieser
- Biologie des Bactéries Intracellulaires, CNRS UMR 3525, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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10
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Simonis A, Schubert-Unkmeir A. The role of acid sphingomyelinase and modulation of sphingolipid metabolism in bacterial infection. Biol Chem 2019; 399:1135-1146. [PMID: 29924727 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0200] [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] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) is a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism that converts sphingomyelin to ceramide, thereby modulating membrane structures and signal transduction. Bacterial pathogens can manipulate ASM activity and function, and use host sphingolipids during multiple steps of their infection process. An increase in ceramides upon infection results in the formation of ceramide-enriched membrane platforms that serve to cluster receptor molecules and organize intracellular signaling molecules, thus facilitating bacterial uptake. In this review, we focus on how extracellular bacterial pathogens target ASM and modulate membrane properties and signaling pathways to gain entry into eukaryotic cells or induce cell death. We describe how intracellular pathogens interfere with the intralysosomal functions of ASM to favor replication and survival. In addition, bacteria utilize their own sphingomyelinases as virulence factors to modulate sphingolipid metabolism. The potential of ASM as a target for treating bacterial infections is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Simonis
- Division of Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir
- Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
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11
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Collenburg L, Schneider-Schaulies S, Avota E. The neutral sphingomyelinase 2 in T cell receptor signaling and polarity. Biol Chem 2019; 399:1147-1155. [PMID: 29337691 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2017-0280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
By hydrolyzing its substrate sphingomyelin at the cytosolic leaflet of cellular membranes, the neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (NSM2) generates microdomains which serve as docking sites for signaling proteins and thereby, functions to regulate signal relay. This has been particularly studied in cellular stress responses while the regulatory role of this enzyme in the immune cell compartment has only recently emerged. In T cells, phenotypic polarization by co-ordinated cytoskeletal remodeling is central to motility and interaction with endothelial or antigen-presenting cells during tissue recruitment or immune synapse formation, respectively. This review highlights studies adressing the role of NSM2 in T cell polarity in which the enzyme plays a major role in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Collenburg
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 7, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sibylle Schneider-Schaulies
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 7, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Elita Avota
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 7, D-97078 Würzburg, Germany
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12
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Wu Y, Gulbins E, Grassmé H. The function of sphingomyelinases in mycobacterial infections. Biol Chem 2019; 399:1125-1133. [PMID: 29924725 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2018-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is one of the deadliest and most important infectious diseases worldwide. The sphingomyelinase/ceramide system, which has been shown several times to be a crucial factor in the internalization, processing and killing of diverse pathogens, also modulates the pro-inflammatory response and the state of mycobacteria in macrophages. Both acid and neutral sphingomyelinases are important in this activity. However, studies of the role of sphingomyelinases in TB are still at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, D-45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, D-45122 Essen, Germany.,Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Heike Grassmé
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, D-45122 Essen, Germany
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13
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Baker JE, Boudreau RM, Seitz AP, Caldwell CC, Gulbins E, Edwards MJ. Sphingolipids and Innate Immunity: A New Approach to Infection in the Post-Antibiotic Era? Surg Infect (Larchmt) 2018; 19:792-803. [DOI: 10.1089/sur.2018.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Baker
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ryan M. Boudreau
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Aaron P. Seitz
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Charles C. Caldwell
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Division of Research, Shriners Hospital for Children, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael J. Edwards
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
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14
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Tawk C, Nigro G, Rodrigues Lopes I, Aguilar C, Lisowski C, Mano M, Sansonetti P, Vogel J, Eulalio A. Stress-induced host membrane remodeling protects from infection by non-motile bacterial pathogens. EMBO J 2018; 37:embj.201798529. [PMID: 30389666 PMCID: PMC6276891 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201798529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
While mucosal inflammation is a major source of stress during enteropathogen infection, it remains to be fully elucidated how the host benefits from this environment to clear the pathogen. Here, we show that host stress induced by different stimuli mimicking inflammatory conditions strongly reduces the binding of Shigella flexneri to epithelial cells. Mechanistically, stress activates acid sphingomyelinase leading to host membrane remodeling. Consequently, knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of the acid sphingomyelinase blunts the stress-dependent inhibition of Shigella binding to host cells. Interestingly, stress caused by intracellular Shigella replication also results in remodeling of the host cell membrane, in vitro and in vivo, which precludes re-infection by this and other non-motile pathogens. In contrast, Salmonella Typhimurium overcomes the shortage of permissive entry sites by gathering effectively at the remaining platforms through its flagellar motility. Overall, our findings reveal host membrane remodeling as a novel stress-responsive cell-autonomous defense mechanism that protects epithelial cells from infection by non-motile bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Tawk
- Host RNA Metabolism Group, Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,RNA Biology Group, Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Giulia Nigro
- Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Ines Rodrigues Lopes
- Functional Genomics and RNA-based Therapeutics, UC-BIOTECH, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,RNA & Infection Group, UC-BIOTECH, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carmen Aguilar
- Host RNA Metabolism Group, Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Clivia Lisowski
- Host RNA Metabolism Group, Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Miguel Mano
- Functional Genomics and RNA-based Therapeutics, UC-BIOTECH, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Philippe Sansonetti
- Molecular Microbial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jörg Vogel
- RNA Biology Group, Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for RNA-Based Infection Research (HIRI), Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ana Eulalio
- Host RNA Metabolism Group, Institute for Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany .,RNA & Infection Group, UC-BIOTECH, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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15
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Zhu W, Tomberg J, Knilans KJ, Anderson JE, McKinnon KP, Sempowski GD, Nicholas RA, Duncan JA. Properly folded and functional PorB from Neisseria gonorrhoeae inhibits dendritic cell stimulation of CD4 + T cell proliferation. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:11218-11229. [PMID: 29752412 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an exclusive human pathogen that evades the host immune system through multiple mechanisms. We have shown that N. gonorrhoeae suppresses the capacity of antigen-presenting cells to induce CD4+ T cell proliferation. In this study, we sought to determine the gonococcal factors involved in this adaptive immune suppression. We show that suppression of the capacity of antigen-pulsed dendritic cells to induce T cell proliferation is recapitulated by administration of a high-molecular-weight fraction of conditioned medium from N. gonorrhoeae cultures, which includes outer membrane vesicles that are shed during growth of the bacteria. N. gonorrhoeae PorB is the most abundant protein in N. gonorrhoeae-derived vesicles, and treatment of dendritic cells with purified recombinant PorB inhibited the capacity of the cells to stimulate T cell proliferation. This immunosuppressive feature of purified PorB depended on proper folding of the protein. PorB from N. gonorrhoeae, as well as other Neisseria species and other Gram-negative bacterial species, are known to activate host Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling. Published studies have demonstrated that purified Neisseria PorB forms proteinacious nanoparticles, termed proteosomes, when detergent micelles are removed. Unlike folded, detergent-solubilized PorB, PorB proteosomes stimulate immune responses. We now demonstrate that the formation of PorB proteosomes from structurally intact PorB eliminates the immunosuppressive property of the protein while enhancing TLR2 stimulation. These findings suggest that gonococcal PorB present in shed outer membrane vesicles plays a role in suppression of adaptive immune responses to this immune-evasive pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyan Zhu
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Joshua Tomberg
- the Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Kayla J Knilans
- the Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - James E Anderson
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Karen P McKinnon
- the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, and.,the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Gregory D Sempowski
- the Department of Medicine and Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Robert A Nicholas
- the Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, .,the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, and
| | - Joseph A Duncan
- From the Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, .,the Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599.,the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
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16
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Wu Y, Gulbins E, Grassmé H. Crosstalk Between Sphingomyelinases and Reactive Oxygen Species in Mycobacterial Infection. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 28:935-948. [PMID: 28276697 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is one of the most important infections worldwide. The sphingomyelinase/ceramide system, which has been shown to be a crucial factor in internalizing and killing various pathogens, modulates both the proinflammatory response and the state of mycobacteria in macrophages. However, studies about the role of sphingomyelinases in TB are still at an early stage. Recent Advances: Recent studies elucidated several roles of sphingomyelinases in manipulating mycobacterial infections. On the one hand, acid sphingomyelinase (Asm) promotes the fusion of bacteria-containing phagosomes and lysosomes, whereas on the other hand, Asm-derived ceramide induces cell death. Neutral sphingomyelinase (Nsm) enhances the release of reactive oxygen species, which suppress autophagy in infected macrophages in vitro and in vivo, allowing the pathogen to survive within macrophages. These findings indicate that the sphingomyelinase/ceramide system plays an important role in the attack of mycobacteria against the host. Critical Issues: Autophagy is a main strategy of mycobacterial clearance in TB, but the relevant mechanisms are still unknown. Additionally, there are indications that both Asm and Nsm are crucially involved in the formation of granulomas, which are a hallmark and a special structure of TB. However, very few findings have yet been published. Future Directions: Additional studies of the Nsm/ceramide system, which contributes to the resistance or susceptibility, respectively, of the host to mycobacterial infections, will detect currently unknown molecular mechanisms. Because inhibitors of Nsm already exist, targeting Nsm may be a novel approach to developing treatment options for mycobacterial infections. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 935-948.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Heike Grassmé
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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17
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Burgert A, Schlegel J, Bécam J, Doose S, Bieberich E, Schubert-Unkmeir A, Sauer M. Characterization of Plasma Membrane Ceramides by Super-Resolution Microscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017; 56:6131-6135. [PMID: 28379629 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201700570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The sphingolipid ceramide regulates cellular processes such as differentiation, proliferation, growth arrest, and apoptosis. Ceramide-rich membrane areas promote structural changes within the plasma membrane that segregate membrane receptors and affect membrane curvature and vesicle formation, fusion, and trafficking. Ceramides were labeled by immunocytochemistry to visualize their distribution on the plasma membrane of different cells with virtually molecular resolution by direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). Super-resolution images show that independent of labeling conditions and cell type 50-60 % of all membrane ceramides are located in ceramide-rich platforms (CRPs) with a size of about 75 nm that are composed of at least about 20 ceramides. Treatment of cells with Bacillus cereus sphingomyelinase (bSMase) increases the overall ceramide concentration in the plasma membrane, the quantity of CRPs, and their size. Simultaneously, the ceramide concentration in CRPs increases approximately twofold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Burgert
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schlegel
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jérôme Bécam
- Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sören Doose
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Erhard Bieberich
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | | | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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18
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Burgert A, Schlegel J, Bécam J, Doose S, Bieberich E, Schubert‐Unkmeir A, Sauer M. Characterization of Plasma Membrane Ceramides by Super‐Resolution Microscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201700570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Burgert
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics Julius Maximilian University Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Jan Schlegel
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics Julius Maximilian University Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Jérôme Bécam
- Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology Julius Maximilian University Würzburg 97080 Würzburg Germany
| | - Sören Doose
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics Julius Maximilian University Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Erhard Bieberich
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine Medical College of Georgia Augusta University Augusta GA 30912 USA
| | | | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics Julius Maximilian University Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
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19
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Simonis A, Schubert-Unkmeir A. Interactions of meningococcal virulence factors with endothelial cells at the human blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and their role in pathogenicity. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:3854-3867. [PMID: 27498906 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The Gram-negative extracellular bacterium Neisseria meningitidis is one of the most common aetiological agents of bacterial meningitis affecting predominantly young children worldwide. This bacterium is normally a quiescent coloniser of the upper respiratory tract, but in some individuals it enters the blood stream and causes invasive diseases, such as septicaemia and meningitis. Interactions of N. meningitidis with human endothelial cells are crucially involved in pathogencitiy, and great efforts have been made to understand these molecular interactions. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the interactions of meningococcal virulence factors with host endothelial cells at the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Simonis
- Division of Hematology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Germany
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20
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Rice TC, Seitz AP, Edwards MJ, Gulbins E, Caldwell CC. Frontline Science: Sphingosine rescues burn-injured mice from pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. J Leukoc Biol 2016; 100:1233-1237. [PMID: 27418352 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.3hi0416-197r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Burn patients with concomitant pulmonary Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection have mortality rates as high as 50%, despite antibiotic therapy. Sphingosine is generated from ceramide via ceramidase and has been reported to have antimicrobial properties. We observed a reduction in sphingosine and a concurrent increase in ceramide in bronchial epithelial cells after burn injury. After PA inoculation, these mice had a significant decrease in survival compared to noninjured mice. However, when injured mice were pretreated with sphingosine or neutral ceramidase and subsequently infected, mortality and bacterial levels were robustly reduced. We further observed that sphingosine directly kills PA. Together, these results demonstrate that reduction in sphingosine is associated with an increased susceptibility to pulmonary infection after burn injury. Restoration of sphingosine levels through direct sphingosine administration or conversion of the increased ceramide to sphingosine by neutral ceramidase reduces mortality and mitigates pulmonary infection after burn injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa C Rice
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Aaron P Seitz
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Michael J Edwards
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Molecular Biology, University of Essen, Essen, Germany; and.,Department of Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Charles C Caldwell
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; .,Department of Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Cincinnati, Ohio
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