Coxiella burnetii acid phosphatase inhibits the release of reactive oxygen intermediates in polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Candida albicans aspartyl protease (Sap6) inhibits neutrophil function via a "Trojan horse" mechanism

Candida albicans, a prevalent fungal pathogen, employs aspartyl proteases such as Sap6 to evade immune defenses, challenging our understanding of host‒pathogen interactions. This research examined the impact of Sap6 on neutrophil responses, which are crucial for innate immunity. Employing flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, we explored how Sap6 affects neutrophil functions, particularly by focusing on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, neutrophil extracellular traps release (NETosis), and apoptosis. Our findings revealed Sap6's unique ability to bind and internalize in neutrophils, significantly attenuating ROS production through proteolytic damage to NADPH oxidase, resulting in blocking the ROS-dependent NETosis pathway. This disruption in neutrophil functions by Sap6 suggested the presence of a 'Trojan horse' mechanism by C. albicans. This mechanism reveals a sophisticated immune evasion strategy, shedding light on fungal pathogenicity and host immune interactions. Understanding fungal proteases in immune modulation could inspire new therapeutic approaches for fungal infections.

Lysosomal trafficking regulator restricts intracellular growth of Coxiella burnetii by inhibiting the expansion of Coxiella-containing vacuole and upregulating nos2 expression

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes Q fever, a zoonotic disease typically manifests as a severe flu-illness. After invading into the host cells, C. burnetii delivers effectors to regulate the vesicle trafficking and fusion events to form a large and mature Coxiella-containing vacuole (CCV), providing sufficient space and nutrition for its intracellular growth and proliferation. Lysosomal trafficking regulator (LYST) is a member of the Beige and Chediak-Higashi syndrome (BEACH) family, which regulates the transport of vesicles to lysosomes and regulates TLR signaling pathway, but the effect of LYST on C. burnetii infection is unclear. In this study, a series of experiments has been conducted to investigate the influence of LYST on intracellular growth of C. burnetii. Our results showed that lyst transcription was up-regulated in the host cells after C. burnetii infection, but there is no significant change in lyst expression level after infection with the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system (T4SS) mutant strain, while CCVs expansion and significantly increasing load of C. burnetii appeared in the host cells with a silenced lyst gene, suggesting LYST inhibits the intracellular proliferation of C. burnetii by reducing CCVs size. Then, the size of CCVs and the load of C. burnetii in the HeLa cells pretreated with E-64d were significantly decreased. In addition, the level of iNOS was decreased significantly in LYST knockout THP-1 cells, which was conducive to the intracellular replication of C. burnetii. This data is consistent with the phenotype of L-NMMA-treated THP-1 cells infected with C. burnetii. Our results revealed that the upregulation of lyst transcription after infection is due to effector secretion of C. burnetii and LYST inhibit the intracellular replication of C. burnetii by reducing the size of CCVs and inducing nos2 expression.

The Shigella flexneri virulence factor apyrase is released inside eukaryotic cells to hijack host cell fate

IMPORTANCE

In this paper, we demonstrated that apyrase is released within the host cell cytoplasm during infection to target the intracellular ATP pool. By degrading intracellular ATP, apyrase contributes to prevent caspases activation, thereby inhibiting the activation of pyroptosis in infected cells. Our results show, for the first time, that apyrase is involved in the modulation of host cell survival, thereby aiding this pathogen to dampen the inflammatory response. This work adds a further piece to the puzzle of Shigella pathogenesis. Due to its increased spread worldwide, prevention and controlling strategies are urgently needed. Overall, this study highlighted apyrase as a suitable target for an anti-virulence therapy to tackle this pathogen.

Macrophage infectivity potentiator protein, a peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase, essential for Coxiella burnetii growth and pathogenesis

Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative intracellular pathogen that causes the debilitating disease Q fever, which affects both animals and humans. The only available human vaccine, Q-Vax, is effective but has a high risk of severe adverse reactions, limiting its use as a countermeasure to contain outbreaks. Therefore, it is essential to identify new drug targets to treat this infection. Macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip) proteins catalyse the folding of proline-containing proteins through their peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity and have been shown to play an important role in the virulence of several pathogenic bacteria. To date the role of the Mip protein in C. burnetii pathogenesis has not been investigated. This study demonstrates that CbMip is likely to be an essential protein in C. burnetii. The pipecolic acid derived compounds, SF235 and AN296, which have shown utility in targeting other Mip proteins from pathogenic bacteria, demonstrate inhibitory activities against CbMip. These compounds were found to significantly inhibit intracellular replication of C. burnetii in both HeLa and THP-1 cells. Furthermore, SF235 and AN296 were also found to exhibit antibiotic properties against both the virulent (Phase I) and avirulent (Phase II) forms of C. burnetii Nine Mile Strain in axenic culture. Comparative proteomics, in the presence of AN296, revealed alterations in stress responses with H2O2 sensitivity assays validating that Mip inhibition increases the sensitivity of C. burnetii to oxidative stress. In addition, SF235 and AN296 were effective in vivo and significantly improved the survival of Galleria mellonella infected with C. burnetii. These results suggest that unlike in other bacteria, Mip in C. burnetii is required for replication and that the development of more potent inhibitors against CbMip is warranted and offer potential as novel therapeutics against this pathogen.

Molecular investigation of Coxiella burnetii in the Middle and East Black Sea region in aborted bovine fetuses and investigation of the oxidant/antioxidant system

Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) is a causative microorganism that causes the zoonotic Q fever disease, which is generally asymptomatic in animals, but causes reproductive issues such as abortion, stillbirth, and infertility. C. burnetii infection poses a threat to farm economies as it affects productivity in farm animals. The purpose of this research was to look into the incidence of Q fever in eight provinces in the Middle and East Black Sea region and to measure reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species as well as antioxidant levels in bovine aborted fetal livers infected with C. burnetii. The study material consisted 670 bovine aborted fetal liver samples delivered to Samsun Veterinary Control Institute from eight provinces between 2018 and 2021. C. burnetii was analyzed by PCR in these samples and 47 (7,01%) were positive while 623 negative. Nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities were analyzed by spectrophotometric method in both 47 positive samples and 40 negative samples as control group. In the C. burnetii positive and control groups, MDA levels were determined to be 2.46 ± 0.18 and 0.87 ± 0.07 nmol/ml, NO levels were determined to be 1.77 ± 0.12 and 1.09 ± 0.07 nmol/ml, and reduced GSH activity was determined to be 5.14 ± 0.33 and 6.62 ± 0.46 µg/dl, respectively. In C. burnetii positive fetal liver tissue, MDA and NO levels were higher than the control group, while reduced GSH levels were lower than the control group. As a result, C. burnetii caused changes in free radical level and antioxidant activity in bovine aborted fetus liver.

Microbes and the fate of neutrophils

Neutrophils or polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are an important component of innate host defense. These phagocytic leukocytes are recruited to infected tissues and kill invading microbes. There are several general characteristics of neutrophils that make them highly effective as antimicrobial cells. First, there is tremendous daily production and turnover of granulocytes in healthy adults-typically 1011 per day. The vast majority (~95%) of these cells are neutrophils. In addition, neutrophils are mobilized rapidly in response to chemotactic factors and are among the first leukocytes recruited to infected tissues. Most notably, neutrophils contain and/or produce an abundance of antimicrobial molecules. Many of these antimicrobial molecules are toxic to host cells and can destroy host tissues. Thus, neutrophil activation and turnover are highly regulated processes. To that end, aged neutrophils undergo apoptosis constitutively, a process that contains antimicrobial function and proinflammatory capacity. Importantly, apoptosis facilitates nonphlogistic turnover of neutrophils and removal by macrophages. This homeostatic process is altered by interaction with microbes and their products, as well as host proinflammatory molecules. Microbial pathogens can delay neutrophil apoptosis, accelerate apoptosis following phagocytosis, or cause neutrophil cytolysis. Here, we review these processes and provide perspective on recent studies that have potential to impact this paradigm.

Offense and Defense in Granulomatous Inflammation Disease

Granulomatous inflammation (GI) diseases are a group of chronic inflammation disorders characterized by focal collections of multinucleated giant cells, epithelioid cells and macrophages, with or without necrosis. GI diseases are closely related to microbes, especially virulent intracellular bacterial infections are important factors in the progression of these diseases. They employ a range of strategies to survive the stresses imposed upon them and persist in host cells, becoming the initiator of the fighting. Microbe-host communication is essential to maintain functions of a healthy host, so defense capacity of hosts is another influence factor, which is thought to combine to determine the result of the fighting. With the development of gene research technology, many human genetic loci were identified to be involved in GI diseases susceptibility, providing more insights into and knowledge about GI diseases. The current review aims to provide an update on the most recent progress in the identification and characterization of bacteria in GI diseases in a variety of organ systems and clinical conditions, and examine the invasion and escape mechanisms of pathogens that have been demonstrated in previous studies, we also review the existing data on the predictive factors of the host, mainly on genetic findings. These strategies may improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying GI diseases, and open new avenues for the study of the associated conditions in the future.

Coxiella burnetii and Related Tick Endosymbionts Evolved from Pathogenic Ancestors

Both symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria in the family Coxiellaceae cause morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. For instance, Coxiella-like endosymbionts (CLEs) improve the reproductive success of ticks—a major disease vector, while Coxiella burnetii causes human Q fever, and uncharacterized coxiellae infect both animals and humans. To better understand the evolution of pathogenesis and symbiosis in this group of intracellular bacteria, we sequenced the genome of a CLE present in the soft tick Ornithodoros amblus (CLEOA) and compared it to the genomes of other bacteria in the order Legionellales. Our analyses confirmed that CLEOA is more closely related to C. burnetii, the human pathogen, than to CLEs in hard ticks, and showed that most clades of CLEs contain both endosymbionts and pathogens, indicating that several CLE lineages have evolved independently from pathogenic Coxiella. We also determined that the last common ancestorof CLEOA and C. burnetii was equipped to infect macrophages and that even though horizontal gene transfer (HGT) contributed significantly to the evolution of C. burnetii, most acquisition events occurred primarily in ancestors predating the CLEOA–C. burnetii divergence. These discoveries clarify the evolution of C. burnetii, which previously was assumed to have emerged when an avirulent tick endosymbiont recently gained virulence factors via HGT. Finally, we identified several metabolic pathways, including heme biosynthesis, that are likely critical to the intracellular growth of the human pathogen but not the tick symbiont, and show that the use of heme analog is a promising approach to controlling C. burnetii infections.

Coxiella burnetii: international pathogen of mystery

Coxiella burnetii is an intracellular bacterium that causes acute and chronic Q fever. This unique pathogen has been historically challenging to study due to obstacles in genetically manipulating the organism and the inability of small animal models to fully mimic human Q fever. Here, we review the current state of C. burnetii research, highlighting new approaches that allow the mechanistic study of infection in disease relevant settings.

Neutrophil Metabolic Shift during their Lifecycle: Impact on their Survival and Activation

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are innate immune cells, which represent 50% to 70% of the total circulating leukocytes. How PMNs adapt to various microenvironments encountered during their life cycle, from the bone marrow, to the blood plasma fraction, and to inflamed or infected tissues remains largely unexplored. Metabolic shifts have been reported in other immune cells such as macrophages or lymphocytes, in response to local changes in their microenvironment, and in association with a modulation of their pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions. The potential contribution of metabolic shifts in the modulation of neutrophil activation or survival is anticipated even though it is not yet fully described. If neutrophils are considered to be mainly glycolytic, the relative importance of alternative metabolic pathways, such as the pentose phosphate pathway, glutaminolysis, or the mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, has not been fully considered during activation. This statement may be explained by the lack of knowledge regarding the local availability of key metabolites such as glucose, glutamine, and substrates, such as oxygen from the bone marrow to inflamed tissues. As highlighted in this review, the link between specific metabolic pathways and neutrophil activation has been outlined in many reports. However, the impact of neutrophil activation on metabolic shifts' induction has not yet been explored. Beyond its importance in neutrophil survival capacity in response to available metabolites, metabolic shifts may also contribute to neutrophil population heterogeneity reported in cancer (tumor-associated neutrophil) or auto-immune diseases (Low/High Density Neutrophils). This represents an active field of research. In conclusion, the characterization of neutrophil metabolic shifts is an emerging field that may provide important knowledge on neutrophil physiology and activation modulation. The related question of microenvironmental changes occurring during inflammation, to which neutrophils will respond to, will have to be addressed to fully appreciate the importance of neutrophil metabolic shifts in inflammatory diseases.

Eosinophils Affect Antibody Isotype Switching and May Partially Contribute to Early Vaccine-Induced Immunity against Coxiella burnetii

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium which causes human Q fever. An acidified citrate cysteine medium (ACCM-2) has been developed which mimics the intracellular replicative niche of C. burnetii and allows axenic growth of the bacteria. To determine if C. burnetii cultured in ACCM-2 retains immunogenicity, we compared the protective efficacies of formalin-inactivated C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (PIV) and phase II (PIIV) vaccines derived from axenic culture 7, 14, and 28 days postvaccination. PIV conferred significant protection against virulent C. burnetii as early as 7 days postvaccination, which suggests that ACCM-2-derived PIV retains immunogenicity and protectivity. We analyzed the cellular immune response in spleens from PIV- and PIIV-vaccinated mice by flow cytometry at 7 and 14 days postvaccination and found significantly more granulocytes in PIV-vaccinated mice than in PIIV-vaccinated mice. Interestingly, we found these infiltrating granulocytes to be SSChigh CD11b+ CD125+ Siglec-F+ (where SSChigh indicates a high side scatter phenotype) eosinophils. There was no change in the number of eosinophils in PIV-vaccinated CD4-deficient mice compared to the level in controls, which suggests that eosinophil accumulation is CD4+ T cell dependent. To evaluate the importance of eosinophils in PIV-mediated protection, we vaccinated and challenged eosinophil-deficient ΔdblGATA mice. ΔdblGATA mice had significantly worse disease than their wild-type counterparts when challenged 7 days postvaccination, while no significant difference was seen at 28 days postvaccination. Nevertheless, ΔdblGATA mice had elevated serum IgM with decreased IgG1 and IgG2a whether mice were challenged at 7 or 28 days postvaccination. These results suggest that eosinophils may play a role in early vaccine protection against C. burnetii and contribute to antibody isotype switching.

Quantitative Proteome Profiling of Coxiella burnetii Reveals Major Metabolic and Stress Differences Under Axenic and Cell Culture Cultivation

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. To date, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the only defined and characterized virulence determinant of C. burnetii. In this study, proteome profiles of C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (RSA 493, NMI) and its isogenic Nine Mile phase II (RSA 439 NMII) isolate with a deep rough LPS were compared on L-929 mouse fibroblasts and in complex (ACCM-2), and defined (ACCM-D) media. Whole proteome extracts were analyzed using a label-free quantification approach. Between 659 and 1,046 C. burnetii proteins of the 2,132 annotated coding sequences (CDS) were identified in any particular experiment. Proteome profiles clustered according to the cultivation conditions used, indicating different regulation patterns. NMI proteome profiles compared to NMII in ACCM-D indicate transition from an exponential to a stationary phase. The levels of regulatory proteins such as RpoS, CsrA2, UspA1, and UspA2 were increased. Comparison of the oxidative stress response of NMI and NMII indicated that ACCM-2 represents a high oxidative stress environment. Expression of peroxidases, superoxide dismutases, as well as thioredoxins was increased for NMI. In contrast, in ACCM-D, only osmoregulation seems to be necessary. Proteome profiles of NMII do not differ and indicate that both axenic media represent similar oxidative stress environments. Deep rough LPS causes changes of the outer membrane stability and fluidity. This might be one reason for the observed differences. Proteins associated with the T4SS and Sec translocon as well as several effector proteins were detectable under all three conditions. Interestingly, none of these putatively secreted proteins are upregulated in ACCM-2 compared to ACCM-D, and L-929 mouse fibroblasts. Curiously, a higher similarity of proteomic patterns (overlapping up- and downregulated proteins) of ACCM-D and bacteria grown in cell culture was observed. Particularly, the proteins involved in a better adaptation or homeostasis in response to the harsh environment of the parasitophorous vacuole were demonstrated for NMI. This semi-quantitative proteomic analysis of C. burnetii compared axenically grown bacteria to those propagated in cell culture.

Host cell depletion of tryptophan by IFNγ-induced Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibits lysosomal replication of Coxiella burnetii

Most intracellular pathogens that reside in a vacuole prevent transit of their compartment to lysosomal organelles. Effector mechanisms induced by the pro-inflammatory cytokine Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) can promote the delivery of pathogen-occupied vacuoles to lysosomes for proteolytic degradation and are therefore important for host defense against intracellular pathogens. The bacterial pathogen Coxiella burnetii is unique in that, transport to the lysosome is essential for replication. The bacterium modulates membrane traffic to create a specialized autophagolysosomal compartment called the Coxiella-containing vacuole (CCV). Importantly, IFNγ signaling inhibits intracellular replication of C. burnetii, raising the question of which IFNγ-activated mechanisms restrict replication of a lysosome-adapted pathogen. To address this question, siRNA was used to silence a panel of IFNγ-induced genes in HeLa cells to identify genes required for restriction of C. burnetii intracellular replication. This screen demonstrated that Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) contributes to IFNγ-mediated restriction of C. burnetii. IDO1 is an enzyme that catabolizes cellular tryptophan to kynurenine metabolites thereby reducing tryptophan availability in cells. Cells deficient in IDO1 function were more permissive for C. burnetii replication when treated with IFNγ, and supplementing IFNγ-treated cells with tryptophan enhanced intracellular replication. Additionally, ectopic expression of IDO1 in host cells was sufficient to restrict replication of C. burnetii in the absence of IFNγ signaling. Using differentiated THP1 macrophage-like cells it was determined that IFNγ-activation resulted in IDO1 production, and that supplementation of IFNγ-activated THP1 cells with tryptophan enhanced C. burnetii replication. Thus, this study identifies IDO1 production as a key cell-autonomous defense mechanism that limits infection by C. burnetii, which suggests that peptides derived from hydrolysis of proteins in the CCV do not provide an adequate supply of tryptophan for bacterial replication.

The roles of NADPH oxidase in modulating neutrophil effector responses

Neutrophils are phagocytic innate immune cells essential for killing bacteria via activation of a wide variety of effector responses and generation of large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Majority of the ROS in neutrophils is generated by activation of the superoxide-generating enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. Independent of their anti-microbial function, NADPH oxidase-derived ROS have emerged as key regulators of host immune responses and neutrophilic inflammation. Data from patients with inherited defects in the NADPH oxidase subunit alleles that ablate its enzyme function as well as mouse models demonstrate profound dysregulation of host inflammatory responses, neutrophil hyper-activation and tissue damage in response to microbial ligands or tissue trauma. A large body of literature now demonstrates how oxidants function as essential signaling molecules that are essential for the regulation of neutrophil responses during priming, degranulation, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and apoptosis, independent of their role in microbial killing. In this review we summarize how NADPH oxidase-derived oxidants modulate neutrophil function in a cell intrinsic manner and regulate host inflammatory responses. In addition, we summarize studies that have elucidated possible roles of oxidants in neutrophilic responses within the oral mucosa and periodontal disease.

Cytochemical characterization of peripheral blood cell populations of two Cyprinidae, Carassius auratus and Ctenopharyngodon idellus

Fish are the most diverse species of all vertebrate groups, and their blood cells have shown variable characteristics in terms of morphology. Cytochemical staining for enzyme activity in blood leukocytes will help assess the immune function of fish. We characterize blood cells from crucian carp (Carassius auratus) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) by using a Diff-Quick stain as well as different cytochemical methods. Blood specimens obtained from crucian carp and grass carp were evaluated after cytochemical staining for acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), naphthol AS chloroacetate esterase (AS-DNCE), naphthyl acetate esterase (NAE), α-naphthyl butyrate esterase (NBE), peroxidase (MPO) and periodic acid-Schiff's reaction (PAS) using commercial kits. Blood cell types were evaluated based on their morphological characteristics and the presence or absence of specific chromogen. The expression pattern of enzymes was similar between the two Cyprinidae and was also broadly consistent with other fish species. However, there were some interesting differences detected between crucian carp and grass carp, including naphthol AS chloroacetate esterase activity in monocytes, peroxidase activity and location in thrombocytes. The ACP, ALP and MPO expressions of different leukocytes of the two Cyprinidae were evaluated by Image Pro Plus and were analysed for statistical significant differences. This investigation provides basic haematology and enzyme activity analyses for crucian carp and grass carp and serves as an approach to evaluating the immune response of fish.

Coxiella burnetii Subverts p62/Sequestosome 1 and Activates Nrf2 Signaling in Human Macrophages

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of human Q fever, a debilitating flu-like illness that can progress to chronic disease presenting as endocarditis. Following inhalation, C. burnetii is phagocytosed by alveolar macrophages and generates a lysosome-like replication compartment termed the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). A type IV secretion system (T4SS) is required for PV generation and is one of the pathogen's few known virulence factors. We previously showed that C. burnetii actively recruits autophagosomes to the PV using the T4SS but does not alter macroautophagy. In the current study, we confirmed that the cargo receptor p62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM-1) localizes near the PV in primary human alveolar macrophages infected with virulent C. burnetii p62 and LC3 typically interact to select cargo for autophagy-mediated degradation, resulting in p62 degradation and LC3 recycling. However, in C. burnetii-infected macrophages, p62 was not degraded when cells were starved, suggesting that the pathogen stabilizes the protein. In addition, phosphorylated p62 levels increased, indicative of activation, during infection. Small interfering RNA experiments indicated that p62 is not absolutely required for intracellular growth, suggesting that the protein serves a signaling role during infection. Indeed, the Nrf2-Keap1 cytoprotective pathway was activated during infection, as evidenced by sustained maintenance of Nrf2 levels and translocation of the protein to the nucleus in C. burnetii-infected cells. Collectively, our studies identify a new p62-regulated host signaling pathway exploited by C. burnetii during intramacrophage growth.

Coxiella burnetii as a useful tool to investigate bacteria-friendly host cell compartments

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular and airborne pathogen which can cause the zoonotic disease Q fever. After inhalation of contaminated aerosols alveolar macrophages are taking up C. burnetii into a phagosome. This phagosome matures to a very large vacuole called the C. burnetii-containing vacuole (CCV). Host endogenous and bacterial driven processes lead to the biogenesis of this unusual compartment, which resembles partially a phagolysosome. However, there are several important differences to the classical phagolysosome, which are crucial for the ability of C. burnetii to replicate intracellularly and depend on a functional type IV secretion system (T4SS). The T4SS delivers effector proteins into the host cell cytoplasm to redirect intracellular processes, leading to the establishment of a microenvironment allowing bacterial replication. This article summarizes the current knowledge of the microenvironment permissive for C. burnetii replication.

Neutrophils to the ROScue: Mechanisms of NADPH Oxidase Activation and Bacterial Resistance

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by NADPH oxidase play an important role in antimicrobial host defense and inflammation. Their deficiency in humans results in recurrent and severe bacterial infections, while their unregulated release leads to pathology from excessive inflammation. The release of high concentrations of ROS aids in clearance of invading bacteria. Localization of ROS release to phagosomes containing pathogens limits tissue damage. Host immune cells, like neutrophils, also known as PMNs, will release large amounts of ROS at the site of infection following the activation of surface receptors. The binding of ligands to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), toll-like receptors, and cytokine receptors can prime PMNs for a more robust response if additional signals are encountered. Meanwhile, activation of Fc and integrin directly induces high levels of ROS production. Additionally, GPCRs that bind to the bacterial-peptide analog fMLP, a neutrophil chemoattractant, can both prime cells and trigger low levels of ROS production. Engagement of these receptors initiates intracellular signaling pathways, resulting in activation of downstream effector proteins, assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex, and ultimately, the production of ROS by this complex. Within PMNs, ROS released by the NADPH oxidase complex can activate granular proteases and induce the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Additionally, ROS can cross the membranes of bacterial pathogens and damage their nucleic acids, proteins, and cell membranes. Consequently, in order to establish infections, bacterial pathogens employ various strategies to prevent restriction by PMN-derived ROS or downstream consequences of ROS production. Some pathogens are able to directly prevent the oxidative burst of phagocytes using secreted effector proteins or toxins that interfere with translocation of the NADPH oxidase complex or signaling pathways needed for its activation. Nonetheless, these pathogens often rely on repair and detoxifying proteins in addition to these secreted effectors and toxins in order to resist mammalian sources of ROS. This suggests that pathogens have both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms to avoid restriction by PMN-derived ROS. Here, we review mechanisms of oxidative burst in PMNs in response to bacterial infections, as well as the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens thwart restriction by ROS to survive under conditions of oxidative stress.

Contrasting Lifestyles Within the Host Cell

Intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved to exploit the protected niche provided within the boundaries of a eukaryotic host cell. Upon entering a host cell, some bacteria can evade the adaptive immune response of its host and replicate in a relatively nutrient-rich environment devoid of competition from other host flora. Growth within a host cell is not without their hazards, however. Many pathogens enter their hosts through receptor-mediated endocytosis or phagocytosis, two intracellular trafficking pathways that terminate in a highly degradative organelle, the phagolysosome. This usually deadly compartment is maintained at a low pH and contains degradative enzymes and reactive oxygen species, resulting in an environment to which few bacterial species are adapted. Some intracellular pathogens, such as Shigella, Listeria, Francisella, and Rickettsia, escape the phagosome to replicate within the cytosol of the host cell. Bacteria that remain within a vacuole either alter the trafficking of their initial phagosomal compartment or adapt to survive within the harsh environment it will soon become. In this chapter, we focus on the mechanisms by which different vacuolar pathogens either evade lysosomal fusion, as in the case of Mycobacterium and Chlamydia, or allow interaction with lysosomes to varying degrees, such as Brucella and Coxiella, and their specific adaptations to inhabit a replicative niche.

Murine Alveolar Macrophages Are Highly Susceptible to Replication of Coxiella burnetii Phase II In Vitro

Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes Q fever in humans. Q fever is an atypical pneumonia transmitted through inhalation of contaminated aerosols. In mammalian lungs, C. burnetii infects and replicates in several cell types, including alveolar macrophages (AMs). The innate immunity and signaling pathways operating during infection are still poorly understood, in part because of the lack of relevant host cell models for infection in vitro In the study described here, we investigated and characterized the infection of primary murine AMs by C. burnetii phase II in vitro Our data reveal that AMs show a pronounced M2 polarization and are highly permissive to C. burnetii multiplication in vitro Murine AMs present an increased susceptibility to infection in comparison to primary bone marrow-derived macrophages. AMs support more than 2 logs of bacterial replication during 12 days of infection in culture, similar to highly susceptible host cells, such as Vero and THP-1 cells. As a proof of principle that AMs are useful for investigation of C. burnetii replication, we performed experiments with AMs from Nos2(-/-) or Ifng(-/-) mice. In the absence of gamma interferon and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), AMs were significantly more permissive than wild-type cells. In contrast, AMs from Il4(-/-) mice were more restrictive to C. burnetii replication, supporting the importance of M2 polarization for the permissiveness of AMs to C. burnetii replication. Collectively, our data account for understanding the high susceptibility of alveolar macrophages to bacterial replication and support the use of AMs as a relevant model of C. burnetii growth in primary macrophages.

Developmental transitions of Coxiella burnetii grown in axenic media

Coxiella burnetii undergoes a biphasic developmental cycle within its host cell that generates morphologically and physiologically distinct large cell variants (LCV) and small cell variants (SCV). During the lag phase of the C. burnetii growth cycle, non-replicating SCV differentiate into replicating LCV that in turn differentiate back into SCV during stationary phase. Nearly homogeneous SCV are observed in infected Vero cells after extended incubation (21 to 28days). In the current study, we sought to establish whether C. burnetii developmental transitions in host cells are recapitulated during host cell-free (axenic) growth in first and second generation acidified citrate cysteine media (ACCM-1 and ACCM-2, respectively). We show that ACCM-2 supported developmental transitions and viability. Although ACCM-1 also supported SCV to LCV transition, LCV to SCV transition did not occur after extended incubation (21days). Instead, C. burnetii exhibited a ghost-like appearance with bacteria containing condensed chromatin but otherwise devoid of cytoplasmic content. This phenotype correlated with a near total loss in viability between 14 and 21days of cultivation. Transcriptional profiling of C. burnetii following 14days of incubation revealed elevated expression of oxidative stress genes in ACCM-1 cultivated bacteria. ACCM-2 differs from ACCM-1 by the substitution of methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Mβ-CD) for fetal bovine serum. Addition of Mβ-CD to ACCM-1 at 7days post-inoculation rescued C. burnetii viability and lowered expression of oxidative stress genes. Thus, Mβ-CD appears to alleviate oxidative stress in ACCM-2 to result in C. burnetii developmental transitions and viability that mimic host cell-cultivated organisms. Axenic cultivation of C. burnetii in ACCM-2 and new methods of genetic manipulation now allow investigation of the molecular basis of C. burnetii biphasic development.

Sec-mediated secretion by Coxiella burnetii

Background

Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterial pathogen that replicates within a phagolysosome-like parasitophorous vacuole (PV) of macrophages. PV formation requires delivery of effector proteins directly into the host cell cytoplasm by a type IVB secretion system. However, additional secretion systems are likely responsible for modification of the PV lumen microenvironment that promote pathogen replication.

Results

To assess the potential of C. burnetii to secrete proteins into the PV, we analyzed the protein content of modified acidified citrate cysteine medium for the presence of C. burnetii proteins following axenic (host cell-free) growth. Mass spectrometry generated a list of 105 C. burnetii proteins that could be secreted. Based on bioinformatic analysis, 55 proteins were selected for further study by expressing them in C. burnetii with a C-terminal 3xFLAG-tag. Secretion of 27 proteins by C. burnetii transformants was confirmed by immunoblotting culture supernatants. Tagged proteins expressed by C. burnetii transformants were also found in the soluble fraction of infected Vero cells, indicating secretion occurs ex vivo. All secreted proteins contained a signal sequence, and deletion of this sequence from selected proteins abolished secretion. These data indicate protein secretion initially requires translocation across the inner-membrane into the periplasm via the activity of the Sec translocase.

Conclusions

C. burnetii secretes multiple proteins, in vitro and ex vivo, in a Sec-dependent manner. Possible roles for secreted proteins and secretion mechanisms are discussed.

Coxiella burnetii interaction with neutrophils and macrophages in vitro and in SCID mice following aerosol infection

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes acute and chronic Q fever in humans. Human Q fever is mainly transmitted by aerosol infection. However, there is a fundamental gap in the knowledge regarding the mechanisms of pulmonary immunity against C. burnetii infection. This study focused on understanding the interaction between C. burnetii and innate immune cells in vitro and in vivo. Both virulent C. burnetii Nine Mile phase I (NMI) and avirulent Nine Mile phase II (NMII) were able to infect neutrophils, while the infection rates were lower than 29%, suggesting that C. burnetii can infect neutrophils, but infection is limited. Interestingly, C. burnetii inside neutrophils can infect and replicate within macrophages, suggesting that neutrophils cannot kill C. burnetii and C. burnetii may be using infection of neutrophils as an evasive strategy to infect macrophages. To elucidate the mechanisms of the innate immune response to C. burnetii natural infection, SCID mice were exposed to aerosolized C. burnetii. Surprisingly, neutrophil influx into the lungs was delayed until day 7 postinfection in both NMI- and NMII-infected mice. This result suggests that neutrophils may play a unique role in the early immune response against aerosolized C. burnetii. Studying the interaction between C. burnetii and the innate immune system can provide a model system for understanding how the bacteria evade early immune responses to cause infection.

Metabolic host responses to infection by intracellular bacterial pathogens

The interaction of bacterial pathogens with mammalian hosts leads to a variety of physiological responses of the interacting partners aimed at an adaptation to the new situation. These responses include multiple metabolic changes in the affected host cells which are most obvious when the pathogen replicates within host cells as in case of intracellular bacterial pathogens. While the pathogen tries to deprive nutrients from the host cell, the host cell in return takes various metabolic countermeasures against the nutrient theft. During this conflicting interaction, the pathogen triggers metabolic host cell responses by means of common cell envelope components and specific virulence-associated factors. These host reactions generally promote replication of the pathogen. There is growing evidence that pathogen-specific factors may interfere in different ways with the complex regulatory network that controls the carbon and nitrogen metabolism of mammalian cells. The host cell defense answers include general metabolic reactions, like the generation of oxygen- and/or nitrogen-reactive species, and more specific measures aimed to prevent access to essential nutrients for the respective pathogen. Accurate results on metabolic host cell responses are often hampered by the use of cancer cell lines that already exhibit various de-regulated reactions in the primary carbon metabolism. Hence, there is an urgent need for cellular models that more closely reflect the in vivo infection conditions. The exact knowledge of the metabolic host cell responses may provide new interesting concepts for antibacterial therapies.

Molecular pathogenesis of the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii

The agent of Q fever, Coxiella burnetii, is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes acute and chronic infections. The study of C. burnetii pathogenesis has benefited from two recent fundamental advances: improved genetic tools and the ability to grow the bacterium in extracellular media. In this Review, we describe how these recent advances have improved our understanding of C. burnetii invasion and host cell modulation, including the formation of replication-permissive Coxiella-containing vacuoles. Furthermore, we describe the Dot/Icm (defect in organelle trafficking/intracellular multiplication) system, which is used by C. burnetii to secrete a range of effector proteins into the host cell, and we discuss the role of these effectors in remodelling the host cell.

Virulent Coxiella burnetii pathotypes productively infect primary human alveolar macrophages

The intracellular bacterial pathogen Coxiella burnetii is a category B select agent that causes human Q fever. In vivo, C. burnetii targets alveolar macrophages wherein the pathogen replicates in a lysosome-like parasitophorous vacuole (PV). In vitro, C. burnetii infects a variety of cultured cell lines that have collectively been used to model the pathogen's infectious cycle. However, differences in the cellular response to infection have been observed, and virulent C. burnetii isolate infection of host cells has not been well defined. Because alveolar macrophages are routinely implicated in disease, we established primary human alveolar macrophages (hAMs) as an in vitro model of C. burnetii-host cell interactions. C. burnetii pathotypes, including acute disease and endocarditis isolates, replicated in hAMs, albeit with unique PV properties. Each isolate replicated in large, typical PV and small, non-fused vacuoles, and lipid droplets were present in avirulent C. burnetii PV. Interestingly, a subset of small vacuoles harboured single organisms undergoing degradation. Prototypical PV formation and bacterial growth in hAMs required a functional type IV secretion system, indicating C. burnetii secretes effector proteins that control macrophage functions. Avirulent C. burnetii promoted sustained activation of Akt and Erk1/2 pro-survival kinases and short-termphosphorylation of stress-related p38. Avirulent organisms also triggered a robust, early pro-inflammatory response characterized by increased secretion of TNF-α and IL-6, while virulent isolates elicited substantially reduced secretion of these cytokines. A corresponding increase in pro- and mature IL-1β occurred in hAMs infected with avirulent C. burnetii, while little accumulation was observed following infection with virulent isolates. Finally, treatment of hAMs with IFN-γ controlled intracellular replication, supporting a role for this antibacterial insult in the host response to C. burnetii. Collectively, the current results demonstrate the hAM model is a human disease-relevant platform for defining novel innate immune responses to C. burnetii.

Coxiella burnetii alters cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase signaling during growth in macrophages

Coxiella burnetii is the bacterial agent of human Q fever, an acute, flu-like illness that can present as chronic endocarditis in immunocompromised individuals. Following aerosol-mediated transmission, C. burnetii replicates in alveolar macrophages in a unique phagolysosome-like parasitophorous vacuole (PV) required for survival. The mechanisms of C. burnetii intracellular survival are poorly defined and a recent Q fever outbreak in the Netherlands emphasizes the need for better understanding this unique host-pathogen interaction. We recently demonstrated that inhibition of host cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity negatively impacts PV formation. In the current study, we confirmed PKA involvement in PV biogenesis and probed the role of PKA signaling during C. burnetii infection of macrophages. Using PKA-specific inhibitors, we found the kinase was needed for biogenesis of prototypical PV and C. burnetii replication. PKA and downstream targets were differentially phosphorylated throughout infection, suggesting prolonged regulation of the pathway. Importantly, the pathogen actively triggered PKA activation, which was also required for PV formation by virulent C. burnetii isolates during infection of primary human alveolar macrophages. A subset of PKA-specific substrates were differentially phosphorylated during C. burnetii infection, suggesting the pathogen uses PKA signaling to control distinct host cell responses. Collectively, the current results suggest a versatile role for PKA in C. burnetii infection and indicate virulent organisms usurp host kinase cascades for efficient intracellular growth.

Tyrosine phosphorylation and bacterial virulence

Protein phosphorylation on tyrosine has emerged as a key device in the control of numerous cellular functions in bacteria. In this article, we review the structure and function of bacterial tyrosine kinases and phosphatases. Phosphorylation is catalyzed by autophosphorylating adenosine triphosphate-dependent enzymes (bacterial tyrosine (BY) kinases) that are characterized by the presence of Walker motifs. The reverse reaction is catalyzed by three classes of enzymes: the eukaryotic-like phosphatases (PTPs) and dual-specific phosphatases; the low molecular weight protein-tyrosine phosphatases (LMW-PTPs); and the polymerase–histidinol phosphatases (PHP). Many BY kinases and tyrosine phosphatases can utilize host cell proteins as substrates, thereby contributing to bacterial pathogenicity. Bacterial tyrosine phosphorylation/dephosphorylation is also involved in biofilm formation and community development. The Porphyromonas gingivalis tyrosine phosphatase Ltp1 is involved in a restraint pathway that regulates heterotypic community development with Streptococcus gordonii. Ltp1 is upregulated by contact with S. gordonii and Ltp1 activity controls adhesin expression and levels of the interspecies signal AI-2.

Phylogenetic diversity, virulence and comparative genomics

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, has remained a public health concern since the identification of this organism in 1935 by E. H. Derrick in Australia and at the Rocky Mountain Laboratory in the USA by H.R. Cox and G. Davis. Human Q fever has been described in most countries where C. burnetii is ubiquitous in the environment except in New Zealand where no cases have been described. Most human infections are acquired through inhalation of contaminated aerosols that can lead to acute self-limiting febrile illness or more severe chronic cases of hepatitis or endocarditis. It is estimated that the actual incidence of human infection is under-reported as a result of imprecise tools for differential diagnosis. An intracellular lifestyle, low infectious dose, and ease of transmission have resulted in the classification of C. burnetii as a category B bio-warfare agent. The recent outbreaks in Europe are a reminder that there is much to learn about this unique intracellular pathogen, especially with the speculation of a hyper-virulent strain contributing to an outbreak in the Netherlands where over 4,000 human cases were reported. A new era in C. burnetii research has begun with the recent description of an axenic media making this an exciting time to study this bacterial pathogen.

The Coxiella burnetii parasitophorous vacuole

Coxiella burnetii is a bacterial intracellular parasite of eucaryotic cells that replicates within a membrane-bound compartment, or "parasitophorous vacuole" (PV). With the exception of human macrophages/monocytes, the consensus model of PV trafficking in host cells invokes endolysosomal maturation culminating in lysosome fusion. C. burnetii resists the degradative functions of the vacuole while at the same time exploiting the acidic pH for metabolic activation. While at first glance the mature PV resembles a large phagolysosome, an increasing body of evidence indicates the vacuole is in fact a specialized compartment that is actively modified by the pathogen. Adding to the complexity of PV biogenesis is new data showing vacuole engagement with autophagic and early secretory pathways. In this chapter, we review current knowledge of PV nature and development, and discuss disparate data related to the ultimate maturation state of PV harboring virulent or avirulent C. burnetii lipopolysaccharide phase variants in human mononuclear phagocytes.

Q Fever: current state of knowledge and perspectives of research of a neglected zoonosis

Q fever is an ubiquitous zoonosis caused by an resistant intracellular bacterium, Coxiella burnetii. In certain areas, Q fever can be a severe public health problem, and awareness of the disease must be promoted worldwide. Nevertheless, knowledge of Coxiella burnetii remains limited to this day. Its resistant (intracellular and environmental) and infectious properties have been poorly investigated. Further understanding of the interactions between the infected host and the bacteria is necessary. Domestic ruminants are considered as the main reservoir of bacteria. Infected animals shed highly infectious organisms in milk, feces, urine, vaginal mucus, and, very importantly, birth products. Inhalation is the main route of infection. Frequently asymptomatic in humans and animals, Q fever can cause acute or chronic infections. Financial consequences of infection can be dramatic at herd level. Vaccination with inactive whole-cell bacteria has been performed and proved effective in humans and animals. However, inactive whole-cell vaccines present several defects. Recombinant vaccines have been developed in experimental conditions and have great potential for the future. Q fever is a challenging disease for scientists as significant further investigations are necessary. Great research opportunities are available to reach a better understanding and thus a better prevention and control of the infection.