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Stephens VR, Moore RE, Spicer SK, Talbert JA, Lu J, Chinni R, Chambers SA, Townsend SD, Manning SD, Rogers LM, Aronoff DM, Vue Z, Neikirk K, Hinton AO, Damo SM, Noble KN, Eastman AJ, McCallister MM, Osteen KG, Gaddy JA. Environmental Toxicant Exposure Paralyzes Human Placental Macrophage Responses to Microbial Threat. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:2401-2408. [PMID: 37955242 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00490] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental toxicants (such as dioxins) has been epidemiologically linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes, including placental inflammation and preterm birth. However, the molecular underpinnings that govern these outcomes in gravid reproductive tissues remain largely unclear. Placental macrophages (also known as Hofbauer cells) are crucial innate immune cells that defend the gravid reproductive tract and help promote maternal-fetal tolerance. We hypothesized that exposure to environmental toxicants such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) could alter placental macrophage responses to inflammatory insults such as infection. To test this, placental macrophages were cultured in the presence or absence of TCDD and then infected with the perinatal pathogen Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Our results indicate that TCDD is lethal to placental macrophages at and above a 5 nM concentration and that sublethal dioxin exposure inhibits phagocytosis and cytokine production. Taken together, these results indicate that TCDD paralyzes placental macrophage responses to bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R Stephens
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Rebecca E Moore
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Sabrina K Spicer
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - Julie A Talbert
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - Jacky Lu
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90027, United States
| | - Riya Chinni
- Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
| | - Schuyler A Chambers
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, United States
| | - Steven D Townsend
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37240, United States
| | - Shannon D Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Lisa M Rogers
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - David M Aronoff
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Zer Vue
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Kit Neikirk
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Antentor O Hinton
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Steven M Damo
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37205, United States
- Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37205, United States
- Department of Life and Physical Sciences, Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee 37208, United States
| | - Kristen N Noble
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Alison J Eastman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
| | - Monique M McCallister
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee 37209, United States
| | - Kevin G Osteen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee 37208, United States
- Tennessee Valley Health Systems, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
| | - Jennifer A Gaddy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, United States
- Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States
- Tennessee Valley Health Systems, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
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Kumalo A, Gebre B, Shiferaw S, Wolde W, Shonde T. Group B Streptococci recto-vaginal colonization, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors among pregnant women at selected health facilities of Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1277928. [PMID: 37965555 PMCID: PMC10642950 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1277928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcal colonization of the gastrointestinal and genital tracts of pregnant women usually remains asymptomatic, even though it is the critical determinant of infection in neonates and young infants. It causes early and late onset of invasive Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease manifesting as septicemia, meningitis, and pneumonia. Now it is recognized as an important cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world including Ethiopia, where the magnitude of the problem has been little studied. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of GBS colonization and to identify associated risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among pregnant women at selected health facilities of Wolaita Sodo Town, Southern Ethiopia. Methodology A health-facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted at WSUCSH & Wolaita Sodo Health Center from June to August, 2022. A total of 279 pregnant women who were in ANC follow-up at 35-37 weeks of gestation were included. For GBS isolation, recto-vaginal swabs were inoculated in 1 mL Todd-Hewitt broth medium supplemented with 10 μg/mL colistin and 15 μg/mL nalidixic acid, followed by identification of isolates based on colonial morphology, gram stains, catalase reaction, and CAMP tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. All collected data were entered in Epi info 4.6.0.2, then transferred and tabulated using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression analysis was used to see the association between variables. Finally, a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results In the present study, 279 pregnant mothers, aged between 15 to 38 years with a mean of 26.5 ± 4.5 years, were included. Of all participants, the highest proportion (120) (43.01%) were housewives. The overall carriage rate of GBS was 67 (24.0%). GBS colonization showed a statistically significant association with college and above levels of maternal education [AOR = 6.610, 95% CI (1.724-25.349), p = 0.01]. High susceptibility of GBS isolate was seen with Penicillin G & Chloramphenicol (92.5%), Ampicillin, Ceftriaxone (89.6%), Vancomycin (74.62%), and Erythromycin (77%). Relatively, GBS showed high resistance to Tetracycline (88%). Conclusion and recommendation In this study, the overall prevalence of GBS colonization was 24.0%. College and above educational level was statistically significant with GBS colonization. This study aimed to draw attention to the management of Group B Streptococci in pregnant women by making GBS culture one of the routine diagnoses during ANC follow-up and to prevent infection with early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abera Kumalo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Biruk Gebre
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Shimelis Shiferaw
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Wokil Wolde
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Tamirayehu Shonde
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
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De-Leon-Lopez YS, Thompson ME, Kean JJ, Flaherty RA. The PI3K-Akt pathway is a multifaceted regulator of the macrophage response to diverse group B Streptococcus isolates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1258275. [PMID: 37928185 PMCID: PMC10622663 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1258275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS), also known as Streptococcus agalactiae, is a common member of the microbial flora in healthy individuals. However, problems may arise when GBS-colonized mothers become pregnant. GBS may be transferred from a colonized mother to her newborn or developing fetus, which may result in complications such as miscarriage, pre-term birth, meningitis, pneumonia, or sepsis. Macrophages play an especially important role in the fetal and newborn response to GBS due to the limited development of the adaptive immune system early in life. The goal of this study was to expand what is currently known about how GBS manipulates macrophage cell signaling to evade the immune system and cause disease. To this end, we investigated whether the PI3K-Akt pathway was involved in several key aspects of the macrophage response to GBS. We explored whether certain GBS strains, such as sequence type (ST)-17 strains, rely on this pathway for the more rapid macrophage uptake they induce compared to other GBS strains. Our findings suggest that this pathway is, indeed, important for macrophage uptake of GBS. Consistent with these findings, we used immunofluorescence microscopy to demonstrate that more virulent strains of GBS induce more actin projections in macrophages than less virulent strains. Additionally, we explored whether PI3K-Akt signaling impacted the ability of GBS to survive within macrophages after phagocytosis and whether this pathway influenced the survival rate of macrophages themselves following GBS infection. The PI3K-Akt pathway was found to promote the survival of both macrophages and intracellular GBS following infection. We also observed that inhibition of the PI3K-Akt pathway significantly reduced GBS-mediated activation of NFκB, which is a key regulator of cell survival and inflammatory responses. Overall, these insights into strain-dependent GBS-mediated manipulation of the PI3K-Akt pathway and its downstream targets in infected macrophages may provide new insights for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools to combat severe GBS disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rebecca A. Flaherty
- Department of Biology and Health Science, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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Dual RNA sequencing of group B Streptococcus-infected human monocytes reveals new insights into host-pathogen interactions and bacterial evasion of phagocytosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2137. [PMID: 36747074 PMCID: PMC9902490 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28117-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a frequent cause of infections, including bacteraemia and other acute diseases in adults and immunocompromised individuals. We developed a novel system to study GBS within human monocytes to define the co-transcriptome of intracellular GBS (iGBS) and host cells simultaneously using dual RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to better define how this pathogen responds to host cells. Using human U937 monocytes and genome-sequenced GBS reference strain 874,391 in antibiotic protection assays we validated a system for dual-RNA seq based on measures of GBS and monocyte viability to ensure that the bacterial and host cell co-transcriptome reflected mainly intracellular (iGBS) rather than extracellular GBS. Elucidation of the co-transcriptome revealed 1119 dysregulated transcripts in iGBS with most genes, including several that encode virulence factors (e.g., scpB, hvgA, ribD, pil2b) exhibiting activation by upregulated expression. Infection with iGBS resulted in significant remodelling of the monocyte transcriptome, with 7587 transcripts differentially expressed including 7040 up-regulated and 547 down-regulated. qPCR confirmed that the most strongly activated genes included sht, encoding Streptococcal Histidine Triad Protein. An isogenic GBS mutant strain deficient in sht revealed a significant effect of this gene on phagocytosis of GBS and survival of the bacteria during systemic infection in mice. Identification of a novel contribution of sht to GBS virulence shows the co-transcriptome responses elucidated in GBS-infected monocytes help to shape the host-pathogen interaction and establish a role for sht in the response of the bacteria to phagocytic uptake. This study provides comprehension of concurrent transcriptional responses that occur in GBS and human monocytes that shape the host-pathogen interaction.
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Group B Streptococcus and Pregnancy: Critical Concepts and Management Nuances. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2022; 77:753-762. [PMID: 36477387 DOI: 10.1097/ogx.0000000000001092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Importance Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common pathogen with an effective treatment. However, it remains a significant cause of neonatal sepsis, morbidity, and mortality. The screening and management of this infection are some of the first concepts learned during medical training in obstetrics. However, effective screening and evidence-based management of GBS are nuanced with many critical caveats. Objective The objectives of this review are to discuss the essential aspects of GBS screening and management and to highlight recent changes to recommendations and guidelines. Evidence Acquisition Original research articles, review articles, and guidelines on GBS were reviewed. Results The following recommendations are based on review of the evidence and professional society guidelines. Screening for GBS should occur between 36 weeks and the end of the 37th week. The culture swab should go 2 cm into the vagina and 1 cm into the anus. Patients can perform their own swabs as well. Penicillin allergy testing has been shown to be safe in pregnancy. Patients with GBS in the urine should be treated at term with antibiotic prophylaxis, independent of the colony count of the culture. Patients who are GBS-positive with preterm and prelabor rupture of membranes after 34 weeks are not candidates for expectant management, as this population has higher rates of neonatal infectious complications. Patients with a history of GBS colonization in prior pregnancy who are GBS-unknown in this current pregnancy and present with labor should receive intrapartum prophylaxis. Work on the GBS vaccine continues. Conclusions Although all of the efforts and focus on neonatal early-onset GBS infection have led to lower rates of disease, GBS still remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality requiring continued vigilance from obstetric providers.
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Avital G, Kuperwaser F, Pountain AW, Lacey KA, Zwack EE, Podkowik M, Shopsin B, Torres VJ, Yanai I. The tempo and mode of gene regulatory programs during bacterial infection. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111477. [PMID: 36223751 PMCID: PMC9741813 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune recognition of bacterial pathogens is a key determinant of the ensuing systemic response, and host or pathogen heterogeneity in this early interaction can impact the course of infection. To gain insight into host response heterogeneity, we investigate macrophage inflammatory dynamics using primary human macrophages infected with Group B Streptococcus. Transcriptomic analysis reveals discrete cellular states within responding macrophages, one of which consists of four sub-states, reflecting inflammatory activation. Infection with six additional bacterial species-Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Shigella flexneri, and Salmonella enterica-recapitulates these states, though at different frequencies. We show that modulating the duration of infection and the presence of a toxin impacts inflammatory trajectory dynamics. We provide evidence for this trajectory in infected macrophages in an in vivo model of Staphylococcus aureus infection. Our cell-state analysis defines a framework for understanding inflammatory activation dynamics in response to bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Avital
- Institute for Computational Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Felicia Kuperwaser
- Institute for Computational Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA,These authors contributed equally
| | - Andrew W. Pountain
- Institute for Computational Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Keenan A. Lacey
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erin E. Zwack
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Magdalena Podkowik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bo Shopsin
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Victor J. Torres
- Department of Microbiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Itai Yanai
- Institute for Computational Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA,Lead contact,Correspondence:
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Andersen M, Smith B, Murra M, Nielsen SY, Slotved HC, Henriksen TB. Invasive group B Streptococcus strains and clinical characteristics in Danish infants from 1999 to 2009. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1001953. [PMID: 36246253 PMCID: PMC9554412 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1001953] [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: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in infants may result in both respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological dysfunction and ultimately death of the infant. Surveillance of GBS strains in infants and their clinical characteristics guide development of effective vaccines and other potential treatments and may have implications for future prognostics and infant care. Therefore, we aimed to study GBS serotypes and clonal complexes (CC) in Danish infants with early onset infection (EOD) (0–6 days of life) and late-onset infection (LOD) (7–89 days of life) and to estimate the association between GBS strain and different clinical outcomes.MethodsWe included Danish infants less than 3 months of age with GBS isolates from blood or cerebrospinal fluid between 1999 and 2009. GBS isolates were analyzed by serotyping and multilocus sequence typing with classification of isolates into clonal complexes. Clinical characteristics were obtained by questionnaires completed by tending pediatrician including gestational age, Apgar scores, age at onset, meningitis, symptom severity, treatment duration, and mortality. Symptom severities were reported within neurological symptoms, need for respiratory or circulatory support, and treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation.ResultsA total of 212 GBS isolates were collected with 129 from EOD and 83 from LOD. The dominating GBS strains were III/CC17 (41%), Ia/CC23 (17%), III/CC19 (15%), Ib/CC8-10 (7%), and V/CC1 (6%). Strain Ia/CC23 was mostly found in EOD, while III/CC17 was widespread in LOD, though being the most common in both EOD and LOD. Strain III/CC17 and Ia/CC23 had highest percentage of samples from cerebrospinal fluid (26%), while III/CC19 had the least (8%). Strain III/CC19 had highest mortality with about one fifth of infected infants dying (22%) followed by Ia/CC23 (16%), Ib/CC8-10 (9%), and then III/CC17 (6%). The symptom severity varied between strains, but with no strain consistently resulting in more severe symptoms.ConclusionSome potential differences in disease severity were observed between the different strains. These findings emphasize the continuous need for multimodal surveillance of infant GBS strains and their clinical characteristics to optimize development of GBS vaccines and other potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Andersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Mads Andersen,
| | - Birgitte Smith
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - May Murra
- Department of Microbiology, Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Stine Yde Nielsen
- Department of Microbiology, Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hans-Christian Slotved
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites, and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Das MC, Samaddar S, Jawed JJ, Ghosh C, Acharjee S, Sandhu P, Das A, Daware AV, De UC, Majumdar S, Das Gupta SK, Akhter Y, Bhattacharjee S. Vitexin alters Staphylococcus aureus surface hydrophobicity to obstruct biofilm formation. Microbiol Res 2022; 263:127126. [PMID: 35914415 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Cell Surface hydrophobicity is one of the determinant biophysical parameters of bacterial aggregation for being networked to form a biofilm. Phytoconstituent, like vitexin, has long been in use for their antibacterial effect. The present work demonstrates the role of vitexin in modulating Staphylococcus aureus surface hydrophobicity while aggregating to form biofilm and pathogenesis in a host. In planktonic form, vitexin shows minimum inhibitory concentration at 252 µg/ml against S. aureus. Sub-MIC doses of vitexin and antibiotics (26 µg/ml of vitexin, 55 µg/ml of azithromycin, and 2.5 µg/ml of gentamicin) were selected to treat S. aureus. Dead cell counts after treatment were studied through flow cytometry. As dead cell counts were minimal (<5 %), these doses were considered for all subsequent experiments. While studying aggregating cells, it was observed that vitexin reduces S. aureus surface hydrophobicity and membrane permeability at the sub-MIC dose of 26 µg/ml. The in silico binding analysis showed a higher binding affinity of vitexin with surface proteins (IcaA, DltA, and SasG) of S. aureus. Down-regulation of dltA and icaAB expression, along with the reduction in membrane potential with a sub-MIC dose of vitexin, explains reduced S. aureus surface hydrophobicity. Vitexin was found to interfere with S. aureus biofilm-associated protein biomass, EPS production, and swarming movement. Subsequently, the suppression of proteases production and down-regulation of icaAB and agrAC gene expression with a sub-MIC dose of vitexin explained the inhibition of S. aureus virulence in vitro. Besides, vitexin was also found to potentiate the antibiofilm activity of sub-MIC doses of gentamicin and azithromycin. Treatment with vitexin exhibits a protective response in S. aureus infected macrophages through modulation of expression of cytokines like IL-10 and IL-12p40 at protein and mRNA levels. Furthermore, CFU count and histological examination of infected mouse tissue (liver and spleen) justify the in vivo protective effect of vitexin from S. aureus biofilm-associated infection. From this study, it can be inferred that vitexin can reduce S. aureus surface hydrophobicity, leading to interference with aggregation at the time of biofilm formation and subsequent pathogenesis in a host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manash C Das
- Department of Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura 799022, India; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Women's Polytechnic, Hapania, Tripura 799130, India
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology, Centenary Campus, Bose Institute, CIT Road, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Junaid Jibran Jawed
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Centenary Campus, Bose Institute, CIT Road, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Chinmoy Ghosh
- Department of Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura 799022, India; Molecular Stress and Stem Cell Biology Group, School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odissa 751024, India
| | - Shukdeb Acharjee
- Department of Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura 799022, India
| | - Padmani Sandhu
- Centre for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Shahpur, District-Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176206, India
| | - Antu Das
- Department of Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura 799022, India
| | - Akshay Vishnu Daware
- Department of Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura 799022, India
| | - Utpal C De
- Department of Chemistry, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura 799022, India
| | - Subrata Majumdar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Centenary Campus, Bose Institute, CIT Road, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Sujoy K Das Gupta
- Department of Microbiology, Centenary Campus, Bose Institute, CIT Road, Kolkata 700054, India
| | - Yusuf Akhter
- Department of Biotechnology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Surajit Bhattacharjee
- Department of Molecular Biology & Bioinformatics, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Tripura 799022, India.
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Kumar M, Saadaoui M, Al Khodor S. Infections and Pregnancy: Effects on Maternal and Child Health. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:873253. [PMID: 35755838 PMCID: PMC9217740 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.873253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy causes physiological and immunological adaptations that allow the mother and fetus to communicate with precision in order to promote a healthy pregnancy. At the same time, these adaptations may make pregnant women more susceptible to infections, resulting in a variety of pregnancy complications; those pathogens may also be vertically transmitted to the fetus, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Even though the placenta has developed a robust microbial defense to restrict vertical microbial transmission, certain microbial pathogens have evolved mechanisms to avoid the placental barrier and cause congenital diseases. Recent mechanistic studies have begun to uncover the striking role of the maternal microbiota in pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we discuss how microbial pathogens overcome the placental barrier to cause congenital diseases. A better understanding of the placental control of fetal infection should provide new insights into future translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar
- Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
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10
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Mu F, Wang Y, Wu H, You Q, Zhang D. The myocardial infarction-associated transcript 2 inhibits lipid accumulation and promotes cholesterol efflux in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced THP-1-derived macrophages via inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and activating the nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 signaling pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:407-417. [PMID: 34783297 PMCID: PMC8805865 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2005932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated lipid metabolism of macrophages contributes to thrombosis and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) myocardial infarction-associated transcript 2 (Mirt2) has been reported to inhibit inflammation and lipid accumulation; therefore, this study intended to clarify whether Mirt2 served a role in lipid metabolism. THP-1-derived macrophages with or without Mirt2-knockdown or overexpression, were exposed to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), then cell migration, lipid accumulation, cholesterol efflux and inflammation were assessed using wound healing, oil red staining, commercial kits and western blot assays. Besides, ML385 was used to treat THP-1-derived macrophages to inhibit nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression. The expression of proteins involved in the above processes were measured by western blot. Results demonstrated that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) significantly increased Mirt2 expression in THP-1 cells. Mirt2-knockdown enhanced ox-LDL-induced macrophage migration, lipid accumulation, inflammation, and inhibited cholesterol efflux. By contrast, Mirt2 overexpression displayed the opposite effects. Furthermore, Mirt2-knockdown inhibited NRF2 signaling and enhanced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, while Mirt2 overexpression displayed the opposite effects. Finally, the NRF2 inhibitor ML385 significantly reversed the above effects of Mirt2. In summary, Mirt2 served an important role in regulating lipid metabolism in macrophages via inhibiting MAPK signaling and activating the NRF2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangxiang Mu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular, Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine & Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingxia You
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine & Western Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Daimin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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11
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McCutcheon CR, Pell ME, Gaddy JA, Aronoff DM, Petroff MG, Manning SD. Production and Composition of Group B Streptococcal Membrane Vesicles Vary Across Diverse Lineages. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:770499. [PMID: 34880842 PMCID: PMC8645895 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.770499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the neonatal and fetal pathogen Group B Streptococcus (GBS) asymptomatically colonizes the vaginal tract of ∼30% of pregnant women, only a fraction of their offspring develops invasive disease. We and others have postulated that these dimorphic clinical phenotypes are driven by strain variability; however, the bacterial factors that promote these divergent clinical phenotypes remain unclear. It was previously shown that GBS produces membrane vesicles (MVs) that contain active virulence factors capable of inducing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Because the relationship between strain variation and vesicle composition or production is unknown, we sought to quantify MV production and examine the protein composition, using label-free proteomics on MVs produced by diverse clinical GBS strains representing three phylogenetically distinct lineages. We found that MV production varied across strains, with certain strains displaying nearly twofold increases in production relative to others. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis of the proteomes revealed that MV composition is lineage-dependent but independent of clinical phenotype. Multiple proteins that contribute to virulence or immunomodulation, including hyaluronidase, C5a peptidase, and sialidases, were differentially abundant in MVs, and were partially responsible for this divergence. Together, these data indicate that production and composition of GBS MVs vary in a strain-dependent manner, suggesting that MVs have lineage-specific functions relating to virulence. Such differences may contribute to variation in clinical phenotypes observed among individuals infected with GBS strains representing distinct lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole R. McCutcheon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Macy E. Pell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Gaddy
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - David M. Aronoff
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Margaret G. Petroff
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Shannon D. Manning
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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12
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Ferreira MNMR, de Paula GR, Barros RR. Distribution of virulence determinants in Streptococcus agalactiae recovered from different clinical sources. Microb Pathog 2021; 161:105255. [PMID: 34678459 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus, GBS) is a pathobiont, a member of human microbiota that can change from commensal to pathogen, causing a large spectrum of diseases. This study assessed virulence determinants of 32 GBS isolates recovered from different clinical sources associated with asymptomatic and symptomatic clinical outcomes that present distinct capsular types and antimicrobial resistance profiles. The ability of a unique strain to colonize and cause infection in different subjects was also evaluated. By PFGE analysis, it was observed that a given strain could be associated with both asymptomatic and symptomatic outcomes. Cell wall anchor proteins β and alpha C encoding genes (bac and bca, respectively) were detected in all capsular type Ib isolates. bca was more frequent among asymptomatic outcome-related isolates, as well as high expression of β-hemolysin/cytolysin (β-H/C). Symptomatic outcome-related isolates produced strong biofilm more frequently. All bacterial isolates recovered from urine were strong biofilm producers. In growth experiments, asymptomatic outcome-related isolates grew faster after 2 h until the end of the log phase. Taken together, these findings show virulence genotypic and phenotypic features of GBS from distinct sources, which may be helpful to understand their pathogenic potential and predict different clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Nunes M R Ferreira
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil
| | - Geraldo Renato de Paula
- Departamento de Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rocha Barros
- Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil.
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13
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Distinct Group B Streptococcus Sequence and Capsule Types Differentially Impact Macrophage Stress and Inflammatory Signaling Responses. Infect Immun 2021; 89:IAI.00647-20. [PMID: 33558317 PMCID: PMC8091095 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00647-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that can contribute to the induction of preterm birth in colonized pregnant women and to severe neonatal disease. Many questions regarding the mechanisms that drive GBS-associated pathogenesis remain unanswered, and it is not yet clear why virulence has been observed to vary so extensively across GBS strains. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that can contribute to the induction of preterm birth in colonized pregnant women and to severe neonatal disease. Many questions regarding the mechanisms that drive GBS-associated pathogenesis remain unanswered, and it is not yet clear why virulence has been observed to vary so extensively across GBS strains. Previously, we demonstrated that GBS strains of different sequence types (STs) and capsule (CPS) types induce different cytokine profiles in infected THP-1 macrophage-like cells. Here, we expanded on these studies by utilizing the same set of genetically diverse GBS isolates to assess ST and CPS-specific differences in upstream cell death and inflammatory signaling pathways. Our results demonstrate that particularly virulent STs and CPS types, such as the ST-17 and CPS III groups, induce enhanced Jun-N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and NF-κB pathway activation following GBS infection of macrophages compared with other ST or CPS groups. Additionally, we found that ST-17, CPS III, and CPS V GBS strains induce the greatest levels of macrophage cell death during infection and exhibit a more pronounced ability to be internalized and to survive in macrophages following phagocytosis. These data provide further support for the hypothesis that variable host innate immune responses to GBS, which significantly impact pathogenesis, stem in part from genotypic and phenotypic differences among GBS isolates. These and similar studies may inform the development of improved diagnostic, preventive, or therapeutic strategies targeting invasive GBS infections.
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14
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Hower S, McCormack R, Bartra SS, Alonso P, Podack ER, Shembade N, Plano GV. LPS modifications and AvrA activity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium are required to prevent Perforin-2 expression by infected fibroblasts and intestinal epithelial cells. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104852. [PMID: 33762201 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cellular Perforin-2 (MPEG1) is a pore-forming MACPF family protein that plays a critical role in the defense against bacterial pathogens. Macrophages, neutrophils, and several other cell types that are part of the front line of innate defenses constitutively express high levels of Perforin-2; whereas, most other cell types must be induced to express Perforin-2 by interferons (α, β and γ) and/or PAMPs such as LPS. In this study, we demonstrate that many bacterial pathogens can limit the expression of Perforin-2 in cells normally inducible for Perforin-2 expression, while ordinarily commensal or non-pathogenic bacteria triggered high levels of Perforin-2 expression in these same cell types. The mechanisms by which pathogens suppress Perforin-2 expression was explored further using Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and cultured MEFs as well as intestinal epithelial cell lines. These studies identified multiple factors required to minimize the expression of Perforin-2 in cell types inducible for Perforin-2 expression. These included the PmrAB and PhoPQ two-component systems, select LPS modification enzymes and the Type III secretion effector protein AvrA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Hower
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Ryan McCormack
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Sara Schesser Bartra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Patricia Alonso
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Eckhard R Podack
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Noula Shembade
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Gregory V Plano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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15
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Steer PJ, Russell AB, Kochhar S, Cox P, Plumb J, Gopal Rao G. Group B streptococcal disease in the mother and newborn-A review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 252:526-533. [PMID: 32586597 PMCID: PMC7295463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus, a common commensal in the gut of humans and in the lower genital tract in women, remains an important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The incidence of early onset disease has fallen markedly in countries that test women for carriage at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy and then offer intrapartum prophylaxis with penicillin during labour. Countries that do not test, but instead employ a risk factor approach, have not seen a similar fall. There are concerns about the effect on the neonatal microbiome of widespread use of antibiotic prophylaxis during labour, but so far the effects seem minor and temporary. Vaccination against GBS would be acceptable to most women and GBS vaccines are in the early stages of development. Tweetable abstract: Group B Strep is a key cause of infection, death and disability in young babies. Antibiotics given in labour remain the mainstay of prevention, until a vaccine is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Steer
- Imperial College London, Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Sonali Kochhar
- Global Healthcare Consulting, India; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Philippa Cox
- Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Plumb
- Group B Strep Support, Haywards Heath, RH16 1UA, United Kingdom
| | - Gopal Gopal Rao
- London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, Harrow, United Kingdom
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16
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Modulation of Death and Inflammatory Signaling in Decidual Stromal Cells following Exposure to Group B Streptococcus. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00729-19. [PMID: 31548323 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00729-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that contributes to miscarriage, preterm birth, and serious neonatal infections. Studies have indicated that some multilocus sequence types (STs) of GBS are more likely to cause severe disease than others. We hypothesized that the ability of GBS to elicit varying host responses in maternal decidual tissue during pregnancy is an important factor regulating infection and disease severity. To address this hypothesis, we utilized an antibody microarray to compare changes in production and activation of host signaling proteins in decidualized telomerase-immortalized human endometrial stromal cells (dT-HESCs) following infection with GBS strains from septic neonates or colonized mothers. GBS infection increased levels of total and phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members such as p38 and JNK and induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway activation. Infection also altered the regulation of additional proteins that mediate cell death and inflammation in a strain-specific manner, which could be due to the observed variation in attachment to and invasion of the decidual stromal cells and ability to lyse red blood cells. Further analyses confirmed array results and revealed that p38 promotes programmed necrosis in dT-HESCs. Together, the observed signaling changes may contribute to deregulation of critical developmental signaling cascades and inflammatory responses following infection, both of which could trigger GBS-associated pregnancy complications.
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