1
|
Gao S, Jin W, Quan Y, Li Y, Shen Y, Yuan S, Yi L, Wang Y, Wang Y. Bacterial capsules: Occurrence, mechanism, and function. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2024; 10:21. [PMID: 38480745 PMCID: PMC10937973 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-024-00497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In environments characterized by extended multi-stress conditions, pathogens develop a variety of immune escape mechanisms to enhance their ability to infect the host. The capsules, polymers that bacteria secrete near their cell wall, participates in numerous bacterial life processes and plays a crucial role in resisting host immune attacks and adapting to their niche. Here, we discuss the relationship between capsules and bacterial virulence, summarizing the molecular mechanisms of capsular regulation and pathogenesis to provide new insights into the research on the pathogenesis of pathogenic bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wenjie Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yingying Quan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yamin Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Shuo Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Li Yi
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China
- College of Life Science, Luoyang Normal University, Luoyang, 471934, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China.
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China.
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471000, China.
- Henan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Detection and Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Livestock and Poultry, Luoyang, 471003, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ivaškevičienė I, Silickaitė J, Mačionienė A, Ivaškevičius R, Bulavaitė A, Gėgžna V, Kiverytė S, Paškevič B, Žvirblienė A, Plečkaitytė M. Molecular characteristics of Neisseria meningitidis carriage strains in university students in Lithuania. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:352. [PMID: 37978423 PMCID: PMC10655475 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neisseria meningitidis can be carried asymptomatically in the human oropharynx without causing symptoms. Meningococcal carriage is relevant to the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). No carriage studies have been performed among the general population in Lithuania, whereas the incidence of IMD in Lithuania was among the highest in European countries from 2009 to 2019. RESULTS We analyzed a total of 401 oropharyngeal samples collected from university students from December 2021 to February 2023 for N. meningitidis carriage using direct swab PCR assays and culture. The overall carriage prevalence based on both or either swab PCR or culture was 4.99%. PCR-based assays were used to characterize 15 carriage isolates, including detection of genogroup, multilocus sequence typing profile, and typing of antigens PorA and FetA. The most common carriage isolates were capsule null locus (cnl), accounting for 46.7%, followed by genogroups B (26.7%) and Y (13.3%). We also performed a molecular characterization of invasive N. meningitidis isolates collected during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic period to understand better the meningococcal carriage in the context of prevailing invasive strains. Despite the substantial decrease in the incidence of IMD during the 2020-2022 period, clonal complex 32 (CC32) of serogroup B continued to be the most prevalent IMD-causing CC in Lithuania. However, CC32 was not detected among carriage isolates. The most common CCs were CC269, CC198, and CC1136. The antigen peptide variants found in most carried isolates were classified as 'insufficient data' according to the MenDeVAR Index to evaluate the potential coverage by the 4CMenB vaccine. Nearly half of the isolates were potentially covered by the Men-Fhbp vaccine. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was detected only for one cnl isolate. All isolates were susceptible to penicillin and ceftriaxone. Our analysis identified frequent partying (≥ 4 times/month) as a risk factor for meningococcal carriage, whereas smoking, living in a dormitory, and previous COVID-19 illness were not associated with the carriage. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a low prevalence of meningococcal carriage among university students in Lithuania. The carriage isolates showed genetic diversity, although almost half of them were identified as having a null capsule locus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inga Ivaškevičienė
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Pediatric Center, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Justina Silickaitė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Asta Mačionienė
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rimvydas Ivaškevičius
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Pediatric Center, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aistė Bulavaitė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vilmantas Gėgžna
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Silvija Kiverytė
- Center of Laboratory Medicine, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Božena Paškevič
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Pediatric Center, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aurelija Žvirblienė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Milda Plečkaitytė
- Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang C, Zhao L, Zhou J, Cheng Y, Yang J, Zhou H, Luo W, Lu S, Jin D, Pu J, Zhang S, Liu L, Xu J. Neisseria lisongii sp. nov. and Neisseria yangbaofengii sp. nov., isolated from the respiratory tracts of marmots. Int J Syst Evol Microbiol 2023; 73. [PMID: 37610801 DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.006002] [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: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Four Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-positive, non-motile, cocci-shaped bacteria strains (ZJ106T, ZJ104, ZJ785T and ZJ930) were isolated from marmot respiratory tracts. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA genes, 53 ribosomal protein sequences and 441 core genes supported that all four strains belonged to the genus Neisseria with close relatives Neisseria weixii 10022T and Neisseria iguanae ATCC 51483T. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were below the species-level thresholds (95-96 % for ANI, and 70 % for dDDH). The major fatty acids of all four strains were C16 : 1 ω7c /C16 : 1 ω6c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω9c. Major polar lipids were composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. MK-8 was the major menaquinone. Based on Virulence Factor Database analysis, the four strains were found to contain NspA and PorB H-factor binding proteins that promote evasion of host immunity. Strains ZJ106T and ZJ104 contained structures similar to the capsule synthesis manipulator of Neisseria meningitidis. Based on phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence, we propose that strains ZJ106T and ZJ785T represent two novel species of the genus Neisseria, respectively, with the names Neisseria lisongii sp. nov. and Neisseria yangbaofengii sp. nov. The type strains are ZJ106T (=GDMCC 1.3111T=JCM 35323T) and ZJ785T (=GDMCC 1.1998T=KCTC 82336T).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caixin Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Lijun Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Juan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Yanpeng Cheng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518000, PR China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Huimin Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Wenbo Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Shan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
- Research Units of Discovery of Unknown Bacteria and Function, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Dong Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
- Research Units of Discovery of Unknown Bacteria and Function, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Ji Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Sihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, PR China
| | - Liyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, PR China
- Research Units of Discovery of Unknown Bacteria and Function, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 102206, PR China
- Institute of Public Health, Nankai University, Tianjin 300305, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kanojiya P, Saroj SD. Effect of respiratory tract co-colonizers on initial attachment of Neisseria meningitidis. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:273. [PMID: 37400657 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03612-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory tract is a complex system comprising of unique microbiota inhabitants. Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae are few prevalent bacteria in the community composition during lung infections. Although, N. meningitidis resides asymptomatically in nasopharynx of the human host, it can cause fatal infections like meningitis. However, factors affecting transit from carriage to symptomatic infection are not well understood. Various host metabolites and environmental conditions affect the virulence of bacteria. Here, we report that presence of co-colonizers significantly reduces the initial attachment of N. meningitidis to A549 nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Further, significant decrease in invasion to A549 nasopharyngeal epithelial cells was observed. Moreover, survival in J774A.1 murine macrophage also increases significantly when conditioned media (CM) from S. pyogenes and L. rhamnosus is used for culturing N. meningitidis. The increase in survival could be attributed to increased capsule synthesis. The gene expression studies revealed increased expression of siaC and ctrB in CM prepared from the growth S. pyogenes and L. rhamnosus. Overall, the results suggest change in the virulence of N. meningitidis is assisted by lung microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Kanojiya
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra, 412115, India
| | - Sunil D Saroj
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra, 412115, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nahar N, Tram G, Jen FEC, Phillips ZN, Weinert L, Bossé J, Jabbari J, Gouil Q, Du MM, Ritchie M, Bowden R, Langford P, Tucker A, Jennings M, Turni C, Blackall P, Atack J. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae encodes multiple phase-variable DNA methyltransferases that control distinct phasevarions. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:3240-3260. [PMID: 36840716 PMCID: PMC10123105 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the cause of porcine pleuropneumonia, a severe respiratory tract infection that is responsible for major economic losses to the swine industry. Many host-adapted bacterial pathogens encode systems known as phasevarions (phase-variable regulons). Phasevarions result from variable expression of cytoplasmic DNA methyltransferases. Variable expression results in genome-wide methylation differences within a bacterial population, leading to altered expression of multiple genes via epigenetic mechanisms. Our examination of a diverse population of A. pleuropneumoniae strains determined that Type I and Type III DNA methyltransferases with the hallmarks of phase variation were present in this species. We demonstrate that phase variation is occurring in these methyltransferases, and show associations between particular Type III methyltransferase alleles and serovar. Using Pacific BioSciences Single-Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) sequencing and Oxford Nanopore sequencing, we demonstrate the presence of the first ever characterised phase-variable, cytosine-specific Type III DNA methyltransferase. Phase variation of distinct Type III DNA methyltransferase in A. pleuropneumoniae results in the regulation of distinct phasevarions, and in multiple phenotypic differences relevant to pathobiology. Our characterisation of these newly described phasevarions in A. pleuropneumoniae will aid in the selection of stably expressed antigens, and direct and inform development of a rationally designed subunit vaccine against this major veterinary pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Nahar
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Greg Tram
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Freda E-C Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Zachary N Phillips
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Lucy A Weinert
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Janine T Bossé
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Jafar S Jabbari
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Quentin Gouil
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Mei R M Du
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Matthew E Ritchie
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Rory Bowden
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Paul R Langford
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Alexander W Tucker
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Conny Turni
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Patrick J Blackall
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - John M Atack
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Herold R, Denzer L, Muranyi W, Stump-Guthier C, Ishikawa H, Schroten H, Schwerk C. The phosphoproteome of choroid plexus epithelial cells following infection with Neisseria meningitidis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1113528. [PMID: 37065199 PMCID: PMC10102474 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1113528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which causes meningitis in humans, has been demonstrated to manipulate or alter host signalling pathways during infection of the central nervous system (CNS). However, these complex signalling networks are not completely understood. We investigate the phosphoproteome of an in vitro model of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) based on human epithelial choroid plexus (CP) papilloma (HIBCPP) cells during infection with the N. meningitidis serogroup B strain MC58 in presence and absence of the bacterial capsule. Interestingly, our data demonstrates a stronger impact on the phosphoproteome of the cells by the capsule-deficient mutant of MC58. Using enrichment analyses, potential pathways, molecular processes, biological processes, cellular components and kinases were determined to be regulated as a consequence of N. meningitidis infection of the BCSFB. Our data highlight a variety of protein regulations that are altered during infection of CP epithelial cells with N. meningitidis, with the regulation of several pathways and molecular events only being detected after infection with the capsule-deficient mutant. Mass spectrometry proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD038560.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Herold
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lea Denzer
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Walter Muranyi
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carolin Stump-Guthier
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Horst Schroten
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Schwerk
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jang EH, Kim JS, Yu SR, Bahn YS. Unraveling Capsule Biosynthesis and Signaling Networks in Cryptococcus neoformans. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0286622. [PMID: 36287085 PMCID: PMC9769619 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02866-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The polysaccharide capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans-an opportunistic basidiomycete pathogen and the major etiological agent of fungal meningoencephalitis-is a key virulence factor that prevents its phagocytosis by host innate immune cells. However, the complex signaling networks for their synthesis and attachment remain elusive. In this study, we systematically analyzed capsule biosynthesis and signaling networks using C. neoformans transcription factor (TF) and kinase mutant libraries under diverse capsule-inducing conditions. We found that deletion of GAT201, YAP1, BZP4, and ADA2 consistently caused capsule production defects in all tested media, indicating that they are capsule-regulating core TFs. Epistatic and expression analyses showed that Yap1 and Ada2 control Gat201 upstream, whereas Bzp4 and Gat201 independently regulate capsule production. Next, we searched for potential upstream kinases and found that mutants lacking PKA1, BUD32, POS5, IRE1, or CDC2801 showed reduced capsule production under all three capsule induction conditions, whereas mutants lacking HOG1 and IRK5 displayed enhanced capsule production. Pka1 and Irk5 controlled the induction of GAT201 and BZP4, respectively, under capsule induction conditions. Finally, we monitored the transcriptome profiles governed by Bzp4, Gat201, and Ada2 under capsule-inducing conditions and demonstrated that these TFs regulate redundant and unique sets of downstream target genes. Bzp4, Ada2, and Gat201 govern capsule formation in C. neoformans by regulating the expression of various capsule biosynthesis genes and chitin/chitosan synthesis genes in a positive and negative manner, respectively. In conclusion, this study provides further insights into the complex regulatory mechanisms of capsule production-related signaling pathways in C. neoformans. IMPORTANCE Over the past decades, human fungal pathogens, including C. neoformans, have emerged as a major public threat since the AIDS pandemic, only to gain more traction in connection to COVID-19. Polysaccharide capsules are rare fungal virulence factors that are critical for protecting C. neoformans from phagocytosis by macrophages. To date, more than 75 proteins involved in capsule synthesis and cell wall attachment have been reported in C. neoformans; however, their complex upstream signaling networks remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that Ada2, Yap1, Bzp4, and Gat201 were key capsule-inducing transcriptional regulators. Yap1 and Ada2 function upstream of Gat201, whereas Bzp4 and Gat201 function independently. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling revealed that Bzp4, Gat201, and Ada2 promote capsule production and attachment by positively and negatively regulating genes involved in capsule synthesis and chitin/chitosan synthesis, respectively. Thus, this study provides comprehensive insights into the complex capsule-regulating signaling pathway in C. neoformans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ha Jang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Seok Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seong-Ryong Yu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong-Sun Bahn
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu A, Liu X, Lu Y, Gao Z, Tang R, Huang Y, Zheng L, Fan Z, He M. Two chronically misdiagnosed patients infected with Nocardia cyriacigeorgica accurately diagnosed by whole genome resequencing. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1032669. [PMID: 36310857 PMCID: PMC9601747 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1032669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Nocardiosis is a rare but life-threatening infection particularly affecting immuno-compromised hosts, causing localized or systemic suppurative disease usually in human beings. Nocardia species, as the pathogen of nocardiosis, are difficult to differentiate because of their complex colony morphological features. In this study, we describe two patients who had been misdiagnosed for a long time infected with Nocardia cyriacigeorgica with completely different morphology were accurately diagnosed. Single colonies were analyzed by Gram staining, acid-fast stain, mass spectrometry and whole genome resequencing (WGRS). These two bacterial, strains L5.53 and L5.54, were found to be Gram-negative and acid-fast-weak positive. Blood sample culturing of strain L5.53 yielded white colonies, which were like a layer of hoarfrost, while colonies of L5.54 were yellow, rough, slightly convex. The two strains were identified as Nocardia sp. by mass spectrometry, and WGRS accurately determined them as N. cyriacigeorgica. After medical treatment, one patient was cured and the other was still receiving treatment in the hospital. It can be seen that Nocardia sp. cannot be accurately classified and identified only by phenotypic tests such as bacterial morphological differences, so it is necessary to identify Nocardia spp. with phenotypic tests in combination with other molecular biology technologies, such as WGRS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anqing Liu
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Blood Safety and Blood Substitute International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaojin Liu
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Lung Disease, Hebei Chest Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yunwei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco−Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhan Gao
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Blood Safety and Blood Substitute International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruixiang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco−Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Blood Safety and Blood Substitute International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, Chengdu, China
| | - Liheng Zheng
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Lung Disease, Hebei Chest Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Liheng Zheng, ; Zhenxin Fan, ; Miao He,
| | - Zhenxin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bioresources and Eco−Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Liheng Zheng, ; Zhenxin Fan, ; Miao He,
| | - Miao He
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Blood Safety and Blood Substitute International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Liheng Zheng, ; Zhenxin Fan, ; Miao He,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schipper K, Preusting LC, van Sorge NM, Pannekoek Y, van der Ende A. Meningococcal virulence in zebrafish embryos depends on capsule polysaccharide structure. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1020201. [PMID: 36211969 PMCID: PMC9538531 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1020201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis or the meningococcus, can cause devasting diseases such as sepsis and meningitis. Its polysaccharide capsule, on which serogrouping is based, is the most important virulence factor. Non-encapsulated meningococci only rarely cause disease, due to their sensitivity to the host complement system. How the capsular polysaccharide structure of N. meningitidis relates to virulence is largely unknown. Meningococcal virulence can be modeled in zebrafish embryos as the innate immune system of the zebrafish embryo resembles that of mammals and is fully functional two days post-fertilization. In contrast, the adaptive immune system does not develop before 4 weeks post-fertilization. We generated isogenic meningococcal serogroup variants to study how the chemical composition of the polysaccharide capsule affects N. meningitidis virulence in the zebrafish embryo model. H44/76 serogroup B killed zebrafish embryos in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the non-encapsulated variant was completely avirulent. Neutrophil depletion was observed after infection with encapsulated H44/76, but not with its non-encapsulated variant HB-1. The survival of embryos infected with isogenic capsule variants of H44/76 was capsule specific. The amount of neutrophil depletion differed accordingly. Both embryo killing capacity and neutrophil depletion after infection correlated with the number of carbons used per repeat unit of the capsule polysaccharide during its biosynthesis (indicative of metabolic cost).ConclusionMeningococcal virulence in the zebrafish embryo largely depends on the presence of the polysaccharide capsule but the extent of the contribution is determined by its structure. The observed differences between the meningococcal isogenic capsule variants in zebrafish embryo virulence may depend on differences in metabolic cost.
Collapse
|
10
|
Baerentsen R, Tang CM, Exley RM. Et tu, Neisseria? Conflicts of Interest Between Neisseria Species. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:913292. [PMID: 35811666 PMCID: PMC9263626 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.913292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are two obligate human pathogens that have evolved to be uniquely adapted to their host. The meningococcus is frequently carried asymptomatically in the nasopharynx, while gonococcal infection of the urogenital tract usually elicits a marked local inflammatory response. Other members of the Neisseria genus are abundant in the upper airway where they could engage in co-operative or competitive interactions with both these pathogens. Here, we briefly outline the potential sites of contact between Neisseria spp. in the body, with emphasis on the upper airway, and describe the growing yet circumstantial evidence for antagonism from carriage studies and human volunteer challenge models with Neisseria lactamica. Recent laboratory studies have characterized antagonistic mechanisms that enable competition between Neisseria species. Several of these mechanisms, including Multiple Adhesin family (Mafs), Two Partner Secretion Systems, and Type VI secretion system, involve direct contact between bacteria; the genetic organisation of these systems, and the domain structure of their effector molecules have striking similarities. Additionally, DNA from one species of Neisseria can be toxic to another species, following uptake. More research is needed to define the full repertoire of antagonistic mechanisms in Neisseria spp., their distribution in strains, their range of activity, and contribution to survival in vivo. Understanding the targets of effectors could reveal how antagonistic relationships between close relatives shape subsequent interactions between pathogens and their hosts.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mikucki A, McCluskey NR, Kahler CM. The Host-Pathogen Interactions and Epicellular Lifestyle of Neisseria meningitidis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:862935. [PMID: 35531336 PMCID: PMC9072670 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.862935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative diplococcus and a transient commensal of the human nasopharynx. It shares and competes for this niche with a number of other Neisseria species including N. lactamica, N. cinerea and N. mucosa. Unlike these other members of the genus, N. meningitidis may become invasive, crossing the epithelium of the nasopharynx and entering the bloodstream, where it rapidly proliferates causing a syndrome known as Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD). IMD progresses rapidly to cause septic shock and meningitis and is often fatal despite aggressive antibiotic therapy. While many of the ways in which meningococci survive in the host environment have been well studied, recent insights into the interactions between N. meningitidis and the epithelial, serum, and endothelial environments have expanded our understanding of how IMD develops. This review seeks to incorporate recent work into the established model of pathogenesis. In particular, we focus on the competition that N. meningitidis faces in the nasopharynx from other Neisseria species, and how the genetic diversity of the meningococcus contributes to the wide range of inflammatory and pathogenic potentials observed among different lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- August Mikucki
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nicolie R. McCluskey
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Telethon Kids Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Charlene M. Kahler
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Charlene M. Kahler,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Takahashi H, Morita M, Kamiya H, Nakamura-Miwa H, Shimuta K, Ohnishi M. Genetic characterization of clonal complex sequence type 2057 (cc2057) serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis strains unique to Japan and identification of a capsular-switched serogroup Y isolate cc2057. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 35238737 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Only approximately 40 cases of invasive meningococcal diseases are reported annually in Japan, and the dominant strains are serogroup Y meningococci (MenY) followed by serogroup B meningococci (MenB). Within the last 10 years, Neisseria meningitidis strains belonging to clonal complex (cc)2057 have become dominant among Japanese MenB and have not been identified in countries other than Japan.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. The uniqueness of cc2057 N. meningitidis strains was considered to be epidemiologically of importance, and some genetic features could be hidden in the genome of cc2057 meningococci.Method. We investigated 22 cc2057 MenB and one cc2057 MenY using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and also predicted the potential coverage of 4CMenB and bivalent rLP2086 vaccines in silico.Results. cc2057 N. meningitidis strains were phylogenetically assigned to two clades. Three hypothetical genes homologous to those in Neisseria lactamica and sequences related to a new CRISPR Cas9 system were found only in the genome of cc2057 strains. Moreover, one cc2057 MenY strain was presumed to be capsular-switched at the capsule synthesis (cps) locus. The potential coverage of 4CMenB and rLP2086 for cc2057 MenB strains was estimated to be very low.Conclusion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to provide genetic insights from epidemiologically unique N. meningitidis cc2057 strains isolated only in Japan, an island country.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Takahashi
- Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masatomo Morita
- Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Kamiya
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruna Nakamura-Miwa
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Shimuta
- Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Ohnishi
- Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Banahene N, Kavunja HW, Swarts BM. Chemical Reporters for Bacterial Glycans: Development and Applications. Chem Rev 2022; 122:3336-3413. [PMID: 34905344 PMCID: PMC8958928 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria possess an extraordinary repertoire of cell envelope glycans that have critical physiological functions. Pathogenic bacteria have glycans that are essential for growth and virulence but are absent from humans, making them high-priority targets for antibiotic, vaccine, and diagnostic development. The advent of metabolic labeling with bioorthogonal chemical reporters and small-molecule fluorescent reporters has enabled the investigation and targeting of specific bacterial glycans in their native environments. These tools have opened the door to imaging glycan dynamics, assaying and inhibiting glycan biosynthesis, profiling glycoproteins and glycan-binding proteins, and targeting pathogens with diagnostic and therapeutic payload. These capabilities have been wielded in diverse commensal and pathogenic Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and mycobacterial species─including within live host organisms. Here, we review the development and applications of chemical reporters for bacterial glycans, including peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharide, glycoproteins, teichoic acids, and capsular polysaccharides, as well as mycobacterial glycans, including trehalose glycolipids and arabinan-containing glycoconjugates. We cover in detail how bacteria-targeting chemical reporters are designed, synthesized, and evaluated, how they operate from a mechanistic standpoint, and how this information informs their judicious and innovative application. We also provide a perspective on the current state and future directions of the field, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary teams to create novel tools and extend existing tools to support fundamental and translational research on bacterial glycans.
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang Z, Zhou K, Tran D, Saier M. Insertion Sequence (IS) Element-Mediated Activating Mutations of the Cryptic Aromatic β-Glucoside Utilization ( BglGFB) Operon Are Promoted by the Anti-Terminator Protein (BglG) in Escherichia coli. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031505. [PMID: 35163427 PMCID: PMC8836124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryptic β-glucoside GFB (bglGFB) operon in Escherichia coli (E. coli) can be activated by mutations arising under starvation conditions in the presence of an aromatic β-glucoside. This may involve the insertion of an insertion sequence (IS) element into a "stress-induced DNA duplex destabilization" (SIDD) region upstream of the operon promoter, although other types of mutations can also activate the bgl operon. Here, we show that increased expression of the bglG gene, encoding a well-characterized transcriptional antiterminator, dramatically increases the frequency of both IS-mediated and IS-independent Bgl+ mutations occurring on salicin- and arbutin-containing agar plates. Both mutation rates increased with increasing levels of bglG expression but IS-mediated mutations were more prevalent at lower BglG levels. Mutations depended on the presence of both BglG and an aromatic β-glucoside, and bglG expression did not influence IS insertion in other IS-activated operons tested. The N-terminal mRNA-binding domain of BglG was essential for mutational activation, and alteration of BglG's binding site in the mRNA nearly abolished Bgl+ mutant appearances. Increased bglG expression promoted residual bgl operon expression in parallel with the increases in mutation rates. Possible mechanisms are proposed explaining how BglG enhances the frequencies of bgl operon activating mutations.
Collapse
|
15
|
Herold R, Scholtysik R, Moroniak S, Weiss C, Ishikawa H, Schroten H, Schwerk C. Capsule-dependent impact of MAPK signalling on host cell invasion and immune response during infection of the choroid plexus epithelium by Neisseria meningitidis. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:53. [PMID: 34863201 PMCID: PMC8643193 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) can cause meningitis in humans, but the host signalling pathways manipulated by Nm during central nervous system (CNS) entry are not completely understood. Methods We investigate the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) Erk1/2 and p38 in an in vitro model of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) based on human epithelial choroid plexus (CP) papilloma (HIBCPP) cells during infection with Nm serogroup B (NmB) and serogroup C (NmC) strains. A transcriptome analysis of HIBCPP cells following infection with Nm by massive analysis of cDNA ends (MACE) was done to further characterize the cellular response to infection of the barrier. Results Interestingly, whereas NmB and NmC wild type strains required active Erk1/2 and p38 pathways for infection, invasion by capsule-deficient mutants was independent of Erk1/2 and, in case of the NmB strain, of p38 activity. The transcriptome analysis of HIBCPP cells following infection with Nm demonstrated specific regulation of genes involved in the immune response dependent on Erk1/2 signalling. Gene ontology (GO) analysis confirmed loss of MAPK signalling after Erk1/2 inhibition and revealed an additional reduction of cellular responses including NFκB and JAK-STAT signalling. Interestingly, GO terms related to TNF signalling and production of IL6 were lost specifically following Erk1/2 inhibition during infection with wild type Nm, which correlated with the reduced infection rates by the wild type in absence of Erk1/2 signalling. Conclusion Our data point towards a role of MAPK signalling during infection of the CP epithelium by Nm, which is strongly influenced by capsule expression, and affects infection rates as well as the host cell response. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12987-021-00288-7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Herold
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - René Scholtysik
- Genomics & Transcriptomics Facility, Institute of Cell Biology, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstraße 173, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Selina Moroniak
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christel Weiss
- Department of Medical Statistics and Biomathematics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Horst Schroten
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Schwerk
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sheikhi Moghaddam L, Adegbite A, McCarthy PC. Investigation of bioluminescence-based assays for determination of kinetic parameters for the bifunctional Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W capsule polymerase. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:417. [PMID: 34794506 PMCID: PMC8600345 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05831-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes meningitis. N. meningitidis serogroup W (NmW) capsule polymerase synthesizes capsular polysaccharide of this serogroup. This enzyme could be a tool for meningococcal glycoconjugate vaccine development. Our long-term goal is to control activity of the NmW capsule polymerase for production of defined carbohydrates for vaccines. The enzyme lacks a simple, high-throughput activity assay. Here, we describe the use of high-throughput bioluminescence assays (CMP-Glo and UDP-Glo by Promega) to investigate NmW capsule polymerase activity. These assays detect free nucleotides produced during transfer of sugar from UDP-Galactose and CMP-Sialic Acid to an acceptor. Kinetic studies using NmW hydrolyzed polysaccharide (PS) acceptor are described as well as preliminary work with a sialic acid trimer (DP3) acceptor. Results In CMP-Glo kinetic studies, with constant donor (80 µM) and varied NmW hydrolyzed polysaccharide (0–2000 µg/mL), a Km of 629.2 ± 101.4 µg/mL and a Vmax of 0.8965 ± 0.05823 µM/min was obtained. Using UDP-Glo, Km and Vmax values of 13.84 ± 9.675 µM and 0.6205 ± 0.1331 µM/min were obtained with varied CMP-NeuNAc (0–80 µM) and constant acceptor (400 µg/mL) and UDP-Gal (80 µM). This is the first report of using bioluminescence assays for NmW kinetics. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-021-05831-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Sheikhi Moghaddam
- Bioenvironmental Sciences Program, Morgan State University, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD, 21251, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Morgan State University, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD, 21251, USA
| | - Ayobami Adegbite
- Bioenvironmental Sciences Program, Morgan State University, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD, 21251, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Morgan State University, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD, 21251, USA
| | - Pumtiwitt C McCarthy
- Department of Chemistry, Morgan State University, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD, 21251, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Adegbite A, McCarthy PC. Recent and Future Advances in the Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Homogeneous Glycans for Bacterial Glycoconjugate Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1021. [PMID: 34579258 PMCID: PMC8473158 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9091021] [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: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are important in preventing disease outbreaks and controlling the spread of disease in a population. A variety of vaccines exist, including subunit, recombinant, and conjugate vaccines. Glycoconjugate vaccines have been an important tool to fight against diseases caused by a number of bacteria. Glycoconjugate vaccines are often heterogeneous. Vaccines of the future are becoming more rationally designed to have a defined oligosaccharide chain length and position of conjugation. Homogenous vaccines could play an important role in assessing the relationship between vaccine structure and immune response. This review focuses on recent advances in the chemoenzymatic production of defined bacterial oligosaccharides for vaccine development with a focus on Neisseria meningitidis and selected WHO-prioritized antibacterial resistant-pathogens. We also provide some perspective on future advances in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of well-defined oligosaccharides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayobami Adegbite
- Bioenvironmental Sciences Program, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA;
- Department of Chemistry, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sharma S, Acharya J, Caugant DA, Aryal S, Banjara MR, Ghimire P, Singh A. Meningococcal Carriage among Household Contacts of Patients with Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Kathmandu, Nepal: A Longitudinal Study. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070781. [PMID: 34206153 PMCID: PMC8308540 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Because asymptomatic carriers are key source of transmission, information on meningococcal carriage in the community provides a scientific basis for appropriate preventive/control strategies. This longitudinal study (January 2017–December 2019) aimed to estimate carriage rate of meningococci among household contacts of meningococcal meningitis cases within Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Throat swab samples were collected at first visit from each person in households, twice a month for up to 2 months and subsequently on a monthly basis for a further 4 months. Altogether, 1125 throat samples were processed by conventional culture for the identification of meningococci. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study on meningococcal carriage in Nepal. The meningococcal carriage rate among household contacts was 15%. All carriers were aged 19 years or older. There was no statistically significant gender difference. The duration of carriage was 60 days. Twenty of 36 isolates belonged to serogroup A, and 16 were non-serogroupable (NG). Serogroups isolated from the same individuals did not change within the follow-up period. All meningococcal isolates over the past 38 years in Nepal that have been reported in previous studies have belonged to serogroup A. The detection of NG meningococcal isolates in apparently healthy household contacts clearly indicates the importance of vigilance through surveillance and periodic in-depth studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Sharma
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal; (M.R.B.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +977-98-4150-8496
| | - Jyoti Acharya
- National Public Health Laboratory, Teku, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal;
| | - Dominique A. Caugant
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Meningococci, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0213 Oslo, Norway;
| | | | - Megha Raj Banjara
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal; (M.R.B.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Prakash Ghimire
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal; (M.R.B.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Anjana Singh
- Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal; (M.R.B.); (P.G.); (A.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Streptococcus suis Encodes Multiple Allelic Variants of a Phase-Variable Type III DNA Methyltransferase, ModS, That Control Distinct Phasevarions. mSphere 2021; 6:6/3/e00069-21. [PMID: 33980672 PMCID: PMC8125046 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00069-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus suis is a causative agent of meningitis, polyarthritis, and polyserositis in swine, and it is a major cause of zoonotic meningitis in humans. Here, we investigate epigenetic gene regulation in S. suis by multiple phasevarions controlled by the phase-variable type III DNA methyltransferase ModS. Streptococcus suis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis in humans, particularly in Southeast Asia, and is a leading cause of respiratory and invasive disease in pigs. Phase-variable DNA methyltransferases, associated with restriction-modification (R-M) systems, are a source of epigenetic gene regulation, controlling the expression of multiple genes. These systems are known as phasevarions (phase-variable regulons) and have been characterized in many host-adapted bacterial pathogens. We recently described the presence of a Type III DNA methyltransferase in S. suis, ModS, which contains a simple sequence repeat (SSR) tract within the open reading frame of the modS gene and which differed in length between individual strains. We also observed that multiple allelic variants of the modS gene were present in a population of S. suis isolates. Here, we demonstrate that a biphasic ON-OFF switching of expression occurs in the two most common ModS alleles, ModS1 and ModS2, and that switching is dependent on SSR tract length. Furthermore, we show using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing that ModS1 and ModS2 are active methyltransferases in S. suis. ON-OFF switching of each ModS allele results in the regulation of distinct phasevarions, with the ModS2 phasevarion impacting growth patterns and antibiotic resistance. This is the first demonstration of a phase-variable Type III DNA methyltransferase in a Gram-positive organism that controls a phasevarion. Characterizing the phenotypic effects of phasevarions in S. suis is key to understanding pathogenesis and the development of future vaccines. IMPORTANCEStreptococcus suis is a causative agent of meningitis, polyarthritis, and polyserositis in swine, and it is a major cause of zoonotic meningitis in humans. Here, we investigate epigenetic gene regulation in S. suis by multiple phasevarions controlled by the phase-variable Type III DNA methyltransferase ModS. This is the first characterized example of a Type III R-M system regulating a phasevarion in a Gram-positive organism. We demonstrate that biphasic ON-OFF switching of ModS expression results in differences in bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance. Understanding the effects of ModS phase variation is required to determine the stably expressed antigenic repertoire of S. suis, which will direct and inform the development of antimicrobial treatments and vaccines against this important pathogen.
Collapse
|
20
|
Bacterial Biopolymer: Its Role in Pathogenesis to Effective Biomaterials. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13081242. [PMID: 33921239 PMCID: PMC8069653 DOI: 10.3390/polym13081242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria are considered as the major cell factories, which can effectively convert nitrogen and carbon sources to a wide variety of extracellular and intracellular biopolymers like polyamides, polysaccharides, polyphosphates, polyesters, proteinaceous compounds, and extracellular DNA. Bacterial biopolymers find applications in pathogenicity, and their diverse materialistic and chemical properties make them suitable to be used in medicinal industries. When these biopolymer compounds are obtained from pathogenic bacteria, they serve as important virulence factors, but when they are produced by non-pathogenic bacteria, they act as food components or biomaterials. There have been interdisciplinary studies going on to focus on the molecular mechanism of synthesis of bacterial biopolymers and identification of new targets for antimicrobial drugs, utilizing synthetic biology for designing and production of innovative biomaterials. This review sheds light on the mechanism of synthesis of bacterial biopolymers and its necessary modifications to be used as cell based micro-factories for the production of tailor-made biomaterials for high-end applications and their role in pathogenesis.
Collapse
|
21
|
Tzeng YL, Stephens DS. A Narrative Review of the W, X, Y, E, and NG of Meningococcal Disease: Emerging Capsular Groups, Pathotypes, and Global Control. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030519. [PMID: 33802567 PMCID: PMC7999845 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis, carried in the human nasopharynx asymptomatically by ~10% of the population, remains a leading cause of meningitis and rapidly fatal sepsis, usually in otherwise healthy individuals. The epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) varies substantially by geography and over time and is now influenced by meningococcal vaccines and in 2020–2021 by COVID-19 pandemic containment measures. While 12 capsular groups, defined by capsular polysaccharide structures, can be expressed by N. meningitidis, groups A, B, and C historically caused most IMD. However, the use of mono-, bi-, and quadrivalent-polysaccharide-conjugate vaccines, the introduction of protein-based vaccines for group B, natural disease fluctuations, new drugs (e.g., eculizumab) that increase meningococcal susceptibility, changing transmission dynamics and meningococcal evolution are impacting the incidence of the capsular groups causing IMD. While the ability to spread and cause illness vary considerably, capsular groups W, X, and Y now cause significant IMD. In addition, group E and nongroupable meningococci have appeared as a cause of invasive disease, and a nongroupable N. meningitidis pathotype of the hypervirulent clonal complex 11 is causing sexually transmitted urethritis cases and outbreaks. Carriage and IMD of the previously “minor” N. meningitidis are reviewed and the need for polyvalent meningococcal vaccines emphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yih-Ling Tzeng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - David S. Stephens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +404-727-8357
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Mikkola S. Nucleotide Sugars in Chemistry and Biology. Molecules 2020; 25:E5755. [PMID: 33291296 PMCID: PMC7729866 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleotide sugars have essential roles in every living creature. They are the building blocks of the biosynthesis of carbohydrates and their conjugates. They are involved in processes that are targets for drug development, and their analogs are potential inhibitors of these processes. Drug development requires efficient methods for the synthesis of oligosaccharides and nucleotide sugar building blocks as well as of modified structures as potential inhibitors. It requires also understanding the details of biological and chemical processes as well as the reactivity and reactions under different conditions. This article addresses all these issues by giving a broad overview on nucleotide sugars in biological and chemical reactions. As the background for the topic, glycosylation reactions in mammalian and bacterial cells are briefly discussed. In the following sections, structures and biosynthetic routes for nucleotide sugars, as well as the mechanisms of action of nucleotide sugar-utilizing enzymes, are discussed. Chemical topics include the reactivity and chemical synthesis methods. Finally, the enzymatic in vitro synthesis of nucleotide sugars and the utilization of enzyme cascades in the synthesis of nucleotide sugars and oligosaccharides are briefly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satu Mikkola
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Calder A, Menkiti CJ, Çağdaş A, Lisboa Santos J, Streich R, Wong A, Avini AH, Bojang E, Yogamanoharan K, Sivanesan N, Ali B, Ashrafi M, Issa A, Kaur T, Latif A, Mohamed HAS, Maqsood A, Tamang L, Swager E, Stringer AJ, Snyder LAS. Virulence genes and previously unexplored gene clusters in four commensal Neisseria spp. isolated from the human throat expand the neisserial gene repertoire. Microb Genom 2020; 6. [PMID: 32845827 PMCID: PMC7643975 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Commensal non-pathogenic Neisseria spp. live within the human host alongside the pathogenic Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and due to natural competence, horizontal gene transfer within the genus is possible and has been observed. Four distinct Neisseria spp. isolates taken from the throats of two human volunteers have been assessed here using a combination of microbiological and bioinformatics techniques. Three of the isolates have been identified as Neisseria subflava biovar perflava and one as Neisseria cinerea. Specific gene clusters have been identified within these commensal isolate genome sequences that are believed to encode a Type VI Secretion System, a newly identified CRISPR system, a Type IV Secretion System unlike that in other Neisseria spp., a hemin transporter, and a haem acquisition and utilization system. This investigation is the first to investigate these systems in either the non-pathogenic or pathogenic Neisseria spp. In addition, the N. subflava biovar perflava possess previously unreported capsule loci and sequences have been identified in all four isolates that are similar to genes seen within the pathogens that are associated with virulence. These data from the four commensal isolates provide further evidence for a Neisseria spp. gene pool and highlight the presence of systems within the commensals with functions still to be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Calder
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Chukwuma Jude Menkiti
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Aylin Çağdaş
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Jefferson Lisboa Santos
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Ricarda Streich
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Alice Wong
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Amir H Avini
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Ebrima Bojang
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Karththeepan Yogamanoharan
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Nivetha Sivanesan
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Besma Ali
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Mariam Ashrafi
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Abdirizak Issa
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Tajinder Kaur
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Aisha Latif
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Hani A Sheik Mohamed
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Atifa Maqsood
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Laxmi Tamang
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Emily Swager
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Alex J Stringer
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Lori A S Snyder
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy, and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
IGIDBASHIAN S, BERTIZZOLO L, TOGNETTO A, AZZARI C, BONANNI P, CASTIGLIA P, CONVERSANO M, ESPOSITO S, GABUTTI G, ICARDI G, LOPALCO P, VITALE F, PARISI S, CHECCUCCI LISI G. Invasive meningococcal disease in Italy: from analysis of national data to an evidence-based vaccination strategy. JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND HYGIENE 2020; 61:E152-E161. [PMID: 32802999 PMCID: PMC7419122 DOI: 10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2020.61.2.1589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is one of the most severe vaccine-preventable disease not yet under control. In Italy, although different anti-meningococcal vaccines are available, their offer among regions is heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiology of IMD in Italy based on analysis of national surveillance data for 2011-2017 to optimize the vaccination strategy. Methods IMD surveillance data from the Italian National Health Institute were analysed. Microsoft Excel was used to present trend analysis, stratifying by age and serogroups. Results In Italy, during the period 2011-2017, the incidence of IMD increased from 0.25 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2011 to 0.33 cases/100,000 in 2017. Most cases after 2012 were caused by non-B serogroups. The number of cases in subjects aged 25-64 years increased steadily after 2012 (36 cases in 2011, 79 in 2017), mostly due to non-B serogroups, representing more than 65% of cases in those aged 25+ years. Conclusions In the period from 2011 to 2017, the incidence of IMDs increased in Italy. The increase, probably due also to a better surveillance, highlights the importance of the disease in the adult population and the high level of circulation of non-B serogroups in particular after 2012. Our analysis supports an anti-meningococcal vaccination plan in Italy that should include the highest number of preventable serogroups and be aimed at vaccinating a wider population through a multicohort strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. IGIDBASHIAN
- Sanofi Pasteur, Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: Sarah Igidbashian, Sanofi Pasteur Italia, viale Luigi Bodio 37/b, 20158 Milan, Italy - E-mail:
| | | | - A. TOGNETTO
- Section of Hygiene, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - C. AZZARI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
- Meyer Children’s University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - P. BONANNI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - P. CASTIGLIA
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - M. CONVERSANO
- Department of Prevention, Local Health Authority of Taranto, Italy
| | - S. ESPOSITO
- Pediatric Clinic, Pietro Barilla Children’s Hospital, University of Parma, Italy
| | - G. GABUTTI
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - G. ICARDI
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Italy; IRCCS San Martino Policlinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - P.L. LOPALCO
- Department of Translational Research, New Technologies in Medicine & Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - F. VITALE
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Characteristics of Neisseria Species Colonized in the Human’s Nasopharynx. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.99915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Neisseria meningitidis is the causative agent of a life-threatening infection with high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The most common types of this bacterium are serogroups A, B, C, W135, X, and Y. Although in some countries, such as Iran, the meningococcal meningitis has been well monitored and controlled by the use of divalent and quadrivalent vaccines, other fatal infections caused by these bacteria are still an important threat. For the above reason, this review focused on the differences of Neisseria characteristics, particularly in capsular composition, pathogenic and commensal stages to a better understanding of how to manage Neisseria infections. Evidence Acquisition: In this review, PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for English-language publications on pathogenic or commensal strains of Neisseria, meningococcal disease, Neisseria biology, genetic diversity, molecular typing, serogroups, diagnostic, and epidemiology around the world up to July 2019. All articles and academic reports in the defined area of this research were considered too. The data were extracted and descriptively discussed. Results: We included 85 studies in the survey. The data analysis revealed that the distribution of meningococcal serogroups was different regionally. For example, the serogroups C and W-135 accounted for Africa and Latin America regions, serogroup B in the European countries, and rarely in the Western Pacific, and serogroups A and C were dominant in Asian countries. Although data set for laboratory-based diagnosis of N. meningitidis are available for all countries, only 30% of the countries rely on reference laboratories for serogroup determination, and more than half of the countries lack the ability of surveillance system. Nevertheless, molecular detection procedure is also available for all countries. The use of the meningococcal vaccine is a variable country by country, but most countries have applied the meningococcal vaccine, either divalent or quadrivalent, for the protection of high-risk groups. Conclusions: Owing to the geographical distribution of N. meningitidis serogroups in circulating, each country has to monitor for changes in serogroups diversity and its control management. Furthermore, laboratories should scale up the epidemiology and disease burden. It should be mentioned that quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines reduce the meningococcal disease burden sharply.
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang Y, Hu L, Huang H, Wang H, Zhang T, Chen J, Du G, Kang Z. Eliminating the capsule-like layer to promote glucose uptake for hyaluronan production by engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3120. [PMID: 32561727 PMCID: PMC7305114 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan is widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceutics. Development of robust and safe cell factories and cultivation approaches to efficiently produce hyaluronan is of many interests. Here, we describe the metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum and application of a fermentation strategy to manufacture hyaluronan with different molecular weights. C. glutamicum is engineered by combinatorial overexpression of type I hyaluronan synthase, enzymes of intermediate metabolic pathways and attenuation of extracellular polysaccharide biosynthesis. The engineered strain produces 34.2 g L−1 hyaluronan in fed-batch cultures. We find secreted hyaluronan encapsulates C. glutamicum, changes its cell morphology and inhibits metabolism. Disruption of the encapsulation with leech hyaluronidase restores metabolism and leads to hyper hyaluronan productions of 74.1 g L−1. Meanwhile, the molecular weight of hyaluronan is also highly tunable. These results demonstrate combinatorial optimization of cell factories and the extracellular environment is efficacious and likely applicable for the production of other biopolymers. Bioproduction of hyaluronan needs increases in yield and greater diversity of the molecular weights. Here, the author increases hyaluronan production and diversifies the molecular weights through engineering the hyaluronan biosynthesis pathway and disruption of Corynebacterium glutamicum encapsulation caused by secreted hyaluronan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China.,The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China
| | - Litao Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China.,The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China
| | - Hao Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China
| | - Hao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China
| | | | - Jian Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China.,The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China.,The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhen Kang
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China. .,The Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 214122, Wuxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Brynildsrud OB, Eldholm V, Rakhimova A, Kristiansen PA, Caugant DA. Gauging the epidemic potential of a widely circulating non-invasive meningococcal strain in Africa. Microb Genom 2020; 5. [PMID: 31454306 PMCID: PMC6755499 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis colonizes the human oropharynx and transmits mainly via asymptomatic carriage. Actual outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis are comparatively rare and occur when susceptible populations are exposed to hypervirulent clones, genetically distinct from the main carriage isolates. However, carriage isolates can evolve into pathogens through a limited number of recombination events. The present study examines the potential for the sequence type (ST)-192, by far the dominant clone recovered in recent meningococcal carriage studies in sub-Saharan Africa, to evolve into a pathogen. We used whole-genome sequencing on a collection of 478 meningococcal isolates sampled from 1- to 29- year-old healthy individuals in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia in 2014. The ST-192 clone was identified in nearly 60 % of the carriers. Using complementary short- and long-read techniques for whole-genome sequencing, we were able to completely resolve genomes and thereby identify genomic differences between the ST-192 carriage strain and known pathogenic clones with the highest possible resolution. We conclude that it is possible, but unlikely, that ST-192 could evolve into a significant pathogen, thus, becoming the major invasive meningococcus clone in the meningitis belt of Africa following upcoming mass vaccination with a polyvalent conjugate vaccine that targets the A, C, W, Y and X capsules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ola Brønstad Brynildsrud
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Norwegian University of Life Science, Oslo, Norway.,Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vegard Eldholm
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Adelina Rakhimova
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Dominique A Caugant
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Meningococci, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Bacteria are prime cell factories that can efficiently convert carbon and nitrogen sources into a large diversity of intracellular and extracellular biopolymers, such as polysaccharides, polyamides, polyesters, polyphosphates, extracellular DNA and proteinaceous components. Bacterial polymers have important roles in pathogenicity, and their varied chemical and material properties make them suitable for medical and industrial applications. The same biopolymers when produced by pathogenic bacteria function as major virulence factors, whereas when they are produced by non-pathogenic bacteria, they become food ingredients or biomaterials. Interdisciplinary research has shed light on the molecular mechanisms of bacterial polymer synthesis, identified new targets for antibacterial drugs and informed synthetic biology approaches to design and manufacture innovative materials. This Review summarizes the role of bacterial polymers in pathogenesis, their synthesis and their material properties as well as approaches to design cell factories for production of tailor-made bio-based materials suitable for high-value applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Fata Moradali
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Bernd H A Rehm
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Watle SV, Caugant DA, Tunheim G, Bekkevold T, Laake I, Brynildsrud OB, Næss LM. Meningococcal carriage in Norwegian teenagers: strain characterisation and assessment of risk factors. Epidemiol Infect 2020; 148:e80. [PMID: 32228726 PMCID: PMC7189347 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268820000734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Teenagers have a higher risk of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) than the general population. This cross-sectional study aimed to characterise strains of Neisseria meningitidis circulating among Norwegian teenagers and to assess risk factors for meningococcal carriage. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from secondary-school students in southeastern Norway in 2018-2019. Meningococcal isolates were characterised using whole genome sequencing. Risk factors for meningococcal carriage were assessed from questionnaire data. Samples were obtained from 2296 12-24-year-olds (majority 13-19-year-olds). N. meningitidis was identified in 167 (7.3%) individuals. The highest carriage rate was found among 18-year-olds (16.4%). Most carriage isolates were capsule null (40.1%) or genogroup Y (33.5%). Clonal complexes cc23 (35.9%) and cc198 (32.3%) dominated and 38.9% of carriage strains were similar to invasive strains currently causing IMD in Norway. Use of Swedish snus (smokeless tobacco) (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.07-2.27), kissing >two persons/month (OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.49-5.10) and partying >10 times/3months (OR 3.50, 95% CI 1.45-8.48) were associated with carriage, while age, cigarette smoking, sharing of drinking bottles and meningococcal vaccination were not. The high meningococcal carriage rate among 18-year-olds is probably due to risk-related behaviour. Use of Swedish snus is possibly a new risk factor for meningococcal carriage. Almost 40% of circulating carriage strains have invasive potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. V. Watle
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1078 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - D. A. Caugant
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1078 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - G. Tunheim
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - T. Bekkevold
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - I. Laake
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - O. B. Brynildsrud
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - L. M. Næss
- Division of Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 222 Skøyen, 0213 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Humbert MV, Christodoulides M. Atypical, Yet Not Infrequent, Infections with Neisseria Species. Pathogens 2019; 9:E10. [PMID: 31861867 PMCID: PMC7168603 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria species are extremely well-adapted to their mammalian hosts and they display unique phenotypes that account for their ability to thrive within niche-specific conditions. The closely related species N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis are the only two species of the genus recognized as strict human pathogens, causing the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea and meningitis and sepsis, respectively. Gonococci colonize the mucosal epithelium of the male urethra and female endo/ectocervix, whereas meningococci colonize the mucosal epithelium of the human nasopharynx. The pathophysiological host responses to gonococcal and meningococcal infection are distinct. However, medical evidence dating back to the early 1900s demonstrates that these two species can cross-colonize anatomical niches, with patients often presenting with clinically-indistinguishable infections. The remaining Neisseria species are not commonly associated with disease and are considered as commensals within the normal microbiota of the human and animal nasopharynx. Nonetheless, clinical case reports suggest that they can behave as opportunistic pathogens. In this review, we describe the diversity of the genus Neisseria in the clinical context and raise the attention of microbiologists and clinicians for more cautious approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of the many pathologies these species may cause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Victoria Humbert
- Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK;
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Guo P, Zhu B, Liang H, Gao W, Zhou G, Xu L, Gao Y, Yu J, Zhang M, Shao Z. Comparison of Pathogenicity of Invasive and Carried Meningococcal Isolates of ST-4821 Complex in China. Infect Immun 2019; 87:e00584-19. [PMID: 31570554 PMCID: PMC6867847 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00584-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotype 4821 (ST-4821) clonal complex (cc4821) Neisseria meningitidis strains are divided into two groups (groups I and II) according to the core genome-based phylogenetic analysis. Group I contains the greater number of invasive disease isolates. However, the differences in pathogenicity between the two groups are unclear. In this study, the pathogenicity of cc4821 isolates (n = 28) belonging to group I and group II (each containing eight invasive isolates and six isolates from healthy carriers) was investigated, including adhesion, invasion, and induction of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) release from host cells (Hep2 and A549). The invasive isolates had higher adhesion and invasion capabilities than the carried isolates in both groups. The carried cc4821 isolates in group I had stronger invasion capability than those in group II. Invasive isolates induced more IL-6 and IL-8 secretion than carried isolates in both groups. The carried cc4821 isolates stimulated higher levels of IL-8 in group I than in group II. The isolates were defined as hyperadherent and hypoadherent groups according to their adhesion ability and as hyperinvasive and hypoinvasive groups based on their invasion ability. The hyperadherent and hyperinvasive isolates mediated more IL-6 and IL-8 release than the hypoadherent and hypoinvasive isolates. There was no difference in the level of cytokine release when cc4821 isolates lost their adhesion and invasion capability after lysis. The results revealed that differences in pathogenicity existed between the two groups and that the differences were mainly determined by differences in adhesion and invasion capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengbo Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Bingqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wanying Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Guilan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxing Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Maojun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhujun Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Caugant DA, Brynildsrud OB. Neisseria meningitidis: using genomics to understand diversity, evolution and pathogenesis. Nat Rev Microbiol 2019; 18:84-96. [PMID: 31705134 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-019-0282-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Meningococcal disease remains an important cause of morbidity and death worldwide despite the development and increasing implementation of effective vaccines. Elimination of the disease is hampered by the enormous diversity and antigenic variability of the causative agent, Neisseria meningitidis, one of the most variable bacteria in nature. These features are attained mainly through high rates of horizontal gene transfer and alteration of protein expression through phase variation. The recent availability of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of large-scale collections of N. meningitidis isolates from various origins, databases to facilitate storage and sharing of WGS data and the concomitant development of effective bioinformatics tools have led to a much more thorough understanding of the diversity of the species, its evolution and population structure and how virulent traits may emerge. Implementation of WGS is already contributing to enhanced epidemiological surveillance and is essential to ascertain the impact of vaccination strategies. This Review summarizes the recent advances provided by WGS studies in our understanding of the biology of N. meningitidis and the epidemiology of meningococcal disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique A Caugant
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ola B Brynildsrud
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Norwegian University of Life Science, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Identification of Virulence-Associated Properties by Comparative Genome Analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. pseudopneumoniae, S. mitis, Three S. oralis Subspecies, and S. infantis. mBio 2019; 10:mBio.01985-19. [PMID: 31481387 PMCID: PMC6722419 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01985-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most important human pathogens but is closely related to Streptococcus mitis, with which humans live in harmony. The fact that the two species evolved from a common ancestor provides a unique basis for studies of both infection-associated properties and properties important for harmonious coexistence with the host. By detailed comparisons of genomes of the two species and other related streptococci, we identified 224 genes associated with virulence and 25 genes unique to the mutualistic species. The exclusive presence of the virulence factors in S. pneumoniae enhances their potential as vaccine components, as a direct impact on beneficial members of the commensal microbiota can be excluded. Successful adaptation of S. mitis and other commensal streptococci to a harmonious relationship with the host relied on genetic stability and properties facilitating life in biofilms. From a common ancestor, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus mitis evolved in parallel into one of the most important pathogens and a mutualistic colonizer of humans, respectively. This evolutionary scenario provides a unique basis for studies of both infection-associated properties and properties important for harmonious coexistence with the host. We performed detailed comparisons of 60 genomes of S. pneumoniae, S. mitis, Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae, the three Streptococcus oralis subspecies oralis, tigurinus, and dentisani, and Streptococcus infantis. Nonfunctional remnants of ancestral genes in both S. pneumoniae and in S. mitis support the evolutionary model and the concept that evolutionary changes on both sides were required to reach their present relationship to the host. Confirmed by screening of >7,500 genomes, we identified 224 genes associated with virulence. The striking difference to commensal streptococci was the diversity of regulatory mechanisms, including regulation of capsule production, a significantly larger arsenal of enzymes involved in carbohydrate hydrolysis, and proteins known to interfere with innate immune factors. The exclusive presence of the virulence factors in S. pneumoniae enhances their potential as vaccine components, as a direct impact on beneficial members of the commensal microbiota can be excluded. In addition to loss of these virulence-associated genes, adaptation of S. mitis to a mutualistic relationship with the host apparently required preservation or acquisition of 25 genes lost or absent from S. pneumoniae. Successful adaptation of S. mitis and other commensal streptococci to a harmonious relationship with the host relied on genetic stability and properties facilitating life in biofilms.
Collapse
|
34
|
Feldman C, Anderson R. Meningococcal pneumonia: a review. Pneumonia (Nathan) 2019; 11:3. [PMID: 31463180 PMCID: PMC6708554 DOI: 10.1186/s41479-019-0062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although Neisseria meningitidis is one of the major causes of meningitis, meningococcal pneumonia is the most common non-neurological organ disease caused by this pathogen. Methods We conducted a review of the literature to describe the risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningococcal pneumonia. Results Meningococcal pneumonia was first described in 1907 and during the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic large numbers of cases of meningococcal pneumonia occurred in patients following the initial viral infection. A number of publications, mainly case series or case reports, has subsequently appeared in the literature. Meningococcal pneumonia occurs mainly with serogroups Y, W-135 and B. Risk factors for meningococcal pneumonia have not been well characterised, but appear to include older age, smoking, people living in close contact (e.g. military recruits and students at university), preceding viral and bacterial infections, haematological malignancies, chronic respiratory conditions and various other non-communicable and primary and secondary immunodeficiency diseases. Primary meningococcal pneumonia occurs in 5–10% of patients with meningococcal infection and is indistinguishable clinically from pneumonia caused by other common pathogens. Fever, chills and pleuritic chest pain are the most common symptoms, occurring in > 50% of cases. Productive sputum and dyspnoea are less common. Diagnosis of meningococcal pneumonia may be made by the isolation of the organism in sputum, blood, or normally sterile site cultures, but is likely to underestimate the frequency of meningococcal pneumonia. If validated, PCR-based techniques may be of value for diagnosis in the future. While penicillin was the treatment of choice for meningococcal infection, including pneumonia, prior to 1991, a third generation cephalosporin has been more commonly used thereafter, because of concerns of penicillin resistance. Chemoprophylaxis, using one of a number of antibiotics, has been recommended for close contacts of patients with meningococcal meningitis, and similar benefits may be seen in contacts of patients with meningococcal pneumonia. Effective vaccines are available for the prevention of infection with certain meningococcal serogroups, but this field is still evolving. Conclusion Meningococcal pneumonia occurs fairly frequently and should be considered as a possible cause of pneumonia, particularly in patients with specific risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Feldman
- 1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ronald Anderson
- 2Department of Immunology and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Colicchio R, Pagliuca C, Ricci S, Scaglione E, Grandgirard D, Masouris I, Farina F, Pagliarulo C, Mantova G, Paragliola L, Leib SL, Koedel U, Pozzi G, Alifano P, Salvatore P. Virulence Traits of a Serogroup C Meningococcus and Isogenic cssA Mutant, Defective in Surface-Exposed Sialic Acid, in a Murine Model of Meningitis. Infect Immun 2019; 87:e00688-18. [PMID: 30718288 PMCID: PMC6434112 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00688-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis, the cssA (siaA) gene codes for an UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase that catalyzes the conversion of UDP-N-acetyl-α-d-glucosamine into N-acetyl-d-mannosamine and UDP in the first step in sialic acid biosynthesis. This enzyme is required for the biosynthesis of the (α2→9)-linked polysialic acid capsule and for lipooligosaccharide (LOS) sialylation. In this study, we have used a reference serogroup C meningococcal strain and an isogenic cssA knockout mutant to investigate the pathogenetic role of surface-exposed sialic acids in a model of meningitis based on intracisternal inoculation of BALB/c mice. Results confirmed the key role of surface-exposed sialic acids in meningococcal pathogenesis. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) of the wild-type strain 93/4286 was about four orders of magnitude lower than that of the cssA mutant. Compared to the wild-type strain, the ability of this mutant to replicate in brain and spread systemically was severely impaired. Evaluation of brain damage evidenced a significant reduction in cerebral hemorrhages in mice infected with the mutant in comparison with the levels in those challenged with the wild-type strain. Histological analysis showed the typical features of bacterial meningitis, including inflammatory cells in the subarachnoid, perivascular, and ventricular spaces especially in animals infected with the wild type. Noticeably, 80% of mice infected with the wild-type strain presented with massive bacterial localization and accompanying inflammatory infiltrate in the corpus callosum, indicating high tropism of meningococci exposing sialic acids toward this brain structure and a specific involvement of the corpus callosum in the mouse model of meningococcal meningitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Colicchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Pagliuca
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Susanna Ricci
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (LAMMB), Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Scaglione
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Denis Grandgirard
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ilias Masouris
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabrizio Farina
- Department of Law, Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods, University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Mantova
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Paragliola
- Department of Integrated Activity of Laboratory Medicine and Transfusion, Complex Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stephen L Leib
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Koedel
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gianni Pozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology (LAMMB), Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Pietro Alifano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Paola Salvatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
- Department of Integrated Activity of Laboratory Medicine and Transfusion, Complex Operative Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE, Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l., Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Whole-Genome Sequencing for Characterization of Capsule Locus and Prediction of Serogroup of Invasive Meningococcal Isolates. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:JCM.01609-18. [PMID: 30567750 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01609-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease is mainly caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, B, C, X, W, and Y. The serogroup is typically determined by slide agglutination serogrouping (SASG) and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). We describe a whole-genome sequencing (WGS)-based method to characterize the capsule polysaccharide synthesis (cps) locus, classify N. meningitidis serogroups, and identify mechanisms for nongroupability using 453 isolates from a global strain collection. We identified novel genomic organizations within functional cps loci, consisting of insertion sequence (IS) elements in unique positions that did not disrupt the coding sequence. Genetic mutations (partial gene deletion, missing genes, IS insertion, internal stop, and phase-variable off) that led to nongroupability were identified. The results of WGS and SASG were in 91% to 100% agreement for all serogroups, while the results of WGS and RT-PCR showed 99% to 100% agreement. Among isolates determined to be nongroupable by WGS (31 of 453), the results of all three methods agreed 100% for those without a capsule polymerase gene. However, 61% (WGS versus SASG) and 36% (WGS versus RT-PCR) agreements were observed for the isolates, particularly those with phase variations or internal stops in cps loci, which warrant further characterization by additional tests. Our WGS-based serogrouping method provides comprehensive characterization of the N. meningitidis capsule, which is critical for meningococcal surveillance and outbreak investigations.
Collapse
|
37
|
The Meningococcal Cysteine Transport System Plays a Crucial Role in Neisseria meningitidis Survival in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells. mBio 2018; 9:mBio.02332-18. [PMID: 30538184 PMCID: PMC6299482 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02332-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis colonizes at a nasopharynx of human as a unique host and has many strains that are auxotrophs for amino acids for their growth. To cause invasive meningococcal diseases (IMD) such as sepsis and meningitis, N. meningitidis passes through epithelial and endothelial barriers and infiltrates into blood and cerebrospinal fluid as well as epithelial and endothelial cells. However, meningococcal nutrients, including cysteine, become less abundant when it more deeply infiltrates the human body even during inflammation, such that N. meningitidis has to acquire nutrients in order to survive/persist, disseminate, and proliferate in humans. This was the first study to examine the relationship between meningococcal cysteine acquisition and the pathogenesis of meningococcal infections. The results of the present study provide insights into the mechanisms by which pathogens with auxotrophs acquire nutrients in hosts and may also contribute to the development of treatments and prevention strategies for IMD. While Neisseria meningitidis typically exists in an asymptomatic nasopharyngeal carriage state, it may cause potentially lethal diseases in humans, such as septicemia or meningitis, by invading deeper sites in the body. Since the nutrient compositions of human cells are not always conducive to meningococci, N. meningitidis needs to exploit nutrients from host environments. In the present study, the utilization of cysteine by the meningococcal cysteine transport system (CTS) was analyzed for the pathogenesis of meningococcal infections. A N. meningitidis strain deficient in one of the three cts genes annotated as encoding cysteine-binding protein (cbp) exhibited approximately 100-fold less internalization into human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) than the wild-type strain. This deficiency was restored by complementation with the three cts genes together, and the infectious phenotype of HBMEC internalization correlated with cysteine uptake activity. However, efficient accumulation of ezrin was observed beneath the cbp mutant. The intracellular survival of the cbp mutant in HBMEC was markedly reduced, whereas equivalent reductions of glutathione concentrations and of resistance to reactive oxygens species in the cbp mutant were not found. The cbp mutant grew well in complete medium but not in synthetic medium supplemented with less than 300 μM cysteine. Taking cysteine concentrations in human cells and other body fluids, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid, into consideration, the present results collectively suggest that the meningococcal CTS is crucial for the acquisition of cysteine from human cells and participates in meningococcal nutrient virulence.
Collapse
|
38
|
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of the O-Linked Protein Glycosylation System Reveals High Glycan Diversity in Paired Meningococcal Carriage Isolates. J Bacteriol 2018; 200:JB.00794-17. [PMID: 29555702 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00794-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Species within the genus Neisseria display significant glycan diversity associated with the O-linked protein glycosylation (pgl) systems due to phase variation and polymorphic genes and gene content. The aim of this study was to examine in detail the pgl genotype and glycosylation phenotype in meningococcal isolates and the changes occurring during short-term asymptomatic carriage. Paired meningococcal isolates derived from 50 asymptomatic meningococcal carriers, taken about 2 months apart, were analyzed with whole-genome sequencing. The O-linked protein glycosylation genes were characterized in detail using the Genome Comparator tool at the https://pubmlst.org/ database. Immunoblotting with glycan-specific antibodies (Abs) was used to investigate the protein glycosylation phenotype. All major pgl locus polymorphisms identified in Neisseria meningitidis to date were present in our isolate collection, with the variable presence of pglG and pglH, both in combination with either pglB or pglB2 We identified significant changes and diversity in the pgl genotype and/or glycan phenotype in 96% of the paired isolates. There was also a high degree of glycan microheterogeneity, in which different variants of glycan structures were found at a given glycoprotein. The main mechanism responsible for the observed differences was phase-variable expression of the involved glycosyltransferases and the O-acetyltransferase. To our knowledge, this is the first characterization of the pgl genotype and glycosylation phenotype in a larger strain collection. This report thus provides important insight into glycan diversity in N. meningitidis and into the phase variability changes that influence the expressed glycoform repertoire during meningococcal carriage.IMPORTANCE Bacterial meningitis is a serious global health problem, and one of the major causative organisms is Neisseria meningitidis, which is also a common commensal in the upper respiratory tract of healthy humans. In bacteria, numerous loci involved in biosynthesis of surface-exposed antigenic structures that are involved in the interaction between bacteria and host are frequently subjected to homologous recombination and phase variation. These mechanisms are well described in Neisseria, and phase variation provides the ability to change these structures reversibly in response to the environment. Protein glycosylation systems are becoming widely identified in bacteria, and yet little is known about the mechanisms and evolutionary forces influencing glycan composition during carriage and disease.
Collapse
|
39
|
Retchless AC, Kretz CB, Chang HY, Bazan JA, Abrams AJ, Norris Turner A, Jenkins LT, Trees DL, Tzeng YL, Stephens DS, MacNeil JR, Wang X. Expansion of a urethritis-associated Neisseria meningitidis clade in the United States with concurrent acquisition of N. gonorrhoeae alleles. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:176. [PMID: 29499642 PMCID: PMC5834837 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4560-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased reports of Neisseria meningitidis urethritis in multiple U.S. cities during 2015 have been attributed to the emergence of a novel clade of nongroupable N. meningitidis within the ST-11 clonal complex, the "U.S. NmNG urethritis clade". Genetic recombination with N. gonorrhoeae has been proposed to enable efficient sexual transmission by this clade. To understand the evolutionary origin and diversification of the U.S. NmNG urethritis clade, whole-genome phylogenetic analysis was performed to identify its members among the N. meningitidis strain collection from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including 209 urogenital and rectal N. meningitidis isolates submitted by U.S. public health departments in eleven states starting in 2015. RESULTS The earliest representatives of the U.S. NmNG urethritis clade were identified from cases of invasive disease that occurred in 2013. Among 209 urogenital and rectal isolates submitted from January 2015 to September 2016, the clade accounted for 189/198 male urogenital isolates, 3/4 female urogenital isolates, and 1/7 rectal isolates. In total, members of the clade were isolated in thirteen states between 2013 and 2016, which evolved from a common ancestor that likely existed during 2011. The ancestor contained N. gonorrhoeae-like alleles in three regions of its genome, two of which may facilitate nitrite-dependent anaerobic growth during colonization of urogenital sites. Additional gonococcal-like alleles were acquired as the clade diversified. Notably, one isolate contained a sequence associated with azithromycin resistance in N. gonorrhoeae, but no other gonococcal antimicrobial resistance determinants were detected. CONCLUSIONS Interspecies genetic recombination contributed to the early evolution and subsequent diversification of the U.S. NmNG urethritis clade. Ongoing acquisition of N. gonorrhoeae alleles by the U.S. NmNG urethritis clade may facilitate the expansion of its ecological niche while also increasing the frequency with which it causes urethritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam C. Retchless
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Cécilia B. Kretz
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
- Present address: Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - How-Yi Chang
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Jose A. Bazan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH USA
- Sexual Health Clinic, Columbus Public Health, Columbus, OH USA
| | - A. Jeanine Abrams
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Abigail Norris Turner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH USA
| | - Laurel T. Jenkins
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - David L. Trees
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Yih-Ling Tzeng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - David S. Stephens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Jessica R. MacNeil
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ispasanie E, Micoli F, Lamelas A, Keller D, Berti F, De Riccio R, Di Benedettoi R, Rondini S, Pluschke G. Spontaneous point mutations in the capsule synthesis locus leading to structural and functional changes of the capsule in serogroup A meningococcal populations. Virulence 2018; 9:1138-1149. [PMID: 30067453 PMCID: PMC6086313 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1467710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole genome sequencing analysis of 100 Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A isolates has revealed that the csaABCD-ctrABCD-ctrEF capsule polysaccharide synthesis locus represents a spontaneous point mutation hotspot. Structural and functional properties of the capsule of 11 carriage and two disease isolates with non-synonymous point mutations or stop codons in capsule synthesis genes were analyzed for their capsular polysaccharide expression, recognition by antibodies and sensitivity to bactericidal killing. Eight of eleven carriage isolates presenting capsule locus mutations expressed no or reduced amounts of capsule. One isolate with a stop codon in the O-acetyltransferase gene expressed non-O-acetylated polysaccharide, and was not recognized by anti-capsule antibodies. Capsule and O-acetylation deficient mutants were resistant to complement deposition and killing mediated by anti-capsular antibodies, but not by anti-lipopolysaccharide antibodies. Two capsule polymerase mutants, one carriage and one case isolate, showed capsule over-expression and increased resistance against bactericidal activity of both capsule- and lipopolysaccharide-specific antibodies. Meningococci have developed multiple strategies for changing capsule expression and structure, which is relevant both for colonization and virulence. Here we show that point mutations in the capsule synthesis genes substantially contribute to the repertoire of genetic mechanisms in natural populations leading to variability in capsule expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ispasanie
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Molecular Immunology Unit, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Araceli Lamelas
- Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, Instituto de Ecologia, A.C., Veracruz, México
| | - Dominique Keller
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Molecular Immunology Unit, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Gerd Pluschke
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Molecular Immunology Unit, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Zheng RB, Jégouzo SAF, Joe M, Bai Y, Tran HA, Shen K, Saupe J, Xia L, Ahmed MF, Liu YH, Patil PS, Tripathi A, Hung SC, Taylor ME, Lowary TL, Drickamer K. Insights into Interactions of Mycobacteria with the Host Innate Immune System from a Novel Array of Synthetic Mycobacterial Glycans. ACS Chem Biol 2017; 12:2990-3002. [PMID: 29048873 PMCID: PMC5735379 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.7b00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
![]()
An
array of homogeneous glycans representing all the major carbohydrate
structures present in the cell wall of the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria has been
probed with a panel of glycan-binding receptors expressed on cells
of the mammalian innate immune system. The results provide an overview
of interactions between mycobacterial glycans and receptors that mediate
uptake and survival in macrophages, dendritic cells, and sinusoidal
endothelial cells. A subset of the wide variety of glycan structures
present on mycobacterial surfaces interact with cells of the innate
immune system through the receptors tested. Endocytic receptors, including
the mannose receptor, DC-SIGN, langerin, and DC-SIGNR (L-SIGN), interact
predominantly with mannose-containing caps found on the mycobacterial
polysaccharide lipoarabinomannan. Some of these receptors also interact
with phosphatidyl-myo-inositol mannosides and mannose-containing
phenolic glycolipids. Many glycans are ligands for overlapping sets
of receptors, suggesting multiple, redundant routes by which mycobacteria
can enter cells. Receptors with signaling capability interact with
two distinct sets of mycobacterial glycans: targets for dectin-2 overlap
with ligands for the mannose-binding endocytic receptors, while mincle
binds exclusively to trehalose-containing structures such as trehalose
dimycolate. None of the receptors surveyed bind furanose residues,
which often form part of the epitopes recognized by antibodies to
mycobacteria. Thus, the innate and adaptive immune systems can target
different sets of mycobacterial glycans. This array, the first of
its kind, represents an important new tool for probing, at a molecular
level, biological roles of a broad range of mycobacterial glycans,
a task that has not previously been possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruixiang Blake Zheng
- Department
of Chemistry and Alberta Glycomics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | | | - Maju Joe
- Department
of Chemistry and Alberta Glycomics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Yu Bai
- Department
of Chemistry and Alberta Glycomics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Huu-Anh Tran
- Department
of Chemistry and Alberta Glycomics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Ke Shen
- Department
of Chemistry and Alberta Glycomics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Jörn Saupe
- Department
of Chemistry and Alberta Glycomics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Li Xia
- Department
of Chemistry and Alberta Glycomics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Md. Faiaz Ahmed
- Department
of Chemistry and Alberta Glycomics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Yu-Hsuan Liu
- Department
of Chemistry and Alberta Glycomics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | | | - Ashish Tripathi
- Genomics
Research Centre, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Cheng Hung
- Genomics
Research Centre, Academia Sinica, Nangang, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Maureen E. Taylor
- Department
of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Todd L. Lowary
- Department
of Chemistry and Alberta Glycomics Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Kurt Drickamer
- Department
of Life Sciences, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Mubaiwa TD, Semchenko EA, Hartley-Tassell LE, Day CJ, Jennings MP, Seib KL. The sweet side of the pathogenic Neisseria: the role of glycan interactions in colonisation and disease. Pathog Dis 2017; 75:3867065. [PMID: 28633281 PMCID: PMC5808653 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycomics is a rapidly growing field that focuses on the structure and function of carbohydrates (glycans) in biological systems. Glycan interactions play a major role in infectious disease, at all stages of colonisation and disease progression. Neisseria meningitidis, the cause of meningococcal sepsis and meningitis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhoea, are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Neisseria meningitidis displays a range of surface glycosylations including capsule polysaccharide, lipooligosaccharide and O-linked glycoproteins. While N. gonorrhoeae does not have a capsule, it does express both lipooligosaccharide and O-linked glycoproteins. Neisseria gonorrhoeae also has the ability to scavenge host sialic acids, while several N. meningitidis serogroups can synthesise sialic acid. Surface expressed sialic acid is key in serum resistance and survival in the host. On the host side, the pathogenic Neisseria protein adhesins such as Opc and NHBA bind to host glycans for adherence and colonisation of host cells. Essentially, from both the bacterial and host perspective, glycan interactions are fundamental in colonisation and disease of pathogenic Neisseria. The key aspects of glycobiology of the pathogenic Neisseria are reviewed herein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsitsi D. Mubaiwa
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Evgeny A. Semchenko
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | | | - Christopher J. Day
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Michael P. Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Kate L. Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bazan JA, Turner AN, Kirkcaldy RD, Retchless AC, Kretz CB, Briere E, Tzeng YL, Stephens DS, Maierhofer C, Del Rio C, Abrams AJ, Trees DL, Ervin M, Licon DB, Fields KS, Roberts MW, Dennison A, Wang X. Large Cluster of Neisseria meningitidis Urethritis in Columbus, Ohio, 2015. Clin Infect Dis 2017; 65:92-99. [PMID: 28481980 PMCID: PMC5848337 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is a Gram-negative diplococcus that normally colonizes the nasopharynx and rarely infects the urogenital tract. On Gram stain of urethral exudates, Nm can be misidentified as the more common sexually transmitted pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Methods In response to a large increase in cases of Nm urethritis identified among men presenting for screening at a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Columbus, Ohio, we investigated the epidemiologic characteristics of men with Nm urethritis and the molecular and phylogenetic characteristics of their Nm isolates. The study was conducted between 1 January and 18 November 2015. Results Seventy-five Nm urethritis cases were confirmed by biochemical and polymerase chain reaction testing. Men with Nm urethritis were a median age of 31 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 24-38) and had a median of 2 sex partners in the last 3 months (IQR = 1-3). Nm cases were predominantly black (81%) and heterosexual (99%). Most had urethral discharge (91%), reported oral sex with a female in the last 12 months (96%), and were treated with a ceftriaxone-based regimen (95%). A minority (15%) also had urethral chlamydia coinfection. All urethral Nm isolates were nongroupable, ST-11 clonal complex (cc11), ET-15, and clustered together phylogenetically. Urethral Nm isolates were similar by fine typing (PorA P1.5-1,10-8, PorB 2-2, FetA F3-6), except 2, which had different PorB types (2-78 and 2-52). Conclusions Between January and November 2015, 75 urethritis cases due to a distinct Nm clade occurred among primarily black, heterosexual men in Columbus, Ohio. Future urogenital Nm infection studies should focus on pathogenesis and modes of sexual transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Bazan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
- Sexual Health Clinic, Columbus Public Health, Ohio
| | - Abigail Norris Turner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
| | - Robert D Kirkcaldy
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention
| | - Adam C Retchless
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Cecilia B Kretz
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Elizabeth Briere
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Yih-Ling Tzeng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and
| | - David S Stephens
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and
- Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, and
| | - Courtney Maierhofer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus
| | - Carlos Del Rio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Departments of Medicine and
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; and
| | - A Jeanine Abrams
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention
| | - David L Trees
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention
| | | | | | | | | | - Amanda Dennison
- STD & Hepatitis Prevention Program, Bureau of Infectious Diseases, Ohio Department of Health, Columbus
| | - Xin Wang
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Bårnes GK, Brynildsrud OB, Børud B, Workalemahu B, Kristiansen PA, Beyene D, Aseffa A, Caugant DA. Whole genome sequencing reveals within-host genetic changes in paired meningococcal carriage isolates from Ethiopia. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:407. [PMID: 28545446 PMCID: PMC5445459 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3806-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meningococcal colonization is a prerequisite for transmission and disease, but the bacterium only very infrequently causes disease while asymptomatic carriage is common. Carriage is highly dynamic, showing a great variety across time and space within and across populations, but also within individuals. The understanding of genetic changes in the meningococcus during carriage, when the bacteria resides in its natural niche, is important for understanding not only the carriage state, but the dynamics of the entire meningococcal population. Results Paired meningococcal isolates, obtained from 50 asymptomatic carriers about 2 months apart were analyzed with whole genome sequencing (WGS). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that most paired isolates from the same individual were closely related, and the average and median number of allelic differences between paired isolates defined as the same strain was 35. About twice as many differences were seen between isolates from different individuals within the same sequence type (ST). In 8%, different strains were detected at different time points. A difference in ST was observed in 6%, including an individual who was found to carry three different STs over the course of 9 weeks. One individual carried different strains from the same ST. In total, 566 of 1605 cgMLST genes had undergone within-host genetic changes in one or more pairs. The most frequently changed cgMLST gene was relA that was changed in 47% of pairs. Across the whole genome, pilE, differed mostly, in 85% of the pairs. The most frequent mechanisms of genetic difference between paired isolates were phase variation and recombination, including gene conversion. Different STs showed variation with regard to which genes that were most frequently changed, mostly due to absence/presence of phase variation. Conclusions This study revealed within-host genetic differences in meningococcal isolates during short-term asymptomatic carriage. The most frequently changed genes were genes belonging to the pilin family, the restriction/modification system, opacity proteins and genes involved in glycosylation. Higher resolution genome-wide sequence typing is necessary to resolve the diversity of isolates and reveals genetic differences not discovered by traditional typing schemes, and would be the preferred choice of technology. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3806-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guro K Bårnes
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Meningococci, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ola Brønstad Brynildsrud
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bente Børud
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Meningococci, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Paul A Kristiansen
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Meningococci, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Demissew Beyene
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.,Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Aseffa
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dominique A Caugant
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. .,WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Meningococci, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Arenas J, Tommassen J. Meningococcal Biofilm Formation: Let's Stick Together. Trends Microbiol 2017; 25:113-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
46
|
An efficient cell free enzyme-based total synthesis of a meningococcal vaccine candidate. NPJ Vaccines 2016; 1:16017. [PMID: 29263856 PMCID: PMC5707881 DOI: 10.1038/npjvaccines.2016.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a global health problem and vaccination has proven the most effective way of disease control. Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X (NmX) is an emerging threat in the African sub-Saharan meningitis belt, but no vaccine is available today. Leading vaccines against Nm are glycoconjugates, in which capsular polysaccharides isolated from large-scale pathogen cultures are conjugated to adjuvant proteins. Though safe and efficacious even in infants, high costs and biohazard associated with the production limit abundant application of glycoconjugate vaccines particularly in the most afflicted nations. An existing NmX vaccine candidate (CPSXn-CRM197) produced by established protocols from NmX capsule polysaccharide (CPSX) has been shown to elicit high bactericidal immunoglobulin G titres in mice. Here we describe the scalable in vitro synthesis of CPSXiv from chemically pure precursors by the use of recombinant NmX capsule polymerase. Application of the described coupling chemistry gives CPSXiv-CRM197, which in mouse vaccination experiments behaves identical to the benchmark CPSXn-CRM197. Excluding any biohazards, this novel process represents a paradigm shift in vaccine production and a premise towards vaccine manufacturing in emerging economies.
Collapse
|
47
|
Litschko C, Romano MR, Pinto V, Claus H, Vogel U, Berti F, Gerardy-Schahn R, Fiebig T. The capsule polymerase CslB of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup L catalyzes the synthesis of a complex trimeric repeating unit comprising glycosidic and phosphodiester linkages. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:24355-66. [PMID: 26286750 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.678094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a human pathogen causing bacterial meningitis and sepsis. The capsular polysaccharide surrounding N. meningitidis is a major virulence factor. The capsular polysaccharide consists of polyhexosamine phosphates in N. meningitidis serogroups A and X. The capsule polymerases (CPs) of these serogroups are members of the Stealth protein family comprising d-hexose-1-phosphate transferases from bacterial and protozoan pathogens. CslA, one of two putative CPs of the pathophysiologically less relevant N. meningitidis serogroup L, is one of the smallest known Stealth proteins and caught our attention for structure-function analyses. Because the N. meningitidis serogroup L capsule polymer consists of a trimeric repeating unit ([→3)-β-d-GlcNAc-(1→3)-β-d-GlcNAc-(1→3)-α-d-GlcNAc-(1→OPO3→]n), we speculated that the two predicted CPs (CslA and CslB) work together in polymer production. Consequently, both enzymes were cloned, overexpressed, and purified as recombinant proteins. Contrary to our expectation, enzymatic testing identified CslB to be sufficient to catalyze the synthesis of the complex trimeric N. meningitidis serogroup L capsule polymer repeating unit. No polymerase activity was detected for CslA, although the enzyme facilitated the hydrolysis of UDP-GlcNAc. Bioinformatics analyses identified two glycosyltransferase (GT) domains in CslB. The N-terminal domain modeled with 100% confidence onto a number of GT-A folded proteins, whereas the C-terminal domain modeled with 100% confidence onto TagF, a GT-B folded teichoic acid polymerase from Staphylococcus epidermidis. Amino acid positions known to have critical catalytic functions in the template proteins were conserved in CslB, and their point mutation abolished enzyme activity. CslB represents an enzyme of so far unique complexity regarding both the catalyzed reaction and enzyme architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christa Litschko
- From the Institute for Cellular Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Vittoria Pinto
- Research, GSK Vaccines, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy, and
| | - Heike Claus
- the Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Vogel
- the Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Francesco Berti
- Research, GSK Vaccines, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy, and
| | - Rita Gerardy-Schahn
- From the Institute for Cellular Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Timm Fiebig
- From the Institute for Cellular Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Strasse 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany,
| |
Collapse
|