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Kopping EJ, Benziger PT, Thanassi DG. TolC and EmrA1 contribute to Francisella novicida multidrug resistance and modulation of host cell death. J Bacteriol 2024; 206:e0024624. [PMID: 39194223 PMCID: PMC11411944 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00246-24] [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: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Francisella spp. are Gram-negative, facultative intracellular pathogens. Francisella tularensis causes the human disease tularemia and is considered a biological threat agent due to its high infectivity and virulence. A central aspect of Francisella virulence is its ability to dampen host immune responses. We previously identified the outer membrane channel (OMC) protein TolC as a critical F. tularensis virulence factor required for suppression of apoptotic and proinflammatory responses during macrophage infection. TolC functions as part of multidrug efflux systems and the type I secretion pathway that exports bacterial effector proteins. In these systems, TolC forms tripartite complexes together with an inner membrane transporter and periplasmic membrane fusion protein (MFP). To advance understanding of TolC function in Francisella, we analyzed OMC and MFP homologs in Francisella novicida, a widely used model species that causes a tularemia-like disease in mice. In agreement with the previous F. tularensis studies, all three OMCs present in F. novicida contributed to multidrug resistance, but only TolC was important for suppressing macrophage cell death. In addition, we identified the EmrA1 MFP as important for resisting antimicrobial compounds and dampening host cell death. In contrast to results obtained with F. tularensis, the cell death triggered during infection with the F. novicida tolC and emrA1 mutants was dominated by pyroptosis rather than apoptosis. These data expand our understanding of TolC function in Francisella and underscore both conserved and differential aspects of F. novicida and F. tularensis. IMPORTANCE Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterial pathogen and causative agent of tularemia. We previously identified the outer membrane channel protein TolC as contributing to antimicrobial resistance and subversion of host responses by F. tularensis. To advance understanding of TolC function in Francisella and to identify components that might work together with TolC, we took advantage of a transposon mutant library in F. novicida, a model species that causes a tularemia-like disease in mice. Our findings identify TolC and the membrane fusion protein EmrA1 as important for both antimicrobial resistance and suppression of macrophage cell death. This study also revealed differences in cell death pathways triggered by F. novicida versus F. tularensis infection that may relate to differences in virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Kopping
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - P Todd Benziger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - David G Thanassi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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2
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Matsumoto S, Shimizu T, Uda A, Watanabe K, Watarai M. Role of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway on infection of Francisella novicida. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0310120. [PMID: 39255287 PMCID: PMC11386456 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia, and is highly pathogenic to humans. The pathogenicity of this bacterium is largely attributed to intracellular growth in host cells. Although several bacterial factors important for the intracellular growth have been elucidated, including the type VI secretion system, the host factors involved in the intracellular growth of F. tularensis are largely unknown. To identify the host factors important for F. tularensis infection, 368 compounds were screened for the negative regulation of F. tularensis subsp. novicida (F. novicida) infection. Consequently, 56 inhibitors were isolated that decreased F. novicida infection. Among those inhibitors, we focused on cucurbitacin I, an inhibitor of the JAK2/ STAT3 pathway. Cucurbitacin I and another JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor, Stattic, decreased the intracellular bacterial number of F. novicida. However, these inhibitors failed to affect the cell attachment or the intrasaccular proliferation of F. novicida. In addition, treatment with these inhibitors destabilized actin filaments. These results suggest that the JAK2/STAT3 pathway plays an important role in internalization of F. novicida into host cells through mechanisms involving actin dynamics, such as phagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonoko Matsumoto
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takashi Shimizu
- One Welfare Education and Research Center, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Akihiko Uda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masahisa Watarai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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3
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Khan A, Ali SS, Khan A, Zahid MA, Alshabrmi FM, Waheed Y, Agouni A. Structural proteomics guided annotation of vaccine targets and designing of multi-epitopes vaccine to instigate adaptive immune response against Francisella tularensis. Microb Pathog 2024; 194:106777. [PMID: 39002657 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106777] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis can cause severe disease in humans via the respiratory or cutaneous routes and a case fatality ratio of up to 10 % is reported due to lack of proper antibiotic treatment, while F. novicida causes disease in severely immunocompromised individuals. Efforts are needed to develop effective vaccine candidates against Francisella species. Thus, in this study, a systematic computational work frame was used to deeply investigate the whole proteome of Francisella novicida containing 1728 proteins to develop vaccine against F. tularensis and related species. Whole-proteome analysis revealed that four proteins including (A0Q492) (A0Q7Y4), (A0Q4N4), and (A0Q5D9) are the suitable vaccine targets after the removal of homologous, paralogous and prediction of subcellular localization. These proteins were used to predict the T cell, B cell, and HTL epitopes which were joined together through suitable linkers to construct a multi-epitopes vaccine (MEVC). The MEVC was found to be highly immunogenic and non-allergenic while the physiochemical properties revealed the feasible expression and purification. Moreover, the molecular interaction of MEVC with TLR2, molecular simulation, and binding free energy analyses further validated the immune potential of the construct. According to Jcat analysis, the refined sequence demonstrates GC contents of 41.48 % and a CAI value of 1. The in-silico cloning and optimization process ensured compatibility with host codon usage, thereby facilitating efficient expression. Computational immune simulation studies underscored the capacity of MEVC to induce both primary and secondary immune responses. The conservation analysis further revealed that the selected epitopes exhibit 100 % conservation across different species and thus provides wider protection against Francisella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Syed Shujait Ali
- Centre for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Charbagh, Swat, KP, Pakistan
| | - Asghar Khan
- Saidu Teaching Hospital, Saidu Sharif, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ammar Zahid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fahad M Alshabrmi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Near East University, Operational Research Center in Healthcare, TRNC Mersin 10, Nicosia, 99138, Turkey; Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, 1401, Lebanon; MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, 11831, Jordan
| | - Abdelali Agouni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Timofeev V, Bakhteeva I, Titareva G, Mironova R, Evseeva V, Kravchenko T, Sizova A, Borzilov A, Pavlovich N, Mokrievich A, Dyatlov I, Vergnaud G. Avirulence of a spontaneous Francisella tularensis subsp. mediasiatica prmA mutant. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305569. [PMID: 38889158 PMCID: PMC11185464 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is divided into three subspecies. Two of these, subspecies holarctica and tularensis, are highly pathogenic to humans and consequently relatively well studied. The third subspecies, mediasiatica, is rarely isolated and remains poorly studied. It is distributed in the sparsely populated regions of Central Asia and Siberia. Curently this subspecies is not known to have been responsible for human infections in spite of its high virulence in laboratory animals. Subspecies mediasiatica is currently divided into three subgroups-MI, present in Central Asia, MII, present in southern Siberia, and MIII represented by a unique strain, 60(B)57, isolated in Uzbekistan in 1960. We describe here the unexpected observation that MIII strain 60(B)57 is avirulent and immunogenic. We observed that infection with this strain protected mice from challenge 21 days later with a virulent subsp. mediasiatica strain. With an increase of this interval, the protection for mice was significantly reduced. In contrast, guinea pigs were protected from challenge with strains of the subspecies holarctica and mediasiatica (but not subsp. tularensis) 90 days after infection with 60(B)57. We performed genome assembly based on whole genome sequencing data obtained using the Nanopore MinION for strain 60(B)57 and two subsp. mediasiatica strains representing the Central Asian MI and Siberian MII phylogenetic subgroups. The prmA gene is truncated due to a nonsense mutation in strain 60(B)57. The deletion of gene prmA has previously been shown to induce a loss of virulence in Francisella novicida the closest model organism suggesting that the observed mutation might the cause of the avirulence of strain 60(B)57.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalii Timofeev
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Irina Bakhteeva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Galina Titareva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Raisa Mironova
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Vera Evseeva
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Tatiana Kravchenko
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Angelika Sizova
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Alexander Borzilov
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | | | - Alexander Mokrievich
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Ivan Dyatlov
- State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB), Obolensk, Russia
| | - Gilles Vergnaud
- CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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Harrell JE, Roy CJ, Gunn JS, McLachlan JB. Current vaccine strategies and novel approaches to combatting Francisella infection. Vaccine 2024; 42:2171-2180. [PMID: 38461051 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.086] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Tularemia is caused by subspecies of Francisella tularensis and can manifest in a variety of disease states, with the pneumonic presentation resulting in the greatest mortality. Despite decades of research, there are no approved vaccines against F. tularensis in the United States. Traditional vaccination strategies, such as live-attenuated or subunit vaccines, are not favorable due to inadequate protection or safety concerns. Because of this, novel vaccination strategies are needed to combat tularemia. Here we discuss the current state of and challenges to the tularemia vaccine field and suggest novel vaccine approaches going forward that might be better suited for protecting against F. tularensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaikin E Harrell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Chad J Roy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - John S Gunn
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA, Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - James B McLachlan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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6
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Rytter H, Roger K, Chhuon C, Ding X, Coureuil M, Jamet A, Henry T, Guerrera IC, Charbit A. Dual proteomics of infected macrophages reveal bacterial and host players involved in the Francisella intracellular life cycle and cell to cell dissemination by merocytophagy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7797. [PMID: 38565565 PMCID: PMC10987565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58261-x] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial pathogens adapt and replicate within host cells, while host cells develop mechanisms to eliminate them. Using a dual proteomic approach, we characterized the intra-macrophage proteome of the facultative intracellular pathogen, Francisella novicida. More than 900 Francisella proteins were identified in infected macrophages after a 10-h infection. Biotin biosynthesis-related proteins were upregulated, emphasizing the role of biotin-associated genes in Francisella replication. Conversely, proteins encoded by the Francisella pathogenicity island (FPI) were downregulated, supporting the importance of the F. tularensis Type VI Secretion System for vacuole escape, not cytosolic replication. In the host cell, over 300 proteins showed differential expression among the 6200 identified during infection. The most upregulated host protein was cis-aconitate decarboxylase IRG1, known for itaconate production with antimicrobial properties in Francisella. Surprisingly, disrupting IRG1 expression did not impact Francisella's intracellular life cycle, suggesting redundancy with other immune proteins or inclusion in larger complexes. Over-representation analysis highlighted cell-cell contact and actin polymerization in macrophage deregulated proteins. Using flow cytometry and live cell imaging, we demonstrated that merocytophagy involves diverse cell-to-cell contacts and actin polymerization-dependent processes. These findings lay the groundwork for further exploration of merocytophagy and its molecular mechanisms in future research.Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD035145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse Rytter
- Université Paris CitéINSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253Institut Necker Enfants Malades, 156-160 rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151-CNRS UMR 8253, Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Kevin Roger
- INSERM US24/CNRS UAR3633, Proteomic Platform Necker, UniversitéParis-Cité, Federative Research Structure Necker, Paris, France
| | - Cerina Chhuon
- INSERM US24/CNRS UAR3633, Proteomic Platform Necker, UniversitéParis-Cité, Federative Research Structure Necker, Paris, France
| | - Xiongqi Ding
- Université Paris CitéINSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253Institut Necker Enfants Malades, 156-160 rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151-CNRS UMR 8253, Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Coureuil
- Université Paris CitéINSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253Institut Necker Enfants Malades, 156-160 rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151-CNRS UMR 8253, Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Anne Jamet
- Université Paris CitéINSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253Institut Necker Enfants Malades, 156-160 rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151-CNRS UMR 8253, Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Henry
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Ida Chiara Guerrera
- INSERM US24/CNRS UAR3633, Proteomic Platform Necker, UniversitéParis-Cité, Federative Research Structure Necker, Paris, France.
| | - Alain Charbit
- Université Paris CitéINSERM UMR-S1151, CNRS UMR-S8253Institut Necker Enfants Malades, 156-160 rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France.
- INSERM U1151-CNRS UMR 8253, Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, 75015, Paris, France.
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7
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Haggerty K, Cantlay S, Young E, Cashbaugh MK, Delatore Iii EF, Schreiber R, Hess H, Komlosi DR, Butler S, Bolon D, Evangelista T, Hager T, Kelly C, Phillips K, Voellinger J, Shanks RMQ, Horzempa J. Identification of an N-terminal tag (580N) that improves the biosynthesis of fluorescent proteins in Francisella tularensis and other Gram-negative bacteria. Mol Cell Probes 2024; 74:101956. [PMID: 38492609 PMCID: PMC11000650 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2024.101956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Utilization of fluorescent proteins is widespread for the study of microbial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. Here, we discovered that linkage of the 36 N-terminal amino acids of FTL_0580 (a hypothetical protein of Francisella tularensis) to fluorescent proteins increases the fluorescence emission of bacteria that express these recombinant fusions. This N-terminal peptide will be referred to as 580N. Western blotting revealed that the linkage of 580N to Emerald Green Fluorescent Protein (EmGFP) in F. tularensis markedly improved detection of this protein. We therefore hypothesized that transcripts containing 580N may be translated more efficiently than those lacking the coding sequence for this leader peptide. In support, expression of emGFPFt that had been codon-optimized for F. tularensis, yielded significantly enhanced fluorescence than its non-optimized counterpart. Furthermore, fusing emGFP with coding sequence for a small N-terminal peptide (Serine-Lysine-Isoleucine-Lysine), which had previously been shown to inhibit ribosomal stalling, produced robust fluorescence when expressed in F. tularensis. These findings support the interpretation that 580N enhances the translation efficiency of fluorescent proteins in F. tularensis. Interestingly, expression of non-optimized 580N-emGFP produced greater fluorescence intensity than any other construct. Structural predictions suggested that RNA secondary structure also may be influencing translation efficiency. When expressed in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria, 580N-emGFP produced increased green fluorescence compared to untagged emGFP (neither allele was codon optimized for these bacteria). In conclusion, fusing the coding sequence for the 580N leader peptide to recombinant genes might serve as an economical alternative to codon optimization for enhancing protein expression in bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Haggerty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Stuart Cantlay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Emily Young
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Mariah K Cashbaugh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Elio F Delatore Iii
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Rori Schreiber
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Hayden Hess
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Daniel R Komlosi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Butler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Dalton Bolon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Theresa Evangelista
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Takoda Hager
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Claire Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Katherine Phillips
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Jada Voellinger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA
| | - Robert M Q Shanks
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Horzempa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, USA.
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Taylor-Salmon E, Shapiro ED. Tick-borne infections in children in North America. Curr Opin Pediatr 2024; 36:156-163. [PMID: 38167816 PMCID: PMC10932821 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Because both incidence and awareness of tick-borne infections is increasing, review of major infections and recent advances related to their diagnosis and management is important. RECENT FINDINGS A new algorithm, termed modified two-tier testing, for testing for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi , the cause of Lyme disease, has been approved and may replace traditional two-tier testing. In addition, doxycycline is now acceptable to use for treatment of and/or prophylaxis for Lyme disease for up to 21 days in children of any age. Borrelia miyamotoi , a bacterium in the relapsing fever type of Borrelia, is the first of this type of Borrelia that is transmitted by hard-bodied ticks such as Ixodes scapularis. SUMMARY Awareness of these infections and advances in their diagnosis and treatment is important to assure the best outcomes for affected patients. Table 1 contains a summary of infections discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Taylor-Salmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Eugene D Shapiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Schütz SD, Brackmann M, Liechti N, Moser M, Wittwer M, Bruggmann R. Functional characterization of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica genotypes during tick cell and macrophage infections using a proteogenomic approach. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1355113. [PMID: 38500499 PMCID: PMC10944910 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1355113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a vector-borne disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis. Known hosts and vectors in Europe are hare and ticks. F. tularensis is transmitted from ticks and animals, but also from the hydrotelluric environment and the consumption of contaminated water or food. A changing climate expands the range in which ticks can live and consequently might contribute to increasing case numbers of tularemia. Two subspecies of F. tularensis are human pathogenic. Francisella tularensis tularensis (Ftt) is endemic in North America, while Francisella tularensis holarctica (Fth) is the only subspecies causing tularemia in Europe. Ft is classified as a category A bioterrorism agent due to its low infectious dose, multiple modes of transmission, high infectivity and potential for airborne transmission and has become a global public health concern. In line with the European survey and previous phylogenetic studies, Switzerland shows the co-distribution of B.6 and B.12 strains with different geographical distribution and prevalence within the country. To establish itself in different host environments of ticks and mammals, F. tularensis presumably undergoes substantial changes on the transcriptomics and proteomic level. Here we investigate the transcriptomic and proteomic differences of five strains of Fth upon infection of rabbit macrophages and tick cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Doina Schütz
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit, University of Bern and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Bern, Switzerland
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Spiez, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicole Liechti
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Michel Moser
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Wittwer
- Spiez Laboratory, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Spiez, Switzerland
| | - Rémy Bruggmann
- Interfaculty Bioinformatics Unit, University of Bern and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Choat J, Young J, Petersen JM, Dietrich EA. Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Francisella tularensis Isolates in the United States, 2009-2018. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:S4-S6. [PMID: 38294116 PMCID: PMC11285005 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad680] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia. We tested the susceptibility of 278 F. tularensis isolates from the United States received during 2009-2018 to 8 antimicrobial drugs (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, doxycycline, tetracycline, gentamicin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and erythromycin). All isolates were susceptible to all tested drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Choat
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Rd. Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - John Young
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Rd. Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Jeannine M. Petersen
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Rd. Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Dietrich
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Rd. Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Kornmann J, Scherl C, Lammert A, Rotter N, Huber L. Rare Case of Tularemia With Preauricular Lymphadenopathy and Conjunctivitis in a 27-Year-Old Male Patient in Germany. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2024:1455613231226046. [PMID: 38247118 DOI: 10.1177/01455613231226046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a rare disease but shows an approximately 10-fold increase in reported cases over the last 15 years in Germany. Clinical symptoms of acute tularemia infection are various, which often delays diagnosis. This case report gives an overview of the clinical manifestations of acute tularemia and shows the importance of interdisciplinary work to shorten the time from the onset of symptoms to effective treatment in infection with Francisella tularensis. Since some cases of tularemia are life-threatening, early diagnosis is vital. This case report serves as a reminder that rare diseases need to be considered in cervical lymphadenopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kornmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Germany
| | - C Scherl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Germany
| | - A Lammert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Germany
| | - N Rotter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Germany
| | - L Huber
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Mannheim, Germany
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12
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van Hoek ML, Marchesani A, Rawat M. Diverse roles of low-molecular weight thiol GSH in Francisella's virulence, location sensing and GSH-stealing from host. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2023; 6:100218. [PMID: 38303966 PMCID: PMC10831187 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2023.100218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Low-molecular weight (LMW) thiols, encompassing peptides and small proteins with active cysteine residue(s), are important to bacteria as they are involved in a wide range of redox reactions. They include the tripeptide glutathione (GSH) and the small redox proteins, thioredoxins and glutaredoxins. We review the low MW thiols and related molecules in Francisella species and what role they may play in growth and virulence. Genes for GSH biosynthesis, metabolism and thioredoxins are present in all strains of Francisella, including the fully human-virulent strains. GSH and cysteine (CSH) are the major LMW thiols in Francisella extracts. We explore the potential role of the LMW thiols to overcome the nutritional challenges of intracellular growth (high GSH conditions) as well as the nutritional challenges of planktonic growth (low GSH conditions), and their contribution to Francisella's sensing its environmental location. Francisella may also use GSH as a source of CSH, for which it is auxotrophic. "Glutathione stealing" from the host may be an important part of Francisella's success strategy as a facultative intracellular pathogen both to detect its location and obtain CSH. An understanding of GSH metabolism in Francisella provides insights into the interaction of this pathogen with its host and may reveal additional targets for therapeutic intervention for tularemia infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique L. van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, United States
| | | | - Mamta Rawat
- Biology Department, California State University, Fresno, CA, United States
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13
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Degabriel M, Valeva S, Boisset S, Henry T. Pathogenicity and virulence of Francisella tularensis. Virulence 2023; 14:2274638. [PMID: 37941380 PMCID: PMC10653695 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2274638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tularaemia is a zoonotic disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium, Francisella tularensis. Depending on its entry route into the organism, F. tularensis causes different diseases, ranging from life-threatening pneumonia to less severe ulceroglandular tularaemia. Various strains with different geographical distributions exhibit different levels of virulence. F. tularensis is an intracellular bacterium that replicates primarily in the cytosol of the phagocytes. The main virulence attribute of F. tularensis is the type 6 secretion system (T6SS) and its effectors that promote escape from the phagosome. In addition, F. tularensis has evolved a peculiar envelope that allows it to escape detection by the immune system. In this review, we cover tularaemia, different Francisella strains, and their pathogenicity. We particularly emphasize the intracellular life cycle, associated virulence factors, and metabolic adaptations. Finally, we present how F. tularensis largely escapes immune detection to be one of the most infectious and lethal bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Degabriel
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Univ Lyon, LYON, France
| | - Stanimira Valeva
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Univ Lyon, LYON, France
| | - Sandrine Boisset
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Univ Lyon, LYON, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CHU Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, UMR5075, Institut de Biologie Structurale, Grenoble, France
| | - Thomas Henry
- CIRI, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Inserm U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Univ Lyon, LYON, France
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14
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Upton EM, Schlievert PM, Zhang Y, Rauckhorst AJ, Taylor EB, Radoshevich L. Glycerol monolaurate inhibits Francisella novicida growth and is produced intracellularly in an ISG15-dependent manner. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2023; 2023:10.17912/micropub.biology.000905. [PMID: 37954520 PMCID: PMC10638595 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Glycerol Monolaurate (GML) is a naturally occurring fatty acid monoester with antimicrobial properties. Francisella tularensis is an agent of bioterrorism known for its unique lipopolysaccharide structure and low immunogenicity. Here we assessed whether exogenous GML would inhibit the growth of Francisella novicida . GML potently impeded Francisella growth and survival in vitro . To appraise the metabolic response to infection, we used GC-MS to survey the metabolome, and surprisingly, observed intracellular GML production following Francisella infection. Notably, the ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 was necessary for increased GML levels induced by bacterial infection, and enhanced ISG15 conjugation correlated with GML levels following serum starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M. Upton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Patrick M. Schlievert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Yifeng Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Adam J. Rauckhorst
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center Metabolomics Core Facility, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Eric B. Taylor
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center Metabolomics Core Facility, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Lilliana Radoshevich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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15
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Mohammed RR, Enferadi A, Sidiq KR, Sarani S, Khademi P, Jaydari A, Ahmed AK. Molecular Detection of Francisella tularensis Isolated from Ticks of Livestock in Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:514-519. [PMID: 37582218 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes tularemia in both human and animals. Tularemia is a potential serious zoonotic disease that is transmitted by different routes, including tick bites. Materials and Methods: This study deals with investigating the prevalence of F. tularensis in the ticks of local animal farms in Kurdistan region since the farmers are normally in close contact with livestock. We used molecular methods for this purpose. A total of 412 tick and 126 blood samples were gathered from goat, sheep, and cow flocks. The existence of F. tularensis 16Sr RNA gene was examined in the samples using nested-PCR technique. Results: In the animal blood specimens, no F. tularensis was found. The incidence of F. tularensis was 1.7% (7 out of 412) in the tick samples, representing a very lower possibility of tuleremia infection. Moreover, the two subspecies of F. tularensis novicida and holarctica were identified based on the sequencing of pdpD and RD genes, respectively. The F. tularensis subsp. novicida was isolated from four species of ticks, Hyalomma anatolicum, Rhipicephalus annulatus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Ornithodoros spp., whereas the F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was isolated from Haemaphysalis parva and Hyalomma dromedarii species of ticks. Conclusion: Although its prevalence is very low, the isolation of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica from the ticks of farm animals suggests possible transmission of Tularemia through tick bite in Kurdistan region of Iraq. Ref: IR-UU-AEC-3/22.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebin Rafaat Mohammed
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, West Azerbaijan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Enferadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, West Azerbaijan, Iran
| | - Karzan R Sidiq
- Charmo Centre for Research, Training and Consultancy, Charmo University, Chamchamal, Iraq
| | - Saeedeh Sarani
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zabol University, Sistan and Balochistan, Iran
| | - Peyman Khademi
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorram Abad, Iran
| | - Amin Jaydari
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lorestan University, Khorram Abad, Iran
| | - Avin Kawa Ahmed
- Sulaimani Veterinary Directorate, Chamchamal Veterinary Hospital, Sulaimani, Iraq
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16
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Alqahtani M, Ma Z, Miller J, Yu J, Malik M, Bakshi CS. Comparative analysis of absent in melanoma 2-inflammasome activation in Francisella tularensis and Francisella novicida. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1188112. [PMID: 37266012 PMCID: PMC10230036 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1188112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent Gram-negative bacterium that causes the fatal zoonotic disease tularemia. The mechanisms and signaling pathways leading to the absent in melanoma 2 (Aim2) inflammasome activation have been elegantly elucidated using Francisella novicida as a model. Although not pathogenic for humans, F. novicida can cause tularemia in mice, and the inflammatory response it triggers is the polar opposite to that observed in mice infected with F. tularensis strains. This study aimed to understand the mechanisms of Aim2 inflammasome activation in F. tularensis-infected macrophages. The results reveal that macrophages infected with the F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS) induce lower levels of Aim2-dependent IL-1β than those infected with F. novicida. The suppression/weak activation of Aim2 in F. tularensis LVS-infected macrophages is due to the suppression of the cGAS-STING DNA-sensing pathway. Furthermore, the introduction of exogenous F. tularensis LVS DNA into the cytosol of the F. tularensis LVS-infected macrophages, alone or in conjunction with a priming signal, failed to restore IL-1β levels similar to those observed for F. novicida-infected macrophages. These results indicated that, in addition to the bacterial DNA, DNA from some other sources, specifically from the damaged mitochondria, might contribute to the robust Aim2-dependent IL-1β levels observed in F. novicida-infected macrophages. The results indicate that F. tularensis LVS induces mitophagy that may potentially prevent the leakage of mitochondrial DNA and the subsequent activation of the Aim2 inflammasome. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the mechanisms of Aim2 inflammasome activation established for F. novicida are not operative in F. tularensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Alqahtani
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Zhuo Ma
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Jacob Miller
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Jen Yu
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Meenakshi Malik
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Chandra Shekhar Bakshi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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17
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de Vries MC, Hoeve-Bakker BJA, van den Beld MJC, Hendriks ACA, Harpal ASD, Noomen RCEA, Reubsaet FAG. Identification of Francisella tularensis Subspecies in a Clinical Setting Using MALDI-TOF MS: An In-House Francisella Library and Biomarkers. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040905. [PMID: 37110328 PMCID: PMC10146885 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a zoonotic bacterium that is endemic in large parts of the world. It is absent in the standard library of the most applied matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) systems: the Vitek MS and the Bruker Biotyper system. The additional Bruker MALDI Biotyper Security library contains F. tularensis without subspecies differentiation. The virulence of F. tularensis differs between the subspecies. The F. tularensis subspecies (ssp.) tularensis is highly pathogenic, whereas the subspecies holarctica displays lower virulence and subspecies novicida and F. tularensis ssp. mediasiatica are hardly virulent. To differentiate the Francisellaceae and the F. tularensis-subspecies, an in-house Francisella library was built with the Bruker Biotyper system and validated together with the existing Bruker databases. In addition, specific biomarkers were defined based on the main spectra of the Francisella strains supplemented with in silico genome data. Our in-house Francisella library accurately differentiates the F. tularensis subspecies and the other Francisellaceae. The biomarkers correctly differentiate the various species within the genus Francisella and the F. tularensis subspecies. These MALDI-TOF MS strategies can successfully be applied in a clinical laboratory setting as a fast and specific method to identify F. tularensis to subspecies level.
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18
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Asai M, Li Y, Newton SM, Robertson BD, Langford PR. Galleria mellonella-intracellular bacteria pathogen infection models: the ins and outs. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2023; 47:fuad011. [PMID: 36906279 PMCID: PMC10045907 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth) larvae are used widely as surrogate infectious disease models, due to ease of use and the presence of an innate immune system functionally similar to that of vertebrates. Here, we review G. mellonella-human intracellular bacteria pathogen infection models from the genera Burkholderia, Coxiella, Francisella, Listeria, and Mycobacterium. For all genera, G. mellonella use has increased understanding of host-bacterial interactive biology, particularly through studies comparing the virulence of closely related species and/or wild-type versus mutant pairs. In many cases, virulence in G. mellonella mirrors that found in mammalian infection models, although it is unclear whether the pathogenic mechanisms are the same. The use of G. mellonella larvae has speeded up in vivo efficacy and toxicity testing of novel antimicrobials to treat infections caused by intracellular bacteria: an area that will expand since the FDA no longer requires animal testing for licensure. Further use of G. mellonella-intracellular bacteria infection models will be driven by advances in G. mellonella genetics, imaging, metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomic methodologies, alongside the development and accessibility of reagents to quantify immune markers, all of which will be underpinned by a fully annotated genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Asai
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, St Mary’s campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Yanwen Li
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, St Mary’s campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra M Newton
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, St Mary’s campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
| | - Brian D Robertson
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Department of Infectious Disease, South Kensington campus, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R Langford
- Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease, Department of Infectious Disease, St Mary’s campus, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, United Kingdom
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19
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Singh RP, Kumari K. Bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS): an evolved molecular weapon with diverse functionality. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:309-331. [PMID: 36683130 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03354-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial secretion systems are nanomolecular complexes that release a diverse set of virulence factors/or proteins into its surrounding or translocate to their target host cells. Among these systems, type VI secretion system 'T6SS' is a recently discovered molecular secretion system which is widely distributed in Gram-negative (-ve) bacteria, and shares structural similarity with the puncturing device of bacteriophages. The presence of T6SS is an advantage to many bacteria as it delivers toxins to its neighbour pathogens for competitive survival, and also translocates protein effectors to the host cells, leading to disruption of lipid membranes, cell walls, and cytoskeletons etc. Recent studies have characterized both anti-prokaryotic and anti-eukaryotic effectors, where T6SS is involved in diverse cellular functions including favouring colonization, enhancing the survival, adhesive modifications, internalization, and evasion of the immune system. With the evolution of advanced genomics and proteomics tools, there has been an increase in the number of characterized T6SS effector arsenals and also more clear information about the adaptive significance of this complex system. The functions of T6SS are generally regulated at the transcription, post-transcription and post-translational levels through diverse mechanisms. In the present review, we aimed to provide information about the distribution of T6SS in diverse bacteria, any structural similarity/or dissimilarity, effectors proteins, functional significance, and regulatory mechanisms. We also tried to provide information about the diverse roles played by T6SS in its natural environments and hosts, and further any changes in the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajnish Prakash Singh
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India.
| | - Kiran Kumari
- Department of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, 835215, India
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20
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Vilches V, Barberis C, Sadorin R, Montaña S, Cervino I, Harispe E, Vay CA. First Francisella novicida Case Report in Argentina. EMJ MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023. [DOI: 10.33590/emjmicrobiolinfectdis/10308634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The authors present a case report caused by Francisella novicida, a rare opportunistic human pathogen that may cause a tularemia-like disease in patients who are immunocompromised. The diagnosis is a challenge since it can be confused with Pasteurella or Brucella, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight systems are limited due to its poor performance in identification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Barberis
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Argentina; Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Sabrina Montaña
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Argentina
| | - Iván Cervino
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Argentina
| | | | - Carlos A. Vay
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Argentina; Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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21
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Memariani H, Memariani M. Antibiofilm properties of cathelicidin LL-37: an in-depth review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:99. [PMID: 36781570 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03545-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding ceaseless endeavors toward developing effective antibiofilm chemotherapeutics, biofilm-associated infections continue to be one of the most perplexing challenges confronting medicine today. Endogenous host defense peptides, such as the human cathelicidin LL-37, are being propounded as promising options for treating such infectious diseases. Over the past decennium, LL-37 has duly received tremendous research attention by virtue of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. No attempt has hitherto been made, as far as we are aware, to comprehensively review the antibiofilm effects of LL-37. Accordingly, the intent in this paper is to provide a fairly all-embracing review of the literature available on the subject. Accumulating evidence suggests that LL-37 is able to prevent biofilm establishment by different bacterial pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides fragilis, Burkholderia thailandensis, Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Francisella tularensis, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Inhibition of bacterial adhesion, downregulation of biofilm-associated genes, suppression of quorum-sensing pathways, degradation of biofilm matrix, and eradication of biofilm-residing cells are the major mechanisms responsible for antibiofilm properties of LL-37. In terms of its efficacy and safety in vivo, there are still many questions to be answered. Undoubtedly, LL-37 can open up new windows of opportunity to prevent and treat obstinate biofilm-mediated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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22
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Pavkova I, Kopeckova M, Link M, Vlcak E, Filimonenko V, Lecova L, Zakova J, Laskova P, Sheshko V, Machacek M, Stulik J. Francisella tularensis Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Is Relocalized during Intracellular Infection and Reveals Effect on Cytokine Gene Expression and Signaling. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040607. [PMID: 36831274 PMCID: PMC9954481 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is known for its multifunctionality in several pathogenic bacteria. Our previously reported data suggest that the GAPDH homologue of Francisella tularensis, GapA, might also be involved in other processes beyond metabolism. In the present study, we explored GapA's potential implication in pathogenic processes at the host cell level. Using immunoelectron microscopy, we demonstrated the localization of this bacterial protein inside infected macrophages and its peripheral distribution in bacterial cells increasing with infection time. A quantitative proteomic approach based on stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) combined with pull-down assay enabled the identification of several of GapA's potential interacting partners within the host cell proteome. Two of these partners were further confirmed by alternative methods. We also investigated the impact of gapA deletion on the transcription of selected cytokine genes and the activation of the main signaling pathways. Our results show that ∆gapA-induced transcription of genes encoding several cytokines whose expressions were not affected in cells infected with a fully virulent wild-type strain. That might be caused, at least in part, by the detected differences in ERK/MAPK signaling activation. The experimental observations together demonstrate that the F. tularensis GAPDH homologue is directly implicated in multiple host cellular processes and, thereby, that it participates in several molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Pavkova
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-973-255-201
| | - Monika Kopeckova
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Link
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Erik Vlcak
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vlada Filimonenko
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Lecova
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Zakova
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Laskova
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Valeria Sheshko
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Machacek
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University in Prague, Akademika Heyrovskeho 1203, 500 05 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Stulik
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, 500 01 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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23
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He YW, Deng Y, Miao Y, Chatterjee S, Tran TM, Tian J, Lindow S. DSF-family quorum sensing signal-mediated intraspecies, interspecies, and inter-kingdom communication. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:36-50. [PMID: 35941062 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While most bacteria are unicellular microbes they communicate with each other and with their environments to adapt their behaviors. Quorum sensing (QS) is one of the best-studied cell-cell communication modes. QS signaling is not restricted to bacterial cell-to-cell communication - it also allows communication between bacteria and their eukaryotic hosts. The diffusible signal factor (DSF) family represents an intriguing type of QS signal with multiple roles found in diverse Gram-negative bacteria. Over the last decade, extensive progress has been made in understanding DSF-mediated communication among bacteria, fungi, insects, plants, and zebrafish. This review provides an update on these new developments with the aim of building a more comprehensive picture of DSF-mediated intraspecies, interspecies, and inter-kingdom communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wen He
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Yinyue Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yansong Miao
- School of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | - Tuan Minh Tran
- Department of Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - Jing Tian
- The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Steven Lindow
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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24
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Ammam I, Brunet CD, Boukenaoui-Ferrouk N, Peyroux J, Berthier S, Boutonnat J, Rahal K, Bitam I, Maurin M. Francisella tularensis PCR detection in Cape hares (Lepus capensis) and wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Algeria. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21451. [PMID: 36509808 PMCID: PMC9743112 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25188-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. Leporids are primary sources of human infections in the northern hemisphere. Africa is classically considered free of tularemia, but recent data indicate that this dogma might be wrong. We assessed the presence of this disease in wild leporids in Algeria. Between 2014 and 2018, we collected 74 leporids carcasses from spontaneously dead or hunted animals. Francisella tularensis DNA was detected by specific real-time PCR tests in 7/36 (19.44%) Cape hares (Lepus capensis) and 5/38 (13.15%) wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Known tularemia arthropod vectors infested half of the PCR-positive animals. At necropsy, F. tularensis-infected animals presented with an enlarged spleen (n = 12), enlarged adrenal glands (12), liver discoloration (12), hemorrhages (11), and pneumonia (11). Immunohistological examination of liver tissue from one animal was compatible with the presence of F. tularensis. Our study demonstrates the existence of tularemia in lagomorphs in Algeria. It should encourage investigations to detect this disease among the human population of this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imene Ammam
- grid.32139.3a0000 0004 0633 7931Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria ,Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment: Interactions, Genome, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumedienne, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Camille D. Brunet
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Nouria Boukenaoui-Ferrouk
- grid.32139.3a0000 0004 0633 7931Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria ,grid.420190.e0000 0001 2293 1293Laboratory of Research on Arid Zones Lands (LRZA), Faculty of Biological Sciences (FSB), Houari Boumediene University of Science and Technology (USTHB), BP 32, 16111 Bab Ezzouar, Algiers Algeria
| | - Julien Peyroux
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylvie Berthier
- grid.410529.b0000 0001 0792 4829Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jean Boutonnat
- grid.410529.b0000 0001 0792 4829Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Karim Rahal
- grid.32139.3a0000 0004 0633 7931Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University of Blida 1, Blida, Algeria
| | - Idir Bitam
- Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment: Interactions, Genome, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumedienne, Algiers, Algeria ,Superior School of Food Sciences and Food Industries of Algiers, El Harrach, Algeria
| | - Max Maurin
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France ,grid.410529.b0000 0001 0792 4829Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, 38000 Grenoble, France
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25
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Mlynek KD, Bozue JA. Why vary what's working? Phase variation and biofilm formation in Francisella tularensis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1076694. [PMID: 36560950 PMCID: PMC9763628 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1076694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The notoriety of high-consequence human pathogens has increased in recent years and, rightfully, research efforts have focused on understanding host-pathogen interactions. Francisella tularensis has been detected in an impressively broad range of vertebrate hosts as well as numerous arthropod vectors and single-celled organisms. Two clinically important subspecies, F. tularensis subsp. tularensis (Type A) and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica (Type B), are responsible for the majority of tularemia cases in humans. The success of this bacterium in mammalian hosts can be at least partly attributed to a unique LPS molecule that allows the bacterium to avoid detection by the host immune system. Curiously, phase variation of the O-antigen incorporated into LPS has been documented in these subspecies of F. tularensis, and these variants often display some level of attenuation in infection models. While the role of phase variation in F. tularensis biology is unclear, it has been suggested that this phenomenon can aid in environmental survival and persistence. Biofilms have been established as the predominant lifestyle of many bacteria in the environment, though, it was previously thought that Type A and B isolates of F. tularensis typically form poor biofilms. Recent studies question this ideology as it was shown that alteration of the O-antigen allows robust biofilm formation in both Type A and B isolates. This review aims to explore the link between phase variation of the O-antigen, biofilm formation, and environmental persistence with an emphasis on clinically relevant subspecies and how understanding these poorly studied mechanisms could lead to new medical countermeasures to combat tularemia.
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Jan HE, Tsai CS, Lee NY, Tsai PF, Wang LR, Chen PL, Ko WC. The first case of Francisella novicida infection in Taiwan: bacteraemic pneumonia in a haemodialysis adult. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:310-313. [PMID: 34986740 PMCID: PMC8786238 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2026199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Tularaemia is a zoonotic disease caused by Francisella tularensis (F. tularensis). Human infection is rare and can be life-threatening. F. tularensis subsp. novicida used to be a subspecies of F. tularensis, is now considered a different species, F. novicida. Though less virulent, F. novicida can cause morbidity and mortality among debilitated or immunocompromised patients. We reported that an adult with end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis and a history of melioidotic aortic aneurysm developed F. novicida bacteraemic pneumonia, which was uneventfully treated by antimicrobial therapy. The microbiological confirmation of F. novicida infection relies on 16S rRNA sequencing. It is the first case of F. novicida infection in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-En Jan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Shiang Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Yunlin, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Fang Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Rong Wang
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Lin Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center for Infection Control, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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27
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Nakamura T, Shimizu T, Ikegaya R, Uda A, Watanabe K, Watarai M. Identification of pyrC gene as an immunosuppressive factor in Francisella novicida infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1027424. [DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1027424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, a bacterial causative agent of the zoonosis tularemia, is highly pathogenic to humans. The pathogenicity of this bacterium is characterized by intracellular growth in immune cells, like macrophages, and host immune suppression. However, the detailed mechanism of immune suppression by F. tularensis is still unclear. To identify the key factors causing Francisella-mediated immunosuppression, large-scale screening using a transposon random mutant library containing 3552 mutant strains of F. tularensis subsp. novicida (F. novicida) was performed. Thirteen mutants that caused stronger tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production in infected U937 human macrophage cells than the wild-type F. novicida strain were isolated. Sequencing analysis of transposon insertion sites revealed 10 genes, including six novel genes, as immunosuppressive factors of Francisella. Among these, the relationship of the pyrC gene, which encodes dihydroorotase in the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway, with Francisella-mediated immunosuppression was investigated. The pyrC deletion mutant strain (ΔpyrC) induced higher TNF-α production in U937 host cells than the wild-type F. novicida strain. The ΔpyrC mutant strain was also found to enhance host interleukin-1β and interferon (IFN)-β production. The heat-inactivated ΔpyrC mutant strain could not induce host TNF-α production. Moreover, the production of IFN-β resulting from ΔpyrC infection in U937 cells was repressed upon treatment with the stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-specific inhibitor, H-151. These results suggest that pyrC is related to the immunosuppressive activity and pathogenicity of Francisella via the STING pathway.
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28
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Wagner DM, Birdsell DN, McDonough RF, Nottingham R, Kocos K, Celona K, Özsürekci Y, Öhrman C, Karlsson L, Myrtennäs K, Sjödin A, Johansson A, Keim PS, Forsman M, Sahl JW. Genomic characterization of Francisella tularensis and other diverse Francisella species from complex samples. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273273. [PMID: 36223396 PMCID: PMC9555625 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, the bacterium that causes the zoonosis tularemia, and its genetic near neighbor species, can be difficult or impossible to cultivate from complex samples. Thus, there is a lack of genomic information for these species that has, among other things, limited the development of robust detection assays for F. tularensis that are both specific and sensitive. The objective of this study was to develop and validate approaches to capture, enrich, sequence, and analyze Francisella DNA present in DNA extracts generated from complex samples. RNA capture probes were designed based upon the known pan genome of F. tularensis and other diverse species in the family Francisellaceae. Probes that targeted genomic regions also present in non-Francisellaceae species were excluded, and probes specific to particular Francisella species or phylogenetic clades were identified. The capture-enrichment system was then applied to diverse, complex DNA extracts containing low-level Francisella DNA, including human clinical tularemia samples, environmental samples (i.e., animal tissue and air filters), and whole ticks/tick cell lines, which was followed by sequencing of the enriched samples. Analysis of the resulting data facilitated rigorous and unambiguous confirmation of the detection of F. tularensis or other Francisella species in complex samples, identification of mixtures of different Francisella species in the same sample, analysis of gene content (e.g., known virulence and antimicrobial resistance loci), and high-resolution whole genome-based genotyping. The benefits of this capture-enrichment system include: even very low target DNA can be amplified; it is culture-independent, reducing exposure for research and/or clinical personnel and allowing genomic information to be obtained from samples that do not yield isolates; and the resulting comprehensive data not only provide robust means to confirm the presence of a target species in a sample, but also can provide data useful for source attribution, which is important from a genomic epidemiology perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Wagner
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Dawn N. Birdsell
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Ryelan F. McDonough
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Roxanne Nottingham
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Karisma Kocos
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Celona
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Yasemin Özsürekci
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Caroline Öhrman
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Linda Karlsson
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Myrtennäs
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Andreas Sjödin
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Johansson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Paul S. Keim
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Mats Forsman
- CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jason W. Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States of America
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29
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Troha K, Božanić Urbančič N, Korva M, Avšič-Županc T, Battelino S, Vozel D. Vector-Borne Tularemia: A Re-Emerging Cause of Cervical Lymphadenopathy. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:189. [PMID: 36006281 PMCID: PMC9412492 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7080189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a zoonosis caused by the highly invasive bacterium Francisella tularensis. It is transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals or by vectors, such as ticks, mosquitos, and flies. Even though it is well-known as a tick-borne disease, it is usually not immediately recognised after a tick bite. In Slovenia, tularemia is rare, with 1-3 cases reported annually; however, the incidence seems to be increasing. Ulceroglandular tularemia is one of its most common forms, with cervical colliquative lymphadenopathy as a frequent manifestation. The diagnosis of tularemia largely relies on epidemiological information, clinical examination, imaging, and molecular studies. Physicians should consider this disease a differential diagnosis for a neck mass, especially after a tick bite, as its management significantly differs from that of other causes. Tularemia-associated lymphadenitis is treated with antibiotics and surgical drainage of the colliquated lymph nodes. Additionally, tularemia should be noted for its potential use in bioterrorism on behalf of the causative agents' low infectious dose, possible aerosol formation, no effective vaccine at disposal, and the ability to produce severe disease. This article reviews the recent literature on tularemia and presents a case of an adult male with tick-borne cervical ulceroglandular tularemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Troha
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Božanić Urbančič
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miša Korva
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tatjana Avšič-Županc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Saba Battelino
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Domen Vozel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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30
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Shibata K, Shimizu T, Nakahara M, Ito E, Legoux F, Fujii S, Yamada Y, Furutani-Seiki M, Lantz O, Yamasaki S, Watarai M, Shirai M. The intracellular pathogen Francisella tularensis escapes from adaptive immunity by metabolic adaptation. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/10/e202201441. [PMID: 35667686 PMCID: PMC9170078 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study shows that metabolic adaptation allows the intracellular bacterial pathogen Francisella tularensis to escape recognition by the host adaptive immunity. Intracellular pathogens lose many metabolic genes during their evolution from free-living bacteria, but the pathogenic consequences of their altered metabolic programs on host immunity are poorly understood. Here, we show that a pathogenic strain of Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis (FT) has five amino acid substitutions in RibD, a converting enzyme of the riboflavin synthetic pathway responsible for generating metabolites recognized by mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. Metabolites from a free-living strain, F. tularensis subsp. novicida (FN), activated MAIT cells in a T-cell receptor (TCR)–dependent manner, whereas introduction of FT-type ribD to the free-living strain was sufficient to attenuate this activation in both human and mouse MAIT cells. Intranasal infection in mice showed that the ribDFT-expressing FN strain induced impaired Th1-type MAIT cell expansion and resulted in reduced bacterial clearance and worsened survival compared with the wild-type free-living strain FN. These results demonstrate that F. tularensis can acquire immune evasion capacity by alteration of metabolic programs during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Shibata
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan .,Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Ocular Pathology and Imaging Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Shimizu
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Mashio Nakahara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Emi Ito
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Shotaro Fujii
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Yuka Yamada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Makoto Furutani-Seiki
- Systems Biochemistry in Pathology and Regeneration, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Olivier Lantz
- INSERM U932, PSL University, Laboratoire d'Immunologie Clinique, Centre d'Investigation Clinique en Biothérapie, Institut Curie (CIC-BT1428), Paris, France
| | - Sho Yamasaki
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Division of Molecular Design, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Division of Molecular Immunology, Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahisa Watarai
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Mutsunori Shirai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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31
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Unni R, Pintor KL, Diepold A, Unterweger D. Presence and absence of type VI secretion systems in bacteria. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2022; 168. [PMID: 35467500 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a molecular puncturing device that enables Gram-negative bacteria to kill competitors, manipulate host cells and take up nutrients. Who would want to miss such superpowers? Indeed, many studies show how widespread the secretion apparatus is among microbes. However, it is becoming evident that, on multiple taxonomic levels, from phyla to species and strains, some bacteria lack a T6SS. Here, we review who does and does not have a type VI secretion apparatus and speculate on the dynamic process of gaining and losing the secretion system to better understand its spread and distribution across the microbial world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Unni
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Straße 2, 24306 Plön, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Michaelisstraße 5, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Katherine L Pintor
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Diepold
- Department of Ecophysiology, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 10, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Unterweger
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, August-Thienemann-Straße 2, 24306 Plön, Germany.,Institute for Experimental Medicine, Kiel University, Michaelisstraße 5, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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32
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Greay TL, Evasco KL, Evans ML, Oskam CL, Magni PA, Ryan UM, Irwin PJ. Illuminating the bacterial microbiome of Australian ticks with 16S and Rickettsia-specific next-generation sequencing. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 1:100037. [PMID: 35284883 PMCID: PMC8906098 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2021.100037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies show that mosquito and tick microbiomes influence the transmission of pathogens, opening new avenues for vector-borne pathogen control. Recent microbiological studies of Australian ticks highlight fundamental knowledge gaps of tick-borne agents. This investigation explored the composition, diversity and prevalence of bacteria in Australian ticks (n = 655) from companion animals (dogs, cats and horses). Bacterial 16S NGS was used to identify most bacterial taxa and a Rickettsia-specific NGS assay was developed to identify Rickettsia species that were indistinguishable at the V1-2 regions of 16S. Sanger sequencing of near full-length 16S was used to confirm whether species detected by 16S NGS were novel. The haemotropic bacterial pathogens Anaplasma platys, Bartonella clarridgeiae, “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” and Coxiella burnetii were identified in Rhipicephalus sanguineus (s.l.) from Queensland (QLD), Western Australia, the Northern Territory (NT), and South Australia, Ixodes holocyclus from QLD, Rh. sanguineus (s.l.) from the NT, and I. holocyclus from QLD, respectively. Analysis of the control data showed that cross-talk compromises the detection of rare species as filtering thresholds for less abundant sequences had to be applied to mitigate false positives. A comparison of the taxonomic assignments made with 16S sequence databases revealed inconsistencies. The Rickettsia-specific citrate synthase gene NGS assay enabled the identification of Rickettsia co-infections with potentially novel species and genotypes most similar (97.9–99.1%) to Rickettsia raoultii and Rickettsia gravesii. “Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis” was identified for the first time in Australia. Phylogenetic analysis of near full-length 16S sequences confirmed a novel Coxiellaceae genus and species, two novel Francisella species, and two novel Francisella genotypes. Cross-talk raises concerns for the MiSeq platform as a diagnostic tool for clinical samples. This study provides recommendations for adjustments to Illuminaʼs 16S metagenomic sequencing protocol that help track and reduce cross-talk from cross-contamination during library preparation. The inconsistencies in taxonomic assignment emphasise the need for curated and quality-checked sequence databases. Bacterial pathogens identified in ticks from companion animals with 16S NGS. Sanger sequencing confirmed novel Coxiellaceae gen. sp. and Francisella. “Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis” was identified with Rickettsia-specific NGS. Comparison of taxonomic assignments in 16S sequence databases revealed errors. Modifications to the 16S metagenomic library protocol (Illumina) are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telleasha L Greay
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.,Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.,Executive Consultant, EpiSeq, PO Box 357, Kwinana, Western Australia, 6966, Australia
| | - Kimberly L Evasco
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.,Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.,A/Senior Scientific Officer, Medical Entomology Unit, Department of Health, 1A Brockway Road, Mount Claremont, Western Australia, 6010, Australia
| | - Megan L Evans
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.,Western Australian State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.,Cardio Respiratory Sleep, Level 1, 52-54 Monash Avenue, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Charlotte L Oskam
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.,Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Paola A Magni
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.,Murdoch University Singapore, King's Centre, 390 Havelock Road, Singapore, 169662, Republic of Singapore
| | - Una M Ryan
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter J Irwin
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
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Watanabe K, Motonaga A, Tachibana M, Shimizu T, Watarai M. Francisella novicida can utilize Paramecium bursaria as its potential host. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 14:50-59. [PMID: 34845838 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.13029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Francisella novicida is a facultative intracellular pathogen and the causative agent of tularemia. Although cases of infection caused by exposure to contaminated water have been reported, its natural host and ecology in the environment remain unclear. In this study, we investigated in vitro the possibility that Paramecium bursaria may be a useful tool as a protist host model of F. novicida. Experimental infection with F. novicida resulted in a stable intracellular relationship within P. bursaria. This symbiotic intracellular relationship was not observed in experimental infections with other Francisella species and Legionella pneumophila. We found that F. novicida showed similar behaviour to that of the eukaryotic endosymbiont of P. bursaria, the green algae Chlorella, in the internalization process. In addition, stable intracellular localization of F. novicida was possible only when Chlorella was not present. Although we investigated the type VI secretion system of F. novicida as a candidate for the bacterial factor, we found that it was not involved in the establishment of an intracellular relationship with P. bursaria. These results suggested that P. bursaria is potentially a protist host model for F. novicida and may be a useful tool for understanding the relationship between protist hosts and their symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Akane Motonaga
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masato Tachibana
- National BioResource Project Paramecium, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takashi Shimizu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masahisa Watarai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Aghamohammad S, Cohan HA, Ghasemi A, Mostafavi E, Rohani M. The monitoring of Francisella tularensis in surface water of East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 81:101744. [PMID: 35030532 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101744] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Francisella tularensis could be disseminated through arthropod bites and exposure to infected animals, water, and aerosols. Water sources that are contaminated with rodent excrement could be a source of contamination; therefore, an analysis of water samples is an appropriate method to investigate the routes of dissemination. Since an outbreak occurred in one of the villages in East Azerbaijan. The current study aimed to investigate the Francisella isolation in the different water samples from East Azerbaijan, Iran. Sampling was carried out in East Azerbaijan province. Forty-six specimens of surface water were collected. Filtration, culture, and inoculation of the water sample into NMRI (Naval Medical Research Institute) inbreed mice were performed. DNA was extracted from filtered water samples, different organs of inoculated mice, and bacterial isolates and was tested by TaqMan real-time PCR by targeting ISFtu2 and fopA genes. Despite the unsuccessfulness in isolation of F. tularensis, molecular test results indicate the presence of bacteria in surface water. The highest rate of F. tularensis (ten from 46 water samples, 21.7%) was detected from injected mice based on molecular methods. Despite the high efforts of researchers to isolate Francisella spp. in Iran, in recent years, and also the evidence that shows the presence of this bacterium in different parts of the country, the culture was not successful again in this study and the molecular method still is recommended to identify the possible sources of Francisella spp.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hossein Ahangari Cohan
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar, Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghasemi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar, Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- National Reference Laboratory for Plague, Tularemia and Q fever, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Akanlu, Kabudar, Ahang, Hamadan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Rohani
- Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Mlynek KD, Lopez CT, Fetterer DP, Williams JA, Bozue JA. Phase Variation of LPS and Capsule Is Responsible for Stochastic Biofilm Formation in Francisella tularensis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:808550. [PMID: 35096655 PMCID: PMC8795689 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.808550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms have been established as an important lifestyle for bacteria in nature as these structured communities often enable survivability and persistence in a multitude of environments. Francisella tularensis is a facultative intracellular Gram-negative bacterium found throughout much of the northern hemisphere. However, biofilm formation remains understudied and poorly understood in F. tularensis as non-substantial biofilms are typically observed in vitro by the clinically relevant subspecies F. tularensis subsp. tularensis and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica (Type A and B, respectively). Herein, we report conditions under which robust biofilm development was observed in a stochastic, but reproducible manner in Type A and B isolates. The frequency at which biofilm was observed increased temporally and appeared switch-like as progeny from the initial biofilm quickly formed biofilm in a predictable manner regardless of time or propagation with fresh media. The Type B isolates used for this study were found to more readily switch on biofilm formation than Type A isolates. Additionally, pH was found to function as an environmental checkpoint for biofilm initiation independently of the heritable cellular switch. Multiple colony morphologies were observed in biofilm positive cultures leading to the identification of a particular subset of grey variants that constitutively produce biofilm. Further, we found that constitutive biofilm forming isolates delay the onset of a viable non-culturable state. In this study, we demonstrate that a robust biofilm can be developed by clinically relevant F. tularensis isolates, provide a mechanism for biofilm initiation and examine the potential role of biofilm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D. Mlynek
- Bacteriology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Christopher T. Lopez
- Bacteriology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD, United States
| | - David P. Fetterer
- Division of Biostatistics, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Janice A. Williams
- Pathology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Joel A. Bozue
- Bacteriology Division, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Frederick, MD, United States
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Mohammadi N, Lindgren H, Yamamoto M, Martin A, Henry T, Sjöstedt A. Macrophages Demonstrate Guanylate-Binding Protein-Dependent and Bacterial Strain-Dependent Responses to Francisella tularensis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:784101. [PMID: 35004352 PMCID: PMC8738097 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.784101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a facultative intracellular bacterium and the etiological agent of tularemia, a zoonotic disease. Infection of monocytic cells by F. tularensis can be controlled after activation with IFN-γ; however, the molecular mechanisms whereby the control is executed are incompletely understood. Recently, a key role has been attributed to the Guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs), interferon-inducible proteins involved in the cell-specific immunity against various intracellular pathogens. Here, we assessed the responses of bone marrow-derived murine macrophages (BMDM) and GBP-deficient BMDM to F. tularensis strains of variable virulence; the highly virulent SCHU S4 strain, the human live vaccine strain (LVS), or the widely used surrogate for F. tularensis, the low virulent F. novicida. Each of the strains multiplied rapidly in BMDM, but after addition of IFN-γ, significant GBP-dependent control of infection was observed for the LVS and F. novicida strains, whereas there was no control of the SCHU S4 infection. However, no differences in GBP transcription or translation were observed in the infected cell cultures. During co-infection with F. novicida and SCHU S4, significant control of both strains was observed. Patterns of 18 cytokines were very distinct between infected cell cultures and high levels were observed for almost all cytokines in F. novicida-infected cultures and very low levels in SCHU S4-infected cultures, whereas levels in co-infected cultures for a majority of cytokines showed intermediate levels, or levels similar to those of F. novicida-infected cultures. We conclude that the control of BMDM infection with F. tularensis LVS or F. novicida is GBP-dependent, whereas SCHU S4 was only controlled during co-infection. Since expression of GBP was similar regardless of infecting agent, the findings imply that SCHU S4 has an inherent ability to evade the GBP-dependent anti-bacterial mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasibeh Mohammadi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Helena Lindgren
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka, Japan
| | - Amandine Martin
- Inserm, U1111, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Henry
- Inserm, U1111, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Lyon, France
| | - Anders Sjöstedt
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Neubert K, Zuchantke E, Leidenfrost RM, Wünschiers R, Grützke J, Malorny B, Brendebach H, Al Dahouk S, Homeier T, Hotzel H, Reinert K, Tomaso H, Busch A. Testing assembly strategies of Francisella tularensis genomes to infer an evolutionary conservation analysis of genomic structures. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:822. [PMID: 34773979 PMCID: PMC8590783 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08115-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We benchmarked sequencing technology and assembly strategies for short-read, long-read, and hybrid assemblers in respect to correctness, contiguity, and completeness of assemblies in genomes of Francisella tularensis. Benchmarking allowed in-depth analyses of genomic structures of the Francisella pathogenicity islands and insertion sequences. Five major high-throughput sequencing technologies were applied, including next-generation “short-read” and third-generation “long-read” sequencing methods. Results We focused on short-read assemblers, hybrid assemblers, and analysis of the genomic structure with particular emphasis on insertion sequences and the Francisella pathogenicity island. The A5-miseq pipeline performed best for MiSeq data, Mira for Ion Torrent data, and ABySS for HiSeq data from eight short-read assembly methods. Two approaches were applied to benchmark long-read and hybrid assembly strategies: long-read-first assembly followed by correction with short reads (Canu/Pilon, Flye/Pilon) and short-read-first assembly along with scaffolding based on long reads (Unicyler, SPAdes). Hybrid assembly can resolve large repetitive regions best with a “long-read first” approach. Conclusions Genomic structures of the Francisella pathogenicity islands frequently showed misassembly. Insertion sequences (IS) could be used to perform an evolutionary conservation analysis. A phylogenetic structure of insertion sequences and the evolution within the clades elucidated the clade structure of the highly conservative F. tularensis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08115-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Neubert
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Algorithmic Bioinformatics, Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Computer Science, Takustr. 9, 14195, Berlin, Germany.,German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eric Zuchantke
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07749, Jena, Germany
| | - Robert Maximilian Leidenfrost
- Department of Biotechnology and Chemistry, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, Technikumplatz 17a, 09648, Mittweida, Germany
| | - Röbbe Wünschiers
- Department of Biotechnology and Chemistry, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, Technikumplatz 17a, 09648, Mittweida, Germany
| | - Josephine Grützke
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burkhard Malorny
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger Brendebach
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sascha Al Dahouk
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timo Homeier
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer, 10 17493, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Helmut Hotzel
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07749, Jena, Germany
| | - Knut Reinert
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Algorithmic Bioinformatics, Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Computer Science, Takustr. 9, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Herbert Tomaso
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07749, Jena, Germany
| | - Anne Busch
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Bacterial Infections and Zoonoses, Naumburger Str. 96a, 07749, Jena, Germany. .,Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany.
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The Biosynthetic Pathway of Ubiquinone Contributes to Pathogenicity of Francisella novicida. J Bacteriol 2021; 203:e0040021. [PMID: 34543102 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00400-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia. Because of its extreme infectivity and high mortality rate, this pathogen was classified as a biothreat agent. Francisella spp. are strict aerobes, and ubiquinone (UQ) has been previously identified in these bacteria. While the UQ biosynthetic pathways were extensively studied in Escherichia coli, allowing the identification of 15 Ubi proteins to date, little is known about Francisella spp. In this study, and using Francisella novicida as a surrogate organism, we first identified ubiquinone 8 (UQ8) as the major quinone found in the membranes of this bacterium. Next, we characterized the UQ biosynthetic pathway in F. novicida using a combination of bioinformatics, genetics, and biochemical approaches. Our analysis disclosed the presence in Francisella of 10 putative Ubi proteins, and we confirmed 8 of them by heterologous complementation in E. coli. The UQ biosynthetic pathways from F. novicida and E. coli share similar patterns. However, differences were highlighted: the decarboxylase remains unidentified in Francisella spp., and homologs of the Ubi proteins involved in the O2-independent UQ pathway are not present. This is in agreement with the strictly aerobic niche of this bacterium. Next, via two approaches, i.e., the use of an inhibitor (3-amino-4-hydroxybenzoic acid) and a transposon mutant, both of which strongly impair the synthesis of UQ, we demonstrated that UQ is essential for the growth of F. novicida in respiratory medium and contributes to its pathogenicity in Galleria mellonella used as an alternative animal model. IMPORTANCE Francisella tularensis is the causative bacterium of tularemia and is classified as a biothreat agent. Using multidisciplinary approaches, we investigated the ubiquinone (UQ) biosynthetic pathway that operates in F. novicida used as a surrogate. We show that UQ8 is the major quinone identified in the membranes of Francisella novicida. We identified a new competitive inhibitor that strongly decreased the biosynthesis of UQ. Our demonstration of the crucial roles of UQ for the respiratory metabolism of F. novicida and for the involvement in its pathogenicity in the Galleria mellonella model should stimulate the search for selective inhibitors of bacterial UQ biosynthesis.
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Pavkova I, Klimentova J, Bavlovic J, Horcickova L, Kubelkova K, Vlcak E, Raabova H, Filimonenko V, Ballek O, Stulik J. Francisella tularensis Outer Membrane Vesicles Participate in the Early Phase of Interaction With Macrophages. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:748706. [PMID: 34721352 PMCID: PMC8554293 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.748706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is known to release unusually shaped tubular outer membrane vesicles (OMV) containing a number of previously identified virulence factors and immunomodulatory proteins. In this study, we present that OMV isolated from the F. tularensis subsp. holarctica strain FSC200 enter readily into primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and seem to reside in structures resembling late endosomes in the later intervals. The isolated OMV enter BMDM generally via macropinocytosis and clathrin-dependent endocytosis, with a minor role played by lipid raft-dependent endocytosis. OMVs proved to be non-toxic and had no negative impact on the viability of BMDM. Unlike the parent bacterium itself, isolated OMV induced massive and dose-dependent proinflammatory responses in BMDM. Using transmission electron microscopy, we also evaluated OMV release from the bacterial surface during several stages of the interaction of Francisella with BMDM. During adherence and the early phase of the uptake of bacteria, we observed numerous tubular OMV-like protrusions bulging from the bacteria in close proximity to the macrophage plasma membrane. This suggests a possible role of OMV in the entry of bacteria into host cells. On the contrary, the OMV release from the bacterial surface during its cytosolic phase was negligible. We propose that OMV play some role in the extracellular phase of the interaction of Francisella with the host and that they are involved in the entry mechanism of the bacteria into macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Pavkova
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Jana Klimentova
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Jan Bavlovic
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Lenka Horcickova
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Klara Kubelkova
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Erik Vlcak
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Helena Raabova
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vlada Filimonenko
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia.,Department of Biology of the Cell Nucleus, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Ballek
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiri Stulik
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
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Rytter H, Jamet A, Ziveri J, Ramond E, Coureuil M, Lagouge-Roussey P, Euphrasie D, Tros F, Goudin N, Chhuon C, Nemazanyy I, de Moraes FE, Labate C, Guerrera IC, Charbit A. The pentose phosphate pathway constitutes a major metabolic hub in pathogenic Francisella. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009326. [PMID: 34339477 PMCID: PMC8360588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic pathways are now considered as intrinsic virulence attributes of pathogenic bacteria and thus represent potential targets for antibacterial strategies. Here we focused on the role of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and its connections with other metabolic pathways in the pathophysiology of Francisella novicida. The involvement of the PPP in the intracellular life cycle of Francisella was first demonstrated by studying PPP inactivating mutants. Indeed, we observed that inactivation of the tktA, rpiA or rpe genes severely impaired intramacrophage multiplication during the first 24 hours. However, time-lapse video microscopy demonstrated that rpiA and rpe mutants were able to resume late intracellular multiplication. To better understand the links between PPP and other metabolic networks in the bacterium, we also performed an extensive proteo-metabolomic analysis of these mutants. We show that the PPP constitutes a major bacterial metabolic hub with multiple connections to glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and other pathways, such as fatty acid degradation and sulfur metabolism. Altogether our study highlights how PPP plays a key role in the pathogenesis and growth of Francisella in its intracellular niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héloise Rytter
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151 - CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades. Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, Paris, France
| | - Anne Jamet
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151 - CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades. Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, Paris, France
| | - Jason Ziveri
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151 - CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades. Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Ramond
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151 - CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades. Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Coureuil
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151 - CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades. Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Lagouge-Roussey
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151 - CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades. Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Euphrasie
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151 - CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades. Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, Paris, France
| | - Fabiola Tros
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151 - CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades. Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Goudin
- Pole Bio-analyse d’images, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker INSERM US24- CNRS UMS 3633, Paris, France
| | - Cerina Chhuon
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Plateforme Protéome Institut Necker, PPN, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker INSERM US24-CNRS UMS 3633, Paris, France
| | - Ivan Nemazanyy
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Plateforme Etude du métabolisme, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker INSERM US24-CNRS UMS 3633, Paris, France
| | - Fabricio Edgar de Moraes
- Laboratório Max Feffer de Genética de Plantas, Departamento de Genética, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Carlos Labate
- Laboratório Max Feffer de Genética de Plantas, Departamento de Genética, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, Universidade de São Paulo, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Ida Chiara Guerrera
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Plateforme Protéome Institut Necker, PPN, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker INSERM US24-CNRS UMS 3633, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (ICG); (AC)
| | - Alain Charbit
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM U1151 - CNRS UMR 8253, Institut Necker-Enfants Malades. Team 7: Pathogénie des Infections Systémiques, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (ICG); (AC)
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Hannah EE, Pandit SG, Hau D, DeMers HL, Robichaux K, Nualnoi T, Dissanayaka A, Arias-Umana J, Green HR, Thorkildson P, Pflughoeft KJ, Gates-Hollingsworth MA, Ozsurekci Y, AuCoin DP. Development of Immunoassays for Detection of Francisella tularensis Lipopolysaccharide in Tularemia Patient Samples. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080924. [PMID: 34451388 PMCID: PMC8401977 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of tularemia, a zoonotic bacterial infection that is often fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Natural infection in humans is relatively rare, yet persistence in animal reservoirs, arthropod vectors, and water sources combined with a low level of clinical recognition make tularemia a serious potential threat to public health in endemic areas. F. tularensis has also garnered attention as a potential bioterror threat, as widespread dissemination could have devastating consequences on a population. A low infectious dose combined with a wide range of symptoms and a short incubation period makes timely diagnosis of tularemia difficult. Current diagnostic techniques include bacterial culture of patient samples, PCR and serological assays; however, these techniques are time consuming and require technical expertise that may not be available at the point of care. In the event of an outbreak or exposure a more efficient diagnostic platform is needed. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) component of the bacterial outer leaflet has been identified previously by our group as a potential diagnostic target. For this study, a library of ten monoclonal antibodies specific to F. tularensis LPS were produced and confirmed to be reactive with LPS from type A and type B strains. Antibody pairs were tested in an antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and lateral flow immunoassay format to select the most sensitive pairings. The antigen-capture ELISA was then used to detect and quantify LPS in serum samples from tularemia patients for the first time to determine the viability of this molecule as a diagnostic target. In parallel, prototype lateral flow immunoassays were developed, and reactivity was assessed, demonstrating the potential utility of this assay as a rapid point-of-care test for diagnosis of tularemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Hannah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Sujata G. Pandit
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Derrick Hau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Haley L. DeMers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Kayleigh Robichaux
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Teerapat Nualnoi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Anjana Dissanayaka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Jose Arias-Umana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Heather R. Green
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Peter Thorkildson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Kathryn J. Pflughoeft
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | - Marcellene A. Gates-Hollingsworth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
| | | | - David P. AuCoin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89509, USA; (E.E.H.); (S.G.P.); (D.H.); (H.L.D.); (K.R.); (T.N.); (A.D.); (J.A.-U.); (H.R.G.); (P.T.); (K.J.P.); (M.A.G.-H.)
- Correspondence:
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Type VI Secretion System and Its Effectors PdpC, PdpD, and OpiA Contribute to Francisella Virulence in Galleria mellonella Larvae. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0057920. [PMID: 33875476 PMCID: PMC8208517 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00579-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis causes the deadly zoonotic disease tularemia in humans and is able to infect a broad range of organisms including arthropods, which are thought to play a major role in Francisella transmission. However, while mammalian in vitro and in vivo infection models are widely used to investigate Francisella pathogenicity, a detailed characterization of the major Francisella virulence factor, a noncanonical type VI secretion system (T6SS), in an arthropod in vivo infection model is missing. Here, we use Galleria mellonella larvae to analyze the role of the Francisella T6SS and its corresponding effectors in F. tularensis subsp. novicida virulence. We report that G. mellonella larvae killing depends on the functional T6SS and infectious dose. In contrast to other mammalian in vivo infection models, even one of the T6SS effectors PdpC, PdpD, or OpiA is sufficient to kill G. mellonella larvae, while sheath recycling by ClpB is dispensable. We further demonstrate that treatment by polyethylene glycol (PEG) activates Francisella T6SS in liquid culture and that this is independent of the response regulator PmrA. PEG-activated IglC secretion is dependent on T6SS structural component PdpB but independent of putative effectors PdpC, PdpD, AnmK, OpiB1, OpiB2, and OpiB3. The results of larvae infection and secretion assay suggest that AnmK, a putative T6SS component with unknown function, interferes with OpiA-mediated toxicity but not with general T6SS activity. We establish that the easy-to-use G. mellonella larvae infection model provides new insights into the function of T6SS and pathogenesis of Francisella.
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Chin CY, Zhao J, Llewellyn AC, Golovliov I, Sjöstedt A, Zhou P, Weiss DS. Francisella FlmX broadly affects lipopolysaccharide modification and virulence. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109247. [PMID: 34133919 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane protects Gram-negative bacteria from the host environment. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a major outer membrane constituent, has distinct components (lipid A, core, O-antigen) generated by specialized pathways. In this study, we describe the surprising convergence of these pathways through FlmX, an uncharacterized protein in the intracellular pathogen Francisella. FlmX is in the flippase family, which includes proteins that traffic lipid-linked envelope components across membranes. flmX deficiency causes defects in lipid A modification, core remodeling, and O-antigen addition. We find that an F. tularensis mutant lacking flmX is >1,000,000-fold attenuated. Furthermore, FlmX is required to resist the innate antimicrobial LL-37 and the antibiotic polymyxin. Given FlmX's central role in LPS modification and its conservation in intracellular pathogens Brucella, Coxiella, and Legionella, FlmX may represent a novel drug target whose inhibition could cripple bacterial virulence and sensitize bacteria to innate antimicrobials and antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chui-Yoke Chin
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Jinshi Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Anna C Llewellyn
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Igor Golovliov
- Clinical Bacteriology, and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Sjöstedt
- Clinical Bacteriology, and Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Pei Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - David S Weiss
- Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Research Service, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA.
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Vetchinin SS, Shevyakov AG, Khomyakov AE, Mironova RI, Mokrievich AN, Biketov SF. Development of an immunoassay test system based on monoclonal antybodies and immunomagnetic particles for the detection of F. tularensis cells. Klin Lab Diagn 2021; 66:353-357. [PMID: 34105911 DOI: 10.51620/0869-2084-2021-66-6-353-357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Tularemia is an especially dangerous infection caused by the gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis. It belongs to natural focal infections, and therefore is under continuous control by quarantine services. When carrying out their activities they use a whole range of diagnostic tools. The objective of this research is to develop an enzyme immunoassay based on highly specific monoclonal antibodies and immunomagnetic particles for monitoring the tularemia pathogen. To produce hybridomas mice were immunized with cells of the vaccine strain F. tularensis subsp. holarctica 15 NIIEG. After cell fusion hybridomas were selected by a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the tularemia microbe. As a result, two hybridomas, 1C2 and 3F5, were produced. MABs of the hybridomas were obtained by using BALB / c mice. The MABs were purified by sepharose A affinity chromatography and used for conjugation with magnetic particles, and for biotinylation followed by matching a pair for ELISA. The pair of IMPs and MABs 3F5 as well as biotinylated FB11-x MABs was the best in detecting tularemia cells. The use of this MAB pair in ELISA allowed the identification of 105 microbial cells/ml in a 4 ml sample and 5×103 microbial cells/ml in a 45ml sample. Interaction with F. tularensis subsp. novicida Utah112 cells was absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Vetchinin
- State Research Center of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
| | | | - A E Khomyakov
- State Research Center of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
| | - R I Mironova
- State Research Center of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
| | - A N Mokrievich
- State Research Center of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
| | - S F Biketov
- State Research Center of Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology
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Shevtsov V, Kairzhanova A, Shevtsov A, Shustov A, Kalendar R, Abdrakhmanov S, Lukhnova L, Izbanova U, Ramankulov Y, Vergnaud G. Genetic diversity of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica in Kazakhstan. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009419. [PMID: 33999916 PMCID: PMC8158875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a highly dangerous zoonotic infection due to the bacteria Francisella tularensis. Low genetic diversity promoted the use of polymorphic tandem repeats (MLVA) as first-line assay for genetic description. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming increasingly accessible, opening the perspective of a time when WGS might become the universal genotyping assay. The main goal of this study was to describe F. tularensis strains circulating in Kazakhstan based on WGS data and develop a MLVA assay compatible with in vitro and in silico analysis. In vitro MLVA genotyping and WGS were performed for the vaccine strain and for 38 strains isolated in Kazakhstan from natural water bodies, ticks, rodents, carnivores, and from one migratory bird, an Isabellina wheatear captured in a rodent burrow. The two genotyping approaches were congruent and allowed to attribute all strains to two F. tularensis holarctica lineages, B.4 and B.12. The seven tandem repeats polymorphic in the investigated strain collection could be typed in a single multiplex PCR assay. Identical MLVA genotypes were produced by in vitro and in silico analysis, demonstrating full compatibility between the two approaches. The strains from Kazakhstan were compared to all publicly available WGS data of worldwide origin by whole genome SNP (wgSNP) analysis. Genotypes differing at a single SNP position were collected within a time interval of more than fifty years, from locations separated from each other by more than one thousand kilometers, supporting a role for migratory birds in the worldwide spread of the bacteria. Genotyping of Francisella tularensis has become a routine practice in epidemiology. Despite rapidly accumulating knowledge, the phylogeography of the pathogen is still poorly understood and discussions about geographic and temporal origins continue. One important reason is the poor characterization of the pathogen in many tularemia-endemic countries. This article describes the genetic diversity of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica in Kazakhstan using tandem repeat polymorphisms as well as whole genome sequencing. Thirty-nine strains were analyzed and two lineages were identified, namely B.4 and B.12. The study demonstrates a wider distribution of genotype B.4 in Asia, and identified a more basal branching point in this subclade. The obtained data support the Asian origin hypothesis for F. tularensis. The finding of identical genotypes in strains separated in time by decades and a thousand-kilometers geographic distance, confirms the ability of the bacteria for long-term preservation and fast long distances spread. The isolation of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica from the bird species Isabellina wheatear allows speculating about a major contribution of birds to the phylogeography of the pathogen. A genotyping protocol was developed utilizing seven polymorphic tandem repeats, two of which were identified within the framework of this work. The in vitro and in silico results are identical when using sequencing reads of 300 base-pairs or more.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alma Kairzhanova
- National Center for Biotechnology, Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan
- S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University, Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Alexandr Shevtsov
- National Center for Biotechnology, Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan
- * E-mail: (AS); (GV)
| | | | | | | | - Larissa Lukhnova
- National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections named by Masgut Aykimbayev, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Uinkul Izbanova
- National Scientific Center for Especially Dangerous Infections named by Masgut Aykimbayev, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Yerlan Ramankulov
- National Center for Biotechnology, Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan
- School of Science and Technology Nazarbayev University, Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Gilles Vergnaud
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- * E-mail: (AS); (GV)
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Golovliov I, Bäckman S, Granberg M, Salomonsson E, Lundmark E, Näslund J, Busch JD, Birdsell D, Sahl JW, Wagner DM, Johansson A, Forsman M, Thelaus J. Long-Term Survival of Virulent Tularemia Pathogens outside a Host in Conditions That Mimic Natural Aquatic Environments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e02713-20. [PMID: 33397692 PMCID: PMC8104992 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02713-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia, can cause seasonal outbreaks of acute febrile illness in humans with disease peaks in late summer to autumn. Interestingly, its mechanisms for environmental persistence between outbreaks are poorly understood. One hypothesis is that F. tularensis forms biofilms in aquatic environments. We utilized two fully virulent wild-type strains: FSC200 (Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica) and Schu S4 (Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis) and three control strains, the attenuated live vaccine strain (LVS; F. tularensis subsp. holarctica), a Schu S4 ΔwbtI mutant that is documented to form biofilms, and the low-virulence strain U112 of the closely related species Francisella novicida Strains were incubated in saline solution (0.9% NaCl) microcosms for 24 weeks at both 4°C and 20°C, whereupon viability and biofilm formation were measured. These temperatures were selected to approximate winter and summer temperatures of fresh water in Scandinavia, respectively. U112 and Schu S4 ΔwbtI formed biofilms, but F. tularensis strains FSC200 and Schu S4 and the LVS did not. All strains exhibited prolonged viability at 4°C compared to 20°C. U112 and FSC200 displayed remarkable long-term persistence at 4°C, with only 1- and 2-fold log reductions, respectively, of viable cells after 24 weeks. Schu S4 exhibited lower survival, yielding no viable cells by week 20. At 24 weeks, cells from FSC200, but not from Schu S4, were still fully virulent in mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate biofilm-independent, long-term survival of pathogenic F. tularensis subsp. holarctica in conditions that mimic overwinter survival in aquatic environments.IMPORTANCE Tularemia, a disease caused by the environmental bacterium Francisella tularensis, is characterized by acute febrile illness. F. tularensis is highly infectious: as few as 10 organisms can cause human disease. Tularemia is not known to be spread from person to person. Rather, all human infections are independently acquired from the environment via the bite of blood-feeding arthropods, ingestion of infected food or water, or inhalation of aerosolized bacteria. Despite the environmental origins of human disease events, the ecological factors governing the long-term persistence of F. tularensis in nature between seasonal human outbreaks are poorly understood. The significance of our research is in identifying conditions that promote long-term survival of fully virulent F. tularensis outside a mammalian host or insect vector. These conditions are similar to those found in natural aquatic environments in winter and provide important new insights on how F. tularensis may persist long-term in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Golovliov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stina Bäckman
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Malin Granberg
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Emelie Salomonsson
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Lundmark
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Näslund
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Joseph D Busch
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Dawn Birdsell
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Jason W Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - David M Wagner
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Anders Johansson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mats Forsman
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johanna Thelaus
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
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Zellner B, Mengin-Lecreulx D, Tully B, Gunning WT, Booth R, Huntley JF. A Francisella tularensis L,D-carboxypeptidase plays important roles in cell morphology, envelope integrity, and virulence. Mol Microbiol 2021; 115:1357-1378. [PMID: 33469978 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative, intracellular bacterium that causes the zoonotic disease tularemia. Intracellular pathogens, including F. tularensis, have evolved mechanisms to survive in the harsh environment of macrophages and neutrophils, where they are exposed to cell envelope-damaging molecules. The bacterial cell wall, primarily composed of peptidoglycan (PG), maintains cell morphology, structure, and membrane integrity. Intracellular Gram-negative bacteria protect themselves from macrophage and neutrophil killing by recycling and repairing damaged PG--a process that involves over 50 different PG synthesis and recycling enzymes. Here, we identified a PG recycling enzyme, L,D-carboxypeptidase A (LdcA), of F. tularensis that is responsible for converting PG tetrapeptide stems to tripeptide stems. Unlike E. coli LdcA and most other orthologs, F. tularensis LdcA does not localize to the cytoplasm and also exhibits L,D-endopeptidase activity, converting PG pentapeptide stems to tripeptide stems. Loss of F. tularensis LdcA led to altered cell morphology and membrane integrity, as well as attenuation in a mouse pulmonary infection model and in primary and immortalized macrophages. Finally, an F. tularensis ldcA mutant protected mice against virulent Type A F. tularensis SchuS4 pulmonary challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Zellner
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Dominique Mengin-Lecreulx
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Brenden Tully
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | | | - Robert Booth
- Department of Pathology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Jason F Huntley
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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Roy S. Immune responses to CRISPR-Cas protein. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 178:213-229. [PMID: 33685598 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein technologies have evolved as promising, cost-effective, and efficient methods for editing genomes. Editing genomes with high specificity and precision is a daunting task, where errors can lead to undesirable outcomes. Many elegant studies have successfully shown that the CRISPR-Cas9 system can modify, disrupt, and add new DNA sequences directly into the genomes of the cells or animals being studied. As such, the CRISPR-Cas9 technology holds immense potential for biomedical research as well as agricultural and therapeutic applications, further emphasized by its unprecedented movement into the clinical setting. Throughout every stage of life, missense mutations can lead to highly unfavorable outcomes, syndromes, and diseases. Many of these mutations are transferred directly through the fertilization process and, thereby, acquired at birth and propagated to the next generation. As such, it has been of great interest to develop techniques to repair these mutations using genetic manipulation, prior to or following birth. CRISPR-Cas9 has many advantages in this regard over numerous other existing technologies. Regardless, editing bases within a genome can be associated with numerous challenges that were previously unrecognized and lead to unforeseen consequences. While the CRISPR-Cas9 method is perfectly suitable for editing cells outside the body with limited risk to the normal functioning of the cell, recent publications have illustrated a number of challenging conditions resulting from its use. One of them is directed to the host immune response toward CRISPR-Cas9. With this in mind, this review will discuss recent observations on the host immune response to CRISPR-Cas9 and the associated challenges that arise as a result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobhan Roy
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
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Nakamura T, Shimizu T, Inagaki F, Okazaki S, Saha SS, Uda A, Watanabe K, Watarai M. Identification of Membrane-Bound Lytic Murein Transglycosylase A (MltA) as a Growth Factor for Francisella novicida in a Silkworm Infection Model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:581864. [PMID: 33553001 PMCID: PMC7862118 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.581864] [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] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of tularemia, is transmitted by arthropod vectors within mammalian hosts. The detailed mechanisms contributing to growth and survival of Francisella within arthropod remain poorly understood. To identify novel factors supporting growth and survival of Francisella within arthropods, a transposon mutant library of F. tularensis subsp. novicida (F. novicida) was screened using an F. novicida-silkworm infection model. Among 750 transposon mutants screened, the mltA-encoding membrane-bound lytic murein transglycosylase A (MltA) was identified as a novel growth factor of F. novicida in silkworms. Silkworms infection with an mltA deletion mutant (ΔmltA) resulted in a reduction in the number of bacteria and prolonged survival. The ΔmltA strain exhibited limited intracellular growth and cytotoxicity in BmN4 silkworm ovary cells. Moreover, the ΔmltA strain induced higher expression of the antimicrobial peptide in silkworms compared to the wild-type strain. These results suggest that F. novicida MltA contributes to the survival of F. novicida in silkworms via immune suppression-related mechanisms. Intracellular growth of the ΔmltA strain was also reduced in human monocyte THP-1 cells. These results also suggest the contribution of MltA to pathogenicity in humans and utility of the F. novicida-silkworm infection model to explore Francisella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takemasa Nakamura
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takashi Shimizu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Fumiya Inagaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shoma Okazaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shib Shankar Saha
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barisal, Bangladesh
| | - Akihiko Uda
- Department of Veterinary Science, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Watanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masahisa Watarai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
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Structural and functional analysis of the Francisella lysine decarboxylase as a key actor in oxidative stress resistance. Sci Rep 2021; 11:972. [PMID: 33441661 PMCID: PMC7806604 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79611-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is one of the most virulent pathogenic bacteria causing the acute human respiratory disease tularemia. While the mechanisms underlying F. tularensis pathogenesis are largely unknown, previous studies have shown that a F. novicida transposon mutant with insertions in a gene coding for a putative lysine decarboxylase was attenuated in mouse spleen, suggesting a possible role of its protein product as a virulence factor. Therefore, we set out to structurally and functionally characterize the F. novicida lysine decarboxylase, which we termed LdcF. Here, we investigate the genetic environment of ldcF as well as its evolutionary relationships with other basic AAT-fold amino acid decarboxylase superfamily members, known as key actors in bacterial adaptative stress response and polyamine biosynthesis. We determine the crystal structure of LdcF and compare it with the most thoroughly studied lysine decarboxylase, E. coli LdcI. We analyze the influence of ldcF deletion on bacterial growth under different stress conditions in dedicated growth media, as well as in infected macrophages, and demonstrate its involvement in oxidative stress resistance. Finally, our mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomic analysis enables identification of 80 proteins with expression levels significantly affected by ldcF deletion, including several DNA repair proteins potentially involved in the diminished capacity of the F. novicida mutant to deal with oxidative stress. Taken together, we uncover an important role of LdcF in F. novicida survival in host cells through participation in oxidative stress response, thereby singling out this previously uncharacterized protein as a potential drug target.
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