1
|
Khapuinamai A, Rudraprasad D, Pandey S, Gandhi J, Mishra DK, Joseph J. Global Transcriptomic Profiling of Innate and Adaptive Immunity During Aspergillus flavus Endophthalmitis in a Murine Model. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:44. [PMID: 38687493 PMCID: PMC11067548 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.4.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Fungal endophthalmitis is characterized by chronic inflammation leading to the partial or complete vision loss. Herein, we analyzed the transcriptomic landscape of Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) endophthalmitis in C57BL/6 mice to understand the host-pathogen interactions. Methods Endophthalmitis was induced by intravitreal injection of A. flavus spores in C57BL/6 mice and monitored for disease progression up to 72 hours. The enucleated eyeballs were subjected to histopathological analysis and mRNA sequencing using the Illumina Nextseq 2000. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed to further annotate the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and validation of cytokines was performed in vitreous of patients with fungal endophthalmitis using multiplex ELISA. Results Transcriptomic landscape of A. flavus endophthalmitis revealed upregulated T-cell receptor signaling, PI3K-AKT, MAPK, NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and NOD like receptor signaling pathways. We observed significant increase in the T-cells during infection especially at 72 hours infection along with elevated expression levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IL-19, IL-23, CCR3, and CCR7. Furthermore, host-immune response associated genes, such as T-cell interacting activating receptor, TNF receptor-associated factor 1, TLR1, TLR9, and bradykinin receptor beta 1, were enriched. Histopathological assessment validated the significant increase in inflammatory cells, especially T-cells at 72 hours post-infection along with increased disruption in the retinal architecture. Additionally, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-1β were also significantly elevated, whereas IL-10 was downregulated in vitreous of patients with Aspergillus endophthalmitis. Conclusions Regulating T-cell influx could be a potential strategy to modulate the excessive inflammation in the retina and potentially aid in better vision recovery in fungal endophthalmitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agimanailiu Khapuinamai
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Center for Doctoral Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka, India
| | - Dhanwini Rudraprasad
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
- Center for Doctoral Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka, India
| | - Suchita Pandey
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Jaishree Gandhi
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Joveeta Joseph
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li P, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zhu S, Pei Y, Zhang Q, Liu J, Bao J, Sun M. A dynamic nomogram to predict invasive fungal super-infection during healthcare-associated bacterial infection in intensive care unit patients: an ambispective cohort study in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1281759. [PMID: 38469345 PMCID: PMC10925706 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1281759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Invasive fungal super-infection (IFSI) is an added diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. We aimed to develop and assess a nomogram of IFSI in patients with healthcare-associated bacterial infection (HABI). Methods An ambispective cohort study was conducted in ICU patients with HABI from a tertiary hospital of China. Predictors of IFSI were selected by both the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method and the two-way stepwise method. The predictive performance of two models built by logistic regression was internal-validated and compared. Then external validity was assessed and a web-based nomogram was deployed. Results Between Jan 1, 2019 and June 30, 2023, 12,305 patients with HABI were screened in 14 ICUs, of whom 372 (3.0%) developed IFSI. Among the fungal strains causing IFSI, the most common was C.albicans (34.7%) with a decreasing proportion, followed by C.tropicalis (30.9%), A.fumigatus (13.9%) and C.glabrata (10.1%) with increasing proportions year by year. Compared with LASSO-model that included five predictors (combination of priority antimicrobials, immunosuppressant, MDRO, aCCI and S.aureus), the discriminability of stepwise-model was improved by 6.8% after adding two more predictors of COVID-19 and microbiological test before antibiotics use (P<0.01).And the stepwise-model showed similar discriminability in the derivation (the area under curve, AUC=0.87) and external validation cohorts (AUC=0.84, P=0.46). No significant gaps existed between the proportion of actual diagnosed IFSI and the frequency of IFSI predicted by both two models in derivation cohort and by stepwise-model in external validation cohort (P=0.16, 0.30 and 0.35, respectively). Conclusion The incidence of IFSI in ICU patients with HABI appeared to be a temporal rising, and our externally validated nomogram will facilitate the development of targeted and timely prevention and control measures based on specific risks of IFSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Department of Infection Control, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Infection Control, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Youjian Zhang
- Department of Infection Control, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shichao Zhu
- Central Intensive Care Unit, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongju Pei
- Respiratory Intensive Care Unit, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junping Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Junzhe Bao
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mingjie Sun
- Department of Infection Control, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Avelar GM, Pradhan A, Ma Q, Hickey E, Leaves I, Liddle C, Rodriguez Rondon AV, Kaune AK, Shaw S, Maufrais C, Sertour N, Bain JM, Larcombe DE, de Assis LJ, Netea MG, Munro CA, Childers DS, Erwig LP, Brown GD, Gow NAR, Bougnoux ME, d'Enfert C, Brown AJP. A CO 2 sensing module modulates β-1,3-glucan exposure in Candida albicans. mBio 2024; 15:e0189823. [PMID: 38259065 PMCID: PMC10865862 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01898-23] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial species capable of co-existing with healthy individuals, such as the commensal fungus Candida albicans, exploit multifarious strategies to evade our immune defenses. These strategies include the masking of immunoinflammatory pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) at their cell surface. We reported previously that C. albicans actively reduces the exposure of the proinflammatory PAMP, β-1,3-glucan, at its cell surface in response to host-related signals such as lactate and hypoxia. Here, we show that clinical isolates of C. albicans display phenotypic variability with respect to their lactate- and hypoxia-induced β-1,3-glucan masking. We have exploited this variability to identify responsive and non-responsive clinical isolates. We then performed RNA sequencing on these isolates to reveal genes whose expression patterns suggested potential association with lactate- or hypoxia-induced β-1,3-glucan masking. The deletion of two such genes attenuated masking: PHO84 and NCE103. We examined NCE103-related signaling further because NCE103 has been shown previously to encode carbonic anhydrase, which promotes adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling at low CO2 levels. We show that while CO2 does not trigger β-1,3-glucan masking in C. albicans, the Sch9-Rca1-Nce103 signaling module strongly influences β-1,3-glucan exposure in response to hypoxia and lactate. In addition to identifying a new regulatory module that controls PAMP exposure in C. albicans, our data imply that this module is important for PKA signaling in response to environmental inputs other than CO2.IMPORTANCEOur innate immune defenses have evolved to protect us against microbial infection in part via receptor-mediated detection of "pathogen-associated molecular patterns" (PAMPs) expressed by invading microbes, which then triggers their immune clearance. Despite this surveillance, many microbial species are able to colonize healthy, immune-competent individuals, without causing infection. To do so, these microbes must evade immunity. The commensal fungus Candida albicans exploits a variety of strategies to evade immunity, one of which involves reducing the exposure of a proinflammatory PAMP (β-1,3-glucan) at its cell surface. Most of the β-1,3-glucan is located in the inner layer of the C. albicans cell wall, hidden by an outer layer of mannan fibrils. Nevertheless, some β-1,3-glucan can become exposed at the fungal cell surface. However, in response to certain specific host signals, such as lactate or hypoxia, C. albicans activates an anticipatory protective response that decreases β-1,3-glucan exposure, thereby reducing the susceptibility of the fungus to impending innate immune attack. Here, we exploited the natural phenotypic variability of C. albicans clinical isolates to identify strains that do not display the response to β-1,3-glucan masking signals observed for the reference isolate, SC5314. Then, using genome-wide transcriptional profiling, we compared these non-responsive isolates with responsive controls to identify genes potentially involved in β-1,3-glucan masking. Mutational analysis of these genes revealed that a sensing module that was previously associated with CO2 sensing also modulates β-1,3-glucan exposure in response to hypoxia and lactate in this major fungal pathogen of humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela M. Avelar
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Arnab Pradhan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Qinxi Ma
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Emer Hickey
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Leaves
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Corin Liddle
- Bioimaging Unit, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandra V. Rodriguez Rondon
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Ann-Kristin Kaune
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Shaw
- Centre for Genome Enabled Biology and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Corinne Maufrais
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAe USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
| | - Natacha Sertour
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAe USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Judith M. Bain
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel E. Larcombe
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro J. de Assis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department for Immunology & Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Carol A. Munro
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Delma S. Childers
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lars P. Erwig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Johnson-Johnson Innovation, EMEA Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAe USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INRAe USC2019, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Alistair J. P. Brown
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stuckey PV, Santiago-Tirado FH. Fungal mechanisms of intracellular survival: what can we learn from bacterial pathogens? Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0043422. [PMID: 37506189 PMCID: PMC10501222 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00434-22] [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: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections represent a major, albeit neglected, public health threat with serious medical and economic burdens globally. With unacceptably high mortality rates, invasive fungal pathogens are responsible for millions of deaths each year, with a steadily increasing incidence primarily in immunocompromised individuals. The poor therapeutic options and rise of antifungal drug resistance pose further challenges in controlling these infections. These fungal pathogens have adapted to survive within mammalian hosts and can establish intracellular niches to promote survival within host immune cells. To do that, they have developed diverse methods to circumvent the innate immune system attack. This includes strategies such as altering their morphology, counteracting macrophage antimicrobial action, and metabolic adaptation. This is reminiscent of how bacterial pathogens have adapted to survive within host cells and cause disease. However, relative to the great deal of information available concerning intracellular bacterial pathogenesis, less is known about the mechanisms fungal pathogens employ. Therefore, here we review our current knowledge and recent advances in our understanding of how fungi can evade and persist within host immune cells. This review will focus on the major fungal pathogens, including Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus, among others. As we discover and understand the strategies used by these fungi, similarities with their bacterial counterparts are becoming apparent, hence we can use the abundant information from bacteria to guide our studies in fungi. By understanding these strategies, new lines of research will open that can improve the treatments of these devastating fungal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Stuckey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Felipe H. Santiago-Tirado
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rapala-Kozik M, Surowiec M, Juszczak M, Wronowska E, Kulig K, Bednarek A, Gonzalez-Gonzalez M, Karkowska-Kuleta J, Zawrotniak M, Satała D, Kozik A. Living together: The role of Candida albicans in the formation of polymicrobial biofilms in the oral cavity. Yeast 2023; 40:303-317. [PMID: 37190878 DOI: 10.1002/yea.3855] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity of humans is colonized by diversity of microbial community, although dominated by bacteria, it is also constituted by a low number of fungi, often represented by Candida albicans. Although in the vast minority, this usually commensal fungus under certain conditions of the host (e.g., immunosuppression or antibiotic therapy), can transform into an invasive pathogen that adheres to mucous membranes and also to medical or dental devices, causing mucosal infections. This transformation is correlated with changes in cell morphology from yeast-like cells to hyphae and is supported by numerous virulence factors exposed by C. albicans cells at the site of infection, such as multifunctional adhesins, degradative enzymes, or toxin. All of them affect the surrounding host cells or proteins, leading to their destruction. However, at the site of infection, C. albicans can interact with different bacterial species and in its filamentous form may produce biofilms-the elaborated consortia of microorganisms, that present increased ability to host colonization and resistance to antimicrobial agents. In this review, we highlight the modification of the infectious potential of C. albicans in contact with different bacterial species, and also consider the mutual bacterial-fungal relationships, involving cooperation, competition, or antagonism, that lead to an increase in the propagation of oral infection. The mycofilm of C. albicans is an excellent hiding place for bacteria, especially those that prefer low oxygen availability, where microbial cells during mutual co-existence can avoid host recognition or elimination by antimicrobial action. However, these microbial relationships, identified mainly in in vitro studies, are modified depending on the complexity of host conditions and microbial dominance in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Surowiec
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewelina Wronowska
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamila Kulig
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aneta Bednarek
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Miriam Gonzalez-Gonzalez
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Zawrotniak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dorota Satała
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rabaan AA, Alfaraj AH, Alshengeti A, Alawfi A, Alwarthan S, Alhajri M, Al-Najjar AH, Al Fares MA, Najim MA, Almuthree SA, AlShurbaji ST, Alofi FS, AlShehail BM, AlYuosof B, Alynbiawi A, Alzayer SA, Al Kaabi N, Abduljabbar WA, Bukhary ZA, Bueid AS. Antibodies to Combat Fungal Infections: Development Strategies and Progress. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030671. [PMID: 36985244 PMCID: PMC10051215 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The finding that some mAbs are antifungal suggests that antibody immunity may play a key role in the defense of the host against mycotic infections. The discovery of antibodies that guard against fungi is a significant advancement because it gives rise to the possibility of developing vaccinations that trigger protective antibody immunity. These vaccines might work by inducing antibody opsonins that improve the function of non-specific (such as neutrophils, macrophages, and NK cells) and specific (such as lymphocyte) cell-mediated immunity and stop or aid in eradicating fungus infections. The ability of antibodies to defend against fungi has been demonstrated by using monoclonal antibody technology to reconsider the function of antibody immunity. The next step is to develop vaccines that induce protective antibody immunity and to comprehend the mechanisms through which antibodies mediate protective effects against fungus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali A. Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran 31311, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22610, Pakistan
- Correspondence:
| | - Amal H. Alfaraj
- Pediatric Department, Abqaiq General Hospital, First Eastern Health Cluster, Abqaiq 33261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amer Alshengeti
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 41491, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, Al-Madinah 41491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulsalam Alawfi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 41491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Alwarthan
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael Alhajri
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 34212, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal H. Al-Najjar
- Drug & Poison Information Center, Pharmacy Department, Security Forces Hospital Program, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona A. Al Fares
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustafa A. Najim
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 41411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Souad A. Almuthree
- Department of Infectious Disease, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah 43442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan T. AlShurbaji
- Outpatient Pharmacy, Dr. Sulaiman Alhabib Medical Group, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh 91877, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadwa S. Alofi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King Fahad Hospital, Madinah 42351, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer M. AlShehail
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia
| | - Buthina AlYuosof
- Directorate of Public Health, Dammam Network, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam 31444, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahlam Alynbiawi
- Infectious Diseases Section, Medical Specialties Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh 12231, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suha A. Alzayer
- Parasitology Laboratory Department, Qatif Comprehensive Inspection Center, Qatif 31911, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawal Al Kaabi
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi 51900, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wesam A. Abduljabbar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Fakeeh College for Medical Science, Jeddah 21134, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zakiyah A. Bukhary
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Fahad General Hospital, Jeddah 23325, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S. Bueid
- Microbiology Laboratory, King Faisal General Hospital, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Brown AJP. Fungal resilience and host-pathogen interactions: Future perspectives and opportunities. Parasite Immunol 2023; 45:e12946. [PMID: 35962618 PMCID: PMC10078341 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
We are constantly exposed to the threat of fungal infection. The outcome-clearance, commensalism or infection-depends largely on the ability of our innate immune defences to clear infecting fungal cells versus the success of the fungus in mounting compensatory adaptive responses. As each seeks to gain advantage during these skirmishes, the interactions between host and fungal pathogen are complex and dynamic. Nevertheless, simply compromising the physiological robustness of fungal pathogens reduces their ability to evade antifungal immunity, their virulence, and their tolerance against antifungal therapy. In this article I argue that this physiological robustness is based on a 'Resilience Network' which mechanistically links and controls fungal growth, metabolism, stress resistance and drug tolerance. The elasticity of this network probably underlies the phenotypic variability of fungal isolates and the heterogeneity of individual cells within clonal populations. Consequently, I suggest that the definition of the fungal Resilience Network represents an important goal for the future which offers the clear potential to reveal drug targets that compromise drug tolerance and synergise with current antifungal therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alistair J P Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
de Assis LJ, Bain JM, Liddle C, Leaves I, Hacker C, Peres da Silva R, Yuecel R, Bebes A, Stead D, Childers DS, Pradhan A, Mackenzie K, Lagree K, Larcombe DE, Ma Q, Avelar GM, Netea MG, Erwig LP, Mitchell AP, Brown GD, Gow NAR, Brown AJP. Nature of β-1,3-Glucan-Exposing Features on Candida albicans Cell Wall and Their Modulation. mBio 2022; 13:e0260522. [PMID: 36218369 PMCID: PMC9765427 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02605-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans exists as a commensal of mucosal surfaces and the gastrointestinal tract without causing pathology. However, this fungus is also a common cause of mucosal and systemic infections when antifungal immune defenses become compromised. The activation of antifungal host defenses depends on the recognition of fungal pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as β-1,3-glucan. In C. albicans, most β-1,3-glucan is present in the inner cell wall, concealed by the outer mannan layer, but some β-1,3-glucan becomes exposed at the cell surface. In response to host signals, such as lactate, C. albicans induces the Xog1 exoglucanase, which shaves exposed β-1,3-glucan from the cell surface, thereby reducing phagocytic recognition. We show here that β-1,3-glucan is exposed at bud scars and punctate foci on the lateral wall of yeast cells, that this exposed β-1,3-glucan is targeted during phagocytic attack, and that lactate-induced masking reduces β-1,3-glucan exposure at bud scars and at punctate foci. β-1,3-Glucan masking depends upon protein kinase A (PKA) signaling. We reveal that inactivating PKA, or its conserved downstream effectors, Sin3 and Mig1/Mig2, affects the amounts of the Xog1 and Eng1 glucanases in the C. albicans secretome and modulates β-1,3-glucan exposure. Furthermore, perturbing PKA, Sin3, or Mig1/Mig2 attenuates the virulence of lactate-exposed C. albicans cells in Galleria. Taken together, the data are consistent with the idea that β-1,3-glucan masking contributes to Candida pathogenicity. IMPORTANCE Microbes that coexist with humans have evolved ways of avoiding or evading our immunological defenses. These include the masking by these microbes of their "pathogen-associated molecular patterns" (PAMPs), which are recognized as "foreign" and used to activate protective immunity. The commensal fungus Candida albicans masks the proinflammatory PAMP β-1,3-glucan, which is an essential component of its cell wall. Most of this β-1,3-glucan is hidden beneath an outer layer of the cell wall on these microbes, but some can become exposed at the fungal cell surface. Using high-resolution confocal microscopy, we examine the nature of the exposed β-1,3-glucan at C. albicans bud scars and at punctate foci on the lateral cell wall, and we show that these features are targeted by innate immune cells. We also reveal that downstream effectors of protein kinase A (Mig1/Mig2, Sin3) regulate the secretion of major glucanases, modulate the levels of β-1,3-glucan exposure, and influence the virulence of C. albicans in an invertebrate model of systemic infection. Our data support the view that β-1,3-glucan masking contributes to immune evasion and the virulence of a major fungal pathogen of humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro José de Assis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Judith M. Bain
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Corin Liddle
- Bioimaging Unit, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Leaves
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | | | - Roberta Peres da Silva
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Raif Yuecel
- Exeter Centre for Cytomics, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Attila Bebes
- Exeter Centre for Cytomics, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - David Stead
- Aberdeen Proteomics Facility, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Delma S. Childers
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Arnab Pradhan
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Mackenzie
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Lagree
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel E. Larcombe
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Qinxi Ma
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela Mol Avelar
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Mihai G. Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department for Immunology & Metabolism, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lars P. Erwig
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Johnson-Johnson Innovation, EMEA Innovation Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron P. Mitchell
- Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Gordon D. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A. R. Gow
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair J. P. Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kireeva N, Galkina K, Sokolov S, Knorre D. Role of Dead Cells in Collective Stress Tolerance in Microbial Communities: Evidence from Yeast. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1528-1534. [PMID: 36717444 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922120100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A substantial part of yeast life cycle takes place in the communities where the cells are surrounded by their own clones. Meanwhile, yeast cell fitness depends not only on its own adaptations but also on the processes in the neighboring cells. Moreover, even if a cell loses its clonogenic ability, it is still capable of protecting surrounding cells that are still alive. Dead cells can absorb lipophilic antibiotics and provide nutrients to their kin neighbors. Some enzymes can be released into the environment and detoxify exogenous toxins. For example, cytosolic catalase, which degrades hydrogen peroxide, can stay active outside of the cell. Inviable cells of pathogenic yeast species can suppress host immune responses and, in this way, boost spread of the pathogen. In this review, we speculate that biochemical processes in dying cells can facilitate increase of stress resistance in the alive kin cells and therefore be a subject of natural selection. We considered possible scenarios of how dead microbial cells can increase survival of their kin using unicellular fungi - baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae - as an example. We conclude that the evolutionary conserved mechanisms of programmed cell death in yeast are likely to include a module of early permeabilization of the cell plasma membrane rather than preserve its integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nataliia Kireeva
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia. .,Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Kseniia Galkina
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Sviatoslav Sokolov
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| | - Dmitry Knorre
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wurster S, Watowich SS, Kontoyiannis DP. Checkpoint inhibitors as immunotherapy for fungal infections: Promises, challenges, and unanswered questions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018202. [PMID: 36389687 PMCID: PMC9640966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic fungal infections have high mortality in patients with severe immune dysfunction. Growing evidence suggests that the immune environment of invasive fungal infections and cancers share common features of immune cell exhaustion through activation of immune checkpoint pathways. This observation gave rise to several preclinical studies and clinical case reports describing blockade of the Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 immune checkpoint pathways as an adjunct immune enhancement strategy to treat opportunistic fungal infections. The first part of this review summarizes the emerging evidence for contributions of checkpoint pathways to the immunopathology of fungal sepsis, opportunistic mold infections, and dimorphic fungal infections. We then review the potential merits of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as an antifungal immunotherapy, including the incomplete knowledge of the mechanisms involved in both immuno-protective effects and toxicities. In the second part of this review, we discuss the limitations of the current evidence and the many unknowns about ICIs as an antifungal immune enhancement strategy. Based on these gaps of knowledge and lessons learned from cancer immunology studies, we outline a research agenda to determine a "sweet spot" for ICIs in medical mycology. We specifically discuss the importance of more nuanced animal models, the need to study ICI-based combination therapy, potential ICI resistance, the role of the immune microenvironment, and the impact of ICIs given as part of oncological therapies on the natural immunity to various pathogenic fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Wurster
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Stephanie S. Watowich
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Dimitrios P. Kontoyiannis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pereira JAL, de Moraes LS, de Sena CBC, do Nascimento JLM, Rodrigues APD, da Silva SHM, Silva EO. Inhibition of Melanization by Kojic Acid Promotes Cell Wall Disruption of the Human Pathogenic Fungus Fonsecaea sp. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080925. [PMID: 36015045 PMCID: PMC9414132 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a chronic human subcutaneous mycosis caused by various aetiologic agents. CBM does not have an established treatment but may be managed using antifungal agents, surgical removal of the lesions, or cryotherapy. Kojic acid (KA), a known tyrosinase inhibitor with a variety of biological actions, including fungistatic action against the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, mediated by inhibiting melanin production, seems to be an alternative to improve the treatment of CBM. The aim of the present study was to analyze the action of KA against the pathogenic fungus Fonsecaea sp., an aetiological agent of CBM. The fungal culture was incubated with KA, and the amount of melanin was assessed, followed by cytochemical detection. Subsequently, the samples were analyzed by light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Culture analysis revealed that 100 g/mL KA significantly decreased the melanization of the fungus and the exocytosis of melanin into the culture supernatant. Additionally, KA induced less growth of biofilm formation and intense disruption of the cell wall, and decreased the number of melanin-containing vesicles in the culture supernatant. Finally, KA inhibited fungal filamentation in culture and the subsequent phagocytosis process. Thus, KA may be a promising substance to help in the treatment of CBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Augusto Leão Pereira
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Lienne Silveira de Moraes
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Post Graduation Program, Health and Biological Sciences Department, Federal University of Amapa (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-329, AP, Brazil
| | - Chubert Bernardo Castro de Sena
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT—NIM), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Martins do Nascimento
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Post Graduation Program, Health and Biological Sciences Department, Federal University of Amapa (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-329, AP, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT—NIM), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurochemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula D. Rodrigues
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ministry of Health, Belém 66093-020, PA, Brazil
| | - Silvia Helena Marques da Silva
- Laboratory of Superficial and Systemic Mycoses, Evandro Chagas Institute, Department of Mycology and Bacteriology, Ministry of Health, Ananindeua 67030-000, PA, Brazil
| | - Edilene O. Silva
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +055-9132-0175-46
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Reddy GKK, Padmavathi AR, Nancharaiah Y. Fungal infections: Pathogenesis, antifungals and alternate treatment approaches. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2022; 3:100137. [PMID: 35909631 PMCID: PMC9325902 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing incidence of fungal infections of recent times requires immediate intervention. Fungal infections are seldom construed at initial stages that intensify the severity of infections and complicate the treatment procedures. Fungal pathogens employ various mechanisms to evade the host immune system and to progress the severity of infections. For the treatment of diverse superficial and systemic infections, antifungal drugs from the available repertoire are administered. However, well documented evidence of fungal resistance to most of the antifungal drugs hampers disease control and poses challenges in antifungal therapy. Several physiological adaptations and genetic mutations followed by their selection in presence of antifungal agents drive the resistance development in fungi. The availability of limited antifungal arsenal, emergence of resistance and biofilm-conferred resistance drives the need for development of novel drugs and alternate approaches for the better treatment outcome against mycoses. This graphical review explicitly shed light on various fungal infections and causative organisms, pathogenesis, different antifungal drugs and resistance mechanisms including host immune response and evasion strategies. Here, we have highlighted recent developments on novel antifungal agents and other alternate approaches for fighting against fungal infections.
Collapse
|
13
|
Emergence and evolution of virulence in human pathogenic fungi. Trends Microbiol 2022; 30:693-704. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
14
|
Ma X, Hu J, Wang C, Gu Y, Cao S, Huang X, Wen Y, Zhao Q, Wu R, Zuo Z, Yu S, Shen L, Zhong Z, Peng G, Ling S. Innate and mild Th17 cutaneous immune responses elicited by subcutaneous infection of immunocompetent mice with Cladosporium cladosporioides. Microb Pathog 2021; 163:105384. [PMID: 34974124 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cladosporium cladosporioides is a dematiaceous hyphomycete that is pathogenic in the superficial and deep tissues of both immunodeficient and immunocompetent humans and animals. Our aim was to evaluate the antifungal immune responses elicited by C. cladosporioides in immunocompetent mice. Hence, we subcutaneously injected suspensions of C. cladosporioides spores into immunocompetent mice to investigate the anti-fungal immune responses in the skin. We collected skin tissue samples for histopathological examination, immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. We observed subcutaneous abscesses in mice after subcutaneous injection of C. cladosporioides. A large number of inflammatory cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, infiltrated the focal abscess, with comparatively few infiltrating inflammatory cells in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. We detected the expression of CD54 in the abscesses and the skin. Gene expression of the pattern recognition receptors Dectin-1 and TLR-2 was higher in infected mice than in controls. Gene expression of the cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-17A also increased after infection, suggesting that the Th17 signaling pathway may be involved in the anti-fungal response. Although the pathogenicity of C. cladosporioides in healthy mice was weak after subcutaneous infection, resulting in few serious pathological phenomena, it appears that innate and Th17 immune responses play important roles in the cutaneous host response to C. cladosporioides. These findings lay a foundation for further study of the pathogenic mechanism and treatment of C. cladosporioides infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Jing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Chengdong Wang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611800, China.
| | - Yu Gu
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Sanjie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yiping Wen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Rui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhicai Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shumin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Liuhong Shen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Guangneng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Disease and Human Health of Sichuan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shanshan Ling
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611800, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ju C, Lian Q, Xu X, Cao Q, Lan C, Chen R, He J. Epidemiology and Prognosis of Invasive Fungal Disease in Chinese Lung Transplant Recipients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:718747. [PMID: 34778284 PMCID: PMC8578561 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.718747] [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: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored the epidemiology, risk factors, and prognosis of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in Chinese lung transplant recipients (LTRs). This retrospective cohort study included patients who received lung transplants at four hospitals in South China between January 2015 and June 2019. The participants were divided into IFD and non-IFD (NIFD) groups. The final analysis included 226 LTRs (83.2% males) aged 55.0 ± 14.2 years old. Eighty-two LTRs (36.3%) developed IFD (proven or probable diagnosis). The most common pathogens were Aspergillus (57.3%), Candida (19.5%), and Pneumocystis jiroveci (13.4%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that anastomotic disease [odds ratio (OR): 11.86; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 4.76–29.54; P < 0.001], cytomegalovirus (CMV) pneumonia (OR: 3.85; 95%CI: 1.88–7.91; P = 0.018), and pre-transplantation IFD (OR: 7.65; 95%CI: 2.55–22.96; P < 0.001) were associated with higher odds of IFD, while double-lung transplantation (OR: 0.40; 95%CI: 0.19–0.79; P = 0.009) was associated with lower odds of IFD. Logistic regression analysis showed that anastomotic disease was associated with higher odds of death (OR: 5.01; 95%CI: 1.24–20.20; P = 0.02) and that PJP prophylaxis was associated with lower odds of death (OR: 0.01; 95%CI: 0.001–0.11; P < 0.001). Invasive fungal disease is prevalent among LTRs in southern China, with Aspergillus the most common pathogen. Prophylaxis should be optimized based on likely pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunrong Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoyan Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingdong Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Cong Lan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Gaozhou People's Hospital, Gaozhou, China
| | - Rongchang Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianxing He
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lim JY, Kim YJ, Woo SA, Jeong JW, Lee YR, Kim CH, Park HM. The LAMMER Kinase, LkhA, Affects Aspergillus fumigatus Pathogenicity by Modulating Reproduction and Biosynthesis of Cell Wall PAMPs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:756206. [PMID: 34722342 PMCID: PMC8548842 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.756206] [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: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The LAMMER kinase in eukaryotes is a well-conserved dual-specificity kinase. Aspergillus species cause a wide spectrum of diseases called aspergillosis in humans, depending on the underlying immune status of the host, such as allergy, aspergilloma, and invasive aspergillosis. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes invasive aspergillosis. Although LAMMER kinase has various functions in morphology, development, and cell cycle regulation in yeast and filamentous fungi, its function in A. fumigatus is not known. We performed molecular studies on the function of the A. fumigatus LAMMER kinase, AfLkhA, and reported its involvement in multiple cellular processes, including development and virulence. Deletion of AflkhA resulted in defects in colonial growth, production of conidia, and sexual development. Transcription and genetic analyses indicated that AfLkhA modulates the expression of key developmental regulatory genes. The AflkhA-deletion strain showed increased production of gliotoxins and protease activity. When conidia were challenged with alveolar macrophages, enodocytosis of conidia by macrophages was increased in the AflkhA-deletion strain, resulting from changes in expression of the cell wall genes and thus content of cell wall pathogen-associated molecular patterns, including β-1,3-glucan and GM. While T cell-deficient zebrafish larvae were significantly susceptible to wild-type A. fumigatus infection, AflkhA-deletion conidia infection reduced host mortality. A. fumigatus AfLkhA is required for the establishment of virulence factors, including conidial production, mycotoxin synthesis, protease activity, and interaction with macrophages, which ultimately affect pathogenicity at the organismal level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Yeon Lim
- Laboratory of Cellular Differentiation, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea.,Institute of Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yeon Ju Kim
- Laboratory of Cellular Differentiation, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seul Ah Woo
- Laboratory of Cellular Differentiation, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jae Wan Jeong
- Laboratory of Cellular Differentiation, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yu-Ri Lee
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Cheol-Hee Kim
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Department of Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hee-Moon Park
- Laboratory of Cellular Differentiation, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Aspergillus fumigatus versus Genus Aspergillus: Conservation, Adaptive Evolution and Specific Virulence Genes. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102014. [PMID: 34683335 PMCID: PMC8539515 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102014] [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: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus is an important fungal genus containing economically important species, as well as pathogenic species of animals and plants. Using eighteen fungal species of the genus Aspergillus, we conducted a comprehensive investigation of conserved genes and their evolution. This also allows us to investigate the selection pressure driving the adaptive evolution in the pathogenic species A. fumigatus. Among single-copy orthologs (SCOs) for A. fumigatus and the closely related species A. fischeri, we identified 122 versus 50 positively selected genes (PSGs), respectively. Moreover, twenty conserved genes of unknown function were established to be positively selected and thus important for adaption. A. fumigatus PSGs interacting with human host proteins show over-representation of adaptive, symbiosis-related, immunomodulatory and virulence-related pathways, such as the TGF-β pathway, insulin receptor signaling, IL1 pathway and interfering with phagosomal GTPase signaling. Additionally, among the virulence factor coding genes, secretory and membrane protein-coding genes in multi-copy gene families, 212 genes underwent positive selection and also suggest increased adaptation, such as fungal immune evasion mechanisms (aspf2), siderophore biosynthesis (sidD), fumarylalanine production (sidE), stress tolerance (atfA) and thermotolerance (sodA). These genes presumably contribute to host adaptation strategies. Genes for the biosynthesis of gliotoxin are shared among all the close relatives of A. fumigatus as an ancient defense mechanism. Positive selection plays a crucial role in the adaptive evolution of A. fumigatus. The genome-wide profile of PSGs provides valuable targets for further research on the mechanisms of immune evasion, antimycotic targeting and understanding fundamental virulence processes.
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Sepsis is a host immune disorder induced by infection. It can lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), which has high morbidity and mortality. There has been great progress in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, such as improvements in pathogen detection technology, innovations regarding anti-infection drugs, and the development of organ function support. Abnormal immune responses triggered by pathogens, ranging from excessive inflammation to immunosuppression, are recognized to be an important cause of the high mortality rate. However, no drugs have been approved specifically for treating sepsis. Here, we review the recent research progress on immune responses in sepsis to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of sepsis. Constructing and optimizing a dynamic immune system treatment regimen based on anti-infection treatment, fluid replacement, organ function support, and timely use of immunomodulatory interventions may improve the prognosis of sepsis patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of, USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of, USTC, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xu Y, Tong Z, Zhang X, Zhang X, Luo Z, Shao W, Li L, Ma Q, Zheng X, Fang W. Plant volatile organic compound (E)-2-hexenal facilitates Botrytis cinerea infection of fruits by inducing sulfate assimilation. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 231:432-446. [PMID: 33792940 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Investigation into plant-fungal pathogen interactions is one of the most interesting fields in plant sciences. However, the roles of plant volatile organic compounds in the arms race are still largely unknown. Based on precise quantification of plant volatiles, we discovered that the plant volatile organic compound (E)-2-hexenal, at concentrations that were similar to or lower than those in tissues of strawberry and tomato fruits, upregulates sulfate assimilation in spores and hyphae of the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea. This upregulation is independent of the types of sulfur sources in the plant and can be achieved in the presence of inorganic sulfate and organic sulfur sources. Using the fungal deletion mutants, we further found that sulfate assimilation is involved in the infection of tomato and strawberry fruits by B. cinerea, and that the severity of the disease is proportional to the sulfate content in the fruits. Both before and during the infection, (E)-2-hexenal induced utilisation of plant sulfate by B. cinerea facilitates its pathogenesis through enhancing its tolerance to oxidative stress. This work provides novel insights into the role of plant volatiles in plant-fungal pathogen interaction and highlights the importance of sulfur levels in the host in the prevention of grey mould disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanqun Xu
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 315100, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zhichao Tong
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 315100, China
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 315100, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Zisheng Luo
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 315100, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang, 310058, China
- Fuli Institute of Food Science, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Wenyong Shao
- Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 315100, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Quan Ma
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 315100, China
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Products Postharvest Handling of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agro-Food Processing, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Intelligent Food Technology and Equipment, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Ningbo Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 315100, China
| | - Weiguo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gómez-Pérez D, Chaudhry V, Kemen A, Kemen E. Amyloid Proteins in Plant-Associated Microbial Communities. Microb Physiol 2021; 31:88-98. [PMID: 34107493 DOI: 10.1159/000516014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Amyloids have proven to be a widespread phenomenon rather than an exception. Many proteins presenting the hallmarks of this characteristic beta sheet-rich folding have been described to date. Particularly common are functional amyloids that play an important role in the promotion of survival and pathogenicity in prokaryotes. Here, we describe important developments in amyloid protein research that relate to microbe-microbe and microbe-host interactions in the plant microbiome. Starting with biofilms, which are a broad strategy for bacterial persistence that is extremely important for plant colonization. Microbes rely on amyloid-based mechanisms to adhere and create a protective coating that shelters them from external stresses and promotes cooperation. Another strategy generally carried out by amyloids is the formation of hydrophobic surface layers. Known as hydrophobins, these proteins coat the aerial hyphae and spores of plant pathogenic fungi, as well as certain bacterial biofilms. They contribute to plant virulence through promoting dissemination and infectivity. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity is an interesting outcome of the amyloid structure that has potential application in medicine and agriculture. There are many known antimicrobial amyloids released by animals and plants; however, those produced by bacteria or fungi remain still largely unknown. Finally, we discuss amyloid proteins with a more indirect mode of action in their host interactions. These include virulence-promoting harpins, signaling transduction that functions through amyloid templating, and root nodule bacteria proteins that promote plant-microbe symbiosis. In summary, amyloids are an interesting paradigm for their many functional mechanisms linked to bacterial survival in plant-associated microbial communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ariane Kemen
- ZMBP/IMIT, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eric Kemen
- ZMBP/IMIT, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
d'Enfert C, Kaune AK, Alaban LR, Chakraborty S, Cole N, Delavy M, Kosmala D, Marsaux B, Fróis-Martins R, Morelli M, Rosati D, Valentine M, Xie Z, Emritloll Y, Warn PA, Bequet F, Bougnoux ME, Bornes S, Gresnigt MS, Hube B, Jacobsen ID, Legrand M, Leibundgut-Landmann S, Manichanh C, Munro CA, Netea MG, Queiroz K, Roget K, Thomas V, Thoral C, Van den Abbeele P, Walker AW, Brown AJP. The impact of the Fungus-Host-Microbiota interplay upon Candida albicans infections: current knowledge and new perspectives. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:fuaa060. [PMID: 33232448 PMCID: PMC8100220 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is a major fungal pathogen of humans. It exists as a commensal in the oral cavity, gut or genital tract of most individuals, constrained by the local microbiota, epithelial barriers and immune defences. Their perturbation can lead to fungal outgrowth and the development of mucosal infections such as oropharyngeal or vulvovaginal candidiasis, and patients with compromised immunity are susceptible to life-threatening systemic infections. The importance of the interplay between fungus, host and microbiota in driving the transition from C. albicans commensalism to pathogenicity is widely appreciated. However, the complexity of these interactions, and the significant impact of fungal, host and microbiota variability upon disease severity and outcome, are less well understood. Therefore, we summarise the features of the fungus that promote infection, and how genetic variation between clinical isolates influences pathogenicity. We discuss antifungal immunity, how this differs between mucosae, and how individual variation influences a person's susceptibility to infection. Also, we describe factors that influence the composition of gut, oral and vaginal microbiotas, and how these affect fungal colonisation and antifungal immunity. We argue that a detailed understanding of these variables, which underlie fungal-host-microbiota interactions, will present opportunities for directed antifungal therapies that benefit vulnerable patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christophe d'Enfert
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Ann-Kristin Kaune
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Leovigildo-Rey Alaban
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sayoni Chakraborty
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Neugasse 25, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Nathaniel Cole
- Gut Microbiology Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Margot Delavy
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Daria Kosmala
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Benoît Marsaux
- ProDigest BV, Technologiepark 94, B-9052 Gent, Belgium
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ricardo Fróis-Martins
- Immunology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Moran Morelli
- Mimetas, Biopartner Building 2, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Diletta Rosati
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marisa Valentine
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Zixuan Xie
- Gut Microbiome Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119–129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoan Emritloll
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Peter A Warn
- Magic Bullet Consulting, Biddlecombe House, Ugbrook, Chudleigh Devon, TQ130AD, UK
| | - Frédéric Bequet
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Stephanie Bornes
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMRF0545, 20 Côte de Reyne, 15000 Aurillac, France
| | - Mark S Gresnigt
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Ilse D Jacobsen
- Microbial Immunology Research Group, Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Adaptive Pathogenicity Strategies, and the Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute, Beutenbergstraße 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mélanie Legrand
- Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Département de Mycologie, Institut Pasteur, USC 2019 INRA, 25, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Salomé Leibundgut-Landmann
- Immunology Section, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Chaysavanh Manichanh
- Gut Microbiome Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119–129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carol A Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 28, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karla Queiroz
- Mimetas, Biopartner Building 2, J.H. Oortweg 19, 2333 CH Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karine Roget
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Thomas
- BIOASTER Microbiology Technology Institute, 40 avenue Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Claudia Thoral
- NEXBIOME Therapeutics, 22 allée Alan Turing, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Alan W Walker
- Gut Microbiology Group, Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pradhan A, Ma Q, de Assis LJ, Leaves I, Larcombe DE, Rodriguez Rondon AV, Nev OA, Brown AJP. Anticipatory Stress Responses and Immune Evasion in Fungal Pathogens. Trends Microbiol 2021; 29:416-427. [PMID: 33059975 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In certain niches, microbes encounter environmental challenges that are temporally linked. In such cases, microbial fitness is enhanced by the evolution of anticipatory responses where the initial challenge simultaneously activates pre-emptive protection against the second impending challenge. The accumulation of anticipatory responses in domesticated yeasts, which have been termed 'adaptive prediction', has led to the emergence of 'core stress responses' that provide stress cross-protection. Protective anticipatory responses also seem to be common in fungal pathogens of humans. These responses reflect the selective pressures that these fungi have faced relatively recently in their evolutionary history. Consequently, some pathogens have evolved 'core environmental responses' which exploit host signals to trigger immune evasion strategies that protect them against imminent immune attack.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Pradhan
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Qinxi Ma
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Leandro J de Assis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ian Leaves
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Daniel E Larcombe
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Alejandra V Rodriguez Rondon
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Olga A Nev
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Alistair J P Brown
- Medical Research Council Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Giusiano G. The Trojan Horse Model in Paracoccidioides: A Fantastic Pathway to Survive Infecting Human Cells. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:605679. [PMID: 33680980 PMCID: PMC7928272 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.605679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is the most relevant systemic endemic mycosis limited to Latin American countries. The etiological agents are thermally dimorphic species of the genus Paracoccidioides. Infection occurs via respiratory tract by inhalation of propagules from the environmental (saprophytic) phase. In the lung alveoli the fungus converts to the characteristic yeast phase (parasitic) where interact with extracellular matrix proteins, epithelial cells, and the host cellular immunity. The response involves phagocytic cells recognition but intracellular Paracoccidioides have demonstrated the ability to survive and also multiply inside the neutrophils, macrophages, giant cells, and dendritic cells. Persistence of Paracoccidioides as facultative intracellular pathogen is important in terms of the fungal load but also regarding to the possibility to disseminate penetrating other tissues even protected by the phagocytes. This strategy to invade other organs via transmigration of infected phagocytes is called Trojan horse mechanism and it was also described for other fungi and considered a factor of pathogenicity. This mini review comprises a literature revision of the spectrum of tools and mechanisms displayed by Paracoccidioides to overcame phagocytosis, discusses the Trojan horse model and the immunological context in proven models or the possibility that Paracoccidioides apply this tool for dissemination to other tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Giusiano
- Mycology Department, Instituto de Medicina Regional, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Resistencia, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Assessment of the pulmonary adaptive immune response to Cladosporium cladosporioides infection using an experimental mouse model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:909. [PMID: 33441700 PMCID: PMC7806624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79642-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cladosporium cladosporioides causes asthma and superficial and deep infections, mostly in immunodeficient individuals and animals. This study aimed to investigate whether C. cladosporioides spores can enter the lungs through pulmonary circulation and influence pulmonary immune response. We intravenously injected mice with C. cladosporioides spore suspension and conducted several assays on the lungs. Pulmonary hemorrhage symptoms and congestion were most severe on days 1, 2, and 3 post-inoculation (PI). Extensive inflammatory cell infiltration occurred throughout the period of infection. More spores and hyphae colonizing the lungs were detected on days 1, 2, and 3 PI, and fewer spores and hyphae were observed within 21 d of infection. Numerous macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils were observed on day 5 PI, along with upregulation of CD54, an intercellular adhesion molecule. Th1 and Th2 cells increased after infection; specifically, Th2 cells increased considerably on day 5 PI. These results suggest that days 2 and 5 PI represent the inflammatory peak in the lungs and that the Th2 and Th1 signaling pathways are potentially involved in pulmonary immune responses. In conclusion, the further adaptive immune responses played important roles in establishing effective pulmonary immunity against C. cladosporioides systemic infections based on innate immune responses.
Collapse
|
25
|
Pereira KE, Woodley SK. Skin defenses of North American salamanders against a deadly salamander fungus. Anim Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. E. Pereira
- Department of Biological Sciences Duquesne University Pittsburgh PA USA
| | - S. K. Woodley
- Department of Biological Sciences Duquesne University Pittsburgh PA USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Characterization of a novel yeast phase-specific antigen expressed during in vitro thermal phase transition of Talaromyces marneffei. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21169. [PMID: 33273617 PMCID: PMC7713699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78178-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Talaromyces marneffei is a dimorphic fungus that has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen particularly in individuals with HIV/AIDS. Since its dimorphism has been associated with its virulence, the transition from mold to yeast-like cells might be important for fungal pathogenesis, including its survival inside of phagocytic host cells. We investigated the expression of yeast antigen of T.marneffei using a yeast-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) 4D1 during phase transition. We found that MAb 4D1 recognizes and binds to antigenic epitopes on the surface of yeast cells. Antibody to antigenic determinant binding was associated with time of exposure, mold to yeast conversion, and mammalian temperature. We also demonstrated that MAb 4D1 binds to and recognizes conidia to yeast cells’ transition inside of a human monocyte-like THP-1 cells line. Our studies are important because we demonstrated that MAb 4D1 can be used as a tool to study T.marneffei virulence, furthering the understanding of the therapeutic potential of passive immunity in this fungal pathogenesis.
Collapse
|
27
|
Arroyo-Velez N, González-Fuente M, Peeters N, Lauber E, Noël LD. From effectors to effectomes: Are functional studies of individual effectors enough to decipher plant pathogen infectious strategies? PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1009059. [PMID: 33270803 PMCID: PMC7714205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Noe Arroyo-Velez
- LIPM, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CNRS, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | | | - Nemo Peeters
- LIPM, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CNRS, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | | | - Laurent D. Noël
- LIPM, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CNRS, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lin L, Xu J. Fungal Pigments and Their Roles Associated with Human Health. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E280. [PMID: 33198121 PMCID: PMC7711509 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi can produce myriad secondary metabolites, including pigments. Some of these pigments play a positive role in human welfare while others are detrimental. This paper reviews the types and biosynthesis of fungal pigments, their relevance to human health, including their interactions with host immunity, and recent progresses in their structure-activity relationships. Fungal pigments are grouped into carotenoids, melanin, polyketides, and azaphilones, etc. These pigments are phylogenetically broadly distributed. While the biosynthetic pathways for some fungal pigments are known, the majority remain to be elucidated. Understanding the genes and metabolic pathways involved in fungal pigment synthesis is essential to genetically manipulate the production of both the types and quantities of specific pigments. A variety of fungal pigments have shown wide-spectrum biological activities, including promising pharmacophores/lead molecules to be developed into health-promoting drugs to treat cancers, cardiovascular disorders, infectious diseases, Alzheimer's diseases, and so on. In addition, the mechanistic elucidation of the interaction of fungal pigments with the host immune system provides valuable clues for fighting fungal infections. The great potential of fungal pigments have opened the avenues for academia and industries ranging from fundamental biology to pharmaceutical development, shedding light on our endeavors for disease prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lin
- School of Life Science and Technology, Department of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Diseases (MOE), Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, Jiangsu, China;
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Opportunistic commensal and environmental fungi can cause superficial to systemic diseases in humans. But how did these pathogens adapt to infect us and how does host-pathogen co-evolution shape their virulence potential? During evolution toward pathogenicity, not only do microorganisms gain virulence genes, but they also tend to lose non-adaptive genes in the host niche. Additionally, virulence factors can become detrimental during infection when they trigger host recognition. The loss of non-adaptive genes as well as the loss of the virulence potential of genes by adaptations to the host has been investigated in pathogenic bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi, where they are known as antivirulence and avirulence genes, respectively. However, these concepts are nearly unknown in the field of pathogenic fungi of humans. We think that this unnecessarily limits our view of human-fungal interplay, and that much could be learned if we applied a similar framework to aspects of these interactions. In this review, we, therefore, define and adapt the concepts of antivirulence and avirulence genes for human pathogenic fungi. We provide examples for analogies to antivirulence genes of bacterial pathogens and to avirulence genes of phytopathogenic fungi. Introducing these terms to the field of pathogenic fungi of humans can help to better comprehend the emergence and evolution of fungal virulence and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Siscar-Lewin
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
The immune system plays a critical role in protecting us against potentially fatal fungal infections. However, some fungal pathogens have evolved evasion strategies that reduce the efficacy of our immune defenses. Previously, we reported that the fungal pathogen Candida albicans exploits specific host-derived signals (such as lactate and hypoxia) to trigger an immune evasion strategy that involves reducing the exposure of β-glucan at its cell surface. Here, we show that this phenomenon is mediated by the induction of a major secreted exoglucanase (Xog1) by the fungus in response to these host signals. Inactivating XOG1-mediated “shaving” of cell surface-exposed β-glucan enhances immune responses against the fungus. Furthermore, inhibiting exoglucanase activity pharmacologically attenuates C. albicans virulence. In addition to revealing the mechanism underlying a key immune evasion strategy in a major fungal pathogen of humans, our work highlights the potential therapeutic value of drugs that block fungal immune evasion. The cell wall provides a major physical interface between fungal pathogens and their mammalian host. This extracellular armor is critical for fungal cell homeostasis and survival. Fungus-specific cell wall moieties, such as β-1,3-glucan, are recognized as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that activate immune-mediated clearance mechanisms. We have reported that the opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans masks β-1,3-glucan following exposure to lactate, hypoxia, or iron depletion. However, the precise mechanism(s) by which C. albicans masks β-1,3-glucan has remained obscure. Here, we identify a secreted exoglucanase, Xog1, that is induced in response to lactate or hypoxia. Xog1 functions downstream of the lactate-induced β-glucan “masking” pathway to promote β-1,3-glucan “shaving.” Inactivation of XOG1 blocks most but not all β-1,3-glucan masking in response to lactate, suggesting that other activities contribute to this phenomenon. Nevertheless, XOG1 deletion attenuates the lactate-induced reductions in phagocytosis and cytokine stimulation normally observed for wild-type cells. We also demonstrate that the pharmacological inhibition of exoglucanases undermines β-glucan shaving, enhances the immune visibility of the fungus, and attenuates its virulence. Our study establishes a new mechanism underlying environmentally induced PAMP remodeling that can be manipulated pharmacologically to influence immune recognition and infection outcomes.
Collapse
|
31
|
Tripathi A, Liverani E, Tsygankov AY, Puri S. Iron alters the cell wall composition and intracellular lactate to affect Candida albicans susceptibility to antifungals and host immune response. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10032-10044. [PMID: 32503842 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal pathogen Candida albicans has a complex cell wall consisting of an outer layer of mannans and an inner layer of β-glucans and chitin. The fungal cell wall is the primary target for antifungals and is recognized by host immune cells. Environmental conditions such as carbon sources, pH, temperature, and oxygen tension can modulate the fungal cell wall architecture. Cellular signaling pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, are responsible for sensing environmental cues and mediating cell wall alterations. Although iron has recently been shown to affect β-1,3-glucan exposure on the cell wall, we report here that iron changes the composition of all major C. albicans cell wall components. Specifically, high iron decreased the levels of mannans (including phosphomannans) and chitin; and increased β-1,3-glucan levels. These changes increased the resistance of C. albicans to cell wall-perturbing antifungals. Moreover, high iron cells exhibited adequate mitochondrial functioning; leading to a reduction in accumulation of lactate that signals through the transcription factor Crz1 to induce β-1,3-glucan masking in C. albicans We show here that iron-induced changes in β-1,3-glucan exposure are lactate-dependent; and high iron causes β-1,3-glucan exposure by preventing lactate-induced, Crz1-mediated inhibition of activation of the fungal MAPK Cek1. Furthermore, despite exhibiting enhanced antifungal resistance, high iron C. albicans cells had reduced survival upon phagocytosis by macrophages. Our results underscore the role of iron as an environmental signal in multiple signaling pathways that alter cell wall architecture in C. albicans, thereby affecting its survival upon exposure to antifungals and host immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Tripathi
- Oral Microbiome Research Laboratory, Department of Oral Health Sciences, Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elisabetta Liverani
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander Y Tsygankov
- Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sumant Puri
- Oral Microbiome Research Laboratory, Department of Oral Health Sciences, Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hatinguais R, Willment JA, Brown GD. PAMPs of the Fungal Cell Wall and Mammalian PRRs. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2020; 425:187-223. [PMID: 32180018 DOI: 10.1007/82_2020_201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fungi are opportunistic pathogens that infect immunocompromised patients and are responsible for an estimated 1.5 million deaths every year. The antifungal innate immune response is mediated through the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by the host's pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). PRRs are immune receptors that ensure the internalisation and the killing of fungal pathogens. They also mount the inflammatory response, which contributes to initiate and polarise the adaptive response, controlled by lymphocytes. Both the innate and adaptive immune responses are required to control fungal infections. The immune recognition of fungal pathogen primarily occurs at the interface between the membrane of innate immune cells and the fungal cell wall, which contains a number of PAMPs. This chapter will focus on describing the main mammalian PRRs that have been shown to bind to PAMPs from the fungal cell wall of the four main fungal pathogens: Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans and Pneumocystis jirovecii. We will describe these receptors, their functions and ligands to provide the reader with an overview of how the immune system recognises fungal pathogens and responds to them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remi Hatinguais
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Janet A Willment
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Gordon D Brown
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Non-canonical signalling mediates changes in fungal cell wall PAMPs that drive immune evasion. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5315. [PMID: 31757950 PMCID: PMC6876565 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13298-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To colonise their host, pathogens must counter local environmental and immunological challenges. Here, we reveal that the fungal pathogen Candida albicans exploits diverse host-associated signals to promote immune evasion by masking of a major pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), β-glucan. Certain nutrients, stresses and antifungal drugs trigger β-glucan masking, whereas other inputs, such as nitrogen sources and quorum sensing molecules, exert limited effects on this PAMP. In particular, iron limitation triggers substantial changes in the cell wall that reduce β-glucan exposure. This correlates with reduced phagocytosis by macrophages and attenuated cytokine responses by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Iron limitation-induced β-glucan masking depends on parallel signalling via the iron transceptor Ftr1 and the iron-responsive transcription factor Sef1, and the protein kinase A pathway. Our data reveal that C. albicans exploits a diverse range of specific host signals to trigger protective anticipatory responses against impending phagocytic attack and promote host colonisation. The authors show that the fungal pathogen Candida albicans exploits diverse host-associated signals, including specific nutrients and stresses, to promote immune evasion by masking cell wall β-glucan, a major pathogen-associated molecular pattern.
Collapse
|
34
|
Down-regulation of TUFM impairs host cell interaction and virulence by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17206. [PMID: 31748561 PMCID: PMC6868139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51540-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Paracoccidioides consist of dimorphic fungi geographically limited to the subtropical regions of Latin America, which are responsible for causing deep systemic mycosis in humans. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Paracoccidioides spp. causes the disease remain poorly understood. Paracoccidioides spp. harbor genes that encode proteins involved in host cell interaction and mitochondrial function, which together are required for pathogenicity and mediate virulence. Previously, we identified TufM (previously known as EF-Tu) in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (PbTufM) and suggested that it may be involved in the pathogenicity of this fungus. In this study, we examined the effects of downregulating PbTUFM using a silenced strain with a 55% reduction in PbTUFM expression obtained by antisense-RNA (aRNA) technology. Silencing PbTUFM yielded phenotypic differences, such as altered translation elongation, respiratory defects, increased sensitivity of yeast cells to reactive oxygen stress, survival after macrophage phagocytosis, and reduced interaction with pneumocytes. These results were associated with reduced virulence in Galleria mellonella and murine infection models, emphasizing the importance of PbTufM in the full virulence of P. brasiliensis and its potential as a target for antifungal agents against paracoccidioidomycosis.
Collapse
|
35
|
Chien CT, Chen YC, Liu YC, Liang SH, Lin HH, Lin CH. The antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation resistance of Candida albicans is modulated by the Hog1 pathway and the Cap1 transcription factor. Med Mycol 2019; 57:618-627. [PMID: 30289464 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myy079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most important fungal pathogen afflicting humans, particularly immunocompromised patients. However, currently available antifungal drugs are limited and ineffective against drug-resistant strains. The development of new drugs or alternative therapeutic approaches to control fungal infections is urgent and necessary. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a new promising therapy for eradicating microorganism infections through combining visible light, photosensitizers, and oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although cytoprotective responses induced by photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been well studied in cancer cells, the mechanisms by which C. albicans responds to PDI are largely unknown. In this study, we first demonstrated that PDI induces C. albicans Hog1p activation. Deletion of any of the SSK2, PBS2, and HOG1 genes significantly decreased the survival rate after photochemical reactions, indicating that the Hog1 SAPK pathway is required for tolerance to PDI. Furthermore, the basic leucine zipper transcription factor Cap1 that regulates several downstream antioxidant genes was highly expressed during the response to PDI, and loss of CAP1 also resulted in decreased C. albicans survival rates. This study demonstrates the importance of the Hog1 SAPK and the Cap1 transcription factor, which regulates in resistance to PDI-mediated oxidative stress in C. albicans. Understanding the mechanisms by which C. albicans responds to PDI and consequently scavenges ROS will be very useful for the further development of therapeutics to control fungal infectious diseases, particularly those of the skin and mucosal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Ting Chien
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chia Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chun Liu
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Hsien-Hen Lin
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kar B, Patel P, Free SJ. Trichophyton rubrum LysM proteins bind to fungal cell wall chitin and to the N-linked oligosaccharides present on human skin glycoproteins. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215034. [PMID: 30947244 PMCID: PMC6449025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Trichophyton rubrum genome contains six proteins containing two or more lysin M (LysM) domains. We have characterized two of these proteins, LysM1 and LysM2, and demonstrated that these proteins have the capacity to bind two substrates, chitin and N-linked oligosaccharides associated with human skin glycoproteins. We have characterized the individual LysM domains in LysM1, and shown that the protein contains two functional LysM domains. Each of these domains can bind to chitin, to N-linked oligosaccharides in human skin glycoproteins, and to N-linked oligosaccharides on fungal glycoproteins. We hypothesize that LysM proteins could provide the pathogen with three important functions. First, the T. rubrum LysM proteins could shield host cell wall chitin from the human immune system. Second, the LysM proteins could shield the pathogen’s glycoproteins from host degradation and immune surveillance. Third, the LysM proteins could help facilitate pathogen adhesion to human skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bibekananda Kar
- Department of Biological Sciences, SUNY University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Pavan Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, SUNY University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. Free
- Department of Biological Sciences, SUNY University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Pervasive fungal infection among the immunocompromised population, in conjunction with a lack of effective treatment options, has demanded further scrutiny. Millions of people are still dying annually from fungal infections. While existing treatment for these fungal infections exists, it is difficult to administer without adverse effects in the immunocompromised and is slowly becoming obsolete due to varying mutation rates and rising resistance in multiple species. Thus, vaccines may be a viable target for preventing and treating fungal infections and addressing the critical challenge of such infections.
Recent Findings
Candida albicans, along with other non-albicans Candida species, is among the more virulent class of fungal specimens considered for vaccine development. C. albicans is responsible for a large percentage of invasive fungal infections among immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations and carries a relatively high mortality rate. In the last decade, a recent increase in infective capacity among Candida species has shed light on the lack of adequate fungal vaccine choices. While roadblocks still exist in the development of antifungal vaccines, several novel targets have been examined and proposed as candidates.
Summary
Success in vaccine development has universal appeal; an anti-Candida vaccine formulation could be modified to work against other fungal infections and thus bolster the antifungal pipeline.
Collapse
|
38
|
Wang Z, Yang J, Xin C, Xing X, Yin Y, Chen L, Song Z. Regulation of conidiation, dimorphic transition, and microsclerotia formation by MrSwi6 transcription factor in dimorphic fungus Metarhizium rileyi. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 35:46. [PMID: 30825005 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-019-2619-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Microsclerotia (MS) produced in the liquid culture of the dimorphic insect pathogen Metarhizium rileyi can be used as a mycoinsecticide. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the cell cycle signaling pathway was involved in regulating MS formation. To investigate the mechanisms by which the signaling pathway is regulated, a cell cycle box binding transcription factor MrSwi6 of M. rileyi was characterized. MrSwi6 was highly expressed during periods of yeast-hypha transition and conidia and MS formation. When compared with wild-type and complemented strains, disruption of MrSwi6 significantly reduced conidia (15-36%) and MS formation (96.2%), and exhibited decreased virulence levels. Digital expression profiling revealed that genes involved in antioxidation, pigment biosynthesis, and ion transport and storage were regulated by MrSwi6 during conidia and MS development. These results confirmed the significance of MrSwi6 in dimorphic transition, conidia and MS formation, and virulence in M. rileyi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongkang Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyan Xin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaorui Xing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Youping Yin
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Brown AJ, Gow NA, Warris A, Brown GD. Memory in Fungal Pathogens Promotes Immune Evasion, Colonisation, and Infection. Trends Microbiol 2019; 27:219-230. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
40
|
Lopez-Nieves S, Pringle A, Maeda HA. Biochemical characterization of TyrA dehydrogenases from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Ascomycota) and Pleurotus ostreatus (Basidiomycota). Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 665:12-19. [PMID: 30771296 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
L-Tyrosine is an aromatic amino acid necessary for protein synthesis in all living organisms and a precursor of secondary (specialized) metabolites. In fungi, tyrosine-derived compounds are associated with virulence and defense (i.e. melanin production). However, how tyrosine is produced in fungi is not fully understood. Generally, tyrosine can be synthesized via two pathways: by prephenate dehydrogenase (TyrAp/PDH), a pathway found in most bacteria, or by arogenate dehydrogenase (TyrAa/ADH), a pathway found mainly in plants. Both enzymes require the cofactor NAD+ or NADP+ and typically are strongly feedback inhibited by tyrosine. Here, we biochemically characterized two TyrA enzymes from two distantly related fungi in the Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ScTyrA/TYR1) and Pleurotus ostreatus (PoTyrA), respectively. We found that both enzymes favor the prephenate substrate and NAD+ cofactor in vitro. Interestingly, while PoTyrA was strongly inhibited by tyrosine, ScTyrA exhibited relaxed sensitivity to tyrosine inhibition. We further mutated ScTyrA at the amino acid residue that was previously shown to be involved in the substrate specificity of plant TyrAs; however, no changes in its substrate specificity were observed, suggesting that a different mechanism is involved in the TyrA substrate specificity of fungal TyrAs. The current findings provide foundational knowledge to further understand and engineer tyrosine-derived specialized pathways in fungi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lopez-Nieves
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Anne Pringle
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA; Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Hiroshi A Maeda
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Song Z, Yang J, Xin C, Xing X, Yuan Q, Yin Y, Wang Z. A transcription factor, MrMsn2, in the dimorphic fungus Metarhizium rileyi is essential for dimorphism transition, aggravated pigmentation, conidiation and microsclerotia formation. Microb Biotechnol 2018; 11:1157-1169. [PMID: 30160031 PMCID: PMC6196401 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsclerotia (MS) are pseudoparenchymatous aggregations of hyphae of fungi that can be induced in liquid culture for biocontrol applications. Previously, we determined that the high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) signalling pathway was involved in regulating MS development in the dimorphic insect pathogen Metarhizium rileyi. To further investigate the mechanisms by which the signalling pathway is regulated, we characterized the transcriptional factor MrMsn2, a homologue of the yeast C2 H2 transcriptional factor Msn2, which is predicted to function downstream of the HOG pathway in M. rileyi. Compared with wild-type and complemented strains, disruption of MrMsn2 increased the yeast-to-hypha transition rate, enhanced conidiation capacity and aggravated pigmentation in M. rileyi. The ▵MrMsn2 mutants were sensitive to stress, produced morphologically abnormal clones and had significantly reduced MS formation and decreased virulence levels. Digital expression profiling revealed that genes involved in antioxidation, pigment biosynthesis and ion transport and storage were regulated by MrMsn2 during conidia and MS development. Taken together, our findings confirm that MrMsn2 controlled the yeast-to-hypha transition, conidia and MS formation, and virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyong Song
- School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Caiyan Xin
- School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Xiaorui Xing
- School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Qing Yuan
- School of Basic Medical SciencesSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhou646000China
| | - Youping Yin
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal InsecticideSchool of Life ScienceChongqing UniversityChongqing400030China
| | - Zhongkang Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal InsecticideSchool of Life ScienceChongqing UniversityChongqing400030China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Frey M, Bobbala S, Karabin N, Scott E. Influences of nanocarrier morphology on therapeutic immunomodulation. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2018; 13:1795-1811. [PMID: 30084296 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2018-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanomaterials provide numerous advantages for the administration of therapeutics, particularly as carriers of immunomodulatory agents targeting specific immune cell populations during immunotherapy. While the physicochemical characteristics of nanocarriers have long been linked to their therapeutic efficacy and applications, focus has primarily been placed on assessing influences of size and surface chemistry. In addition to these materials properties, the nanostructure morphology, in other words, shape and aspect ratio, has emerged as an equally important feature of nanocarriers that can dictate mechanisms of endocytosis, biodistribution and degree of cytotoxicity. In this review, we will highlight how the morphological features of nanostructures influence the immune responses elicited during therapeutic immunomodulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Frey
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sharan Bobbala
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Nicholas Karabin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Evan Scott
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
García-Carnero LC, Pérez-García LA, Martínez-Álvarez JA, Reyes-Martínez JE, Mora-Montes HM. Current trends to control fungal pathogens: exploiting our knowledge in the host-pathogen interaction. Infect Drug Resist 2018; 11:903-913. [PMID: 30013373 PMCID: PMC6037146 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s170337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fungal infections remain a major challenge in medicine. Only a limited number of antifungal drugs are available, which are often related to severe adverse effects. In addition, there is an increased emergence related to resistant strains, which makes imperative to understand the host-pathogen interactions as well as to develop alternative treatments. Host innate and adaptive immunity play a crucial role controlling fungal infections; therefore, vaccines are a viable tool to prevent and treat fungal pathogens. Innate immunity is triggered by the interaction between the cell surface pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Such an initial immunological response is yet little understood in fungal infections, in part due to the complexity and plasticity of the fungal cell walls. Described host cell-fungus interactions and antigenic molecules are addressed in this paper. Furthermore, antigens found in the cell wall and capsule, including peptides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycans, have been used to trigger specific immune responses, and an increased production of antibodies has been observed when attached to immunogenic molecules. The recent biotechnological advances have allowed the development of vaccines against viral and bacterial pathogens with positive results; therefore, this technology has been applied to develop anti-fungal vaccines. Passive immunization has also emerged as an appealing alternative to treat disseminated mycosis, especially in immunocompromised patients. Those approaches have a long way to be seen in clinical cases. However, all studies discussed here open the possibility to have access to new therapies to be applied alone or in combination with current antifungal drugs. Herein, the state of the art of fungal vaccine developments is discussed in this review, highlighting new advances against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and Sporothrix spp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura C García-Carnero
- Department of Biology, Division of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato,
| | - Luis A Pérez-García
- Multidisciplinay Academic Unit, Zona Huasteca, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Ciudad Valles, México
| | - José A Martínez-Álvarez
- Department of Biology, Division of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato,
| | - Juana E Reyes-Martínez
- Department of Biology, Division of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato,
| | - Héctor M Mora-Montes
- Department of Biology, Division of Exact and Natural Sciences, Campus Guanajuato, Universidad de Guanajuato,
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Alonso R, Pisa D, Fernández-Fernández AM, Carrasco L. Infection of Fungi and Bacteria in Brain Tissue From Elderly Persons and Patients With Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:159. [PMID: 29881346 PMCID: PMC5976758 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in elderly people. The etiology of this disease remains a matter of intensive research in many laboratories. We have advanced the idea that disseminated fungal infection contributes to the etiology of AD. Thus, we have demonstrated that fungal proteins and DNA are present in nervous tissue from AD patients. More recently, we have reported that bacterial infections can accompany these mycoses, suggesting that polymicrobial infections exist in AD brains. In the present study, we have examined fungal and bacterial infection in brain tissue from AD patients and control subjects by immunohistochemistry. In addition, we have documented the fungal and bacterial species in brain regions from AD patients and control subjects by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Our results from the analysis of ten AD patients reveal a variety of fungal and bacterial species, although some were more prominent than others. The fungal genera more prevalent in AD patients were Alternaria, Botrytis, Candida, and Malassezia. We also compared these genera with those found in elderly and younger subjects. One of the most prominent genera in control subjects was Fusarium. Principal component analysis clearly indicated that fungi from frontal cortex samples of AD brains clustered together and differed from those of equivalent control subjects. Regarding bacterial infection, the phylum Proteobacteria was the most prominent in both AD patients and controls, followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroides. At the family level, Burkholderiaceae and Staphylococcaceae exhibited higher percentages in AD brains than in control brains. These findings could be of interest to guide targeted antimicrobial therapy for AD patients. Moreover, the variety of microbial species in each patient may constitute a basis for a better understanding of the evolution and severity of clinical symptoms in each patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luis Carrasco
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa”, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas y Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Padder SA, Prasad R, Shah AH. Quorum sensing: A less known mode of communication among fungi. Microbiol Res 2018; 210:51-58. [PMID: 29625658 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Quorum sensing (QS), a density-dependent signaling mechanism of microbial cells, involves an exchange and sense of low molecular weight signaling compounds called autoinducers. With the increase in population density, the autoinducers accumulate in the extracellular environment and once their concentration reaches a threshold, many genes are either expressed or repressed. This cell density-dependent signaling mechanism enables single cells to behave as multicellular organisms and regulates different microbial behaviors like morphogenesis, pathogenesis, competence, biofilm formation, bioluminescence, etc guided by environmental cues. Initially, QS was regarded to be a specialized system of certain bacteria. The discovery of filamentation control in pathogenic polymorphic fungus Candida albicans by farnesol revealed the phenomenon of QS in fungi as well. Pathogenic microorganisms primarily regulate the expression of virulence genes using QS systems. The indirect role of QS in the emergence of multiple drug resistance (MDR) in microbial pathogens necessitates the finding of alternative antimicrobial therapies that target QS and inhibit the same. A related phenomenon of quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) performed by small inhibitor molecules called quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) has an ability for efficient reduction of gene expression regulated by quorum sensing. In the present review, recent advancements in the study of different fungal quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) and quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) of fungal origin along with their mechanism of action and/or role/s are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Ahmad Padder
- Department of Bioresources, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, J&K, India
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- Amity Institute of Integrative Sciences and Health and Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Haryana, Amity Education Valley, Gurgaon 122413, HR, India
| | - Abdul Haseeb Shah
- Department of Bioresources, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, J&K, India.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
An immunoproteomic approach revealing peptides from Sporothrix brasiliensis that induce a cellular immune response in subcutaneous sporotrichosis. Sci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29520092 PMCID: PMC5843658 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22709-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sporothrix brasiliensis is the most virulent fungus of the Sporothrix complex and is the main species recovered in the sporotrichosis zoonotic hyperendemic area in Rio de Janeiro. A vaccine against S. brasiliensis could improve the current sporotrichosis situation. Here, we show 3 peptides from S. brasiliensis immunogenic proteins that have a higher likelihood for engaging MHC-class II molecules. We investigated the efficiency of the peptides as vaccines for preventing subcutaneous sporotrichosis. In this study, we observed a decrease in lesion diameters in peptide-immunized mice, showing that the peptides could induce a protective immune response against subcutaneous sporotrichosis. ZR8 peptide is from the GP70 protein, the main antigen of the Sporothrix complex, and was the best potential vaccine candidate by increasing CD4+ T cells and higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-17A and IL-1β characterizing a strong cellular immune response. This immune environment induced a higher number of neutrophils in lesions that are associated with fungus clearance. These results indicated that the ZR8 peptide induces a protective immune response against subcutaneous sporotrichosis and is a vaccine candidate against S. brasiliensis infection.
Collapse
|
47
|
Sebina I, Pepper M. Humoral immune responses to infection: common mechanisms and unique strategies to combat pathogen immune evasion tactics. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 51:46-54. [PMID: 29477969 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Humoral immune responses are crucial for protection against invading pathogens and are the underlying mechanism of protection for most successful vaccines. Our understanding of how humoral immunity develops is largely based on animal models utilizing experimental immunization systems. While these studies have made enormous progress for the field and have defined many of the fundamental principles of B cell differentiation and function, we are only now beginning to appreciate the complexities of humoral immune responses induced by infection. Co-evolution of the adaptive immune system and the pathogenic world has created a diverse array of B cell responses to infections, with both shared and unique strategies. In this review, we consider the common mechanisms that regulate the development of humoral immune responses during infection and highlight recent findings demonstrating the evolution of unique strategies used by either host or pathogen for survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Sebina
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Marion Pepper
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Host response to pulmonary fungal infections: A highlight on cell-driven immunity to Cryptococcus species and Aspergillus fumigatus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 3:335-345. [PMID: 29430385 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-017-0111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
49
|
Silva-Rocha WP, de Azevedo MF, Ferreira MRA, da Silva JDF, Svidzinski TIE, Milan EP, Soares LAL, Rocha KBF, Uchôa AF, Mendes-Giannini MJS, Fusco Almeida AM, Chaves GM. Effect of the Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Eugenia uniflora on Proteins Global Expression during Morphogenesis in Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1788. [PMID: 29018413 PMCID: PMC5622941 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Candida albicans is able to switch from yeast to hyphal growth and this is an essential step for tissue invasion and establishment of infection. Due to the limited drug arsenal used to treat fungal infections and the constant emergence of resistant strains, it is important to search for new therapeutic candidates. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate by proteomic analysis the role of a natural product (Eugenia uniflora) in impairing hypha formation in C. albicans. We also tested the potential action of E. uniflora to prevent and treat oral candidiasis induced in a murine model of oral infection and the ability of polymorphonuclear neutrophils to phagocytize C. albicans cells treated with the ethyl acetate fraction of the extract. We found that this fraction greatly reduced hypha formation after morphogenesis induction in the presence of serum. Besides, several proteins were differentially expressed in cells treated with the fraction. Surprisingly, the ethyl acetate fraction significantly reduced phagocytosis in C. albicans (Mean 120.36 ± 36.71 yeasts/100 PMNs vs. 44.68 ± 19.84 yeasts/100 PMNs). Oral candidiasis was attenuated when C. albicans cells were either pre-incubated in the presence of E. uniflora or when the fraction was applied to the surface of the oral cavity after infection. These results were consistent with the reduction in CFU counts (2.36 vs. 1.85 Log10 CFU/ml) and attenuation of tissue damage observed with histopathological analysis of animals belonging to treated group. We also observed shorter true hyphae by direct examination and histopathological analysis, when cells were treated with the referred natural product. The E. uniflora ethyl acetate fraction was non-toxic to human cells. E. uniflora may act on essential proteins mainly related to cellular structure, reducing the capacity of filamentation and attenuating infection in a murine model, without causing any toxic effect on human cells, suggesting that it may be a future therapeutic alternative for the treatment of Candida infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Walicyranison P Silva-Rocha
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica e Molecular, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Matheus F de Azevedo
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica e Molecular, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Magda R A Ferreira
- Departamento de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Terezinha I E Svidzinski
- Departamento de Análise Clínicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Eveline P Milan
- Departamento de Infectologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Luiz A L Soares
- Departamento de Farmácia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | - Keyla B F Rocha
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Adriana F Uchôa
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e Genética, Centro de Biociências, Instituto de Medicina Tropical do RN, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Ana M Fusco Almeida
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme M Chaves
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica e Molecular, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tuuminen T, Rinne KS. Severe Sequelae to Mold-Related Illness as Demonstrated in Two Finnish Cohorts. Front Immunol 2017; 8:382. [PMID: 28421079 PMCID: PMC5377931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of toxic indoor molds with accompanying bacterial growth is clearly detrimental to human health. The pathophysiological and toxicological effects of toxins and structural components of molds and bacteria have been clarified in experiments conducted in tissue culture and animals, and there is convincing epidemiologic evidence; nonetheless their implications for human health are either ignored or denied, at least in Finland. In this communication, we describe two cohorts suffering severe sequelae to mold-related illness. One cohort is a nine-member family with pets that moved into a new house, which soon proved to be infested with pathogenic molds. The other cohort consists of 30 teachers and 50 students from a mold-infested school building. The first cohort experienced a plethora of mucosal irritation, neurological, skin, allergic, and other symptoms, with all family members ultimately developing a multiple chemical syndrome. In the second cohort, we detected a greatly elevated prevalence of autoimmune conditions and malignancies. We claim that mold-related illness exists in multiple facets; if not simply a transient mucosal irritation or even an increased risk of asthma onset or its exacerbation. We propose a scheme to explain the natural course of the mold-related illness. We recommend that future studies should combine data from, e.g., cancer, autoimmune, and endocrine disorder registers and neurological and mental health or neuropsychological registers with mold-exposed individuals being monitored for prolonged follow-up times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Tuuminen
- Medicum, Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|