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Podda M, Bonechi S, Palladino A, Scaramuzzino M, Brozzi A, Roma G, Muzzi A, Priami C, Sîrbu A, Bodini M. Classification of Neisseria meningitidis genomes with a bag-of-words approach and machine learning. iScience 2024; 27:109257. [PMID: 38439962 PMCID: PMC10910294 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Whole genome sequencing of bacteria is important to enable strain classification. Using entire genomes as an input to machine learning (ML) models would allow rapid classification of strains while using information from multiple genetic elements. We developed a "bag-of-words" approach to encode, using SentencePiece or k-mer tokenization, entire bacterial genomes and analyze these with ML. Initial model selection identified SentencePiece with 8,000 and 32,000 words as the best approach for genome tokenization. We then classified in Neisseria meningitidis genomes the capsule B group genotype with 99.6% accuracy and the multifactor invasive phenotype with 90.2% accuracy, in an independent test set. Subsequently, in silico knockouts of 2,808 genes confirmed that the ML model predictions aligned with our current understanding of the underlying biology. To our knowledge, this is the first ML method using entire bacterial genomes to classify strains and identify genes considered relevant by the classifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Podda
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Simone Bonechi
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Palladino
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Brozzi
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Guglielmo Roma
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Muzzi
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Corrado Priami
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alina Sîrbu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Bodini
- Vaccines Discovery Data Sciences, GSK Vaccines, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
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2
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Wu S, Coureuil M, Nassif X, Tautz L. Enzyme mechanistic studies of NMA1982, a protein tyrosine phosphatase and potential virulence factor in Neisseria meningitidis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22015. [PMID: 38086986 PMCID: PMC10716126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49561-9] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is an integral part of many cellular processes, not only in eukaryotes but also in bacteria. The discovery of both prokaryotic protein kinases and phosphatases has created interest in generating antibacterial therapeutics that target these enzymes. NMA1982 is a putative phosphatase from Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningitis and meningococcal septicemia. The overall fold of NMA1982 closely resembles that of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). However, the hallmark C(X)5R PTP signature motif, containing the catalytic cysteine and invariant arginine, is shorter by one amino acid in NMA1982. This has cast doubt about the catalytic mechanism of NMA1982 and its assignment to the PTP superfamily. Here, we demonstrate that NMA1982 indeed employs a catalytic mechanism that is specific to PTPs. Mutagenesis experiments, transition state inhibition, pH-dependence activity, and oxidative inactivation experiments all support that NMA1982 is a genuine PTP. Importantly, we show that NMA1982 is secreted by N. meningitidis, suggesting that this protein is a potential virulence factor. Future studies will need to address whether NMA1982 is indeed essential for N. meningitidis survival and virulence. Based on its unique active site conformation, NMA1982 may become a suitable target for developing selective antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangding Wu
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mathieu Coureuil
- Université Paris CitéUFR de Médecine, 15 Rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006, Paris, France
- Institut Necker Enfants-MaladesInserm U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, 160 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Nassif
- Université Paris CitéUFR de Médecine, 15 Rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006, Paris, France
- Institut Necker Enfants-MaladesInserm U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, 160 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Lutz Tautz
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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3
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Brusletto BS, Hellerud BC, Øvstebø R, Brandtzaeg P. Neisseria meningitidis accumulate in large organs during meningococcal sepsis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1298360. [PMID: 38089821 PMCID: PMC10713808 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1298360] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is the cause of epidemic meningitis and fulminant meningococcal septicemia. The clinical presentations and outcome of meningococcal septic shock is closely related to the circulating levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and of Neisseria meningitidis DNA (Nm DNA). We have previously explored the distribution of Nm DNA in tissues from large organs of patients dying of meningococcal septic shock and in a porcine meningococcal septic shock model. Objective 1) To explore the feasibility of measuring LPS levels in tissues from the large organs in patients with meningococcal septic shock and in a porcine meningococcal septic shock model. 2) To evaluate the extent of contamination of non-specific LPS during the preparation of tissue samples. Patients and methods Plasma, serum, and fresh frozen (FF) tissue samples from the large organs of three patients with lethal meningococcal septic shock and two patients with lethal pneumococcal disease. Samples from a porcine meningococcal septic shock model were included. Frozen tissue samples were thawed, homogenized, and prepared for quantification of LPS by Pyrochrome® Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay. Results N. meningitidis DNA and LPS was detected in FF tissue samples from large organs in all patients with meningococcal septic shock. The lungs are the organs with the highest LPS and Nm DNA concentration followed by the heart in two of the three meningococcal shock patients. Nm DNA was not detected in any plasma or tissue sample from patients with lethal pneumococcal infection. LPS was detected at a low level in all FF tissues from the two patients with lethal pneumococcal disease. The experimental porcine meningococcal septic shock model indicates that also in porcinis the highest LPS and Nm DNA concentration are detected in lungs tissue samples. The quantification analysis showed that the highest concentration of both Nm DNA and LPS are in the organs and not in the circulation of patients with lethal meningococcal septic shock. This was also shown in the experimental porcine meningococcal septic shock model. Conclusion Our results suggest that LPS can be quantified in mammalian tissues by using the LAL assay.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Reidun Øvstebø
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Brandtzaeg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Nydalen, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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4
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Wu S, Coureuil M, Nassif X, Tautz L. Enzyme Mechanistic Studies of NMA1982, a Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase and Potential Virulence Factor in Neisseria meningitidis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3098138. [PMID: 37693380 PMCID: PMC10491346 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3098138/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is an integral part of many cellular processes, not only in eukaryotes but also in bacteria. The discovery of both prokaryotic protein kinases and phosphatases has created interest in generating antibacterial therapeutics that target these enzymes. NMA1982 is a putative phosphatase from Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningitis and meningococcal septicemia. The overall fold of NMA1982 closely resembles that of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). However, the hallmark C(X)5R PTP signature motif, containing the catalytic cysteine and invariant arginine, is shorter by one amino acid in NMA1982. This has cast doubt about the catalytic mechanism of NMA1982 and its assignment to the PTP superfamily. Here, we demonstrate that NMA1982 indeed employs a catalytic mechanism that is specific to PTPs. Mutagenesis experiments, transition state inhibition, pH-dependence activity, and oxidative inactivation experiments all support that NMA1982 is a genuine PTP. Importantly, we show that NMA1982 is secreted by N. meningitidis, suggesting that this protein is a potential virulence factor. Future studies will need to address whether NMA1982 is indeed essential for N. meningitidis survival and virulence. Based on its unique active site conformation, NMA1982 may become a suitable target for developing selective antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lutz Tautz
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
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5
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Murik O, Zeevi DA, Mann T, Kashat L, Assous MV, Megged O, Yagupsky P. Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals Differences among Kingella kingae Strains from Carriers and Patients with Invasive Infections. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0389522. [PMID: 37195188 PMCID: PMC10269580 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03895-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As a result of the increasing use of sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests, Kingella kingae is being recognized as a common pathogen of early childhood, causing medical conditions ranging from asymptomatic oropharyngeal colonization to bacteremia, osteoarthritis, and life-threatening endocarditis. However, the genomic determinants associated with the different clinical outcomes are unknown. Employing whole-genome sequencing, we studied 125 international K. kingae isolates derived from 23 healthy carriers and 102 patients with invasive infections, including bacteremia (n = 23), osteoarthritis (n = 61), and endocarditis (n = 18). We compared their genomic structures and contents to identify genomic determinants associated with the different clinical conditions. The mean genome size of the strains was 2,024,228 bp, and the pangenome comprised 4,026 predicted genes, of which 1,460 (36.3%) were core genes shared by >99% of the isolates. No single gene discriminated between carried and invasive strains; however, 43 genes were significantly more frequent in invasive isolates, compared to asymptomatically carried organisms, and a few showed a significant differential distribution among isolates from skeletal system infections, bacteremia, and endocarditis. The gene encoding the iron-regulated protein FrpC was uniformly absent in all 18 endocarditis-associated strains but was present in one-third of other invasive isolates. Similar to other members of the Neisseriaceae family, the K. kingae differences in invasiveness and tropism for specific body tissues appear to depend on combinations of multiple virulence-associated determinants that are widely distributed throughout the genome. The potential role of the absence of the FrpC protein in the pathogenesis of endocardial invasion deserves further investigation. IMPORTANCE The wide range of clinical severities exhibited by invasive Kingella kingae infections strongly suggests that isolates differ in their genomic contents, and strains associated with life-threatening endocarditis may harbor distinct genomic determinants that result in cardiac tropism and severe tissue damage. The results of the present study show that no single gene discriminated between asymptomatically carried isolates and invasive strains. However, 43 putative genes were significantly more frequent among invasive isolates than among pharyngeal colonizers. In addition, several genes displayed a significant differential distribution among isolates from bacteremia, skeletal system infections, and endocarditis, suggesting that the virulence and tissue tropism of K. kingae are multifactorial and polygenic, depending on changes in the allele content and genomic organization. Further analysis of these putative genes may identify genomic determinants of the invasiveness of K. kingae and its affinity for specific body tissues and potential targets for a future protective vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Murik
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David A. Zeevi
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tzvia Mann
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Livnat Kashat
- Microbiology Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Marc V. Assous
- Microbiology Laboratory, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orli Megged
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Pediatric Department and Infectious Diseases Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Pablo Yagupsky
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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6
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Wu S, Coureuil M, Nassif X, Tautz L. NMA1982 is a Novel Phosphatase and Potential Virulence Factor in Neisseria meningitidis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.23.541968. [PMID: 37292688 PMCID: PMC10245925 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.23.541968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is an integral part of many cellular processes, not only in eukaryotes but also in bacteria. The discovery of both prokaryotic protein kinases and phosphatases has created interest in generating antibacterial therapeutics that target these enzymes. NMA1982 is a putative phosphatase from Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningitis and meningococcal septicemia. The overall fold of NMA1982 closely resembles that of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). However, the hallmark C(X)5R PTP signature motif, containing the catalytic cysteine and invariant arginine, is shorter by one amino acid in NMA1982. This has cast doubt about the catalytic mechanism of NMA1982 and its assignment to the PTP superfamily. Here, we demonstrate that NMA1982 indeed employs a catalytic mechanism that is specific to PTPs. Mutagenesis experiments, transition state inhibition, pH-dependence activity, and oxidative inactivation experiments all support that NMA1982 is a genuine phosphatase. Importantly, we show that NMA1982 is secreted by N. meningitidis, suggesting that this protein is a potential virulence factor. Future studies will need to address whether NMA1982 is indeed essential for N. meningitidis survival and virulence. Based on its unique active site conformation, NMA1982 may become a suitable target for developing selective antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangding Wu
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mathieu Coureuil
- Université Paris Cité, UFR de Médecine, 15 Rue de l’École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
- Institut Necker Enfants-Malades, Inserm U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, 160 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Xavier Nassif
- Université Paris Cité, UFR de Médecine, 15 Rue de l’École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
- Institut Necker Enfants-Malades, Inserm U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, 160 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Lutz Tautz
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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7
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Walker E, van Niekerk S, Hanning K, Kelton W, Hicks J. Mechanisms of host manipulation by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1119834. [PMID: 36819065 PMCID: PMC9935845 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1119834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (also known as gonococcus) has been causing gonorrhoea in humans since ancient Egyptian times. Today, global gonorrhoea infections are rising at an alarming rate, in concert with an increasing number of antimicrobial-resistant strains. The gonococcus has concurrently evolved several intricate mechanisms that promote pathogenesis by evading both host immunity and defeating common therapeutic interventions. Central to these adaptations is the ability of the gonococcus to manipulate various host microenvironments upon infection. For example, the gonococcus can survive within neutrophils through direct regulation of both the oxidative burst response and maturation of the phagosome; a concerning trait given the important role neutrophils have in defending against invading pathogens. Hence, a detailed understanding of how N. gonorrhoeae exploits the human host to establish and maintain infection is crucial for combating this pathogen. This review summarizes the mechanisms behind host manipulation, with a central focus on the exploitation of host epithelial cell signaling to promote colonization and invasion of the epithelial lining, the modulation of the host immune response to evade both innate and adaptive defenses, and the manipulation of host cell death pathways to both assist colonization and combat antimicrobial activities of innate immune cells. Collectively, these pathways act in concert to enable N. gonorrhoeae to colonize and invade a wide array of host tissues, both establishing and disseminating gonococcal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Walker
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Stacy van Niekerk
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Kyrin Hanning
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - William Kelton
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand,Te Aka Mātuatua School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Joanna Hicks
- Te Huataki Waiora, School of Health, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand,*Correspondence: Joanna Hicks,
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8
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Correa VA, Portilho AI, De Gaspari E. Immunological Effects of Dimethyldioctadecylammonium Bromide and Saponin as Adjuvants for Outer Membrane Vesicles from Neisseria meningitidis. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10030046. [PMID: 35892740 PMCID: PMC9326571 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10030046] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The meningococcal disease is a global health threat, but is preventable through vaccination. Adjuvants improve meningococcal vaccines and are able to trigger different aspects of the immune response. The present work evaluated the immune response of mice against Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane vesicles (OMV) complexed with the adjuvants aluminium hydroxide (AH), via subcutaneous route; and dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA) or Saponin (Sap), via intranasal/subcutaneous routes. ELISA demonstrated that all adjuvants increased IgG titers after the booster dose, remaining elevated for 18 months. Additionally, adjuvants increased the avidity of the antibodies and the bactericidal titer: OMVs alone were bactericidal until 1:4 dilution but, when adjuvanted by Alum, DDA or Sap, it increased to 1/32. DDA and Sap increased all IgG isotypes, while AH improved IgG1 and IgG2a levels. Thus, Sap led to the recognition of more proteins in Immunoblot, followed by DDA and AH. Sap and AH induced higher IL-4 and IL-17 release, respectively. The use of adjuvants improved both cellular and humoral immune response, however, each adjuvant contributed to particular parameters. This demonstrates the importance of studying different adjuvant options and their suitability to stimulate different immune mechanisms, modulating the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Araujo Correa
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 355, 11th Floor, Room 1116, Cerqueira César, São Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil; (V.A.C.); (A.I.P.)
- Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB Hall III, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda Izeli Portilho
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 355, 11th Floor, Room 1116, Cerqueira César, São Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil; (V.A.C.); (A.I.P.)
- Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB Hall III, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth De Gaspari
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 355, 11th Floor, Room 1116, Cerqueira César, São Paulo 01246-902, SP, Brazil; (V.A.C.); (A.I.P.)
- Graduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, São Paulo University, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, ICB Hall III, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3068-2898
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9
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Highly Similar Sequences of Mature IgA1 Proteases from Neisseria meningitidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Haemophilus influenzae. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070734. [PMID: 35889980 PMCID: PMC9315783 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The mature serine-type IgA1 protease from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B strain H44/76 (IgA1pr1_28-1004) is considered here as the basis for creating a candidate vaccine against meningococcal meningitis. In this work, we examine the primary structure similarity of IgA1 proteases from various strains of a number of Gram-negative bacteria (N. meningitidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae) in order to find a structural groundwork for creating a broad-spectrum vaccine based on fragments of this enzyme. BLAST has shown high similarity between the primary structure of IgA1pr1_28-1004 and hypothetical sequences of mature IgA1 proteases from N. meningitidis (in 1060 out of 1061 examined strains), N. gonorrhoeae (in all 602 examined strains) and H. influenzae (in no less than 137 out of 521 examined strains). For these enzymes, common regions of sequence correspond to IgA1pr1_28-1004 fragments 28-84, 146-193, 253-539, 567-628, 639-795 and 811-1004, with identity of at least 85%. We believe that these fragments can be used in the development of a vaccine to prevent diseases caused by pathogenic strains of N. meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae as well as a significant number of strains of H. influenzae.
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10
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Marsay L, Dold C, Paterson GK, Yamaguchi Y, Derrick JP, Chan H, Feavers IM, Maiden MCJ, Wyllie D, Hill AV, Pollard AJ, Rollier CS. Viral vectors expressing group B meningococcal outer membrane proteins induce strong antibody responses but fail to induce functional bactericidal activity. J Infect 2022; 84:658-667. [PMID: 35245584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adenoviral vectored vaccines, with the appropriate gene insert, induce cellular and antibody responses against viruses, parasites and intracellular pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here we explored their capacity to induce functional antibody responses to meningococcal transmembrane outer membrane proteins. METHODS Vectors expressing porin A and ferric enterobactin receptor A antigens were generated, and their immunogenicity assessed in mice using binding and bactericidal assays. RESULTS The viral vectors expressed the bacterial proteins in an in vitro cell-infection assay and, after immunisation of mice, induced higher titres (>105 end-point titre) and longer lasting (>32 weeks) transgene-specific antibody responses in vivo than did outer membrane vesicles containing the same antigens. However, bactericidal antibodies, which are the primary surrogate of protection against meningococcus, were undetectable, despite different designs to support the presentation of the protective B-cell epitopes. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that, while the transmembrane bacterial proteins expressed by the viral vector induced strong and persistent antigen-specific antibodies, this platform failed to induce bactericidal antibodies. The results suggest that conformation or post-translational modifications of bacterial outer membrane antigens produced in eukaryote cells might not result in presentation of the necessary epitopes for induction of functional antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Marsay
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Dold
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin K Paterson
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Yuko Yamaguchi
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy P Derrick
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Chan
- National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ian M Feavers
- National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Martin C J Maiden
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, United Kingdom
| | - David Wyllie
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian V Hill
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Pollard
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, United Kingdom
| | - Christine S Rollier
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, CCVTM, Churchill Lane, Oxford OX3 7LE, United Kingdom; Section of Immunology, Department of Biochemical sciences, School of Biosciences & Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Dorothy Hodgkin Building (AY), Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom.
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11
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Mikucki A, McCluskey NR, Kahler CM. The Host-Pathogen Interactions and Epicellular Lifestyle of Neisseria meningitidis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:862935. [PMID: 35531336 PMCID: PMC9072670 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.862935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is a gram-negative diplococcus and a transient commensal of the human nasopharynx. It shares and competes for this niche with a number of other Neisseria species including N. lactamica, N. cinerea and N. mucosa. Unlike these other members of the genus, N. meningitidis may become invasive, crossing the epithelium of the nasopharynx and entering the bloodstream, where it rapidly proliferates causing a syndrome known as Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD). IMD progresses rapidly to cause septic shock and meningitis and is often fatal despite aggressive antibiotic therapy. While many of the ways in which meningococci survive in the host environment have been well studied, recent insights into the interactions between N. meningitidis and the epithelial, serum, and endothelial environments have expanded our understanding of how IMD develops. This review seeks to incorporate recent work into the established model of pathogenesis. In particular, we focus on the competition that N. meningitidis faces in the nasopharynx from other Neisseria species, and how the genetic diversity of the meningococcus contributes to the wide range of inflammatory and pathogenic potentials observed among different lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- August Mikucki
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nicolie R. McCluskey
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Telethon Kids Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Charlene M. Kahler
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Charlene M. Kahler,
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12
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Gaurivaud P, Tardy F. The Mycoplasma spp. ‘Releasome’: A New Concept for a Long-Known Phenomenon. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:853440. [PMID: 35495700 PMCID: PMC9051441 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.853440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial secretome comprises polypeptides expressed at the cell surface or released into the extracellular environment as well as the corresponding secretion machineries. Despite their reduced coding capacities, Mycoplasma spp. are able to produce and release several components into their environment, including polypeptides, exopolysaccharides and extracellular vesicles. Technical difficulties in purifying these elements from the complex broth media used to grow mycoplasmas have recently been overcome by optimizing growth conditions and switching to chemically defined culture media. However, the secretion pathways responsible for the release of these structurally varied elements are still poorly described in mycoplasmas. We propose the use of the term ‘releasome,’ instead of secretome, to refer to molecules released by mycoplasmas into their environment. The aim of this review is to more precisely delineate the elements that should be considered part of the mycoplasmal releasome and their role in the interplay of mycoplasmas with host cells and tissues.
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13
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Arenas J, Szabo Z, van der Wal J, Maas C, Riaz T, Tønjum T, Tommassen J. Serum proteases prevent bacterial biofilm formation: role of kallikrein and plasmin. Virulence 2021; 12:2902-2917. [PMID: 34903146 PMCID: PMC8677018 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.2003115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is a general strategy for bacterial pathogens to withstand host defense mechanisms. In this study, we found that serum proteases inhibit biofilm formation by Neisseria meningitidis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Bordetella pertussis. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy analysis revealed that these proteins reduce the biomass and alter the architecture of meningococcal biofilms. To understand the underlying mechanism, the serum was fractionated through size-exclusion chromatography and anion-exchange chromatography, and the composition of the fractions that retained anti-biofilm activity against N. meningitidis was analyzed by intensity-based absolute quantification mass spectrometry. Among the identified serum proteins, plasma kallikrein (PKLK), FXIIa, and plasmin were found to cleave neisserial heparin-binding antigen and the α-peptide of IgA protease on the meningococcal cell surface, resulting in the release of positively charged polypeptides implicated in biofilm formation by binding extracellular DNA. Further experiments also revealed that plasmin and PKLK inhibited biofilm formation of B. pertussis by cleaving filamentous hemagglutinin. We conclude that the proteolytic activity of serum proteases toward bacterial adhesins involved in biofilm formation could constitute a defense mechanism for the clearance of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Arenas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Unit of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Zalan Szabo
- Research and Development Department, U-Protein Express BV, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle van der Wal
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Coen Maas
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tahira Riaz
- Department of Microbiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tone Tønjum
- Department of Microbiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Tommassen
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Institute of Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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14
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Li K, Liu X, Zhang X, Liu Z, Yu Y, Zhao J, Wang L, Kong Y, Chen M. Identification microbial glycans substructure associate with disease and species. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 273:118595. [PMID: 34560996 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The microbial glycans mediate many significant biological acts, such as pathogen survival, host-microbe interactions, and immune evasion. The systematic study of microbial glycans structure remains challenging because of its high complexity and variability. In this study, we screened all the microbial glycans structures in the CSDB (Carbohydrate Structure Database), disassembled them into substructures, and calculated all the substructures' numbers. The results showed that a large number of glycan substructures are shared among different microorganisms. Further analysis showed that the glycan substructures appeared in specific bacterial groups may be related to the species and pathogenicity of microorganisms. Broadly, these findings provided an alternative approach or clue to discover the hidden information and the biological functions of glycans. The results can be used to detect broad-scope pathogen or prepare broad-spectrum vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Xunlian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Zhaoxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Yue Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China; School of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250,000, China
| | - Jiayu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Lushan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Yun Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong 266237, China.
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15
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Arenas J, Catón L, van den Hoeven T, de Maat V, Cruz Herrero J, Tommassen J. The outer-membrane protein MafA of Neisseria meningitidis constitutes a novel protein secretion pathway specific for the fratricide protein MafB. Virulence 2021; 11:1701-1715. [PMID: 33315509 PMCID: PMC7738311 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2020.1851940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MafB proteins are toxins secreted by Neisseria spp. which are involved in interbacterial competition. Their secretion mechanism has so far not been elucidated. Each strain can produce several MafB variants. On the chromosome, the mafB genes are localized on genomic islands also containing mafA genes. MafA proteins have a role in virulence with reported activities in adhesion and transcytosis of pathogenic Neisseria, a priori unrelated to MafB activities. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of MafA in the transport of MafB across the outer membrane of Neisseria meningitidis. In wild-type strains, proteolytic fragments of MafB proteins were detected in the extracellular medium. In the absence of MafA, secretion was abrogated, and, in the case of MafBI, full-length and truncated polypeptides were detected inside the cells and inside outer-membrane vesicles. MafBI secretion required its cognate MafA, whereas MafBIII could use any MafA. Heterologous expression in Escherichia coli showed that MafBIII is transported to a cell-surface-exposed, i.e. protease-accessible, location in a MafA-dependent way. MafA itself was found to be localized to the outer membrane, forming large oligomeric complexes. As homologs were found in diverse bacteria, the Maf system represents a new protein secretion system in Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Arenas
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University , Utrecht, Netherlands.,Unit of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza , Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Catón
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University , Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tom van den Hoeven
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University , Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Vincent de Maat
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University , Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Juan Cruz Herrero
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University , Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jan Tommassen
- Section Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Utrecht University , Utrecht, Netherlands
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16
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Harrison OB, Maiden MCJ. Recent advances in understanding and combatting Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a genomic perspective. Fac Rev 2021; 10:65. [PMID: 34557869 PMCID: PMC8442004 DOI: 10.12703/r/10-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea remains a major global public health concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 87 million new cases in individuals who were 15 to 49 years of age occurred in 2016. The growing number of gonorrhoea cases is concerning given the rise in gonococci developing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Therefore, a global action plan is needed to facilitate surveillance. Indeed, the WHO has made surveillance leading to the elimination of STIs (including gonorrhoea) a global health priority. The availability of whole genome sequence data offers new opportunities to combat gonorrhoea. This can be through (i) enhanced surveillance of the global prevalence of AMR, (ii) improved understanding of the population biology of the gonococcus, and (iii) opportunities to mine sequence data in the search for vaccine candidates. Here, we review the current status in Neisseria gonorrhoeae genomics. In particular, we explore how genomics continues to advance our understanding of this complex pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odile B Harrison
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Peter Medawar Building, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin CJ Maiden
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Peter Medawar Building, Oxford, UK
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17
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Zhigis LS, Kotelnikova OV, Zinchenko AA, Karlinsky DM, Prokopenko YA, Rumsh LD. IgA1 Protease as a Vaccine Basis for Prevention of Bacterial Meningitis. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s106816202104021x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The review covers the study of the protective properties of IgA1 protease and the possibility of creating a vaccine preparation for the prevention of bacterial meningitis of various origins on its basis. Bacterial meningitis belongs to the group of socially dangerous diseases and is characterized by a severe course, numerous complications and high mortality. The approaches used at present in world practice to create antimicrobial vaccines are based on a narrow targeting against a specific pathogen. The development of a monocomponent vaccine against a wide range of bacterial pathogens with a common virulence factor is still relevant. IgA1 protease, a protein that is one of the main virulence factors of a number of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, can serve as such an antigen. Bacterial IgA1 protease is uniquely specific for immunoglobulins A1 (IgA1), cleaving peptide bonds in the hinge regions of the IgA1 in humans and other higher primates. Bacteria, getting on the mucous membrane, destroy IgA1, which acts as the first barrier to protect the body from infections. Neutralization of IgA1 protease at this stage can become an obstacle to the development of infection, hindering the adhesion of a number of pathogens that produce this protein. The data available in the literature on the mechanism of antibacterial protection are scattered and ambiguous. The review considers the literature data and the results of our own experiments on the protective activity of IgA1 protease. We have shown that the recombinant meningococcal IgA1 protease and some of its fragments protect mice from infection with a live virulent culture not only of meningococci of the main epidemic serogroups (A, B, C, and W135), but also of some of the most common virulent pneumococcal serotypes. The data obtained indicate the possibility of creating a monocomponent vaccine against these and, possibly, other bacterial infections. Currently, significant progress has been made in studying the structure and functions of secreted proteins in the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae. In this review we describe protein translocation systems of N. meningitidis, which are related to the secretion of proteins in these bacteria, and also present modern data on the functions of these proteins. Analysis of experimental data on the structure of IgA1 protease of N. meningitidis and the formation of immunity during vaccination is of key importance in the development of prophylactic preparations.
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18
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Romero-Cordero S, Kirwan R, Noguera-Julian A, Cardellach F, Fortuny C, Morén C. A Mitocentric View of the Main Bacterial and Parasitic Infectious Diseases in the Pediatric Population. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3272. [PMID: 33806981 PMCID: PMC8004694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases occur worldwide with great frequency in both adults and children. Both infections and their treatments trigger mitochondrial interactions at multiple levels: (i) incorporation of damaged or mutated proteins to the complexes of the electron transport chain, (ii) mitochondrial genome (depletion, deletions, and point mutations) and mitochondrial dynamics (fusion and fission), (iii) membrane potential, (iv) apoptotic regulation, (v) generation of reactive oxygen species, among others. Such alterations may result in serious adverse clinical events with great impact on children's quality of life, even resulting in death. As such, bacterial agents are frequently associated with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release, ultimately leading to mitochondrial apoptosis by activation of caspases-3 and -9. Using Rayyan QCRI software for systematic reviews, we explore the association between mitochondrial alterations and pediatric infections including (i) bacterial: M. tuberculosis, E. cloacae, P. mirabilis, E. coli, S. enterica, S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis and (ii) parasitic: P. falciparum. We analyze how these pediatric infections and their treatments may lead to mitochondrial deterioration in this especially vulnerable population, with the intention of improving both the understanding of these diseases and their management in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Romero-Cordero
- Faculty of Medicine, Pompeu Fabra University and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08002 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Richard Kirwan
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L2 2QP, UK
| | - Antoni Noguera-Julian
- Malalties Infeccioses i Resposta Inflamatòria Sistèmica en Pediatria, Unitat d’Infeccions, Servei de Pediatria, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (A.N.-J.); (C.F.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Translacional en Infectología Pediátrica (RITIP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesc Cardellach
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Laboratory, Cellex-IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department-Hospital Clínic of Barcelona (HCB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clàudia Fortuny
- Malalties Infeccioses i Resposta Inflamatòria Sistèmica en Pediatria, Unitat d’Infeccions, Servei de Pediatria, Institut de Recerca Pediàtrica Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Barcelona, Spain; (A.N.-J.); (C.F.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación Translacional en Infectología Pediátrica (RITIP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Constanza Morén
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Laboratory, Cellex-IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department-Hospital Clínic of Barcelona (HCB), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Li Z, Li Y, Wang Y, Hou Y, Cao H, Wu X, Hu S, Long D. Intranasal immunization with a rNMB0315 and combination adjuvants induces protective immunity against Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 93:107411. [PMID: 33548582 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107411] [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: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis) is a human-specific pathogen and a major cause of meningitis and septicemia with a high case fatality rate. N. meningitidis may penetrate the nasopharyngeal mucosal membrane and cause severe meningitis, a mucosal immune response plays a key role in the defense against meningococcal infections. Our previous study demonstrated that N. meningitidis serogroup B 0315 (NMB0315) was a vaccine candidate against N. meningitidis serogroup B (NMB) through parenteral immunization. In this study, immunopotentiators (C48/80 or CpG-ODN) were loaded into chitosan nanoparticle (Chi NP) to form combination adjuvants (Chi-CpG NP and Chi-C48/80 NP) and adopted to enhance the immunogenicity of NMB0315 through intranasal immunization. The experimental results have indicated that both Chi-CpG NP and Chi-C48/80 NP are effective mucosal adjuvants for the induction of significantly higher rNMB0315-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and sIgA antibodies. Meanwhile, Chi-CpG NP and Chi-C48/80 NP could change the ratio of IgG1/IgG2a, inducing a more balanced cellular/humoral immune response. Chi-CpG NP and Chi-C48/80 NP also boosted interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17 A (IL-17A) production by splenocytes. The bactericidal antibodies have been detected in sera from mice immunized with rNMB0315 + Chi-CpG NP and rNMB0315 + Chi-C48/80 NP. Overall, the combination adjuvants could be applicable to the development of a mucosal vaccine against NMB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yumeng Li
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Operating Room, The Second Hospital University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yongli Hou
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Hui Cao
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Sihai Hu
- Institute of Pathogenic Biology, Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Dingxin Long
- China School of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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20
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Hanford HE, Von Dwingelo J, Abu Kwaik Y. Bacterial nucleomodulins: A coevolutionary adaptation to the eukaryotic command center. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009184. [PMID: 33476322 PMCID: PMC7819608 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Through long-term interactions with their hosts, bacterial pathogens have evolved unique arsenals of effector proteins that interact with specific host targets and reprogram the host cell into a permissive niche for pathogen proliferation. The targeting of effector proteins into the host cell nucleus for modulation of nuclear processes is an emerging theme among bacterial pathogens. These unique pathogen effector proteins have been termed in recent years as "nucleomodulins." The first nucleomodulins were discovered in the phytopathogens Agrobacterium and Xanthomonas, where their nucleomodulins functioned as eukaryotic transcription factors or integrated themselves into host cell DNA to promote tumor induction, respectively. Numerous nucleomodulins were recently identified in mammalian pathogens. Bacterial nucleomodulins are an emerging family of pathogen effector proteins that evolved to target specific components of the host cell command center through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include: chromatin dynamics, histone modification, DNA methylation, RNA splicing, DNA replication, cell cycle, and cell signaling pathways. Nucleomodulins may induce short- or long-term epigenetic modifications of the host cell. In this extensive review, we discuss the current knowledge of nucleomodulins from plant and mammalian pathogens. While many nucleomodulins are already identified, continued research is instrumental in understanding their mechanisms of action and the role they play during the progression of pathogenesis. The continued study of nucleomodulins will enhance our knowledge of their effects on nuclear chromatin dynamics, protein homeostasis, transcriptional landscapes, and the overall host cell epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E. Hanford
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Juanita Von Dwingelo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Yousef Abu Kwaik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
- Center for Predicative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
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21
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Biofilms as Promoters of Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance and Tolerance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 10:antibiotics10010003. [PMID: 33374551 PMCID: PMC7822488 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistant bacteria are a global threat for human and animal health. However, they are only part of the problem of antibiotic failure. Another bacterial strategy that contributes to their capacity to withstand antimicrobials is the formation of biofilms. Biofilms are associations of microorganisms embedded a self-produced extracellular matrix. They create particular environments that confer bacterial tolerance and resistance to antibiotics by different mechanisms that depend upon factors such as biofilm composition, architecture, the stage of biofilm development, and growth conditions. The biofilm structure hinders the penetration of antibiotics and may prevent the accumulation of bactericidal concentrations throughout the entire biofilm. In addition, gradients of dispersion of nutrients and oxygen within the biofilm generate different metabolic states of individual cells and favor the development of antibiotic tolerance and bacterial persistence. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance may develop within biofilms through a variety of mechanisms. The expression of efflux pumps may be induced in various parts of the biofilm and the mutation frequency is induced, while the presence of extracellular DNA and the close contact between cells favor horizontal gene transfer. A deep understanding of the mechanisms by which biofilms cause tolerance/resistance to antibiotics helps to develop novel strategies to fight these infections.
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22
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Oborin DA, Nikolaeva NV, Godovalov AP, Karpunina TI. [Etiology of purulent-inflammatory processes in the genital tract: suspicions of clinicians and problems of laboratory confirmation.]. Klin Lab Diagn 2020; 65:328-331. [PMID: 32298551 DOI: 10.18821/0869-2084-2020-65-5-328-331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite the long history of the study, laboratory diagnosis of gonococcal infection remains a complex task that does not have a clearly regulated effective solution. Aim of investigation was to assess the species diversity of the microbiota of the genital tract of men and women with suspected acute genital gonococcal infection (AGGI) using test systems of Russian manufacturers. A study of samples of the contents of the urethra of 69 men and posterior vaginal fornix fluids of 33 women of reproductive age with characteristic clinical manifestations and a presumptive diagnosis of AGGI was made. Cultivation was carried out using elective culture media with subsequent identification of strains by biochemical properties. Detection of DNA of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Lactobacillus spp. performed by PCR using Vektor-Best and InterLab Service kits (Russia). All patients were divided into groups according to the results of the bacteriological method and PCR. A metagenomic study of 16S ribosomal RNA samples was performed on the Illumina MiSeq platform using the MiSeq Reagent Kits v3 kit (600-Cycle Kit). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using criterion x2. As a result of a laboratory study, the presumptive clinical diagnosis of «AGGI» found its bacteriological confirmation in 35.3% of cases only, among which fragments of the N. gonorrhoeae genome were detected in 63.9% of the samples only. Moreover, a wide variety of microorganisms in the genital tract of both men and women was found in metagenomic analysis. However, this technique does not allow us to assess the viability of the detected bacteria, and the microflora spectrum is excessively wide. In addition, the high level of genetic polymorphism of different strains of N. gonorrhoeae complicates the interpretation of the results. Deciphering the composition of microbiota allows the use of InterLab Service kits. The decoding of the etiology of purulent-inflammatory processes in the genital tract, which presents serious difficulties, is greatly facilitated by the use of Russian kits for molecular genetic analysis, which, in our opinion, provide the necessary and sufficient information for practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Oborin
- Perm Regional Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Infectious Diseases, 614088, Perm, Russian Federation
| | - N V Nikolaeva
- E.A. Vagner Perm State Medical University, 614990, Perm, Russian Federation
| | - A P Godovalov
- E.A. Vagner Perm State Medical University, 614990, Perm, Russian Federation
| | - T I Karpunina
- E.A. Vagner Perm State Medical University, 614990, Perm, Russian Federation
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23
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Huang J, Zhang Q, Chen J, Zhang T, Chen Z, Chen Z, Yang J, Wang Y, Min Z, Huang M, Min X. Neisseria gonorrhoeae NGO2105 Is an Autotransporter Protein Involved in Adhesion to Human Cervical Epithelial Cells and in vivo Colonization. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1395. [PMID: 32670242 PMCID: PMC7330057 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autotransporters are important virulence factors in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Although several autotransporters have been identified in Neisseria meningitidis, only IgA1 protease has been identified in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A sequence analysis showed a marked difference in the distribution of autotransporters between the two strains. It has been speculated that only two autotransporters, the IgA1 protease and the NGO2105 protein, might be encoded by N. gonorrhoeae. Here, we describe the identification of NGO2105, a new autotransporter in N. gonorrhoeae. A sequence alignment showed that NGO2105 is highly similar to the adhesion and penetration protein (App) in N. meningitidis. We found that NGO2105 is exported to the outer membrane, cleaved and released into the culture supernatant by endogenous serine protease activity in N. gonorrhoeae and E. coli. The site-directed mutagenesis of S267A in the predicted enzyme catalytic triad abolished autoproteolytic cleavage to allow secretion. The NGO2105 β-barrel shows the ability to translocate the heterologous Hbp passenger domain. NGO2105 is involved in gonococcal adherence to and invasion into human cervical epithelial cells. Furthermore, antibodies raised against NGO2105 are able to block gonococcal adherence to human cervical epithelial cells. The Δngo2105 mutant and anti-NGO2105 antiserum significantly attenuated the colonization of N. gonorrhoeae in mice. Collectively, our results suggest that the newly identified serine protease autotransporter NGO2105 represents a novel virulence factor of gonococcus and a potential vaccine target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zehui Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zuyi Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jianru Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yongxiang Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zongsu Min
- Zunyi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zunyi, China
| | - Meirong Huang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xun Min
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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24
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Complement Evasion Strategies of Human Pathogenic Bacteria. Indian J Microbiol 2020; 60:283-296. [PMID: 32655196 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-020-00872-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pathogens need to overcome an elaborate network of host defense mechanisms in order to establish their infection, colonization, proliferation and eventual dissemination. The interaction of pathogens with different effector molecules of the immune system results in their neutralization and elimination from the host. The complement system is one such integral component of innate immunity that is critically involved in the early recognition and elimination of the pathogen. Hence, under this immune pressure, all virulent pathogens capable of inducing active infections have evolved immune evasive strategies that primarily target the complement system, which plays an essential and central role for host defense. Recent reports on several bacterial pathogens have elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying complement evasion, inhibition of opsonic phagocytosis and cell lysis. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the recent findings on the various strategies adopted by pathogenic bacteria to escape complement-mediated clearance.
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25
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Jeffrey MP, MacPherson CW, Mathieu O, Tompkins TA, Green-Johnson JM. Secretome-Mediated Interactions with Intestinal Epithelial Cells: A Role for Secretome Components from Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 in the Attenuation of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Secretome and TNF-α-Induced Proinflammatory Responses. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:2523-2534. [PMID: 32238458 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that lactic acid bacteria communicate with host cells via secretome components to influence immune responses but less is known about gut-pathogen secretomes, impact of lactic acid bacteria secretomes on host-pathogen interactions, and the mechanisms underlying these interactions. Genome-wide microarrays and cytokine profiling were used to interrogate the impact of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 secretome (LrS) on TNF-α and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium secretome (STS)-induced outcomes in human intestinal epithelial cells. The LrS attenuated both TNF-α- and STS-induced gene expression involved in NF-κB and MAPK activation, as well as expression of genes involved in other immune-related signaling pathways. Specifically, the LrS induced the expression of dual specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3), negative regulators of innate immune signaling, in HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells challenged with TNF-α or STS. TNF-α- and STS-induced acetylation of H3 and H4 histones was attenuated by the LrS, as was the production of TNF-α- and STS-induced proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Interestingly, the LrS induced production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a cytokine involved in host-microbe interactions at the gut interface. We propose that the LrS attenuates proinflammatory mediator expression through increased transcription of negative regulators of innate immune activity and changes in global H3 and H4 histone acetylation. To our knowledge, these findings provide novel insights into the complex multifaceted mechanisms of action behind secretome-mediated interdomain communication at the gut-mucosal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Jeffrey
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program and the Faculty of Science, Ontario Technical University, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0C5, Canada; and
| | - Chad W MacPherson
- Rosell Institute for Microbiome and Probiotics, Montreal, Quebec H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Olivier Mathieu
- Rosell Institute for Microbiome and Probiotics, Montreal, Quebec H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Thomas A Tompkins
- Rosell Institute for Microbiome and Probiotics, Montreal, Quebec H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Julia M Green-Johnson
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program and the Faculty of Science, Ontario Technical University, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 0C5, Canada; and
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26
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Sanz Moreno JC, Ramos Blázquez B. Papel del estado de portador en el control de enfermedades infecciosas y su relación con la vacunación. REVISTA MADRILEÑA DE SALUD PÚBLICA 2019. [DOI: 10.36300/remasp.2019.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
El reservorio natural de Streptococcus pneumoniae,
Neisseria meningitidis y Bordetella pertussis es el ser
humano. De este modo, en caso de disponer de vacunas
efectivas que impidieran la colonización por estas bacterias
se podría interrumpir su transmisión.
La respuesta inmune frente a los antígenos capsulares
de Streptococcus pneumoniae condiciona el estado
de portador de los diferentes serotipos. La vacuna
neumocócica polisacárida 23 valente (PPV23) induce
una respuesta inmune T independiente que es de corta
duración y no previene la colonización. Por el contrario
las vacunas conjugadas 10 valente (PCV10V) y 13 valente
(PCV13) generan una inmunidad T dependiente que
si reduce la colonización por los serotipos incluidos en
su composición. Por este motivo las vacunas conjugadas
proporcionan inmunidad de grupo.
La vacunación de adolescentes frente a Neisseria menigintidis
puede modificar el patrón de transmisión de la
infección con una reducción de la incidencia en niños. En
la actualidad se dispone de vacunas conjugadas frente
a meningococo C, conjugadas tetravalantes frente a los
serogrupos ACWY y de proteínas recombinantes frente a
meningococo B. La inmunidad de grupo generada por vacunas
conjugadas ha sido demostrada para Neisseria menigintidis
C. Desafortunadamente existe escasa evidencia
del impacto de las vacunas frente a meningococo B en la
reducción del estado de portador entre adultos jóvenes.
La infección natural por Bordetella pertussis estimula la
producción de linfocitos T de memoria e induce una intensa
respuesta de IgA secretora en la nasofaringe. En
contraste con la infección natural y con las vacunas de
células completas las actuales vacunas acelulares, no
generan inmunidad en mucosas y no otorgan inmunidad
de grupo. En un intento de resolver este problema se
están desarrollando vacunas alternativas frente a Bordetella
pertussis como las nuevas de células completas y
las vivas atenuadas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Sanz Moreno
- Unidad de Microbiología Clínica. Laboratorio Regional de Salud Pública. Dirección General de Salud Pública. Consejería de Sanidad. Comunidad de Madrid
| | - Belén Ramos Blázquez
- Unidad de Microbiología Clínica. Laboratorio Regional de Salud Pública. Dirección General de Salud Pública. Consejería de Sanidad. Comunidad de Madrid
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27
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Baarda BI, Martinez FG, Sikora AE. Proteomics, Bioinformatics and Structure-Function Antigen Mining For Gonorrhea Vaccines. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2793. [PMID: 30564232 PMCID: PMC6288298 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Expanding efforts to develop preventive gonorrhea vaccines is critical because of the serious health consequences combined with the prevalence and the dire possibility of untreatable gonorrhea. Reverse vaccinology, which includes genome and proteome mining, has proven successful in the discovery of vaccine candidates against many pathogenic bacteria. Here, we describe proteomic applications including comprehensive, quantitative proteomic platforms and immunoproteomics coupled with broad-ranging bioinformatics that have been applied for antigen mining to develop gonorrhea vaccine(s). We further focus on outlining the vaccine candidate decision tree, describe the structure-function of novel proteome-derived antigens as well as ways to gain insights into their roles in the cell envelope, and underscore new lessons learned about the fascinating biology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin I. Baarda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Fabian G. Martinez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Aleksandra E. Sikora
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States
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28
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Jeffrey MP, Strap JL, Jones Taggart H, Green-Johnson JM. Suppression of Intestinal Epithelial Cell Chemokine Production by Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 and Lactobacillus helveticus R0389 Is Mediated by Secreted Bioactive Molecules. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2639. [PMID: 30524427 PMCID: PMC6262363 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Host intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) present at the gastrointestinal interface are exposed to pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria and their products. Certain probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been associated with a range of host-immune modulatory activities including down-regulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression and cytokine production by IEC, with growing evidence suggesting that these bacteria secrete bioactive molecules with immunomodulatory activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether two lactobacilli with immunomodulatory activity [Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 (Lr) and Lactobacillus helveticus R0389 (Lh)], produce soluble mediators able to influence IEC responses to Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) ligands and pro-inflammatory cytokines [Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β)], signals inducing IEC chemokine production during infection. To this end, the effects of cell-free supernatants (CFS) from Lr and Lh on IEC production of the pro-inflammatory chemokines interleukin (IL)-8 and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 (CINC-1) induced by a range of host- or pathogen-derived pro-inflammatory stimuli were determined, and the impact on human HT-29 IEC and a primary IEC line (rat IEC-6) was compared. The Lr-CFS and Lh-CFS did not significantly modulate basal IL-8 production from HT-29 IECs or CINC-1 production from IEC-6 cells. However, both Lr-CFS and Lh-CFS significantly down-regulated IL-8 production from HT-29 IECs challenged with varied PRR ligands. Lr-CFS and Lh-CFS had differential effects on PRR-induced CINC-1 production by rat IEC-6 IECs, with no significant down-regulation of CINC-1 observed from IEC-6 IECs cultured with Lh-CFS. Further analysis of the Lr-CFS revealed down-regulation of IL-8 production induced by the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα Preliminary characterization of the bioactive constituent(s) of the Lr-CFS indicates that it is resistant to treatment with DNase, RNase, and an acidic protease, but is sensitive to alterations in pH. Taken together, these results indicate that these lactobacilli secrete bioactive molecules of low molecular weight that may modulate host innate immune activity through interactions with IEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Jeffrey
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Janice L Strap
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Holly Jones Taggart
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada
| | - Julia M Green-Johnson
- Applied Bioscience Graduate Program, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada
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29
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Kahler CM, Nawrocki KL, Anandan A, Vrielink A, Shafer WM. Structure-Function Relationships of the Neisserial EptA Enzyme Responsible for Phosphoethanolamine Decoration of Lipid A: Rationale for Drug Targeting. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1922. [PMID: 30186254 PMCID: PMC6111236 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria cause disease by two general mechanisms: the action of their toxins on host cells and induction of a pro-inflammatory response that can lead to a deleterious cytokine/chemokine response (e.g., the so-called cytokine storm) often seen in bacteremia/septicemia. These major mechanisms may overlap due to the action of surface structures that can have direct and indirect actions on phagocytic or non-phagocytic cells. In this respect, the lipid A (endotoxin) component of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) possessed by Gram-negative bacteria has been the subject of literally thousands of studies over the past century that clearly identified it as a key virulence factor in endotoxic shock. In addition to its capacity to modulate inflammatory responses, endotoxin can also modulate bacterial susceptibility to host antimicrobials, such as the host defense peptides termed cationic antimicrobial peptides. This review concentrates on the phosphoethanolamine (PEA) decoration of lipid A in the pathogenic species of the genus Neisseria [N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis]. PEA decoration of lipid A is mediated by the enzyme EptA (formerly termed LptA) and promotes resistance to innate defense systems, induces the pro-inflammatory response and can influence the in vivo fitness of bacteria during infection. These important biological properties have driven efforts dealing with the biochemistry and structural biology of EptA that will facilitate the development of potential inhibitors that block PEA addition to lipid A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene M Kahler
- The Marshall Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,Perth Children's Hospital, Telethon Kids Institute, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - K L Nawrocki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Laboratories of Bacterial Pathogenesis, VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - A Anandan
- School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Alice Vrielink
- The Marshall Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,School of Molecular Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - William M Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Laboratories of Bacterial Pathogenesis, VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
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30
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Christie MP, Johnstone BA, Tweten RK, Parker MW, Morton CJ. Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins: from water-soluble state to membrane pore. Biophys Rev 2018; 10:1337-1348. [PMID: 30117093 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-018-0448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are a family of bacterial toxins that are important virulence factors for a number of pathogenic Gram-positive bacterial species. CDCs are secreted as soluble, stable monomeric proteins that bind specifically to cholesterol-rich cell membranes, where they assemble into well-defined ring-shaped complexes of around 40 monomers. The complex then undergoes a concerted structural change, driving a large pore through the membrane, potentially lysing the target cell. Understanding the details of this process as the protein transitions from a discrete monomer to a complex, membrane-spanning protein machine is an ongoing challenge. While many of the details have been revealed, there are still questions that remain unanswered. In this review, we present an overview of some of the key features of the structure and function of the CDCs, including the structure of the secreted monomers, the process of interaction with target membranes, and the transition from bound monomers to complete pores. Future directions in CDC research and the potential of CDCs as research tools will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle P Christie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Bronte A Johnstone
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Rodney K Tweten
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Michael W Parker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Australian Cancer Research Foundation Rational Drug Discovery Centre, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
| | - Craig J Morton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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