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Jaromin A, Zarnowski R, Markowski A, Zagórska A, Johnson CJ, Etezadi H, Kihara S, Mota-Santiago P, Nett JE, Boyd BJ, Andes DR. Liposomal formulation of a new antifungal hybrid compound provides protection against Candida auris in the ex vivo skin colonization model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0095523. [PMID: 38092678 PMCID: PMC10777852 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00955-23] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The newly emerged pathogen, Candida auris, presents a serious threat to public health worldwide. This multidrug-resistant yeast often colonizes and persists on the skin of patients, can easily spread from person to person, and can cause life-threatening systemic infections. New antifungal therapies are therefore urgently needed to limit and control both superficial and systemic C. auris infections. In this study, we designed a novel antifungal agent, PQA-Az-13, that contains a combination of indazole, pyrrolidine, and arylpiperazine scaffolds substituted with a trifluoromethyl moiety. PQA-Az-13 demonstrated antifungal activity against biofilms of a set of 10 different C. auris clinical isolates, representing all four geographical clades distinguished within this species. This compound showed strong activity, with MIC values between 0.67 and 1.25 µg/mL. Cellular proteomics indicated that PQA-Az-13 partially or completely inhibited numerous enzymatic proteins in C. auris biofilms, particularly those involved in both amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism processes, as well as in general energy-producing processes. Due to its hydrophobic nature and limited aqueous solubility, PQA-Az-13 was encapsulated in cationic liposomes composed of soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC), 1,2-dioleoyloxy-3-trimethylammonium-propane chloride (DOTAP), and N-(carbonyl-methoxypolyethylene glycol-2000)-1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, sodium salt (DSPE-PEG 2000), and characterized by biophysical and spectral techniques. These PQA-Az-13-loaded liposomes displayed a mean size of 76.4 nm, a positive charge of +45.0 mV, a high encapsulation efficiency of 97.2%, excellent stability, and no toxicity to normal human dermal fibroblasts. PQA-Az-13 liposomes demonstrated enhanced antifungal activity levels against both C. auris in in vitro biofilms and ex vivo skin colonization models. These initial results suggest that molecules like PQA-Az-13 warrant further study and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jaromin
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Robert Zarnowski
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Adam Markowski
- Department of Lipids and Liposomes, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zagórska
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Chad J. Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Haniyeh Etezadi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shinji Kihara
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jeniel E. Nett
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ben J. Boyd
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Victoria, Australia
| | - David R. Andes
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Kulig K, Bednaruk K, Rudolphi-Szydło E, Barbasz A, Wronowska E, Barczyk-Woznicka O, Karnas E, Pyza E, Zuba-Surma E, Rapala-Kozik M, Karkowska-Kuleta J. Stress Conditions Affect the Immunomodulatory Potential of Candida albicans Extracellular Vesicles and Their Impact on Cytokine Release by THP-1 Human Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17179. [PMID: 38139005 PMCID: PMC10742962 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417179] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immune cells possess the ability to react complexly and effectively after contact with microbial virulence factors, including those transported in cell-derived structures of nanometer sizes termed extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are produced by organisms of all kingdoms, including fungi pathogenic to humans. In this work, the immunomodulatory properties of EVs produced under oxidative stress conditions or at host concentrations of CO2 by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans were investigated. The interaction of EVs with human pro-monocytes of the U-937 cell line was established, and the most notable effect was attributed to oxidative stress-related EVs. The immunomodulatory potential of tested EVs against human THP-1 macrophages was verified using cytotoxicity assay, ROS-production assay, and the measurement of cytokine production. All fungal EVs tested did not show a significant cytotoxic effect on THP-1 cells, although a slight pro-oxidative impact was indicated for EVs released by C. albicans cells grown under oxidative stress. Furthermore, for all tested types of EVs, the pro-inflammatory properties related to increased IL-8 and TNF-α production and decreased IL-10 secretion were demonstrated, with the most significant effect observed for EVs released under oxidative stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Kulig
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bednaruk
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Rudolphi-Szydło
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, University of the National Education Commission, Podchorazych 2, 30-084 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Barbasz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, University of the National Education Commission, Podchorazych 2, 30-084 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewelina Wronowska
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Olga Barczyk-Woznicka
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Karnas
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Pyza
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Zuba-Surma
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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Nenciarini S, Cavalieri D. Immunomodulatory Potential of Fungal Extracellular Vesicles: Insights for Therapeutic Applications. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1487. [PMID: 37892168 PMCID: PMC10605264 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101487] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous vesicular organelles that perform a variety of biological functions including cell communication across different biological kingdoms. EVs of mammals and, to a lesser extent, bacteria have been deeply studied over the years, whereas investigations of fungal EVs are still in their infancy. Fungi, encompassing both yeast and filamentous forms, are increasingly recognized for their production of extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing a wealth of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These EVs play pivotal roles in orchestrating fungal communities, bolstering pathogenicity, and mediating interactions with the environment. Fungal EVs have emerged as promising candidates for innovative applications, not only in the management of mycoses but also as carriers for therapeutic molecules. Yet, numerous questions persist regarding fungal EVs, including their mechanisms of generation, release, cargo regulation, and discharge. This comprehensive review delves into the present state of knowledge regarding fungal EVs and provides fresh insights into the most recent hypotheses on the mechanisms driving their immunomodulatory properties. Furthermore, we explore the considerable potential of fungal EVs in the realms of medicine and biotechnology. In the foreseeable future, engineered fungal cells may serve as vehicles for tailoring cargo- and antigen-specific EVs, positioning them as invaluable biotechnological tools for diverse medical applications, such as vaccines and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Duccio Cavalieri
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy;
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Liu J, Hu X. Fungal extracellular vesicle-mediated regulation: from virulence factor to clinical application. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1205477. [PMID: 37779707 PMCID: PMC10540631 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1205477] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal disease (IFD) poses a significant threat to immunocompromised patients and remains a global challenge due to limited treatment options, high mortality and morbidity rates, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Despite advancements in antifungal agents and diagnostic techniques, the lack of effective vaccines, standardized diagnostic tools, and efficient antifungal drugs contributes to the ongoing impact of invasive fungal infections (IFI). Recent studies have highlighted the presence of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by fungi carrying various components such as enzymes, lipids, nucleic acids, and virulence proteins, which play roles in both physiological and pathological processes. These fungal EVs have been shown to interact with the host immune system during the development of fungal infections whereas their functional role and potential application in patients are not yet fully understood. This review summarizes the current understanding of the biologically relevant findings regarding EV in host-pathogen interaction, and aim to describe our knowledge of the roles of EV as diagnostic tools and vaccine vehicles, offering promising prospects for the treatment of IFI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoping Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Research Institute of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Lai Y, Jiang B, Hou F, Huang X, Ling B, Lu H, Zhong T, Huang J. The emerging role of extracellular vesicles in fungi: a double-edged sword. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1216895. [PMID: 37533824 PMCID: PMC10390730 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1216895] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms found in nature, which can invade the human body and cause tissue damage, inflammatory reactions, organ dysfunctions, and diseases. These diseases can severely damage the patient's body systems and functions, leading to a range of clinical symptoms that can be life-threatening. As the incidence of invasive fungal infections has progressively increased in the recent years, a wealth of evidence has confirmed the "double-edged sword" role of fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) in intercellular communication and pathogen-host interactions. Fungal EVs act as mediators of cellular communication, affecting fungal-host cell interactions, delivering virulence factors, and promoting infection. Fungal EVs can also have an induced protective effect, affecting fungal growth and stimulating adaptive immune responses. By integrating recent studies, we discuss the role of EVs in fungi, providing strong theoretical support for the early prevention and treatment of invasive fungal infections. Finally, we highlight the feasibility of using fungal EVs as drug carriers and in vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lai
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bowei Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fangpeng Hou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinhong Huang
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Baodian Ling
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hongfei Lu
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tianyu Zhong
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junyun Huang
- Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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Oliveira BTM, Dourado TMH, Santos PWS, Bitencourt TA, Tirapelli CR, Colombo AL, Almeida F. Extracellular Vesicles from Candida haemulonii var. vulnera Modulate Macrophage Oxidative Burst. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9050562. [PMID: 37233272 DOI: 10.3390/jof9050562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the Candida haemulonii species complex are multidrug-resistant emergent yeast pathogens able to cause superficial and invasive infections in risk populations. Fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a critical role in the pathogenicity and virulence of several species and may perform essential functions during infections, such as carrying virulence factors that behave in two-way communications with the host, affecting survival and fungal resistance. Our study aimed to describe EV production from Candida haemulonii var. vulnera and evaluate whether murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells respond to their stimuli by generating an oxidative response after 24 h. For this purpose, reactive oxygen species detection assays demonstrated that high concentrations of yeast and EVs (1010 particles/mL) of Candida haemulonii did not change macrophage viability. However, the macrophages recognized these EVs and triggered an oxidative response through the classical NOX-2 pathway, increasing O2•- and H2O2 levels. However, this stress did not cause lipid peroxidation in the RAW 264.7 cells and neither lead to the activation of the COX-2-PGE2 pathway. Thus, our data suggest that low concentrations of C. haemulonii EVs are not recognized by the classical pathway of the oxidative burst generated by macrophages, which might be an advantage allowing the transport of virulence factors via EVs, not identified by the host immune system that could work as fine tube regulators during infections caused by C. haemulonii. In contrast, C. haemulonii var. vulnera and high EV concentrations activated microbicidal actions in macrophages. Therefore, we propose that EVs could participate in the virulence of the species and that these particles could be a source of antigens to be exploited as new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca T M Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Thales M H Dourado
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrick W S Santos
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Tamires A Bitencourt
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos R Tirapelli
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Human Sciences, College of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, SP, Brazil
| | - Arnaldo L Colombo
- Special Laboratory of Mycology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Fausto Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
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