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Ali YM, Carnell GW, Fumagalli S, Mercurio D, Seminara S, Lynch NJ, Khatri P, Arachchilage CH, Mascheroni L, Kaminski C, George CL, Stewart H, Yabuki M, Demopulos G, Heeney JL, Schwaeble W. Inhibition of the Lectin Pathway of Complement Activation Reduces Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Severity in a Mouse Model of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:680-690. [PMID: 37878754 PMCID: PMC10938221 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Most patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit develop an acute respiratory distress syndrome characterized by severe hypoxemia, decreased lung compliance, and high vascular permeability. Activation of the complement system is a hallmark of moderate and severe COVID-19, with abundant deposition of complement proteins in inflamed tissue and on the endothelium during COVID-19. Using a transgenic mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, we assessed the therapeutic utility of an inhibitory antibody (HG4) targeting MASP-2, a key enzyme in the lectin pathway. Treatment of infected mice with HG4 reduced the disease severity score and improved survival vs mice that received an isotype control antibody. Administration of HG4 significantly reduced the lung injury score, including alveolar inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar edema, and alveolar hemorrhage. The ameliorating effect of MASP-2 inhibition on the severity of COVID-19 pathology is reflected by a significant reduction in the proinflammatory activation of brain microglia in HG4-treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssif M Ali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - George W Carnell
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Stefano Fumagalli
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Laboratory of Stroke and Vascular Dysfunctions, Mario Negri IRCCS, via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Domenico Mercurio
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Laboratory of Stroke and Vascular Dysfunctions, Mario Negri IRCCS, via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Serena Seminara
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Laboratory of Stroke and Vascular Dysfunctions, Mario Negri IRCCS, via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Nicholas J Lynch
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Priyanka Khatri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Chanuka H Arachchilage
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Luca Mascheroni
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Clemens Kaminski
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK
| | - Charlotte L George
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Hazel Stewart
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | | | | | - Jonathan L Heeney
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Wilhelm Schwaeble
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
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Fahmy L, Ali YM, Seilly D, McCoy R, Owens RM, Pipan M, Christie G, Grant AJ. An attacin antimicrobial peptide, Hill_BB_C10074, from Hermetia illucens with anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa activity. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:378. [PMID: 38036998 PMCID: PMC10690985 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03131-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a global need to develop new therapies to treat infectious diseases and tackle the rise in antimicrobial resistance. To date, the larvae of the Black Solider Fly, Hermetia illucens, have the largest repertoire of antimicrobial peptides derived from insects. Antimicrobial peptides are of particular interest in the exploration of alternative antimicrobials due to their potent action and reduced propensity to induce resistance compared with more traditional antibiotics. RESULTS The predicted attacin from H. illucens, Hill_BB_C10074, was first identified in the transcriptome of H. illucens populations that had been fed a plant-oil based diet. In this study, recombinant Hill_BB_C10074 (500 µg/mL), was found to possess potent antimicrobial activity against the serious Gram-negative pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sequence and structural homology modelling predicted that Hill_BB_C10074 formed a homotrimeric complex that may form pores in the Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane. In vitro experiments defined the antimicrobial action of Hill_BB_C10074 against P. aeruginosa and transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed the outer membrane disruptive power of Hill_BB_C10074 which was greater than the clinically relevant antibiotic, polymyxin B. CONCLUSIONS Combining predictive tools with in vitro approaches, we have characterised Hill_BB_C10074 as an important insect antimicrobial peptide and promising candidate for the future development of clinical antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Fahmy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Youssif M Ali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Seilly
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Reece McCoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Miha Pipan
- Better Origin, Future Business Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Graham Christie
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew J Grant
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Ali YM, Lynch NJ, Shaaban AA, Rizk DE, Abdel-Rahman SH, Khatri P, Yabuki M, Yaseen S, Dudler T, Demopulos G, Schwaeble WJ. Inhibition of the lectin pathway of complement activation reduces LPS-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome in mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1192767. [PMID: 37325666 PMCID: PMC10262210 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1192767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening disorder with a high rate of mortality. Complement activation in ARDS initiates a robust inflammatory reaction that can cause progressive endothelial injury in the lung. Here, we tested whether inhibition of the lectin pathway of complement could reduce the pathology and improve the outcomes in a murine model of LPS-induced lung injury that closely mimics ARDS in human. In vitro, LPS binds to murine and human collectin 11, human MBL and murine MBL-A, but not to C1q, the recognition subcomponent of the classical pathway. This binding initiates deposition of the complement activation products C3b, C4b and C5b-9 on LPS via the lectin pathway. HG-4, a monoclonal antibody that targets MASP-2, a key enzyme in the lectin pathway, inhibited lectin pathway functional activity in vitro, with an IC50 of circa 10nM. Administration of HG4 (5mg/kg) in mice led to almost complete inhibition of the lectin pathway activation for 48hrs, and 50% inhibition at 60hrs post administration. Inhibition of the lectin pathway in mice prior to LPS-induced lung injury improved all pathological markers tested. HG4 reduces the protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (p<0.0001) and levels of myeloid peroxide (p<0.0001), LDH (p<0.0001), TNFα and IL6 (both p<0.0001). Lung injury was significantly reduced (p<0.001) and the survival time of the mice increased (p<0.01). From the previous findings we concluded that inhibition of the lectin pathway has the potential to prevent ARDS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssif M. Ali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nicholas J. Lynch
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed A. Shaaban
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Dina E. Rizk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Shaymaa H. Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Priyanka Khatri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Wilhelm J. Schwaeble
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Saleh MA, Shabaan AA, May M, Ali YM. Topical application of indigo-plant leaves extract enhances healing of skin lesion in an excision wound model in rats. J Appl Biomed 2022; 20:124-129. [PMID: 36708717 DOI: 10.32725/jab.2022.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate the pharmacological role of indigo extract in accelerating the wound healing in a rat model. METHODS Female Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with ketamine (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and the full thickness of the marked skin was then cut carefully and wounds were left undressed. Indigo extract (5%) in PBS was applied topically twice daily until healing was complete. A control group of rats was treated with povidone-iodide (Betadine®). Rats treated with phosphate buffer saline were used as a negative control group. The rate of wound healing was assessed daily. Histopathological examination of skin sections were qualitatively assessed by independent evaluators. The inflammatory and apoptotic markers were assessed in skin tissue homogenates using ELISA. RESULTS Histopathology data showed that applying indigo to skin wounds enhanced the healing process, resulting in a significant decrease in dermal inflammation in comparison to untreated rats. Topical application of indigo significantly increased antioxidant enzyme activities with reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in wound tissues. The levels of matrix metalloproteases-2 and -9 were significantly lower with an accompanied increase in the level of TGF-β1 in skin tissues from rats treated with indigo compared to the control group treated with PBS. CONCLUSIONS The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of indigo leaf extract accelerate the healing of skin injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Saleh
- University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Sharjah, The United Arab Emirates.,Mansoura University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Shabaan
- Mansoura University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Mansoura, Egypt.,Delta University for Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Gamasa City, Egypt
| | - Michel May
- AIZOME, JM Mark Inc., Chicago, USA & Munich, Germany
| | - Youssif M Ali
- University of Cambridge, School of Biological Sciences, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Lynch NJ, Chan ACY, Ali YM, Khatri P, Bamigbola IE, Demopulos G, Paganessi M, Rambaldi A, Schwaeble WJ. Inhibition of the lectin pathway of complement ameliorates hypocomplementemia and restores serum bactericidal activity in patients with severe COVID-19. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e980. [PMID: 35839316 PMCID: PMC9286524 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Youssif M. Ali
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of PharmacyMansoura UniversityMansouraEgypt
| | - Priyanka Khatri
- Department of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | | | | | - Muriel Paganessi
- Unit of HematologyAzienda Socio‐Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIIIBergamoItaly
| | - Alessandro Rambaldi
- Unit of HematologyAzienda Socio‐Sanitaria Territoriale Papa Giovanni XXIIIBergamoItaly
- Department of Oncology‐HematologyUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
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Ali YM, Lynch NJ, Khatri P, Bamigbola IE, Chan ACY, Yabuki M, Demopulos GA, Heeney JL, Pai S, Baxendale H, Schwaeble WJ. Secondary Complement Deficiency Impairs Anti-Microbial Immunity to Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus During Severe Acute COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:841759. [PMID: 35572551 PMCID: PMC9094484 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.841759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A high incidence of secondary Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus infection were observed in patients with severe COVID-19. The cause of this predisposition to infection is unclear. Our data demonstrate consumption of complement in acute COVID-19 patients reflected by low levels of C3, C4, and loss of haemolytic activity. Given that the elimination of Gram-negative bacteria depends in part on complement-mediated lysis, we hypothesised that secondary hypocomplementaemia is rendering the antibody-dependent classical pathway activation inactive and compromises serum bactericidal activity (SBA). 217 patients with severe COVID-19 were studied. 142 patients suffered secondary bacterial infections. Klebsiella species were the most common Gram-negative organism, found in 58 patients, while S. aureus was the dominant Gram-positive organism found in 22 patients. Hypocomplementaemia was observed in patients with acute severe COVID-19 but not in convalescent survivors three months after discharge. Sera from patients with acute COVID-19 were unable to opsonise either K. pneumoniae or S. aureus and had impaired complement-mediated killing of Klebsiella. We conclude that hyperactivation of complement during acute COVID-19 leads to secondary hypocomplementaemia and predisposes to opportunistic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssif M. Ali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Youssif M. Ali, ; Wilhelm J. Schwaeble,
| | - Nicholas J. Lynch
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Priyanka Khatri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ifeoluwa E. Bamigbola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew C. Y. Chan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jonathan L. Heeney
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sumita Pai
- Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Baxendale
- Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm J. Schwaeble
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Youssif M. Ali, ; Wilhelm J. Schwaeble,
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Ali YM, Ferrari M, Lynch NJ, Yaseen S, Dudler T, Gragerov S, Demopulos G, Heeney JL, Schwaeble WJ. Lectin Pathway Mediates Complement Activation by SARS-CoV-2 Proteins. Front Immunol 2021; 12:714511. [PMID: 34290717 PMCID: PMC8287855 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.714511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Early and persistent activation of complement is considered to play a key role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Complement activation products orchestrate a proinflammatory environment that might be critical for the induction and maintenance of a severe inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 by recruiting cells of the cellular immune system to the sites of infection and shifting their state of activation towards an inflammatory phenotype. It precedes pathophysiological milestone events like the cytokine storm, progressive endothelial injury triggering microangiopathy, and further complement activation, and causes an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To date, the application of antiviral drugs and corticosteroids have shown efficacy in the early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but failed to ameliorate disease severity in patients who progressed to severe COVID-19 pathology. This report demonstrates that lectin pathway (LP) recognition molecules of the complement system, such as MBL, FCN-2 and CL-11, bind to SARS-CoV-2 S- and N-proteins, with subsequent activation of LP-mediated C3b and C4b deposition. In addition, our results confirm and underline that the N-protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds directly to the LP- effector enzyme MASP-2 and activates complement. Inhibition of the LP using an inhibitory monoclonal antibody against MASP-2 effectively blocks LP-mediated complement activation. FACS analyses using transfected HEK-293 cells expressing SARS-CoV-2 S protein confirm a robust LP-dependent C3b deposition on the cell surface which is inhibited by the MASP-2 inhibitory antibody. In light of our present results, and the encouraging performance of our clinical candidate MASP-2 inhibitor Narsoplimab in recently published clinical trials, we suggest that the targeting of MASP-2 provides an unsurpassed window of therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssif M. Ali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Matteo Ferrari
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Lynch
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Jonathan L. Heeney
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm J. Schwaeble
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Abd El-Aziz AM, Elgaml A, Ali YM. Bacteriophage Therapy Increases Complement-Mediated Lysis of Bacteria and Enhances Bacterial Clearance After Acute Lung Infection With Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Infect Dis 2020; 219:1439-1447. [PMID: 30476337 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections is a major problem in clinical medicine. Development of new strategies such as phage therapy may be a novel approach for treatment of life-threatening infections caused by MDR bacteria. A newly isolated phage, MMI-Ps1, with strong lytic activity was used for treatment of acute lung infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a mouse model. Intranasal administration of a single dose of MMI-Ps1 immediately after infection provided a significant level of protection and increased the survival duration. Moreover, treatment of infected mice with phage as late as 12 hours after infection was still protective. Our in vitro results are the first to show the synergistic elimination of serum-resistant Pseudomonas strains by phage and complement. Phage therapy increases the efficacy of complement-mediated lysis of serum-resistant P. aeruginosa strains, indicating the importance of an intact complement system in clearing Pseudomonas infection during phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer M Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Abdelaziz Elgaml
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Youssif M Ali
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
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Ali YM, Sim RB, Schwaeble W, Shaaban MI. Enterococcus faecalis Escapes Complement-Mediated Killing via Recruitment of Complement Factor H. J Infect Dis 2019; 220:1061-1070. [PMID: 31058287 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enterococcus faecalis is considered to be the most important species of enterococci responsible for blood stream infections in critically ill patients. In blood, the complement system is activated via the classical pathway (CP), the lectin pathway (LP), or the alternative pathway (AP), and it plays a critical role in opsonophagocytosis of bacteria including E faecalis. METHODS In a mouse model of enterococcus peritonitis, BALB-C mice were challenged with a high dose of E faecalis 12 hours after intraperitoneal administration of anti-Factor H (FH) antibodies or isotype control. Four hours later, control mice developed higher bacterial burden in blood and organs compared with mice treated with anti-FH antibodies. RESULTS We demonstrate that complement recognition molecules C1q, CL-11, and murine ficolin-A bind the enterococcus and drive the CP and the LP in human and mouse. We further describe that E faecalis evades the AP by recruitment of FH on its surface. Our results show a strong C3b deposition on E faecalis via both the CP and the LP but not through the AP. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that E faecalis avoids the complement phagocytosis by the AP via sequestering complement FH from the host blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssif M Ali
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Robert B Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm Schwaeble
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mona I Shaaban
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
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10
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Ali YM, Abd El-Aziz AM, Mabrook M, Shabaan AA, Sim RB, Hassan R. Recombinant chemotaxis inhibitory protein of Staphylococcus aureus (CHIPS) protects against LPS-induced lung injury in mice. Clin Immunol 2018; 197:27-33. [PMID: 30145330 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are clinical conditions caused by trauma, lung infection or sepsis. ALI/ARDS is associated with massive recruitment of neutrophils into the lung with release of reactive oxygen species and excessive inflammatory response that damage alveolar tissue. Here we report the successful use of a potent recombinant chemotaxis inhibitory protein (rCHIPS) derived from Staphylococcus aureus in reducing the severity of ALI/ARDS. Treatment with rCHIPS reduces pulmonary inflammation and permeability in mice after intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). rCHIPS treatment significantly reduces lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, pro-inflammatory cytokines, broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid protein content as well as histopathological changes. In addition, treatment with rCHIPS significantly diminishes neutrophils and leukocytes recruitment into lung tissue after LPS administration and hence protects mice from reactive oxygen species mediated lung injury. Our finding reveals potential therapeutic benefits of using rCHIPS for the treatment of ALI/ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssif M Ali
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Abeer M Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Maha Mabrook
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Shabaan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt; Faculty of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, Jordon
| | - Robert B Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Ramadan Hassan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
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Hassan R, El-Naggar W, Abd El-Aziz AM, Shaaban M, Kenawy HI, Ali YM. Immunization with outer membrane proteins (OprF and OprI) and flagellin B protects mice from pulmonary infection with mucoid and nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa. J Microbiol Immunol Infect 2017; 51:312-320. [PMID: 28291719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic bacterium, which considered as a common cause of nosocomial infection and life-threatening complications in immunocompromized and cystic fibrosis patients. Here, we evaluate the protective effect of recombinant vaccines composed of outer membrane proteins OprF and OprI alone or in combination with flagellin B against mucoid and nonmucoid pseudomonas infection. METHODS BALB/C mice were immunized subcutaneous using OprF and OprI with or without flagellin B and antibody titers were determined. Serum bactericidal and opsonophagocytosis activities of immunized and control sera were estimated against mucoid and nonmucoid pseudomonas strains. Lung tissue sections from immunized and nonimmunized mice were analyzed and the levels of peripheral neutrophils infiltration into the lung and tissue inflammation were scored. RESULTS Subcutaneous immunization using OprF and OprI with or without flagellin B elicited higher antibody titers against OprF, OprI, and flagellin B. The produced antibodies successfully opsonized both mucoid and nonmucoid strains with subsequent activation of the terminal pathway of complement that enhances killing of nonmucoid strains via complement-mediated lysis. Furthermore, opsonized mucoid and nonmucoid strains showed enhanced opsonophagocytosis via human peripheral neutrophils, a mechanism that kills P. aeruginosa when complement mediated lysis is not effective especially with mucoid strains. Immunized mice also showed a significant prolonged survival time, lower bacteremia, and reduced lung damage when compared with control nonimmunized mice. CONCLUSION Our data showed that mice immunized with OprF/OprI or OprF/OprI and flagellin B are significantly protected from infection caused by mucoid and nonmucoid strains of P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramadan Hassan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Wael El-Naggar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt; Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer M Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Mona Shaaban
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Hany I Kenawy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt; Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Youssif M Ali
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt; Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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Abstract
We studied the prevalence, type and associated features of monoclonal gammopathy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients included in the University of Toronto Lupus Database with an abnormal band on serum electropheresis were identified. Monoclonal gammopathy patients were matched with two controls each from the same database by age at SLE diagnosis, sex and disease duration. Of 1083 patients followed at the Lupus Clinic 59 (5.4%) were identified with monoclonal gammopathy. The gammopathies included 32 with IgG, 14 IgM and 12 IgA, one undefined. Nine (15.3%) malignancies were detected in monoclonal gammopathy and 12 (10.1%) in the controls during the entire course of their disease ( P = 0.13). None had multiple myeloma. There was no difference between patients with monoclonal gammopathy and their controls with respect to disease activity, damage, or dose of steroids. The mean ESR and gammaglobulin levels in the monoclonal gammopathy patients were higher than the controls at last visit. We conclude that monoclonal gammopathy is more frequent in SLE patients than in the general population and has a benign course in patients with SLE. There were no differences in disease manifestations, treatment approaches, or malignancies between SLE patients with and those without monoclonal gammopathy. Lupus (2007) 16, 426—429.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Ali
- Centre for Progrosis Studies, Toronto Hospital Western Division, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Shaaban MI, Abdelmegeed E, Ali YM. Cloning, Expression, and Purification of Recombinant Uricase Enzyme from Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ps43 Using Escherichia coli. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 25:887-92. [PMID: 25588559 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1410.10041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Uricase is an important microbial enzyme that can be used in the clinical treatment of gout, hyperuricemia, and tumor lysis syndrome. A total of 127 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were tested for uricase production. A Pseudomonas strain named Ps43 showed the highest level of native uricase enzyme expression. The open reading frame of the uricase enzyme was amplified from Ps43 and cloned into the expression vector pRSET-B. Uricase was expressed using E. coli BL21 (DE3). The ORF was sequenced and assigned GenBank Accession No. KJ718888. The nucleotide sequence analysis was identical to the coding sequence of uricase gene puuD of P. aeruginosa PAO1. We report the successful expression of P. aeruginosa uricase in Escherichia coli. E. coli showed an induced protein with a molecular mass of about 58 kDa that was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. We also established efficient protein purification using the Ni-Sepharose column with activity of the purified enzyme of 2.16 IU and a 2-fold increase in the specific activity of the pure enzyme compared with the crude enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona I Shaaban
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Eman Abdelmegeed
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Youssif M Ali
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt.,Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK
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14
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Awobajo FO, Onokpite BO, Ali YM, Babaleye TA, Uzor PO, Tijani KO. Genistein Precipitated Hypothyroidism, Altered Leptin and C-Reactive Protein Synthesis in Pregnant Rats. Niger J Physiol Sci 2015; 30:79-85. [PMID: 27507781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Genistein is an isoflavone constituent of soya. This study examined the mechanism by which genistein produced adverse effects in pregnant laboratory rats. Pregnant rats were divided into control (Con) and genistein (Gen) force fed (2 mg/kg) groups. At terminal gestation day (GD) ranging from 0-20, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples and amniotic fluids were collected. Thyroid hormone, C-reactive protein (CRP) and leptin assay was carried using the blood samples. Leptin was also assayed in the placenta and amniotic fluid supernatant. Oral exposure of pregnant rats to genistein significantly altered maternal T3, (GD18; Con 1.65 ± 0.01, Gen 1.03 ± 0.04 nmol/L), T4 (GD6; Con 29.60 ± 0.00, Gen 36.04 ± 1.29 nmol/L), Leptin (Placenta GD20; Con 0.08 ± 0.01, Gen 0.31 ± 0.02 ng/ml, amniotic fluid ;GD 20; Con 0.02 ± 0.00, Gen 0.35 ± 0.05 ng/ml) in genistein group. These changes were accompanied with loss of embryonic implants and a decrease in fetal and placental weights. The CRP level was significantly decreased and increased at the onset and toward late pregnancy respectively. Oral exposure of pregnant rats to genistein precipitated hypothyroidism, altered some metabolic hormones with a reduction in fetal and placental growth and increased resorption of embryonic implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- F O Awobajo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos.
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15
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Ribeiro CH, Lynch NJ, Stover CM, Ali YM, Valck C, Noya-Leal F, Schwaeble WJ, Ferreira A. Deficiency in mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 does not increase susceptibility to Trypanosoma cruzi infection. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 92:320-4. [PMID: 25548381 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas' disease, a chronic illness affecting 10 million people around the world. The complement system plays an important role in fighting microbial infections. The recognition molecules of the lectin pathway of complement activation, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), ficolins, and CL-11, bind to specific carbohydrates on pathogens, triggering complement activation through MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2). Previous in vitro work showed that human MBL and ficolins contribute to T. cruzi lysis. However, MBL-deficient mice are only moderately compromised in their defense against the parasite, as they may still activate the lectin pathway through ficolins and CL-11. Here, we assessed MASP-2-deficient mice, the only presently available mouse line with total lectin pathway deficiency, for a phenotype in T. cruzi infection. Total absence of lectin pathway functional activity did not confer higher susceptibility to T. cruzi infection, suggesting that it plays a minor role in the immune response against this parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina H Ribeiro
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nicholas J Lynch
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Cordula M Stover
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Youssif M Ali
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Carolina Valck
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Francisca Noya-Leal
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Wilhelm J Schwaeble
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Arturo Ferreira
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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16
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Asgari E, Farrar CA, Lynch N, Ali YM, Roscher S, Stover C, Zhou W, Schwaeble WJ, Sacks SH. Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease 2 is critical for the development of renal ischemia reperfusion injury and mediates tissue injury in the absence of complement C4. FASEB J 2014; 28:3996-4003. [PMID: 24868011 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-246306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2) has been described as the essential enzyme for the lectin pathway (LP) of complement activation. Since there is strong published evidence indicating that complement activation via the LP critically contributes to ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury, we assessed the effect of MASP-2 deficiency in an isogenic mouse model of renal transplantation. The experimental transplantation model used included nephrectomy of the remaining native kidney at d 5 post-transplantation. While wild-type (WT) kidneys grafted into WT recipients (n=7) developed acute renal failure (control group), WT grafts transplanted into MASP-2-deficient recipients (n=7) showed significantly better kidney function, less C3 deposition, and less IR injury. In the absence of donor or recipient complement C4 (n=7), the WT to WT phenotype was preserved, indicating that the MASP-2-mediated damage was independent of C4 activation. This C4-bypass MASP-2 activity was confirmed in mice deficient for both MASP-2 and C4 (n=7), where the protection from postoperative acute renal failure was no greater than in mice with MASP-2 deficiency alone. Our study highlights the role of LP activation in renal IR injury and indicates that injury occurs through MASP-2-dependent activation events independent of C4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Asgari
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK; and
| | - Conrad A Farrar
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK; and
| | - Nicholas Lynch
- Department of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Youssif M Ali
- Department of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Silke Roscher
- Department of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Cordula Stover
- Department of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Wuding Zhou
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK; and
| | - Wilhelm J Schwaeble
- Department of Infection, Immunity, and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Steven H Sacks
- Medical Research Council Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK; and
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Ali YM, Kenawy HI, Muhammad A, Sim RB, Andrew PW, Schwaeble WJ. Human L-ficolin, a recognition molecule of the lectin activation pathway of complement, activates complement by binding to pneumolysin, the major toxin of Streptococcus pneumoniae. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82583. [PMID: 24349316 PMCID: PMC3861440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system is an essential component of the immune response, providing a critical line of defense against different pathogens including S. pneumoniae. Complement is activated via three distinct pathways: the classical (CP), the alternative (AP) and the lectin pathway (LP). The role of Pneumolysin (PLY), a bacterial toxin released by S. pneumoniae, in triggering complement activation has been studied in vitro. Our results demonstrate that in both human and mouse sera complement was activated via the CP, initiated by direct binding of even non-specific IgM and IgG3 to PLY. Absence of CP activity in C1q(-/-) mouse serum completely abolished any C3 deposition. However, C1q depleted human serum strongly opsonized PLY through abundant deposition of C3 activation products, indicating that the LP may have a vital role in activating the human complement system on PLY. We identified that human L-ficolin is the critical LP recognition molecule that drives LP activation on PLY, while all of the murine LP recognition components fail to bind and activate complement on PLY. This work elucidates the detailed interactions between PLY and complement and shows for the first time a specific role of the LP in PLY-mediated complement activation in human serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssif M. Ali
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hany I. Kenawy
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Adnan Muhammad
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Robert B. Sim
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter W. Andrew
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm J. Schwaeble
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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18
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Bidula S, Kenawy H, Ali YM, Sexton D, Schwaeble WJ, Schelenz S. Role of ficolin-A and lectin complement pathway in the innate defense against pathogenic Aspergillus species. Infect Immun 2013; 81:1730-40. [PMID: 23478320 PMCID: PMC3647983 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00032-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus species are saprophytic molds causing life-threatening invasive fungal infections in the immunocompromised host. Innate immune recognition, in particular, the mechanisms of opsonization and complement activation, has been reported to be an integral part of the defense against fungi. We have shown that the complement component ficolin-A significantly binds to Aspergillus conidia and hyphae in a concentration-dependent manner and was inhibited by N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine. Calcium-independent binding to Aspergillus fumigatus and A. terreus was observed, but binding to A. flavus and A. niger was calcium dependent. Ficolin-A binding to conidia was increased under low-pH conditions, and opsonization led to enhanced binding of conidia to A549 airway epithelial cells. In investigations of the lectin pathway of complement activation, ficolin-A-opsonized conidia did not lead to lectin pathway-specific C4 deposition. In contrast, the collectin mannose binding lectin C (MBL-C) but not MBL-A led to efficient lectin pathway activation on A. fumigatus in the absence of ficolin-A. In addition, ficolin-A opsonization led to a modulation of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8. We conclude that ficolin-A may play an important role in the innate defense against Aspergillus by opsonizing conidia, immobilizing this fungus through enhanced adherence to epithelial cells and modulation of inflammation. However, it appears that other immune pattern recognition molecules, i.e., those of the collectin MBL-C, are involved in the Aspergillus-lectin complement pathway activation rather than ficolin-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bidula
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Hany Kenawy
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Youssif M. Ali
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Darren Sexton
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm J. Schwaeble
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine and Biological Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Silke Schelenz
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
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19
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Ruseva MM, Vernon KA, Lesher AM, Schwaeble WJ, Ali YM, Botto M, Cook T, Song W, Stover CM, Pickering MC. Loss of properdin exacerbates C3 glomerulopathy resulting from factor H deficiency. J Am Soc Nephrol 2012. [PMID: 23184055 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2012060571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement factor H (CFH) is a negative regulator of the alternative pathway of complement, and properdin is the sole positive regulator. CFH-deficient mice (CFH(-/-)) develop uncontrolled C3 activation and spontaneous renal disease characterized by accumulation of C3 along the glomerular basement membrane, but the role of properdin in the pathophysiology is unknown. Here, we studied mice deficient in both CFH and properdin (CFH(-/-).P(-/-)). Although CFH(-/-) mice had plasma depleted of both C3 and C5, CFH(-/-).P(-/-) animals exhibited depletion of C3 predominantly, recapitulating the plasma complement profile observed in humans with properdin-independent C3 nephritic factors. Glomerular inflammation, thickening of the capillary wall, and glomerular C3 staining were significantly increased in CFH(-/-).P(-/-) compared with CFH(-/-) mice. We previously reported that exogenous CFH ameliorates C3 staining of the glomerular basement membrane and triggers the appearance of mesangial C3 deposits in CFH(-/-) mice; here, we show that these effects require properdin. In summary, during uncontrolled activation of C3 driven by complete CFH deficiency, properdin influences the intraglomerular localization of C3, suggesting that therapeutic inhibition of properdin would be detrimental in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieta M Ruseva
- Centre for Complement and Inflammation Research, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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Kenawy HI, Bevington A, Stover CM, Ali YM, Shwaeble WJ, Brunskill NJ. CD36 is not involved in alternative pathway-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity on proximal tubular epithelial cells. Immunobiology 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ruseva MM, Vernon KA, Lesher AM, Schwaeble WJ, Ali YM, Botto M, Cook H, Song WC, Stover CM, Pickering MC. Properdin deficiency exacerbates C3 glomerulopathy in factor H-deficient mice. Immunobiology 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.08.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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22
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Ali YM, Hayat A, Buchberger A, Kenawy H, Andrew P, Stover CM, Lynch N, Goundis D, Schwaeble W. Therapeutic application of recombinant properdin confers a significant degree of protection during Neisseria meningitidis infection. Immunobiology 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.08.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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23
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Ali YM, Lynch NJ, Haleem KS, Fujita T, Endo Y, Hansen S, Holmskov U, Takahashi K, Stahl GL, Dudler T, Girija UV, Wallis R, Kadioglu A, Stover CM, Andrew PW, Schwaeble WJ. The lectin pathway of complement activation is a critical component of the innate immune response to pneumococcal infection. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002793. [PMID: 22792067 PMCID: PMC3390405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The complement system plays a key role in host defense against pneumococcal infection. Three different pathways, the classical, alternative and lectin pathways, mediate complement activation. While there is limited information available on the roles of the classical and the alternative activation pathways of complement in fighting streptococcal infection, little is known about the role of the lectin pathway, mainly due to the lack of appropriate experimental models of lectin pathway deficiency. We have recently established a mouse strain deficient of the lectin pathway effector enzyme mannan-binding lectin associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) and shown that this mouse strain is unable to form the lectin pathway specific C3 and C5 convertases. Here we report that MASP-2 deficient mice (which can still activate complement via the classical pathway and the alternative pathway) are highly susceptible to pneumococcal infection and fail to opsonize Streptococcus pneumoniae in the none-immune host. This defect in complement opsonisation severely compromises pathogen clearance in the lectin pathway deficient host. Using sera from mice and humans with defined complement deficiencies, we demonstrate that mouse ficolin A, human L-ficolin, and collectin 11 in both species, but not mannan-binding lectin (MBL), are the pattern recognition molecules that drive lectin pathway activation on the surface of S. pneumoniae. We further show that pneumococcal opsonisation via the lectin pathway can proceed in the absence of C4. This study corroborates the essential function of MASP-2 in the lectin pathway and highlights the importance of MBL-independent lectin pathway activation in the host defense against pneumococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssif M. Ali
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Mansoura, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nicholas J. Lynch
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Kashif S. Haleem
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Teizo Fujita
- Department of Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yuichi Endo
- Department of Immunology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Soren Hansen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Uffe Holmskov
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kazue Takahashi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gregory L. Stahl
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Thomas Dudler
- Omeros Corporation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Umakhanth V. Girija
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Russell Wallis
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Aras Kadioglu
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Cordula M. Stover
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter W. Andrew
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelm J. Schwaeble
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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Al-Hunayan AA, Hanafy AM, Kehinde EO, Al-Awadi KA, Ali YM, Al-Twheed AR, Abdulhalim H. Testicular torsion: a perspective from the Middle East. Med Princ Pract 2004; 13:255-9. [PMID: 15316257 DOI: 10.1159/000079523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2003] [Accepted: 10/06/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report our experience in the management of testicular torsion with emphasis on seasonal variation, salvage rate and the status of the torted testis 3-6 months after orchidopexy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Seventy-five patients with a presumptive diagnosis of testicular torsion, who presented to our hospital between January 1999 and December 2002, were included in the study. Following scrotal exploration, 63 patients were found to have testicular torsion. Of these, 11 with nonviable testes had orchiectomy while 52 with viable testes had orchidopexy. Both groups of patients had simultaneous contralateral orchidopexy. Patients who had orchidopexy were followed up 3-monthly by testicular ultrasound to assess the volume of the affected testis. RESULTS Sixty-three patients were confirmed to have testicular torsion. The average number of new cases in the winter was 6.7 compared to 4 in the summer. Fifty-two patients underwent orchidopexy to give an operative salvage rate of 82.5%. Of 51 patients in whom the duration of torsion was less than 24 h, 1 (2.0%) had a nonviable testis, whereas of 12 patients in whom the duration of torsion was more than 24 h, 10 (83.3%) had a nonviable testis. After a minimum follow-up of 3 months for patients who had orchidopexy, 7 (13.5%) developed testicular atrophy. The incidence rate was estimated to be 7.9 cases per 100,000 population. CONCLUSION The highest incidence was during the cold season. The outcome of surgical management of testicular torsion was dependent on the duration of torsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Al-Hunayan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University.
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25
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Abstract
This study aims to compare the urologic injuries treated at Kuwait during the Gulf War with those recently reported by the United States urologic surgeons. Gunshot caused the majority of the injuries (58%) on our side of the battle compared with fragmentation injuries (83%) on the other side. We had statistically significant higher renal and ureteric injuries (14/35 compared with 5/30; p<0.04, Chi-square). This difference can be explained by the use of the flak jackets on the other side or the difference of the type of weapons used. Our management had a similar preservative approach. Only 4/12 of renal injuries (33%) had nephrectomy. Two ureteric injuries were missed by general surgeons which were successfully managed by the urologists. This study supports the presence of urologists within military surgical teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Abu-Zidan
- Department of Surgery, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Teaching Hospital, Kuwait
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Gogonea CB, Gogonea V, Ali YM, Merz KM, Siddiqui SS. Computational prediction of the three-dimensional structures for the Caenorhabditis elegans tubulin family. J Mol Graph Model 1999; 17:90-100, 126-30. [PMID: 10680114 DOI: 10.1016/s1093-3263(99)00025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In this article we characterize, from a structural point of view, all 16 members of the tubulin gene family of Caenorhabditis elegans (9 alpha-tubulins, 6 beta-tubulins, and 1 gamma-tubulin). We obtained their tertiary structures by computationally modifying the X-ray crystal structure of the pig brain alpha/beta-tubulin dimer published by Nogales et al. [Nature (London) 1998;391:199-203]. Our computational protocol involves changing the amino acids (with MIDAS; Jarvis et al., UCSF MIDAS. University of California, San Francisco, 1986) in the 3D structure of pig brain alpha/beta-tubulin dimer followed by geometry optimization with the AMBER force field (Perlman et al., AMBER 4. University of California, San Francisco, 1990). We subsequently analyze and compare the resulting structures in terms of the differences in their secondary and tertiary structures. In addition, we compare the pattern of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts in the guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding site for all members of the tubulin family. Our computational results show that, except for gamma-tubulin, all members of the C. elegans tubulin family have similar secondary and 3D structures and that the change in the pattern of hydrogen bonds in the GTP-binding site may be used to assess the relative stability of different alpha/beta-tubulin dimers formed by monomers of the tubulin family.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Gogonea
- Department of Ecological Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Japan
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Bahar RH, Sabha M, Kouris K, Britton KE, Ali YM, Awdeh M, Abdel-Dayem HM, Nilsson T. 99mTc DTPA diuretic renography in the evaluation of surgery in chronic schistosomal and non-schistosomal obstructive uropathy. Br J Urol 1990; 66:137-43. [PMID: 2117983 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.1990.tb14890.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The selection of patients with chronic obstructive uropathy for surgery is difficult because of problems in identifying true obstruction in a grossly dilated urinary tract. This is especially so in schistosomal (bilharzial) obstructive uropathy. A prospective study of 90 patients (68 with chronic schistosomal and 22 with non-bilharzial obstructive uropathy) was carried out. All patients underwent pre-operative and post-operative radionuclide 99mTc DTPA diuretic renography (RDR). The aims were to assess the value of RDR in the pre- and post-operative management of these patients and whether it could predict the outcome of surgery. Distinctive renogram patterns were identified in patients who required surgical management. These were found useful in monitoring the results and in predicting the outcome of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Bahar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kuwait
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