Novel Genotype of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis Associated with Mastitis in an Arabian Filly: Genomic Approaches and Phenotypic Properties

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (Sde) is a commensal bacterium of horses that causes opportunistic infections. The aim of the work was to study genotypic and phenotypic properties of the Sde strain related to equine neonatal mastitis. Sde was isolated from an 8 day-old filly and sequenced for genome analysis, antibiotic susceptibility tests and virulence factor (VF) assays. The Sde strain presented the novel emm-subtype stC839.12 and the novel multilocus-sequence type ST-670, which belonged to a specific equine genotype group. Although no specific genotypic mechanisms related to antibiotic resistance were found, it presented genes encoding efflux pumps and transporters pmrA, bmrC and lmrP. Genes encoding several putative VFs including emm, cpa, fbp-2, adcA, hyl, htrA, tig, slo, and ndk and loci-encoding phosphoenolpyruvate-protein phosphotransferase systems were identified. This is the first report of an equine neonatal mastitis case caused by a novel genotype and horse specific Sde strain.

Genome characteristics related to the virulence of Streptococcus suis in Swedish pigs

The impact of S. suis on Swedish pig production has increased in recent years, and characterization of the strains present in the pig population is needed to aid in surveillance and prevention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and characterize differences in the genomes between Swedish S. suis isolates associated with disease and isolates from healthy animals. Isolates categorized as being pathogenic (n = 100) or non-pathogenic (n = 117) were whole-genome sequenced, serotyped in silico, and sequence-typed using traditional MLST and core-genome MLST, and a genome-wide association study was performed to identify virulence-associated genes. In decreasing order, serotypes 2, 1, and 7 were the most common in the pathogenic group, and serotypes 15 and 12 were the most common in the non-pathogenic group. Among the commonly disease-associated sequence types, ST28 and ST25 were identified, whereas ST1 was scarcely found. The majority of isolates belonged to novel sequence types, revealing differences between Swedish isolates and those reported from other countries. The genomes of the pathogenic isolates were on average smaller and less heterogenic as compared to those of the non-pathogenic isolates. Although a majority of the previously published virulence-associated genes included in the study were found in the genomes of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic isolates, several new, significantly virulence-associated genes were identified.

Conservation of vaccine antigen sequences encoded by sequenced strains of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S equi) is the cause of Strangles, one of the most prevalent diseases of horses worldwide. Variation within the immunodominant SeM protein has been documented, but a new eight-component fusion protein vaccine, Strangvac, does not contain live S equi or SeM and conservation of the antigens it contains have not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To define the diversity of the eight Strangvac antigens across a diverse S equi population.

STUDY DESIGN

Genomic description.

METHODS

Antigen sequences from the genomes of 759 S equi isolates from 19 countries, recovered between 1955 and 2018, were analysed. Predicted amino acid sequences in the antigen fragments of SEQ0256(Eq5), SEQ0402(Eq8), SEQ0721(EAG), SEQ0855(SclF), SEQ0935(CNE), SEQ0999(IdeE), SEQ1817(SclI) and SEQ2101(SclC) in Strangvac and SeM were extracted from the 759 assembled genomes and compared.

RESULTS

The predicted amino acid sequences of SclC, SclI and IdeE were identical across all 759 genomes. CNE was truncated in the genome of five (0.7%) isolates. SclF was absent from one genome and another encoded a single amino acid substitution. EAG was truncated in two genomes. Eq5 was truncated in four genomes and 123 genomes encoded a single amino acid substitution. Eq8 was truncated in three genomes, one genome encoded four amino acid substitutions and 398 genomes encoded a single amino acid substitution at the final amino acid of the Eq8 antigen fragment. Therefore, at least 1579 (99.9%) of 1580 amino acids in Strangvac were identical in 743 (97.9%) genomes, and all genomes encoded identical amino acid sequences for at least six of the eight Strangvac antigens.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Three hundred and seven (40.4%) isolates in this study were recovered from horses in the UK.

CONCLUSIONS

The predicted amino acid sequences of antigens in Strangvac were highly conserved across this collection of S equi.

Globetrotting strangles: the unbridled national and international transmission of Streptococcus equi between horses

The equine disease strangles, which is characterized by the formation of abscesses in the lymph nodes of the head and neck, is one of the most frequently diagnosed infectious diseases of horses around the world. The causal agent, Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, establishes a persistent infection in approximately 10 % of animals that recover from the acute disease. Such 'carrier' animals appear healthy and are rarely identified during routine veterinary examinations pre-purchase or transit, but can transmit S. equi to naïve animals initiating new episodes of disease. Here, we report the analysis and visualization of phylogenomic and epidemiological data for 670 isolates of S. equi recovered from 19 different countries using a new core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) web bioresource. Genetic relationships among all 670 S. equi isolates were determined at high resolution, revealing national and international transmission events that drive this endemic disease in horse populations throughout the world. Our data argue for the recognition of the international importance of strangles by the Office International des Épizooties to highlight the health, welfare and economic cost of this disease. The Pathogenwatch cgMLST web bioresource described herein is available for tailored genomic analysis of populations of S. equi and its close relative S. equi subspecies zooepidemicus that are recovered from horses and other animals, including humans, throughout the world. This article contains data hosted by Microreact.

Selective Isolation of Multidrug-Resistant Pedobacter spp., Producers of Novel Antibacterial Peptides

Twenty-eight multidrug-resistant bacterial strains closely related or identical to Pedobacter cryoconitis, Pedobacter lusitanus and Pedobacter steynii were isolated from soil samples by selection for multidrug-resistance. Approximately 3-30% of the selected isolates were identified as Pedobacter, whereas isolation without antibiotics did not yield any isolates of this genus. Next generation sequencing data showed Pedobacter to be on 69th place among the bacterial genera (0.32% of bacterial sequences). The Pedobacter isolates produced a wide array of novel compounds when screened by UHPLC-MS/MSMS, and hierarchical cluster analysis resulted in several distinct clusters of compounds produced by specific isolates of Pedobacter, and most of these compounds were found to be peptides. The Pedobacter strain UP508 produced isopedopeptins, whereas another set of strains produced pedopeptins, which both are known cyclic lipodepsipeptides produced by Pedobacter sp. Other Pedobacter strains produced analogous peptides with a sequence variation. Further strains of Pedobacter produced additional novel antibacterial cyclic lipopeptides (ca 800 or 1400 Da in size) and/or linear lipopeptides (ca 700-960 Da in size). A 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree for the Pedobacter isolates revealed several distinct clades and subclades of isolates. One of the subclades comprised isolates producing isopedopeptin analogs, but the isopedopeptin producing isolate UP508 was clearly placed on a separate branch. We suggest that the non-ribosomal peptide synthases producing pedopeptins, isopedopeptins, and the analogous peptides, may derive from a common ancestral non-ribosomal peptide synthase gene cluster, which may have been subjected to a mutation leading to changed specificity in one of the modules and then to a modular rearrangement leading to the changed sequence found in the isopedopeptins produced by isolate UP508.

In-peptide amino acid racemization via inter-residue oxazoline intermediates during acidic hydrolysis

Isopedopeptins are antibiotic cyclic lipodepsipeptides containing the subsequence L-Thr—L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid—D-Phe—L-Val/L-3-hydroxyvaline. Acidic hydrolysis of isopedopeptins in D₂O showed the D-Phe residues to racemize extensively in peptides with L-3-hydroxyvaline but not in peptides with L-Val. Similarly, one Leu residue in pedopeptins, which are related peptides containing the subsequence Leu—2,3-diaminopropanoic acid—Leu—L-Val/L-3-hydroxyvaline, was found to racemize in peptides with L-3-hydroxyvaline. Model tetrapeptides, L-Ala—L-Phe—L-Val/3-hydroxyvaline—L-Ala, gave the corresponding results, i.e. racemization of L-Phe only when linked to a L-3-hydroxyvaline. We propose the racemization to proceed via an oxazoline intermediate involving Phe/Leu and the L-3-hydroxyvaline residues. The 3-hydroxyvaline residue may form a stable tertiary carbocation by loss of the sidechain hydroxyl group as water after protonation. Elimination of the Phe/Leu H-2 and ring-closure from the carbonyl oxygen onto the carbocation results in the suggested oxazoline intermediate. The reversed reaction leads to either retained or inversed configuration of Phe/Leu. Such racemization during acidic hydrolysis may occur whenever a 3-hydroxyvaline residue or any amino acid that can form a stable carbocation on the C-3, is present in a peptide. The proposed mechanism for racemization was supported by incorporation of ¹⁸O in the 3-hydroxyvaline sidechain when the acidic hydrolysis was performed in H₂O/H₂¹⁸O (1:1). The 2,3-diaminopropanoic residues of isopedopeptins and pedopeptins were also found to racemize during acidic hydrolysis, as previously described. Based on the results, the configuration of the Leu and 2,3-diaminopropanoic acid residues of the pedopeptins were reassigned to be L-Leu and D-Leu, and 2 × L-2,3-diaminopropanoic acid.

Tetramic acid based alkaloids from Aspergillus amoenus Roberg strain UP197 - antibiotic properties and new pyranterreones

The fungus Aspergillus amoenus Roberg strain UP197 was shown to produce antibacterial tetramic acid based alkaloids. Two new compounds, pyranterreone I and J (1 and 2), were isolated and characterized, in addition to the known compounds cordylactam, 7-hydroxycordylactam, pyranterreone C, D, F and G. Neither the pyranterreones nor the cordylacctams had previously been tested for antimicrobial activity. Thus, all isolated compounds were tested against a panel of clinically important bacteria and fungi. Pyranterreone C was active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 1 and 8 µg/mL, whereas the MICs for all other compounds were >32 µg/mL. Pyranoterreone C was cytotoxic towards HepG2 cells, and since pyranterreone C reacted rapidly with the nucleophile cysteine, it is likely that the observed antibacterial activity is due to the chemical reactivity rather than enzymatic affinity, making it unsuitable for development as an antibacterial drug.

Isopedopeptins A-H: Cationic Cyclic Lipodepsipeptides from Pedobacter cryoconitis UP508 Targeting WHO Top-Priority Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria

Pedobacter cryoconitis strain UP508 was isolated from a soil sample using a mixture of ampicillin, kanamycin, and nalidixic acid for selection. UP508 was found to produce >30 unknown antibacterial peptides, of which eight, isopedopeptins A–H (1–8), were isolated by bioassay-guided fractionation and characterized with respect to structures and biological properties. Compounds 1–8 were all composed of nine amino acid residues and one 3-hydroxy fatty acid residue, and the structures were ring-closed via an ester bond from the C-terminal aspartic acid to the 3-hydroxy fatty acid. The differences between the peptides were the size and branching of the 3-hydroxy fatty acid and the presence of a valine or a 3-hydroxyvaline residue. The isopedopeptins mainly had activity against Gram-negative bacteria, and isopedopeptin B (2), which had the best combination of antibacterial activity, in vitro cytotoxicity, and hemolytic properties, was selected for further studies against a larger panel of Gram-negative bacteria. Isopedopeptin B was found to have good activity against strains of WHO top-priority Gram-negative bacteria, i.e., carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) down to 1, 2, and 4 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, compound 2 had activity against colistin-resistant strains of A. baumannii, E. coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, with a MIC down to 8, 2, and 4 μg/mL, respectively. Compound 6 was tested in an E. coli liposome system where it induced significant leakage, indicating membrane disruption as one mechanism involved in isopedopeptin antibacterial activity. Isopedopeptin B stands out as a promising candidate for further studies with the goal to develop a new antibiotic drug.

Streptococcus suis in Swedish grower pigs: occurrence, serotypes, and antimicrobial susceptibility

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus suis is a major cause of meningitis, arthritis, and pneumonia in pigs worldwide, and an emerging pathogen in humans. In Sweden, S. suis has previously received little attention but has in recent years become increasingly recognized as affecting the pig production. The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence, serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility of S. suis in Swedish grower pigs from herds with and without reported S. suis associated disease, as well as possible associations between S. suis associated disease and selected environmental and production factors. Swab samples were taken from the tonsils of clinically healthy 8-13-week-old grower pigs from ten case herds and ten control herds. Isolates were cultured, identified using MALDI-TOF MS, and serotyped using latex agglutination. The antimicrobial susceptibility of 188 isolates was tested using broth microdilution. Production data was gathered and environmental parameters were measured on the farms.

RESULTS

Streptococcus suis was isolated from 95% of the sampled pigs in both the case and the control herds. Serotypes 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, and 17-34 were detected, although a majority of the isolates (81.5%) were non-typeable. There was less diversity among the serotypes isolated from the case herds than among those from the control herds; four and nine different serotypes, respectively. Isolates resistant to penicillin (3.8%) were reported for the first time in Sweden. Tetracycline resistance was common (88.4%). No association was noted between the production and the environmental factors investigated, and the carriership of S. suis.

CONCLUSIONS

The carriership of S. suis was found to be higher in clinically healthy Swedish pigs than previously estimated, and for the first time, the presence of Swedish isolates resistant to penicillin was reported. Many of the most commonly disease-associated serotypes, e.g. serotypes 2, 9, 3, and 7, were detected in healthy grower pigs although further studies are needed to investigate the virulence of these isolates.

Intramuscular vaccination with Strangvac is safe and induces protection against equine strangles caused by Streptococcus equi

The equine disease strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi, remains a major cause of welfare and economic cost to the global horse industry. Here we report the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of a novel multi-component chimeric fusion protein vaccine, called Strangvac, when administered to ponies via the intramuscular route. Across the four studies, Strangvac was safe and induced robust antibody responses towards the vaccine components in blood serum and the nasopharynx, which were boosted by revaccination up to 12 months after a primary course of 2 vaccinations 4 weeks apart. The vaccine response did not cross-react with a commercial strangles iELISA, which identifies horses that have been exposed to S. equi, demonstrating that it was possible to differentiate infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA). Following challenge with S. equi strain 4047 (Se4047), all 36 control ponies that had received an adjuvant-only placebo vaccine developed clinical signs of strangles. In contrast, intramuscular vaccination with Strangvac protected ponies significantly from challenge with Se4047 at two weeks (5 of 16 ponies protected (31%), P = 0.04) and two months (7 of 12 ponies protected (58%), P = 0.0046 (including pooled control data) after second vaccination. Optimal protection (15 of 16 ponies protected (94%), P < 0.0001) was observed following challenge at two weeks post-third vaccination. Our data demonstrate that Strangvac is safe, has DIVA capability and provides a rapid onset of protective immunity against strangles. We conclude that Strangvac is a valuable tool with which to protect horses from strangles, particularly during high-risk periods, whilst maintaining the mobility of horse populations as required by the global equine industry.

Antibacterial pyrrolidinyl and piperidinyl substituted 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinols from Pseudomonas protegens UP46

In the search for new antibiotic compounds, fractionation of Pseudomonas protegens UP46 culture extracts afforded several known Pseudomonas compounds, including 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG), as well as two new antibacterial alkaloids, 6-(pyrrolidin-2-yl)DAPG (1) and 6-(piperidin-2-yl)DAPG (2). The structures of 1 and 2 were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Compounds 1 and 2 were found to have antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) 2 and 4 μg ml^-1, respectively, for 1, and 2 μg ml^-1 for both pathogens for 2. The MICs for 1 and 2, against all tested Gram-negative bacteria, were >32 μg ml^-1. The half maximal inhibitory concentrations against HepG2 cells for compounds 1 and 2 were 11 and 18 μg ml^-1, respectively, which suggested 1 and 2 be too toxic for further evaluation as possible new antibacterial drugs. Stable isotope labelling experiments showed the pyrrolidinyl group of 1 to originate from ornithine and the piperidinyl group of 2 to originate from lysine. The P. protegens acetyl transferase (PpATase) is involved in the biosynthesis of monoacetylphloroglucinol and DAPG. No optical rotation was detected for 1 or 2, and a possible reason for this was investigated by studying if the PpATase may catalyse a stereo-non-specific introduction of the pyrrolidinyl/piperidinyl group in 1 and 2, but unless the PpATase can be subjected to major conformational changes, the enzyme cannot be involved in this reaction. The PpATase is, however, likely to catalyse the formation of 2,4,6-triacetylphloroglucinol from DAPG.

Streptococcal sagA activates a proinflammatory response in mast cells by a sublytic mechanism

Mast cells are implicated in the innate proinflammatory immune defence against bacterial insult, but the mechanisms through which mast cells respond to bacterial encounter are poorly defined. Here, we addressed this issue and show that mast cells respond vividly to wild type Streptococcus equi by up‐regulating a panel of proinflammatory genes and by secreting proinflammatory cytokines. However, this response was completely abrogated when the bacteria lacked expression of sagA, whereas the lack of a range of other potential virulence genes (seeH, seeI, seeL, seeM, hasA, seM, aroB, pyrC, and recA) had no effect on the amplitude of the mast cell responses. The sagA gene encodes streptolysin S, a lytic toxin, and we next showed that the wild type strain but not a sagA‐deficient mutant induced lysis of mast cells. To investigate whether host cell membrane perturbation per se could play a role in the activation of the proinflammatory response, we evaluated the effects of detergent‐ and pneumolysin‐dependent lysis on mast cells. Indeed, exposure of mast cells to sublytic concentrations of all these agents resulted in cytokine responses of similar amplitudes as those caused by wild type streptococci. This suggests that sublytic membrane perturbation is sufficient to trigger full‐blown proinflammatory signalling in mast cells. Subsequent analysis showed that the p38 and Erk1/2 signalling pathways had central roles in the proinflammatory response of mast cells challenged by either sagA‐expressing streptococci or detergent. Altogether, these findings suggest that sagA‐dependent mast cell membrane perturbation is a mechanism capable of activating the innate immune response upon bacterial challenge.

Integrin αV β3 can substitute for collagen-binding β1 -integrins in vivo to maintain a homeostatic interstitial fluid pressure

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Collagen‐binding β₁‐integrins function physiologically in cellular control of dermal interstitial fluid pressure (P_IF) in vivo and thereby participate in control of extravascular fluid volume. During anaphylaxis, simulated by injection of compound 48/80, integrin α_Vβ₃ takes over this physiological function. Here we addressed the question whether integrin α_Vβ₃ can replace collagen‐binding β₁‐integrin to maintain a long‐term homeostatic P_IF.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Mice lacking the collagen‐binding integrin α₁₁β₁ show a complex dermal phenotype with regard to the interstitial physiology apparent in the control of P_IF. Notably dermal P_IF is not lowered with compound 48/80 in these animals. Our present data imply that integrin α_Vβ₃ is the likely candidate that has taken over the role of collagen‐binding β₁‐integrins for maintaining a steady‐state homeostatic P_IF. A better understanding of molecular processes involved in control of P_IF is instrumental for establishing novel treatment regimens for control of oedema formation in anaphylaxis and septic shock.

Abstract

Accumulated data indicate that cell‐mediated contraction of reconstituted collagenous gels in vitro can serve as a model for cell‐mediated control of interstitial fluid pressure (P_IF) in vivo. A central role for collagen‐binding β₁‐integrins in both processes has been established. Furthermore, integrin α_Vβ₃ takes over the role of collagen‐binding β₁‐integrins in mediating contraction after perturbations of collagen‐binding β₁‐integrins in vitro. Integrin α_Vβ₃ is also instrumental for normalization of dermal P_IF that has been lowered due to mast cell degranulation with compound 48/80 (C48/80) in vivo. Here we demonstrate a role of integrin α_Vβ₃ in maintaining a long term homeostatic dermal P_IF in mice lacking the collagen‐binding integrin  α₁₁β₁ (α11^−/− mice). Measurements of P_IF were performed after circulatory arrest. Furthermore, cell‐mediated integrin α_Vβ₃‐directed contraction of collagenous gels in vitro depends on free access to a collagen site known to bind several extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that form substrates for α_Vβ₃‐directed cell attachment, such as fibronectin and fibrin. A streptococcal collagen‐binding protein, CNE, specifically binds to and blocks this site on the collagen triple helix. Here we show that whereas CNE perturbed α_Vβ₃‐directed and platelet‐derived growth factor BB‐induced normalization of dermal P_IF after C48/80, it did not affect α_Vβ₃‐dependent maintenance of a homeostatic dermal P_IF. These data imply that dynamic modification of the ECM structure is needed during acute patho‐physiological modulations of P_IF but not for long‐term maintenance of a homeostatic P_IF. Our data thus show that collagen‐binding β₁‐integrins, integrin α_Vβ₃ and ECM structure are potential targets for novel therapy aimed at modulating oedema formation and hypovolemic shock during anaphylaxis.

Antibacterial 3,6-Disubstituted 4-Hydroxy-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-ones from Serratia plymuthica MF371-2

Bioassay-guided fractionation of culture extracts of Serratia plymuthica strain MF371-2 resulted in the isolation of two new antibacterial compounds with potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus LMG 15975 (MRSA). A spectroscopic investigation, in combination with synthesis, enabled the characterization of the compounds as 3-butyryl-4-hydroxy-6-heptyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one (plymuthipyranone A, 1) and 3-butyryl-4-hydroxy-6-nonyl-5,6-dihydro-2H-pyran-2-one (plymuthipyranone B, 2). The MIC values for 1 and 2 against S. aureus LMG 15975 were determined to be 1-2 μg mL^-1 and 0.8 μg mL^-1, respectively. Compound 2 was found to have potent activity against many strains of S. aureus, including several mupirocin-resistant strains, other species of Staphylococcus, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Compound 2 was slightly cytotoxic for human cells, with CC₅₀ values between 4.7 and 40 μg mL^-1, but the CC₅₀/MIC ratio was ≥10 for many tested combinations of human cells and bacteria, suggesting its possible use as an antibacterial agent. Several analogues were synthesized with different alkyl groups in the 3- and 6-positions (6-13), and their biological properties were evaluated. It was concluded that the activity of the compounds increased with the lengths of the alkyl and acyl substituents.

Mastitis Pathogens with High Virulence in a Mouse Model Produce a Distinct Cytokine Profile In Vivo

Mastitis is a serious medical condition of dairy cattle. Here, we evaluated whether the degree of virulence of mastitis pathogens in a mouse model can be linked to the inflammatory response that they provoke. Clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (strain 556 and 392) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) (676 and 127), and laboratory control strains [8325-4 (S. aureus) and MG1655 (E. coli)], were injected i.p. into mice, followed by the assessment of clinical scores and inflammatory parameters. As judged by clinical scoring, E. coli 127 exhibited the largest degree of virulence among the strains. All bacterial strains induced neutrophil recruitment. However, whereas E. coli 127 induced high peritoneal levels of CXCL1, G-CSF, and CCL2, strikingly lower levels of these were induced by the less virulent bacterial strains. High concentrations of these compounds were also seen in blood samples taken from animals infected with E. coli 127, suggesting systemic inflammation. Moreover, the levels of CXCL1 and G-CSF, both in the peritoneal fluid and in plasma, correlated with clinical score. Together, these findings suggest that highly virulent clinical mastitis isolates produce a distinct cytokine profile that shows a close correlation with the severity of the bacterial infection.

Live Staphylococcus aureus Induces Expression and Release of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Terminally Differentiated Mouse Mast Cells

Mast cells have been shown to express vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thereby implicating mast cells in pro-angiogenic processes. However, the mechanism of VEGF induction in mast cells and the possible expression of VEGF in fully mature mast cells have not been extensively studied. Here, we report that terminally differentiated peritoneal cell-derived mast cells can be induced to express VEGF in response to challenge with Staphylococcus aureus, thus identifying a mast cell–bacteria axis as a novel mechanism leading to VEGF release. Whereas live bacteria produced a robust upregulation of VEGF in mast cells, heat-inactivated bacteria failed to do so, and bacteria-conditioned media did not induce VEGF expression. The induction of VEGF was not critically dependent on direct cell–cell contact between bacteria and mast cells. Hence, these findings suggest that VEGF can be induced by soluble factors released during the co-culture conditions. Neither of a panel of bacterial cell-wall products known to activate toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling promoted VEGF expression in mast cells. In agreement with the latter, VEGF induction occurred independently of Myd88, an adaptor molecule that mediates the downstream events following TLR engagement. The VEGF induction was insensitive to nuclear factor of activated T-cells inhibition but was partly dependent on the nuclear factor kappa light-chain enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathway. Together, these findings identify bacterial challenge as a novel mechanism by which VEGF is induced in mast cells.

ADAMTS: novel proteases expressed by activated mast cells

Here we show that mast cells (MCs) express the metalloproteases of the A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) family, and that ADAMTS expression is influenced by MC activation. Co-culture of MCs with live Gram-positive bacteria caused a profound induction of ADAMTS-9 and -6, as well as down-regulated expression of ADAMTS-5. Similar patterns were also seen after MC activation with calcium ionophore and by immunoglobulin E receptor crosslinking. Moreover, ADAMTS-5, -6 and -9 were all induced by activation of terminally differentiated murine peritoneal MCs and in a human MC line. ADAMTS-9 up-regulation in response to immunoglobulin E receptor crosslinking was strongly dependent on Gö6976-sensitive protein kinase C and partly dependent on nuclear factor of activated T cells and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, respectively. The expression of ADAMTS-5, -6 and -9 was closely linked to MC maturation, as shown by their strong induction during the differentiation of bone marrow precursor cells into mature MCs. ADAMTS family members have been shown to possess aggrecanase activity. Accordingly, MCs were shown to express aggrecanase activity. Finally, ADAMTS-5 protein was detected in MCs by immunocytochemistry. Taken together, the present study reveals ADAMTS expression by MCs and that MC activation regulates the expression of these proteases, thus implicating the ADAMTS family of proteases in MC function.

Mast cells are activated by Staphylococcus aureus in vitro but do not influence the outcome of intraperitoneal S. aureus infection in vivo

Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen that can cause a broad spectrum of serious infections including skin infections, pneumonia and sepsis. Peritoneal mast cells have been implicated in the host response towards various bacterial insults and to provide mechanistic insight into the role of mast cells in intraperitoneal bacterial infection we here studied the global effects of S. aureus on mast cell gene expression. After co-culture of peritoneal mast cells with live S. aureus we found by gene array analysis that they up-regulate a number of genes. Many of these corresponded to pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-3, interleukin-13 and tumour necrosis factor-α. The cytokine induction in response to S. aureus was confirmed by ELISA. To study the role of peritoneal mast cells during in vivo infection with S. aureus we used newly developed Mcpt5-Cre(+) × R-DTA mice in which mast cell deficiency is independent of c-Kit. This is in contrast to previous studies in which an impact of mast cells on bacterial infection has been proposed based on the use of mice whose mast cell deficiency is a consequence of defective c-Kit signalling. Staphylococcus aureus was injected intraperitoneally into mast-cell-deficient Mcpt5-Cre(+) × R-DTA mice using littermate mast-cell-sufficient mice as controls. We did not observe any difference between mast-cell-deficient and control mice with regard to weight loss, bacterial clearance, inflammation or cytokine production. We conclude that, despite peritoneal mast cells being activated by S. aureus in vitro, they do not influence the in vivo manifestations of intraperitoneal S. aureus infection.

Identification of immunogenic proteins in Treponema phagedenis-like strain V1 from digital dermatitis lesions by phage display

Digital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious claw disease causing lameness in cattle, affecting both animal welfare and economics. In this study, shotgun phage display was used to identify immunogenic proteins in a strain (V1) of the Treponema phylotype closely related to Treponema phagedenis, indicated as a key agent in the pathogenesis of DD. A genomic phage library was constructed and selected against antibodies from a rabbit immunized with live strain V1 bacteria. A homolog to the immunogenic protein TmpA of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum was identified, as well as a putative phage tail tape measure protein (Ttm), and a putative proline-rich repeat lipoprotein (PrrA). The complete amino acid sequences of these proteins were predicted from a genomic sequence of strain V1 generated by 454 Sequencing™. The presence of these genes in ten Treponema spp. field isolates was investigated by PCR. The tmpA and ttm genes were detected in all T. phagedenis-like isolates while prrA was detected in four out of seven. None of the genes were detected in the three Treponema pedis isolates investigated. Recombinant proteins were produced and used in indirect ELISAs. For all three proteins, a majority of serum samples from cattle with DD (n=8) showed higher optical density values than samples from cattle without DD (n=7).

Occurrence of foodborne pathogens and characterization of Staphylococcus aureus in cheese produced on farm-dairies

The objective of this study was to address knowledge gaps identified in an earlier risk assessment of Staphylococcus aureus and raw milk cheese. A survey of fresh and short-time ripened cheeses produced on farm-dairies in Sweden was conducted to investigate the occurrence and levels of S. aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, to characterize S. aureus isolates with special emphasis on enterotoxin genes, antibiotic resistance, bio-typing and genetic variation, and to collect information related to production practices. In general, the hygienic quality of farm-dairy cheeses appeared to be of an acceptable microbiological quality, e.g. L. monocytogenes and staphylococcal enterotoxin were not detected in cheese samples. However, E. coli and enterotoxigenic S. aureus were frequently found in raw milk cheeses and sometimes at levels that are of concern, especially in fresh cheese. Interestingly, levels in raw milk fresh cheese were significantly lower when starter cultures were used. Up to five S. aureus colonies per cheese, if possible, were characterized and about 70% of isolates carried one or more enterotoxin genes, most common were sec and sea. The Ovine biotype (73%) was most common among isolates from goat milk cheese and the Human biotype (60%) from cow milk cheese. Of all isolates, 39% showed decreased susceptibility to penicillin, but the proportion of isolates from cows' cheese (66%) compared to isolates from goats' cheese (27%) was significantly higher. S. aureus isolates with different properties were detected in cheese from the same farm and, sometimes even the same cheese. Isolates with the same pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE)-pattern were detected on geographically distant dairies. This indicates that multiple sources and routes of contamination are important. To improve the safety of these products efforts to raise awareness of the importance of hygiene barriers and raw milk quality as well as improved process control can be suggested, e.g. use of starter cultures and monitoring of fermentation with a pH-meter. For future safety assessments, a better understanding of factors determining toxin production in these cheeses is needed.

An IgG-binding protein A homolog in Staphylococcus hyicus

Shotgun phage display was used to identify a homolog of the IgG-binding protein staphylococcal protein A in Staphylococcus hyicus type strain CCUG 15602/ATCC 11249. This bacterium is the causative agent of exudative epidermitis in pigs and can also cause mastitis in cattle. A protein with similar features as the originally identified protein A in Staphylococcus aureus was described; an YSIRK-type signal peptide, four IgG-binding domains, a putative peptidoglycan-binding domain, and a cell wall anchoring motif (LPXTG) was present. The highest degree of similarity was to a protein A homolog in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. However, typical Xr polypeptide repeats present in the protein A of S. aureus and S. pseudintermedius could not be identified in the protein A of S. hyicus. The presence of the spa gene in ten porcine and eight bovine clinical isolates of S. hyicus was investigated by PCR. In all isolates, the spa gene could be detected but the amplicons were of two sizes. Sequence analysis of four selected PCR amplicons showed that only three IgG-binding domains were present in the protein A of clinical isolates generating a smaller spa fragment. The finding of spa in S. hyicus contributes to an increased understanding of potential virulence factors in this species.

The streptococcal collagen-binding protein CNE specifically interferes with alphaVbeta3-mediated cellular interactions with triple helical collagen

Collagen fibers expose distinct domains allowing for specific interactions with other extracellular matrix proteins and cells. To investigate putative collagen domains that govern integrin α(V)β(3)-mediated cellular interactions with native collagen fibers we took advantage of the streptococcal protein CNE that bound native fibrillar collagens. CNE specifically inhibited α(V)β(3)-dependent cell-mediated collagen gel contraction, PDGF BB-induced and α(V)β(3)-mediated adhesion of cells, and binding of fibronectin to native collagen. Using a Toolkit composed of overlapping, 27-residue triple helical segments of collagen type II, two CNE-binding sites present in peptides II-1 and II-44 were identified. These peptides lack the major binding site for collagen-binding β(1) integrins, defined by the peptide GFOGER. Peptide II-44 corresponds to a region of collagen known to bind collagenases, discoidin domain receptor 2, SPARC (osteonectin), and fibronectin. In addition to binding fibronectin, peptide II-44 but not II-1 inhibited α(V)β(3)-mediated collagen gel contraction and, when immobilized on plastic, supported adhesion of cells. Reduction of fibronectin expression by siRNA reduced PDGF BB-induced α(V)β(3)-mediated contraction. Reconstitution of collagen types I and II gels in the presence of CNE reduced collagen fibril diameters and fibril melting temperatures. Our data indicate that contraction proceeded through an indirect mechanism involving binding of cell-produced fibronectin to the collagen fibers. Furthermore, our data show that cell-mediated collagen gel contraction does not directly depend on the process of fibril formation.

Getting to grips with strangles: an effective multi-component recombinant vaccine for the protection of horses from Streptococcus equi infection

Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) is a clonal, equine host-adapted pathogen of global importance that causes a suppurative lymphodendopathy of the head and neck, more commonly known as Strangles. The disease is highly prevalent, can be severe and is highly contagious. Antibiotic treatment is usually ineffective. Live attenuated vaccine strains of S. equi have shown adverse reactions and they suffer from a short duration of immunity. Thus, a safe and effective vaccine against S. equi is highly desirable. The bacterium shows only limited genetic diversity and an effective vaccine could confer broad protection to horses throughout the world. Welsh mountain ponies (n = 7) vaccinated with a combination of seven recombinant S. equi proteins were significantly protected from experimental infection by S. equi, resembling the spontaneous disease. Vaccinated horses had significantly reduced incidence of lymph node swelling (p = 0.0013) lymph node abscessation (p = 0.00001), fewer days of pyrexia (p = 0.0001), reduced pathology scoring (p = 0.005) and lower bacterial recovery from lymph nodes (p = 0.004) when compared with non-vaccinated horses (n = 7). Six of 7 vaccinated horses were protected whereas all 7 non-vaccinated became infected. The protective antigens consisted of five surface localized proteins and two IgG endopeptidases. A second vaccination trial (n = 7+7), in which the IgG endopeptidases were omitted, demonstrated only partial protection against S. equi, highlighting an important role for these vaccine components in establishing a protective immune response. S. equi shares >80% sequence identity with Streptococcus pyogenes. Several of the components utilized here have counterparts in S. pyogenes, suggesting that our findings have broader implications for the prevention of infection with this important human pathogen. This is one of only a few demonstrations of protection from streptococcal infection conferred by a recombinant multi-component subunit vaccine in a natural host.

Numerous research groups have vaccinated, using recombinant antigens, against streptococcal infections in mouse model systems and shown protection. We have here demonstrated efficient protective vaccination of the natural host, the horse, using recombinant antigens. Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) is an equine host-adapted and highly contagious pathogen of global importance. Six out of seven Welsh mountain ponies vaccinated with a combination of seven recombinant S. equi proteins were protected from experimental infection as assessed by clinical examination, pyrexia, lymph node swelling, inflammation, bacterial recovery, and post mortem examination. The protective antigens consisted of five surface localized proteins and two endopeptidases that are specific for IgG; the latter were shown to be of major importance for efficacy. Several of the antigens used here have similarities in Streptococcus pyogenes, implying that our findings are of importance for development of a vaccine against this important human pathogen.

Vaccination of horses against strangles using recombinant antigens from Streptococcus equi

Strangles is an upper respiratory tract infection in horses, which is highly contagious and one of the more costly diseases of the horse. Three recombinant antigens were used to vaccinate horses, which were then experimentally challenged with Streptococcus equi, the causative agent for strangles. The vaccinated horses showed significantly reduced bacterial growth (p=0.02) and nasal discharge (p=0.0004), a typical symptom of strangles. Other clinical signs of strangles were also reduced and at post mortem examination, lower rate of empyaema or scarring of the guttural pouches was found in the vaccinated group (p=0.01). The antigens used were EAG (alpha2-macroglobulin, albumin, and IgG-binding protein), CNE (a collagen-binding protein), and SclC (a collagen-like protein). The adjuvant used was Abisco, a saponin derived matrix. No adverse effects were observed following vaccination with the antigens and adjuvant.

IdeE, an IgG-endopeptidase of Streptococcus equi ssp. equi

Streptococcus equi ssp. equi is the causative agent of strangles, a highly contagious and serious disease in the upper respiratory tract of horses. The present study describes the characterization of IdeE, a homolog of the secreted IgG-specific protease IdeS/Mac of Streptococcus pyogenes. The activity of IdeE is compared with the activity of IdeZ, the corresponding enzyme of the closely related S. equi ssp. zooepidemicus. A study of the proteolytic activity of recombinant IdeE and IdeZ on IgG from a selection of mammals shows that only antibodies containing the substrate site of IdeS/Mac are cleaved, indicating that the specificities of these enzymes are similar. Interestingly, IgG from horse is less effectively cleaved than IgG from e.g. dog or humans, as the dominating IgG isotype in horse sera (IgG4) lacks a distinct substrate site for IdeE/IdeZ. IgG-degradation is observed when S. equi ssp. equi is grown in the presence of horse serum, but not when grown with purified IgG. As the fraction of degraded IgG contains IgG4, the observed activity might be due to the expression of an unknown enzyme rather than IdeE. In a similar assay, no proteolysis of IgG was detected in the growth media of S. equi ssp. zooepidemicus.

Protective effect of vaccination with recombinant proteins from Streptococcus equi subspecies equi in a strangles model in the mouse

A mouse model resembling Streptococcus equi subspecies equi infection in the horse, strangles, was used to assess the protective effect of vaccination with selected recombinant proteins from S. equi subsp. equi. After challenge the infection was monitored by weight loss and by nasal colonisation with S. equi subsp. equi. Vaccination with a collagen-binding protein (CNE) and a collagen-like protein (SclC) resulted in protective antibodies, whereas a novel fibronectin-binding protein (FNEB) did not. Co-administration of CNE with EAG, a poorly immunogenic alpha2-macroglobulin-, albumin- and immunoglobulin G-binding protein, resulted in a significant synergistic effect and enhanced the protective immune response against EAG.

A fibronectin-binding protein from Streptococcus equi binds collagen and modulates cell-mediated collagen gel contraction

The N-terminal fragment (FNZN) of the fibronectin-binding protein FNZ from Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus was investigated as to effects on murine cell interactions with extracellular matrix proteins. FNZN bound to immobilized fibronectin (FN) and native, but not denatured, collagen type I. FNZN had no effect on primary adhesion of cells from the murine myoblastic C2C12 cell line to immobilized fibronectin. C2C12 cells adhered to immobilized FNZN, a process that was not inhibited by anti-human FN IgG or by an inhibitor of integrin alphaVbeta3. C2C12 cells lack collagen-binding beta1 integrins and neither adhere to native collagen nor mediate contraction of three-dimensional collagen gels. FNZN stimulated collagen gel contraction by C2C12 cells but not adhesion of C2C12 cells to collagen. Experiments with an alphaVbeta3-inhibitor suggested that FNZN promoted contraction by a process requiring alphaVbeta3. Our data suggest that FNZN by binding to cells, collagen, and FN modulate complex adhesive processes mediated by the alphaVbeta3 integrin. Since alphaVbeta3-mediated contractile events function to counteract edema formation during inflammation, it is possible that FNZN and its secreted homologue FNE modulate edema responses in infected tissues.

SclC is a member of a novel family of collagen-like proteins in Streptococcus equi subspecies equi that are recognised by antibodies against SclC

Previously we have reported on a cell surface collagen-like protein, called SclC, from Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. In the present study we show that this protein is a member of a family of seven collagen-like proteins, called SclC-SclI in this subspecies. All proteins contain an N-terminal signal sequence, followed by a unique non-repetitive region called A, a highly repetitive collagen-like region (CL) consisting of Glycine-Xaa-Yaa-triplet repeats. Following the CL-region a C-terminal proline-rich putative wall spanning region (W) preceding an LPXTG-motif and a hydrophobic transmembrane region (M) are found, typical features of cell surface exposed proteins in Gram-positive bacteria. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences, were analysed to investigate the similarities between them, and recombinant proteins encoding different domains (A- and CL-regions) were expressed and purified. Although the novel collagen-like proteins display differences in amino acid sequences, affinity purified antibodies against SclC were found to cross react with the other members of the novel collagen-like proteins. Furthermore, in sera from horses previously diagnosed having strangles, antibodies against these proteins were detected suggesting that these proteins are expressed during the infection.

Studies of fibronectin-binding proteins of Streptococcus equi

Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is the causative agent of strangles, a disease of the upper respiratory tract in horses. The initiation of S. equi subsp. equi infection is likely to involve cell surface-anchored molecules mediating bacterial adhesion to the epithelium of the host. The present study describes the cloning and characterization of FNEB, a fibronectin-binding protein with cell wall-anchoring motifs. FNEB can thus be predicted as cell surface located, contrary to the two previously characterized fibronectin-binding proteins in S. equi subsp. equi, FNE and SFS. Assays of antibody titers in horses and in experimentally infected mice indicate that the protein is immunogenic and expressed in vivo during S. equi subsp. equi infection. Using Western ligand blotting, it was shown that FNEB binds to the N-terminal 29-kDa fragment of fibronectin, while SFS and FNE both bind to the adjacent 40-kDa fragment. S. equi subsp. equi is known to bind fibronectin to a much lower degree than the closely related S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus, but the binding is primarily directed to the 29-kDa fragment. Inhibition studies using S. equi subsp. equi cells indicate that FNEB mediates cellular binding to fibronectin in this species.

Identification of a novel collagen-like protein, SclC, in Streptococcus equi using signal sequence phage display

Strangles is a serious disease in horses caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. In this study, genes encoding putative extracellular proteins in this subspecies have been identified using signal sequence phage display. Among these, one showed similarities to the SclB protein, a member of the collagen-like proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes. The novel gene denoted sclC encodes a protein, SclC, of 302 amino acids, containing typical features found in cell wall-anchored proteins in Gram-positive bacteria. Based on similarities to the S. pyogenes collagen-like proteins the mature SclC protein can be divided into various domains: an N-terminal non-repetitive region (A), a highly repetitive collagen-like region (CL), and a C-terminal proline-rich wall-associated region (W). Using PCR, the sclC gene was detected in all studied strains of S. equi subsp. equi and S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus. Further, antibodies against recombinant SclC were detected in a collection of sera from horses with no history of strangles as well as horses previously infected with S. equi subsp. equi. Interestingly, the sera from convalescence horses were found to have significantly increased antibody titers against the SclC protein indicating that this protein is expressed during infection of S. equi subsp. equi.

A fibrinogen-binding protein ofStaphylococcus lugdunensis

A gene called fbl, encoding a Staphylococcus lugdunensis fibrinogen-binding protein, was identified by phage display. The encoded protein, Fbl, is a member of the Sdr-family, a group of staphylococcal cell surface proteins containing a characteristic serine-aspartate repeat region. The fibrinogen-binding domain was mapped to 313 amino acids, and shows 62% identity to the corresponding region in clumping factor (ClfA) from Staphylococcus aureus. Anti-serum against ClfA cross-reacted with Fbl, and blocked S. lugdunensis adherence to fibrinogen. Twelve clinical isolates of S. lugdunensis analysed by Southern blot all had an fbl-like gene.

A von Willebrand factor-binding protein from Staphylococcus lugdunensis

In the present study, a phage display library covering the genome of Staphylococcus lugdunensis, was affinity-selected against von Willebrand factor (vWf). This led to the identification of a gene, vwbl, encoding a putative cell surface protein of 2060 amino acids, denoted vWbl. The deduced protein has an overall organisation typical of staphylococcal cell surface proteins, with an N-terminal signal peptide, and a C-terminal cell wall sorting signal. The vWf-binding part is located in repetitive domains and antibodies against vWbl or vWf can inhibit the binding. Southern blot analysis showed that vwbl was present in the 12 S. lugdunensis strains tested.

Recombinant Streptococcus equi proteins protect mice in challenge experiments and induce immune response in horses

Horses that have undergone infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (strangles) were found to have significantly increased serum antibody titers against three previously characterized proteins, FNZ (cell surface-bound fibronectin binding protein), SFS (secreted fibronectin binding protein), and EAG (alpha2-macroglobulin, albumin, and immunoglobulin G [IgG] binding protein) from S. equi. To assess the protective efficacy of vaccination with these three proteins, a mouse model of equine strangles was utilized. Parts of the three recombinant proteins were used to immunize mice, either subcutaneously or intranasally, prior to nasal challenge with S. equi subsp. equi. The adjuvant used was EtxB, a recombinant form of the B subunit of Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin. It was shown that nasal colonization of S. equi subsp. equi and weight loss due to infection were significantly reduced after vaccination compared with a mock-vaccinated control group. This effect was more pronounced after intranasal vaccination than after subcutaneous vaccination; nearly complete eradication of nasal colonization was obtained after intranasal vaccination (P < 0.001). When the same antigens were administered both intranasally and subcutaneously to healthy horses, significant mucosal IgA and serum IgG antibody responses against FNZ and EAG were obtained. The antibody response was enhanced when EtxB was used as an adjuvant. No adverse effects of the antigens or EtxB were observed. Thus, FNZ and EAG in conjunction with EtxB are promising candidates for an efficacious and safe vaccine against strangles.

CNE, a collagen-binding protein of Streptococcus equi

Streptococcus equi subspecies equi is an important horse pathogenic bacterium causing a serious disease called strangles. Using bioinformatics we identified a gene denoted cne (gene encoding collagen-binding protein from S. equi) coding for a novel potential virulence factor of this species called protein CNE. The protein is composed of 657 amino acids and has the typical features found in cell surface-anchored proteins in Gram-positive bacteria. CNE displays amino acid sequence similarities to the previously well-studied collagen-binding protein CNA from Staphylococcus aureus, a proven virulence factor in septic arthritis. Based on similarity to CNA the structure of the mature CNE protein can be divided into an N-terminal A domain and a C-terminal B domain. The highest similarity between CNA and CNE is found in the A domains. The A domain in CNA is known to be the collagen-binding domain. Two parts of cne were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ligated into an expression vector, and recombinant CNE proteins were produced in Escherichia coli. The purified CNE proteins were shown to display collagen-binding activity in a Western ligand blot and to inhibit collagen binding to cells of subsp. equi and to CNE-coated microtitre wells. Furthermore, the A domain of CNE was sufficient for binding collagen, and was shown to compete for the same site on collagen as CNA in inhibition studies. Using PCR, the cne gene was detected in all studied strains of subsp. equi and S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus.

Comparison of the fibronectin-binding protein FNE from Streptococcus equi subspecies equi with FNZ from S. equi subspecies zooepidemicus reveals a major and conserved difference

The gene fnz from Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus encodes a cell surface protein that binds fibronectin (Fn). Fifty tested isolates of S. equi subspecies equi all contain DNA sequences with similarity to fnz. This work describes the cloning and sequencing of a gene, designated fne, with similarity to fnz from two S. equi subspecies equi isolates. The DNA sequences were found to be identical in the two strains, and sequence comparison of the fne and fnz genes revealed only minor differences. However, one base deletion was found in the middle of the fne gene and eight base pairs downstream of the altered reading frame there is a stop codon. An Fn-binding protein was purified from the growth medium of a subspecies equi culture. Determination of the NH(2)-terminal amino acid sequence and molecular mass, as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, revealed that the purified protein is the gene product of the 5'-terminal half of fne. Fn-binding activity has earlier only been found in the COOH-terminal half of FNZ. By the use of a purified recombinant protein containing the NH(2) half of FNZ, we provide here evidence that this half of the protein also harbors an Fn-binding domain.

A novel IS-like element frequently inserted in a putative virulence regulator in bovine mastitis isolates of Streptococcus dysgalactiae

Streptococcus dysgalactiae, a Lancefield group C streptococcus, is commonly isolated from bovine mastitis. We recently identified a putative regulon in two S. dysgalactiae strains, 8215 and Epi9, consisting of two consecutive genes, dmg and dem, coding for a possible regulatory protein and an M-like protein with fibrinogen- and IgG-binding-properties, respectively. During these studies a short sequence homologous to an IS element was found to be inserted in the dmg gene of strain 8215. The present investigation describes the complete sequence of this IS-like element, named ISSdy1, which consists of 1218 bp and contains two ORFs, flanked by imperfect repeats. The nucleotide sequence of the IS-like element shows 82% identity to the previously reported sequence of IS199 from Streptococcus mutans V403. The deduced amino acid sequences of the ORFs also revealed high homology to transposases from IS elements in Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, and Shigella dysenteriae, all belonging to the IS3 family. We studied the distribution of ISSdy1 in 57 S. dysgalactiae isolates using PCR analysis with specific primers derived from the IS element. Ninety-eight percent of the isolates contained the ISSdy1 element. Surprisingly, in the majority of studied strains a copy of the IS-like element was found to be inserted in the dmg gene, a putative virulence regulator.

A bone sialoprotein-binding protein from Staphylococcus aureus: a member of the staphylococcal Sdr family

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, isolated from bone and joint infections, specifically interact with bone sialoprotein (BSP), a glycoprotein of bone and dentine extracellular matrix, via a cell-surface protein of M(r) 97000 [Yacoub, Lindahl, Rubin, Wendel, Heinegârd and Rydén, (1994) Eur. J. Biochem. 222, 919-925]. Amino acid sequences of seven trypsin fragments from the 97000-M(r) BSP-binding protein were determined. A gene encoding a protein encompassing all seven peptide sequences was identified from chromosomal DNA isolated from S. aureus strain O24. This gene encodes a protein with 1171 amino acids, called BSP-binding protein (Bbp), which displays similarity to recently described proteins of the Sdr family from S. aureus. SdrC, SdrD and SdrE encode putative cell-surface proteins with no described ligand specificity. Bbp also shows similarity to a fibrinogen-binding protein from S. epidermidis called Fbe. A serine-aspartic acid repeat sequence was found close to the cell-wall-anchoring Leu-Pro-Xaa-Thr-Gly sequence in the C-terminal end of the protein. Escherichia coli cells were transformed with an expression vector containing a major part of the bbp gene fused to the gene for glutathione S-transferase. The affinity-purified fusion protein bound radiolabelled native BSP, and inhibited the binding of radiolabelled BSP to staphylococcal cells. Serum from patients suffering from bone and joint infection contained antibodies that reacted with the fusion protein of the BSP-binding protein, indicating that the protein is expressed during an infection and is immunogenic. The S. aureus Bbp protein may be important in the localization of bacteria to bone tissue, and thus might be of relevance in the pathogenicity of osteomyelitis.

M-like proteins of Streptococcus dysgalactiae

Streptococcus dysgalactiae is one of the most important bacterial species isolated from bovine mastitis. To identify potential virulence factors of this species we prepared chromosomal DNA from strain 8215 and constructed a phage display library. By affinity selection of the library against fibrinogen (Fg), we isolated and characterized a gene, called demA, encoding a protein with the molecular mass of approximately 58 kDa, called DemA, displaying both plasma protein binding properties and sequence similarities with the M and M-like proteins of other streptococcal species. Purified recombinant DemA protein was found to completely inhibit Fg-binding to cells of S. dysgalactiae. A continued sequence analysis revealed that the demA gene was preceded by an open reading frame (dmgA) coding for a putative protein, called DmgA, with high similarities to the Mga proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes. By additional cloning, the corresponding dmgA and demA genes from another strain, called Epi9, were isolated and analyzed. These genes, called dmgB and demB, respectively, revealed a high degree of similarity to the corresponding genes in strain 8215. Increased binding of Fg by cells of strain Epi9, grown in an atmosphere with 10% CO(2), was correlated to an enhanced transcription of the demB gene as shown in a Northern blot. Strain 8215 did not respond to CO(2), which could be explained by a nonfunctional dmgA gene due to insertion of an insertion sequence element. Based on sequence similarities of the described proteins to Mga, M, and M-like proteins and the response to elevated level of CO(2), we suggest that the dmg and dem genes are members of a regulon similar to the described mga regulon in S. pyogenes, which encodes several virulence factors in this species.

Functional studies of a fibrinogen binding protein from Staphylococcus epidermidis

A gene encoding a fibrinogen binding protein from Staphylococcus epidermidis was previously cloned, and the nucleotide sequence was determined. A portion of the gene encompassing the fibrinogen binding domain has now been subcloned in an expression-fusion vector. The fusion protein can bind to fibrinogen in a capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and can be purified by fibrinogen affinity chromatography. This protein can completely inhibit the adherence of S. epidermidis to immobilized fibrinogen, suggesting that the adherence of S. epidermidis to fibrinogen is mainly due to this protein. Antibodies against this fibrinogen binding protein were also found to efficiently block the adherence of S. epidermidis to immobilized fibrinogen. Despite homology with clumping factors A and B from S. aureus (cell surface-associated proteins binding to fibrinogen), binding involved the beta chain of fibrinogen rather than the gamma chain, as in clumping factor A.

SFS, a novel fibronectin-binding protein from Streptococcus equi, inhibits the binding between fibronectin and collagen

The obligate parasitic bacterium Streptococcus equi subsp. equi is the causative agent of strangles, a serious disease of the upper respiratory tract in horses. In this study we have, using shotgun phage display, cloned from S. equi subsp. equi and characterized a gene, called sfs, encoding a protein termed SFS, representing a new type of fibronectin (Fn)-binding protein. The sfs gene was found to be present in all 50 isolates of S. equi subsp. equi tested and in 41 of 48 S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus isolates tested. The sfs gene is down-regulated during growth in vitro compared to fnz, a previously characterized gene encoding an Fn-binding protein from S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus. Sequence comparisons revealed no similarities to previously characterized Fn-binding proteins, but high scores were obtained against collagen. Besides similarity due to the high content of glycine, serine, and proline residues present in both proteins, there was a nine-residue motif present both in collagen and in the Fn-binding domain of SFS. By searching the Oklahoma S. pyogenes database, we found that this motif is also present in a potential cell surface protein from S. pyogenes. Protein SFS was found to inhibit the binding between Fn and collagen in a concentration-dependent way.

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and distribution of the genes zag and fnz in isolates of Streptococcus equi

Streptococcus equi subsp. equi and subsp. zooepidemicus are important pathogens of the equine respiratory tract. Isolates of both subspecies were examined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). With the exception of eight isolates, a unique band pattern was displayed for each of the 48 subsp. zooepidemicus isolates tested. A method to distinguish isolates of the genetically very homogeneous subsp. equi has hitherto not been available, although several methods have been tested. By the use of PFGE, 50 isolates of subsp. equi could be divided into eleven groups, each with a unique pulsotype. In addition, the recently characterised genes encoding the cell-wall proteins ZAG and FNZ of S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus strain ZV were shown by Southern blots to be present in all 98 tested isolates, including the type strains of the two subspecies. Binding assays showed that the expression of the two genes clearly differentiate between the two subspecies.

A fibrinogen-binding protein of Staphylococcus epidermidis

The present study reports on fibrinogen (Fg) binding of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Adhesion of different S. epidermidis strains to immobilized Fg was found to vary significantly between different strains, and the component responsible was found to be proteinaceous in nature. To further characterize the Fg-binding activity, a shotgun phage display library covering the S. epidermidis chromosome was constructed. By affinity selection (panning) against immobilized Fg, a phagemid clone, pSEFG1, was isolated, which harbors an insert with an open reading frame of approximately 1.7 kilobases. Results from binding and inhibition experiments demonstrated that the insert of pSEFG1 encodes a specific Fg-binding protein. Furthermore, affinity-purified protein encoded by pSEFG1 completely inhibited adhesion of S. epidermidis to immobilized Fg. By additional cloning and DNA sequence analyses, the complete gene, termed fbe, was found to consist of an open reading frame of 3,276 nucleotides encoding a protein, called Fbe, with a deduced molecular mass of approximately 119 kDa. With a second phage display library made from another clinical isolate of S. epidermidis, it was possible to localize the Fg-binding region to a 331-amino-acid-long fragment. PCR analysis showed that the fbe gene was found in 40 of 43 clinical isolates of S. epidermidis. The overall organization of Fbe resembles those of other extracellular surface proteins of staphylococci and streptococci. Sequence comparisons with earlier known proteins revealed that this protein is related to an Fg-binding protein of Staphylococcus aureus called clumping factor.

Shot-gun phage display mapping of two streptococcal cell-surface proteins

We have used a phage display shot-gun cloning technique to map the binding domains in two cell surface proteins from animal group C streptococci. The proteins, MAG and ZAG, have affinity for alpha (2)-macroglobulin (alpha (2)M), serum albumin and IgG. In this work, parts of cloned i mag and zag genes were randomly cloned into a phagemid vector, and recombinant phages expressing alpha (2)-M- or albumin-binding activity were isolated through panning against immobilized alpha (2)M or albumin. Analysis of the clones revealed two distinct alpha (2)M-binding sites in protein MAG and two slightly overlapping binding sites in protein ZAG. The minimal albumin-binding domain in protein ZAG, as deduced from the affinity selected clones, consisted of 42 amino acids. These results show that the phage display shot-gun cloning is a rapid and convenient way to characterize the binding site(s) in receptor proteins without any prior knowledge of their number, size, and localization.

Fibronectin-binding protein of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus

By screening a genomic lambda library of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, we have cloned and sequenced a gene, termed fnz, encoding a fibronectin (Fn)-binding protein called FNZ. On the basis of the deduced amino acid sequence of FNZ, the mature protein has a molecular mass of approximately 61 kDa. Analysis of FNZ reveals a structural organization similar to that of other cell surface proteins from streptococci and staphylococci. The Fn-binding activity is localized to two domains in the C-terminal part of FNZ. One domain is composed of five repeats, which contain a motif similar to what has earlier been found in other Fn-binding proteins in streptococci and staphylococci. The first and second repeats are separated by a short stretch of amino acids, including the motif LAGESGET, which is an important part of the second Fn-binding domain. This motif is also present in an Fn-binding domain (UR) in protein F of Streptococcus pyogenes. A fusion protein covering the Fn-binding domain of FNZ inhibits the binding of the 29-kDa N-terminal fragment of Fn to cells of various streptococcal species as well as to Staphylococcus aureus.

A protein G-related cell surface protein in Streptococcus zooepidemicus

This work describes the cloning and sequencing of a gene encoding a plasma protein receptor from Streptococcus zooepidemicus. This receptor, termed protein ZAG, is a 45-kDa protein that binds alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M), serum albumin, and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The IgG-binding activity is located in the C-terminal part of the molecule and is mediated by two repeated domains highly homologous to each other as well as to the corresponding domains in streptococcal type III Fc receptors. The IgG-binding profile of protein ZAG is similar to that previously reported for S. zooepidemicus. Binding to serum albumin is mediated by a short amino acid sequence in the middle of the molecule. This domain shows homology to previously described albumin-binding proteins from streptococci, and the albumin-binding profile of protein ZAG is similar to that of streptococcal protein G. The N-terminal part of protein ZAG, which mediates binding to the plasma proteinase inhibitor alpha 2M, is composed of a unique stretch of amino acids. Protein ZAG competes for the same, or nearby, binding site(s) in alpha 2M as do two recently described Streptococcus dysgalactiae receptors, although the sequences of the alpha 2M-binding domains in these three receptors show only minor sequence similarities.

Streptococcal protein MAG--a protein with broad albumin binding specificity

Protein MAG is a cell surface protein from Streptococcus dysgalactiae which binds alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M), serum albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG). In this work protein MAG was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and analysed for its albumin-binding specificity. The binding of protein MAG to serum albumins of different species origin was studied in a dot-blot assay and compared with the binding of streptococcal protein G, so far the best studied bacterial albumin receptor. The albumin-binding of protein MAG was also characterized using real-time biospecific interaction analysis (BIA), and the ka, kd and the Kaff values for different albumins were determined. Amino acid sequence alignment revealed homology between the albumin-binding domain of protein MAG and earlier described streptococcal albumin receptors including protein G. However, the MAG protein was reactive with serum albumin from bovine, dog, goat, horse, human, mouse, pig, rat and sheep origin and therefore displays a broader albumin-binding profile than protein G concerning the albumins tested in this work. Comparison of the albumin-binding spectrum of protein MAG with the earlier described albumin receptors of various S. dysgalactiae strains and other streptococci, suggests that protein MAG is a new type of albumin receptor.

MAG, a novel plasma protein receptor from Streptococcus dysgalactiae

The gene encoding a plasma protein receptor from Streptococcus dysgalactiae has been cloned and sequenced. The gene product, with a predicted molecular mass of approx. 44 kDa, binds alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2 M), serum albumin and immunoglobulin G (IgG). By subcloning and expressing various parts of the gene as fusion proteins, we found that the three binding activities reside in discrete domains of the protein. The single IgG-binding domain, localized in the C-terminal part of the molecule, shows high homology to streptococcal type-III Fc receptors. In the middle of the molecule, there is a stretch of 50 amino acids (aa) mediating albumin binding. This region has partial homology with the albumin-binding domains of streptococcal protein G. The alpha 2 M-binding domain is located in the N terminus of the molecule and is composed of a unique aa sequence. We call this trifunctional plasma protein receptor, MAG (binds alpha 2 M, albumin and IgG).