scholarly journals β-(1,3)-Glucan Unmasking in Some Candida albicans Mutants Correlates with Increases in Cell Wall Surface Roughness and Decreases in Cell Wall Elasticity

2016 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Hasim ◽  
David P. Allison ◽  
Scott T. Retterer ◽  
Alex Hopke ◽  
Robert T. Wheeler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Innate Immune System ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Surface Topology ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cell Wall Elasticity

ABSTRACT Candida albicans is among the most common human fungal pathogens, causing a broad range of infections, including life-threatening systemic infections. The cell wall of C. albicans is the interface between the fungus and the innate immune system. The cell wall is composed of an outer layer enriched in mannosylated glycoproteins (mannan) and an inner layer enriched in β-(1,3)-glucan and chitin. Detection of C. albicans by Dectin-1, a C-type signaling lectin specific for β-(1,3)-glucan, is important for the innate immune system to recognize systemic fungal infections. Increased exposure of β-(1,3)-glucan to the immune system occurs when the mannan layer is altered or removed in a process called unmasking. Nanoscale changes to the cell wall during unmasking were explored in live cells with atomic force microscopy (AFM). Two mutants, the cho1Δ/Δ and kre5Δ/Δ mutants, were selected as representatives that exhibit modest and strong unmasking, respectively. Comparisons of the cho1Δ/Δ and kre5Δ/Δ mutants to the wild type reveal morphological changes in their cell walls that correlate with decreases in cell wall elasticity. In addition, AFM tips functionalized with Dectin-1 revealed that the forces of binding of Dectin-1 to all of the strains were similar, but the frequency of binding was highest for the kre5Δ/Δ mutant, decreased for the cho1Δ/Δ mutant, and rare for the wild type. These data show that nanoscale changes in surface topology are correlated with increased Dectin-1 adhesion and decreased cell wall elasticity. AFM, using tips functionalized with immunologically relevant molecules, can map epitopes of the cell wall and increase our understanding of pathogen recognition by the immune system.

scholarly journals Altered Dynamics of Candida albicans Phagocytosis by Macrophages and PMNs When Both Phagocyte Subsets Are Present

mBio ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona M. Rudkin ◽  
Judith M. Bain ◽  
Catriona Walls ◽  
Leanne E. Lewis ◽  
Neil A. R. Gow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Innate Immune System ◽  
Video Microscopy ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Live Cell ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Cells ◽  
Fungal Cell ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACT An important first line of defense against Candida albicans infections is the killing of fungal cells by professional phagocytes of the innate immune system, such as polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and macrophages. In this study, we employed live-cell video microscopy coupled with dynamic image analysis tools to provide insights into the complexity of C. albicans phagocytosis when macrophages and PMNs were incubated with C. albicans alone and when both phagocyte subsets were present. When C. albicans cells were incubated with only one phagocyte subtype, PMNs had a lower overall phagocytic capacity than macrophages, despite engulfing fungal cells at a higher rate once fungal cells were bound to the phagocyte surface. PMNs were more susceptible to C. albicans-mediated killing than macrophages, irrespective of the number of C. albicans cells ingested. In contrast, when both phagocyte subsets were studied in coculture, the two cell types phagocytosed and cleared C. albicans at equal rates and were equally susceptible to killing by the fungus. The increase in macrophage susceptibility to C. albicans-mediated killing was a consequence of macrophages taking up a higher proportion of hyphal cells under these conditions. In the presence of both PMNs and macrophages, C. albicans yeast cells were predominantly cleared by PMNs, which migrated at a greater speed toward fungal cells and engulfed bound cells more rapidly. These observations demonstrate that the phagocytosis of fungal pathogens depends on, and is modified by, the specific phagocyte subsets present at the site of infection. IMPORTANCE Extensive work investigating fungal cell phagocytosis by macrophages and PMNs of the innate immune system has been carried out. These studies have been informative but have examined this phenomenon only when one phagocyte subset is present. The current study employed live-cell video microscopy to break down C. albicans phagocytosis into its component parts and examine the effect of a single phagocyte subset, versus a mixed phagocyte population, on these individual stages. Through this approach, we identified that the rate of fungal cell engulfment and rate of phagocyte killing altered significantly when both macrophages and PMNs were incubated in coculture with C. albicans compared to the rate of either phagocyte subset incubated alone with the fungus. This research highlights the significance of studying pathogen-host cell interactions with a combination of phagocytes in order to gain a greater understanding of the interactions that occur between cells of the host immune system in response to fungal invasion.

scholarly journals Multiple Alternative Carbon Pathways Combine To Promote Candida albicans Stress Resistance, Immune Interactions, and Virulence

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert B. Williams ◽  
Michael C. Lorenz
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Cell Wall ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Stress Resistance ◽  
Innate Immune System ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Alternative ◽  
Carbon Pathways

ABSTRACT The phagocytic cells of the innate immune system are an essential first line of antimicrobial defense, and yet Candida albicans, one of the most problematic fungal pathogens, is capable of resisting the stresses imposed by the macrophage phagosome, eventually resulting in the destruction of the phagocyte. C. albicans rapidly adapts to the phagosome by upregulating multiple alternative carbon utilization pathways, particularly those for amino acids, carboxylic acids, and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). Here, we report that C. albicans recognizes these carbon sources both as crucial nutrients and as independent signals in its environment. Even in the presence of glucose, each carbon source promotes increased resistance to a unique profile of stressors; lactate promotes increased resistance to osmotic and cell wall stresses, amino acids increased resistance to oxidative and nitrosative stresses, and GlcNAc increased resistance to oxidative stress and caspofungin, while all three alternative carbon sources have been shown to induce resistance to fluconazole. Moreover, we show mutants incapable of utilizing these carbon sources, in particular, strains engineered to be defective in all three pathways, are significantly attenuated in both macrophage and mouse models, with additive effects observed as multiple carbon pathways are eliminated, suggesting that C. albicans simultaneously utilizes multiple carbon sources within the macrophage phagosome and during disseminated candidiasis. Taking the data together, we propose that, in addition to providing energy to the pathogen within host environments, alternative carbon sources serve as niche-specific priming signals that allow C. albicans to recognize microenvironments within the host and to prepare for stresses associated with that niche, thus promoting host adaptation and virulence. IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is a fungal pathogen and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in people with defects, sometimes minor ones, in innate immunity. The phagocytes of the innate immune system, particularly macrophages and neutrophils, generally restrict this organism to its normal commensal niches, but C. albicans shows a robust and multifaceted response to these cell types. Inside macrophages, a key component of this response is the activation of multiple pathways for the utilization of alternative carbon sources, particularly amino acids, carboxylic acids, and N-acetylglucosamine. These carbon sources are key sources of energy and biomass but also independently promote stress resistance, induce cell wall alterations, and affect C. albicans interactions with macrophages. Engineered strains incapable of utilizing these alternative carbon pathways are attenuated in infection models. These data suggest that C. albicans recognizes nutrient composition as an indicator of specific host environments and tailors its responses accordingly.

scholarly journals Activation of the Innate Immune System by Treponema denticola Periplasmic Flagella through Toll-Like Receptor 2

2017 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Ruby ◽  
Michael Martin ◽  
Michael J. Passineau ◽  
Valentina Godovikova ◽  
J. Christopher Fenno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Innate Immune System ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Treponema Denticola ◽  
Toll Like Receptor ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Toll Like Receptor 2 ◽  
Periplasmic Flagella

ABSTRACTTreponema denticolais an indigenous oral spirochete that inhabits the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket. Increased numbers of oral treponemes within this environment are associated with localized periodontal inflammation, and they are also part of an anaerobic polymicrobial consortium responsible for endodontic infections. Previous studies have indicated thatT. denticolastimulates the innate immune system through Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2); however, the pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) responsible forT. denticolaactivation of the innate immune system are currently not well defined. In this study, we investigated the role played byT. denticolaperiplasmic flagella (PF), unique motility organelles of spirochetes, in stimulating an innate immune response. Wild-typeT. denticolastimulated the production of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 by monocytes from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, while its isogenic nonmotile mutant lacking PF resulted in significantly diminished cytokine stimulation. In addition, highly purified PF were able to dose dependently stimulate cytokine TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 production in human monocytes. Wild-typeT. denticolaand the purified PF triggered activation of NF-κB through TLR2, as determined using a variety of TLR-transfected human embryonic 293 cell lines, while the PF-deficient mutants lacked the ability to stimulate, and the complemented PF-positiveT. denticolastrain restored the activation. These findings suggest thatT. denticolastimulates the innate immune system in a TLR2-dependent fashion and that PF are a key bacterial component involved in this process.

scholarly journals Growth of Candida albicans Cells on the Physiologically Relevant Carbon Source Lactate Affects Their Recognition and Phagocytosis by Immune Cells

2012 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 238-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iuliana V. Ene ◽  
Shih-Chin Cheng ◽  
Mihai G. Netea ◽  
Alistair J. P. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Carbon Source ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Phagocytic Cells ◽  
Content Type

Candida albicansis a normal resident of the human gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts and also a prevalent fungal pathogen. During both commensalism and infection, it must match the immunological defenses of its host while adapting to environmental cues and the local nutrient status.C. albicansregularly colonizes glucose-poor niches, thereby depending upon alternative carbon sources for growth. However, most studies of host immune responses toC. albicanshave been performed on fungal cells grown on glucose, and the extent to which alternative physiologically relevant carbon sources impact innate immune responses has not been studied. The fungal cell wall is decorated with multifarious pathogen-associated molecular patterns and is the main target for recognition by host innate immune cells. Cell wall architecture is both robust and dynamic, and it is dramatically influenced by growth conditions. We found that growth ofC. albicanscells on lactate, a nonfermentative carbon source available in numerous anatomical niches, modulates their interactions with immune cells and the resultant cytokine profile. Notably, lactate-grownC. albicansstimulated interleukin-10 (IL-10) production while decreasing IL-17 levels, rendering these cells less visible to the immune system than were glucose-grown cells. This trend was observed in clinicalC. albicansisolates from different host niches and from different epidemiological clades. In addition, lactate-grownC. albicanscells were taken up by macrophages less efficiently, but they were more efficient at killing and escaping these phagocytic cells. Our data indicate that carbon source has a major impact upon theC. albicansinteraction with the innate immune system.

scholarly journals High-Throughput Screening Identifies Genes Required forCandida albicansInduction of Macrophage Pyroptosis

mBio ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa R. O’Meara ◽  
Kwamaa Duah ◽  
Cynthia X. Guo ◽  
Michelle E. Maxson ◽  
Ryan G. Gaudet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Fungal Infections ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Fungal Cell ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cell Wall Remodeling

ABSTRACTThe innate immune system is the first line of defense against invasive fungal infections. As a consequence, many successful fungal pathogens have evolved elegant strategies to interact with host immune cells. For example,Candida albicansundergoes a morphogenetic switch coupled to cell wall remodeling upon phagocytosis by macrophages and then induces macrophage pyroptosis, an inflammatory cell death program. To elucidate the genetic circuitry through whichC. albicansorchestrates this host response, we performed the first large-scale analysis ofC. albicansinteractions with mammalian immune cells. We identified 98C. albicansgenes that enable macrophage pyroptosis without influencing fungal cell morphology in the macrophage, including specific determinants of cell wall biogenesis and the Hog1 signaling cascade. Using these mutated genes, we discovered that defects in the activation of pyroptosis affect immune cell recruitment during infection. Examining host circuitry required for pyroptosis in response toC. albicansinfection, we discovered that inflammasome priming and activation can be decoupled. Finally, we observed thatapoptosis-associatedspeck-like protein containing aCARD (ASC) oligomerization can occur prior to phagolysosomal rupture byC. albicanshyphae, demonstrating that phagolysosomal rupture is not the inflammasome activating signal. Taking the data together, this work defines genes that enable fungal cell wall remodeling and activation of macrophage pyroptosis independently of effects on morphogenesis and identifies macrophage signaling components that are required for pyroptosis in response toC. albicansinfection.IMPORTANCECandida albicansis a natural member of the human mucosal microbiota that can also cause superficial infections and life-threatening systemic infections, both of which are characterized by inflammation. Host defense relies mainly on the ingestion and destruction ofC. albicansby innate immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils. Although someC. albicanscells are killed by macrophages, most undergo a morphological change and escape by inducing macrophage pyroptosis. Here, we investigated theC. albicansgenes and host factors that promote macrophage pyroptosis in response to intracellular fungi. This work provides a foundation for understanding how host immune cells interact withC. albicansand may lead to effective strategies to modulate inflammation induced by fungal infections.

scholarly journals Masking of β(1-3)-Glucan in the Cell Wall of Candida albicans from Detection by Innate Immune Cells Depends on Phosphatidylserine

2014 ◽  
Vol 82 (10) ◽  
pp. 4405-4413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Davis ◽  
Alex Hopke ◽  
Steven C. Minkin ◽  
Anthony E. Montedonico ◽  
Robert T. Wheeler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Invasive Disease ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Immune Effector ◽  
Host Interactions ◽  
Innate Immune Effector

ABSTRACTThe virulence ofCandida albicansin a mouse model of invasive candidiasis is dependent on the phospholipids phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Disruption of the PS synthase geneCHO1(i.e.,cho1Δ/Δ) eliminates PS and blocks thede novopathway for PE biosynthesis. In addition, thecho1Δ/Δ mutant's ability to cause invasive disease is severely compromised. Thecho1Δ/Δ mutant also exhibits cell wall defects, and in this study, it was determined that loss of PS results in decreased masking of cell wall β(1-3)-glucan from the immune system. In wild-typeC. albicans, the outer mannan layer of the wall masks the inner layer of β(1-3)-glucan from exposure and detection by innate immune effector molecules like the C-type signaling lectin Dectin-1, which is found on macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. Thecho1Δ/Δ mutant exhibits increases in exposure of β(1-3)-glucan, which leads to greater binding by Dectin-1 in both yeast and hyphal forms. The unmasking of β(1-3)-glucan also results in increased elicitation of TNF-α from macrophages in a Dectin-1-dependent manner. The role of phospholipids in fungal pathogenesis is an emerging field, and this is the first study showing that loss of PS inC. albicansresults in decreased masking of β(1-3)-glucan, which may contribute to our understanding of fungus-host interactions.

scholarly journals Remasking of Candida albicans β-Glucan in Response to Environmental pH Is Regulated by Quorum Sensing

mBio ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabien Cottier ◽  
Sarah Sherrington ◽  
Sarah Cockerill ◽  
Valentina del Olmo Toledo ◽  
Stephen Kissane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Quorum Sensing ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Immune Recognition ◽  
Innate Immune Responses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cell Wall Remodeling

ABSTRACT Candida albicans is a commensal yeast of the human gut which is tolerated by the immune system but has the potential to become an opportunistic pathogen. One way in which C. albicans achieves this duality is through concealing or exposing cell wall pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in response to host-derived environment cues (pH, hypoxia, and lactate). This cell wall remodeling allows C. albicans to evade or hyperactivate the host’s innate immune responses, leading to disease. Previously, we showed that adaptation of C. albicans to acidic environments, conditions encountered during colonization of the female reproductive tract, induces significant cell wall remodeling resulting in the exposure of two key fungal PAMPs (β-glucan and chitin). Here, we report that this pH-dependent cell wall remodeling is time dependent, with the initial change in pH driving cell wall unmasking, which is then remasked at later time points. Remasking of β-glucan was mediated via the cell density-dependent fungal quorum sensing molecule farnesol, while chitin remasking was mediated via a small, heat-stable, nonproteinaceous secreted molecule(s). Transcript profiling identified a core set of 42 genes significantly regulated by pH over time and identified the transcription factor Efg1 as a regulator of chitin exposure through regulation of CHT2. This dynamic cell wall remodeling influenced innate immune recognition of C. albicans, suggesting that during infection, C. albicans can manipulate the host innate immune responses. IMPORTANCE Candida albicans is part of the microbiota of the skin and gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts of humans and has coevolved with us for millennia. During that period, C. albicans has developed strategies to modulate the host’s innate immune responses, by regulating the exposure of key epitopes on the fungal cell surface. Here, we report that exposing C. albicans to an acidic environment, similar to the one of the stomach or vagina, increases the detection of the yeast by macrophages. However, this effect is transitory, as C. albicans is able to remask these epitopes (glucan and chitin). We found that glucan remasking is controlled by the production of farnesol, a molecule secreted by C. albicans in response to high cell densities. However, chitin-remasking mechanisms remain to be identified. By understanding the relationship between environmental sensing and modulation of the host-pathogen interaction, new opportunities for the development of innovative antifungal strategies are possible.

A Critical Role for Innate Immunity In Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Rejection Via the TLR4/TRIF Pathway

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 77-77
Author(s):  
Hong Xu ◽  
Jun Yan ◽  
Ziqiang Zhu ◽  
Yiming Huang ◽  
Yujie Wen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Innate Immunity ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Innate Immune System ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Wild Type

Abstract Abstract 77 Adaptive immunity, especially T cells, has long been believed to be the dominant immune barrier in allogeneic transplantation. Targeting host T cells significantly reduces conditioning for bone marrow cell (BMC) engraftment. Innate immunity has been recently shown to pose a significant barrier in solid organ transplantation, but has not been addressed in bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Using T cell deficient (TCR-β/δ−/−) or T and B cell deficient (Rag−/−) mice, we found that allogeneic BMC rejection occurred early before the time required for T cell activation and was T- and B-cell independent, suggesting an effector role for innate immune cells in BMC rejection. Therefore, we hypothesized that by controlling both innate and adaptive immunity, the donor BMC would have a window of advantage to engraft. Survival of BMC in vivo was significantly improved by depleting recipient macrophages and/or NK cells, but not neutrophils. Moreover, depletion of macrophages and NK cells in combination with co-stimulatory blockade with anti-CD154 and rapamycin as a novel form of conditioning resulted in 100% allogeneic engraftment without any irradiation and T cell depletion. Donor chimerism remained stable and durable up to 6 months. Moreover, specific Vβ5½ and Vβ11 clonal deletion was detected in host CD4+ T cells in chimeras, indicating central tolerance to donor alloantigens. Whether and how the innate immune system recognizes or responds to allogeneic BMCs remains unknown. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of proteins that play a key role in the innate immune system. The signaling function of TLR depends on intracellular adaptors. The adaptor MyD88 transmits signals emanating from all TLR, except TLR3 while TRIF specifically mediates TLR3 and TLR4 signaling via type 1 IFN. To further determine the innate signaling pathways in allogeneic BMC rejection, B6 background (H2b) MyD88−/− and TRIF−/− mice were conditioned with anti-CD154/rapamycin plus 100 cGy total body irradiation and transplanted with 15 × 106 BALB/c (H2d) BMC. Only 33.3% of MyD88−/− recipients engrafted at 1 month, resembling outcomes for wild-type B6 mice. In contrast, 100% of TRIF−/− mice engrafted. The level of donor chimerism in TRIF−/− mice was 5.1 ± 0.6% at one month, significantly higher than in MyD88−/− and wild-type B6 controls (P < 0.005). To determine the mechanism of innate signaling in BMC rejection, we examined whether TRIF linked TLR3 or TLR4 is the key pattern recognition receptor involved in BMC recognition. To this end, TLR3−/− and TLR4−/− mice were transplanted with BALB/c BMC with same conditioning. None of the TLR3−/− mice engrafted. In contrast, engraftment was achieved in 100% of TLR4−/− mice up to 6 months follow up. Taken together, these results suggest that rejection of allogeneic BMC is uniquely dependent on the TLR4/TRIF signaling pathway. Thus, our results clearly demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for innate immunity in allogeneic BMC rejection. Our current findings are distinct from prior reports demonstrating a critical role of MyD88 in rejection of allogeneic skin grafts and lung, and may reflect unique features related to BMC. The findings of the role of innate immunity in BMC rejection would lead to revolutionary changes in our understanding and management of BMT. This would be informative in design of more specific innate immune targeted conditioning proposals in BMT to avoid the toxicity. Disclosures: Bozulic: Regenerex LLC: Employment. Ildstad:Regenerex LLC: Equity Ownership.

Bacterial cell wall macroamphiphiles: Pathogen-/microbe-associated molecular patterns detected by mammalian innate immune system

Biochimie ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurélie Ray ◽  
Marlène Cot ◽  
Germain Puzo ◽  
Martine Gilleron ◽  
Jérôme Nigou
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Bacterial Cell ◽  
Innate Immune System ◽  
Bacterial Cell Wall ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Molecular Patterns
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