scholarly journals Capsule-dependent impact of MAPK signalling on host cell invasion and immune response during infection of the choroid plexus epithelium by Neisseria meningitidis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosanna Herold ◽  
René Scholtysik ◽  
Selina Moroniak ◽  
Christel Weiss ◽  
Hiroshi Ishikawa ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) can cause meningitis in humans, but the host signalling pathways manipulated by Nm during central nervous system (CNS) entry are not completely understood. Methods We investigate the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) Erk1/2 and p38 in an in vitro model of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) based on human epithelial choroid plexus (CP) papilloma (HIBCPP) cells during infection with Nm serogroup B (NmB) and serogroup C (NmC) strains. A transcriptome analysis of HIBCPP cells following infection with Nm by massive analysis of cDNA ends (MACE) was done to further characterize the cellular response to infection of the barrier. Results Interestingly, whereas NmB and NmC wild type strains required active Erk1/2 and p38 pathways for infection, invasion by capsule-deficient mutants was independent of Erk1/2 and, in case of the NmB strain, of p38 activity. The transcriptome analysis of HIBCPP cells following infection with Nm demonstrated specific regulation of genes involved in the immune response dependent on Erk1/2 signalling. Gene ontology (GO) analysis confirmed loss of MAPK signalling after Erk1/2 inhibition and revealed an additional reduction of cellular responses including NFκB and JAK-STAT signalling. Interestingly, GO terms related to TNF signalling and production of IL6 were lost specifically following Erk1/2 inhibition during infection with wild type Nm, which correlated with the reduced infection rates by the wild type in absence of Erk1/2 signalling. Conclusion Our data point towards a role of MAPK signalling during infection of the CP epithelium by Nm, which is strongly influenced by capsule expression, and affects infection rates as well as the host cell response.

2015 ◽  
Vol 308 (8) ◽  
pp. C631-C641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Visentin ◽  
Ersin Selcuk Unal ◽  
Mitra Najmi ◽  
Andras Fiser ◽  
Rongbao Zhao ◽  
...  

The proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) mediates intestinal folate absorption and transport of folates across the choroid plexus. This study focuses on the role of Tyr residues in PCFT function. The substituted Cys-accessibility method identified four Tyr residues (Y291, Y362, Y315, and Y414) that are accessible to the extracellular compartment; three of these (Y291, Y362, and Y315) are located within or near the folate binding pocket. When the Tyr residues were replaced with Cys or Ala, these mutants showed similar (up to 6-fold) increases in influx Vmax and Kt/ Ki for [3H]methotrexate and [3H]pemetrexed. When the Tyr residues were replaced with Phe, these changes were moderated or absent. When Y315A PCFT was used as representative of the mutants and [3H]pemetrexed as the transport substrate, this substitution did not increase the efflux rate constant. Furthermore, neither influx nor efflux mediated by Y315A PCFT was transstimulated by the presence of substrate in the opposite compartment; however, substantial bidirectional transstimulation of transport was mediated by wild-type PCFT. This resulted in a threefold greater efflux rate constant for cells that express wild-type PCFT than for cells that express Y315 PCFT under exchange conditions. These data suggest that these Tyr residues, possibly through their rigid side chains, secure the carrier in a high-affinity state for its folate substrates. However, this may be achieved at the expense of constraining the carrier's mobility, thereby decreasing the rate at which the protein oscillates between its conformational states. The Vmax generated by these Tyr mutants may be so rapid that further augmentation during transstimulation may not be possible.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 125-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malgorzata Krzyzowska ◽  
Weronika Swiatek ◽  
Beata Fijalkowska ◽  
Marek Niemialtowski ◽  
Ada Schollenberger

Summary The MAP kinases (MAPKs), including ERK, JNK and p38 families comprise part of the intracellular signalling network, which is essential for signal transduction from receptors and stimuli to the biological reaction. Activity of MAPKs plays a crucial role in normal functioning of the immune system. By taking part in cytokine production upon signalling from activated TLR receptors, MAPKs are involved in initiation of innate immunity and in responses to binding of cytokines by appropriate receptors. MAPKs activity is also important for T and B lymphocyte differentiation, by the ITAM signalling pathway. Moreover, their involvement in apoptosis supports lymphocyte T cytotoxicity and enables the removal of damaged, infected or transformed cells. Correct functioning of the MAPK signalling is crucial for effective immune response, and therefore MAPKs’ inhibitors constitute a promising therapeutic goal


1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (5) ◽  
pp. 517-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Chiarugi ◽  
Lucia Magnelli ◽  
Marina Cinelli

Wild-type p53 is involved in cellular response to DNA damage including cell cycle control, DNA repair and activation of apoptosis. Accumulation of p53 protein following DNA damage may initiate the apoptotic process, resulting in cell death. DNA damage induced by radiation is an example of apoptotic stimulus involving p53. Regulation of apoptosis by p53 can occur through transcriptional regulation of pro-apoptotic (e.g. bax) and anti-apoptotic (e.g. bel-2) factors. Although wild-type p53 usually sensitizes cells to radiation therapy, p53 mutations have a variable effect on radiation response. For example p53 mutations in bone or breast tumors have been found to be associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs or ionizing radiation. Mutated p53 has has been reported to increase sensitivity to radiation and drugs in colorectal and bladder tumors. The present brief commentary tries to find an explanation at molecular level of these conflicting results.


2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susmita Ghosh ◽  
Elizabeth A. Ruelke ◽  
Joshua C. Ferrell ◽  
Maria D. Bodero ◽  
Kenneth A. Fields ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The translocated actin recruiting phosphoprotein (Tarp) is a multidomain type III secreted effector used by Chlamydia trachomatis. In aggregate, existing data suggest a role of this effector in initiating new infections. As new genetic tools began to emerge to study chlamydial genes in vivo, we speculated as to what degree Tarp function contributes to Chlamydia’s ability to parasitize mammalian host cells. To address this question, we generated a complete tarP deletion mutant using the fluorescence-reported allelic exchange mutagenesis (FRAEM) technique and complemented the mutant in trans with wild-type tarP or mutant tarP alleles engineered to harbor in-frame domain deletions. We provide evidence for the significant role of Tarp in C. trachomatis invasion of host cells. Complementation studies indicate that the C-terminal filamentous actin (F-actin)-binding domains are responsible for Tarp-mediated invasion efficiency. Wild-type C. trachomatis entry into HeLa cells resulted in host cell shape changes, whereas the tarP mutant did not. Finally, using a novel cis complementation approach, C. trachomatis lacking tarP demonstrated significant attenuation in a murine genital tract infection model. Together, these data provide definitive genetic evidence for the critical role of the Tarp F-actin-binding domains in host cell invasion and for the Tarp effector as a bona fide C. trachomatis virulence factor.


2008 ◽  
Vol 82 (13) ◽  
pp. 6610-6617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen A. Chachu ◽  
David W. Strong ◽  
Anna D. LoBue ◽  
Christiane E. Wobus ◽  
Ralph S. Baric ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Human noroviruses cause more than 90% of epidemic nonbacterial gastroenteritis. However, the role of B cells and antibody in the immune response to noroviruses is unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated that human norovirus specific antibody levels increase upon infection, but they may not be protective against infection. In this report, we used murine norovirus (MNV), an enteric norovirus, as a model to determine the importance of norovirus specific B cells and immune antibody in clearance of norovirus infection. We show here that mice genetically deficient in B cells failed to clear primary MNV infection as effectively as wild-type mice. In addition, adoptively transferred immune splenocytes derived from B-cell-deficient mice or antibody production-deficient mice were unable to efficiently clear persistent MNV infection in RAG1−/− mice. Further, adoptive transfer of either polyclonal anti-MNV serum or neutralizing anti-MNV monoclonal antibodies was sufficient to reduce the level of MNV infection both systemically and in the intestine. Together, these data demonstrate that antibody plays an important role in the clearance of MNV and that immunoglobulin G anti-norovirus antibody can play an important role in clearing mucosal infection.


2000 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 2024-2033 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seema Mattoo ◽  
Jeff F. Miller ◽  
Peggy A. Cotter

ABSTRACT Fimbriae are filamentous, cell surface structures which have been proposed to mediate attachment of Bordetella species to respiratory epithelium. Bordetella bronchiseptica has four known fimbrial genes: fim2, fim3,fimX, and fimA. While these genes are unlinked on the chromosome, their protein products are assembled and secreted by a single apparatus encoded by the fimBCD locus. ThefimBCD locus is embedded within the fha operon, whose genes encode another putative adhesin, filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA). We have constructed a Fim− B. bronchiseptica strain, RB63, by introducing an in-frame deletion extending from fimB through fimD. Western blot analysis showed that RB63 is unable to synthesize fimbriae but is unaffected for FHA expression. Using this mutant, we assessed the role of fimbriae in pathogenesis in vitro and in vivo in natural animal hosts. Although RB63 was not significantly defective in its ability to adhere to various tissue culture cell lines, including human laryngeal HEp-2 cells, it was considerably altered in its ability to cause respiratory tract infections in rats. The number of ΔfimBCD bacteria recovered from the rat trachea at 10 days postinoculation was significantly decreased compared to that of wild-type B. bronchiseptica and was below the limit of detection at 30 and 60 days postinoculation. The number of bacteria recovered from the nasal cavity and larynx was not significantly different between RB63 and the wild-type strain at any time point. The ability of fimbriae to mediate initial attachment to tracheal tissue was tested in an intratracheal inoculation assay. Significantly fewer RB63 than wild-type bacteria were recovered from the tracheas at 24 h after intratracheal inoculation. These results demonstrate that fimbriae are involved in enhancing the ability of B. bronchiseptica to establish tracheal colonization and are essential for persistent colonization at this site. Interestingly, anti-Bordetella serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were significantly lower in animals infected with RB63 than in animals infected with wild-type B. bronchiseptica at 10 days postinoculation. Even at 30 days postinoculation, RB63-infected animals had lower serum anti-Bordetella antibody titers in general. This disparity in antibody profiles suggests that fimbriae are also important for the induction of a humoral immune response.


2008 ◽  
Vol 76 (12) ◽  
pp. 5777-5789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideyuki Takahashi ◽  
Russel W. Carlson ◽  
Artur Muszynski ◽  
Biswa Choudhury ◽  
Kwang Sik Kim ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The lipooligosaccharide (LOS) of Neisseria meningitidis can be decorated with phosphoethanolamine (PEA) at the 4′ position of lipid A and at the O-3 and O-6 positions of the inner core of the heptose II residue. The biological role of PEA modification in N. meningitidis remains unclear. During the course of our studies to elucidate the pathogenicity of the ST-2032 (invasive) meningococcal clonal group, disruption of lptA, the gene that encodes the PEA transferase for 4′ lipid A, led to a approximately 10-fold decrease in N. meningitidis adhesion to four kinds of human endothelial and epithelial cell lines at an multiplicity of infection of 5,000. Complementation of the lptA gene in a ΔlptA mutant restored wild-type adherence. By matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis, PEA was lost from the lipid A of the ΔlptA mutant compared to that of the wild-type strain. The effect of LptA on meningococcal adhesion was independent of other adhesins such as pili, Opc, Opa, and PilC but was inhibited by the presence of capsule. These results indicate that modification of LOS with PEA by LptA enhances meningococcal adhesion to human endothelial and epithelial cells in unencapsulated N. meningitidis.


2006 ◽  
Vol 74 (11) ◽  
pp. 6092-6099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alissa A. Chackerian ◽  
Shi-Juan Chen ◽  
Scott J. Brodie ◽  
Jeanine D. Mattson ◽  
Terrill K. McClanahan ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Interleukin-23 (IL-23), a member of the IL-12 family, is a heterodimeric cytokine that is composed of the p40 subunit of IL-12 plus a unique p19 subunit. IL-23 is critical for autoimmune inflammation, in part due to its stimulation of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A. It is less clear, however, if IL-23 is required during the immune response to pathogens. We examined the role of IL-23 during Mycobacterium bovis BCG infection. We found that IL-23 reduces the bacterial burden and promotes granuloma formation when IL-12 is absent. However, IL-23 does not contribute substantially to host resistance when IL-12 is present, as the ability to control bacterial growth and form granulomata is not affected in IL-23p19-deficient mice and mice treated with a specific anti-IL-23p19 antibody. IL-23p19-deficient mice are also able to mount an effective memory response to secondary infection with BCG. While IL-23p19-deficient mice do not produce IL-17A, this cytokine is not necessary for effective control of infection, and antibody blocking of IL-17A in both wild-type and IL-12-deficient mice also has little effect on the bacterial burden. These data suggest that IL-23 by itself does not play an essential role in the protective immune response to BCG infection; however, the presence of IL-23 can partially compensate for the absence of IL-12. Furthermore, neutralization of IL-23 or IL-17A does not increase susceptibility to mycobacterial BCG infection.


2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2987-3003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey P. Gasch ◽  
Mingxia Huang ◽  
Sandra Metzner ◽  
David Botstein ◽  
Stephen J. Elledge ◽  
...  

Eukaryotic cells respond to DNA damage by arresting the cell cycle and modulating gene expression to ensure efficient DNA repair. The human ATR kinase and its homolog in yeast, MEC1, play central roles in transducing the damage signal. To characterize the role of the Mec1 pathway in modulating the cellular response to DNA damage, we used DNA microarrays to observe genomic expression inSaccharomyces cerevisiae responding to two different DNA-damaging agents. We compared the genome-wide expression patterns of wild-type cells and mutants defective in Mec1 signaling, includingmec1, dun1, and crt1 mutants, under normal growth conditions and in response to the methylating-agent methylmethane sulfonate (MMS) and ionizing radiation. Here, we present a comparative analysis of wild-type and mutant cells responding to these DNA-damaging agents, and identify specific features of the gene expression responses that are dependent on the Mec1 pathway. Among the hundreds of genes whose expression was affected by Mec1p, one set of genes appears to represent an MEC1-dependent expression signature of DNA damage. Other aspects of the genomic responses were independent of Mec1p, and likely independent of DNA damage, suggesting the pleiotropic effects of MMS and ionizing radiation. The complete data set as well as supplemental materials is available at http://www-genome.stanford.edu/mec1 .


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