scholarly journals Leptospiral Immunoglobulin-Like Domain Proteins: Roles in Virulence and Immunity

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Haake ◽  
James Matsunaga
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Systemic Infection ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Host Proteins ◽  
Complement Proteins ◽  
Specific Host ◽  
Lethal Infection ◽  
Vaccine Antigens

The virulence mechanisms required for infection and evasion of immunity by pathogenic Leptospira species remain poorly understood. A number of L. interrogans surface proteins have been discovered, lying at the interface between the pathogen and host. Among these proteins, the functional properties of the Lig (leptospiral immunoglobulin-like domain) proteins have been examined most thoroughly. LigA, LigB, and LigC contain a series of, 13, 12, and 12 closely related domains, respectively, each containing a bacterial immunoglobulin (Big) -like fold. The multidomain region forms a mostly elongated structure that exposes a large surface area. Leptospires wield the Lig proteins to promote interactions with a range of specific host proteins, including those that aid evasion of innate immune mechanisms. These diverse binding events mediate adhesion of L. interrogans to the extracellular matrix, inhibit hemostasis, and inactivate key complement proteins. These interactions may help L. interrogans overcome the physical, hematological, and immunological barriers that would otherwise prevent the spirochete from establishing a systemic infection. Despite significant differences in the affinities of the LigA and LigB proteins for host targets, their functions overlap during lethal infection of hamsters; virulence is lost only when both ligA and ligB transcription is knocked down simultaneously. Lig proteins have been shown to be promising vaccine antigens through evaluation of a variety of different adjuvant strategies. This review serves to summarize current knowledge of Lig protein roles in virulence and immunity and to identify directions needed to better understand the precise functions of the Lig proteins during infection.

scholarly journals Physiological Osmotic Induction of Leptospira interrogans Adhesion: LigA and LigB Bind Extracellular Matrix Proteins and Fibrinogen

2007 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 2441-2450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry A. Choy ◽  
Melissa M. Kelley ◽  
Tammy L. Chen ◽  
Annette K. Møller ◽  
James Matsunaga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Microbial Pathogens ◽  
Host Proteins ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Multiple Ligands ◽  
Carboxy Terminal

ABSTRACTTransmission of leptospirosis occurs through contact of mucous membranes and abraded skin with freshwater contaminated by pathogenicLeptospiraspp. Exposure to physiological osmolarity induces leptospires to express high levels of the Lig surface proteins containing imperfect immunoglobulin-like repeats that are shared or differ between LigA and LigB. We report that osmotic induction of Lig is accompanied by 1.6- to 2.5-fold increases in leptospiral adhesion to immobilized extracellular matrix and plasma proteins, including collagens I and IV, laminin, and especially fibronectin and fibrinogen. Recombinant LigA-unique and LigB-unique repeat proteins bind to these same host ligands. We found that the avidity of LigB in binding fibronectin is comparable to that of theStaphylococcus aureusFnBPA D repeats. Both LigA- and LigB-unique repeats interact with the amino-terminal fibrin- and gelatin-binding domains of fibronectin, which are also recognized by fibronectin-binding proteins mediating the adhesion of other microbial pathogens. In contrast, repeats common to both LigA and LigB do not bind these host proteins, and nonrepeat sequences in the carboxy-terminal domain of LigB show only weak interaction with fibronectin and fibrinogen. A functional role for the binding activity of LigA and LigB is suggested by the ability of the recombinants to inhibit leptospiral adhesion to fibronectin by 28% and 21%, respectively. The binding of LigA and LigB to multiple ligands present in different tissues suggests that these adhesins may be involved in the initial colonization and dissemination stages of leptospirosis. The characterization of the Lig adhesin function should aid the design of Lig-based vaccines and serodiagnostic tests.

scholarly journals Biologia Futura: stories about the functions of β2-integrins in human phagocytes

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-13
Author(s):  
Zsuzsa Bajtay
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Division Of Labour ◽  
Cellular Adhesion ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Complement Receptor ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Complement Receptor 3 ◽  
And Migration ◽  
The Individual

AbstractIntegrins are essential membrane proteins that provide a tightly regulated link between the extracellular matrix and the intracellular cytoskeletal network. These cell surface proteins are composed of a non-covalently bound α chain and β chain. The leukocyte-specific complement receptor 3 (CR3, αMβ2, CD11b/CD18) and complement receptor 4 (CR4, αXβ2, CD11c/CD18) belong to the family of β2-integrins. These receptors bind multiple ligands like iC3b, ICAMs, fibrinogen or LPS, thus allowing them to partake in phagocytosis, cellular adhesion, extracellular matrix rearrangement and migration. CR3 and CR4 were generally expected to mediate identical functions due to their structural homology, overlapping ligand specificity and parallel expression on human phagocytes. Despite their similarities, the expression level and function of these receptors differ in a cell-type-specific manner, both under physiological and inflammatory conditions.We investigated comprehensively the individual role of CR3 and CR4 in various functions of human phagocytes, and we proved that there is a “division of labour” between these two receptors. In this review, I will summarize our current knowledge about this area.

scholarly journals The L1-dependant and Pol III transcribed Alu retrotransposon, from its discovery to innate immunity

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 2775-2789
Author(s):  
Ludwig Stenz
Keyword(s):  
Human Genome ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
De Novo Mutation ◽  
Neuronal Diversity ◽  
Alu Sequences ◽  
Pol Iii ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThe 300 bp dimeric repeats digestible by AluI were discovered in 1979. Since then, Alu were involved in the most fundamental epigenetic mechanisms, namely reprogramming, pluripotency, imprinting and mosaicism. These Alu encode a family of retrotransposons transcribed by the RNA Pol III machinery, notably when the cytosines that constitute their sequences are de-methylated. Then, Alu hijack the functions of ORF2 encoded by another transposons named L1 during reverse transcription and integration into new sites. That mechanism functions as a complex genetic parasite able to copy-paste Alu sequences. Doing that, Alu have modified even the size of the human genome, as well as of other primate genomes, during 65 million years of co-evolution. Actually, one germline retro-transposition still occurs each 20 births. Thus, Alu continue to modify our human genome nowadays and were implicated in de novo mutation causing diseases including deletions, duplications and rearrangements. Most recently, retrotransposons were found to trigger neuronal diversity by inducing mosaicism in the brain. Finally, boosted during viral infections, Alu clearly interact with the innate immune system. The purpose of that review is to give a condensed overview of all these major findings that concern the fascinating physiology of Alu from their discovery up to the current knowledge.

scholarly journals Cord Blood-Based Approach to Assess Candidate Vaccine Adjuvants Designed for Neonates and Infants

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Daisuke Tokuhara ◽  
Norikatsu Hikita
Keyword(s):  
Cord Blood ◽  
Protective Immunity ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Current System ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Vaccine Adjuvants ◽  
Adult Humans ◽  
Neonates And Infants ◽  
Induced Immunity ◽  
Review Current

Neonates and infants are particularly susceptible to infections, for which outcomes tend to be severe. Vaccination is a key strategy for preventing infectious diseases, but the protective immunity achieved through vaccination typically is weaker in infants than in healthy adults. One possible explanation for the poor acquisition of vaccine-induced immunity in infants is that their innate immune response, represented by toll-like receptors, is immature. The current system for developing pediatric vaccines relies on the confirmation of their safety and effectiveness in studies involving the use of mature animals or adult humans. However, creating vaccines for neonates and infants requires an understanding of their uniquely immature innate immunity. Here we review current knowledge regarding the innate immune system of neonates and infants and challenges in developing vaccine adjuvants for those children through analyses of cord blood.

scholarly journals Identification and Characterization of TUP1-Regulated Genes in Candida albicans

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 156 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Burkhard R Braun ◽  
W Steven Head ◽  
Ming X Wang ◽  
Alexander D Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Systemic Infection ◽  
Subtractive Hybridization ◽  
Filamentous Growth ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Ferric Reductase ◽  
Pathogenesis Related Protein ◽  
Plant Pathogenesis ◽  
Rnase T2

Abstract TUP1 encodes a transcriptional repressor that negatively controls filamentous growth in Candida albicans. Using subtractive hybridization, we identified six genes, termed repressed by TUP1 (RBT), whose expression is regulated by TUP1. One of the genes (HWP1) has previously been characterized, and a seventh TUP1-repressed gene (WAP1) was recovered due to its high similarity to RBT5. These genes all encode secreted or cell surface proteins, and four out of the seven (HWP1, RBT1, RBT5, and WAP1) encode putatively GPI-modified cell wall proteins. The remaining three, RBT2, RBT4, and RBT7, encode, respectively, an apparent ferric reductase, a plant pathogenesis-related protein (PR-1), and a putative secreted RNase T2. The expression of RBT1, RBT4, RBT5, HWP1, and WAP1 was induced in wild-type cells during the switch from the yeast form to filamentous growth, indicating the importance of TUP1 in regulating this process and implicating the RBTs in hyphal-specific functions. We produced knockout strains in C. albicans for RBT1, RBT2, RBT4, RBT5, and WAP1 and detected no phenotypes on several laboratory media. However, two animal models for C. albicans infection, a rabbit cornea model and a mouse systemic infection model, revealed that rbt1Δ and rbt4Δ strains had significantly reduced virulence. TUP1 appears, therefore, to regulate many genes in C. albicans, a significant fraction of which are induced during filamentous growth, and some of which participate in pathogenesis.

scholarly journals NOD-Like Receptors: Guards of Cellular Homeostasis Perturbation during Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (13) ◽  
pp. 6714
Author(s):  
Gang Pei ◽  
Anca Dorhoi
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Innate Immune System ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Protein Translation ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Cellular Homeostasis ◽  
Translation Block ◽  
Cytoskeleton Disruption ◽  
Molecular Patterns ◽  
Fine Tune

The innate immune system relies on families of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect distinct conserved molecular motifs from microbes to initiate antimicrobial responses. Activation of PRRs triggers a series of signaling cascades, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and antimicrobials, thereby contributing to the early host defense against microbes and regulating adaptive immunity. Additionally, PRRs can detect perturbation of cellular homeostasis caused by pathogens and fine-tune the immune responses. Among PRRs, nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) have attracted particular interest in the context of cellular stress-induced inflammation during infection. Recently, mechanistic insights into the monitoring of cellular homeostasis perturbation by NLRs have been provided. We summarize the current knowledge about the disruption of cellular homeostasis by pathogens and focus on NLRs as innate immune sensors for its detection. We highlight the mechanisms employed by various pathogens to elicit cytoskeleton disruption, organelle stress as well as protein translation block, point out exemplary NLRs that guard cellular homeostasis during infection and introduce the concept of stress-associated molecular patterns (SAMPs). We postulate that integration of information about microbial patterns, danger signals, and SAMPs enables the innate immune system with adequate plasticity and precision in elaborating responses to microbes of variable virulence.

scholarly journals Immune response of calves inoculated with proteins ofAnaplasma marginale bound to an immunostimulant complex

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela Ribeiro Gasparini ◽  
Rafael Felipe da Costa Vieira ◽  
Denise Amaral Gomes do Nascimento ◽  
João Luis Garcia ◽  
Odilon Vidotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Surface Proteins ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
The Third ◽  
Additional Testing ◽  
Major Surface Proteins ◽  
Cattle Herds ◽  
Major Surface

Despite our current knowledge of the immunology, pathology, and genetics of Anaplasma marginale, prevention in cattle is currently based on old standbys, including live attenuated vaccines, antibiotic treatment, and maintaining enzootic stability in cattle herds. In the present study, we evaluated the use of an immunostimulant complex (ISCOMATRIX) adjuvant, associated with a pool of recombinant major surface proteins (rMSP1a, rMSP1b, rMSP4 and rMSP5) to improve the humoral immune response triggered in calves mainly by IgG2. Ten calves were divided in three groups: 4 calves were inoculated with the ISCOMATRIX/rMSPs (G1); 2 calves were inoculated with ISCOMATRIX adjuvant (G2); and 4 calves received saline (G3). Three inoculations were administered at 21-day intervals. In G1, the calves showed significant increases in total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2 levels 21 days after the second inoculation, compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and G1 calves remained above the cut-off value 28 days after the third inoculation (p < 0.05). The post-immunized sera from calves in G1 reacted specifically for each of the rMSPs used. In conclusion, the ISCOMATRIX/rMSPs induced antigen-specific seroconversion in calves. Therefore, additional testing to explore the protection induced by rMSPs, both alone and in conjunction with proteins previously identified as subdominant epitopes, is warranted.

scholarly journals Protection from Lethal Infection by Adoptive Transfer of CD8 T Cells Genetically Engineered to Express Virus-Specific Innate Immune Receptor

2007 ◽  
Vol 179 (2) ◽  
pp. 1122-1128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koho Iizuka ◽  
Chigusa Nakajima ◽  
Yoshie-Matsubayashi Iizuka ◽  
Mitsuyo Takase ◽  
Takako Kato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Cd8 T Cells ◽  
Adoptive Transfer ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Immune Receptor ◽  
Innate Immune Receptor ◽  
Lethal Infection

Diversity and Evolution of Mineralized Skeletal Tissues in Chondrichthyans

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fidji Berio ◽  
Morgane Broyon ◽  
Sébastien Enault ◽  
Nelly Pirot ◽  
Faviel A. López-Romero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Neural Arch ◽  
Fossil Species ◽  
Fibrous Matrix ◽  
Cartilaginous Matrix ◽  
Mineralized Tissues ◽  
Early Vertebrates ◽  
Cartilaginous Fishes

The diversity of skeletal tissues in extant vertebrates includes mineralized and unmineralized structures made of bone, cartilage, or tissues of intermediate nature. This variability, together with the diverse nature of skeletal tissues in fossil species question the origin of skeletonization in early vertebrates. In particular, the study of skeletal tissues in cartilaginous fishes is currently mostly restrained to tessellated cartilage, a derived form of mineralized cartilage that evolved at the origin of this group. In this work, we describe the architectural and histological diversity of neural arch mineralization in cartilaginous fishes. The observed variations in the architecture include tessellated cartilage, with or without more massive sites of mineralization, and continuously mineralized neural arches devoid of tesserae. The histology of these various architectures always includes globular mineralization that takes place in the cartilaginous matrix. In many instances, the mineralized structures also include a fibrous component that seems to emerge from the perichondrium and they may display intermediate features, ranging from partly cartilaginous to mostly fibrous matrix, similar to fibrocartilage. Among these perichondrial mineralized tissues is also found, in few species, a lamellar arrangement of the mineralized extracellular matrix. The evolution of the mineralized tissues in cartilaginous fishes is discussed in light of current knowledge of their phylogenetic relationships.

scholarly journals Regulation of Plant Immunity by Nuclear Membrane-Associated Mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiling Fang ◽  
Yangnan Gu
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Nuclear Membrane ◽  
Immune Activation ◽  
Core Protein ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Plant Immunity ◽  
Defense Responses ◽  
Pathogen Resistance ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Nuclear Pore

Unlike animals, plants do not have specialized immune cells and lack an adaptive immune system. Instead, plant cells rely on their unique innate immune system to defend against pathogens and coordinate beneficial interactions with commensal and symbiotic microbes. One of the major convergent points for plant immune signaling is the nucleus, where transcriptome reprogramming is initiated to orchestrate defense responses. Mechanisms that regulate selective transport of nuclear signaling cargo and chromatin activity at the nuclear boundary play a pivotal role in immune activation. This review summarizes the current knowledge of how nuclear membrane-associated core protein and protein complexes, including the nuclear pore complex, nuclear transport receptors, and the nucleoskeleton participate in plant innate immune activation and pathogen resistance. We also discuss the role of their functional counterparts in regulating innate immunity in animals and highlight potential common mechanisms that contribute to nuclear membrane-centered immune regulation in higher eukaryotes.

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