scholarly journals Lectin-Mediated Bacterial Modulation by the Intestinal Nematode Ascaris suum

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 8739
Author(s):  
Ankur Midha ◽  
Guillaume Goyette-Desjardins ◽  
Felix Goerdeler ◽  
Oren Moscovitz ◽  
Peter H. Seeberger ◽  
...  

Ascariasis is a global health problem for humans and animals. Adult Ascaris nematodes are long-lived in the host intestine where they interact with host cells as well as members of the microbiota resulting in chronic infections. Nematode interactions with host cells and the microbial environment are prominently mediated by parasite-secreted proteins and peptides possessing immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities. Previously, we discovered the C-type lectin protein AsCTL-42 in the secreted products of adult Ascaris worms. Here we tested recombinant AsCTL-42 for its ability to interact with bacterial and host cells. We found that AsCTL-42 lacks bactericidal activity but neutralized bacterial cells without killing them. Treatment of bacterial cells with AsCTL-42 reduced invasion of intestinal epithelial cells by Salmonella. Furthermore, AsCTL-42 interacted with host myeloid C-type lectin receptors. Thus, AsCTL-42 is a parasite protein involved in the triad relationship between Ascaris, host cells, and the microbiota.

2017 ◽  
Vol 91 (22) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Puckette ◽  
Benjamin A. Clark ◽  
Justin D. Smith ◽  
Traci Turecek ◽  
Erica Martel ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT The foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) afflicts livestock in more than 80 countries, limiting food production and global trade. Production of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines requires cytosolic expression of the FMDV 3C protease to cleave the P1 polyprotein into mature capsid proteins, but the FMDV 3C protease is toxic to host cells. To identify less-toxic isoforms of the FMDV 3C protease, we screened 3C mutants for increased transgene output in comparison to wild-type 3C using a Gaussia luciferase reporter system. The novel point mutation 3C(L127P) increased yields of recombinant FMDV subunit proteins in mammalian and bacterial cells expressing P1-3C transgenes and retained the ability to process P1 polyproteins from multiple FMDV serotypes. The 3C(L127P) mutant produced crystalline arrays of FMDV-like particles in mammalian and bacterial cells, potentially providing a practical method of rapid, inexpensive FMD vaccine production in bacteria. IMPORTANCE The mutant FMDV 3C protease L127P significantly increased yields of recombinant FMDV subunit antigens and produced virus-like particles in mammalian and bacterial cells. The L127P mutation represents a novel advancement for economical FMD vaccine production.


2018 ◽  
Vol 475 (22) ◽  
pp. 3687-3706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weibing Dong ◽  
Xin Zhu ◽  
Xuan Zhou ◽  
Ying Yang ◽  
Xin Yan ◽  
...  

Antimicrobial peptides have broad-spectrum killing activities against bacteria, enveloped viruses, fungi and several parasites via cell membrane permeation and exhibit primarily immunomodulatory and anti-infective functions in their interactions with host cells. However, the mechanism underlying their anti-inflammatory activity remains to be elucidated. L-K6, an analog of temporin-1CEb isolated from the skin secretion of Rana chensinensis, has demonstrated a wide range of antimicrobial activities against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. In this study, the potent anti-inflammatory mechanism of L-K6 and its analogs in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human macrophage U937 cells were evaluated. We found that L-K6 suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors by two downstream signaling components in the MyD88-dependent pathway, including the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the NF (nuclear factor)-κB signaling pathway, but its analog L-K5, which had the same amino acid sequence as L-K6 but no Lys residue at the –COOH terminal, only inhibited the phosphorylation of I-κB and NF-κB. Importantly, L-K6 and L-K5 were actively taken up by U937 cells through an independent cell membrane disruption mechanism and were eventually localized to the perinuclear region. The L-K6 uptake process was mediated by endocytosis, but L-K5 was specifically taken up by U937 cells via TLR4 endocytosis. Our results demonstrated that L-K6 can neutralize LPS and diassociate LPS micelles to inhibit LPS from triggering the proinflammatory signaling pathway, and by partially inhibiting inflammatory responses by the intracellular target. However, L-K5 may mainly inhibit proinflammatory responses by intracellular reporters to modulate the NF-κB signaling pathway.


1999 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Pelosi Teixeira ◽  
Marlene Braide Serafim ◽  
Maria Alice Cruz Höfling ◽  
Aureo T. Yamada ◽  
Antonio Fernando Pestana de Castro

One strain (S32) of Clostridium perfringens type A was isolated from a case of catarrhal enteritis of piglets. This strain was able to adhere to HeLa cells showing an adherence index (AI) of 25.15 ± 1.26 (mean ± 1 standard error of the mean). Treatment of the bacterial cells with trypsin (0.25mg/ml) decreased in 70%-80% the AI and metaperiodate (10mg/ml) abolished completely the adherence, suggesting that the structure responsible for this phenomenon was probably a glycoprotein. Heating of bacterial suspensions (100ºC/5 min) before carrying out the adhesion test decreased the AI rendering it equal to the negative controls. Rabbit homologous S32 antiserum inhibited the adherence up to dilutions of 1: 640, at least. The piglet ileal loop assay, carried out with strains S32 and Jab-1 (negative control) demonstrated that the strain S32 was able to adhere to the intestinal epithelial cells when examined after Gram staining. Transmission electron microcopy (TEM) demonstrated that S32 strain displayed a loose fibrillar material not seen with Jab-1. Stabilization of the bacterial cells with homologous antiserum of strain S32, followed by staining with rhuteniun red, revealed loose long fibrillar material on the outer surface of the cells, that sometimes could be seen spreading out from the cells and linking bacterial cells. The question whether this structure might be an adhesin for this strain of Cl. perfringes type A, perhaps playing a role in the pathogenesis of the catarrhal enteritis of piglets, is dependent on further studies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 3047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pravil Pokharel ◽  
Juan Manuel Díaz ◽  
Hicham Bessaiah ◽  
Sébastien Houle ◽  
Alma Lilián Guerrero-Barrera ◽  
...  

TagB, TagC (tandem autotransporter genes B and C), and Sha (Serine-protease hemagglutinin autotransporter) are recently described members of the SPATE (serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae) family. These SPATEs can cause cytopathic effects on bladder cells and contribute to urinary tract infection in a mouse model. Bladder epithelial cells form an important barrier in the urinary tract. Some SPATEs produced by pathogenic E. coli are known to breach the bladder epithelium. The capacity of these newly described SPATEs to alter bladder epithelial cells and the role of the serine protease active site were investigated. All three SPATE proteins were internalized by bladder epithelial cells and altered the distribution of actin cytoskeleton. Sha and TagC were also shown to degrade mucin and gelatin respectively. Inactivation of the serine catalytic site in each of these SPATEs did not affect secretion of the SPATEs from bacterial cells, but abrogated entry into epithelial cells, cytotoxicity, and proteolytic activity. Thus, our results show that the serine catalytic triad of these proteins is required for internalization in host cells, actin disruption, and degradation of host substrates such as mucin and gelatin.


2019 ◽  
Vol 220 (12) ◽  
pp. 1967-1976
Author(s):  
Xin Tan ◽  
Elodie Ramond ◽  
Anne Jamet ◽  
Jean-Philippe Barnier ◽  
Baptiste Decaux-Tramoni ◽  
...  

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of both acute and chronic infections in humans. The importance of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) during S. aureus infection is currently largely unexplored. In the current study, we focused on one key PPP enzyme, transketolase (TKT). We showed that inactivation of the unique gene encoding TKT activity in S. aureus USA300 (∆tkt) led to drastic metabolomic changes. Using time-lapse video imaging and mice infection, we observed a major defect of the ∆tkt strain compared with wild-type strain in early intracellular proliferation and in the ability to colonize kidneys. Transcriptional activity of the 2 master regulators sigma B and RpiRc was drastically reduced in the ∆tkt mutant during host cells invasion. The concomitant increased RNAIII transcription suggests that TKT—or a functional PPP—strongly influences the ability of S. aureus to proliferate within host cells by modulating key transcriptional regulators.


2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (9) ◽  
pp. 719-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bochiwe Hara-Kaonga ◽  
Thomas G Pistole

Conflicting reports exist regarding the role of porins OmpC and OmpD in infections due to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. This study investigated the role of these porins in bacterial adherence to human macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. ompC and ompD mutant strains were created by transposon mutagenesis using P22-mediated transduction of Tn10 and Tn5 insertions, respectively, into wild-type strain 14028. Fluorescein-labeled wild-type and mutant bacteria were incubated with host cells at various bacteria to cell ratios for 1 h at 37 °C and analyzed by flow cytometry. The mean fluorescence intensity of cells with associated wild-type and mutant bacteria was used to estimate the number of bacteria bound per host cell. Adherence was also measured by fluorescence microscopy. Neither assay showed a significant difference in binding of the ompC mutant and wild-type strains to the human cells. In contrast, the ompD mutant exhibited lowered binding to both cell types. Our findings suggest that OmpD but not OmpC is involved in the recognition of Salmonella serovar Typhimurium by human macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells.Key words: Salmonella, adherence, porins, intestinal epithelial cells, macrophage.


2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (1) ◽  
pp. G1-G7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail Hecht

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is primarily associated with infantile diarrhea in developing countries. This intriguing pathogen exerts numerous physiological effects on its host target tissue, the intestinal epithelium, all from an extracellular location. Expression of a type III secretory apparatus allows this organism to transfer bacterial effector molecules directly into host cells. As a result of EPEC attachment to and/or translocation of proteins into intestinal epithelial cells, many signaling cascades are activated. Ultimately, host functions are perturbed, including alteration of ion transport, disruption of the tight junction barrier, and activation of the inflammatory response.


2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (11) ◽  
pp. 1965-1970 ◽  
Author(s):  
SANGEETHA ANANDA BASKARAN ◽  
ANUP KOLLANOOR-JOHNY ◽  
MEERA SURENDRAN NAIR ◽  
KUMAR VENKITANARAYANAN

ABSTRACTEscherichia coli O157:H7 is a major foodborne pathogen that can cause serious human illness characterized by hemorrhagic diarrhea and kidney failure. The pathology of enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 (EHEC) infection is primarily mediated by verotoxins, which bind to the globotriaosylceramide receptor on host cells. Antibiotics are contraindicated for treating EHEC infection because they lead to increased verotoxin release, thereby increasing the risk of renal failure and death in patients. Thus, alternative strategies are needed for controlling EHEC infections in humans. This study investigated the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of five plant-derived antimicrobial agents (PDAs) that are generally considered as safe, i.e., trans-cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, carvacrol, thymol, and β-resorcylic acid, on EHEC motility, adhesion to human intestinal epithelial cells, verotoxin production, and virulence gene expression. All tested PDAs reduced EHEC motility and attachment to human intestinal epithelial cells (P < 0.05) and decreased verotoxin synthesis by EHEC. The reverse transcription real-time PCR data revealed that PDAs decreased the expression of critical virulence genes in EHEC (P < 0.05). The results collectively suggest that these PDAs could be used to reduce EHEC virulence, but follow-up studies in animal models are necessary to validate these findings.


2010 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 1967-1974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuyu Hou ◽  
Zhigang Liu ◽  
Anne W. Young ◽  
Sheron L. Mark ◽  
Neville R. Kallenbach ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Biofilms are sessile microbial communities that cause serious chronic infections with high morbidity and mortality. In order to develop more effective approaches for biofilm control, a series of linear cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with various arginine (Arg or R) and tryptophan (Trp or W) repeats [(RW) n -NH2, where n = 2, 3, or 4] were rigorously compared to correlate their structures with antimicrobial activities affecting the planktonic growth and biofilm formation of Escherichia coli. The chain length of AMPs appears to be important for inhibition of bacterial planktonic growth, since the hexameric and octameric peptides significantly inhibited E. coli growth, while tetrameric peptide did not cause noticeable inhibition. In addition, all AMPs except the tetrameric peptide significantly reduced E. coli biofilm surface coverage and the viability of biofilm cells, when added at inoculation. In addition to inhibition of biofilm formation, significant killing of biofilm cells was observed after a 3-hour treatment of preformed biofilms with hexameric peptide. Interestingly, treatment with the octameric peptide caused significant biofilm dispersion without apparent killing of biofilm cells that remained on the surface; e.g., the surface coverage was reduced by 91.5 ± 3.5% by 200 μM octameric peptide. The detached biofilm cells, however, were effectively killed by this peptide. Overall, these results suggest that hexameric and octameric peptides are potent inhibitors of both bacterial planktonic growth and biofilm formation, while the octameric peptide can also disperse existing biofilms and kill the detached cells. These results are helpful for designing novel biofilm inhibitors and developing more effective therapeutic methods.


2013 ◽  
Vol 79 (23) ◽  
pp. 7116-7121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas K. Wood ◽  
Stephen J. Knabel ◽  
Brian W. Kwan

ABSTRACTBacterial cells may escape the effects of antibiotics without undergoing genetic change; these cells are known as persisters. Unlike resistant cells that grow in the presence of antibiotics, persister cells do not grow in the presence of antibiotics. These persister cells are a small fraction of exponentially growing cells (due to carryover from the inoculum) but become a significant fraction in the stationary phase and in biofilms (up to 1%). Critically, persister cells may be a major cause of chronic infections. The mechanism of persister cell formation is not well understood, and even the metabolic state of these cells is debated. Here, we review studies relevant to the formation of persister cells and their metabolic state and conclude that the best model for persister cells is still dormancy, with the latest mechanistic studies shedding light on how cells reach this dormant state.


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