scholarly journals Cutibacterium acnes as an Opportunistic Pathogen: An Update of Its Virulence-Associated Factors

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance Mayslich ◽  
Philippe Alain Grange ◽  
Nicolas Dupin
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Bacterial Attachment ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Skin Microbiota ◽  
Host Immune Responses ◽  
Cutibacterium Acnes

Cutibacterium acnes is a member of the skin microbiota found predominantly in regions rich in sebaceous glands. It is involved in maintaining healthy skin and has long been considered a commensal bacterium. Its involvement in various infections has led to its emergence as an opportunist pathogen. Interactions between C. acnes and the human host, including the human skin microbiota, promote the selection of C. acnes strains capable of producing several virulence factors that increase inflammatory capability. This pathogenic property may be related to many infectious mechanisms, such as an ability to form biofilms and the expression of putative virulence factors capable of triggering host immune responses or enabling C. acnes to adapt to its environment. During the past decade, many studies have identified and characterized several putative virulence factors potentially involved in the pathogenicity of this bacterium. These virulence factors are involved in bacterial attachment to target cells, polysaccharide-based biofilm synthesis, molecular structures mediating inflammation, and the enzymatic degradation of host tissues. C. acnes, like other skin-associated bacteria, can colonize various ecological niches other than skin. It produces several proteins or glycoproteins that could be considered to be active virulence factors, enabling the bacterium to adapt to the lipophilic environment of the pilosebaceous unit of the skin, but also to the various organs it colonizes. In this review, we summarize current knowledge concerning characterized C. acnes virulence factors and their possible implication in the pathogenicity of C. acnes.

scholarly journals Genomic analyses of Burkholderia cenocepacia reveal multiple species with differential host-adaptation to plants and humans

BMC Genomics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Wallner ◽  
Eoghan King ◽  
Eddy L. M. Ngonkeu ◽  
Lionel Moulin ◽  
Gilles Béna
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Burkholderia Cenocepacia ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Genetic Traits ◽  
Genomic Analyses ◽  
Different Strains

Abstract Background Burkholderia cenocepacia is a human opportunistic pathogen causing devastating symptoms in patients suffering from immunodeficiency and cystic fibrosis. Out of the 303 B. cenocepacia strains with available genomes, the large majority were isolated from a clinical context. However, several isolates originate from other environmental sources ranging from aerosols to plant endosphere. Plants can represent reservoirs for human infections as some pathogens can survive and sometimes proliferate in the rhizosphere. We therefore investigated if B. cenocepacia had the same potential. Results We selected genome sequences from 31 different strains, representative of the diversity of ecological niches of B. cenocepacia, and conducted comparative genomic analyses in the aim of finding specific niche or host-related genetic determinants. Phylogenetic analyses and whole genome average nucleotide identity suggest that strains, registered as B. cenocepacia, belong to at least two different species. Core-genome analyses show that the clade enriched in environmental isolates lacks multiple key virulence factors, which are conserved in the sister clade where most clinical isolates fall, including the highly virulent ET12 lineage. Similarly, several plant associated genes display an opposite distribution between the two clades. Finally, we suggest that B. cenocepacia underwent a host jump from plants/environment to animals, as supported by the phylogenetic analysis. We eventually propose a name for the new species that lacks several genetic traits involved in human virulence. Conclusion Regardless of the method used, our studies resulted in a disunited perspective of the B. cenocepacia species. Strains currently affiliated to this taxon belong to at least two distinct species, one having lost several determining animal virulence factors.

scholarly journals The opportunistic pathogenStenotrophomonas maltophiliautilizes a type IV secretion system for interbacterial killing

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ethel Bayer-Santos ◽  
William Cenens ◽  
Bruno Yasui Matsuyama ◽  
Giancarlo Di Sessa ◽  
Izabel Del Valle Mininel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Secretion System ◽  
Type Iv Secretion ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Type Iv Secretion System ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Abiotic Surfaces

AbstractBacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SS) are a highly diversified but evolutionarily related family of macromolecule transporters that can secrete proteins and DNA into the extracellular medium or into target cells. They have been long known to play a fundamental role in bacterial conjugation and virulence of several species. It was recently shown that a subtype of T4SS harboured by the plant pathogenic bacteriumXanthomonas citritransfers toxins into other bacteria cells resulting in cell death. In this study, we show that a similar T4SS from the multi-drug-resistant global opportunistic pathogenStenotrophomonas maltophiliais proficient in killing competitor bacterial species. T4SS-dependent duelling betweenS. maltophiliaandX. citriwas observed by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. A bioinformatic search of theS. maltophiliaK279a genome for proteins containing a C-terminal domain (XVIPCD) conserved inX. citriT4SS effectors identified eleven putative effectors secreted by theS. maltophiliaT4SS. Six of these effectors have no recognizable domain except for the XVIPCD. We selected one of these new effectors (Smlt3024) and its cognate inhibitor (Smlt3025) for further characterization and confirmed that Smlt3024 is indeed secreted in a T4SS-dependent manner byS. maltophiliawhen in contact with a target bacterial species. Expression of Smlt3024 in the periplasm ofE. coliresulted in greatly reduced growth rate and cell size, which could be counteracted by co-expression with its cognate periplasmic inhibitor, Smlt3025. This work expands our current knowledge about the diverse function of T4SSs subtypes and increases the panel of effectors known to be involved in T4SS-mediated interbacterial competition. Further elucidation of the mechanism of these antibacterial proteins could lead to the discovery of new antibacterial targets. The study also adds information about the molecular mechanisms possibly contributing to the establishment ofS. maltophiliain different biotic and abiotic surfaces in both clinical and environmental settings.Author SummaryCompetition between microorganisms for nutrients and space determines which species will emerge and dominate or be eradicated from a specific habitat. Bacteria use a series of mechanisms to kill or prevent multiplication of competitor species. Recently, it was reported that a subtype of type IV secretion system (T4SS) works as a weapon to kill competitor bacterial species. In this study, we show that an important human opportunistic pathogen,Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, harbours a T4SS that promotes killing of competitor species. We also identified a series of new toxic proteins secreted byS. maltophiliavia its T4SS to poison competitor species. We showed that two different bacterial species that harbour a bacteria-killing T4SS can kill each other; most likely due to differences in effector-immunity protein pairs. This work expands our current knowledge about the bacterial arsenal used in competitions with other species and expands the repertoire of antibacterial ammunition fired by T4SSs. In addition, the work contributes with knowledge on the possible mechanisms used byS. maltophiliato establish communities in different biotic and abiotic surfaces in both clinical and environmental settings.

Could Flavonoids Compete with Synthetic Azoles in Diminishing Candida albicans Infections? A Comparative Review Based on In Vitro Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (14) ◽  
pp. 2536-2554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marija Smiljković ◽  
Marina Kostić ◽  
Dejan Stojković ◽  
Jasmina Glamočlija ◽  
Marina Soković
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Comparative Review ◽  
Pros And Cons

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds with already confirmed various health benefits. This review will shed light on flavonoids as potential antifungals in Candida albicans infections. C. albicans is an opportunistic pathogen able to cause serious health issues due to numerous virulence factors amplifying its pathogenicity. One of the most important virulence factors is Candida ability to form biofilms which are highly resistant to the treatment of antifungal drugs; making diminishing of this pathogen even more challenging. This review will focus on current knowledge on individual flavonoid compounds having the potential to deal with C. albicans in vitro, with special turn on antibiofilm potential and insight into the mode of action, where available. Majority of the commercial drugs for the treatment of candidiasis belong to azole class, so the activity of flavonoids will be compared with the activity of newly synthetized azole compounds, as well as with azole drugs that are already on the market as official therapeutics. This literature review will provide pros and cons for pushing future research towards exploring novel synthetic azoles or further examination of a wide pallet of natural flavonoids.

Neurotoxic and Neuroprotective Role of Exosomes in Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (42) ◽  
pp. 4510-4522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biancamaria Longoni ◽  
Irene Fasciani ◽  
Shivakumar Kolachalam ◽  
Ilaria Pietrantoni ◽  
Francesco Marampon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Fluids ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Cellular Debris ◽  
The Brain

: Exosomes are extracellular vesicles produced by eukaryotic cells that are also found in most biological fluids and tissues. While they were initially thought to act as compartments for removal of cellular debris, they are now recognized as important tools for cell-to-cell communication and for the transfer of pathogens between the cells. They have attracted particular interest in neurodegenerative diseases for their potential role in transferring prion-like proteins between neurons, and in Parkinson’s disease (PD), they have been shown to spread oligomers of α-synuclein in the brain accelerating the progression of this pathology. A potential neuroprotective role of exosomes has also been equally proposed in PD as they could limit the toxicity of α-synuclein by clearing them out of the cells. Exosomes have also attracted considerable attention for use as drug vehicles. Being nonimmunogenic in nature, they provide an unprecedented opportunity to enhance the delivery of incorporated drugs to target cells. In this review, we discuss current knowledge about the potential neurotoxic and neuroprotective role of exosomes and their potential application as drug delivery systems in PD.

scholarly journals Pro-Inflammatory and Neurotrophic Factor Responses of Cells Derived from Degenerative Human Intervertebral Discs to the Opportunistic Pathogen Cutibacterium acnes

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2347
Author(s):  
Manu N. Capoor ◽  
Anna Konieczna ◽  
Andrew McDowell ◽  
Filip Ruzicka ◽  
Martin Smrcka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Acne Vulgaris ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Disc Disease ◽  
Gene Target ◽  
Cutibacterium Acnes ◽  
Pre Treatment

Previously, we proposed the hypothesis that similarities in the inflammatory response observed in acne vulgaris and degenerative disc disease (DDD), especially the central role of interleukin (IL)-1β, may be further evidence of the role of the anaerobic bacterium Cutibacterium (previously Propionibacterium) acnes in the underlying aetiology of disc degeneration. To investigate this, we examined the upregulation of IL-1β, and other known IL-1β-induced inflammatory markers and neurotrophic factors, from nucleus-pulposus-derived disc cells infected in vitro with C. acnes for up to 48 h. Upon infection, significant upregulation of IL-1β, alongside IL-6, IL-8, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4 (CCL4), nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), was observed with cells isolated from the degenerative discs of eight patients versus non-infected controls. Expression levels did, however, depend on gene target, multiplicity and period of infection and, notably, donor response. Pre-treatment of cells with clindamycin prior to infection significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. This study confirms that C. acnes can stimulate the expression of IL-1β and other host molecules previously associated with pathological changes in disc tissue, including neo-innervation. While still controversial, the role of C. acnes in DDD remains biologically credible, and its ability to cause disease likely reflects a combination of factors, particularly individualised response to infection.

scholarly journals Cell-to-Cell Communication by Host-Released Extracellular Vesicles in the Gut: Implications in Health and Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 2213
Author(s):  
Natalia Diaz-Garrido ◽  
Cecilia Cordero ◽  
Yenifer Olivo-Martinez ◽  
Josefa Badia ◽  
Laura Baldomà
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Intestinal Mucosa ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Intestinal Homeostasis ◽  
General Terms ◽  
Health And Disease

Communication between cells is crucial to preserve body homeostasis and health. Tightly controlled intercellular dialog is particularly relevant in the gut, where cells of the intestinal mucosa are constantly exposed to millions of microbes that have great impact on intestinal homeostasis by controlling barrier and immune functions. Recent knowledge involves extracellular vesicles (EVs) as mediators of such communication by transferring messenger bioactive molecules including proteins, lipids, and miRNAs between cells and tissues. The specific functions of EVs principally depend on the internal cargo, which upon delivery to target cells trigger signal events that modulate cellular functions. The vesicular cargo is greatly influenced by genetic, pathological, and environmental factors. This finding provides the basis for investigating potential clinical applications of EVs as therapeutic targets or diagnostic biomarkers. Here, we review current knowledge on the biogenesis and cargo composition of EVs in general terms. We then focus the attention to EVs released by cells of the intestinal mucosa and their impact on intestinal homeostasis in health and disease. We specifically highlight their role on epithelial barrier integrity, wound healing of epithelial cells, immunity, and microbiota shaping. Microbiota-derived EVs are not reviewed here.

scholarly journals Genetic and phenotypic analysis of the pathogenic potential of two novel Chlamydia gallinacea strains compared to Chlamydia psittaci

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marloes Heijne ◽  
Martina Jelocnik ◽  
Alexander Umanets ◽  
Michael S. M. Brouwer ◽  
Annemieke Dinkla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Chlamydia Psittaci ◽  
Phenotypic Analysis ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
The Family ◽  
Chicken Eggs ◽  
Sequence Types ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Embryonated Chicken

AbstractChlamydia gallinacea is an obligate intracellular bacterium that has recently been added to the family of Chlamydiaceae. C. gallinacea is genetically diverse, widespread in poultry and a suspected cause of pneumonia in slaughterhouse workers. In poultry, C. gallinacea infections appear asymptomatic, but studies about the pathogenic potential are limited. In this study two novel sequence types of C. gallinacea were isolated from apparently healthy chickens. Both isolates (NL_G47 and NL_F725) were closely related to each other and have at least 99.5% DNA sequence identity to C. gallinacea Type strain 08-1274/3. To gain further insight into the pathogenic potential, infection experiments in embryonated chicken eggs and comparative genomics with Chlamydia psittaci were performed. C. psittaci is a ubiquitous zoonotic pathogen of birds and mammals, and infection in poultry can result in severe systemic illness. In experiments with embryonated chicken eggs, C. gallinacea induced mortality was observed, potentially strain dependent, but lower compared to C. psittaci induced mortality. Comparative analyses confirmed all currently available C. gallinacea genomes possess the hallmark genes coding for known and potential virulence factors as found in C. psittaci albeit to a reduced number of orthologues or paralogs. The presence of potential virulence factors and the observed mortality in embryonated eggs indicates C. gallinacea should rather be considered as an opportunistic pathogen than an innocuous commensal.

scholarly journals The versatile role of exosomes in human retroviral infections: from immunopathogenesis to clinical application

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jafar Rezaie ◽  
Cynthia Aslan ◽  
Mahdi Ahmadi ◽  
Naime Majidi Zolbanin ◽  
Fatah Kashanchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Biological Fluids ◽  
Recipient Cell ◽  
Leukemia Virus ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Modern Approach ◽  
Human T Cell ◽  
T Cell Leukemia Virus ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Hiv 1

AbstractEukaryotic cells produce extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediating intercellular communication. These vesicles encompass many bio-molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids that are transported between cells and regulate pathophysiological actions in the recipient cell. Exosomes originate from multivesicular bodies inside cells and microvesicles shed from the plasma membrane and participate in various pathological conditions. Retroviruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus -type 1 (HIV-1) and Human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV)-1 engage exosomes for spreading and infection. Exosomes from virus-infected cells transfer viral components such as miRNAs and proteins that promote infection and inflammation. Additionally, these exosomes deliver virus receptors to target cells that make them susceptible to virus entry. HIV-1 infected cells release exosomes that contribute to the pathogenesis including neurological disorders and malignancy. Exosomes can also potentially carry out as a modern approach for the development of HIV-1 and HTLV-1 vaccines. Furthermore, as exosomes are present in most biological fluids, they hold the supreme capacity for clinical usage in the early diagnosis and prognosis of viral infection and associated diseases. Our current knowledge of exosomes' role from virus-infected cells may provide an avenue for efficient retroviruses associated with disease prevention. However, the exact mechanism involved in retroviruses infection/ inflammation remains elusive and related exosomes research will shed light on the mechanisms of pathogenesis.

A CASE REPORT ON CUTIBACTERIUM ACNES- FROM COMMENSAL TO PATHOGEN

2021 ◽  
pp. 66-67
Author(s):  
R. Prabha ◽  
S. Pramodhini ◽  
Joshy M Esaow
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Blood Culture ◽  
Virulence Factors ◽  
Propionibacterium Acnes ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Cardiac Devices ◽  
Alternate Explanation ◽  
Cutibacterium Acnes ◽  
Implantable Cardiac Devices ◽  
Slow Growing

Propionibacterium acnes (Cutibacterium acnes) is an anaerobic, gram-positive, slow growing bacteria. It can produce various virulence factors like bioactive exocellular products and metabolites. P.acnes blood isolates were considered signicant if two or more separate blood culture sets were positive on the same day and if systemic inammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was present without any alternate explanation. C.acnes if found in the blood of patients with implantable cardiac devices it should be considered as more than just a skin contaminant. These patients should be treated with appropriate therapies to prevent annihilatory consequences.

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