bims-bac4me Biomed News
on Microbiome and trained immunity
Issue of 2023–11–19
forty-six papers selected by
Chun-Chi Chang, University Hospital Zurich
  1. Early innate cell interactions with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in protection and pathology of tuberculosis.
  2. Immunobiotic Ligilactobacillus salivarius FFIG58 Confers Long-Term Protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  3. NADPH Oxidase 4-mediated Alveolar Macrophage Recruitment to Lung Attenuates Neutrophilic Inflammation in Staphylococcus aureus Infection.
  4. [ U N T I T L E D ]
  5. Modelled-Microgravity Reduces Virulence Factor Production in Staphylococcus aureus through Downregulation of agr-Dependent Quorum Sensing.
  6. Single-cell analysis reveals a weak macrophage subpopulation response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
  7. The nitric oxide paradox: antimicrobial and inhibitor of antibiotic efficacy.
  8. The gut and lung microbiota in pulmonary tuberculosis: susceptibility, function, and new insights into treatment.
  9. Integrated genomic and functional analyses of human skin-associated Staphylococcus reveal extensive inter- and intra-species diversity.
  10. Fatty acid desaturation and lipoxygenase pathways support trained immunity.
  11. The microbiome in the pathogenesis of lung cancer: The role of microbiome in lung cancer pathogenesis.
  12. Specific Inhibition of Orai1-mediated Calcium Signalling Resolves Inflammation and Clears Bacteria in an ARDS Model.
  13. Sequential host-bacteria and bacteria-bacteria interactions determine the microbiome establishment of Nematostella vectensis.
  14. Host defense amyloids: Biosensors of the immune system?
  15. Lipin-1 restrains macrophage lipid synthesis to promote inflammation resolution.
  16. Dynamic regulation of airway surface liquid pH by TMEM16A and SLC26A4 in cystic fibrosis nasal epithelia with rare mutations.
  17. Staphylococcus aureus α-toxin impairs early neutrophil localization via electrogenic disruption of store-operated calcium entry.
  18. Immunostimulating Commensal Bacteria and Their Potential Use as Therapeutics.
  19. Nickel-induced transcriptional memory in lung epithelial cells promotes interferon signaling upon nicotine exposure.
  20. Epithelial Barrier Theory: The Role of Exposome, Microbiome, and Barrier Function in Allergic Diseases.
  21. Developing Multi-Species Quorum Sensing Modulators Based on the Streptococcus mitis Competence-Stimulating Peptide.
  22. USP3 plays a critical role in the induction of innate immune tolerance.
  23. Expression, Regulation, and Function of β-Defensins in the Bovine Mammary Glands: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives.
  24. Streptococcus strain D19T as a probiotic candidate to modulate oral health.
  25. The Staphylococcus aureus regulatory program in a human skin-like environment.
  26. Role reversals: non-canonical roles for immune and non-immune cells in the gut.
  27. Omalizumab improves sinonasal outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps regardless of allergic status.
  28. A critical role for host-derived cystathionine-β-synthase, in Staphylococcus aureus-induced udder infection.
  29. Are the Cutaneous Microbiota a Guardian of the Skin's Physical Barrier? The Intricate Relationship between Skin Microbes and Barrier Integrity.
  30. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecB modulates intracellular reactive oxygen species production in human neutrophils.
  31. Multiple TLRs elicit alternative NLRP3 inflammasome activation in primary human monocytes independent of RIPK1 kinase activity.
  32. Lactic acid enhances vaginal epithelial barrier integrity and ameliorates inflammatory effects of dysbiotic short chain fatty acids and HIV-1.
  33. RNA m6A methylation modulates airway inflammation in allergic asthma via PTX3-dependent macrophage homeostasis.
  34. The role and mechanism of action of microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids in neutrophils: From the activation to becoming potential biomarkers.
  35. Cellular ROS tolerance determines the effect of plumbagin on osteoclast differentiation.
  36. Mycoplasma pneumoniae carriage in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections is associated with a less diverse and altered microbiota.
  37. Incorporation of collagen into Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms impedes phagocytosis by neutrophils.
  38. Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Health and Disease Pathophysiology: Recent Insights and Advances.
  39. Clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes are linked to a limited set of taxa within gut microbiome worldwide.
  40. "Stuck in the Middle with You": intermediate cell states are not always in transition.
  41. Inflammatory macrophages reprogram to immunosuppression by reducing mitochondrial translation.
  42. Systematic mining of the human microbiome identifies antimicrobial peptides with diverse activity spectra.
  43. Glutamine metabolism inhibition has dual immunomodulatory and antibacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  44. Maternal microbiota communicates with the fetus through microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles.
  45. Reversible phosphorylation of a lectin-receptor-like kinase controls xylem immunity.
  46. Harnessing the Power of Probiotics to Enhance Neuroplasticity for Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Function in Stunting: A Comprehensive Review.
  1. Front Immunol. 2023 ;14 1260859
    Early innate cell interactions with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in protection and pathology of tuberculosis.
    Poornima Sankar, Bibhuti Bhusan Mishra.
      Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, claiming the lives of up to 1.5 million individuals annually. TB is caused by the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which primarily infects innate immune cells in the lungs. These immune cells play a critical role in the host defense against Mtb infection, influencing the inflammatory environment in the lungs, and facilitating the development of adaptive immunity. However, Mtb exploits and manipulates innate immune cells, using them as favorable niche for replication. Unfortunately, our understanding of the early interactions between Mtb and innate effector cells remains limited. This review underscores the interactions between Mtb and various innate immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, granulocytes, NK cells, innate lymphocytes-iNKT and ILCs. In addition, the contribution of alveolar epithelial cell and endothelial cells that constitutes the mucosal barrier in TB immunity will be discussed. Gaining insights into the early cellular basis of immune reactions to Mtb infection is crucial for our understanding of Mtb resistance and disease tolerance mechanisms. We argue that a better understanding of the early host-pathogen interactions could inform on future vaccination approaches and devise intervention strategies.
    Keywords:  Mycobacterium tuberculosis; alveolar epithelial cells; granulocytes; host-pathogen interactions; inflammation; innate immunity; macrophages; pattern recognition receptors
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1260859
  2. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 30. pii: 15773. [Epub ahead of print]24(21):
    Immunobiotic Ligilactobacillus salivarius FFIG58 Confers Long-Term Protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae.
    Mariano Elean, Fernanda Raya Tonetti, Kohtaro Fukuyama, Luciano Arellano-Arriagada, Fu Namai, Yoshihito Suda, Nadia Gobbato, Keita Nishiyama, Julio Villena, Haruki Kitazawa.
      Previously, we isolated potentially probiotic Ligilactobacillus salivarius strains from the intestines of wakame-fed pigs. The strains were characterized based on their ability to modulate the innate immune responses triggered by the activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 or TLR4 signaling pathways in intestinal mucosa. In this work, we aimed to evaluate whether nasally administered L. salivarius strains are capable of modulating the innate immune response in the respiratory tract and conferring long-term protection against the respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. Infant mice (3-weeks-old) were nasally primed with L. salivarius strains and then stimulated with the TLR3 agonist poly(I:C). Five or thirty days after the last poly(I:C) administration mice were infected with pneumococci. Among the strains evaluated, L. salivarius FFIG58 had a remarkable ability to enhance the protection against the secondary pneumococcal infection by modulating the respiratory immune response. L. salivarius FFIG58 improved the ability of alveolar macrophages to produce interleukin (IL)-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, IFN-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-27, chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2), chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 2 (CXCL2), and CXCL10 in response to pneumococcal challenge. Furthermore, results showed that the nasal priming of infant mice with the FFIG58 strain protected the animals against secondary infection until 30 days after stimulation with poly(I:C), raising the possibility of using nasally administered immunobiotics to stimulate trained immunity in the respiratory tract.
    Keywords:  Ligilactobacillus salivarius FFIG58; Streptococcus pneumoniae; antiviral immunity; immunobiotics; poly(I:C); respiratory superinfection
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115773
  3. Immune Netw. 2023 Oct;23(5): e42
    NADPH Oxidase 4-mediated Alveolar Macrophage Recruitment to Lung Attenuates Neutrophilic Inflammation in Staphylococcus aureus Infection.
    Seunghan Han, Sungmin Moon, Youn Wook Chung, Ji-Hwan Ryu.
      When the lungs are infected with bacteria, alveolar macrophages (AMs) are recruited to the site and play a crucial role in protecting the host by reducing excessive lung inflammation. However, the regulatory mechanisms that trigger the recruitment of AMs to lung alveoli during an infection are still not fully understood. In this study, we identified a critical role for NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) in the recruitment of AMs during Staphylococcus aureus lung infection. We found that NOX4 knockout (KO) mice showed decreased recruitment of AMs and increased lung neutrophils and injury in response to S. aureus infection compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Interestingly, the burden of S. aureus in the lungs was not different between NOX4 KO and WT mice. Furthermore, we observed that depletion of AMs in WT mice during S. aureus infection increased the number of neutrophils and lung injury to a similar level as that observed in NOX4 KO mice. Additionally, we found that expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) in NOX4 KO mice-derived lung endothelial cells was lower than that in WT mice-derived endothelial cells. Therefore, we conclude that NOX4 plays a crucial role in inducing the recruitment of AMs by controlling ICAM1 expression in lung endothelial cells, which is responsible for resolving lung inflammation during acute S. aureus infection.
    Keywords:  Alveolar macrophage; Bacterial infections; NADPH oxidase 4; Staphylococcus aureus
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.4110/in.2023.23.e42
  4. Arerugi. 2023 ;72(9): 1174-1175
    [ U N T I T L E D ]
      
    Keywords:  memory B cell; memory T cell; trained immunity
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.15036/arerugi.72.1174
  5. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Nov 06. pii: 15997. [Epub ahead of print]24(21):
    Modelled-Microgravity Reduces Virulence Factor Production in Staphylococcus aureus through Downregulation of agr-Dependent Quorum Sensing.
    Macauley J Green, Ewan J Murray, Paul Williams, Amir M Ghaemmaghami, Jonathan W Aylott, Philip M Williams.
      Bacterial contamination during space missions is problematic for human health and damages filters and other vital support systems. Staphylococcus aureus is both a human commensal and an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes human tissues and causes acute and chronic infections. Virulence and colonization factors are positively and negatively regulated, respectively, by bacterial cell-to-cell communication (quorum sensing) via the agr (accessory gene regulator) system. When cultured under low-shear modelled microgravity conditions (LSMMG), S. aureus has been reported to maintain a colonization rather than a pathogenic phenotype. Here, we show that the modulation of agr expression via reduced production of autoinducing peptide (AIP) signal molecules was responsible for this behavior. In an LSMMG environment, the S. aureus strains JE2 (methicillin-resistant) and SH1000 (methicillin-sensitive) both exhibited reduced cytotoxicity towards the human leukemia monocytic cell line (THP-1) and increased fibronectin binding. Using S. aureus agrP3::lux reporter gene fusions and mass spectrometry to quantify the AIP concentrations, the activation of agr, which depends on the binding of AIP to the transcriptional regulator AgrC, was delayed in the strains with an intact autoinducible agr system. This was because AIP production was reduced under these growth conditions compared with the ground controls. Under LSMMG, S. aureus agrP3::lux reporter strains that cannot produce endogenous AIPs still responded to exogenous AIPs. Provision of exogenous AIPs to S. aureus USA300 during microgravity culture restored the cytotoxicity of culture supernatants for the THP-1 cells. These data suggest that microgravity does not affect AgrC-AIP interactions but more likely the generation of AIPs.
    Keywords:  Staphylococcus aureus; agr; astropharmacy; autoinducing peptide; colonization; microgravity; quorum sensing; rotating cell culture system; virulence
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115997
  6. Cell Rep. 2023 Nov 13. pii: S2211-1247(23)01430-4. [Epub ahead of print]42(11): 113418
    Single-cell analysis reveals a weak macrophage subpopulation response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
    Sydney L Solomon, Bryan D Bryson.
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection remains one of society's greatest human health challenges. Macrophages integrate multiple signals derived from ontogeny, infection, and the environment. This integration proceeds heterogeneously during infection. Some macrophages are infected, while others are not; therefore, bulk approaches mask the subpopulation dynamics. We establish a modular, targeted, single-cell protein analysis framework to study the immune response to Mtb. We demonstrate that during Mtb infection, only a small fraction of resting macrophages produce tumor necrosis factor (TNF) protein. We demonstrate that Mtb infection results in muted phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, regulators of inflammation, and leverage our single-cell methods to distinguish between pathogen-mediated interference in host signaling and weak activation of host pathways. We demonstrate that the inflammatory signal magnitude is decoupled from the ability to control Mtb growth. These data underscore the importance of developing pathogen-specific models of signaling and highlight barriers to activation of pathways that control inflammation.
    Keywords:  CP: Immunology; CP: Microbiology; host-pathogen interactions; innate immunity; macrophage; tuberculosis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113418
  7. Emerg Top Life Sci. 2023 Nov 17. pii: ETLS20230114. [Epub ahead of print]
    The nitric oxide paradox: antimicrobial and inhibitor of antibiotic efficacy.
    Calum M Webster, Mark Shepherd.
      It is well-known that antibiotics target energy-consuming processes and a significant body of research now supports the conclusion that the metabolic state of bacteria can have a profound impact upon the efficacy of antibiotics. Several articles implicate bacterial energetics and the respiratory inhibitor nitric oxide (NO) in this process, although pinpointing the precise mechanism for how NO can diminish the potency of a range of antibiotics through modulating bacterial energy metabolism has proved challenging. Herein, we introduce the role of NO during infection, consider known links between NO and antibiotic efficacy, and discuss potential mechanisms via which NO present at the site of infection could mediate these effects through controlling bacterial energetics. This perspective article highlights an important relationship between NO and antibiotic action that has largely been overlooked and outlines future considerations for the development of new drugs and therapies that target bacterial energy metabolism.
    Keywords:  antibiotics; bioenergetics; nitric oxide; respiration
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1042/ETLS20230114
  8. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2023 Nov 16.
    The gut and lung microbiota in pulmonary tuberculosis: susceptibility, function, and new insights into treatment.
    Qiqi Zhuo, Xianyi Zhang, Kehong Zhang, Chan Chen, Zhen Huang, Yuzhong Xu.
       INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) that poses a major threat to human health.
    AREAS COVERED: Herein, we aim to review the alteration of the microbiota in gut and respiratory during TB development, the potential function and mechanisms of microbiota in the pathogenesis of Mtb infection, and the impact of antibiotic treatment on the microbiota. In addition, we discuss the potential new paradigm for the use of microbiota-based treatments such as probiotics and prebiotics in the treatment of TB.
    EXPERT OPINION: Studies have shown that trillions of micro-organisms live in the human gut and respiratory tract, acting as gatekeepers in maintaining immune homeostasis and respiratory physiology, and playing a beneficial or hostile role in the development of TB. Anti-TB antibiotics may cause microecological imbalances in the gut and respiratory tract, and microbiome-based therapeutics may be a promising strategy for TB treatment. Appropriate probiotics and prebiotics supplementation, along with antimycobacterial treatment, will improve the therapeutic effect of TB treatment and protect the gut and respiratory microbiota from dysbiosis.
    Keywords:  Dysbiosis; gut; lung; microbiota; tuberculosis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/14787210.2023.2283036
  9. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 Nov 21. 120(47): e2310585120
    Integrated genomic and functional analyses of human skin-associated Staphylococcus reveal extensive inter- and intra-species diversity.
    NISC Comparative Sequencing Program
      Human skin is stably colonized by a distinct microbiota that functions together with epidermal cells to maintain a protective physical barrier. Staphylococcus, a prominent genus of the skin microbiota, participates in colonization resistance, tissue repair, and host immune regulation in strain-specific manners. To unlock the potential of engineering skin microbial communities, we aim to characterize the diversity of this genus within the context of the skin environment. We reanalyzed an extant 16S rRNA amplicon dataset obtained from distinct body sites of healthy volunteers, providing a detailed biogeographic depiction of staphylococcal species that colonize our skin. S. epidermidis, S. capitis, and S. hominis were the most abundant staphylococcal species present in all volunteers and were detected at all body sites. Pan-genome analysis of isolates from these three species revealed that the genus-core was dominated by central metabolism genes. Species-restricted-core genes encoded known host colonization functions. The majority (~68%) of genes were detected only in a fraction of isolate genomes, underscoring the immense strain-specific gene diversity. Conspecific genomes grouped into phylogenetic clades, exhibiting body site preference. Each clade was enriched for distinct gene sets that are potentially involved in site tropism. Finally, we conducted gene expression studies of select isolates showing variable growth phenotypes in skin-like medium. In vitro expression revealed extensive intra- and inter-species gene expression variation, substantially expanding the functional diversification within each species. Our study provides an important resource for future ecological and translational studies to examine the role of shared and strain-specific staphylococcal genes within the skin environment.
    Keywords:  16S rRNA amplicon sequencing; growth curve; pan-genomics; skin microbiota; staphylococci
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2310585120
  10. Nat Commun. 2023 Nov 15. 14(1): 7385
    Fatty acid desaturation and lipoxygenase pathways support trained immunity.
    Anaísa V Ferreira, Juan Carlos Alarcon-Barrera, Jorge Domínguez-Andrés, Özlem Bulut, Gizem Kilic, Priya A Debisarun, Rutger J Röring, Hatice N Özhan, Eva Terschlüsen, Athanasios Ziogas, Sarantos Kostidis, Yassene Mohammed, Vasiliki Matzaraki, George Renieris, Evangelos J Giamarellos-Bourboulis, Mihai G Netea, Martin Giera.
      Infections and vaccines can induce enhanced long-term responses in innate immune cells, establishing an innate immunological memory termed trained immunity. Here, we show that monocytes with a trained immunity phenotype, due to exposure to the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, are characterized by an increased biosynthesis of different lipid mediators (LM) derived from long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Pharmacological and genetic approaches show that long-chain PUFA synthesis and lipoxygenase-derived LM are essential for the BCG-induced trained immunity responses of human monocytes. Furthermore, products of 12-lipoxygenase activity increase in monocytes of healthy individuals after BCG vaccination. Grasping the underscoring lipid metabolic pathways contributes to our understanding of trained immunity and may help to identify therapeutic tools and targets for the modulation of innate immune responses.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43315-x
  11. APMIS. 2023 Nov 16.
    The microbiome in the pathogenesis of lung cancer: The role of microbiome in lung cancer pathogenesis.
    Sainan Miao, Huan Qiu.
      As one of the malignant tumors with high incidence rate and high mortality, lung cancer seriously threatens the life safety of patients. Research shows that microorganisms are closely related to lung cancer. The microbiome is symbiotic with the host and plays a vital role in the functions of the human body. Microbiota dysbiosis is correlated with development of lung cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. This paper summarizes the composition characteristics of the gut-lung axis microbiome and intratumoral microbiome in patients with lung cancer. We then expound five potential carcinogenic mechanisms based on microorganisms, such as genotoxicity, metabolism, inflammation, immune response, and angiogenesis. Next, we list three high-throughput sequencing methods, and finally looks forward to the prospect of microorganisms as novel targets for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
    Keywords:  Lung cancer; microbiome; pathogenesis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/apm.13359
  12. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2023 Nov 16.
    Specific Inhibition of Orai1-mediated Calcium Signalling Resolves Inflammation and Clears Bacteria in an ARDS Model.
    Saira Ahmad, Joe A Wrennall, Alexandra S Goriounova, Malika Sekhri, Jason A Iskarpatyoti, Arunava Ghosh, Sabri H Abdelwahab, Alexis Voeller, Mani Rai, Rahul Y Mahida, Krzysztof Krajewski, Diane M Ignar, Alon Greenbaum, Timothy P Moran, Stephen L Tilley, David R Thickett, M Flori Sassano, Robert Tarran.
      Rationale: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) has an unacceptably high mortality rate (35%) and is without effective therapy. Orai1 is a Ca2+ channel involved in store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), a process that exquisitely regulates inflammation. Orai1 is considered a druggable target, but to date, no Orai1-specific inhibitors exist. Objectives: To evaluate whether ELD607, a first-in-class Orai1 antagonist, can treat ARDS caused by bacterial pneumonia in preclinical models. Methods: ELD607 pharmacology was evaluated in HEK293T cells and freshly-isolated ARDS patient immune cells. A murine acute lung injury model caused by bacterial pneumonia was then used. Mice were infected with P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa (MDR-Pa) and then treated with ELD607 intranasally. Measurements and Main Results: ELD607 specifically inhibited SOCE in HEK293T cells with an IC50 of 9 nM. ELD607 was stable in ARDS airway secretions and inhibited SOCE in ARDS immune cells. In vivo, inhaled ELD607 significantly reduced neutrophilia and improved survival. Surprisingly, Orai1 inhibition by ELD607 caused a significant reduction in lung bacteria, including MRSA. ELD607 worked as an immunomodulator that reduced cytokine levels, lowered neutrophilia and promoted both macrophage-mediated resolution of inflammation and clearance of bacteria. Indeed, when alveolar macrophages were depleted with inhaled clodronate, ELD607 was no longer able to resolve inflammation or clear bacteria. Conclusions: These data indicate that specific Orai1 inhibition by ELD607 may be a novel approach to reduce multi-organ inflammation and treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
    Keywords:  ARDS; I<sub></sub>CRAC<sub></sub>; Neutrophilia; Peptide; Pneumonia
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202308-1393OC
  13. Microbiome. 2023 Nov 18. 11(1): 257
    Sequential host-bacteria and bacteria-bacteria interactions determine the microbiome establishment of Nematostella vectensis.
    H Domin, J Zimmermann, J Taubenheim, G Fuentes Reyes, L Saueressig, D Prasse, M Höppner, R A Schmitz, U Hentschel, C Kaleta, S Fraune.
       BACKGROUND: The microbiota of multicellular organisms undergoes considerable changes during host ontogeny but the general mechanisms that control community assembly and succession are poorly understood. Here, we use bacterial recolonization experiments in Nematostella vectensis as a model to understand general mechanisms determining bacterial establishment and succession. We compared the dynamic establishment of the microbiome on the germfree host and on inert silicone tubes.
    RESULTS: Following the dynamic reconstruction of microbial communities on both substrates, we show that the initial colonization events are strongly influenced by the host but not by the silicone tube, while the subsequent bacteria-bacteria interactions are the main driver of bacterial succession. Interestingly, the recolonization pattern on adult hosts resembles the ontogenetic colonization succession. This process occurs independently of the bacterial composition of the inoculum and can be followed at the level of individual bacteria. To identify potential metabolic traits associated with initial colonization success and potential metabolic interactions among bacteria associated with bacterial succession, we reconstructed the metabolic networks of bacterial colonizers based on their genomes. These analyses revealed that bacterial metabolic capabilities reflect the recolonization pattern, and the degradation of chitin might be a selection factor during early recolonization of the animal. Concurrently, transcriptomic analyses revealed that Nematostella possesses two chitin synthase genes, one of which is upregulated during early recolonization.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that early recolonization events are strongly controlled by the host while subsequent colonization depends on metabolic bacteria-bacteria interactions largely independent of host ontogeny. Video Abstract.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-023-01701-z
  14. Andrology. 2023 Nov 14.
    Host defense amyloids: Biosensors of the immune system?
    Caitlyn Myers, Gail A Cornwall.
      There is considerable evidence showing that highly ordered aggregate structures known as amyloids carry out essential biological roles in species ranging from bacteria to humans. Indeed, many antimicrobial peptides/proteins form amyloids to carry out their host defense functions and many amyloids are antimicrobial. The similarity of host defense amyloids from bacterial biofilms to the mammalian epididymal amyloid matrix implies highly conserved host defense structures/functions. With an emphasis on the epididymal amyloid matrix, here we review the common properties of host defense amyloids including unique traits that would allow them to function as powerful biosensors of the immune system.
    Keywords:  AMP; amyloid; bacterial ghost; epididymis; host defense; neutrophil extracellular traps
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.13555
  15. bioRxiv. 2023 Oct 25. pii: 2023.10.23.563587. [Epub ahead of print]
    Lipin-1 restrains macrophage lipid synthesis to promote inflammation resolution.
    Temitayo T Bamgbose, Robert M Schilke, Oluwakemi O Igiehon, Ebubechukwu H Nkadi, David Custis, Sushma Bharrhan, Benjamin Schwarz, Eric Bohrnsen, Catharine M Bosio, Rona S Scott, Arif Yurdagul, Brian N Finck, Matthew D Woolard.
      Macrophages are critical to maintaining and restoring tissue homeostasis during inflammation. The lipid metabolic state of macrophages influences their function, but a deeper understanding of how lipid metabolism is regulated in pro-resolving macrophage responses is needed. Lipin-1 is a phosphatidic acid phosphatase with a transcriptional coregulatory activity (TC) that regulates lipid metabolism. We previously demonstrated that lipin-1 supports pro-resolving macrophage responses, and here, myeloid-associated lipin-1 is required for inflammation resolution, yet how lipin-1-regulated cellular mechanisms promote macrophage pro-resolution responses is unknown. We demonstrated that the loss of lipin-1 in macrophages led to increased free fatty acid, neutral lipid, and ceramide content and increased phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase. The inhibition of the first step of lipid synthesis and transport of citrate from the mitochondria in macrophages reduced lipid content and restored efferocytosis and inflammation resolution in lipin-1 m KO macrophages and mice. Our findings suggest macrophage-associated lipin-1 restrains lipid synthesis, promoting pro-resolving macrophage function in response to pro-resolving stimuli.
    Teaser: Lipin 1 blockade of lipid biosynthesis inducing mitochondrial citrate export promotes efferocytosis and inflammation resolution.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.23.563587
  16. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2023 Nov 21. 120(47): e2307551120
    Dynamic regulation of airway surface liquid pH by TMEM16A and SLC26A4 in cystic fibrosis nasal epithelia with rare mutations.
    Livia Delpiano, Lisa W Rodenburg, Matthew Burke, Glyn Nelson, Gimano D Amatngalim, Jeffrey M Beekman, Michael A Gray.
      In cystic fibrosis (CF), defects in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel lead to an acidic airway surface liquid (ASL), which compromises innate defence mechanisms, predisposing to pulmonary failure. Restoring ASL pH is a potential therapy for people with CF, particularly for those who cannot benefit from current highly effective modulator therapy. However, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying ASL pH regulation. The calcium-activated chloride channel, TMEM16A, and the anion exchanger, SLC26A4, have been proposed as targets for restoring ASL pH, but current results are contradictory and often utilise nonphysiological conditions. To provide better evidence for a role of these two proteins in ASL pH homeostasis, we developed an efficient CRISPR-Cas9-based approach to knock-out (KO) relevant transporters in primary airway basal cells lacking CFTR and then measured dynamic changes in ASL pH under thin-film conditions in fully differentiated airway cultures, which better simulate the in vivo situation. Unexpectantly, we found that both proteins regulated steady-state as well as agonist-stimulated ASL pH, but only under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, we identified two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs which raised ASL pH by activating SLC26A4. While we identified a role for SLC26A4 in fluid absorption, KO had no effect on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-stimulated fluid secretion in airway organoids. Overall, we have identified a role of TMEM16A in ASL pH homeostasis and shown that both TMEM16A and SLC26A4 could be important alternative targets for ASL pH therapy in CF, particularly for those people who do not produce any functional CFTR.
    Keywords:  SLC26A4; TMEM16A; airway surface liquid pH; cystic fibrosis; inflammation
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2307551120
  17. Cell Rep. 2023 Nov 09. pii: S2211-1247(23)01406-7. [Epub ahead of print]42(11): 113394
    Staphylococcus aureus α-toxin impairs early neutrophil localization via electrogenic disruption of store-operated calcium entry.
    Fan Yang, Mingyi Suo, Homayemem Weli, Mason Wong, Alex Junidi, Celeste Cummings, Ryan Johnson, Kiara Mallory, Annie Y Liu, Zev J Greenberg, Laura G Schuettpelz, Mark J Miller, Cliff J Luke, Gwendalyn J Randolph, Bernd H Zinselmeyer, Juliane Bubeck Wardenburg, Regina A Clemens.
      The pore-forming S. aureus α-toxin (Hla) contributes to virulence and disease pathogenesis. While high concentrations of toxin induce cell death, neutrophils exhibit relative resistance to lysis, suggesting that the action of Hla may not be solely conferred by lytic susceptibility. Using intravital microscopy, we observed that Hla disrupts neutrophil localization and clustering early in infection. Hla forms a narrow, ion-selective pore, suggesting that Hla may dysregulate calcium or other ions to impair neutrophil function. We found that sub-lytic Hla did not permit calcium influx but caused rapid membrane depolarization. Depolarization decreases the electrogenic driving force for calcium, and concordantly, Hla suppressed calcium signaling in vitro and in vivo and calcium-dependent leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production, a key mediator of neutrophil clustering. Thus, Hla disrupts the early patterning of the neutrophil response to infection, in part through direct impairment of neutrophil calcium signaling. This early mis-localization of neutrophils may contribute to establishment of infection.
    Keywords:  CP: Cell biology; CP: Microbiology; S. aureus; SOCE; alpha-toxin; calcium; membrane potential; neutrophil; pore-forming toxin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113394
  18. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 27. pii: 15644. [Epub ahead of print]24(21):
    Immunostimulating Commensal Bacteria and Their Potential Use as Therapeutics.
    Bonita McCuaig, Yoshiyuki Goto.
      The gut microbiome is intimately intertwined with the host immune system, having effects on the systemic immune system. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome has been linked not only to gastrointestinal disorders but also conditions of the skin, lungs, and brain. Commensal bacteria can affect the immune status of the host through a stimulation of the innate immune system, training of the adaptive immune system, and competitive exclusion of pathogens. Commensal bacteria improve immune response through the production of immunomodulating compounds such as microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and secondary bile acids. The microbiome, especially when in dysbiosis, is plastic and can be manipulated through the introduction of beneficial bacteria or the adjustment of nutrients to stimulate the expansion of beneficial taxa. The complex nature of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) ecosystem complicates the use of these methods, as similar treatments have various results in individuals with different residential microbiomes and differential health statuses. A more complete understanding of the interaction between commensal species, host genetics, and the host immune system is needed for effective microbiome interventions to be developed and implemented in a clinical setting.
    Keywords:  SCFA; bacteriocins; colonization resistance; fecal transfer; gut microbiome; immunoactive; microbiome host crosstalk; microbiome intervention; postbiotic; prebiotic; probiotic
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115644
  19. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2023 Nov 10. pii: S0041-008X(23)00392-7. [Epub ahead of print]481 116753
    Nickel-induced transcriptional memory in lung epithelial cells promotes interferon signaling upon nicotine exposure.
    Xiaoru Zhang, Beatrix Bradford, Sahdev Baweja, Taotao Tan, Hyun-Wook Lee, Cynthia C Jose, Nicholas Kim, Manpreet Katari, Suresh Cuddapah.
      Exposure to nickel, an environmental respiratory toxicant, is associated with lung diseases including asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchitis and cancers. Our previous studies have shown that a majority of the nickel-induced transcriptional changes are persistent and do not reverse even after the termination of exposure. This suggested transcriptional memory, wherein the cell 'remembers' past nickel exposure. Transcriptional memory, due to which the cells respond more robustly to a previously encountered stimulus has been identified in a number of organisms. Therefore, transcriptional memory has been described as an adaptive mechanism. However, transcriptional memory caused by environmental toxicant exposures has not been well investigated. Moreover, how the transcriptional memory caused by an environmental toxicant might influence the outcome of exposure to a second toxicant has not been explored. In this study, we investigated whether nickel-induced transcriptional memory influences the outcome of the cell's response to a second respiratory toxicant, nicotine. Nicotine, an addictive compound in tobacco, is associated with the development of chronic lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis. Our results show that nicotine exposure upregulated a subset of genes only in the cells previously exposed to nickel. Furthermore, our analyses indicate robust activation of interferon (IFN) signaling in these cells. IFN signaling is a driver of inflammation, which is associated with many chronic lung diseases. Therefore, our results suggest that nicotine exposure of lung cells that retain the transcriptional memory of previous nickel exposure could result in increased susceptibility to developing chronic inflammatory lung diseases.
    Keywords:  Interferon signaling; Nickel; Nicotine; STAT1; Transcriptional memory
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2023.116753
  20. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2023 Nov;15(6): 705-724
    Epithelial Barrier Theory: The Role of Exposome, Microbiome, and Barrier Function in Allergic Diseases.
    Purevsuren Losol, Milena Sokolowska, Yu-Kyoung Hwang, Ismail Ogulur, Yasutaka Mitamura, Duygu Yazici, Yagiz Pat, Urszula Radzikowska, Sena Ardicli, Jeong-Eun Yoon, Jun-Pyo Choi, Sae-Hoon Kim, Willem van de Veen, Mübeccel Akdis, Yoon-Seok Chang, Cezmi A Akdis.
      Allergic diseases are a major public health problem with increasing prevalence. These immune-mediated diseases are characterized by defective epithelial barriers, which are explained by the epithelial barrier theory and continuously emerging evidence. Environmental exposures (exposome) including global warming, changes and loss of biodiversity, pollution, pathogens, allergens and mites, laundry and dishwasher detergents, surfactants, shampoos, body cleaners and household cleaners, microplastics, nanoparticles, toothpaste, enzymes and emulsifiers in processed foods, and dietary habits are responsible for the mucosal and skin barrier disruption. Exposure to barrier-damaging agents causes epithelial cell injury and barrier damage, colonization of opportunistic pathogens, loss of commensal bacteria, decreased microbiota diversity, bacterial translocation, allergic sensitization, and inflammation in the periepithelial area. Here, we review scientific evidence on the environmental components that impact epithelial barriers and microbiome composition and their influence on asthma and allergic diseases. We also discuss the historical overview of allergic diseases and the evolution of the hygiene hypothesis with theoretical evidence.
    Keywords:  Allergy; asthma; barrier; climate; environment; exposome; exposure; microbiome; microbiota; pollution
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.4168/aair.2023.15.6.705
  21. J Biol Chem. 2023 Nov 09. pii: S0021-9258(23)02476-6. [Epub ahead of print] 105448
    Developing Multi-Species Quorum Sensing Modulators Based on the Streptococcus mitis Competence-Stimulating Peptide.
    Tahmina A Milly, Clay P Renshaw, Yftah Tal-Gan.
      Bacteria utilize quorum sensing (QS) to coordinate many group behaviors. As such, QS has attracted significant attention as a potential mean to attenuate bacterial infectivity without introducing selective pressure for resistance development. Streptococcus mitis, a human commensal, acts as a genetic diversity reservoir for Streptococcus pneumoniae, a prevalent human pathogen. S. mitis possesses a typical comABCDE competence regulon QS circuitry, however, the competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) responsible for QS activation and the regulatory role of the competence regulon QS circuitry in S. mitis are yet to be explored. We set out to delineate the competence regulon QS circuitry in S. mitis, including confirming the identity of the native CSP signal, evaluating the molecular mechanism that governs CSP interactions with histidine kinase receptor ComD leading to ComD activation, and defining the regulatory roles of the competence regulon QS circuitry in initiating various S. mitis phenotypes. Our analysis revealed important structure-activity relationship (SAR) insights of the CSP signal and facilitated the development of novel CSP-based QS modulators. Our analysis also revealed the involvement of the competence regulon in modulating competence development and biofilm formation. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that the native S. mitis CSP signal can modulate QS response in S. pneumoniae. Capitalizing on this crosstalk, we developed a multi-species QS modulator that activates both the pneumococcus ComD receptors and the S. mitis ComD-2 receptor with high potencies. The novel scaffolds identified herein can be utilized to evaluate the effects temporal QS modulation has on S. mitis as it inhabits its natural niche.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105448
  22. EMBO Rep. 2023 Nov 16. e57828
    USP3 plays a critical role in the induction of innate immune tolerance.
    Tianhao Duan, Yanchun Feng, Yang Du, Changsheng Xing, Junjun Chu, Jiayu Ou, Xin Liu, Motao Zhu, Chen Qian, Bingnan Yin, Helen Y Wang, Jun Cui, Rong-Fu Wang.
      Microbial products, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), can elicit efficient innate immune responses against invading pathogens. However, priming with LPS can induce a form of innate immune memory, termed innate immune "tolerance", which blunts subsequent NF-κB signaling. Although epigenetic and transcriptional reprogramming has been shown to play a role in innate immune memory, the involvement of post-translational regulation remains unclear. Here, we report that ubiquitin-specific protease 3 (USP3) participates in establishing "tolerance" innate immune memory through non-transcriptional feedback. Upon NF-κB signaling activation, USP3 is stabilized and exits the nucleus. The cytoplasmic USP3 specifically removes the K63-linked polyubiquitin chains on MyD88, thus negatively regulating TLR/IL1β-induced inflammatory signaling activation. Importantly, cytoplasmic translocation is a prerequisite step for USP3 to deubiquitinate MyD88. Additionally, LPS priming could induce cytoplasmic retention and faster and stronger cytoplasmic translocation of USP3, enabling it to quickly shut down NF-κB signaling upon the second LPS challenge. This work identifies a previously unrecognized post-translational feedback loop in the MyD88-USP3 axis, which is critical for inducing normal "tolerance" innate immune memory.
    Keywords:  NF-κB signaling; inflammatory response; innate immune memory; toll-like receptors; ubiquitination
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.202357828
  23. Animals (Basel). 2023 Oct 31. pii: 3372. [Epub ahead of print]13(21):
    Expression, Regulation, and Function of β-Defensins in the Bovine Mammary Glands: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives.
    Mojtaba Daneshi, Joel S Caton, Luciano S Caixeta, Zohre Eftekhari, Alison K Ward.
      β-Defensins are cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that play an important role in the innate immune defense of bovines. They are constitutively expressed in mammary glands and induced differently in response to pathogens. Their expression is influenced by various factors, including hormones, plant-derived compounds, and dietary energy imbalance. The toll-like receptors (TLRs)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway plays a crucial role in β-defensin induction, while alternative pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and epigenetic regulation also make substantial contributions. β-Defensins exhibit bactericidal activity against a wide range of pathogens, including two major mastitis pathogens, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), primarily through membrane disruption. β-Defensins have low cytotoxicity to host cells and demonstrate immunomodulatory properties, and pathogens also display minimal resistance to these AMPs. Given the increasing concern in antimicrobial resistance, the potential of β-defensins as natural antimicrobials has garnered considerable attention. This article provides an overview of the characteristics of bovine β-defensins, their expression pathways, their mode of action, and factors influencing their expression in the mammary glands of cattle. Additionally, it identifies the current gaps in research within this field and suggests areas that require further investigation. Understanding the regulation and function of β-defensins offers valuable insights to develop effective strategies for strengthening the immune system of mammary glands, reducing the reliance on synthetic antimicrobials, and explore novel natural antimicrobial alternatives.
    Keywords:  NF-κB; antimicrobial peptides; antimicrobial resistance; cattle; innate immune; mastitis; transcription factors; udder; vitamin D
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13213372
  24. BMC Microbiol. 2023 Nov 16. 23(1): 339
    Streptococcus strain D19T as a probiotic candidate to modulate oral health.
    Wen Xiao Zhang, Chun Ling Xiao.
       BACKGROUND: As probiotics protect host cells, they are used to treat bacterial infections. It has been indicated that probiotics may prevent or reduce the attachment of pathogens to host cells. In this study, Streptococcus strain D19T was isolated from the oropharynx of a healthy child, and its adhesion performance and Staphylococcus aureus adhesion inhibition effect were analysed using human bronchial epithelial (16-HBE) cells, as an in vitro cell model. We evaluated the probiotic properties of the D19T strain based on its acid-base, bile salt, and lysozyme tolerance; antibacterial activity; cytotoxicity; antibiotic sensitivity; in vitro adhesion to 16-HBE cells; and competitive, exclusion, and displacement effects against S. aureus.
    RESULTS: Streptococcus strain D19T showed tolerance to a PH range of 2-5 and 0.5-1% bile. However, it was more tolerant to 0.5% bile than to 1% bile. The strain also demonstrated an ability to adapt to maladaptive oropharyngeal conditions (i.e., tolerating 200 µg/mL lysozyme). It was resistant to 0.8 mM H2O2. The results also demonstrated that D19T exhibited inhibitory activities against various common pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, D19T was not toxic to 16-HBE cells at different multiplicities of infection and was sensitive to most antibiotics tested. The adhesion rate of D19T cells to 16-HBE cells was 47% ± 1.2%, which was significantly higher than that of S. aureus to 16-HBE cells. The competition, exclusion, and displacement assay results showed that D19T has good inhibitory effect against S. aureus adhesion.
    CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that Streptococcus strain D19T has the potential to be developed as a respiratory microbiota preparations.
    Keywords:  Adhesion inhibition; Broad spectrum antagonistic; Staphylococcus aureus; Streptococcus
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-023-03066-7
  25. bioRxiv. 2023 Oct 24. pii: 2023.10.24.563767. [Epub ahead of print]
    The Staphylococcus aureus regulatory program in a human skin-like environment.
    Flavia G Costa, Krista B Mills, Heidi A Crosby, Alexander R Horswill.
      Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive pathogen responsible for the majority of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). S. aureus colonizes the anterior nares of approximately 20-30% of the population and transiently colonizes the skin, thereby increasing the risk of developing SSTIs and more serious infections. Current laboratory models that mimic the skin surface environment are expensive, require substantial infrastructure, and limit the scope of bacterial physiology studies under human skin conditions. To overcome these limitations, we developed a cost-effective, open-source, chemically defined media recipe termed skin-like media (SLM) that incorporates key aspects of the human skin surface environment and supports growth of several Staphylococcal species. We utilized SLM to investigate the transcriptional response of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) following growth in SLM compared to a commonly used laboratory media. Through RNA-seq analysis, we observed the upregulation of several virulence factors, including genes encoding functions involved in adhesion, proteolysis, and cytotoxicity. To further explore these findings, we conducted qRT-PCR experiments to determine the influence of media composition, pH, and temperature on the transcriptional response of key factors involved in adhesion and virulence. We also demonstrated that MRSA primed in SLM adhered better to human corneocytes and demonstrated adhesin-specific phenotypes that previously required genetic manipulation. These results support the potential utility of SLM as an in vitro model for assessing Staphylococcal physiology and metabolism on human skin.
    Importance: Staphylococcus aureus is the major cause of skin diseases, and its increased prevalence in skin colonization and infections present a need to understand its physiology in this environment. The work presented here outlines S. aureus upregulation of colonization and virulence factors using a newly developed media that strives to replicate the human skin surface environment, and demonstrates roles for adhesins ClfA, SraP, and Fnbps in human corneocyte adherence.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.24.563767
  26. Mucosal Immunol. 2023 Nov 13. pii: S1933-0219(23)00087-9. [Epub ahead of print]
    Role reversals: non-canonical roles for immune and non-immune cells in the gut.
    Jacqueline L E Tearle, Adelynn Tang, Ajithkumar Vasanthakumar, Kylie R James.
      The intestine is home to an intertwined network of epithelial, immune, and neuronal cells as well as the microbiome, with implications for immunity, systemic metabolism, and behaviour. While the complexity of this microenvironment has long since been acknowledged, recent technological advances have propelled our understanding to an unprecedented level. Notably, the microbiota and non-immune or structural cells have emerged as important conductors of intestinal immunity, and by contrast, cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems have demonstrated non-canonical roles in tissue repair and metabolism. This review highlights recent works in the following two streams: non-immune cells of the intestine performing immunological functions; and traditional immune cells exhibiting non-immune functions in the gut.
    Keywords:  epithelial; gut-brain axis; intestine; metabolism; stromal
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mucimm.2023.11.004
  27. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2023 Nov 09. pii: S1081-1206(23)01393-5. [Epub ahead of print]
    Omalizumab improves sinonasal outcomes in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps regardless of allergic status.
    Philippe Gevaert, Joaquim Mullol, Rebecca Saenz, Jinnie Ko, John W Steinke, Lauren A Millette, Eli O Meltzer.
       BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) often have atopic comorbidities, including elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and comorbid asthma. Omalizumab, an IgE monoclonal antibody, is an effective treatment for CRSwNP, but the impact of allergy or asthma status on response to omalizumab in patients with CRSwNP has not been well studied.
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the allergic and asthma status on omalizumab treatment in patients with CRSwNP, this post hoc exploratory analysis assessed sinonasal outcomes from subgroups of patients included in POLYP 1 and POLYP 2 and the open-label extension (OLE) trials.
    METHODS: Patients (N = 249) were grouped by presence/absence of comorbid allergy (≥ 1 physician-reported allergic rhinitis, allergic sinusitis, food allergy, atopic dermatitis), presence/absence of comorbid asthma, baseline serum total IgE (≥ 150 or &lt; 150 IU/mL), and baseline blood eosinophil levels (&gt; 300 or ≤ 300 cells/µL). Sinonasal outcomes were the Nasal Polyps Score (NPS), Nasal Congestion Score (NCS), and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22).
    RESULTS: During POLYP 1 and POLYP 2 and the OLE, omalizumab treatment improved NPS, NCS, and SNOT-22 in patients with/without physician-reported allergic comorbidities, with/without asthma, with higher/lower total IgE levels, and with higher/lower blood eosinophil counts. In the OLE, the pattern of improvement was similar in patients who continued or switched to omalizumab.
    CONCLUSION: In patients with CRSwNP, omalizumab improved sinonasal outcomes independent of allergic status, which suggests that a wide range of patients with different endotypes and phenotypes of CRSwNP may benefit from omalizumab treatment.
    Keywords:  allergy; chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps; omalizumab
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2023.11.001
  28. Free Radic Biol Med. 2023 Nov 09. pii: S0891-5849(23)01094-8. [Epub ahead of print]
    A critical role for host-derived cystathionine-β-synthase, in Staphylococcus aureus-induced udder infection.
    Shaodong Fu, Bo Yang, Yabin Gao, Yawei Qiu, Naiyan Sun, Zhi Li, Shiyuan Feng, Yuanyuan Xu, Jinqiu Zhang, Zhenhua Luo, Xiangan Han, Jinfeng Miao.
      Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) catalyzes the first step of the transsulfuration pathway. The role of host-derived CBS in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced udder infection remains elusive. Herein, we report that S. aureus infection enhances the expression of CBS in mammary epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. A negative correlation is present between the expression of CBS and inflammation after employing a pharmacological inhibitor/agonist of CBS. In addition, CBS achieves a fine balance between eliciting sufficient protective innate immunity and preventing excessive damage to cells and tissues preserving the integrity of the blood-milk barrier (BMB). CBS/H2S reduces bacterial load by promoting the generation of antibacterial substances (ROS, RNS) and inhibiting apoptosis, as opposed to relying solely on intense inflammatory reactions. Conversely, H2S donor alleviate inflammation via S-sulfhydrating HuR. Finally, CBS/H2S promotes the expression of Abcb1b, which in turn strengthens the integrity of the BMB. The study described herein demonstrates the importance of CBS in regulating the mammary immune response to S. aureus. Increased CBS in udder tissue modulates excessive inflammation, which suggests a novel target for drug development in the battle against S. aureus and other infections.
    Keywords:  Blood–milk barrier; Cystathionine-β-synthase; Staphylococcus aureus; Udder infection
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.11.001
  29. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Nov 04. pii: 15962. [Epub ahead of print]24(21):
    Are the Cutaneous Microbiota a Guardian of the Skin's Physical Barrier? The Intricate Relationship between Skin Microbes and Barrier Integrity.
    Kornélia Szabó, Beáta Szilvia Bolla, Lilla Erdei, Fanni Balogh, Lajos Kemény.
      The skin is a tightly regulated, balanced interface that maintains our integrity through a complex barrier comprising physical or mechanical, chemical, microbiological, and immunological components. The skin's microbiota affect various properties, one of which is the establishment and maintenance of the physical barrier. This is achieved by influencing multiple processes, including keratinocyte differentiation, stratum corneum formation, and regulation of intercellular contacts. In this review, we summarize the potential contribution of Cutibacterium acnes to these events and outline the contribution of bacterially induced barrier defects to the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. With the combined effects of a Westernized lifestyle, microbial dysbiosis, epithelial barrier defects, and inflammation, the development of acne is very similar to that of several other multifactorial diseases of barrier organs (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis). Therefore, the management of acne requires a complex approach, which should be taken into account when designing novel treatments that address not only the inflammatory and microbial components but also the maintenance and strengthening of the cutaneous physical barrier.
    Keywords:  Cutibacterium acnes; acne vulgaris; barrier disease; cutaneous microbiota; skin barrier
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115962
  30. Eur J Immunol. 2023 Nov 16. e2350623
    The Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin LecB modulates intracellular reactive oxygen species production in human neutrophils.
    Felix P Sanchez Klose, Agnes Dahlstrand Rudin, Linda Bergqvist, Julia M Scheffler, Katarina Jönsson, Ulrika Islander, Anna Karlsson-Bengtsson, Johan Bylund, Vignesh Venkatakrishnan.
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen ubiquitously present throughout nature. LecB, a fucose- and mannose-binding lectin, is a prominent virulence factors of P. aeruginosa, which can be expressed on the bacterial surface but also be secreted. However, the LecB interaction with human immune cells remain to be characterized. Neutrophils comprise the first line of defense against infections and their production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of extracellular traps (NETs) are critical antimicrobial mechanisms. When profiling the neutrophil glycome we found several glycoconjugates on granule and plasma membranes that could potentially act as LecB receptors. In line with this, we here show that soluble LecB can activate primed neutrophils to produce high levels of intracellular ROS (icROS), an effect that was inhibited by methyl fucoside. On the other hand, soluble LecB inhibits P. aeruginosa-induced icROS production. In support of that, during phagocytosis of wild-type and LecB-deficient P. aeruginosa, bacteria with LecB induced less icROS production as compared to bacteria lacking the lectin. Hence, LecB can either induce or inhibit icROS production in neutrophils depending on the circumstances, demonstrating a novel and potential role for LecB as an immunomodulator of neutrophil functional responses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Keywords:  NETs; glycan binding proteins; host-pathogen interaction; immunomodulation; phagocytes
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/eji.202350623
  31. Front Immunol. 2023 ;14 1092799
    Multiple TLRs elicit alternative NLRP3 inflammasome activation in primary human monocytes independent of RIPK1 kinase activity.
    Sarah Unterberger, Lisa Mullen, Melanie S Flint, Sandra Sacre.
      The canonical NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) pathway involves a priming step to induce pro-IL-1β followed by a secondary signal such as K+ efflux to activate inflammasome formation. This then leads to the maturation of IL-1β and the formation of gasdermin D (GSDMD) pores that initiate pyroptosis and mediate IL-1β release. In contrast, primary human monocytes also engage an alternative pathway in response to toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 activation, without the need for a secondary signal. Data from a monocyte-like cell line suggest that the alternative pathway functions via the TLR adaptor protein TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF), receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), FAS-associated death domain (FADD) and caspase-8 upstream of NLRP3 activation, but in the absence of K+ efflux or pyroptosis. Usage of the alternative pathway by other members of the TLR family that induce IL-1β but do not signal through TRIF, has yet to be explored in primary human monocytes. Furthermore, the mechanism by which IL-1β is released from monocytes remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated if the alternative NLRP3 inflammasome pathway is initiated following activation of TLRs other than TLR4, and if GSDMD was necessary for the release of IL-1β. Monocytes were stimulated with ligands that activate TLR1/2, TLR2/6, TLR4 and TLR7 and/or TLR8 (using a dual ligand). Similar to TLR4, all of the TLRs investigated induced IL-1β release in a NLRP3 and caspase-1 dependent manner, indicating that TRIF may not be an essential upstream component of the alternative pathway. Furthermore, inhibition of RIPK1 kinase activity had no effect on IL-1β release. Although IL-1β was released independently of K+ efflux and pyroptosis, it was significantly reduced by an inhibitor of GSDMD. Therefore, it is feasible that low level GSDMD pore formation may facilitate the release of IL-1β from the cell, but not be present in sufficient quantities to initiate pyroptosis. Together these data suggest that the alternative pathway operates independently of RIPK1 kinase activity, downstream of diverse TLRs including TLR4 in primary human monocytes and supports the potential for IL-1β release via GSDMD pores alongside other unconventional secretory pathways.
    Keywords:  NLRP3 inflammasome; caspase-8; gasdermin D; interleukin-1β (IL-1β); primary human monocytes; toll-like receptors (TLRs)
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1092799
  32. Sci Rep. 2023 Nov 16. 13(1): 20065
    Lactic acid enhances vaginal epithelial barrier integrity and ameliorates inflammatory effects of dysbiotic short chain fatty acids and HIV-1.
    Ingrid Schwecht, Aisha Nazli, Biban Gill, Charu Kaushic.
      The vaginal microenvironment is key in mediating susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections. A polymicrobial environment with reduced Lactobacilllus spp. is characteristic of vaginal dysbiosis, associated with increased production of several short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), vaginal inflammation and an increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition. In contrast, a eubiotic vaginal microbiome (VMB), dominated by Lactobacillus spp. correlates with increased production of lactic acid (LA), an acidic milieu and protection against HIV-1. Vaginal metabolites, specifically LA and SCFAs including butyric, succinic and acetic acids are associated with modulation of HIV-1 risk. We assessed the impact of combined and individual SCFAs and LA on vaginal epithelial cells (VK2) grown in air-liquid interface cultures. Treatment of VK2 cells with eubiotic SCFA + LA mixture showed increased epithelial barrier integrity, reduced FITC dextran leakage and enhanced expression of cell-cell adhesion proteins. Treatment with dysbiotic SCFA + LA mixture diminished epithelial barrier integrity, increased NFκB activation and inflammatory mediators: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and RANTES. LA was found to be the primary contributor of the beneficial effects. Eubiotic SCFA + LA mixture ameliorated HIV-1 mediated barrier disruption and HIV-1 leakage, whereas dysbiotic SCFA + LA treatment exacerbated HIV-1 effects. These findings indicate a key role for LA in future prophylactic strategies.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-47172-y
  33. Nat Commun. 2023 Nov 13. 14(1): 7328
    RNA m6A methylation modulates airway inflammation in allergic asthma via PTX3-dependent macrophage homeostasis.
    Xiao Han, Lijuan Liu, Saihua Huang, Wenfeng Xiao, Yajing Gao, Weitao Zhou, Caiyan Zhang, Hongmei Zheng, Lan Yang, Xueru Xie, Qiuyan Liang, Zikun Tu, Hongmiao Yu, Jinrong Fu, Libo Wang, Xiaobo Zhang, Liling Qian, Yufeng Zhou.
      N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most prevalent mRNA modification, has an important function in diverse biological processes. However, the involvement of m6A in allergic asthma and macrophage homeostasis remains largely unknown. Here we show that m6A methyltransferases METTL3 is expressed at a low level in monocyte-derived macrophages from childhood allergic asthma patients. Conditional knockout of Mettl3 in myeloid cells enhances Th2 cell response and aggravates allergic airway inflammation by facilitating M2 macrophage activation. Loss and gain functional studies confirm that METTL3 suppresses M2 macrophage activation partly through PI3K/AKT and JAK/STAT6 signaling. Mechanistically, m6A-sequencing shows that loss of METTL3 impairs the m6A-YTHDF3-dependent degradation of PTX3 mRNA, while higher PTX3 expression positively correlates with asthma severity through promoting M2 macrophage activation. Furthermore, the METTL3/YTHDF3-m6A/PTX3 interactions contribute to autophagy maturation in macrophages by modulating STX17 expression. Collectively, this study highlights the function of m6A in regulating macrophage homeostasis and identifies potential targets in controlling allergic asthma.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43219-w
  34. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023 Nov 10. pii: S0753-3322(23)01619-0. [Epub ahead of print]169 115821
    The role and mechanism of action of microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids in neutrophils: From the activation to becoming potential biomarkers.
    Qingzhu Yan, Shengnan Jia, Dongfu Li, Junling Yang.
      Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, have emerged as critical mediators in the communication between the human microbiota and its host. As the first responder to the inflammatory site, neutrophils play an important role in protecting the host against bacterial infections. Recent investigations revealed that SCFAs generated from microbiota influence various neutrophil activities, including activation, migration, and generation of mediators of inflammatory processes. SCFAs have also been demonstrated to exhibit potential therapeutic benefits in a variety of disorders related to neutrophil dysfunction, including inflammatory bowel disease, viral infectious disorders, and cancer. This study aims to examine the molecular processes behind the complicated link between SCFAs and neutrophils, as well as their influence on neutrophil-driven inflammatory disorders. In addition, we will also provide an in-depth review of current research on the diagnostic and therapeutic value of SCFAs as possible biomarkers for neutrophil-related diseases.
    Keywords:  Apoptosis; Biomarker; Cancer; Infectious diseases; Inflammatory bowel disease; Neutrophil; Phagocytosis; Short-chain fatty acids
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115821
  35. FASEB J. 2023 12;37(12): e23293
    Cellular ROS tolerance determines the effect of plumbagin on osteoclast differentiation.
    Sevinj Sultanli, Jakob Schneider, Sandy S Burkart, Marco Binder, Katharina F Kubatzky.
      Plumbagin is used in traditional medicine because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. As a naphthoquinone, plumbagin triggers the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vitro cancer studies showed that plumbagin triggers apoptosis in cancer cells through ROS production. As cancer-mediated chronic inflammation can affect bone density, it was hypothesized that plumbagin might directly inhibit the formation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts. We previously showed that the effect of plumbagin on osteoclastogenesis differed between bone marrow-derived macrophages and the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Although RAW 264.7 macrophages are able to initiate the gene program required for osteoclastogenesis, only primary macrophages successfully differentiate into osteoclasts. Here, we show that RAW 264.7 cells are more sensitive toward plumbagin-induced apoptosis. In the presence of plumbagin and the cytokine RANKL, which triggers ROS production to drive osteoclastogenesis, RAW 264.7 macrophages produce increased amounts of ROS and die. Addition of the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine prevented cell death, linking the failure to differentiate to increased ROS levels. RAW 264.7 cells show reduced expression of genes protective against oxidative stress, while primary macrophages have a higher tolerance toward ROS. Our data suggest that it is indispensable to consider cell (line)-intrinsic properties when studying phytochemicals.
    Keywords:  ROS; apoptosis; cancer; glutathione; osteoclast; phytochemical; plumbagin
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202301415R
  36. EBioMedicine. 2023 Nov 09. pii: S2352-3964(23)00434-6. [Epub ahead of print]98 104868
    Mycoplasma pneumoniae carriage in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections is associated with a less diverse and altered microbiota.
    Mischa H Koenen, Ruben C A de Groot, Wouter A A de Steenhuijsen Piters, Mei Ling J N Chu, Kayleigh Arp, Raïza Hasrat, Ad C J M de Bruijn, Silvia C Estevão, Erhard van der Vries, Jeroen D Langereis, Marianne Boes, Debby Bogaert, Annemarie M C van Rossum, Wendy W J Unger, Lilly M Verhagen.
       BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in school-aged children and can be preceded by asymptomatic carriage. However, its role in recurrent respiratory tract infections is unclear. We studied the prevalence of M.pneumoniae carriage in children with recurrent respiratory infections and identified associated factors.
    METHODS: We tested M.pneumoniae carriage by qPCR in children with recurrent infections and their healthy family members in a cross-sectional study. Serum and mucosal total and M.pneumoniae-specific antibody levels were measured by ELISA and nasopharyngeal microbiota composition was characterized by 16S-rRNA sequencing.
    FINDINGS: Prevalence of M.pneumoniae carriage was higher in children with recurrent infections (68%) than their family members without infections (47% in siblings and 27% in parents). M.pneumoniae carriage among family members appeared to be associated with transmission within the household, likely originating from the affected child. In logistic regression corrected for age and multiple comparisons, IgA (OR 0.16 [0.06-0.37]) and total IgG deficiency (OR 0.15 [0.02-0.74]) were less prevalent in M.pneumoniae carriers (n = 78) compared to non-carriers (n = 36). In multivariable analysis, the nasopharyngeal microbiota of M.pneumoniae carriers had lower alpha diversity (OR 0.27 [0.09-0.67]) and a higher abundance of Haemophilus influenzae (OR 45.01 [2.74-1608.11]) compared to non-carriers.
    INTERPRETATION: M.pneumoniae carriage is highly prevalent in children with recurrent infections and carriers have a less diverse microbiota with an overrepresentation of disease-associated microbiota members compared to non-carriers. Given the high prevalence of M.pneumoniae carriage and the strong association with H. influenzae, we recommend appropriate antibiotic coverage of M.pneumoniae and H. influenzae in case of suspected pneumonia in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections or their family members.
    FUNDING: Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Research Fund, 'Christine Bader Stichting Irene KinderZiekenhuis', Sophia Scientific Research Foundation, ESPID Fellowship funded by Seqirus, Hypatia Fellowship funded by Radboudumc and The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMW VENI grant to LM Verhagen).
    Keywords:  Children; Haemophilus influenzae; Immunoglobulin A; Microbiota; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Recurrent respiratory tract infections
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104868
  37. bioRxiv. 2023 Oct 26. pii: 2023.10.25.564018. [Epub ahead of print]
    Incorporation of collagen into Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms impedes phagocytosis by neutrophils.
    Xuening Zhou, Marilyn J Wells, Vernita D Gordon.
      Biofilms are communities of microbes embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Matrix components can be produced by biofilm organisms and can also originate from the environment and then be incorporated into the biofilm. For example, we have recently shown that collagen, a host-produced protein that is abundant in many different infection sites, can be taken up into the biofilm matrix, altering biofilm mechanics. The biofilm matrix protects bacteria from clearance by the immune system, and some of that protection likely arises from the mechanical properties of the biofilm. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are common human pathogens notable for forming biofilm infections in anatomical sites rich in collagen. Here, we show that the incorporation of Type I collagen into P. aeruginosa and S. aureus biofilms significantly hinders phagocytosis of biofilm bacteria by human neutrophils. However, enzymatic treatment with collagenase, which breaks down collagen, can partly or entirely negate the protective effect of collagen and restore the ability of neutrophils to engulf biofilm bacteria. From these findings, we suggest that enzymatic degradation of host materials may be a potential way to compromise biofilm infections and enhance the efficacy of the host immune response without promoting antibiotic resistance. Such an approach might be beneficial both in cases where the infecting species is known and also in cases wherein biofilm components are not readily known, such as multispecies infections or infections by unknown species.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.10.25.564018
  38. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 31. pii: 15805. [Epub ahead of print]24(21):
    Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Health and Disease Pathophysiology: Recent Insights and Advances.
    Md Monirul Islam, Naoshi Takeyama.
      Neutrophils are the principal trouper of the innate immune system. Activated neutrophils undergo a noble cell death termed NETosis and release a mesh-like structure called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as a part of their defensive strategy against microbial pathogen attack. This web-like architecture includes a DNA backbone embedded with antimicrobial proteins like myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE), histones and deploys in the entrapment and clearance of encountered pathogens. Thus NETs play an inevitable beneficial role in the host's protection. However, recent accumulated evidence shows that dysregulated and enhanced NET formation has various pathological aspects including the promotion of sepsis, pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, nephrological, thrombotic, autoimmune, pregnancy, and cancer diseases, and the list is increasing gradually. In this review, we summarize the NET-mediated pathophysiology of different diseases and focus on some updated potential therapeutic approaches against NETs.
    Keywords:  COVID-19; autoimmunity; cancer; cardiovascular disease; coagulopathy and thrombotic microangiopathy; diabetes; innate immunity; kawasaki disease; kidney disease; liver disease; lung disease; neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs); preeclampsia; sepsis
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242115805
  39. Nat Commun. 2023 Nov 14. 14(1): 7366
    Clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes are linked to a limited set of taxa within gut microbiome worldwide.
    Peter J Diebold, Matthew W Rhee, Qiaojuan Shi, Nguyen Vinh Trung, Fayaz Umrani, Sheraz Ahmed, Vandana Kulkarni, Prasad Deshpande, Mallika Alexander, Ngo Thi Hoa, Nicholas A Christakis, Najeeha Talat Iqbal, Syed Asad Ali, Jyoti S Mathad, Ilana L Brito.
      The acquisition of antimicrobial resistance (AR) genes has rendered important pathogens nearly or fully unresponsive to antibiotics. It has been suggested that pathogens acquire AR traits from the gut microbiota, which collectively serve as a global reservoir for AR genes conferring resistance to all classes of antibiotics. However, only a subset of AR genes confers resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics, and, although these AR gene profiles are well-characterized for common pathogens, less is known about their taxonomic associations and transfer potential within diverse members of the gut microbiota. We examined a collection of 14,850 human metagenomes and 1666 environmental metagenomes from 33 countries, in addition to nearly 600,000 isolate genomes, to gain insight into the global prevalence and taxonomic range of clinically relevant AR genes. We find that several of the most concerning AR genes, such as those encoding the cephalosporinase CTX-M and carbapenemases KPC, IMP, NDM, and VIM, remain taxonomically restricted to Proteobacteria. Even cfiA, the most common carbapenemase gene within the human gut microbiome, remains tightly restricted to Bacteroides, despite being found on a mobilizable plasmid. We confirmed these findings in gut microbiome samples from India, Honduras, Pakistan, and Vietnam, using a high-sensitivity single-cell fusion PCR approach. Focusing on a set of genes encoding carbapenemases and cephalosporinases, thus far restricted to Bacteroides species, we find that few mutations are required for efficacy in a different phylum, raising the question of why these genes have not spread more widely. Overall, these data suggest that globally prevalent, clinically relevant AR genes have not yet established themselves across diverse commensal gut microbiota.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42998-6
  40. J Clin Invest. 2023 Nov 15. pii: e174633. [Epub ahead of print]133(22):
    "Stuck in the Middle with You": intermediate cell states are not always in transition.
    Jennifer Ms Sucre, A Scott McCall, Jonathan A Kropski.
      The era of single-cell multiomics has led to the identification of lung epithelial cells with features of both alveolar type 1 (AT1) and alveolar type 2 (AT2) pneumocytes, leading many to infer that these cells are a distinct cell type in the process of transitioning between AT2 and AT1 cells. In this issue of the JCI, Wang and colleagues demonstrated that many so-called "transitional cells" do not actually contribute to functional repair. The findings warrant a reimagining of these cells as existing in a nondirectional, intermediate cell state, rather than moving through a transitory process from one cell type to another. We look forward to further exploration of diverse cell state expression profiles and a more refined examination of hallmark gene function beyond population labeling.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI174633
  41. Nat Commun. 2023 Nov 17. 14(1): 7471
    Inflammatory macrophages reprogram to immunosuppression by reducing mitochondrial translation.
    Marlies Cortés, Agnese Brischetto, M C Martinez-Campanario, Chiara Ninfali, Verónica Domínguez, Sara Fernández, Raquel Celis, Anna Esteve-Codina, Juan J Lozano, Julia Sidorova, Gloria Garrabou, Anna-Maria Siegert, Carlos Enrich, Belén Pintado, Manuel Morales-Ruiz, Pedro Castro, Juan D Cañete, Antonio Postigo.
      Acute inflammation can either resolve through immunosuppression or persist, leading to chronic inflammation. These transitions are driven by distinct molecular and metabolic reprogramming of immune cells. The anti-diabetic drug Metformin inhibits acute and chronic inflammation through mechanisms still not fully understood. Here, we report that the anti-inflammatory and reactive-oxygen-species-inhibiting effects of Metformin depend on the expression of the plasticity factor ZEB1 in macrophages. Using mice lacking Zeb1 in their myeloid cells and human patient samples, we show that ZEB1 plays a dual role, being essential in both initiating and resolving inflammation by inducing macrophages to transition into an immunosuppressed state. ZEB1 mediates these diverging effects in inflammation and immunosuppression by modulating mitochondrial content through activation of autophagy and inhibition of mitochondrial protein translation. During the transition from inflammation to immunosuppression, Metformin mimics the metabolic reprogramming of myeloid cells induced by ZEB1. Mechanistically, in immunosuppression, ZEB1 inhibits amino acid uptake, leading to downregulation of mTORC1 signalling and a decrease in mitochondrial translation in macrophages. These results identify ZEB1 as a driver of myeloid cell metabolic plasticity, suggesting that targeting its expression and function could serve as a strategy to modulate dysregulated inflammation and immunosuppression.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42277-4
  42. Nat Microbiol. 2023 Nov 16.
    Systematic mining of the human microbiome identifies antimicrobial peptides with diverse activity spectra.
    Andrew M King, Zhengan Zhang, Emerson Glassey, Piro Siuti, Jon Clardy, Christopher A Voigt.
      Human-associated bacteria secrete modified peptides to control host physiology and remodel the microbiota species composition. Here we scanned 2,229 Human Microbiome Project genomes of species colonizing skin, gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, mouth and trachea for gene clusters encoding RiPPs (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides). We found 218 lanthipeptides and 25 lasso peptides, 70 of which were synthesized and expressed in E. coli and 23 could be purified and functionally characterized. They were tested for activity against bacteria associated with healthy human flora and pathogens. New antibiotics were identified against strains implicated in skin, nasal and vaginal dysbiosis as well as from oral strains selectively targeting those in the gut. Extended- and narrow-spectrum antibiotics were found against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci. Mining natural products produced by human-associated microbes will enable the elucidation of ecological relationships and may be a rich resource for antimicrobial discovery.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01524-6
  43. Nat Commun. 2023 Nov 16. 14(1): 7427
    Glutamine metabolism inhibition has dual immunomodulatory and antibacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
    Sadiya Parveen, Jessica Shen, Shichun Lun, Liang Zhao, Jesse Alt, Benjamin Koleske, Robert D Leone, Rana Rais, Jonathan D Powell, John R Murphy, Barbara S Slusher, William R Bishai.
      As one of the most successful human pathogens, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has evolved a diverse array of determinants to subvert host immunity and alter host metabolic patterns. However, the mechanisms of pathogen interference with host metabolism remain poorly understood. Here we show that a glutamine metabolism antagonist, JHU083, inhibits Mtb proliferation in vitro and in vivo. JHU083-treated mice exhibit weight gain, improved survival, a 2.5 log lower lung bacillary burden at 35 days post-infection, and reduced lung pathology. JHU083 treatment also initiates earlier T-cell recruitment, increased proinflammatory myeloid cell infiltration, and a reduced frequency of immunosuppressive myeloid cells when compared to uninfected and rifampin-treated controls. Metabolomic analysis of lungs from JHU083-treated Mtb-infected mice reveals citrulline accumulation, suggesting elevated nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, and lowered levels of quinolinic acid which is derived from the immunosuppressive metabolite kynurenine. JHU083-treated macrophages also produce more NO potentiating their antibacterial activity. When tested in an immunocompromised mouse model of Mtb infection, JHU083 loses its therapeutic efficacy suggesting the drug's host-directed effects are likely to be predominant. Collectively, these data reveal that JHU083-mediated glutamine metabolism inhibition results in dual antibacterial and host-directed activity against tuberculosis.
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43304-0
  44. Microbiome. 2023 Nov 13. 11(1): 249
    Maternal microbiota communicates with the fetus through microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles.
    Anna Kaisanlahti, Jenni Turunen, Nadiya Byts, Anatoliy Samoylenko, Genevieve Bart, Nikke Virtanen, Mysore V Tejesvi, Artem Zhyvolozhnyi, Sonia Sarfraz, Sohvi Kumpula, Jenni Hekkala, Sonja Salmi, Olga Will, Johanna Korvala, Niko Paalanne, Pande Putu Erawijantari, Marko Suokas, Tuula Peñate Medina, Seppo Vainio, Oula Peñate Medina, Leo Lahti, Terhi Tapiainen, Justus Reunanen.
       BACKGROUND: Reports regarding the presence of bacteria in the fetal environment remain limited and controversial. Recently, extracellular vesicles secreted by the human gut microbiota have emerged as a novel mechanism for host-microbiota interaction. We aimed to investigate the presence of bacterial extracellular vesicles in the fetal environment during healthy pregnancies and determine whether extracellular vesicles derived from the gut microbiota can cross biological barriers to reach the fetus.
    RESULTS: Bacterial extracellular vesicles were detectable in the amniotic fluid of healthy pregnant women, exhibiting similarities to extracellular vesicles found in the maternal gut microbiota. In pregnant mice, extracellular vesicles derived from human maternal gut microbiota were found to reach the intra-amniotic space.
    CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal maternal microbiota-derived extracellular vesicles as an interaction mechanism between the maternal microbiota and fetus, potentially playing a pivotal role in priming the prenatal immune system for gut colonization after birth. Video Abstract.
    Keywords:  Amniotic fluid; Extracellular vesicles; Fetal environment; Fetal microbiota; Gut microbiota; Intestine
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-023-01694-9
  45. Cell Host Microbe. 2023 Nov 10. pii: S1931-3128(23)00421-3. [Epub ahead of print]
    Reversible phosphorylation of a lectin-receptor-like kinase controls xylem immunity.
    Ran Wang, Chenying Li, Zhiyi Jia, Yaxing Su, Yingfei Ai, Qinghong Li, Xijie Guo, Zeng Tao, Fucheng Lin, Yan Liang.
      Pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) mediate basal resistance to most phytopathogens. However, plant responses can be cell type specific, and the mechanisms governing xylem immunity remain largely unknown. We show that the lectin-receptor-like kinase LORE contributes to xylem basal resistance in Arabidopsis upon infection with Ralstonia solanacearum, a destructive plant pathogen that colonizes the xylem to cause bacterial wilt. Following R. solanacearum infection, LORE is activated by phosphorylation at residue S761, initiating a phosphorelay that activates reactive oxygen species production and cell wall lignification. To prevent prolonged activation of immune signaling, LORE recruits and phosphorylates type 2C protein phosphatase LOPP, which dephosphorylates LORE and attenuates LORE-mediated xylem immunity to maintain immune homeostasis. A LOPP knockout confers resistance against bacterial wilt disease in Arabidopsis and tomatoes without impacting plant growth. Thus, our study reveals a regulatory mechanism in xylem immunity involving the reversible phosphorylation of receptor-like kinases.
    Keywords:  Ralstonia solanacearum; lectin-receptor-like kinase; reactive oxygen species; reversible phosphorylation; xylem immunity
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2023.10.017
  46. Int J Neurosci. 2023 Nov 14. 1-17
    Harnessing the Power of Probiotics to Enhance Neuroplasticity for Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Function in Stunting: A Comprehensive Review.
    Khairun Nisa, Rizki Arisandi, Nurhadi Ibrahim, Hardian Hardian.
      Stunting become a global concern because it's not only affecting physical stature, but also affecting on neurodevelopment and cognitive function. These impacts are resulting in long-term consequences especially for human resources, such as poor-quality labor, decreased productivity due to decreasing of health quality, including immunity and cognitive aspect. This comprehensive review found that based on many studies, there is an altered gut microbiota, or dysbiosis, in stunted children, causing the impairment of brain development through Microbiota-Gut Brain Axis (MGB Axis) mechanism. The administration of probiotics has been known affect MGBA by improving the physical and chemical gut barrier integrity, producing antimicrobial substance to inhibit pathogen, and recovering the healthy gut microbiota. Probiotics, along with healthy gut microbiota, produce SCFAs which have various positive impact on CNS, such as increase neurogenesis, support the development and function of microglia, reduce inflammatory signaling, improve the Blood Brain Barrier's (BBB's) integrity, produce neurotropic factors (e.g., BDNF, GDNF), and promote the formation of new synapse. Probiotics also could induce the production of IGF-1 by intestinal epithelial cells, which functioned as growth factor of multiple body tissues and resulted in improvement of linear growth as well as brain development. These properties of probiotics made it become the promising and feasible new treatment approach for stunting.
    Keywords:  Neuroplasticity; Probiotics; Stunting; metabolic disorders
    DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1080/00207454.2023.2283690
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