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Thomas J. Inzana - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • The role of luxS in Histophilus somni virulence and biofilm formation.
    Infection and immunity, 2021
    Co-Authors: Yu Pan, Aloka B. Bandara, Indra Sandal, Shivakumara Siddaramappa, Allan Dickerman, Thomas J. Inzana
    Abstract:

    S-ribosylhomocysteinase (LuxS) is required for the synthesis of the autoinducer-2 (AI-2) quorum-sensing signalling molecule in many Gram-negative bacteria. The bovine (and ovine) opportunistic pathogen Histophilus somni contains a luxS, and forms a biofilm containing an exopolysaccharide (EPS) in the matrix. Since biofilm formation is regulated by quorum sensing in many bacteria, the role of luxS in H. somni virulence and biofilm formation was investigated. Although culture supernatants from H. somni were ineffective at inducing bioluminescence in the Vibrio harveyi reporter strain BB170, H. somni luxS complemented the biosynthesis of AI-2 in the luxS-deficient Escherichia coli strain DH5α. H. somni strain 2336 luxS was inactivated by tranposon mutagenesis. Comparison of RNA exression profiles revealed that many genes were significantly differentially expressed in the luxS mutant compared to the wildtype, whether the bacteria were grown planktonically or in a biofilm. Furthermore, the luxS mutant had a truncated and asialylated lipooligosaccharide (LOS), and was substantially more serum-sensitive than the wildtype. Not surprisingly, the luxS mutant was attenuated in a mouse model for H. somni virulence, and some of the altered phenotypes were partially restored after the mutation was complemented with a functional luxS However, no major differences were observed between the wildtype and the luxS mutant in regard to outer membrane protein profiles, biofilm formation, EPS production, or intracellular survival. These results indicate that luxS plays a role in H. somni virulence in the context of LOS biosynthesis, but not biofilm formation or other phenotypic properties examined.

  • Polymicrobial Biofilm Interaction Between Histophilus somni and Pasteurella multocida.
    Frontiers in microbiology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Briana Petruzzi, Allan Dickerman, Kevin K. Lahmers, William K. Scarratt, Thomas J. Inzana
    Abstract:

    Histophilus somni and Pasteurella multocida are two of multiple agents responsible for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle. Following respiratory infection of calves with H. somni, P. multocida may also be isolated from the lower respiratory tract. Because H. somni may form a biofilm during BRD, we sought to determine if P. multocida can co-exist with H. somni in a polymicrobial biofilm in vitro and in vivo. Interactions between the two species in the biofilm were characterized and quantified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The biofilm matrix of each species was examined using fluorescently tagged lectins (FTL) specific for the exopolysaccharide (EPS) using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Bacterial interactions were determined by auto-aggregation and biofilm morphology. Pasteurella multocida and H. somni were evenly distributed in the in vitro biofilm, and both species contributed to the polymicrobial biofilm matrix. The average biomass and biofilm thickness, and the total carbohydrate and protein content of the biofilm, were greatest when both species were present. Polymicrobial bacterial suspensions auto-aggregated faster than single species suspensions, suggesting physical interactions between the two species. Almost 300 P. multocida genes were significantly differentially regulated when the bacteria were in a polymicrobial biofilm compared to a mono-species biofilm, as determined by RNA-sequencing. As expected, host genes associated with inflammation and immune response were significantly upregulated at the infection site following H. somni challenge. Encapsulated P. multocida isolates not capable of forming a substantial biofilm enhanced an in vitro polymicrobial biofilm with H. somni, indicating they contributed to the polymicrobial biofilm matrix. Indirect evidence indicated that encapsulated P. multocida also contributed to a polymicrobial biofilm in vivo. Only the EPS of H. somni could be detected by FTL staining of bovine tissues following challenge with H. somni. However, both species were isolated and an immune response to the biofilm matrix of both species was greater than the response to planktonic cells, suggesting encapsulated P. multocida may take advantage of the H. somni biofilm to persist in the host during chronic BRD. These results may have important implications for the management and prevention of BRD.

  • Identification of Histophilus somni by a nanomaterial optical fiber biosensor assay.
    Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation : official publication of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians Inc, 2018
    Co-Authors: Aloka B. Bandara, Ziwei Zuo, Kelly Mccutcheon, Siddharth Ramachandran, James R. Heflin, Thomas J. Inzana
    Abstract:

    Histophilus somni is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for respiratory and systemic diseases of cattle and sheep. Rapid and accurate detection of H. somni is essential to distinguish H. somni f...

  • Histophilus somni Survives in Bovine Macrophages by Interfering with Phagosome-Lysosome Fusion but Requires IbpA for Optimal Serum Resistance.
    Infection and immunity, 2018
    Co-Authors: Yu Pan, Indra Sandal, Yuichi Tagawa, Anna E. Champion, Thomas J. Inzana
    Abstract:

    ABSTRACT Histophilus somni is capable of intracellular survival within professional phagocytic cells, but the mechanism of survival is not understood. The Fic motif within the direct repeat (DR1)/DR2 domains of the IbpA fibrillary network protein of H. somni is cytotoxic to epithelial and phagocytic cells, which may interfere with the bactericidal activity of these cells. To determine the contribution of IbpA and Fic to resistance to host defenses, H. somni strains and mutants that lacked all or a region of ibpA (including the DR1/DR2 regions) were tested for survival in bovine monocytic cells and for serum susceptibility. An H. somni mutant lacking IbpA, but not the DR1/DR2 region within ibpA, was more susceptible to killing by antiserum than the parent, indicating that the entire protein was associated with serum resistance. H. somni strains expressing IbpA replicated in bovine monocytes for at least 72 h and were toxic for these cells. Virulent strain 2336 mutants lacking the entire ibpA gene or both DR1 and DR2 were not toxic to the monocytes but still survived within the monocytes for at least 72 h. Monitoring of intracellular trafficking of H. somni with monoclonal antibodies to phagosomal markers indicated that the early phagosomal marker early endosome antigen 1 colocalized with all isolates tested, but only strains that could survive intracellularly did not colocalize with the late lysosomal marker lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 and prevented the acidification of phagosomes. These results indicated that virulent isolates of H. somni were capable of surviving within phagocytic cells through interference in phagosome-lysosome maturation. Therefore, H. somni may be considered a permissive intracellular pathogen.

  • Histophilus somni Survives in Bovine Macrophages by Interfering with Phagosome-Lysosome Fusion, but Requires IbpA for Optimal Serum Resistance
    2018
    Co-Authors: Yu Pan, Indra Sandal, Yuichi Tagawa, Anna E. Champion, Thomas J. Inzana
    Abstract:

    Histophilus somni survives intracellularly in professional phagocytic cells, but the mechanism of intracellular survival is not understood. The Fic motif within the DR1/DR2 IbpA fibrillar network protein of H. somni is cytotoxic to epithelial and phagocytic cells, which may interfere with the bactericidal activity of these cells. To determine the contribution of IbpA and Fic on resistance to host defenses, strains and mutants that lack all of or a small region of ibpA or DR1/DR2 were tested for survival in bovine monocytic cells and for serum susceptibility. A mutant lacking IbpA, but not DR1/DR2, was more susceptible to killing by antiserum than the parent. H. somni strains expressing IbpA replicated in bovine monocytes for at least 72 hours, and were toxic for these cells. Virulent strain 2336 with transposon insertions or deletions within IbpA remained toxic for bovine monocytes. However, strain 2336 mutants lacking all of ibpA or both DR1/DR2 were not toxic to the monocytes, but survived within the monocytes for at least 72 hours. Examination of intracellular trafficking of H. somni with monoclonal antibodies to early and late phagosomal markers indicated that early phagosomal marker EEA-1 colocalized with both disease isolate strain 2336 and serum-sensitve mucosal isolate strain 129Pt, but only strain 2336 did not co-localize with late lysosomal marker LAMP-2 and prevented acidification of phagosomes. These results indicate that virulent isolates of H. somni are capable of surviving within phagocytic cells through interference of phagosome-lysosome maturation. Therefore, H. somni may be considered a permissive intracellular pathogen.

Øystein Angen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Taxonomy of Histophilus somni.
    Current topics in microbiology and immunology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Øystein Angen
    Abstract:

    Histophilus somni was proposed in 2003 as a common name for bacteria that earlier had been called “Haemophilus somni”, “Haemophilus agni”, “Haemophilus somnifer”, and “Histophilus ovis”. The species is clearly separated from other species and genera within the family Pasteurellaceae. The species is phenotypically variable, but highly uniform regarding the 16S rDNA sequence. Whole-genome sequencing has revealed distinct genetic differences between a commensal and a pathogenic strain, particularly in regard to putative virulence factors. However, broad generalizations regarding the genetics of H. somni cannot be applied to the entire species until the genomes of additional strains are sequenced.

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility of Haemophilus parasuis and Histophilus somni from pigs and cattle in Denmark.
    Veterinary microbiology, 2004
    Co-Authors: Frank Møller Aarestrup, Anne Mette Seyfarth, Øystein Angen
    Abstract:

    Abstract A total of 52 Haemophilus parasuis and 80 Histophilus somni isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by MIC-determinations. None of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin, ceftiofur, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, florphenicol, penicillin, spectinomycin, tetracycline, tiamulin, or tilmicosin. Two H. parasuis isolates were resistant to trimethoprim+sulfamethoxazole. Six H. parasuis isolates had reduced susceptibility (0.06–0.5 μg/ml) to ciprofloxacin and 10 reduced susceptibility to TMP+sulfamethoxazole (1–2 μg/ml). This study showed that Danish isolates of H. parasuis and H. somni in general are fully susceptible to antimicrobial agents currently used for treatment of infections with these pathogens.

  • proposal of Histophilus somni gen nov sp nov for the three species incertae sedis haemophilus somnus haemophilus agni and Histophilus ovis
    International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2003
    Co-Authors: Øystein Angen, Peter Ahrens, Peter Kuhnert, Henrik Christensen, Reinier Mutters
    Abstract:

    Earlier investigations have shown that ‘Haemophilus somnus’, ‘Haemophilus agni’ and ‘Histophilus ovis’ represent the same species. In the present investigation, the taxonomic position of this species is explored further by sequencing the 16S rRNA and rpoB genes of strains that were investigated previously by DNA–DNA hybridization. These results clearly support the allocation of this species to a novel genus within the family Pasteurellaceae. The phenotypic separation of Histophilus somni gen. nov., sp. nov. from other members of the family can, for most strains, be based on capnophilia, yellowish pigmentation and indole production. However, due to phenotypic variation, the use of a species-specific PCR test based on the 16S rRNA gene is included in the species description. This is justified by the high sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene within the species and the fact that the highest sequence similarity to any other taxon within the family is 93·4 %. The type strain, 8025T=ATCC 43625T=CCUG 36157T, was isolated in the USA from a bovine brain with lesions of thromboembolic meningoencephalitis.

  • proposal of Histophilus somni gen nov sp nov for the three species incertae sedis haemophilus somnus haemophilus agni and Histophilus ovis
    International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2003
    Co-Authors: Øystein Angen, Peter Ahrens, Peter Kuhnert, Henrik Christensen, Reinier Mutters
    Abstract:

    Earlier investigations have shown that 'Haemophilus somnus', 'Haemophilus agni' and 'Histophilus ovis' represent the same species. In the present investigation, the taxonomic position of this species is explored further by sequencing the 16S rRNA and rpoB genes of strains that were investigated previously by DNA-DNA hybridization. These results clearly support the allocation of this species to a novel genus within the family PASTEURELLACEAE: The phenotypic separation of Histophilus somni gen. nov., sp. nov. from other members of the family can, for most strains, be based on capnophilia, yellowish pigmentation and indole production. However, due to phenotypic variation, the use of a species-specific PCR test based on the 16S rRNA gene is included in the species description. This is justified by the high sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene within the species and the fact that the highest sequence similarity to any other taxon within the family is 93.4 %. The type strain, 8025(T)=ATCC 43625(T)=CCUG 36157(T), was isolated in the USA from a bovine brain with lesions of thromboembolic meningoencephalitis.

Lynette B. Corbeil - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Expression of Histophilus somni IbpA DR2 protective antigen in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana
    Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Aubrey Davis, Lynette B. Corbeil, Lauren T. Crum, Mark Hildebrand
    Abstract:

    Increasing demand for the low-cost production of valuable proteins has stimulated development of novel expression systems. Many challenges faced by existing technology may be overcome by using unicellular microalgae as an expression platform due to their ability to be cultivated rapidly, inexpensively, and in large scale. Diatoms are a particularly productive type of unicellular algae showing promise as production organisms. Here, we report the development of an expression system in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana by expressing the protective IbpA DR2 antigen from Histophilus somni for the production of a vaccine against bovine respiratory disease. The utilization of diatoms with their typically silicified cell walls permitted development of silicon-responsive transcription elements to induce protein expression. Specifically, we demonstrate that transcription elements from the silicon transporter gene SIT1 are sufficient to drive high levels of IbpA DR2 expression during silicon limitation and growth arrest. These culture conditions eliminate the flux of cellular resources into cell division processes, yet do not limit protein expression. In addition to improving protein expression levels by molecular manipulations, yield was dramatically increased through cultivation enhancement including elevated light and CO_2 supplementation. We substantially increased recombinant protein production over starting levels to 1.2% of the total sodium dodecyl sulfate-extractable protein in T. pseudonana , which was sufficient to conduct preliminary immunization trials in mice. Mice exposed to 5 μg of diatom-expressed DR2 in whole or sonicated cells (without protein purification) exhibited a modest immune response without the addition of adjuvant.

  • A recombinant subunit vaccine for bovine RSV and Histophilus somni protects calves against dual pathogen challenge.
    Vaccine, 2017
    Co-Authors: Laurel J. Gershwin, Lauren T. Crum, Nicole E. Behrens, Heather A. Mceligot, Francisco R. Carvallo-chaigneau, Brianna M. Gunnarson, Lynette B. Corbeil
    Abstract:

    Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and Histophilus somni synergize to cause respiratory disease in cattle. These pathogens cause enhanced disease during dual-infection and an IgE response to antigens of H. somni in dual-infected but not singly infected calves. Vaccines containing whole inactivated BRSV or H. somni have been associated with IgE responses A vaccine strategy that avoids stimulation of IgE antibodies would provide superior protection from dual infection. We hypothesized that a subunit vaccine consisting of the nucleoprotein (NP) from BRSV and the recombinant antigen IbpA DR2 (a surface antigen of H. somni with two toxic fic motifs) in Quil A adjuvant would elicit protection without disease enhancement. Three groups of calves were vaccinated twice with either: Formalin inactivated BRSV (FI) plus somnivac®, NP & IbpA DR2 plus Quil A or Quil A alone, followed by BRSV and H. somni challenge. Clinical scores and antibody levels (to whole pathogens and to the subunits) were evaluated. Lungs were examined at necropsy on day 23 after infection. Clinical scores were significantly greatest for the FI & somnivac® group and both clinical scores and lung pathology were lowest for the subunit group. All calves shed BRSV in nasal secretions. FI & somnivac® induced IgE antibodies to H. somni and BRSV, but not to NP or DR2. The subunit vaccine did not induce an IgE antibody response to IbpA DR2 antigen and induced little IgE to H. somni. It did not induce an IgG antibody response to BRSV and H. somni, but stimulated production of IgG antibodies against the subunits. In summary, the subunit vaccine, consisting of the BRSV NP and H. somni IbpA DR2 in Quil A, protected against severe clinical signs and decreased lung pathology but did not prevent viral shedding. Importantly it prevented synergistic disease expression in response to dual infection.

  • Effect of Histophilus somni on Heart and Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells
    Veterinary pathology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Donal O’toole, R. Hunter, T. Allen, B. Zekarias, Jason S. Lehmann, Kwang Sik Kim, Dennis J. Grab, Lynette B. Corbeil
    Abstract:

    Histophilus somni is a pathogenic gram-negative bacterium responsible for pneumonia and septicemia in cattle. Sequelae include infectious thrombotic meningoencephalitis (ITME), myocarditis, arthrit...

  • Histophilus somni Stimulates Expression of Antiviral Proteins and Inhibits BRSV Replication in Bovine Respiratory Epithelial Cells
    PloS one, 2016
    Co-Authors: Chin-teng Lin, Laurel J. Gershwin, J. T. Agnes, Matt X. Shao, Nicole E. Behrens, Y. Tagawa, Lynette B. Corbeil
    Abstract:

    Our previous studies showed that bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) followed by Histophilus somni causes more severe bovine respiratory disease and a more permeable alveolar barrier in vitro than either agent alone. However, microarray analysis revealed the treatment of bovine alveolar type 2 (BAT2) epithelial cells with H. somni concentrated culture supernatant (CCS) stimulated up-regulation of four antiviral protein genes as compared with BRSV infection or dual treatment. This suggested that inhibition of viral infection, rather than synergy, may occur if the bacterial infection occurred before the viral infection. Viperin (or radical S-adenosyl methionine domain containing 2--RSAD2) and ISG15 (IFN-stimulated gene 15--ubiquitin-like modifier) were most up-regulated. CCS dose and time course for up-regulation of viperin protein levels were determined in treated bovine turbinate (BT) upper respiratory cells and BAT2 lower respiratory cells by Western blotting. Treatment of BAT2 cells with H. somni culture supernatant before BRSV infection dramatically reduced viral replication as determined by qRT PCR, supporting the hypothesis that the bacterial infection may inhibit viral infection. Studies of the role of the two known H. somni cytotoxins showed that viperin protein expression was induced by endotoxin (lipooligosaccharide) but not by IbpA, which mediates alveolar permeability and H. somni invasion. A naturally occurring IbpA negative asymptomatic carrier strain of H. somni (129Pt) does not cause BAT2 cell retraction or permeability of alveolar cell monolayers, so lacks virulence in vitro. To investigate initial steps of pathogenesis, we showed that strain 129Pt attached to BT cells and induced a strong viperin response in vitro. Thus colonization of the bovine upper respiratory tract with an asymptomatic carrier strain lacking virulence may decrease viral infection and the subsequent enhancement of bacterial respiratory infection in vivo.

  • Histophilus somni Surface Proteins.
    Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Lynette B. Corbeil
    Abstract:

    The pathogen surface is usually the first site of interaction with the host. Histophilus somni was earlier thought to only have an outer membrane on its surface. Now it is known that the surface is composed of many virulence factors, including outer membrane proteins, lipooligosaccharide or endotoxin, a fibrillar network, and an exopolysaccharide. Outer membrane blebs, endotoxin, the fibrillar network, and the exopolysaccharide are also shed from the surface. This review will focus on the surface proteins of this pathogen that may colonize the mucosal surface of ruminants as a commensal or may cause pneumonia, septicemia, myocarditis, thrombotic meningoencephalitis, arthritis, and/or abortion. The major outer membrane protein has been well studied. Since its size and epitopes vary from strain to strain, it may be useful for typing strains. Iron-regulated OMPs have also received much attention because of their role in iron uptake for in vivo growth of H. somni. Other OMPs may be protective, based on passive immunization with monospecific antibodies and active immunization experiments. The surface and shed fibrillar network has been shown to be an immunoglobulin-binding protein in that it binds bovine IgG2 by the Fc portion. Two repeat domains (DR1 and DR2) have cytotoxic Fic motifs. Vaccine studies with recombinant DR2 are promising. Studies of the bacterial genome as well as comparison of surface proteins of different strains from the various H. somni syndromes and carrier states will be discussed and have provided much insight into pathogenesis and protection.

Reinier Mutters - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • proposal of Histophilus somni gen nov sp nov for the three species incertae sedis haemophilus somnus haemophilus agni and Histophilus ovis
    International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2003
    Co-Authors: Øystein Angen, Peter Ahrens, Peter Kuhnert, Henrik Christensen, Reinier Mutters
    Abstract:

    Earlier investigations have shown that ‘Haemophilus somnus’, ‘Haemophilus agni’ and ‘Histophilus ovis’ represent the same species. In the present investigation, the taxonomic position of this species is explored further by sequencing the 16S rRNA and rpoB genes of strains that were investigated previously by DNA–DNA hybridization. These results clearly support the allocation of this species to a novel genus within the family Pasteurellaceae. The phenotypic separation of Histophilus somni gen. nov., sp. nov. from other members of the family can, for most strains, be based on capnophilia, yellowish pigmentation and indole production. However, due to phenotypic variation, the use of a species-specific PCR test based on the 16S rRNA gene is included in the species description. This is justified by the high sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene within the species and the fact that the highest sequence similarity to any other taxon within the family is 93·4 %. The type strain, 8025T=ATCC 43625T=CCUG 36157T, was isolated in the USA from a bovine brain with lesions of thromboembolic meningoencephalitis.

  • proposal of Histophilus somni gen nov sp nov for the three species incertae sedis haemophilus somnus haemophilus agni and Histophilus ovis
    International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, 2003
    Co-Authors: Øystein Angen, Peter Ahrens, Peter Kuhnert, Henrik Christensen, Reinier Mutters
    Abstract:

    Earlier investigations have shown that 'Haemophilus somnus', 'Haemophilus agni' and 'Histophilus ovis' represent the same species. In the present investigation, the taxonomic position of this species is explored further by sequencing the 16S rRNA and rpoB genes of strains that were investigated previously by DNA-DNA hybridization. These results clearly support the allocation of this species to a novel genus within the family PASTEURELLACEAE: The phenotypic separation of Histophilus somni gen. nov., sp. nov. from other members of the family can, for most strains, be based on capnophilia, yellowish pigmentation and indole production. However, due to phenotypic variation, the use of a species-specific PCR test based on the 16S rRNA gene is included in the species description. This is justified by the high sequence similarity of the 16S rRNA gene within the species and the fact that the highest sequence similarity to any other taxon within the family is 93.4 %. The type strain, 8025(T)=ATCC 43625(T)=CCUG 36157(T), was isolated in the USA from a bovine brain with lesions of thromboembolic meningoencephalitis.

Trevor F Moraes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • transferrin binding protein b and transferrin binding protein a 2 expand the transferrin recognition range of Histophilus somni
    Journal of Bacteriology, 2020
    Co-Authors: Anastassia K Pogoutse, Trevor F Moraes
    Abstract:

    The bacterial bipartite transferrin receptor is an iron acquisition system that several important human and animal pathogens require for survival. It consists of the TonB-dependent transporter Transferrin binding protein A (TbpA) and the surface lipoprotein Transferrin binding protein B (TbpB). Curiously, the Tbps are only found in host-specific pathogens, and are themselves host-specific, meaning that they will bind to the transferrin of their host species, but not to the transferrins of other animal species. While this phenomenon has long been established, neither the steps in the evolutionary process that led to this exquisite adaptation for the host, nor the steps that could alter it, are known. We sought to gain insight into these processes by studying Tbp specificity in Histophilus somni, an economically important pathogen of cattle. A past study showed that whole cells of H. somni specifically bind bovine transferrin, but not transferrin from sheep and goats, two bovids whose transferrins share 93% amino acid sequence identity with bovine transferrin. To our surprise, we found that H. somni can use sheep and goat transferrins as iron sources for growth, and that HsTbpB, but not HsTbpA, has detectable affinity for sheep and goat transferrins. Furthermore, a third transferrin binding protein found in H. somni, HsTbpA2, also showed affinity for sheep and goat transferrins. Our results suggest that H. somni TbpB and TbpA2 may contribute to broadening the host transferrin recognition range of H. somni. Importance Host restricted pathogens infect a single host species or a narrow range of host species. Histophilus somni, a pathogen that incurs severe economic losses for the cattle industry, infects cattle, sheep, and goats, but not other mammals. The transferrin binding proteins, TbpA and TbpB, are thought to be a key iron acquisition system in H. somni; however, despite their importance, H. somni TbpA and TbpB were previously shown to be cattle transferrin-specific. In our study we find that H. somni TbpB, and another little-studied Tbp, TbpA2, bind sheep and goat transferrins as well as bovine transferrin. Our results suggest that TbpB and TbpA2 may allow for host range expansion and provide a mechanism for how host specificity in Tbp-encoding pathogens can be altered.

  • transferrin binding protein b and transferrin binding protein a2 expand the transferrin recognition range of Histophilus somni
    bioRxiv, 2019
    Co-Authors: Anastassia K Pogoutse, Trevor F Moraes
    Abstract:

    Abstract The bacterial bipartite transferrin receptor is an iron acquisition system that is required for survival by several key human and animal pathogens. It consists of the TonB-dependent transporter Transferrin binding protein A (TbpA) and the surface lipoprotein Transferrin binding protein B (TbpB). Curiously, the Tbps are only found in host specific pathogens, and are themselves host specific, meaning that they will bind to the transferrin of their host species, but not to those of other animal species. While this phenomenon has long been established, neither the steps in the evolutionary process that led to this exquisite adaptation for the host, nor the steps that could alter it, are known. We sought to gain insight into these processes by studying Tbp specificity in Histophilus somni, a major pathogen of cattle. A past study showed that whole cells of H. somni specifically bind bovine transferrin, but not transferrin from sheep and goats, two bovids whose transferrins share 93% amino acid sequence identity with bovine transferrin. To our surprise, we found that H. somni can use sheep and goat transferrins as iron sources for growth, and that HsTbpB, but not HsTbpA, has detectable affinity for sheep and goat transferrins. Furthermore, a third transferrin binding protein, HsTbpA2, also showed affinity for sheep and goat transferrins. Our results show that H. somni TbpB and TbpA2 act to broaden the host transferrin recognition range of H. somni. Importance Host restricted pathogens infect a single host species or a narrow range of host species. Histophilus somni, a pathogen that incurs severe economic losses for the cattle industry, infects cattle, sheep, and goats, but not other mammals. The transferrin binding proteins, TbpA and TbpB, are thought to be a key iron acquisition system in H. somni, however, surprisingly, they were also shown to be cattle transferrin-specific. In our study we find that H. somni TbpB, and another little-studied Tbp, TbpA2, bind sheep and goat transferrins as well as bovine transferrin. Our results suggest that TbpA2 may have allowed for host range expansion, and provide a mechanism for how host specificity in Tbp containing pathogens can be altered.