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David A Haake - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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post translational modification of lipl32 during Leptospira interrogans infection
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014Co-Authors: Timothy D Witchell, David A Haake, Jarlath E. Nally, Azad Eshghi, Elsio A Wunder, Rebecca Hof, Martin J Boulanger, Caroline E CameronAbstract:Background: Leptospirosis, a re-emerging disease of global importance caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., is considered the world’s most widespread zoonotic disease. Rats serve as asymptomatic carriers of pathogenic Leptospira and are critical for disease spread. In such reservoir hosts, leptospires colonize the kidney, are shed in the urine, persist in fresh water and gain access to a new mammalian host through breaches in the skin. Methodology/Principal Findings: Previous studies have provided evidence for post-translational modification (PTM) of Leptospiral proteins. In the current study, we used proteomic analyses to determine the presence of PTMs on the highly abundant Leptospiral protein, LipL32, from rat urine-isolated L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni compared to in vitro-grown organisms. We observed either acetylation or tri-methylation of lysine residues within multiple LipL32 peptides, including peptides corresponding to regions of LipL32 previously identified as epitopes. Intriguingly, the PTMs were unique to the LipL32 peptides originating from in vivo relative to in vitro grown leptospires. The identity of each modified lysine residue was confirmed by fragmentation pattern analysis of the peptide mass spectra. A synthetic peptide containing an identified tri-methylated lysine, which corresponds to a previously identified LipL32 epitope, demonstrated significantly reduced immunoreactivity with serum collected from leptospirosis patients compared to the peptide version lacking the trimethylation. Further, a subset of the identified PTMs are in close proximity to the established calcium-binding and putative collagen-binding sites that have been identified within LipL32. Conclusions/Significance: The exclusive detection of PTMs on lysine residues within LipL32 from in vivo-isolated L. interrogans implies that infection-generated modification of Leptospiral proteins may have a biologically relevant function during the course of infection. Although definitive determination of the role of these PTMs must await further investigations, the reduced immune recognition of a modified LipL32 epitope suggests the intriguing possibility that LipL32 modification represents a novel mechanism of immune evasion within Leptospira.
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A Comprehensive Approach to Identification of Surface- Exposed, Outer Membrane-Spanning Proteins of
2013Co-Authors: Leptospira Interrogans, Marija Pinne, David A HaakeAbstract:Leptospirosis is a zoonosis with worldwide distribution caused by pathogenic spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira. The Leptospiral life cycle involves transmission via fresh water and colonization of the renal tubules of their reservoir hosts or infection of accidental hosts, including humans. Bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs), particularly those with surface-exposed regions, play crucial roles in virulence mechanisms of pathogens and the adaptation to various environmental conditions, including those of the mammalian host. Little is known about the surface-exposed OMPs in Leptospira, particularly those with outer membrane-spanning domains. Herein, we describe a comprehensive strategy for identification and characterization of Leptospiral transmembrane OMPs. The genomic sequence of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1–130 allowed us to employ the b-barrel prediction programs, PRED-TMBB and TMBETA-NET, to identify potential transmembrane OMPs. Several complementary methods were used to characterize four novel OMPs, designated OmpL36, OmpL37, OmpL47 and OmpL54. In addition to surface immunofluorescence and surface biotinylation, we describe surface proteolysis of intact leptospires as an improved method for determining the surface exposure of Leptospiral proteins. Membrane integration was confirmed using techniques for removal of peripheral membrane proteins. We also demonstrate deficiencies in the Triton X-114 fractionation method for assessing the outer membrane localization of transmembrane OMPs. Our results establish a broadly applicable strategy for the elucidation of novel surface-exposed oute
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lipl32 is a subsurface lipoprotein of Leptospira interrogans presentation of new data and reevaluation of previous studies
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Marija Pinne, David A HaakeAbstract:The agents of leptospirosis, a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, are pathogenic spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira. The Leptospiral life cycle involves transmission via fresh water and colonization of the renal tubules of their reservoir hosts. Infection of accidental hosts, including humans, may result in life-threatening sequelae. Bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs), particularly those with surface-exposed regions, play crucial roles in pathogen virulence mechanisms and adaptation to environmental conditions, including those found in the mammalian host. Therefore, elucidation and characterization of the surface-exposed OMPs of Leptospira spp. is of great interest in the leptospirosis field. A thorough, multi-pronged approach for assessing surface exposure of Leptospiral OMPs is essential. Herein, we present evidence for a sub-surface location for most or all of the major Leptospiral lipoprotein, LipL32, based on surface immunofluorescence utilizing three different types of antibodies and four different permeabilization methods, as well as surface proteolysis of intact and lysed leptospires. We reevaluate prior evidence presented in support of LipL32 surface-exposure and present a novel perspective on a protein whose location has been misleading researchers, due in large part to its extraordinary abundance in Leptospiral cells.
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antibodies to a novel Leptospiral protein lruc in the eye fluids and sera of horses with Leptospira associated uveitis
Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 2012Co-Authors: Ashutosh Verma, James Matsunaga, Sergey Artiushin, David A Haake, Marija Pinne, D J Houwers, Brian StevensonAbstract:Screening of an expression library of Leptospira interrogans with eye fluids from uveitic horses resulted in identification of a novel protein, LruC. LruC is located in the inner leaflet of the Leptospiral outer membrane, and an lruC gene was detected in all tested pathogenic L. interrogans strains. LruC-specific antibody levels were significantly higher in eye fluids and sera of uveitic horses than healthy horses. These findings suggest that LruC may play a role in equine Leptospiral uveitis.
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a liga three domain region protects hamsters from lethal infection by Leptospira interrogans
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2011Co-Authors: Mariana Loner Coutinho, James Matsunaga, Henry A Choy, Melissa M Kelley, Jane T Babbitt, Michael S Lewis, Jose Antonio Guimaraes Aleixo, David A HaakeAbstract:The Leptospiral LigA protein consists of 13 bacterial immunoglobulin-like (Big) domains and is the only purified recombinant subunit vaccine that has been demonstrated to protect against lethal challenge by a clinical isolate of Leptospira interrogans in the hamster model of leptospirosis. We determined the minimum number and location of LigA domains required for immunoprotection. Immunization with domains 11 and 12 was found to be required but insufficient for protection. Inclusion of a third domain, either 10 or 13, was required for 100% survival after intraperitoneal challenge with Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130. As in previous studies, survivors had renal colonization; here, we quantitated the Leptospiral burden by qPCR to be 1.2×103 to 8×105 copies of Leptospiral DNA per microgram of kidney DNA. Although renal histopathology in survivors revealed tubulointerstitial changes indicating an inflammatory response to the infection, blood chemistry analysis indicated that renal function was normal. These studies define the Big domains of LigA that account for its vaccine efficacy and highlight the need for additional strategies to achieve sterilizing immunity to protect the mammalian host from Leptospiral infection and its consequences.
Ana L T O Nascimento - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Adhesins of Leptospira interrogans Mediate the Interaction to Fibrinogen and Inhibit Fibrin Clot Formation In Vitro
2016Co-Authors: Rosane Oliveira, Monica L Vieira, Zenaide M. De ,morais, Renan F. Domingos, Gabriela H. Siqueira, Luis G. Fern, Natalie M. Souza, Silvio A. Vasconcellos, Ana L T O NascimentoAbstract:We report in this work that Leptospira strains, virulent L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni, attenuated L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni and saprophytic L. biflexa serovar Patoc are capable of binding fibrinogen (Fg). The interaction of leptospires with Fg inhibits thrombin- induced fibrin clot formation that may affect the haemostatic equilibrium. Additionally, we show that plasminogen (PLG)/plasmin (PLA) generation on the surface of Leptospira causes degradation of human Fg. The data suggest that PLA-coated leptospires were capable to employ their proteolytic activity to decrease one substrate of the coagulation cascade. We also present six Leptospiral adhesins and PLG- interacting proteins, rLIC12238, Lsa33, Lsa30, OmpL1, rLIC11360 and rLIC11975, as novel Fg-binding proteins. The recombinant proteins interact with Fg in a dose-dependent and saturable fashion when increasing protein concentration was set to react to a fix human Fg concentration. The calculated dissociation equilibrium constants (KD) of these reactions ranged from 733.36276.8 to 128689.9 nM for rLIC12238 and Lsa33, respectively. The interaction of recombinant proteins with human Fg resulted in inhibition of fibrin clot by thrombin-catalyzed reaction, suggesting that these versatile proteins could mediate Fg interaction in Leptospira. Our data reveal for the first time the inhibition of fibrin clot by Leptospira spp. and presents adhesins that could mediate these interactions. Decreasing fibrin clot would cause an imbalance of the coagulation cascade that may facilitate bleeding an
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Leptospira interrogans reduces fibrin clot formation by modulating human thrombin activity via exosite i
Pathogens and Disease, 2015Co-Authors: Luis G V Fernandes, Zenaide Maria De Morais, Silvio Arruda Vasconcellos, Ana L T O NascimentoAbstract:Pathogenic bacteria of the genus Leptospira are the etiological agents of leptospirosis, a disease that affects humans and animals worldwide. Although there are an increasing number of studies on the biology of Leptospira , the mechanisms of pathogenesis are not yet understood. We report in this work that Leptospira interrogans FIOCRUZ L1-130 virulent, M20 culture attenuated and the saprophyte L. biflexa Patoc 1 strains do not bind prothrombin. Leptospiral binding to thrombin was detected with the virulent, followed by culture-attenuated M20, and practically none was observed with the saprophyte strain. The interaction of Leptospira with thrombin mostly occurs via exosite I, with a minor participation of catalytic site, as determined by employing the thrombin inhibitors hirugen, hirudin and argatroban. Leptospira interrogans binding to thrombin inhibits its catalytic activity reducing fibrin clot formation in thrombin-catalyzed reaction of fibrinogen. This inhibition was more efficient with the virulent FIOCRUZ L1-130 than with the M20 culture attenuated, while none was seen with the saprophyte strain, suggesting that this binding might be important for bacterial virulence. This is the first study reporting the binding of pathogenic Leptospira to thrombin promoting a decrease in fibrin clotting that could lead to hemorrhage, helping bacteria dissemination.
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characterization of novel ompa like protein of Leptospira interrogans that binds extracellular matrix molecules and plasminogen
PLOS ONE, 2011Co-Authors: Zenaide Maria De Morais, Silvio Arruda Vasconcellos, Ana L T O Nascimento, Rosane Oliveira, Amane P Goncales, Eliete Calo RomeroAbstract:Leptospira interrogans is the etiological agent of leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease of human and veterinary concern. The identification of novel proteins that mediate host-pathogen interactions is important for understanding the bacterial pathogenesis as well as to identify protective antigens that would help fight the disease. We describe in this work the cloning, expression, purification and characterization of three predicted Leptospiral membrane proteins, LIC10258, LIC12880 (Lp30) and LIC12238. We have employed Escherichia coli BL21 (SI) strain as a host expression system. Recently, we have identified LIC12238 as a plasminogen (PLG)-binding receptor. We show now that Lp30 and rLIC10258 are also PLG-receptors of Leptospira, both exhibiting dose-dependent and saturating binding (KD, 68.8±25.2 nM and 167.39±60.1 nM, for rLIC10258 and rLIC12880, respectively). In addition, LIC10258, which is a novel OmpA-like protein, binds laminin and plasma fibronectin ECM molecules and hence, it was named Lsa66 (Leptospiral surface adhesin of 66 kDa). Binding of Lsa66 to ECM components was determined to be specific, dose-dependent and saturable, with a KD of 55.4±15.9 nM to laminin and of 290.8±11.8 nM to plasma fibronectin. Binding of the recombinant proteins to PLG or ECM components was assessed by using antibodies against each of the recombinant proteins obtained in mice and confirmed by monoclonal anti-polyhistidine antibodies. Lsa66 caused partial inhibition on Leptospiral adherence to immobilized ECM and PLG. Moreover, this adhesin and rLIC12238 are recognized by antibodies in serum samples of confirmed leptospirosis cases. Thus, Lsa66 is a novel OmpA-like protein with dual activity that may promote the attachment of Leptospira to host tissues and may contribute to the Leptospiral invasion. To our knowledge, this is the first Leptospiral protein with ECM and PLG binding properties reported to date.
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in vitro identification of novel plasminogen binding receptors of the pathogen Leptospira interrogans
PLOS ONE, 2010Co-Authors: Silvio Arruda Vasconcellos, Ana L T O Nascimento, Rosane Oliveira, Monica L Vieira, Marina V Atzingen, Tatiane R Oliveira, Daniel M AndradeAbstract:Background Leptospirosis is a multisystem disease caused by pathogenic strains of the genus Leptospira. We have reported that Leptospira are able to bind plasminogen (PLG), to generate active plasmin in the presence of activator, and to degrade purified extracellular matrix fibronectin. Methodology/Principal Findings We have now cloned, expressed and purified 14 Leptospiral recombinant proteins. The proteins were confirmed to be surface exposed by immunofluorescence microscopy and were evaluated for their ability to bind plasminogen (PLG). We identified eight as PLG-binding proteins, including the major outer membrane protein LipL32, the previously published rLIC12730, rLIC10494, Lp29, Lp49, LipL40 and MPL36, and one novel Leptospiral protein, rLIC12238. Bound PLG could be converted to plasmin by the addition of urokinase-type PLG activator (uPA), showing specific proteolytic activity, as assessed by its reaction with the chromogenic plasmin substrate, D-Val-Leu-Lys 4-nitroanilide dihydrochloride. The addition of the lysine analog 6-aminocaproic acid (ACA) inhibited the protein-PLG interaction, thus strongly suggesting the involvement of lysine residues in plasminogen binding. The binding of Leptospiral surface proteins to PLG was specific, dose-dependent and saturable. PLG and collagen type IV competed with LipL32 protein for the same binding site, whereas separate binding sites were observed for plasma fibronectin. Conclusions/Significance PLG-binding/activation through the proteins/receptors on the surface of Leptospira could help the bacteria to specifically overcome tissue barriers, facilitating its spread throughout the host.
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a newly identified protein of Leptospira interrogans mediates binding to laminin
Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2009Co-Authors: Mariana Tamazato Longhi, Zenaide Maria De Morais, Silvio Arruda Vasconcellos, Amane P Goncales, Eliete Calo Romero, Tatiane R Oliveira, Ana L T O NascimentoAbstract:Pathogenic Leptospira is the aetiological agent of leptospirosis, a life-threatening disease that affects populations worldwide. The search for novel antigens that could be relevant in host-pathogen interactions is being pursued. These antigens have the potential to elicit several activities, including adhesion. This study focused on a hypothetical predicted lipoprotein of Leptospira, encoded by the gene LIC12895, thought to mediate attachment to extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 Star (DE3)pLys by using the expression vector pAE. The recombinant protein tagged with N-terminal hexahistidine was purified by metal-charged chromatography and characterized by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The capacity of the protein to mediate attachment to ECM components was evaluated by binding assays. The Leptospiral protein encoded by LIC12895, named Lsa27 (Leptospiral surface adhesin, 27 kDa), bound strongly to laminin in a dose-dependent and saturable fashion. Moreover, Lsa27 was recognized by antibodies from serum samples of confirmed leptospirosis specimens in both the initial and the convalescent phases of the disease. Lsa27 is most likely a surface protein of Leptospira as revealed in liquid-phase immunofluorescence assays with living organisms. Taken together, these data indicate that this newly identified membrane protein is expressed during natural infection and may play a role in mediating adhesion of L. interrogans to its host.
Ben Adler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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recombinant lipl32 stimulates interferon gamma production in cattle vaccinated with a monovalent Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo subtype hardjobovis vaccine
Veterinary Microbiology, 2014Co-Authors: Deanna Deveson Lucas, Dieter M. Bulach, Gerald L. Murray, Noelene Sheila Quinsey, Andrew G. Allen, Ben AdlerAbstract:Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo subtype Hardjobovis (Hardjobovis) is the main causative agent of bovine leptospirosis in Australia, New Zealand, North America and elsewhere. Bovine leptospirosis can result in spontaneous abortion, stillbirth and reduced milk output. The organism is shed in the urine of infected animals and contact with contaminated materials can result in zoonotic infections in humans. Protective immunity in cattle against Hardjobovis involves stimulation of a Th1 cell mediated immune response, which can be characterized by the production of IFN-γ when blood from vaccinated animals is exposed to Hardjobovis antigens. However, the Leptospiral components involved in stimulating this response have yet to be identified. In this study, 238 recombinant Leptospiral proteins were evaluated for their ability to stimulate IFN-γ production in blood of cattle vaccinated with a commercial monovalent Hardjobovis vaccine. The conserved lipoprotein LipL32 is the major outer membrane protein of pathogenic Leptospira spp. A pool of soluble recombinant proteins which included LipL32, as well as LipL32 alone, stimulated significant IFN-γ production in blood of vaccinated cattle. A number of recombinant LipL32 fragments was generated, which identified the amino acids between 20 and 200 as containing the bovine T-cell reactive regions of LipL32. However, whether LipL32 plays a role in stimulating protective immunity in mammals has yet to be conclusively determined.
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Leptospira interrogans catalase is required for resistance to h2o2 and for virulence
Infection and Immunity, 2012Co-Authors: Azad Eshghi, Mathieu Picardeau, Ben Adler, Gerald L. Murray, Richard L Zuerner, Kristel Lourdault, Thanatchaporn Bartpho, Rasana W Sermswan, Brendan SnarrAbstract:Pathogenic Leptospira spp. are likely to encounter higher concentrations of reactive oxygen species induced by the host innate immune response. In this study, we characterized Leptospira interrogans catalase (KatE), the only annotated catalase found within pathogenic Leptospira species, by assessing its role in resistance to H2O2-induced oxidative stress and during infection in hamsters. Pathogenic L. interrogans bacteria had a 50-fold-higher survival rate under H2O2-induced oxidative stress than did saprophytic L. biflexa bacteria, and this was predominantly catalase dependent. We also characterized KatE, the only annotated catalase found within pathogenic Leptospira species. Catalase assays performed with recombinant KatE confirmed specific catalase activity, while protein fractionation experiments localized KatE to the bacterial periplasmic space. The insertional inactivation of katE in pathogenic Leptospira bacteria drastically diminished Leptospiral viability in the presence of extracellular H2O2 and reduced virulence in an acute-infection model. Combined, these results suggest that L. interrogans KatE confers in vivo resistance to reactive oxygen species induced by the host innate immune response.
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Leptospira and leptospirosis
Veterinary Microbiology, 2010Co-Authors: Ben Adler, Alejandro De La Pena MoctezumaAbstract:Leptospirosis is the most wide spread zoonosis worldwide; it is present in all continents except Antarctica and evidence for the carriage of Leptospira has been found in virtually all mammalian species examined. Humans most commonly become infected through occupational, recreational, or domestic contact with the urine of carrier animals, either directly or via contaminated water or soil. Leptospires are thin, helical bacteria classified into at least 12 pathogenic and 4 saprophytic species, with more than 250 pathogenic serovars. Immunity following infection is generally, but not exclusively, mediated by antibody against Leptospiral LPS and restricted to antigenically related serovars. Vaccines currently available consist of killed whole cell bacterins which are used widely in animals, but less so in humans. Current work with recombinant protein antigens shows promise for the development of vaccines based on defined protective antigens. The cellular and molecular basis for virulence remains poorly understood, but comparative genomics of pathogenic and saprophytic species suggests that Leptospira expresses unique virulence determinants. However, the recent development of defined mutagenesis systems for Leptospira heralds the potential for gaining a much improved understanding of pathogenesis in leptospirosis.
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response of Leptospira interrogans to physiologic osmolarity relevance in signaling the environment to host transition
Infection and Immunity, 2007Co-Authors: James Matsunaga, Ben Adler, Dieter M. Bulach, Richard L Zuerner, Miranda Lo, David A HaakeAbstract:Transmission of pathogenic Leptospira between mammalian hosts usually involves dissemination via soil or water contaminated by the urine of carrier animals. The ability of Leptospira to adapt to the diverse conditions found inside and outside the host is reflected in its relatively large genome size and high percentage of signal transduction genes. An exception is Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo, which is transmitted by direct contact and appears to have lost genes necessary for survival outside the mammalian host. Invasion of host tissues by Leptospira interrogans involves a transition from a low osmolar environment outside the host to a higher physiologic osmolar environment within the host. Expression of the lipoprotein LigA and LigB adhesins is strongly induced by an upshift in osmolarity to the level found in mammalian host tissues. These data suggest that Leptospira utilizes changes in osmolarity to regulate virulence characteristics. To better understand how L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni adapts to osmolar conditions that correspond with invasion of a mammalian host, we quantified alterations in transcript levels using whole-genome microarrays. Overnight exposure in Leptospiral culture medium supplemented with sodium chloride to physiologic osmolarity significantly altered the transcript levels of 6% of L. interrogans genes. Repressed genes were significantly more likely to be absent or pseudogenes in L. borgpetersenii, suggesting that osmolarity is relevant in studying the adaptation of L. interrogans to host conditions. Genes induced by physiologic osmolarity encoded a higher than expected number of proteins involved in signal transduction. Further, genes predicted to encode lipoproteins and those coregulated by temperature were overrepresented among both salt-induced and salt-repressed genes. In contrast, Leptospiral homologues of hyperosmotic or general stress genes were not induced at physiologic osmolarity. These findings suggest that physiologic osmolarity is an important signal for regulation of gene expression by pathogenic leptospires during transition from ambient conditions to the host tissue environment.
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global analysis of outer membrane proteins from Leptospira interrogans serovar lai
Infection and Immunity, 2002Co-Authors: Paul Antony Cullen, David A Haake, Dieter M. Bulach, Stuart J Cordwell, Ben AdlerAbstract:Recombinant Leptospiral outer membrane proteins (OMPs) can elicit immunity to leptospirosis in a hamster infection model. Previously characterized OMPs appear highly conserved, and thus their potential to stimulate heterologous immunity is of critical importance. In this study we undertook a global analysis of Leptospiral OMPs, which were obtained by Triton X-114 extraction and phase partitioning. Outer membrane fractions were isolated from Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai grown at 20, 30, and 37°C with or without 10% fetal calf serum and, finally, in iron-depleted medium. The OMPs were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Gel patterns from each of the five conditions were compared via image analysis, and 37 gel-purified proteins were tryptically digested and characterized by mass spectrometry (MS). Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight MS was used to rapidly identify Leptospiral OMPs present in sequence databases. Proteins identified by this approach included the outer membrane lipoproteins LipL32, LipL36, LipL41, and LipL48. No known proteins from any cellular location other than the outer membrane were identified. Tandem electrospray MS was used to obtain peptide sequence information from eight novel proteins designated pL18, pL21, pL22, pL24, pL45, pL47/49, pL50, and pL55. The expression of LipL36 and pL50 was not apparent at temperatures above 30°C or under iron-depleted conditions. The expression of pL24 was also downregulated after iron depletion. The Leptospiral major OMP LipL32 was observed to undergo substantial cleavage under all conditions except iron depletion. Additionally, significant downregulation of these mass forms was observed under iron limitation at 30°C, but not at 30°C alone, suggesting that LipL32 processing is dependent on iron-regulated extracellular proteases. However, separate cleavage products responded differently to changes in growth temperature and medium constituents, indicating that more than one process may be involved in LipL32 processing. Furthermore, under iron-depleted conditions there was no concomitant increase in the levels of the intact form of LipL32. The temperature- and iron-regulated expression of LipL36 and the iron-dependent cleavage of LipL32 were confirmed by immunoblotting with specific antisera. Global analysis of the cellular location and expression of Leptospiral proteins will be useful in the annotation of genomic sequence data and in providing insight into the biology of Leptospira.
Marija Pinne - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A Comprehensive Approach to Identification of Surface- Exposed, Outer Membrane-Spanning Proteins of
2013Co-Authors: Leptospira Interrogans, Marija Pinne, David A HaakeAbstract:Leptospirosis is a zoonosis with worldwide distribution caused by pathogenic spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira. The Leptospiral life cycle involves transmission via fresh water and colonization of the renal tubules of their reservoir hosts or infection of accidental hosts, including humans. Bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs), particularly those with surface-exposed regions, play crucial roles in virulence mechanisms of pathogens and the adaptation to various environmental conditions, including those of the mammalian host. Little is known about the surface-exposed OMPs in Leptospira, particularly those with outer membrane-spanning domains. Herein, we describe a comprehensive strategy for identification and characterization of Leptospiral transmembrane OMPs. The genomic sequence of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1–130 allowed us to employ the b-barrel prediction programs, PRED-TMBB and TMBETA-NET, to identify potential transmembrane OMPs. Several complementary methods were used to characterize four novel OMPs, designated OmpL36, OmpL37, OmpL47 and OmpL54. In addition to surface immunofluorescence and surface biotinylation, we describe surface proteolysis of intact leptospires as an improved method for determining the surface exposure of Leptospiral proteins. Membrane integration was confirmed using techniques for removal of peripheral membrane proteins. We also demonstrate deficiencies in the Triton X-114 fractionation method for assessing the outer membrane localization of transmembrane OMPs. Our results establish a broadly applicable strategy for the elucidation of novel surface-exposed oute
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lipl32 is a subsurface lipoprotein of Leptospira interrogans presentation of new data and reevaluation of previous studies
PLOS ONE, 2013Co-Authors: Marija Pinne, David A HaakeAbstract:The agents of leptospirosis, a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, are pathogenic spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira. The Leptospiral life cycle involves transmission via fresh water and colonization of the renal tubules of their reservoir hosts. Infection of accidental hosts, including humans, may result in life-threatening sequelae. Bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs), particularly those with surface-exposed regions, play crucial roles in pathogen virulence mechanisms and adaptation to environmental conditions, including those found in the mammalian host. Therefore, elucidation and characterization of the surface-exposed OMPs of Leptospira spp. is of great interest in the leptospirosis field. A thorough, multi-pronged approach for assessing surface exposure of Leptospiral OMPs is essential. Herein, we present evidence for a sub-surface location for most or all of the major Leptospiral lipoprotein, LipL32, based on surface immunofluorescence utilizing three different types of antibodies and four different permeabilization methods, as well as surface proteolysis of intact and lysed leptospires. We reevaluate prior evidence presented in support of LipL32 surface-exposure and present a novel perspective on a protein whose location has been misleading researchers, due in large part to its extraordinary abundance in Leptospiral cells.
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antibodies to a novel Leptospiral protein lruc in the eye fluids and sera of horses with Leptospira associated uveitis
Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, 2012Co-Authors: Ashutosh Verma, James Matsunaga, Sergey Artiushin, David A Haake, Marija Pinne, D J Houwers, Brian StevensonAbstract:Screening of an expression library of Leptospira interrogans with eye fluids from uveitic horses resulted in identification of a novel protein, LruC. LruC is located in the inner leaflet of the Leptospiral outer membrane, and an lruC gene was detected in all tested pathogenic L. interrogans strains. LruC-specific antibody levels were significantly higher in eye fluids and sera of uveitic horses than healthy horses. These findings suggest that LruC may play a role in equine Leptospiral uveitis.
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A comprehensive approach to identification of surface-exposed, outer membrane-spanning proteins of Leptospira interrogans.
Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2009Co-Authors: Marija Pinne, David A HaakeAbstract:Leptospirosis is a zoonosis with worldwide distribution caused by pathogenic spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira. The Leptospiral life cycle involves transmission via fresh water and colonization of the renal tubules of their reservoir hosts or infection of accidental hosts, including humans. Bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs), particularly those with surface-exposed regions, play crucial roles in virulence mechanisms of pathogens and the adaptation to various environmental conditions, including those of the mammalian host. Little is known about the surface-exposed OMPs in Leptospira, particularly those with outer membrane-spanning domains. Herein, we describe a comprehensive strategy for identification and characterization of Leptospiral transmembrane OMPs. The genomic sequence of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain Fiocruz L1-130 allowed us to employ the beta-barrel prediction programs, PRED-TMBB and TMBETA-NET, to identify potential transmembrane OMPs. Several complementary methods were used to characterize four novel OMPs, designated OmpL36, OmpL37, OmpL47 and OmpL54. In addition to surface immunofluorescence and surface biotinylation, we describe surface proteolysis of intact leptospires as an improved method for determining the surface exposure of Leptospiral proteins. Membrane integration was confirmed using techniques for removal of peripheral membrane proteins. We also demonstrate deficiencies in the Triton X-114 fractionation method for assessing the outer membrane localization of transmembrane OMPs. Our results establish a broadly applicable strategy for the elucidation of novel surface-exposed outer membrane-spanning proteins of Leptospira, an essential step in the discovery of potential virulence factors, diagnostic antigens and vaccine candidates
Joseph M Vinetz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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experimental infection of rattus norvegicus by the group ii intermediate pathogen Leptospira licerasiae
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2018Co-Authors: Carla Fernandez, Joseph M Vinetz, Aristea Lubar, Michael A MatthiasAbstract:Leptospira licerasiae serovar Varillal, a group II intermediate pathogen species/serovar discovered in the Peruvian Amazon city of Iquitos, is commonly recognized in this region by sera from humans (at least 40% seroprevalence) without a known clinical history of leptospirosis. This high frequency of human seroreactivity remains unexplained. To test the hypothesis that the oral route of infection might explain the high rate of human seroreactivity against L. licerasiae, an experimental infection model using Rattus norvegicus was developed, given that rats were one of the original reservoir hosts identified as being colonized by this leptospire. Sprague-Dawley rats were experimentally exposed via mucosa, direct gastric gavage, or parenteral inoculation with nine different isolates of L. licerasiae originally isolated from Peruvian humans, peridomiciliary rodents, and wildlife. As shown by quantitative polymerase chain reaction of kidney tissue, Leptospira infection via these routes of infection was equally successful. Importantly, the data show that L. licerasiae infects R. norvegicus via the oral route, leading to renal colonization. Not only do these findings confirm the infectiousness of group II Leptospira, but also they underscore the potential importance of oral as well as mucosal and transcutaneous routes of Leptospira infection.
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determining risk for severe leptospirosis by molecular analysis of environmental surface waters for pathogenic Leptospira
PLOS Medicine, 2006Co-Authors: Christian A Ganoza, Michael A Matthias, Eduardo Gotuzzo, Robert H Gilman, Devon Collinsrichards, Kimberly C Brouwer, Calaveras B Cunningham, Eddy R Segura, Joseph M VinetzAbstract:Background Although previous data indicate that the overall incidence of human leptospirosis in the Peruvian Amazon is similar in urban and rural sites, severe leptospirosis has been observed only in the urban context. As a potential explanation for this epidemiological observation, we tested the hypothesis that concentrations of more virulent Leptospira would be higher in urban than in rural environmental surface waters. Methods and Findings A quantitative real-time PCR assay was used to compare levels of Leptospira in urban and rural environmental surface waters in sites in the Peruvian Amazon region of Iquitos. Molecular taxonomic analysis of a 1,200-bp segment of the Leptospiral 16S ribosomal RNA gene was used to identify Leptospira to the species level. Pathogenic Leptospira species were found only in urban slum water sources (Fisher’s exact test; p ¼0.013). The concentration of pathogen-related Leptospira was higher in urban than rural water sources (;10 3 leptospires/ml versus 0.5 3 10 2 leptospires/ml; F ¼ 8.406, p , 0.05). Identical 16S rRNA gene sequences from Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae were found in urban slum market area gutter water and in human isolates, suggesting a specific mode of transmission from rats to humans. In a prospective, population-based study of patients presenting with acute febrile illness, isolation of L. interrogans-related leptospires from humans was significantly associated with urban acquisition (75% of urban isolates); human isolates of other Leptospiral species were associated with rural acquisition (78% of rural isolates) (chi-square analysis; p , 0.01). This distribution of human Leptospiral isolates mirrored the distribution of Leptospiral 16S ribosomal gene sequences in urban and rural water sources. Conclusions Our findings data support the hypothesis that urban severe leptospirosis in the Peruvian Amazon is associated with higher concentrations of more pathogenic leptospires at sites of exposure and transmission. This combined quantitative and molecular taxonomical risk assessment of environmental surface waters is globally applicable for assessing risk for Leptospiral infection and severe disease in leptospirosis-endemic regions.
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toll like receptor 4 protects against lethal Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae infection and contributes to in vivo control of Leptospiral burden
Infection and Immunity, 2006Co-Authors: Suganya Viriyakosol, Michael A Matthias, Mark A Swancutt, Theo N Kirkland, Joseph M VinetzAbstract:The roles of innate immune responses in protection from or pathogenesis of severe leptospirosis remain unclear. We examined the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in mouse infection and macrophage responses to Leptospira. C3H/HeJ mice (TLR4 deficient) and C3H/HeJ-SCID mice, but not C3H/OuJ mice (TLR4 intact), died after intraperitoneal infection with Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae. Death in both C3H/HeJ mouse strains was associated with jaundice and pulmonary hemorrhage, similar to the patient from whom the isolate was obtained. In chronic sublethal infection, TLR4-deficient mice harbored more leptospires in liver, lung, and kidney than control mice. Heat-killed Leptospira stimulated macrophages to secrete proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 not inhibited by polymyxin B, suggesting that Leptospiral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) did not drive these responses. Anti-TLR4 and anti-MD-2 but not anti-CD14 monoclonal antibodies inhibited cytokine production. Peritoneal macrophages from CD14−/− and TLR2−/− mice exhibited no defect in cytokine responses to Leptospira compared to controls. Macrophages from C3H/HeJ, TLR4−/−, and MyD88−/− mice secreted far-lower levels of cytokines than wild-type macrophages in response to Leptospira. TLR4 plays a crucial role in protection from acute lethal infection and control of Leptospiral burden during sublethal chronic infection. Cytokine responses in macrophages correlated with Leptospiral clearance. These TLR4-dependent but CD14/TLR2-independent responses are likely mediated by a Leptospiral ligand(s) other than LPS.
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diversity of bat associated Leptospira in the peruvian amazon inferred by bayesian phylogenetic analysis of 16s ribosomal dna sequences
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2005Co-Authors: Michael A Matthias, Monica M Diaz, Kalina Campos, Maritza Calderon, Michael R Willig, Victor Pacheco, Eduardo Gotuzzo, Robert H Gilman, Joseph M VinetzAbstract:The role of bats as potential sources of transmission to humans or as maintenance hosts of leptospires is poorly understood. We quantified the prevalence of Leptospiral colonization in bats in the Peruvian Amazon in the vicinity of Iquitos, an area of high biologic diversity. Of 589 analyzed bats, culture (3 of 589) and molecular evidence (20 of 589) of Leptospiral colonization was found in the kidneys, yielding an overall colonization rate of 3.4%. Infection rates differed with habitat and location, and among different bat species. Bayesian analysis was used to infer phylogenic relationships of Leptospiral 16S ribosomal DNA sequences. Tree topologies were consistent with groupings based on DNA-DNA hybridization studies. A diverse group of leptospires was found in peri-Iquitos bat populations including Leptospira interrogans (5 clones), L. kirschneri (1), L. borgpetersenii (4), L. fainei (1), and two previously undescribed Leptospiral species (8). Although L. kirschenri and L. interrogans have been previously isolated from bats, this report is the first to describe L. borgpetersenii and L. fainei infection of bats. A wild animal reservoir of L. fainei has not been previously described. The detection in bats of the L. interrogans serovar Icterohemorrhagiae, a leptospire typically maintained by peridomestic rats, suggests a rodent-bat infection cycle. Bats in Iquitos maintain a genetically diverse group of leptospires. These results provide a solid basis for pursuing molecular epidemiologic studies of bat-associated Leptospira, a potentially new epidemiologic reservoir of transmission of leptospirosis to humans.
