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17 pages, 5171 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Dynamics Reveal Key Steps in BAR-Related Membrane Remodeling

by Shenghan Song, Tongtong Li, Amy O. Stevens, Temair Shorty and Yi He

Pathogens 2024, 13(10), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13100902 - 15 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Endocytosis plays a complex role in pathogen-host interactions. It serves as a pathway for pathogens to enter the host cell and acts as a part of the immune defense mechanism. Endocytosis involves the formation of lipid membrane vesicles and the reshaping of the [...] Read more.

Endocytosis plays a complex role in pathogen-host interactions. It serves as a pathway for pathogens to enter the host cell and acts as a part of the immune defense mechanism. Endocytosis involves the formation of lipid membrane vesicles and the reshaping of the cell membrane, a task predominantly managed by proteins containing BAR (Bin1/Amphiphysin/yeast RVS167) domains. Insights into how BAR domains can remodel and reshape cell membranes provide crucial information on infections and can aid the development of treatment. Aiming at deciphering the roles of the BAR dimers in lipid membrane bending and remodeling, we conducted extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and discovered that the presence of helix kinks divides the BAR monomer into two segments—the “arm segment” and the “core segment”—which exhibit distinct movement patterns. Contrary to the prior hypothesis of BAR domains working as a rigid scaffold, we found that it functions in an “Arms-Hands” mode. These findings enhance the understanding of endocytosis, potentially advancing research on pathogen-host interactions and aiding in the identification of new treatment strategies targeting BAR domains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Host–Pathogen Interaction in 2024)

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8 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Wild Ruminants in Liguria, North-West Italy

by Valeria Listorti, Lisa Guardone, Carolina Piccinini, Isabella Martini, Carla Ferraris, Carmela Ligotti, Maria Luisa Cristina, Nicola Pussini, Monica Pitti and Elisabetta Razzuoli

Pathogens 2024, 13(7), 576; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13070576 - 11 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Wildlife may represent an important source of infectious diseases for humans and other wild and domestic animals. Wild ruminants can harbour and transmit Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) to humans, and some strains even carry important antimicrobial resistance. In this study, 289 livers [...] Read more.

Wildlife may represent an important source of infectious diseases for humans and other wild and domestic animals. Wild ruminants can harbour and transmit Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) to humans, and some strains even carry important antimicrobial resistance. In this study, 289 livers of wild roe deer, fallow deer, red deer and chamois collected in Liguria, north-west Italy, from 2019 to 2023 were analysed. Overall, 44 STEC strains were isolated from 28 samples. The characterisation of serogroups showed the presence of O104, O113, O145 and O146 serogroups, although for 28 colonies, the serogroup could not be determined. The most prevalent Shiga toxin gene in isolated strains was Stx2, and more specifically the subtype Stx2b. The other retrieved subtypes were Stx1a, Stx1c, Stx1d and Stx2g. The isolated strains generally proved to be susceptible to the tested antimicrobials. However, multi-drug resistances against highly critical antimicrobials were found in one strain isolated from a roe deer. This study highlights the importance of wildlife monitoring in the context of a “One Health” approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Host–Pathogen Interaction in 2024)

12 pages, 969 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Asymptomatic Malaria Reservoirs in Honduras: A Challenge for Elimination

by Sharon Banegas, Denis Escobar, Alejandra Pinto, Marcela Moncada, Gabriela Matamoros, Hugo O. Valdivia, Allan Reyes and Gustavo Fontecha

Pathogens 2024, 13(7), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13070541 - 27 Jun 2024

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Abstract

Background: Efforts on a global scale for combating malaria have achieved substantial progress over the past twenty years. Two Central American nations have accomplished their goal of eliminating malaria: El Salvador and Belize. Honduras has decreased the incidence of malaria and now reports [...] Read more.

Background: Efforts on a global scale for combating malaria have achieved substantial progress over the past twenty years. Two Central American nations have accomplished their goal of eliminating malaria: El Salvador and Belize. Honduras has decreased the incidence of malaria and now reports fewer than 4000 malaria cases annually, aspiring to reach elimination by 2030. To accomplish this goal, it is essential to assess the existing strategies employed for malaria control and to address the task of incorporating novel intervention strategies to identify asymptomatic reservoirs. Methods: A survey for detecting asymptomatic cases was carried out in the community of Kaukira, in Gracias a Dios, Honduras, focusing on malaria transmission during 2023. Asymptomatic community members were recruited as participants, malaria screening was performed through a rapid diagnostic test in situ, and a blood sample was collected on filter paper. Highly sensitive molecular assays based on photo-induced electron transfer PCR (PET-PCR) were performed to detect the two species of Plasmodium circulating in Honduras: Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. In addition, the identification of the parasite species was verified by amplifying three genetic markers (Pvmsp3α, Pvmsp3ß, and Pfmsp1). Results: A total of 138 participants were recruited, mostly adult women. All individuals tested negative on the rapid diagnostic test. Positive results for malaria were detected by PET-PCR in 17 samples (12.3%). Most samples (12 out of 17) were amplified with a Ct value between 37 and 42, indicating very low parasitemias. Out of the 17 samples, 16 of them also showed amplification in the species assays. There were nine cases of P. falciparum infections and seven cases of P. vivax infections that were further confirmed by nested PCR (nPCR) of Pvmsp3 and Pfmsp1. Parasitemias ranged from 100 p/μL to less than 0.25 p/μL. One sample showed mixed infection. Conclusions: The existence of asymptomatic malaria reservoirs in Honduras can contribute to disease transmission and pose a challenge that may hinder elimination efforts, requiring public health authorities to modify surveillance strategies to identify the disease and treat this population accordingly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Host–Pathogen Interaction in 2024)

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9 pages, 394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endoparasite Infections in Captive Inland Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in Italy

by Lisa Guardone, Alessandro Marigliano, Francesca Mancianti and Stefania Perrucci

Pathogens 2024, 13(6), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13060443 - 23 May 2024

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Abstract

The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is a lizard species commonly kept as a pet worldwide. Endoparasites are among the most important pathogens affecting bearded dragons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endoparasites in captive P. vitticeps in [...] Read more.

The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is a lizard species commonly kept as a pet worldwide. Endoparasites are among the most important pathogens affecting bearded dragons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the endoparasites in captive P. vitticeps in Italy. Faecal samples from 30 P. vitticeps were analysed by fresh faecal smears, flotation tests, the Mini-FLOTAC technique, and a rapid immunoassay to detect Cryptosporidium spp. To search for microsporidia, PCR and sequencing were performed on the faecal samples. Data were statistically analysed. The overall positivity rate for endoparasites was 83.3% (25/30). The identified endoparasites were oxyurids (17/30, 56.7%), Isosospora amphiboluri (13/30, 43.3%), Encephalitozoon pogonae (4/18, 22.22%), and Cryptosporidium sp. (1/30, 3.33%). The positivity for protozoa was significantly higher in juveniles compared to adults. Moreover, the frequency of clinical signs was significantly higher in the positive animals. The results obtained here emphasize the importance of regular veterinary examinations of captive P. vitticeps, aimed at the diagnosis, treatment, and control of endoparasites. This study is one of the largest surveys on microsporidia infections in living bearded dragons, suggesting that E. pogonae may be widespread in this lizard. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Host–Pathogen Interaction in 2024)

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14 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Neutrophils Expressing Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Play an Indispensable Role in Effective Bacterial Elimination and Resolving Inflammation in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection

by Azusa Terasaki, Faizan Ahmed, Alato Okuno, Zhenzi Peng, Duo-Yao Cao and Suguru Saito

Pathogens 2024, 13(5), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13050401 - 11 May 2024

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Abstract

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a co-inhibitory molecule expressed on the surface of various cell types and known for its suppressive effect on T cells through its interaction with PD-1. Neutrophils also express PD-L1, and its expression is elevated in specific situations; [...] Read more.

Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a co-inhibitory molecule expressed on the surface of various cell types and known for its suppressive effect on T cells through its interaction with PD-1. Neutrophils also express PD-L1, and its expression is elevated in specific situations; however, the immunobiological role of PD-L1⁺ neutrophils has not been fully characterized. Here, we report that PD-L1-expressing neutrophils increased in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection are highly functional in bacterial elimination and supporting inflammatory resolution. The frequency of PD-L1⁺ neutrophils was dramatically increased in MRSA-infected mice, and this population exhibited enhanced activity in bacterial elimination compared to PD-L1- neutrophils. The administration of PD-L1 monoclonal antibody did not impair PD-L1⁺ neutrophil function, suggesting that PD-L1 expression itself does not influence neutrophil activity. However, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade significantly delayed liver inflammation resolution in MRSA-infected mice, as indicated by their increased plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and frequencies of inflammatory leukocytes in the liver, implying that neutrophil PD-L1 suppresses the inflammatory response of these cells during the acute phase of MRSA infection. Our results reveal that elevated PD-L1 expression can be a marker for the enhanced anti-bacterial function of neutrophils. Moreover, PD-L1⁺ neutrophils are an indispensable population attenuating inflammatory leukocyte activities, assisting in a smooth transition into the resolution phase in MRSA infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Host–Pathogen Interaction in 2024)

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15 pages, 2044 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cumin Seed Oil Induces Oxidative Stress-Based Antifungal Activities on Fusarium graminearum

by Emre Yörük, Zeynep Danışman, Murat Pekmez and Tapani Yli-Mattila

Pathogens 2024, 13(5), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13050395 - 8 May 2024

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Abstract

In this study, the antifungal activity of cumin seed oil (CSO) was tested on Fusarium graminearum. (i) Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and related concentrations (IC₇₅, IC₅₀, and IC₂₅) were detected; (ii) toxicity was evaluated by a [...] Read more.

In this study, the antifungal activity of cumin seed oil (CSO) was tested on Fusarium graminearum. (i) Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and related concentrations (IC₇₅, IC₅₀, and IC₂₅) were detected; (ii) toxicity was evaluated by a water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 (WST-1) assay; (iii) genomic/epigenomic alterations were evaluated by the coupled restriction enzyme digestion-random amplification (CRED-RA) method; (iv) oxidative stress was investigated by CAT expression, catalase activity, and DCF-DA staining; (v) deoxynivalenol biosynthesis was evaluated by tri6 expression; (vi) and potential effects of CSO on wheat were tested by a water loss rate (WLR) assay. MIC, IC₇₅, IC₅₀ and IC₂₅ values were detected at 0.5, 0.375, 0.25, and 0.125 mg mL⁻¹. In WST-1 assays, significant decreases (p < 0.001) were detected. Genomic template stability (GTS) related to methylation differences ranged from 94.60% to 96.30%. Percentage polymorphism for HapII/MspI values were as 9.1%/15.8%. CAT (oxidative stress-related catalase) and tri6 (zinc finger motif transcription factor) gene expressions were recorded between 5.29 ± 0.74 and 0.46 ± 0.10 (p < 0.05). Increased catalase activity was detected (p < 0.05) by spectrophotometric assays. DCF-DA-stained (oxidative stressed) cells were increased in response to increased concentrations, and there were no significant changes in WLR values. It was concluded that CSO showed strong antifungal activity on F. graminearum via different physiological levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Host–Pathogen Interaction in 2024)

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Review

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15 pages, 592 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systemic Factors Affecting Human Beta-Defensins in Oral Cavity

by Nur Atalay, Nur Balci, Mervi Gürsoy and Ulvi Kahraman Gürsoy

Pathogens 2024, 13(8), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13080654 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Human beta-defensins are host defense peptides with broad antimicrobial and inflammatory functions. In the oral cavity, these peptides are produced mainly by the keratinocytes of the epithelium; however, fibroblasts, monocytes, and macrophages also contribute to oral human beta-defensin expressions. The resident and immune [...] Read more.

Human beta-defensins are host defense peptides with broad antimicrobial and inflammatory functions. In the oral cavity, these peptides are produced mainly by the keratinocytes of the epithelium; however, fibroblasts, monocytes, and macrophages also contribute to oral human beta-defensin expressions. The resident and immune cells of the oral cavity come into contact with various microbe-associated molecular patterns continuously and simultaneously. The overall antimicrobial cellular response is highly influenced by local and environmental factors. Recent studies have produced evidence showing that not only systemic chronic diseases but also systemic factors like hyperglycemia, pregnancy, the long-term use of certain vitamins, and aging can modulate oral cellular antimicrobial responses against microbial challenges. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to discuss the role of systemic factors on oral human beta-defensin expressions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Host–Pathogen Interaction in 2024)

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17 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessReview

Staphylococci, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Humans: What Are Their Relations?

by Valentina Virginia Ebani

Pathogens 2024, 13(7), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13070607 - 22 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Reptiles and amphibians are largely present in many environments, including domestic areas when they are kept as pet animals. They often harbor zoonotic pathogens, which can pose a serious risk of infection for humans, mainly immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, children, and pregnant women. [...] Read more.

Reptiles and amphibians are largely present in many environments, including domestic areas when they are kept as pet animals. They often harbor zoonotic pathogens, which can pose a serious risk of infection for humans, mainly immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Several studies have been carried out to verify the role of cold-blooded animals in the epidemiology of some bacteria, mainly Salmonella, whereas scarce attention has been focused on these animals as a source of staphylococci. These bacteria are often antimicrobial-resistant and they act as opportunistic pathogens, which can cause relevant infections in humans and animals, both domestic and wild. Asymptomatic reptiles and amphibians often harbor staphylococcal strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp.; however, these bacteria have been associated with clinical conditions that usually appear in animals under stress conditions. In all cases, greater attention should also be focused on staphylococci in cold-blooded animals due to their implications in human and veterinary medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Host–Pathogen Interaction in 2024)

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