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Frontiers in Immunology 2023CC16 (Club Cell Secretory Protein) is a protein produced by club cells and other non-ciliated epithelial cells within the lungs. CC16 has been shown to protect against...
RATIONALE
CC16 (Club Cell Secretory Protein) is a protein produced by club cells and other non-ciliated epithelial cells within the lungs. CC16 has been shown to protect against the development of obstructive lung diseases and attenuate pulmonary pathogen burden. Despite recent advances in understanding CC16 effects in circulation, the biological mechanisms of CC16 in pulmonary epithelial responses have not been elucidated.
OBJECTIVES
We sought to determine if CC16 deficiency impairs epithelial-driven host responses and identify novel receptors expressed within the pulmonary epithelium through which CC16 imparts activity.
METHODS
We utilized mass spectrometry and quantitative proteomics to investigate how CC16 deficiency impacts apically secreted pulmonary epithelial proteins. Mouse tracheal epithelial cells (MTECS), human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) and mice were studied in naïve conditions and after Mp challenge.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
We identified 8 antimicrobial proteins significantly decreased by CC16 MTECS, 6 of which were validated by mRNA expression in Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) cohorts. Short Palate Lung and Nasal Epithelial Clone 1 (SPLUNC1) was the most differentially expressed protein (66-fold) and was the focus of this study. Using a combination of MTECs and HNECs, we found that CC16 enhances pulmonary epithelial-driven SPLUNC1 expression via signaling through the receptor complex Very Late Antigen-2 (VLA-2) and that rCC16 given to mice enhances pulmonary SPLUNC1 production and decreases (Mp) burden. Likewise, rSPLUNC1 results in decreased Mp burden in mice lacking CC16 mice. The VLA-2 integrin binding site within rCC16 is necessary for induction of SPLUNC1 and the reduction in Mp burden.
CONCLUSION
Our findings demonstrate a novel role for CC16 in epithelial-driven host defense by up-regulating antimicrobials and define a novel epithelial receptor for CC16, VLA-2, through which signaling is necessary for enhanced SPLUNC1 production.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Asthma; Integrin alpha2beta1; Lung; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 38053993
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1277582 -
Dermatologie (Heidelberg, Germany) Nov 2023A broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses can cause urethritis. In particular, N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, M. genitalium and T. vaginalis are... (Review)
Review
A broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses can cause urethritis. In particular, N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, M. genitalium and T. vaginalis are the focus of diagnostic considerations as classic pathogens associated with sexually transmitted infections (STI). A step-by-step procedure is needed to make a definitive diagnosis. Microscopy with a staining preparation provides an initial differentiation between gonoccocal and non-gonococcal urethritis in symptomatic men as a point-of-care (POC) test. Nucleic acid amplification technology (NAAT) is used for specific and sensitive pathogen detection and, as a multiplex diagnostic test, offers the possibility of detecting several organisms from the same sample. In addition, compared to culture, no vital organisms are required, which allows the collection and use of more diverse and less invasive biological samples (e.g. first stream urine in men or vaginal swabs). Susceptibility testing by culture remains essential for N. gonorrhoeae as resistance is emerging. The treatment of urethritis depends on the suspected or proven pathogen according to the current guidelines. Treatment failure can be caused by many factors (coinfection, lack of therapy adherence, reinfection or resistance of the pathogen) and requires a repeated diagnostic and therapeutic procedure and differentiated approach.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Urethritis; Trichomonas vaginalis; Mycoplasma Infections; Mycoplasma genitalium; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Chlamydia trachomatis; Neisseria gonorrhoeae
PubMed: 37847382
DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05230-6 -
Veterinary Microbiology Aug 2023Infectious synovitis in chickens caused by Mycoplasma synoviae infections are characterized by exudative synovial joint membranes and tenosynovitis. We isolated M....
Infectious synovitis in chickens caused by Mycoplasma synoviae infections are characterized by exudative synovial joint membranes and tenosynovitis. We isolated M. synoviae from chickens on farms in Guangdong, China and identifed 29 K-type and 3 A-type strains using vlhA genotyping and all displayed decreased susceptibilities to enrofloxacin, doxycycline, tiamulin and tylosin compared with the type strain WVU1853 (ATCC 25204). M. synoviae biofilms were present after staining as block or continuous dot shape morphologies and these appeared as tower-like and mushroom-like structures in scanning electron micrographs. The optimal temperature for biofilm formation was 33 °C and these biofilms enhanced the resistance of M. synoviae to all 4 antibiotics we tested and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration for enrofloxacin and biofilm biomass were significantly negatively correlated (r < 0, 0.3 ≤|r|<0.5, P < 0.05). This work is the first study of the biofilm formation ability of M. synoviae and provides the foundation for further investigations.
Topics: Animals; Mycoplasma synoviae; Enrofloxacin; Chickens; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Mycoplasma Infections; Drug Resistance; Poultry Diseases
PubMed: 37267807
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109777 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Nov 2023Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is on the CDC Watch List of Antimicrobial Resistance Threats, yet there is no systematic surveillance to monitor change.
BACKGROUND
Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is on the CDC Watch List of Antimicrobial Resistance Threats, yet there is no systematic surveillance to monitor change.
METHODS
We initiated surveillance in sexual health clinics in 6 cities, selecting a quota sample of urogenital specimens tested for gonorrhea and/or chlamydia. We abstracted patient data from medical records and detected MG and macrolide-resistance mutations (MRMs) by nucleic acid amplification testing. We used Poisson regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs, adjusting for sampling criteria (site, birth sex, symptom status).
RESULTS
From October-December 2020 we tested 1743 urogenital specimens: 57.0% from males, 46.1% from non-Hispanic Black persons, and 43.8% from symptomatic patients. MG prevalence was 16.6% (95% CI: 14.9-18.5%; site-specific range: 9.9-23.5%) and higher in St Louis (aPR: 1.9; 1.27-2.85), Greensboro (aPR: 1.8; 1.18-2.79), and Denver (aPR: 1.7; 1.12-2.44) than Seattle. Prevalence was highest in persons <18 years (30.4%) and declined 3% per each additional year of age (aPR: .97; .955-.982). MG was detected in 26.8%, 21.1%, 11.8%, and 15.4% of urethritis, vaginitis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), respectively. It was present in 9% of asymptomatic males and 15.4% of asymptomatic females, and associated with male urethritis (aPR: 1.7; 1.22-2.50) and chlamydia (aPR: 1.7; 1.13-2.53). MRM prevalence was 59.1% (95% CI: 53.1-64.8%; site-specific range: 51.3-70.6%). MRMs were associated with vaginitis (aPR: 1.8; 1.14-2.85), cervicitis (aPR: 3.5; 1.69-7.30), and PID cervicitis (aPR: 1.8; 1.09-3.08).
CONCLUSIONS
MG infection is common in persons at high risk of sexually transmitted infections; testing symptomatic patients would facilitate appropriate therapy. Macrolide resistance is high and azithromycin should not be used without resistance testing.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Urethritis; Mycoplasma genitalium; Uterine Cervicitis; Sexual Health; Macrolides; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease; Vaginitis; Mycoplasma Infections; Prevalence
PubMed: 37402645
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad405 -
Archives of Microbiology Jul 2023Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is primarily recognized as a respiratory pathogen that causes community-acquired pneumonia, which can lead to acute upper and lower airway... (Review)
Review
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is primarily recognized as a respiratory pathogen that causes community-acquired pneumonia, which can lead to acute upper and lower airway inflammation and extrapulmonary syndrome. Refractory pneumonia caused by MP can cause severe complications and even be life-threatening, particularly in infants and the elderly. It is well-known that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) represented by miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs have been manifested to be widely involved in the regulation of gene expression. Growing evidence indicates that these ncRNAs have distinct differentiated expression in MP infection and affect multiple biological processes, playing an indispensable role in the initiation and promotion of MP infection. However, the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the development of MP infection remain unclear. This article reviews the mechanisms by which miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs mediate MP infection, such as inflammatory responses, apoptosis and pulmonary fibrosis. Focusing on miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs associated with MP infection could provide new insights into this disease's early diagnosis and therapeutic approaches.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Aged; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; MicroRNAs; RNA, Circular; RNA, Long Noncoding; Mycoplasma pneumoniae
PubMed: 37477725
DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03636-3 -
Nature Reviews. Microbiology Jul 2024Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been part of human life since ancient times, and their symptoms affect quality of life, and sequelae are common.... (Review)
Review
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been part of human life since ancient times, and their symptoms affect quality of life, and sequelae are common. Socioeconomic and behavioural trends affect the prevalence of STIs, but the discovery of antimicrobials gave hope for treatment, control of the spread of infection and lower rates of sequelae. This has to some extent been achieved, but increasing antimicrobial resistance and increasing transmission in high-risk sexual networks threaten this progress. For Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the only remaining first-line treatment (with ceftriaxone) is at risk of becoming ineffective, and for Mycoplasma genitalium, for which fewer alternative antimicrobial classes are available, incurable infections have already been reported. For Chlamydia trachomatis, in vitro resistance to first-line tetracyclines and macrolides has never been confirmed despite decades of treatment of this highly prevalent STI. Similarly, Treponema pallidum, the cause of syphilis, has remained susceptible to first-line penicillin.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Chlamydia trachomatis; Mycoplasma genitalium; Sexually Transmitted Diseases
PubMed: 38509173
DOI: 10.1038/s41579-024-01023-3 -
Emerging Microbes & Infections Dec 2024After the use of facemasks, other isolation measures enacted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were lifted, respiratory pathogens, such as RSV, reappeared, but until the...
After the use of facemasks, other isolation measures enacted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were lifted, respiratory pathogens, such as RSV, reappeared, but until the November 2023 WHO alert for China, had virtually disappeared. After observing a similar reappearance in our hospital, a retrospective analysis of the number of positive tests. Between 2018 and December 2023, 1619 PCR tests were ordered and 43 (2.6%) of them were positive. Two outbreaks, one in 2018 and one in 2023, accounted for the majority of cases. Tests were usually ordered in an outpatient setting (53.54%, = 23) and most of them were paediatric patients with a mean age (sd) of 10.2 (6.2) years. As for the severity of the cases, in the 2018 outbreak, of 15 children who tested positive, 53.3% ( = 8) were admitted to the ward and 6.7% ( = 1) at the intensive care unit. Whereas in 2023, 2 patients were tested in the ward (10.5%) and one in the intensive care unit (5.2%) from a total of 19 patients. The positive rate in 2023 was significantly higher in comparison with years 2020, 2021 and 2022 and significantly lower in comparison with 2018 (-value=0.003). The outbreak in late 2023 can be explained by the seasonality of Mycoplasma pneumonia alone, which has shown outbreaks every 3-5 years, and it does not appear to be more severe than the previous one.
Topics: Humans; Child; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Spain; Retrospective Studies; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; China
PubMed: 38497329
DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2332680 -
Microbiology and Immunology Sep 2023This review describes the upstream-directed movement in the small parasitic bacterium Mycoplasma. Many Mycoplasma species exhibit gliding motility, a form of biological... (Review)
Review
This review describes the upstream-directed movement in the small parasitic bacterium Mycoplasma. Many Mycoplasma species exhibit gliding motility, a form of biological motion over surfaces without the aid of general surface appendages such as flagella. The gliding motility is characterized by a constant unidirectional movement without changes in direction or backward motion. Unlike flagellated bacteria, Mycoplasma lacks the general chemotactic signaling system to control their moving direction. Therefore, the physiological role of directionless travel in Mycoplasma gliding remains unclear. Recently, high-precision measurements under an optical microscope have revealed that three species of Mycoplasma exhibited rheotaxis, that is, the direction of gliding motility is lead upstream by the water flow. This intriguing response appears to be optimized for the flow patterns encountered at host surfaces. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the morphology, behavior, and habitat of Mycoplasma gliding, and discusses the possibility that the rheotaxis is ubiquitous among them.
Topics: Mycoplasma; Movement
PubMed: 37430383
DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.13090 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2023(MP) is an important causative agent of morbidity and mortality among all age groups, especially among patients of extreme ages. Improved and readily available tests...
(MP) is an important causative agent of morbidity and mortality among all age groups, especially among patients of extreme ages. Improved and readily available tests for accurate, sensitive and rapid diagnosis of MP infection is sorely needed. Here, we developed a CRISPR-Cas12b-based detection platform on the basis of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) for rapid, simple, and accurate diagnosis of MP infection, named MP-RPA-CRISPR. The RPA was employed for amplifying the community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxin gene of MP strains at the optimal reaction temperature 37°C. The resulting amplicons were decoded by the CRISPR-Cas12b-based detection platform, which was interpreted by real-time PCR system and by naked eye under blue light. The MP-RPA-CRISPR can detected down to 5 fg of genomic DNA templates of MP strains and accurately distinguish MP strains from non-MP strains without any cross-reactivity. A total of 96 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)samples collected from patients suspected of respiratory infection were used to evaluate the clinical performance of the MP-RPA-CRISPR assay. As a result, our assay accurately diagnosed 45 MP-infected samples and 51 non-MP infected sample, and the results obtained from MP-RPA-CRISPR were consistent with microfluidic chip technology. In conclusion, our MP-RPA-CRISPR assay is a simple, rapid, portable and highly sensitive method to diagnose MP infection, which can be used as a promising tool in a variety of settings including clinical, field, and resource-limited aeras.
Topics: Humans; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Recombinases; Nucleotidyltransferases; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 37577370
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1147142 -
Cell Reports Dec 2023The carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are closely related to viral infection and intestinal bacteria. However, little is known about...
The carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are closely related to viral infection and intestinal bacteria. However, little is known about bacteria within the HCC tumor microenvironment. Here, we showed that intratumoral Mycoplasma hyorhinis (M. hyorhinis) promoted the initiation and progression of HCC by enhancing nuclear ploidy. We quantified M. hyorhinis in clinical tissue specimens of HCC and observed that patients with high M. hyorhinis load had poor prognosis. We found that gastrointestinal M. hyorhinis can retrogradely infect the liver through the oral-duodenal-hepatopancreatic ampulla route. We further found that the increases in mononuclear polyploidy and cancer stemness resulted from mitochondrial fission caused by intracellular M. hyorhinis. Mechanistically, M. hyorhinis infection promoted the decay of mitochondrial fusion protein (MFN) 1 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner. Our findings indicated that M. hyorhinis infection promoted pathological polyploidization and suggested that Mycoplasma clearance with antibiotics or regulating mitochondrial dynamics might have the potential for HCC therapy.
Topics: Humans; Mycoplasma; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Mycoplasma hyorhinis; Mycoplasma Infections; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 38088929
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113563