Developing a Coccidioides posadasii and SARS-CoV-2 Co-infection Model in the K18-hACE2 Transgenic Mouse.

BACKGROUND: Early reports showed that patients with COVID-19 had recrudescence of previously resolved coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever, VF), and there were indications that coinfection had more severe outcomes. We therefore investigated serial infection of Coccidioides posadasii and SARS-CoV-2 in a K18-hACE2 mouse model to assess disease outcomes. METHODS: In our model, we challenged K18-hACE2 mice sequentially with a sub-lethal dose of SARS-CoV-2 and 24 hours later with low virulence strain of Coccidioides posadasii, and vice versa, compared to mice that only received a single infection challenge. We performed survival and pathogenesis mouse studies as well as looked at the systemic immune response differences between treatment groups. RESULTS: Here we show that co-infected groups have a more severe disease progression as well as a decrease in survival. Importantly, results differ depending on the SARS-CoV-2 variant (WA-1, Delta, or Omicron) and infection timing (SARS-CoV-2 first, C. posadasii second or vice versa). We find that groups that are infected with the virus first had a decrease in survival, increased morbidity and weight loss, increased fungal and viral burdens, differences in immune responses, and the amount and size of fungal spherules. We also find that groups coinfected with C. posadasii first have a decrease fungal burden and inflammatory responses. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first in vivo model investigation of a coinfection of SARS-CoV-2 and Coccidioides. Because of the potential for increased severity of disease in a coinfection, we suggest populations that live in areas of high coccidioidomycosis endemicity may experience higher incidence of complicated disease progression with COVID-19.

The Covid-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to healthcare systems. One of these was the increase in secondary infections, where a patient had both SARS-Cov2 and another infectious disease. Fungal infections co-occurring with or after a Covid-19 infection are of interest due to treatment challenges and more severe illness in patients. Valley fever is a fungal infection prevalent in the southwestern United States and arid regions of Central and South America. Reports from these regions showed an increase in Valley fever cases coinciding with the rise of Covid-19. We therefore investigated how these two pathogens interacted with each other and the host in laboratory-controlled mouse experiments. We observed increased mortality when mice were exposed to the virus first followed by a fungal infection. Although more investigations are needed, our results should be taken into consideration in a clinical setting.

Whole-genome sequencing of Helicobacter pylori isolates from Native American gastric biopsy specimens.

Helicobacter pylori infection has been linked to gastrointestinal diseases including gastric cancer. High rates of H. pylori infection and gastric cancer have been reported in indigenous populations within the United States. We report whole-genome sequencing of three H. pylori isolates originating from Native American patients presenting with gastric disease.

Factor Xa cleaves SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to block viral entry and infection.

Serine proteases (SP), including furin, trypsin, and TMPRSS2 cleave the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, enabling the virus to enter cells. Here, we show that factor (F) Xa, an SP involved in blood coagulation, is upregulated in COVID-19 patients. In contrast to other SPs, FXa exerts antiviral activity. Mechanistically, FXa cleaves S protein, preventing its binding to ACE2, and thus blocking viral entry and infection. However, FXa is less effective against variants carrying the D614G mutation common in all pandemic variants. The anticoagulant rivaroxaban, a direct FXa inhibitor, inhibits FXa-mediated S protein cleavage and facilitates viral entry, whereas the indirect FXa inhibitor fondaparinux does not. In the lethal SARS-CoV-2 K18-hACE2 model, FXa prolongs survival yet its combination with rivaroxaban but not fondaparinux abrogates that protection. These results identify both a previously unknown function for FXa and an associated antiviral host defense mechanism against SARS-CoV-2 and suggest caution in considering direct FXa inhibitors for preventing or treating thrombotic complications in COVID-19 patients.

Development and evaluation of a multiplex serodiagnostic bead assay (BurkPx) for accurate melioidosis diagnosis.

Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is a gram-negative soil bacterium well recognized in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. However, wider and expanding global distribution of B. pseudomallei has been elucidated. Early diagnosis is critical for commencing the specific therapy required to optimize outcome. Serological testing using the indirect hemagglutination (IHA) antibody assay has long been used to augment diagnosis of melioidosis and to monitor progress. However, cross reactivity and prior exposure may complicate the diagnosis of current clinical disease (melioidosis). The goal of our study was to develop and initially evaluate a serology assay (BurkPx) that capitalized upon host response to multiple antigens. Antigens were selected from previous studies for expression/purification and conjugation to microspheres for multiantigen analysis. Selected serum samples from non-melioidosis controls and serial samples from culture-confirmed melioidosis patients were used to characterize the diagnostic power of individual and combined antigens at two times post admission. Multiple variable models were developed to evaluate multivariate antigen reactivity, identify important antigens, and determine sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of melioidosis. The final multiplex assay had a diagnostic sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 93%, which was superior to any single antigen in side-by-side comparisons. The sensitivity of the assay started at >85% for the initial serum sample after admission and increased to 94% 21 days later. Weighting antigen contribution to each model indicated that certain antigen contributed to diagnosis more than others, which suggests that the number of antigens in the assay can be decreased. In summation, the BurkPx assay can facilitate the diagnosis of melioidosis and potentially improve on currently available serology assays. Further evaluation is now required in both melioidosis-endemic and non-endemic settings.

NHP BurkPx: A multiplex serodiagnostic bead assay to monitor Burkholderia pseudomallei exposures in non-human primates.

BACKGROUND: Melioidosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, infecting humans and non-human primates (NHP) through contaminated soil or water. World-wide there are an estimated 165,000 human melioidosis cases each year, but recordings of NHP cases are sporadic. Clinical detection of melioidosis in humans is primarily by culturing B. pseudomallei, and there are no standardized detection protocols for NHP. NHP are an important animal model for melioidosis research including clinical trials and development of biodefense countermeasures. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: We evaluated the diagnostic potential of the multiple antigen serological assay, BurkPx, in NHP using two sera sets: (i) 115 B. pseudomallei-challenged serum samples from 80 NHP collected each week post-exposure (n = 52) and at euthanasia (n = 47), and (ii) 126 B. pseudomallei-naïve/negative serum samples. We observed early IgM antibody responses to carbohydrate antigens followed by IgG antibody recognition to multiple B. pseudomallei protein antigens during the second week of infection. B. pseudomallei negative serum samples had low to intermediate antibody cross reactivity to the antigens in this assay. Infection time was predicted as the determining factor in the variation of antibody responses, with 77.67% of variation explained by the first component of the principal component analysis. A multiple antigen model generated a binary prediction metric ([Formula: see text]), which when applied to all data resulted in 100% specificity and 63.48% sensitivity. Removal of week 1 B. pseudomallei challenged serum samples increased the sensitivity of the model to 95%. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We employed a previously standardized assay for humans, the BurkPx assay, and assessed its diagnostic potential for detection of B. pseudomallei exposure in NHP. The assay is expected to be useful for surveillance in NHP colonies, in investigations of suspected accidental releases or exposures, and for identifying vaccine correlates of protection.

Stenoparib, an inhibitor of cellular poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), blocks in vitro replication of SARS-CoV-2 variants.

We recently published a preliminary assessment of the activity of a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, stenoparib, also known as 2X-121, which inhibits viral replication by affecting pathways of the host. Here we show that stenoparib effectively inhibits a SARS-CoV-2 wild type (BavPat1/2020) strain and four additional variant strains; alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), delta (B.1.617.2) and gamma (P.1) in vitro, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) estimates of 4.1 µM, 8.5 µM, 24.1 µM, 8.2 µM and 13.6 µM, respectively. A separate experiment focusing on a combination of 10 µM stenoparib and 0.5 µM remdesivir, an antiviral drug, resulted in over 80% inhibition of the alpha variant, which is substantially greater than the effect achieved with either drug alone, suggesting at least additive effects from combining the different mechanisms of activity of stenoparib and remdesivir.

COVID-19 vaccination elicits an evolving, cross-reactive antibody response to epitopes conserved with endemic coronavirus spike proteins.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the first widespread vaccination campaign against a coronavirus. Many vaccinated subjects are previously naive to SARS-CoV-2; however, almost all have previously encountered other coronaviruses (CoVs), and the role of this immunity in shaping the vaccine response remains uncharacterized. Here, we use longitudinal samples and highly multiplexed serology to identify mRNA-1273 vaccine-induced antibody responses against a range of CoV Spike epitopes, in both phylogenetically conserved and non-conserved regions. Whereas reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 epitopes shows a delayed but progressive increase following vaccination, we observe distinct kinetics for the endemic CoV homologs at conserved sites in Spike S2: these become detectable sooner and decay at later time points. Using homolog-specific antibody depletion and alanine-substitution experiments, we show that these distinct trajectories reflect an evolving cross-reactive response that can distinguish rare, polymorphic residues within these epitopes. Our results reveal mechanisms for the formation of antibodies with broad reactivity against CoVs.

Off-the-shelf CAR natural killer cells secreting IL-15 target spike in treating COVID-19.

Engineered natural killer (NK) cells represent a promising option for immune therapy option due to their immediate availability in allogeneic settings. Severe acute diseases, such as COVID-19, require targeted and immediate intervention. Here we show engineering of NK cells to express (1) soluble interleukin-15 (sIL15) for enhancing their survival and (2) a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) consisting of an extracellular domain of ACE2, targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. These CAR NK cells (mACE2-CAR_sIL15 NK cells) bind to VSV-SARS-CoV-2 chimeric viral particles as well as the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit S1 leading to enhanced NK cell production of TNF-α and IFN-γ and increased in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity against cells expressing the spike protein. Administration of mACE2-CAR_sIL15 NK cells maintains body weight, reduces viral load, and prolongs survival of transgenic mice expressing human ACE2 upon infection with live SARS-CoV-2. These experiments, and the capacity of mACE2-CAR_sIL15 NK cells to retain their activity following cryopreservation, demonstrate their potential as an allogeneic off-the-shelf therapy for COVID-19 patients who are faced with limited treatment options.

COVID-19 vaccination recruits and matures cross-reactive antibodies to conserved epitopes in endemic coronavirus Spike proteins.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered the first widespread vaccination campaign against a coronavirus. Most vaccinated subjects are naïve to SARS-CoV-2, however almost all have previously encountered other coronaviruses (CoVs) and the role of this immunity in shaping the vaccine response remains uncharacterized. Here we use longitudinal samples and highly-multiplexed serology to identify mRNA-1273 vaccine-induced antibody responses against a range of CoV Spike epitopes and in both phylogenetically conserved and non-conserved regions. Whereas reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 epitopes showed a delayed but progressive increase following vaccination, we observed distinct kinetics for the endemic CoV homologs at two conserved sites in Spike S2: these became detectable sooner, and decayed at later timepoints. Using homolog-specific depletion and alanine-substitution experiments, we show that these distinctly-evolving specificities result from cross-reactive antibodies as they mature against rare, polymorphic residues within these epitopes. Our results reveal mechanisms for the formation of antibodies with broad reactivity against CoVs.

Expanding the Burkholderia pseudomallei Complex with the Addition of Two Novel Species: Burkholderia mayonis sp. nov. and Burkholderia savannae sp. nov.

Distinct Burkholderia strains were isolated from soil samples collected in tropical northern Australia (Northern Territory and the Torres Strait Islands, Queensland). Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and whole genome sequences revealed these strains were distinct from previously described Burkholderia species and assigned them to two novel clades within the B. pseudomallei complex (Bpc). Because average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization calculations are consistent with these clades representing distinct species, we propose the names Burkholderia mayonis sp. nov. and Burkholderia savannae sp. nov. Strains assigned to B. mayonis sp. nov. include type strain BDU6T (=TSD-80; LMG 29941; ASM152374v2) and BDU8. Strains assigned to B. savannae sp. nov. include type strain MSMB266T (=TSD-82; LMG 29940; ASM152444v2), MSMB852, BDU18, and BDU19. Comparative genomics revealed unique coding regions for both putative species, including clusters of orthologous genes associated with phage. Type strains of both B. mayonis sp. nov. and B. savannae sp. nov. yielded biochemical profiles distinct from each other and from other species in the Bpc, and profiles also varied among strains within B. mayonis sp. nov. and B. savannae sp. nov. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MLST) analysis revealed a B. savannae sp. nov. cluster separate from other species, whereas B. mayonis sp. nov. strains did not form a distinct cluster. Neither B. mayonis sp. nov. nor B. savannae sp. nov. caused mortality in mice when delivered via the subcutaneous route. The addition of B. mayonis sp. nov. and B. savannae sp. nov. results in a total of eight species currently within the Bpc. IMPORTANCEBurkholderia species can be important sources of novel natural products, and new species are of interest to diverse scientific disciplines. Although many Burkholderia species are saprophytic, Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of the disease melioidosis. Understanding the genomics and virulence of the closest relatives to B. pseudomallei, i.e., the other species within the B. pseudomallei complex (Bpc), is important for identifying robust diagnostic targets specific to B. pseudomallei and for understanding the evolution of virulence in B. pseudomallei. Two proposed novel species, B. mayonis sp. nov. and B. savannae sp. nov., were isolated from soil samples collected from multiple locations in northern Australia. The two proposed species belong to the Bpc but are phylogenetically distinct from all other members of this complex. The addition of B. mayonis sp. nov. and B. savannae sp. nov. results in a total of eight species within this significant complex of bacteria that are available for future studies.

FXa cleaves the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and blocks cell entry to protect against infection with inferior effects in B.1.1.7 variant.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Human natural defense mechanisms against SARS-CoV-2 are largely unknown. Serine proteases (SPs) including furin and TMPRSS2 cleave SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, facilitating viral entry. Here, we show that FXa, a SP for blood coagulation, is upregulated in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 donors and exerts anti-viral activity. Mechanistically, FXa cleaves the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which prevents its binding to ACE2, and thus blocks viral entry. Furthermore, the variant B.1.1.7 with several mutations is dramatically resistant to the anti-viral effect of FXa compared to wild-type SARA-CoV-2 in vivo and in vitro. The anti-coagulant rivaroxaban directly inhibits FXa and facilitates viral entry, whereas the indirect inhibitor fondaparinux does not. In a lethal humanized hACE2 mouse model of SARS-CoV-2, FXa prolonged survival while combination with rivaroxaban but not fondaparinux abrogated this protection. These preclinical results identify a previously unknown SP function and associated anti-viral host defense mechanism and suggest caution in considering direct inhibitors for prevention or treatment of thrombotic complications in COVID-19 patients.

Dual roles of a novel oncolytic viral vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine: preventing COVID-19 and treating tumor progression.

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Cancer patients are usually immunocompromised and thus are particularly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection resulting in COVID-19. Although many vaccines against COVID-19 are being preclinically or clinically tested or approved, none have yet been specifically developed for cancer patients or reported as having potential dual functions to prevent COVID-19 and treat cancer. Here, we confirmed that COVID-19 patients with cancer have low levels of antibodies against the spike (S) protein, a viral surface protein mediating the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells, compared with COVID-19 patients without cancer. We developed an oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 vector-based vaccine named oncolytic virus (OV)-spike. OV-spike induced abundant anti-S protein neutralization antibodies in both tumor-free and tumor-bearing mice, which inhibit infection of VSV-SARS-CoV-2 and wild-type (WT) live SARS-CoV-2 as well as the B.1.1.7 variant in vitro. In the tumor-bearing mice, OV-spike also inhibited tumor growth, leading to better survival in multiple preclinical tumor models than the untreated control. Furthermore, OV-spike induced anti-tumor immune response and SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell response without causing serious adverse events. Thus, OV-spike is a promising vaccine candidate for both preventing COVID-19 and enhancing the anti-tumor response. ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: A herpes oncolytic viral vector-based vaccine is a promising vaccine with dual roles in preventing COVID-19 and treating tumor progression.

Stenoparib, an Inhibitor of Cellular Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase, Blocks Replication of the SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-NL63 Human Coronaviruses In Vitro.

By late 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), had caused tens of millions of infections and over 1 million deaths worldwide. A protective vaccine and more effective therapeutics are urgently needed. We evaluated a new poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, stenoparib, that recently advanced to phase II clinical trials for treatment of ovarian cancer, for activity against human respiratory coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, in vitro Stenoparib exhibits dose-dependent suppression of SARS-CoV-2 multiplication and spread in Vero E6 monkey kidney and Calu-3 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Stenoparib was also strongly inhibitory to the human seasonal respiratory coronavirus HCoV-NL63. Compared to remdesivir, which inhibits viral replication downstream of cell entry, stenoparib impedes entry and postentry processes, as determined by time-of-addition (TOA) experiments. Moreover, a 10 µM dosage of stenoparib-below the approximated 25.5 µM half-maximally effective concentration (EC50)-combined with 0.5 µM remdesivir suppressed coronavirus growth by more than 90%, indicating a potentially synergistic effect for this drug combination. Stenoparib as a stand-alone or as part of combinatorial therapy with remdesivir should be a valuable addition to the arsenal against COVID-19.IMPORTANCE New therapeutics are urgently needed in the fight against COVID-19. Repurposing drugs that are either already approved for human use or are in advanced stages of the approval process can facilitate more rapid advances toward this goal. The PARP inhibitor stenoparib may be such a drug, as it is currently in phase II clinical trials for the treatment of ovarian cancer and its safety and dosage in humans have already been established. Our results indicate that stenoparib possesses strong antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in vitro. This activity appears to be based on multiple modes of action, where both pre-entry and postentry viral replication processes are impeded. This may provide a therapeutic advantage over many current options that have a narrower target range. Moreover, our results suggest that stenoparib and remdesivir in combination may be especially potent against coronavirus infection.

Burkholderia pseudomallei OMVs derived from infection mimicking conditions elicit similar protection to a live-attenuated vaccine.

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacillus that causes the disease melioidosis. B. pseudomallei expresses a number of proteins that contribute to its intracellular survival in the mammalian host. We previously demonstrated that immunization with OMVs derived from B. pseudomallei grown in nutrient-rich media protects mice against lethal disease. Here, we evaluated if OMVs derived from B. pseudomallei grown under macrophage-mimicking growth conditions could be enriched with intracellular-stage proteins in order to improve the vaccine. We show that OMVs produced in this manner (M9 OMVs) contain proteins associated with intracellular survival yet are non-toxic to living cells. Immunization of mice provides significant protection against pulmonary infection similar to that achieved with a live attenuated vaccine and is associated with increased IgG, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells. OMVs possess inherent adjuvanticity and drive DC activation and maturation. These results indicate that M9 OMVs constitute a new promising vaccine against melioidosis.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its S and N proteins using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical need for accurate and rapid testing for virus detection. This need has generated a high number of new testing methods aimed at replacing RT-PCR, which is the golden standard for testing. Most of the testing techniques are based on biochemistry methods and require chemicals that are often expensive and the supply might become scarce in a large crisis. In the present paper we suggest the use of methods based on physics that leverage novel nanomaterials. We demonstrate that using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) of virion particles a very distinct spectroscopic signature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be obtained. We demonstrate that the spectra are mainly composed by signals from the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. It is believed that a clinical test using SERS can be developed. The test will be fast, inexpensive, and reliable. It is also clear that SERS can be used for analysis of structural changes on the S and N proteins. This will be an example of application of nanotechnology and properties of nanoparticles for health and social related matters.

Pathogen to commensal? Longitudinal within-host population dynamics, evolution, and adaptation during a chronic >16-year Burkholderia pseudomallei infection.

Although acute melioidosis is the most common outcome of Burkholderia pseudomallei infection, we have documented a case, P314, where disease severity lessened with time, and the pathogen evolved towards a commensal relationship with the host. In the current study, we used whole-genome sequencing to monitor this long-term symbiotic relationship to better understand B. pseudomallei persistence in P314's sputum despite intensive initial therapeutic regimens. We collected and sequenced 118 B. pseudomallei isolates from P314's airways over a >16-year period, and also sampled the patient's home environment, recovering six closely related B. pseudomallei isolates from the household water system. Using comparative genomics, we identified 126 SNPs in the core genome of the 124 isolates or 162 SNPs/indels when the accessory genome was included. The core SNPs were used to construct a phylogenetic tree, which demonstrated a close relationship between environmental and clinical isolates and detailed within-host evolutionary patterns. The phylogeny had little homoplasy, consistent with a strictly clonal mode of genetic inheritance. Repeated sampling revealed evidence of genetic diversification, but frequent extinctions left only one successful lineage through the first four years and two lineages after that. Overall, the evolution of this population is nonadaptive and best explained by genetic drift. However, some genetic and phenotypic changes are consistent with in situ adaptation. Using a mouse model, P314 isolates caused greatly reduced morbidity and mortality compared to the environmental isolates. Additionally, potentially adaptive phenotypes emerged and included differences in the O-antigen, capsular polysaccharide, motility, and colony morphology. The >13-year co-existence of two long-lived lineages presents interesting hypotheses that can be tested in future studies to provide additional insights into selective pressures, niche differentiation, and microbial adaptation. This unusual melioidosis case presents a rare example of the evolutionary progression towards commensalism by a highly virulent pathogen within a single human host.

Persistence of Burkholderia thailandensis E264 in lung tissue after a single binge alcohol episode.

BACKGROUND: Binge drinking, an increasingly common form of alcohol use disorder, is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality; yet, its effects on the immune system's ability to defend against infectious agents are poorly understood. Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis can occur in healthy humans, yet binge alcohol intoxication is increasingly being recognized as a major risk factor. Although our previous studies demonstrated that binge alcohol exposure increased B. pseudomallei near-neighbor virulence in vivo and increased paracellular diffusion and intracellular invasion, no experimental studies have examined the extent to which bacterial and alcohol dosage play a role in disease progression. In addition, the temporal effects of a single binge alcohol dose prior to infection has not been examined in vivo. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study, we used B. thailandensis E264 a close genetic relative of B. pseudomallei, as useful BSL-2 model system. Eight-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were utilized in three distinct animal models to address the effects of 1) bacterial dosage, 2) alcohol dosage, and 3) the temporal effects, of a single binge alcohol episode. Alcohol was administered comparable to human binge drinking (≤ 4.4 g/kg) or PBS intraperitoneally before a non-lethal intranasal infection. Bacterial colonization of lung and spleen was increased in mice administered alcohol even after bacterial dose was decreased 10-fold. Lung and not spleen tissue were colonized even after alcohol dosage was decreased 20 times below the U.S legal limit. Temporally, a single binge alcohol episode affected lung bacterial colonization for more than 24 h after alcohol was no longer detected in the blood. Pulmonary and splenic cytokine expression (TNF-α, GM-CSF) remained suppressed, while IL-12/p40 increased in mice administered alcohol 6 or 24 h prior to infection. Increased lung and not intestinal bacterial invasion was observed in human and murine non-phagocytic epithelial cells exposed to 0.2% v/v alcohol in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the effects of a single binge alcohol episode are tissue specific. A single binge alcohol intoxication event increases bacterial colonization in mouse lung tissue even after very low BACs and decreases the dose required to colonize the lungs with less virulent B. thailandensis. Additionally, the temporal effects of binge alcohol alters lung and spleen cytokine expression for at least 24 h after alcohol is detected in the blood. Delayed recovery in lung and not spleen tissue may provide a means for B. pseudomallei and near-neighbors to successfully colonize lung tissue through increased intracellular invasion of non-phagocytic cells in patients with hazardous alcohol intake.

Domestic canines do not display evidence of gut microbial dysbiosis in the presence of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile, despite cellular susceptibility to its toxins.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an emerging public health threat and C. difficile is the most common cause of antimicrobial-associated diarrhea worldwide and the leading cause of hospital-associated infections in the US, yet the burden of community-acquired infections (CAI) is poorly understood. Characterizing C. difficile isolated from canines is important for understanding the role that canines may play in CAI. In addition, several studies have suggested that canines carry toxigenic C. difficile asymptomatically, which may imply that there are mechanisms responsible for resistance to CDI in canines that could be exploited to help combat human CDI. To assess the virulence potential of canine-derived C. difficile, we tested whether toxins TcdA and TcdB (hereafter toxins) derived from a canine isolate were capable of causing tight junction disruptions to colonic epithelial cells. Additionally, we addressed whether major differences exist between human and canine cells regarding C. difficile pathogenicity by exposing them to identical toxins. We then examined the canine gut microbiome associated with C. difficile carriage using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and searched for deviations from homeostasis as an indicator of CDI. Finally, we queried 16S rRNA gene sequences for bacterial taxa that may be associated with resistance to CDI in canines. Clostridioides difficile isolated from a canine produced toxins that reduced tight junction integrity in both human and canine cells in vitro. However, canine guts were not dysbiotic in the presence of C. difficile. These findings support asymptomatic carriage in canines and, furthermore, suggest that there are features of the gut microbiome and/or a canine-specific immune response that may protect canines against CDI. We identified two biologically relevant bacteria that may aid in CDI resistance in canines: 1) Clostridium hiranonis, which synthesizes secondary bile acids that have been shown to provide resistance to CDI in mice; and 2) Sphingobacterium faecium, which produces sphingophospholipids that may be associated with regulating homeostasis in the canine gut. Our findings suggest that canines may be cryptic reservoirs for C. difficile and, furthermore, that mechanisms of CDI resistance in the canine gut could provide insights into targeted therapeutics for human CDI.

Caprine humoral response to Burkholderia pseudomallei antigens during acute melioidosis from aerosol exposure.

Burkholderia pseudomallei causes melioidosis, a common source of pneumonia and sepsis in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia that results in high mortality rates. A caprine melioidosis model of aerosol infection that leads to a systemic infection has the potential to characterize the humoral immune response. This could help identify immunogenic proteins for new diagnostics and vaccine candidates. Outbred goats may more accurately mimic human infection, in contrast to the inbred mouse models used to date. B. pseudomallei infection was delivered as an intratracheal aerosol. Antigenic protein profiling was generated from the infecting strain MSHR511. Humoral immune responses were analyzed by ELISA and western blot, and the antigenic proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Throughout the course of the infection the assay results demonstrated a much greater humoral response with IgG antibodies, in both breadth and quantity, compared to IgM antibodies. Pre-infection sera showed multiple immunogenic proteins already reactive for IgG (7-20) and IgM (0-12) in most of the goats despite no previous exposure to B. pseudomallei. After infection, the number of IgG reactive proteins showed a marked increase as the disease progressed. Early stage infection (day 7) showed immune reaction to chaperone proteins (GroEL, EF-Tu, and DnaK). These three proteins were detected in all serum samples after infection, with GroEL immunogenically dominant. Seven common reactive antigens were selected for further analysis using ELISA. The heat shock protein GroEL1 elicited the strongest goat antibody immune response compared to the other six antigens. Most of the six antigens showed the peak IgM reactivity at day 14, whereas the IgG reactivity increased further as the disease progressed. An overall MSHR511 proteomic comparison between the goat model and human sera showed that many immune reactive proteins are common between humans and goats with melioidosis.

A mouse model of binge alcohol consumption and Burkholderia infection.

BACKGROUND: Binge drinking, an increasingly common form of alcohol consumption, is associated with increased mortality and morbidity; yet, its effects on the immune system's ability to defend against infectious agents are poorly understood. Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis can occur in healthy humans, yet binge alcohol use is progressively being recognized as a major risk factor. Although our previous studies demonstrated that binge alcohol exposure results in reduced alveolar macrophage function and increased Burkholderia virulence in vitro, no experimental studies have investigated the outcomes of binge alcohol on Burkholderia spp. infection in vivo. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study, we used the close genetic relatives of B. pseudomallei, B. thailandensis E264 and B. vietnamiensis, as useful BSL-2 model systems. Eight-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were administered alcohol comparable to human binge drinking episodes (4.4 g/kg) or PBS intraperitoneally 30 min before a non-lethal intranasal infection. In an initial B. thailandensis infection (3 x 105), bacteria accumulated in the lungs and disseminated to the spleen in alcohol administered mice only, compared with PBS treated mice at 24 h PI. The greatest bacterial load occurred with B. vietnamiensis (1 x 106) in lungs, spleen, and brain tissue by 72 h PI. Pulmonary cytokine expression (TNF-α, GM-CSF) decreased, while splenic cytokine (IL-10) increased in binge drunk mice. Increased lung and brain permeability was observed as early as 2 h post alcohol administration in vivo. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was significantly decreased, while intracellular invasion of non-phagocytic cells increased with 0.2% v/v alcohol exposure in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that a single binge alcohol dose suppressed innate immune functions and increased the ability of less virulent Burkholderia strains to disseminate through increased barrier permeability and intracellular invasion of non-phagocytic cells.