Cécile Vignal

Function of the drosophila pattern-recognition receptor PGRP-SD in the detection of Gram-positive bacteria

The activation of an immune response requires recognition of microorganisms by host receptors. In drosophila, detection of Gram-positive bacteria is mediated by cooperation between the peptidoglycan-recognition protein-SA (PGRP-SA) and Gram-negative binding protein 1 (GNBP1) proteins. Here we show that some Gram-positive bacterial species activate an immune response in a PGRP-SA- and GNBP1-independent manner, indicating that alternative receptors exist. Consistent with this, we noted that PGRP-SD mutants were susceptible to some Gram-positive bacteria and that a loss-of-function mutation in PGRP-SD severely exacerbated the PGRP-SA and GNBP1 mutant phenotypes. These data indicate that PGRP-SD can function as a receptor for Gram-positive bacteria and shows partial redundancy with the PGRP-SA–GNBP1 complex.

Lipomannans, But Not Lipoarabinomannans, Purified from Mycobacterium chelonae and Mycobacterium kansasii Induce TNF-α and IL-8 Secretion by a CD14-Toll-Like Receptor 2-Dependent Mechanism

Lipoarabinomannans (LAMs) are glycolipids from the mycobacterial cell wall that exhibit various biological activities, including proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. However, little is known about the properties of lipomannans (LMs), considered to be precursors of LAMs. In this study, we provide evidence that LMs purified from Mycobacterium chelonae and a clinical strain of Mycobacterium kansasii stimulated mRNA expression and secretion of TNF-α and IL-8 from human macrophage-like differentiated THP-1 cells. In contrast to LMs, LAMs were not able to induce a significant cytokine-inducing effect. The mechanism of activation by LMs was investigated using various Abs raised against surface receptors for multiple bacterial products. The presence of anti-CD14 or anti-Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) Abs profoundly affected production of TNF-α and IL-8, suggesting that both CD14 and TLR2 participate in the LM-mediated activation process. Furthermore, stimulation of cells was dependent on the presence of the LPS-binding protein, a plasma protein that transfers glycolipids to CD14. Chemical degradation of the arabinan domain of mannose-capped LAM from M. kansasii, which presented no cytokine-eliciting effect, restored the cytokine-inducing activity at a level similar to those of LMs. These results support the hypothesis that the presence of an arabinan in LAMs prevents the interaction of these glycolipids with TLR2/CD14 receptors. In addition, we found that phosphatidylinositol dimannosides isolated from M. kansasii did not induce cytokine secretion. This study suggests that LMs isolated from different mycobacterial species participate in the immunomodulation of the infected host and that the d-mannan core of this glycolipid is essential for this function.

The Drosophila Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein PGRP-LF Blocks PGRP-LC and IMD/JNK Pathway Activation

Eukaryotic peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are related to bacterial amidases. In Drosophila, PGRPs bind peptidoglycan and function as central sensors and regulators of the innate immune response. PGRP-LC/PGRP-LE constitute the receptor complex in the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway, which is an innate immune cascade triggered upon Gram-negative bacterial infection. Here, we present the functional analysis of the nonamidase, membrane-associated PGRP-LF. We show that PGRP-LF acts as a specific negative regulator of the IMD pathway. Reduction of PGRP-LF levels, in the absence of infection, is sufficient to trigger IMD pathway activation. Furthermore, normal development is impaired in the absence of functional PGRP-LF, a phenotype mediated by the JNK pathway. Thus, PGRP-LF prevents constitutive activation of both the JNK and the IMD pathways. We propose a model in which PGRP-LF keeps the Drosophila IMD pathway silent by sequestering circulating peptidoglycan.

Nod-Like Receptors: Cytosolic Watchdogs for Immunity against Pathogens

In mammals, tissue-specific sets of pattern-recognition molecules, including Nod-like receptors (NLR), enable concomitant and sequential detection of microbial-associated molecular patterns from both the extracellular and intracellular microenvironment. Repressing and de-repressing the cytosolic surveillance machinery contributes to vital immune homeostasis and protective responses within specific tissues. Conversely, defective biology of NLR drives the development of recurrent infectious, autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases by failing to mount barrier functions against pathogens, to tolerate commensals, and/or to instruct the adaptive immune response against microbes. Better decoding microbial strategies that are evolved to circumvent NLR sensing will provide clues for the development of rational therapies aimed at curing and/or preventing common and emerging immunopathologies.

AIEC colonization and pathogenicity: Influence of previous antibiotic treatment and preexisting inflammation

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients are abnormally colonized by adherent‐invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC). NOD2 gene mutations impair intracellular bacterial clearance. We evaluated the impact of antibiotic treatment on AIEC colonization in wildtype (WT) and NOD2 knockout mice (NOD2KO) and the consequences on intestinal inflammation. Methods: After 3 days of antibiotic treatment, mice were infected for 2 days with 109 CFU AIEC and sacrificed 1, 5, and 60 days later. In parallel, mice were challenged with AIEC subsequent to a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment and sacrificed 9 days later. Ileum, colon, and mesenteric tissues were sampled for AIEC quantification and evaluation of inflammation. Results: Without antibiotic treatment, AIEC was not able to colonize WT and NOD2KO mice. Compared with nontreated animals, antibiotic treatment led to a significant increase in ileal and colonic colonization of AIEC in WT and/or NOD2KO mice. Persistent AIEC colonization was observed until day 5 only in NOD2KO mice, disappearing at day 60. Mesenteric translocation of AIEC was observed only in NOD2KO mice. No inflammation was observed in WT and NOD2KO mice treated with antibiotics and infected with AIEC. During DSS‐induced colitis, colonization and persistence of AIEC was observed in the colon. Moreover, a dramatic increase in clinical, histological, and molecular parameters of colitis was observed in mice infected with AIEC but not with a commensal E. coli strain. Conclusions: Antibiotic treatment was necessary for AIEC colonization of the gut and mesenteric tissues and persistence of AIEC was dependent on NOD2. AIEC exacerbated a preexisting DSS‐induced colitis in WT mice. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012)

Does oral exposure to cadmium and lead mediate susceptibility to colitis? The dark-and-bright sides of heavy metals in gut ecology

Although the heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are known environmental health concerns, their long-term impacts on gut ecology and susceptibility to gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases have not been extensively investigated. We sought to determine whether subchronic oral exposure to Cd or Pb is a risk factor for the development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mice were exposed to various doses of CdCl2 or PbCl2 in drinking water for 1, 4 or 6 weeks prior to infection with Salmonella, the induction of colitis with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) or trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). In human cell-based models, exposure to Cd and Pb is associated with reduced transepithelial electric resistance and changes in bacteria-induced cytokine responses. Although 1- and 6-week exposures did not have clear effects on the response to Salmonella infectious challenges, 1-week short-term treatments with CdCl2 tended to enhance intestinal inflammation in mice. Unexpectedly, subchronic exposure to Cd and (to a lesser extent) Pb significantly mitigated some of the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis and reduced the severity of TNBS colitis in a dose-dependent manner. The possible adaptive and immunosuppressive mechanisms by which heavy metals might reduce intestinal inflammation are explored and discussed.

Antibiotics induced commensal flora disruption favours escherichia coli AIEC colonization and mesenteric translocation in NOD2 knock-out mice

Methods Disruption of commensal microbiota was induced by a 3 days antibiotic treatment orally administered in WT and NOD2KO mice. At day 3, mice were infected with 10 CFU AIEC once a day for 2 days. Animals were sacrificed at day 1, 5, 30 and 60 after AIEC administration. Ileum, colon and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were sampled for AIEC quantification in ileal and colonic tissues, bacterial translocation in MLN, and evaluation of histological abnormalities and intestinal inflammation.

Gut: An underestimated target organ for Aluminum

Since World War II, several factors such as an impressive industrial growth, an enhanced environmental bioavailability and intensified food consumption have contributed to a significant amplification of human exposure to aluminum. Aluminum is particularly present in food, beverages, some drugs and airbone dust. In our food, aluminum is superimposed via additives and cooking utensils. Therefore, the tolerable intake of aluminum is exceeded for a significant part of the world population, especially in children who are more vulnerable to toxic effects of pollutants than adults. Faced with this oral aluminum influx, intestinal tract is an essential barrier, especially as 38% of ingested aluminum accumulates at the intestinal mucosa. Although still poorly documented to date, the impact of oral exposure to aluminum in conditions relevant to real human exposure appears to be deleterious for gut homeostasis. Aluminum ingestion affects the regulation of the permeability, the microflora and the immune function of intestine. Nowadays, several arguments are consistent with an involvement of aluminum as an environmental risk factor for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Aluminum Ingestion Promotes Colorectal Hypersensitivity in Rodents

Background & Aims Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multifactorial disease arising from a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental influences. To date, environmental triggers are not well known. Aluminum is commonly present in food, notably by its use as food additive. We investigated the effects of aluminum ingestion in rodent models of visceral hypersensitivity, and the mechanisms involved. Methods Visceral hypersensitivity was recorded by colorectal distension in rats administered with oral low doses of aluminum. Inflammation was analyzed in the colon of aluminum-treated rats by quantitative PCR for cytokine expression and by immunohistochemistry for immune cells quantification. Involvement of mast cells in the aluminum-induced hypersensitivity was determined by cromoglycate administration of rats and in mast cell-deficient mice (KitW-sh/W-sh). Proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) activation in response to aluminum was evaluated and its implication in aluminum-induced hypersensitivity was assessed in PAR2 knockout mice. Results Orally administered low-dose aluminum induced visceral hypersensitivity in rats and mice. Visceral pain induced by aluminum persisted over time even after cessation of treatment, reappeared and was amplified when treatment resumed. As observed in humans, female animals were more sensitive than males. Major mediators of nociception were up-regulated in the colon by aluminum. Activation of mast cells and PAR2 were required for aluminum-induced hypersensitivity. Conclusions These findings indicate that oral exposure to aluminum at human dietary level reproduces clinical and molecular features of IBS, highlighting a new pathway of prevention and treatment of visceral pain in some susceptible patients.