Biology subjects

Cobo, E. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Cobo, E. R..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2019

Prototheca zopfii Genotype II induces mitochondrial apoptosis in models of bovine mastitis

Prototheca zopfii is an alga increasingly isolated from bovine mastitis. Of the two genotypes of P. zopfii (genotype I and II (GT-I and II)), P. zopfii GT-II is the genotype associated with acute mastitis and decreased milk production by unknown mechanisms. The objective was to determine inflammatory and apoptotic roles of P. zopfii GT-II in cultured mammary epithelial cells (from cattle and mice) and murine macrophages and using a murine model of mastitis. Prototheca zopfii GT-II (but not GT-I) invaded bovine and murine mammary epithelial cells (MECs) and induced apoptosis, as determined by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay. This P. zopfii GT-II driven apoptosis corresponded to mitochondrial pathways; mitochondrial transmembrane resistance ({Delta}{Psi}m) was altered and modulation of mitochondrion-mediated apoptosis regulating genes changed (increased transcriptional Bax, cytochrome-c and Apaf-1 and downregulated Bcl-2), whereas caspase-9 and -3 expression increased. Apoptotic effects by P. zopfii GT-II were more pronounced in macrophages compared to MECs. In a murine mammary infection model, P. zopfii GT-II replicated in the mammary gland and caused severe inflammation with infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils and upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-, IL-1{beta} and Cxcl-1) and also apoptosis of epithelial cells. Thus, we concluded P. zopfii GT-II is a mastitis-causing pathogen that triggers severe inflammation and also mitochondrial apoptosis. Author summaryBovine mastitis (inflammation of the udder) reduces milk production and quality, causing huge economic losses in the dairy industry worldwide. Although the alga Prototheca zopfii is a major cause of mastitis in dairy cows, mechanisms by which it damages mammary tissues are not well known. Here, we used cell cultures and a mouse model of mastitis to determine how Prototheca caused inflammation and cell death in mammary tissues. Prototheca invaded mammary gland cells, from cattle and mice, as well as macrophages (white cells that take up and kill pathogens) and caused cell death by interfering with mitochondria. Furthermore, Prototheca causes severe inflammation and tissue damage when injected into the mammary glands of mice. Although there are two genotypes of P. zopfii, only genotype II causes tissue damage, whereas gentotype I, common in farm environments, does not damage mammary tissues. Since P. zopfii is an alga and not a bacterium, antibiotic treatments, frequently used to treat mastitis in cattle, are not effective against this organism. Understanding how P. zopfii damages mammary tissue and causes mastitis is important new knowledge to promote future development of evidence-based approaches to prevent and treat mammary gland infections with this organism.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2018

Cathelicidin senses enteric pathogen Salmonella typhimurium/LPS for colonic chemokine generation: a new innate immune role for a host defense peptide

The mechanisms by which epithelia identify and respond to pathogens are manifold, nuanced and complex. Here, using human-colon derived HT29 epithelial cells, mouse and human primary colonoids, and cathelicidin null (Cramp) mice, we report a novel immunoregulatory role for the antimicrobial peptide, cathelicidin, that was found to recognize and synergise with Salmonella typhimurium or its derived virulence factor lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to promote epithelial synthesis of the chemokine IL-8/KC for neutrophil recruitment/activation during infectious colitis. Mechanistically, cathelicidin facilitated the internalization of LPS via GM1 lipid rafts and subsequent TLR4 activation to promote IL-8 production. Furthermore, IL-8 output required the integrated activity of two signal transduction pathways: NF-{kappa}B and MEK 1/2 kinase signaling was required for IL-8 mRNA synthesis, while Src-EGFR-p38MAPK (NF-{kappa}B independent) activity underlay IL-8 mRNA stabilization. This immunomodulatory function of cathelicidin was key in colon defense, since Cramp-/- mice infected with a natural murine Gram negative intestinal pathogen, Citrobacter rodentium, displayed diminished KC secretion, impaired mobilization and reduced clearance of the bacteria. Occurring at concentrations lower than those necessary for anti-microbial activity, cathelicidins capacity to sense pathogens/LPS and enhance neutrophil recruitment reveals a novel function for this peptide in directing innate immunity which may be of pivotal importance in the control of infections colitis.\n\nAuthor summaryThe gut lining has a well regulated immune system that tolerates resident bacteria and does not respond to them. However, when pathogenic bacteria enter, there needs to be a protective response. How the gut lining switches from passive to protective is of interest. In our study, we determined host defense cathelicidin peptide (either naturally occurring or administered) \"instructs\" the colon lining to produce a compound (IL-8) that attracts white blood cells in response to a pathogen (Salmonella typhimurium) or lipopolysaccharide, a component of this pathogens cell wall. We discovered a novel mechanism by which cathelicidin facilitates uptake of lipopolysaccharide by the lining of the colon and how it activates receptors to increase synthesis and release of IL-8. In addition, we also detected a synergistic action between cathelicidin and intestinal pathogens in laboratory cultures of colon tissues from mice and humans, as well as in a mouse model of colitis with another pathogenic bacterium. Cathelicidin induced production of IL-8 which attracted and stimulated more white blood cells. Therefore, in addition to potential direct actions to supress harmful bacteria, cathelicidin also acts as a biological sensor in the gut lining, recognizing pathogens or factors they produce and increasing white cell responses.

immunology↗