Recombinant expression of Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharides in Escherichia coli.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Kay EJ
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4838161 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) are major determinants of bacterial pathogenicity. CPSs of different serotypes form the main components of the pneumococcal vaccines Pneumovax, Prevnar7, and Prevnar13, which substantially reduced the S. pneumoniae disease burden in developed countries. However, the laborious production processes of traditional polysaccharide-based vaccines have raised the cost of the vaccines and limited their impact in developing countries. The aim of this study is to develop a kind of low-cost live vaccine based on using the recombinant attenuated Salmonella vaccine (RASV) system to protect against pneumococcal infections. We cloned genes for seven different serotypes of CPSs to be expressed by the RASV strain. Oral immunization of mice with the RASV-CPS strains elicited robust Th1 biased adaptive immune responses. All the CPS-specific antisera mediated opsonophagocytic killing of the corresponding serotype of S. pneumoniae in vitro. The RASV-CPS2 and RASV-CPS3 strains provided efficient protection of mice against challenge infections with either S. pneumoniae strain D39 or WU2. Synthesis and delivery of S. pneumoniae CPSs using the RASV strains provide an innovative strategy for low-cost pneumococcal vaccine development, production, and use.
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Project description:In a search for the genetic basis for the structural difference between the related Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular serotypes 15B and 15C and for the reported reversible switching between these serotypes, the corresponding capsular polysaccharide synthesis (cps) loci were investigated by keeping in mind that at the structural level, the capsules differ only in O acetylation. The cps locus of a serotype 15B strain was identified, partially PCR amplified with primers based on the related serotype 14 sequence, and sequenced. Sequence analysis revealed, among other open reading frames, an intact open reading frame (designated cps15bM) whose product, at the protein level, exhibited characteristics of previously identified acetyltransferases. Genetic analysis of the corresponding region in a serotype15C strain indicated that the same gene was present but had a premature stop in translation. Closer analysis indicated that the serotype 15B gene contained a short tandem TA repeat consisting of eight TA units. In serotype 15C, this gene contained nine TA units that resulted in a frameshift and a truncated product. Genetic analysis of 17 serotype 15B and 15C clinical isolates revealed a perfect correlation between the serotype and the length of the short tandem repeat in the putative O-acetyltransferase gene. The number of TA repeating units varied between seven and nine in the various isolates. Together, the data strongly suggest that the structural difference between serotypes 15B and 15C is based on variation in the short tandem TA repeat in the O-acetyltransferase gene and that the transition between serotypes is due to slipped-strand mispairing with deletion or insertion of TA units in the cps15bM gene.
| S-EPMC219561 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Capsular polysaccharides (CPS) are crucial virulence factors of Streptococcus pneumoniae The previously unknown CPS structures of the pneumococcal serogroup 16 (serotypes 16F and 16A) were thoroughly elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and verified by chemical analysis. The following repeat unit structures were determined: 16F, -3)-α-l-Rhap-[4-P-1-Gro]-(1-3)-α-d-Glcp-[(6-P-1)-Gro]-(1-3)-β-l-Rhap-[2-OAc]-(1-4)-β-d-Glcp-(1-; 16A, -3)-β-d-Galf-[2-OAc (70%)]-(1-3)-α-l-Rhap-(1-2)-α-l-Rhap-(1-3)-α-d-Galp-[(6-P-1)-Gro]-(1-3)-β-d-Galp-(1-4)-β-d-Glcp-(1- (OAc, O-acetyl substitution; P-1-Gro, glycerol-1-phosphate substitution) A further analysis of CPS biosynthesis of serotypes 16F and 16A, in conjunction with published cps gene bioinformatics analysis and structures of related serotypes, revealed presumable specific function of glycosyltransferase, acetyltransferase, phosphotransferase, and polymerase. The functions of glycosyltransferases WcxN and WcxT were proposed for the first time, and they were assigned to catalyze linkage of α-l-Rhap-(1-3)-α-d-Glcp and α-l-Rhap-(1-2)-α-l-Rhap, respectively. Furthermore, since serotype 16F was genetically close to serogroup 28, cross-reactions between serogroup 16 and serogroup 28 were studied using diagnostic antisera, which provided further understanding of antigenic properties of CPS and diagnostic antisera. Interestingly, serotype 16F cross-reacted with factor antisera 28b and 11c. Meanwhile, serotype 16A cross-reacted with factor antiserum 11c.IMPORTANCE The vaccine pressure against Streptococcus pneumoniae could result in a change of prevalence in carriage and invasive serotypes. As such, it is necessary to monitor the distribution to achieve successful vaccination of the population, and similarly, it is important to increase the knowledge of even the currently less prevalent serotypes. The CPS are vital for the virulence of the pathogen, and antigenic properties of CPS are based on the structure. Consequently, a better understanding of the structure, biosynthesis, and serology of the capsular polysaccharides can be of great importance toward developing future diagnostic tools and vaccines.
| S-EPMC6755724 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Expression of a capsular polysaccharide is considered a hallmark of most invasive species of bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, in which the capsule is among the principal virulence factors and is the basis for successful vaccines. Consequently, it was previously assumed that capsule production distinguishes S. pneumoniae from closely related commensals of the mitis group streptococci. Based on antigenic and genetic analyses of 187 mitis group streptococci, including 90 recognized serotypes of S. pneumoniae, we demonstrated capsule production by the Wzy/Wzx pathway in 74% of 66 S. mitis strains and in virtually all tested strains of S. oralis (subspecies oralis, dentisani, and tigurinus) and S. infantis Additional analyses of genomes of S. cristatus, S. parasanguinis, S. australis, S. sanguinis, S. gordonii, S. anginosus, S. intermedius, and S. constellatus revealed complete capsular biosynthesis (cps) loci in all strains tested. Truncated cps loci were detected in three strains of S. pseudopneumoniae, in 26% of S. mitis strains, and in a single S. oralis strain. The level of sequence identities of cps locus genes confirmed that the structural polymorphism of capsular polysaccharides in S. pneumoniae evolved by import of cps fragments from commensal Streptococcus species, resulting in a mosaic of genes of different origins. The demonstrated antigenic identity of at least eight of the numerous capsular polysaccharide structures expressed by commensal streptococci with recognized serotypes of S. pneumoniae raises concerns about potential misidentifications in addition to important questions concerning the consequences for vaccination and host-parasite relationships both for the commensals and for the pathogen. Expression of a capsular polysaccharide is among the principal virulence factors of Streptococcus pneumoniae and is the basis for successful vaccines against infections caused by this important pathogen. Contrasting with previous assumptions, this study showed that expression of capsular polysaccharides by the same genetic mechanisms is a general property of closely related species of streptococci that form a significant part of our commensal microbiota. The demonstrated antigenic identity of many capsular polysaccharides expressed by commensal streptococci and S. pneumoniae raises important questions concerning the consequences for vaccination and host-parasite relationships both for the commensals and the pathogen.
| S-EPMC5111408 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Vaccination represents the most effective way to prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases. The glycoconjugate vaccines licensed so far are obtained from capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) of the most virulent serotypes. Protection is largely limited to the specific vaccine serotypes, and the continuous need for broader coverage to control the outbreak of emerging serotypes is pushing the development of new vaccine candidates. Indeed, the development of efficacious vaccine formulation is complicated by the high number of bacterial serotypes with different CPSs. In this context, to simplify vaccine composition, we propose the design of new saccharide fragments containing chemical structures shared by different serotypes as cross-reactive and potentially cross-protective common antigens. In particular, we focused on Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) 19A and 19F. The CPS repeating units of Sp 19F and 19A are very similar and share a common structure, the disaccharide ManNAc-β-(1→4)-Glc (A-B). Herein, we describe the synthesis of a small library of compounds containing different combinations of the common 19F/19A disaccharide. The six new compounds were tested with a glycan array to evaluate their recognition by antibodies in reference group 19 antisera and factor reference antisera (reacting against 19F or 19A). The disaccharide A-B, phosphorylated at the upstream end, emerged as a hit from the glycan array screening because it is strongly recognized by the group 19 antisera and by the 19F and 19A factor antisera, with similar intensity compared with the CPSs used as controls. Our data give a strong indication that the phosphorylated disaccharide A-B can be considered a common epitope among different Sp 19 serotypes.
| S-EPMC8453487 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is designed to exclude potentially harmful molecules. This property presents a challenge for bacteria that must secrete proteins and large glycoconjugates to grow, divide, and persist. Proteins involved in trafficking such molecules have been identified, but their precise roles are often unresolved due to the difficulty in capturing "snapshots" during the export pathway. Wza is the prototype for the large family of OM polysaccharide export proteins. In Escherichia coli, Wza is essential for the assembly of a capsule, a protective surface coat composed of long-chain polysaccharides. Wza creates an octameric α-helical channel spanning the OM, but the bulk of the protein exists as a large periplasmic structure enclosing an extensive lumen. Residues within the lumen of Wza were targeted for site-specific incorporation of the UV photo-cross-linkable unnatural amino acid p-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine. Using this in vivo photo-cross-linking strategy, we were able to trap polysaccharide translocation intermediates within the lumen of Wza, providing the first unequivocal evidence to our knowledge that nascent capsular polysaccharide chains exit the cell through the Wza portal.
| S-EPMC4050593 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is an important pathogen of neonates, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. GBS isolates associated with human infection produce one of nine antigenically distinct capsular polysaccharides which are thought to play a key role in virulence. A comparison of GBS polysaccharide structures of all nine known GBS serotypes together with the predicted amino acid sequences of the proteins that direct their synthesis suggests that the evolution of serotype-specific capsular polysaccharides has proceeded through en bloc replacement of individual glycosyltransferase genes with DNA sequences that encode enzymes with new linkage specificities. We found striking heterogeneity in amino acid sequences of synthetic enzymes with very similar functions, an observation that supports horizontal gene transfer rather than stepwise mutagenesis as a mechanism for capsule variation. Eight of the nine serotypes appear to be closely related both structurally and genetically, whereas serotype VIII is more distantly related. This similarity in polysaccharide structure strongly suggests that the evolutionary pressure toward antigenic variation exerted by acquired immunity is counterbalanced by a survival advantage conferred by conserved structural motifs of the GBS polysaccharides.
| S-EPMC1087335 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Diagnostic primer extension assay to serotype Streptococcus pneumoniae. Assay validation. Background: Monitoring of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype epidemiology is essential since serotype replacement is a concern when introducing new polysaccharide-conjugate vaccines. To simplify S. pneumoniae serotyping, a novel PCR-based automated microarray assay was developed to assist in the tracking of the serotypes. Results: Autolysin (lytA), pneumolysin (ply) and eight genes located in the capsular operon (cps) were amplified using multiplex PCR. This step was followed by a tagged fluorescent primer extension step targeting serotype-specific polymorphisms. The tagged primers were then hybridized to a microarray. Results were exported to an expert system that transforms genetic typing data into capsular serotype identification. The assay was validated on 166 cultured S. pneumoniae samples from 63 different serotypes as determined by the Quellung method. In addition, the assay was tested on clinical specimens including 43 cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with meningitidis and 59 nasopharyngeal aspirates from bacterial pneumonia patients. The assay presented with no cross-reactivity for 24 relevant bacterial species found in these types of samples. The limit of detection for serotyping and S. pneumoniae detection was 100 genome equivalent per reaction. Conclusion: This automated assay is amenable to clinical testing and does not require any culturing of the samples. The assay will be useful for the evaluation of serotype prevalence changes after new conjugate vaccines introduction.
2013-12-31 | GSE45865 | GEO
Project description:Vaccines based on isolated polysaccharides successfully protect humans from bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Because polysaccharide production and isolation can be technically challenging, glycoconjugates containing synthetic antigens are an attractive alternative. Typically, the shortest possible oligosaccharide antigen is preferable as syntheses of longer structures are more difficult and time-consuming. Combining several protective epitopes or polysaccharide repeating units as blocks by bonds other than glycosidic linkages would greatly reduce the synthetic effort if the immunological response to the polysaccharide could be retained. To explore this concept, we bridged the well-understood and immunologically potent RU of S. pneumoniae serotype 14 (ST14) with an aliphatic spacer and conjugated it to the carrier protein CRM197. Mice immunized with the spacer-bridged glycan conjugates produced high levels of specific antibodies after just one or two vaccine doses, while the tetrasaccharide repeating unit alone required three doses. The antibodies recognized specifically ST14 CPS, while no significant antibody levels were raised against the spacer or unrelated CPS. Synthetic vaccines generated antibodies with opsonic activity. Mimicking polysaccharides by coupling repeating unit antigens via an aliphatic spacer may prove useful also for the development of other glycoconjugate vaccine candidates, thereby reducing the synthetic complexity while enhancing a faster immune response.
| S-EPMC7506939 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype epidemiology is essential since serotype replacement is a concern when introducing new polysaccharide-conjugate vaccines. A novel PCR-based automated microarray assay was developed to assist in the tracking of the serotypes. Autolysin, pneumolysin and eight genes located in the capsular operon were amplified using multiplex PCR. This step was followed by a tagged fluorescent primer extension step targeting serotype-specific polymorphisms. The tagged primers were then hybridized to a microarray. Results were exported to an expert system to identify capsular serotypes. The assay was validated on 166 cultured S. pneumoniae samples from 63 different serotypes as determined by the Quellung method. We show that typing only 12 polymorphisms located in the capsular operon allows the identification at the serotype level of 22 serotypes and the assignation of 24 other serotypes to a subgroup of serotypes. Overall, 126 samples (75.9%) were correctly serotyped, 14 were assigned to a member of the same serogroup, 8 rare serotypes were erroneously serotyped, and 18 gave negative serotyping results. Most of the discrepancies involved rare serotypes or serotypes that are difficult to discriminate using a DNA-based approach, for example 6A and 6B. The assay was also tested on clinical specimens including 43 cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with meningitis and 59 nasopharyngeal aspirates from bacterial pneumonia patients. Overall, 89% of specimens positive for pneumolysin were serotyped, demonstrating that this method does not require culture to serotype clinical specimens. The assay showed no cross-reactivity for 24 relevant bacterial species found in these types of samples. The limit of detection for serotyping and S. pneumoniae detection was 100 genome equivalent per reaction. This automated assay is amenable to clinical testing and does not require any culturing of the samples. The assay will be useful for the evaluation of serotype prevalence changes after new conjugate vaccines introduction.
| S-EPMC3782451 | biostudies-literature