Protective Properties of S-layer Protein 2 from Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 against Candida albicans Infections.

Previously, the protective role of the S-layer protein 2 (Slp2) of the vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 (LC2029) strain against foodborne pathogens Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, and Escherichia coli O157:H was demonstrated. We demonstrate the new roles of the Slp2-positive LC2029 strain and soluble Slp2 against C. albicans infections. We show that LC2029 bacteria can adhere to the surface of the cervical epithelial HeLa cells, prevent their contact with C. albicans, and block yeast transition to a pathogenic hyphal form. Surface-bound Slp2 provides the ability for LC2029 to co-aggregate with various C. albicans strains, including clinical isolates. C. albicans-induced necrotizing epithelial damage is reduced by colonization with the Slp2-positive LC2029 strain. Slp2 inhibits the adhesion of various strains of C. albicans to different human epithelial cells, blocks yeast transition to a pathogenic hyphal form, and prevents the colonization and pathogenic infiltration of mucosal barriers. Only Slp2 and LC2029 bacteria stimulate the production of protective human ß-defensin 3 in various epithelial cells. These findings support the anti-Candida albicans potential of the probiotic LC2029 strain and Slp2 and form the basis for further research on their ability to prevent and manage invasive Candida infections.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum Strain 3872: Antibacterial and Immunoregulatory Properties and Synergy with Prebiotics against Socially Significant Antibiotic-Resistant Infections of Animals and Humans.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum strain 3872 (LF3872) was originally isolated from the breast milk of a healthy woman during lactation and the breastfeeding of a child. The high-quality genome sequencing of LF3872 was performed, and a gene encoding a unique bacteriocin was discovered. It was established that the bacteriocin produced by LF3872 (BLF3872) belongs to the family of cell-wall-degrading proteins that cause cell lysis. The antibacterial properties of LF3872 were studied using test cultures of antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Gram-positive pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus strain 8325-4 and S. aureus strain IIE CI-SA 1246) were highly sensitive to the bacteriolytic action of LF3872. Gram-negative pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella strains, and Campylobacter jejuni strains) were more resistant to the bacteriolytic action of LF3872 compared to Gram-positive pathogens. LF3872 is a strong co-aggregator of Gram-negative pathogens. The cell-free culture supernatant of LF3872 (CSLF3872) induced cell damage in the Gram-positive and Gram-negative test cultures and ATP leakage. In the in vitro experiments, it was found that LF3872 and Actigen prebiotic (Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY, USA) exhibited synergistic anti-adhesive activity against Gram-negative pathogens. LF3872 has immunoregulatory properties: it inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-8, IL-1ß, and TNF-α in a monolayer of Caco-2 cells; inhibited the production of IL-12 and stimulated the production of IL-10 in immature human dendritic cells; and stimulated the production of TGF-ß, IFN-γ, and IgA in the immunocompetent cells of intestinal Peyer's patches (PPs) in mice. These results indicate the possibility of creating a synbiotic based on LF3872 and a prebiotic derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall components. Such innovative drugs and biologically active additives are necessary for the implementation of a strategy to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of socially significant animal and human infections.

S-layer protein 2 of vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 enhances growth, differentiation, VEGF production and barrier functions in intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2.

We have previously demonstrated the ability of the human vaginal strain Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 (LC2029) for strong adhesion to cervicovaginal epithelial cells, expression of the surface layer protein 2 (Slp2), and antagonistic activity against urogenital pathogens. Slp2 forms regular two-dimensional structure around the LC2029 cells,which is secreted into the medium and inhibits intestinal pathogen-induced activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in the human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Here, we elucidated the effects of soluble Slp2 on adhesion of proteobacteria pathogens inducing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), such as Escherichia coli ATCC E 2348/69, E. coli ATCC 31705, Salmonella Enteritidis ATCC 13076, Campylobacter jejuni ATCC 29428, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 to Caco-2 cells, as well as on growth promotion, differentiation, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, and intestinal barrier function of Caco-2 cell monolayers. Slp2 acts as anti-adhesion agent for NEC-inducing proteobacteria, promotes growth of immature Caco-2 cells and their differentiation, and enhances expression and functional activity of sucrase, lactase, and alkaline phosphatase. Slp2 stimulates VEGF production, decreases paracellular permeability, and increases transepithelial electrical resistance, strengthening barrier function of Caco-2 cell monolayers. These data support the important role of Slp2 in the early postnatal development of the human small intestine enterocytes.

S-layer protein 2 of Lactobacillus crispatus 2029, its structural and immunomodulatory characteristics and roles in protective potential of the whole bacteria against foodborne pathogens.

We have previously demonstrated that human vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 (LC2029) strain is highly adhesive to cervicovaginal epithelial cells, exhibits antagonistic activity against genitourinary pathogens and expresses surface-layer protein (Slp). The aims of the present study were elucidation of Slp structural and immunomodulatory characteristics and its roles in protective properties of the whole vaginal LC2029 bacteria against foodborne pathogens. Enteric Caco-2 and colon HT-29 cell lines were used as the in vitro models of the human intestinal epithelial layer. LC2029 strain has two homologous surface-layer (S-layer) genes, slp1 and slp2. Whilst we found no evidence for the expression of slp1 under the growth conditions used, a very high level of expression of the slp2 gene was detected. C-terminal part of the amino sequence of Slp2 protein was found to be highly similar to that of the conserved C-terminal region of SlpA protein of L. crispatus Zj001 isolated from pig intestines and CbsA protein of L. crispatus JCM5810 isolated from chicken intestines, and was substantially variable at the N-terminal and middle regions. The amino acid sequence identity between SlpA and CbsA was as high as 84%, whilst the identity levels of these sequences with that of Slp2 were only 49% and 50% (respectively). LC2029 strain was found to be both acid and bile tolerant. Survival in simulated gastric and intestinal juices of LC2029 cells unable to produce Slp2 was reduced by 2-3 logs. Vaginal L. crispatus 1385 (LC1385) strain not expressing Slp was also very sensitive to gastric and intestinal stresses. Slp2 was found to be non-covalently bound to the surface of the bacterium, acting as an adhesin and facilitating interaction of LC2029 lactobacilli with the host immature or fully differentiated Caco-2 cells, as well as HT-29 cells. No toxicity to or damage of Caco-2 or HT-29 epithelial cells were detected after 24 h of colonization by LC2029 lactobacilli. Both Slp2 protein and LC2029 cells induced NF-kB activation in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells, but did not induce expression of innate immunity mediators Il-8, Il-1ß, and TNF-α. Slp2 and LC2029 inhibited Il-8 production in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells induced by MALP-2 and increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokine Il-6. Slp2 inhibited production of CXCL1 and RANTES by Caco-2 cells during differentiation and maturation process within 15 days. Culturing Caco-2 and HT-29 cells in the presence of Slp2 increased adhesion of bifidobacteria BLI-2780 to these enterocytes. Upon binding to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells, Slp2 protein and LC2029 lactobacilli were recognized by toll-like receptors (TLR) 2/6. It was shown that LC2029 strain is a strong co-aggregator of foodborne pathogens Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enteritidis, and Escherichia coli O157:H used in this study. The Slp2 was responsible for the ability of LC2029 to co-aggregate these enteropathogens. Slp2 and intact LC2029 lactobacilli inhibited foodborne pathogen-induced activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 as apoptotic biomarkers in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells. In addition, Slp2 and Slp2-positive LC2029 strain reduced adhesion of tested pathogenic bacteria to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells. Slp2-positive LC2029 strain but not Slp2 alone provided bactericidal effect on foodborne pathogens. These results suggest a range of mechanisms involved in inhibition of growth, viability, and cell-adhesion properties of pathogenic Proteobacteria by the Slp2 producing LC2029, which may be useful in treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns and foodborne infectious diseases in children and adults, increasing the colonization resistance and maintaining the intestinal homeostasis.

Binding of LcrV protein from Yersinia pestis to human T-cells induces apoptosis, which is completely blocked by specific antibodies.

The V antigen (LcrV) of the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis is a potent protective protein that is considered as a vaccine component for humans. LcrV mediates the delivery of Yop toxins into host cells and upregulates TLR2-dependent IL-10 production. Although LcrV can interact with the receptor-bound human interferon-γ (hIFN-γ), the significance of these interactions in plague pathogenesis is not known. In this study, we determined the parameters of specific interactions of LcrV and LcrV68-326 with primary human thymocytes and Jurkat T-leukemia cells in the presence of receptor-bound hIFN-γ. Although the C-terminal region of hIFN-γ contains a GRRA138-141 site needed for high-affinity binding of LcrV and LcrV68-326, in the hIFN-γ homodimer, these GRRA138-141 target sites becomes accessible for targeting by LcrV or LcrV68-326 only after immobilization of the hIFN-γ homodimer on the hIFN-γ receptors of thymocytes or Jurkat T-cells. The interaction of LcrV or LcrV68-326 with receptor-bound hIFN-γ on the thymocytes or Jurkat T-cells caused apoptosis of both cell types, which can be completely blocked by the addition of monoclonal antibodies specific to the LEEL32-35 and DEEI203-206 sites of LcrV. The ability of LcrV to utilize hIFN-γ is insidious and may account in part for the severe symptoms of plague in humans.

Probiotic Properties of Lactobacillus crispatus 2,029: Homeostatic Interaction with Cervicovaginal Epithelial Cells and Antagonistic Activity to Genitourinary Pathogens.

Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 isolated upon investigation of vaginal lactobacilli of healthy women of reproductive age was selected as a probiotic candidate. The aim of the present study was elucidation of the role of L. crispatus 2029 in resistance of the female reproductive tract to genitourinary pathogens using cervicovaginal epithelial model. Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 has surface layers (S-layers), which completely surround cells as the outermost component of their envelope. S-layers are responsible for the adhesion of lactobacilli on the surface of cervicovaginal epithelial cells. Study of interactions between L. crispatus 2029 and a type IV collagen, a major molecular component of epithelial cell extracellular matrix, showed that 125I-labeled type IV collagen binds to lactobacilli with high affinity (Kd = (8.0 ± 0.7) × 10(-10) M). Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 consistently colonized epithelial cells. There were no toxicity, epithelial damage and apoptosis after 24 h of colonization. Electronic microscope images demonstrated intimate association between L. crispatus 2029 and epithelial cells. Upon binding to epithelial cells, lactobacilli were recognized by toll-like 2/6 receptors. Lactobacillus crispatus induced NF-κB activation in epithelial cells and did not induce expression of innate immunity mediators IL-8, IL-1ß, IL-1α and TNF-α. Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 inhibited IL-8 production in epithelial cells induced by MALP-2 and increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, maintaining the homeostasis of female reproductive tract. Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 produced H2O2 and provided wide spectrum of antagonistic activity increasing colonization resistance to urinary tract infections by bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis associated agents.

Properties of the Probiotic Strain Lactobacillus plantarum 8-RA-3 Grown in a Biofilm by Solid Substrate Cultivation Method.

The biofilm formation took place in 48 h within the solid substrate cultivation of Lactobacillus plantarum 8-RA-3 strain on the wheat bran saturated with the MRS medium. The drying of the bran fermented by lactobacilli resulted in a decrease in the number of colony-forming units (CFU) from 23.0 × 10(8) to 6.9 × 10(5) CFU/g in daily samples and to less than 10(4) CFU/g in 2- and 3-day samples. However, according to the fluorescence-based live/dead assay data, more than 40 % of the non-cultured bacteria were viable. As a result of mice kept on a diet with the introduction of bran fermented by Lact. plantarum 8-RA-3 for 72 h into the fodder, a recovery of normal level of intestinal lactobacilli, inhibited by administration of antibiotic was noted. The strain genetically identical to the Lact. plantarum 8-RA-3 was isolated from the feces of these mice. The results indicate that solid substrate cultivated Lact. plantarum 8-RA-3 strain formed a biofilm. Once dried and transferred into a non-cultured state, biofilm cells retained its viability and biological activity.

Attachment of LcrV from Yersinia pestis at dual binding sites to human TLR-2 and human IFN-gamma receptor.

The virulence antigen (V-antigen, LcrV) of Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of bubonic plague, is an established protective antigen known to regulate, target, and mediate type III translocation of cytotoxic yersiniae outer proteins termed Yops; LcrV also prompts TLR2-dependent upregulation of anti-inflammatory IL-10. In this study, we determined the parameters of specific interaction of LcrV with TLR2 expressed on human transfected HEK293 cells (TLR2+/CD14-), VTEC2.HS cells (TLR2+/CD14-), primary monocytes (TLR2+/CD14+), and THP-1 cells (TLR2+/CD14+). The IRRL314-317 motif of the extracellular domain of human and mouse TLR2 accounted for high-affinity binding of LcrV. The CD14 co-receptor did not influence this interaction. LcrV did not bind to human U937 (TLR2-/CD14-) and alveolar macrophages (TLR2-/CD14+) in the absence of receptor-bound human IFN-gamma or a synthetic C-terminal fragment (hIFN-gamma132-143). The latter, but not mouse IFN-gamma (or synthetic control peptides), shared a GRRA138-141 site necessary for high-affinity specific binding. LcrV of Y. pestis shares the N-terminal LEEL32-35 binding site of Yersinia enterocolitica and also has an exposed internal DEEI203-206 binding site. Comparison of binding constants and consideration of steric restrictions indicate that binding is not cooperative and only the internal site binds LcrV to target cells. Both the LEEL32-35 and DEEI203-206 binding sites are removed by five amino acids from DKN residues associated with biological activity of bound LcrV. LcrV of Y. pestis promoted both TLR2/CD14-dependent and TLR2/CD14-independent amplification of IL-10 and concomitant downregulation of TNF-alpha in human target cells. The ability of LcrV to utilize human IFN-gamma (a major inflammatory effector of innate immunity) to minimize inflammation is insidious and may account in part for the severe symptoms of plague in man.

Structural and functional properties of IL-4delta2, an alternative splice variant of human IL-4.

Structural and functional properties of recombinant IL-4delta2, a naturally occurring splice variant of human IL-4 with a deletion of the loop region 22-37, have been analyzed. IL-4delta2 has alpha-helical structure and most likely preserves the "up-up-down-down" topology typical of the four-helix-bundle cytokines. IL-4delta2 interacts specifically with the alpha chain of IL-4R and competes effectively with IL-4 for the common binding sites. Thus, IL-4delta2 may act as a regulator of the cytokine net, being the natural antagonist of IL-4.

Structural and functional properties of Yersinia pestis Caf1 capsular antigen and their possible role in fulminant development of primary pneumonic plague.

Yersinia pestis capsular antigen Caf1 is shown to be a beta-structural protein that in polymeric form possesses very high conformational stability. Different approaches show that a dimer is the minimal cooperative block of Caf1 adhesin. Caf1 dimer interacts effectively with IL-1 receptors of human macrophage and epithelial cells. The specificity of such interaction is confirmed by the inhibition of IL-1alpha binding by Caf1. The Caf1 role in pneumonic plague pathogenesis is discussed.