Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xinhai Chen, Olaf Schneewind, Dominique Missiakas
Summary: This study demonstrates that modifying the Fc gamma domain of therapeutic antibodies can enhance their half-life and opsonophagocytic killing, leading to improved antibody-based immunotherapy. Additionally, staphylococci are able to reduce antibody half-life by competing for FcRn binding.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Alex Bear, Thomas Locke, Sarah Rowland-Jones, Simone Pecetta, Fabio Bagnoli, Thomas C. Darton
Summary: This article discusses the mechanisms of S. aureus infection and the importance of immune evasion, with a focus on the protein SpA. Understanding the mechanisms of immune evasion is crucial for the development of effective vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Gordon Y. C. Cheung, Justin S. Bae, Michael Otto
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen causing a range of diseases, with treatment complicated by antibiotic resistance and lack of an effective vaccine. Understanding the role of S. aureus virulence factors can help in developing anti-virulence strategies to combat the challenges posed by this pathogen.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hiroto Takeuchi, Chie Nakajima, Satoru Konnai, Naoya Maekawa, Tomohiro Okagawa, Masaru Usui, Yutaka Tamura, Yasuhiko Suzuki, Shiro Murata, Kazuhiko Ohashi
Summary: Coagulase-positive Staphylococci express protein A to avoid immune system. SpsQ from S. pseudintermedius has stronger binding capacity to canine IgG subclasses A, C, and D than SpA, making it a potential affinity chromatography ligand for canine therapeutic antibodies.
Review
Immunology
Maren von Koeckritz-Blickwede, Volker Winstel
Summary: NETosis is a cellular process that promotes the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, pathogens often take advantage of NETs to cause persistent infections. Staphylococcus aureus, a high-priority pathogen, catalyzes and exploits NETs during pathogenesis and recurrent infections. This article focuses on how staphylococci induce NET formation and highlights the molecular and underlying principles of NETosis. It also discusses the inflammatory potential of NET-controlled microenvironments and the adaptation and counteracting strategies evolved by S. aureus to impede NET-mediated killing.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Frederic Peyrusson, Tiep Khac Nguyen, Tome Najdovski, Francoise Van Bambeke
Summary: This study investigates the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the dormancy depth of intracellular S. aureus persisters in host cells. It is found that host ROS can induce variable dormant states in persisters and the level of oxidative stress determines the capacity for resuscitation. The results highlight the importance of understanding the interplay between ROS, ATP depletion, and dormancy state in S. aureus infections.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Sabrina Klein, Benedict Morath, Daniel Weitz, Patrick A. Schweizer, Aline Saehr, Klaus Heeg, Sebastien Boutin, Dennis Nurjadi
Summary: This study investigated the genetic relatedness, virulome, and resistome of fifteen isolates from a persistent Staphylococcus aureus infection using whole-genome sequencing. The analysis revealed clonal heterogeneity in the infection, with variations in virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance. Staphylococcus aureus temperate phages carrying immune evasion genes were found to contribute to infection persistence and immune evasion.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Urszula Wojcik-Bojek, Barbara Rozalska, Beata Sadowska
Summary: The main purpose of this review is to justify the urgent need for implementing specific prophylaxis for invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections. The difficulties in achieving this goal are emphasized due to the virulence factors of S. aureus important for infection and their ability to avoid host defense mechanisms. The global necessity to intensify the use of vaccines against other pathogens and the trends in research on modern technologies for developing new vaccines in the field of molecular microbiology are also highlighted.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Grace R. Pidwill, Josie F. Gibson, Joby Cole, Stephen A. Renshaw, Simon J. Foster
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus, a member of human commensal microflora, can cause serious diseases by circumventing the innate immune system and establishing infections. Professional phagocytes like macrophages and neutrophils play key roles in containing and resolving S. aureus infections, while the bacteria have evolved multiple strategies to survive, manipulate, and escape from macrophages. Understanding the interactions between macrophages and S. aureus may be beneficial for future therapeutic developments.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Brian A. Pettygrove, Rachel M. Kratofil, Maria Alhede, Peter o. Jensen, Michelle Newton, Klaus Qvortrup, Kyler B. Pallister, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Paul Kubes, Jovanka M. Voyich, Philip S. Stewart
Summary: Biofilms formed on implanted medical devices lead to persistent infections, but the mechanisms by which bacteria evade immune clearance in the early stages are not well understood. Research shows that bacterial aggregates on implant surfaces can resist neutrophil killing, allowing them to establish biofilms and acquire tolerance to immune clearance.
Article
Immunology
Abigail M. Forson, Colin W. K. Rosman, Theo G. van Kooten, Henny C. van der Mei, Jelmer Sjollema
Summary: Advancements in contemporary medicine have led to an increasing life expectancy and the broader use of biomaterial implants. However, the risk of biomaterial-associated infections is also increasing. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of these infections and is known for its ability to form biofilms. This study found that by secreting micrococcal nuclease, S. aureus can evade the immune response and form persistent infections. The production of micrococcal nuclease also stimulates biofilm formation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Abigail M. Forson, Colin W. K. Rosman, Theo G. van Kooten, Henny C. van der Mei, Jelmer Sjollema
Summary: Advancements in contemporary medicine have led to an increasing life expectancy and the broadened application of biomaterial implants. However, the risk of infection during implant procedures has led to a rise in biomaterial-associated infections. Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of such infections, and its ability to produce micrococcal nuclease allows it to evade the immune response and form biofilms, leading to persistent infections. This study highlights the importance of targeting micrococcal nuclease production as a novel strategy in preventing biomaterial-associated infections.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Toska Wonfor, Shuxian Li, Rhys W. Dunphy, Alex Macpherson, Jean van den Elsen, Maisem Laabei
Summary: The primary host response to Staphylococcus aureus infection occurs via complement. In this study, a novel antibody-independent C3 probe derived from the staphylococcal Sbi protein was used to measure complement fixation on wild-type cells expressing immune evasion proteins. The data showed that genetically diverse S. aureus strains restrict complement to different degrees, suggesting that complement evasion is a variable virulence trait among S. aureus isolates.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Eshraq Tantawy, Nicoletta Schwermann, Tjorven Ostermeier, Annette Garbe, Heike Baehre, Marius Vital, Volker Winstel
Summary: The study revealed that Adenosine synthase A (AdsA) from Staphylococcus aureus can generate both dAdo and dGuo, two cytotoxic deoxyribonucleosides that increase macrophage cell death. This discovery sheds light on the pathogen's strategy to maximize survival within hosts and may contribute to the development of new therapeutic interventions against multidrug-resistant staphylococci.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Prasad Dasari, Maria Nordengruen, Claudia Vilhena, Leif Steil, Goran Abdurrahman, Kristin Surmann, Vishnu Dhople, Julia Lahrberg, Claus Bachert, Christine Skerka, Uwe Voelker, Barbara M. Broeker, Peter F. Zipfel
Summary: SplB, a protease produced by Staphylococcus aureus, inhibits the host immune response by cleaving specific human complement proteins. It reduces opsonophagocytosis by neutrophils and prevents deposition of C5b-9 on the bacterial surface. SplB is considered a novel staphylococcal complement evasion protein.
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Vilasack Thammavongsa, Hwan Keun Kim, Dominique Missiakas, Olaf Schneewind
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2015)
Article
Microbiology
Mark Anderson, Ryan Jay Ohr, Khaled A. Aly, Salvatore Nocadello, Hwan K. Kim, Chloe E. Schneewind, Olaf Schneewind, Dominique Missiakas
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Immunology
Lena Thomer, Carla Emolo, Vilasack Thammavongsa, Hwan Keun Kim, Molly E. McAdow, Wenqi Yu, Matthew Kieffer, Olaf Schneewind, Dominique Missiakas
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2016)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hwan Keun Kim, Fabiana Falugi, Dominique M. Missiakas, Olaf Schneewind
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2016)
Article
Immunology
Wenqi Yu, Hwan Keun Kim, Sabine Rauch, Olaf Schneewind, Dominique Missiakas
MICROBES AND INFECTION
(2017)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patrick Osei-Owusu, Thomas M. Charlton, Hwan Keun Kim, Dominique Missiakas, Olaf Schneewind
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hwan Keun Kim, Ranjan Premaratna, Dominique M. Missiakas, Olaf Schneewind
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xinhai Chen, Miaomiao Shi, Xin Tong, Hwan Keun Kim, Lai-Xi Wang, Olaf Schneewind, Dominique Missiakas
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Miaomiao Shi, Stephanie E. Willing, Hwan Keun Kim, Olaf Schneewind, Dominique Missiakas
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus causes reiterative and chronic infections by utilizing its protein A (SpA) to bind to immunoglobulins, interfering with B cell responses and altering the specific immune responses of the host.
Article
Immunology
Miaomiao Shi, Xinhai Chen, Yan Sun, Hwan Keun Kim, Olaf Schneewind, Dominique Missiakas
Summary: Exposure to Staphylococcus aureus does not lead to immunity due to immune escape mechanisms including factors like Staphylococcal protein A (SpA). Developing a prototype variant SpA eliciting neutralizing antibodies provides protection against infection in animal models. Detoxified SpA variants devoid of crosslinking V(H)3-idiotype immunoglobulin may be suitable for developing clinical-grade vaccines for safety and efficacy testing in humans.
Article
Microbiology
Sook-Young Sohn, Janet Hearing, JoAnn Mugavero, Varvara Kirillov, Elena Gorbunova, Luke Helminiak, Smruti Mishra, Erich Mackow, Patrick Hearing, Nancy C. Reich, Hwan Keun Kim
Summary: IFN-lambda shows potential for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection and reducing pathology in a mouse model. Male mice are more susceptible to severe symptoms and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Review
Immunology
Hwan Keun Kim
Summary: This paper summarizes recent advances in understanding how spotted fever group Rickettsia species coopt and manipulate ticks and mammalian hosts to cause rickettsioses, with a particular emphasis on newly described or emerging species.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Luke Helminiak, Smruti Mishra, Hwan Keun Kim
Summary: Rickettsiae are Gram-negative microbial species that have an obligatory intracellular lifecycle between mammalian hosts and arthropod vectors. Infections caused by arthropod-borne Rickettsia continue to be a significant public health concern due to environmental changes and increased exposure to humans. However, the technical difficulties in studying Rickettsia have hindered our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in rickettsial pathogenesis and disease transmission. Recent advances in genetic tools for Rickettsia have allowed researchers to identify virulence genes, uncover molecular functions, and investigate host responses to rickettsial determinants. Therefore, ongoing efforts to identify virulence genes and their biological functions will enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms associated with arthropod-borne rickettsioses.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ilia Rochlin, Jorge L. Benach, Martha B. Furie, David G. Thanassi, Hwan Keun Kim
Summary: Since its discovery in 2017, the Asian longhorned tick has rapidly invaded and expanded in multiple surveying sites on Long Island, in contrast to previous surveys conducted in 2018. The relative abundance of the Asian longhorned tick is similar to that of the lone star tick on Long Island. Its expansion pattern differs from that of native tick species in the area. The implications of the Asian longhorned tick transmitting tick-borne pathogens remain unknown.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Jonas N. Conde, Santiago Sanchez-Vicente, Nicholas Saladino, Elena E. Gorbunova, William R. Schutt, Megan C. Mladinich, Grace E. Himmler, Jorge Benach, Hwan Keun Kim, Erich R. Mackow
Summary: Powassan viruses (POWVs) are neurovirulent tick-borne flaviviruses emerging in the northeastern United States, with a high prevalence in Long Island (LI) deer ticks. The viruses can quickly enter the central nervous system (CNS) to cause encephalitis, with potentially fatal consequences. Recent studies have shown that POWVs can infect brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs) and pericytes, potentially providing a mechanism for the virus to spread to neuronal compartments.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)