Biology subjects

Westman, J.

Publications and source records attributed to Westman, J..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

A bare host cell membrane with minimal glycocalyx is an optimal surface for targeting by virulence-primed Salmonella Typhimurium

Gut pathogens such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium target intestinal epithelial cells for adhesion and type-3-secretion-system-dependent invasion, while also invading multiple other cell types as the infection progresses. Mechanistic studies have uncovered virulence factors involved in this process, but host cell determinants affecting Salmonella cell surface targeting remain less deeply explored. Furthermore, cell surface protein expression and glycosylation patterns differ dramatically between epithelial and blood-derived cell types, and even across maturation states of the same cell type. Here, we explored bottom-up reconstruction of the host cell surface, using simplistic suspension-growing K562 cells, to determine the contribution of individual cell surface constituents during Salmonella targeting. Combined with flow cytometry and a stringently tunable gene expression system, this model enabled high-throughput analysis and combined genetic manipulations in both pathogen and host cells. Transcriptomic and proteomic data along with lectin characterization revealed minimal K562 surface glycosylation at baseline. Chemical manipulations substantiated the role of cell membrane cholesterol in promoting Salmonella targeting, whereas ectopic expression of glycoproteins such as transmembrane mucins introduced a size-dependent steric barrier towards invading bacteria. Strikingly, even established glycoprotein receptors for Salmonella adhesins hampered rather than promoted invasion, suggesting that adhesins are required to overcome cellular glycocalyces in vivo, while a bare host cell membrane would be the pathogens preferred interaction surface.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2022

The chemorepellent, SLIT2, bolsters innate immunity against Staphylococcus aureus

Neutrophils are essential for host defense against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The neuro-repellent, SLIT2, potently inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis, and might therefore be expected to impair antibacterial responses. We report here that, unexpectedly, neutrophils exposed to the N-terminal SLIT2 (N-SLIT2) fragment kill extracellular S. aureus more efficiently. N-SLIT2 amplifies reactive oxygen species production in response to the bacteria by activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase that in turn phosphorylates NCF1, an essential subunit of the NADPH oxidase complex. N-SLIT2 also enhances exocytosis of secondary granules. In a murine model of S. aureus skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI), local SLIT2 levels fall initially but increase subsequently, peaking {approx} 3 days after infection. Of note, neutralization of endogenous SLIT2 worsens SSTI. Temporal fluctuations in tissue SLIT2 levels may promote neutrophil recruitment and retention at the infection site and hasten bacterial clearance by augmenting neutrophil oxidative burst and degranulation. Collectively, these actions of SLIT2 coordinate innate immune responses to limit susceptibility to S. aureus. One-sentence summarySLIT2, a prototypic neuro-repellent, spatiotemporally coordinates host defense against Staphylococcus aureus infection.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2022

Lysosomal swelling and lysis mediate delivery of C3 toxins to their cytoplasmic targets

Unlike other cholera-like toxins that contain separate binding/translocation and catalytic subunits, C3-like mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases consist of a single subunit that serves both functions. The manner whereby C3 toxins reach the host cell cytoplasm is poorly understood and was addressed in this study by monitoring the fate of fluorescently-labelled C3larvinA. Following binding to the macrophage membrane in a discontinuous, punctate pattern, the toxin was internalized, traversing the endocytic pathway to reach lysosomes. Strikingly, the lysosomes of C3larvinA-treated cells underwent massive swelling over the course of 1-4 hrs. Lysosomal swelling preceded the extensive rearrangement of the cellular F-actin caused by ADP-ribosylation of cytosolic Rho-GTPases. This suggested that lysosome swelling might be required for escape of the toxin into the cytoplasm where the GTPases reside. Accordingly, preventing swelling by osmotic manipulation or by arresting macropinocytosis precluded the F-actin rearrangement. Toxin-induced swelling was associated with leakage of sulforhodamine B and dextran from the lysosomes, implying membrane rupture or activation of mechano-sensitive pores, enabling the toxin itself to reach the cytosol. Finally, comparison of the cellular traffic and actin remodelling activities of C3larvinA with that of two related toxins, C3larvintrunc and Plx2A, highlighted the importance of the N-terminal 1-helix for lysosomal swelling and successful infection.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2018

Candida albicans hyphal expansion causes phagosomal membrane damage and luminal alkalinization

Macrophages rely on phagosomal acidity to destroy engulfed microorganisms. To survive this hostile response, opportunistic fungi such as Candida albicans developed strategies to evade the acidic environment. C. albicans is polymorphic, able to convert from yeast to hyphae, and this transition is required to subvert the microbicidal activity of the phagosome. However, the phagosomal lumen, which is acidic and nutrient-deprived, inhibits yeast-to-hypha transition. To account for this apparent paradox, it was recently proposed that C. albicans produces ammonia that alkalinizes the phagosome, thus facilitating yeast-to-hypha transformation. We re-examined the mechanism underlying phagosomal alkalinization by applying dual-wavelength ratiometric pH measurements. The phagosomal membrane was found to be highly permeable to ammonia, which is therefore unlikely to account for the pH elevation. Instead, we find that yeast-to-hypha transition begins within acidic phagosomes, and that alkalinization is a consequence of proton leakage induced by excessive membrane distension caused by the expanding hypha.\n\nIMPORTANCEC. albicans is the most common nosocomial fungal infection, and over three million people acquire life-threatening invasive fungal infections every year. Even if antifungal drugs exist, almost half of these patients will die. Despite this, fungi remain underestimated as pathogens. Our study uses quantitative biophysical approaches to demonstrate that the yeast-to-hypha transition occurs within the nutrient deprived, acidic phagosome and that alkalinization is a consequence, as opposed to the cause of hyphal growth.

cell biology↗