| 1. |
- van Os, G M A, et al.
(författare)
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Induction of Auto-Antibodies Against β(2) -Glycoprotein I in Mice by Protein H of Streptococcus Pyogenes.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. - : Elsevier BV. - 1538-7933 .- 1538-7836. ; 9:12, s. 2447-2456
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by the persistent presence of auto-antibodies against β(2) -Glycoprotein I (β(2) -GPI). β(2) -GPI can exist in two conformations. In plasma it is a circular protein, whereas it adopts a fish-hook shape after binding to phospholipids. Only the latter conformation is recognized by patient antibodies. β(2) -GPI has been shown to interact with Streptococcus pyogenes. Objective: Here we evaluated the potential of S. pyogenes derived proteins to induce auto-antibodies against β(2) -GPI. Methods and results: Four S. pyogenes surface proteins (M1 protein, protein H, SclA and SclB) were found to interact with β(2) -GPI. Only binding to protein H induces a conformational change in β(2) -GPI, thereby exposing a cryptic epitope for APS-related auto-antibodies. Mice were injected with the four proteins. Only mice injected with protein H developed antibodies against the patient antibody related epitope in domain I of β(2) -GPI. Patients with pharyngotonsillitis caused by S. pyogenes who developed antibodies towards protein H also generated anti-β(2) -GPI antibodies. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that a bacterial protein can induce a conformational change in β(2) -GPI resulting in the formation of auto-antibodies against β(2) -GPI. This constitutes a novel mechanism for the formation of auto-antibodies against β(2) -GPI.
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| 2. |
- Agar, Cetin, et al.
(författare)
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beta(2)-Glycoprotein I can exist in 2 conformations: implications for our understanding of the antiphospholipid syndrome
- 2010
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Ingår i: Blood. - : American Society of Hematology. - 1528-0020 .- 0006-4971. ; 116:8, s. 1336-1343
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The antiphospholipid syndrome is defined by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in blood of patients with thrombosis or fetal loss. There is ample evidence that beta(2)-glycoprotein I (beta(2)GPI) is the major antigen for antiphospholipid antibodies. The autoantibodies recognize beta(2)GPI when bound to anionic surfaces and not in solution. We showed that beta(2)GPI can exist in at least 2 different conformations: a circular plasma conformation and an "activated" open conformation. We also showed that the closed, circular conformation is maintained by interaction between the first and fifth domain of beta(2)GPI. By changing pH and salt concentration, we were able to convert the conformation of beta(2)GPI from the closed to the open conformation and back. In the activated open conformation, a cryptic epitope in the first domain becomes exposed that enables patient antibodies to bind and form an antibody-beta(2)GPI complex. We also demonstrate that the open conformation of beta(2)GPI prolonged the activated partial thromboplastin time when added to normal plasma, whereas the activated partial thromboplastin time is further prolonged by addition of anti-beta(2)GPI antibodies. The conformational change of beta(2)GPI, and the influence of the autoantibodies may have important consequences for our understanding of the antiphospholipid syndrome. (Blood. 2010; 116(8): 1336-1343)
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| 3. |
- Agar, Cetin, et al.
(författare)
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beta(2)-Glycoprotein I: a novel component of innate immunity
- 2011
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Ingår i: Blood. - : American Society of Hematology. - 1528-0020 .- 0006-4971. ; 117:25, s. 6939-6947
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sepsis is a systemic host response to invasive infection by bacteria. Despite treatment with antibiotics, current mortality rates are in the range of 20%-25%, which makes sepsis the most important cause of death in intensive care. Gram-negative bacteria are a prominent cause of sepsis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), one of the major constituents of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, plays a major role in activating the host's immune response by binding to monocytes and other cells. Several proteins are involved in neutralization and clearance of LPS from the bloodstream. Here, we provide evidence that beta(2)-glycoprotein I (beta(2)GPI) is a scavenger of LPS. In vitro, beta(2)GPI inhibited LPS-induced expression of tissue factor and IL-6 from monocytes and endothelial cells. Binding of beta(2)GPI to LPS caused a conformational change in beta(2)GPI that led to binding of the beta(2)GPI-LPS complex to monocytes and ultimately clearance of this complex. Furthermore, plasma levels of beta(2)GPI were inversely correlated with temperature rise and the response of inflammatory markers after a bolus injection of LPS in healthy individuals. Together, these observations provide evidence that beta(2)GPI is involved in the neutralization and clearance of LPS and identify beta(2)GPI as a component of innate immunity. (Blood. 2011;117(25):6939-6947)
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| 4. |
- Baker, Naomi L., et al.
(författare)
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Molecular consequences of dominant Bethlem myopathy collagen VI mutations
- 2007
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Ingår i: Annals of Neurology. - : Wiley. - 1531-8249 .- 0364-5134. ; 62:4, s. 390-405
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Dominant mutations in the three collagen VI genes cause Bethlem myopathy, a disorder characterized by proximal muscle weakness and commonly contractures of the fingers, wrists, and ankles. Although more than 20 different dominant mutations have been identified in Bethlem myopathy patients, the biosynthetic consequences of only a subset of these have been studied, and in many cases, the pathogenic mechanisms remain unknown. Methods: We have screened fourteen Bethlem myopathy patients for collagen VI mutations and performed detailed analyses of collagen VI biosynthesis and intracellular and extracellular assembly. Results: Collagen VI abnormalities were identified in eight patients. One patient produced around half the normal amount of alpha 1(VI) messenger RNA and reduced amounts of collagen VI protein. Two patients had a previously reported mutation causing skipping of COL6A1 exon 14, and three patients had novel mutations leading to in-frame deletions toward the N-terminal end of the triple-helical domain. These mutations have different and complex effects on collagen VI intracellular and extracellular assembly. Two patients had single amino acid substitutions in the A-domains of COL6A2 and COL6A3. Collagen VI intracellular and extracellular assembly was normal in one of these patients. Interpretation: The key to dissecting the pathogenic mechanisms of collagen VI mutations lies in detailed analysis of collagen VI biosynthesis and assembly. The majority of mutations result in secretion and deposition of structurally abnormal collagen VI. However, one A-domain mutation had no detectable effect on assembly, suggesting that it acts by compromising collagen VI interactions in the extracellular matrix of muscle.
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| 5. |
- Blom, A M, et al.
(författare)
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Structural characterization of inter-alpha-inhibitor. Evidence for an extended shape
- 1999
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Ingår i: Journal of Biological Chemistry. - 1083-351X. ; 274:1, s. 298-304
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Inter-alpha-inhibitor (IalphaI) is a 180-kDa serum protein consisting of three polypeptides. Two of these, the heavy chains 1 and 2 (H1 and H2), are of 75-80 kDa and have similar amino acid sequences. The third polypeptide, bikunin, has a molecular mass of 25 kDa and contains a 7-kDa chondroitin sulfate chain that is covalently linked to the C-terminal amino acid residues of H1 and H2. IalphaI has been shown to be required for the formation of the hyaluronan-containing extracellular matrix of certain cell types. How IalphaI exerts this function is not known, but it appears that upon interaction with cells, the heavy chains are released and become covalently linked to hyaluronan. Our results indicate that IalphaI and its heavy chains are extended molecules; thus, upon electron microscopy, IalphaI appeared to consist of two globular domains connected by a thin structure 31-nm long and the isolated heavy chains of a globular domain and a "tail" about 15-nm long. Analysis of the heavy chains by partial proteolysis showed that the C-terminal halves are particularly sensitive to hydrolysis indicating that they are loosely folded. Furthermore, electron microscopy showed that partially degraded heavy chains lacked the extended regions. Taken together, these results suggest that the N-terminal half of the heavy chains forms a globular domain, whereas the other half has an extended and loosely folded structure.
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| 6. |
- Edström, Anneli M L, et al.
(författare)
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The major bactericidal activity of human seminal plasma is zinc-dependent and derived from fragmentation of the semenogelins.
- 2008
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Ingår i: Journal of immunology. - 1550-6606. ; 181:5, s. 3413-3421
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- One of the major roles of seminal plasma is to provide antimicrobial protection for the spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract. We found that the bactericidal activity of seminal plasma was highest after resolution of the seminal clot and that this antibacterial activity subsequently became greatly diminished. The antibacterial activity was derived from peptides generated by fragmentation of the semenogelins while the semenogelin holoproteins displayed no antibacterial activity. After ejaculation the semenogelin-derived peptides were fragmented to smaller and smaller fragments over time and thereby lost antibacterial activity. This paralleled the loss of antibacterial activity of whole seminal plasma both in vitro and after sexual intercourse. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the semenogelin-derived peptides generated in seminal plasma was strictly zinc-dependent both at neutral and low pH. These data provide novel roles for the resolution of seminal clots and for the high zinc concentration in human seminal plasma.
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| 7. |
- Elezagic, D., et al.
(författare)
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Antimicrobial peptides derived from the cartilage.-specific C-type Lectin Domain Family 3 Member A (CLEC3A) – potential in the prevention and treatment of septic arthritis
- 2019
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Ingår i: Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. - : Elsevier BV. - 1063-4584.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial activity of peptides derived from C-type Lectin Domain Family 3 Member A (CLEC3A), shed light on the mechanism of antimicrobial activity and assess their potential application in prevention and treatment of septic arthritis. Design: We performed immunoblot to detect CLEC3A peptides in human cartilage extracts. To investigate their antimicrobial activity, we designed peptides and recombinantly expressed CLEC3A domains and used them to perform viable count assays using E.coli, P.aeruginosa and S.aureus. We investigated the mechanism of their antimicrobial activity by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy, performed ELISA-style immunoassays and transmission electron microscopy to test for lipopolysaccharide binding and surface plasmon resonance to test for lipoteichoic acid (LTA) binding. We coated CLEC3A peptides on titanium, a commonly used prosthetic material, and performed fluorescence microscopy to quantify bacterial adhesion. Moreover, we assessed the peptides’ cytotoxicity against primary human chondrocytes using MTT cell viability assays. Results: CLEC3A fragments were detected in human cartilage extracts. Moreover, bacterial supernatants lead to fragmentation of recombinant and cartilage-derived CLEC3A. CLEC3A-derived peptides killed E.coli, P.aeruginosa and S.aureus, permeabilized bacterial membranes and bound lipopolysaccharide and LTA. Coating CLEC3A antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on titanium lead to significantly reduced bacterial adhesion to the material. In addition, microbicidal concentrations of CLEC3A peptides in vitro displayed no direct cytotoxicity against primary human chondrocytes. Conclusions: We identify cartilage-specific AMPs originating from CLEC3A, resolve the mechanism of their antimicrobial activity and point to a novel approach in the prevention and treatment of septic arthritis using potent, non-toxic, AMPs.
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| 8. |
- Eriksson, S., et al.
(författare)
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Antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of sodium hypochlorite against Staphylococcus aureus isolates derived from patients with atopic dermatitis
- 2017
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Ingår i: British Journal of Dermatology. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0007-0963. ; 117:2, s. 513-521
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by an increased susceptibility to skin infections. Staphylococcus aureus is reported to dominate in AD lesions and reports have revealed the presence of staphylococcal biofilms. These infections contribute to aggravation of the eczema. Sodium hypochlorite is known to reduce bacterial load of skin lesions, as well as disease severity, in patients with AD, but the effect on biofilms is unknown. Objectives: To investigate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of sodium hypochlorite against S. aureus isolates derived from patients with AD. Methods: Skin biopsies derived from patients with infected AD were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using radial diffusion assays, biofilm assays and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we assessed the effect of sodium hypochlorite on S. aureus isolates derived from lesional skin of patients with AD. Results: SEM revealed clusters of coccoid bacteria embedded in fibrin and extracellular substances at the skin of a patient with infected AD. At concentrations of 0·01-0·08%, sodium hypochlorite showed antibacterial effects against planktonic cells. Eradication of S. aureus biofilms in vitro was observed in concentrations ranging from 0·01% to 0·16%. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed these results. Finally, when human AD skin was subjected to sodium hypochlorite in an ex vivo model, a dose of 0·04% reduced the bacteria derived from AD skin. Conclusions: Sodium hypochlorite has antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects against clinical S. aureus isolates. Our findings suggest usage of a higher concentration than currently used in bleach baths of patients with skin-infected AD.
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| 9. |
- Grommes, Jochen, et al.
(författare)
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Disruption of Platelet-derived Chemokine Heteromers Prevents Neutrophil Extravasation in Acute Lung Injury
- 2012
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Ingår i: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. - 1535-4970. ; 185:6, s. 628-636
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Rationale: Acute lung injury (ALI) causes high mortality, but its molecular mechanisms and therapeutic options remain ill-defined. Gram-negative bacterial infections are the main cause of ALI, leading to lung neutrophil infiltration, permeability increases, deterioration of gas exchange, and lung damage. Platelets are activated during ALI, but insights into their mechanistic contribution to neutrophil accumulation in the lung are elusive. Objectives: To determine mechanisms of platelet-mediated neutrophil recruitment in ALI. Methods: Interference with platelet-neutrophil interactions using antagonists to P-selectin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa or a small peptide antagonist disrupting platelet chemokine heteromer formation in mouse models of ALI. Measurements and Main Results: In a murine model of LPS-induced ALI, we uncover important roles for neutrophils and platelets in permeability changes and subsequent lung damage. Furthermore, platelet depletion abrogated lung neutrophil infiltration, suggesting a sequential participation of platelets and neutrophils. Whereas antagonists to P-selectin and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa had no effects on LPS-mediated ALI, antibodies to the platelet-derived chemokines CCL5 and CXCL4 strongly diminished neutrophil eflux and permeability changes. The two chemokines were found to form heteromers in human and murine ALI samples, positively correlating with leukocyte influx into the lung. Disruption of CCL5-CXCL4 heteromers in LPS-, acid-, and sepsis-induced ALI abolished lung edema, neutrophil infiltration, and tissue damage, thereby revealing a causal contribution. Conclusions: Taken together, our data identify a novel function of platelet-derived chemokine heteromers during ALI and demonstrate means for therapeutic interference.
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| 10. |
- Malmström, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Targeted mass spectrometry analysis of neutrophil-derived proteins released during sepsis progression.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Thrombosis and Haemostasis. - 0340-6245. ; 112:6, s. 1230-1243
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Early diagnosis of severe infectious diseases is essential for timely implementation of lifesaving therapies. In a search for novel biomarkers in sepsis diagnosis we focused on polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Notably, PMNs have their protein cargo readily stored in granules and following systemic stimulation an immediate increase of neutrophil-borne proteins can be observed into the circulation of sepsis patients. We applied a combination of mass spectrometry (MS) based approaches, LC-MS/MS and selected reaction monitoring (SRM), to characterise and quantify the neutrophil proteome in healthy or disease conditions. With this approach we identified a neutrophil-derived protein abundance pattern in blood plasma consisting of 20 proteins that can be used as a protein signature for severe infectious diseases. Our results also show that SRM is highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible and, thus, a promising technology to study a complex, dynamic and multifactorial disease such as sepsis.
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