Publications
CellMar 2022 |
185
(
7
),
1157-1171.e22
DOI:
10.1016/j.cell.2022.02.002

Emerging enterococcus pore-forming toxins with MHC/HLA-I as receptors

Xiong, Xiaozhe; Tian, Songhai; Yang, Pan; Lebreton, Francois; Bao, Huan; Sheng, Kuanwei; Yin, Linxiang; Chen, Pengsheng; Zhang, Jie; Qi, Wanshu; Ruan, Jianbin; Wu, Hao; Chen, Hong; Breault, David T; Wu, Hao; Earl, Ashlee M; Gilmore, Michael S; Abraham, Jonathan; Dong, Min
Product Used
Genes
Abstract
Enterococci are a part of human microbiota and a leading cause of multidrug resistant infections. Here, we identify a family of Enterococcus pore-forming toxins (Epxs) in E. faecalis, E. faecium, and E. hirae strains isolated across the globe. Structural studies reveal that Epxs form a branch of β-barrel pore-forming toxins with a β-barrel protrusion (designated the top domain) sitting atop the cap domain. Through a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen, we identify human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) complex as a receptor for two members (Epx2 and Epx3), which preferentially recognize human HLA-I and homologous MHC-I of equine, bovine, and porcine, but not murine, origin. Interferon exposure, which stimulates MHC-I expression, sensitizes human cells and intestinal organoids to Epx2 and Epx3 toxicity. Co-culture with Epx2-harboring E. faecium damages human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and intestinal organoids, and this toxicity is neutralized by an Epx2 antibody, demonstrating the toxin-mediated virulence of Epx-carrying Enterococcus.
Product Used
Genes

Related Publications