Effects of alpha and beta-adrenergic signaling on innate immunity and Porphyromonas gingivalis virulence in an invertebrate model

Author(s)

Moraes, Renata Mendonca ; Garcia, Maira Terra ; Stossi, Fabio ; de Barros, Patricia Pimentel ; Junqueira, Juliana Campos ; Anbinder, Ana Lia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: VIRULENCE; v. 13, n. 1, p. 17-pg., 2022-12-31.

Abstract

To investigate the role of adrenergic signalling (AS) in the host immune response and Porphyromonas gingivalis virulence, we compared norepinephrine (NE) and isoproterenol (ISO) responses in Galleria mellonella. P. gingivalis infection was evaluated by survival; humoral immune responses (i.e. melanization and cecropin and gloverin mRNA expression); cellular immune responses (i.e. haemocyte count, nodulation by histology); and P. gingivalis recovery (CFU/mL). P. gingivalis was cultivated in the presence of ISO (PgISO) or NE and injected into the larvae for survival evaluation. Finally, we co-injected ISO and PgISO to evaluate the concomitant effects on the immune response and bacterial virulence. None of the ligands were toxic to the larvae; ISO increased haemocyte number, even after P. gingivalis infection, by mobilizing sessile haemocytes in a beta-adrenergic-specific manner, while NE showed the opposite effect. ISO treatment reduced larval mortality and the number of recovered bacteria, while NE increased mortality and showed no effect on bacterial recovery. ISO and NE had similar effects on melanization and decreased the expression of cecropin. Although co-cultivation with NE and ISO increased the gene expression of bacterial virulence factors in vitro, only the injection of PgISO increased larval death, which was partially reversed by circulating ISO. Therefore, alpha- and beta-adrenergic signalling had opposite effects after P. gingivalis infection. Ultimately, the catecholamine influence on the immune response overcame the effect of more virulent strains. The effect of AS directly on the pathogen found in vitro did not translate to the in vivo setting. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/21701-0 - Evaluation of the presence and stimulation of sympathetic nervous system in the periodontium
• Grantee: Renata Mendonça Moraes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/26461-5 - Stress and periodontitis: evaluation of sympathetic innervation in the periodontium and the influence of noradrenaline on Porphyromonas gingivalis in Galleria mellonella
• Grantee: Renata Mendonça Moraes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/25933-3 - Evaluation of the presence and stimulation of sympathetic nervous system in the periodontium and the influence of noradrenaline in Galleria mellonella infected by Porphyromonas gingivalis: Uncovering the relationship between stress and periodontitis.
• Grantee: Ana Lia Anbinder
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants