High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are blood-borne assemblies of protein and lipid that have been historically studied almost exclusively in the context of reverse cholesterol transport and the protection from cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study is to explore a new link between HDL and the defense against invasive aspergillosis (IA), a life-threatening infection caused by the mold pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. The most abundant protein found in HDL is apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), a lipid-binding molecule that underlies many of the cardioprotective functions attributed to these particles. Our preliminary data has shown that apoA-I(-/-) mice have dramatically increased susceptibility to experimental IA, demonstrating for the first time that lipoprotein metabolism and fungal pathogenesis are linked. AF-infected apoA-I(-/-) mice revealed a greater fungal burden, increased inflammation, and accelerated mortality compared to infected wild type mice. In vitro studies revealed that apoA-I binds to AF conidia and impairs germination, suggesting antifungal activity. In addition, the interaction of apoA-I with cultured macrophages enhanced their ability t kill conidia, suggesting that apoA-I has immunomodulatory effects that are relevant to fungal clearance. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that apoA-I protects against tissue injury during IA by (1) limiting fungal burden via inhibitory effects on the fungus and stimulatory effect on host cells, and (2) by adjusting the inflammatory response to promote clearance without triggering injurious hyperinflammation.
Aim 1 will determine the mechanism by which apoA-I controls fungal burden during AF infection, focusing on direct antifungal effects as well as indirect effects on promoting the antifungal activity of innate immune cells. A major role for HDL in the circulation is preventing vascular inflammation;
Aim 2 will determine the contribution of apoA-I to AF-induced inflammation and its relationship to fatal outcome in mouse models of IA. Finally, regardless of whether apoA-I protects against AF infection by controlling fungal burden (Aim 1) or by limiting destructive host inflammation (Aim 2), its beneficial effects suggest that manipulating apoA-I levels could be used to improve therapeutic outcome during IA.
Aim 3 will test the hypothesis that pulmonary and/or systemic increases in apoA-I, or its peptide analogs, confer therapeutic protection against A. fumigatus. The findings from this study have the potential to bring treatments that are targeted to HDL, which are already in the developmental pipeline in the context of cardiovascular disease, into the realm of pulmonary protection in infectious disease. 1

Public Health Relevance

The human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus is the leading infectious killer of patients who are immunocompromised due to cancer or transplantation immunosuppression. Current antifungal drugs are unable to prevent the high rate of mortality associated with this infection, so there is a need for improved therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this grant is to determine why high-density lipoproteins (HDL) protect against A. fumigatus, with the long-term goal of using that information to guide the development of improved treatment options. This is relevant to public health because of the expanding population of patients who are risk for this infection, making the proposed research an integral part of the NIH mission to develop fundamental knowledge for understanding the causes, prevention and eventually a cure for human disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
High Priority, Short Term Project Award (R56)
Project #
1R56AI107036-01
Application #
8709034
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IDM-M (02))
Program Officer
Duncan, Rory A
Project Start
2013-08-15
Project End
2014-07-31
Budget Start
2013-08-15
Budget End
2014-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$358,728
Indirect Cost
$123,728
Name
University of Cincinnati
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
041064767
City
Cincinnati
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
45221