Functional mechanism of heparin-binding hemagglutinin adhesin from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Informations projet

HADES

N° de convention de subvention: 897911

DOI

10.3030/897911

Projet clôturé

Date de signature de la CE 24 Mars 2020

Date de début 1 Février 2021

Date de fin 2 Juillet 2023

Financé au titre de

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Coût total

€ 171 473,28

Contribution de l’UE

€ 171 473,28

Coordonné par

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI FEDERICO II
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HADES (Functional mechanism of heparin-binding hemagglutinin adhesin from Mycobacterium tuberculosis)

Période du rapport: 2021-02-01 au 2023-01-31

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

The HADES project tackles a crucial issue related to the pathogenesis of Tuberculosis (TB), the leading global cause of death from an infectious bacterial agent. Specifically, the project aims to shed light on the poorly understood process of TB extrapulmonary dissemination, which relies on a virulence factor called heparin-binding haemagglutinin adhesin (HBHA).
HBHA is a mycobacterial cell surface protein, and it plays pivotal role in MTB pathogenesis, promoting its adhesion to epithelial cells. Despite its relevance in the dissemination of TB, and as powerful diagnostic antigen or potential therapeutic target, there is only a limited understanding of the biological properties of HBHA.
The project integrates complementary research programmes in structural biology and MTB microbiology, to characterize at high resolution the structural basis of the function of HBHA in different phases of the MTB life cycle and to provide the details of the underlying mechanism by which the extrapulmonary dissemination of TB is originated.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

The work carried out on HADES project was focused on the characterization of HBHA protein through an integrated approach that combined both solution and solid-state NMR techniques, complemented by biophysical and molecular biology methodologies. Molecular cloning was employed to generate truncated and mutant forms of HBHA, allowing for the assessment of the protein's functionality in various contexts. In order to assess the conformational properties of HBHA protein, during Phase I of the project the Fellow combined solution and solid-state NMR experiments to probe HBHA individual domains. During the Phase II, the Fellow optimized the vesicle reconstitution, in order to characterize by CEST experiments the mechanism of recognition and binding of HBHA in a mycobacteria membrane mimetic system. The data acquired during the Fellowship will be made accessible through publication in an open-access journal. Furthermore, a review article on HBHA has been prepared for submission. Moreover, project aims, goals, results, and MSCA were promoted in dissemination and outreach activities aimed at different target audiences, including researchers, students, policymakers, and school kids.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

HADES project aims to achieve a transformative goal in TB research, providing a comprehensive understanding of HBHA’s role in TB extrapulmonary dissemination. Furthermore, given the HBHA role as antigen and as potential therapeutic target, the project holds immense significance for the advancement of diagnostic tools and the exploration of potential therapeutic interventions that target this pivotal protein.
The project’s results will improve the comprehension of TB pathogenesis, that is expected to have a significant socio-economic impact by bolstering our capacity to effectively combat and manage tuberculosis, thereby alleviating the economic burden linked to this infectious disease.
Beyond the direct implications for TB, the project contributes to the broader fields of molecular biology and structural biology, fostering innovation and scientific progress.

Hades Project