G proteins Gαi1/3 are critical targets for Bordetella pertussis toxin-induced vasoactive amine sensitization

Infect Immun. 2014 Feb;82(2):773-82. doi: 10.1128/IAI.00971-13. Epub 2013 Dec 9.

Abstract

Pertussis toxin (PTX) is an AB5-type exotoxin produced by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough. In vivo intoxication with PTX elicits a variety of immunologic and inflammatory responses, including vasoactive amine sensitization (VAAS) to histamine (HA), serotonin (5-HT), and bradykinin (BDK). Previously, by using a forward genetic approach, we identified the HA H1 receptor (Hrh1/H1R) as the gene in mice that controls differential susceptibility to B. pertussis PTX-induced HA sensitization (Bphs). Here we show, by using inbred strains of mice, F1 hybrids, and segregating populations, that, unlike Bphs, PTX-induced 5-HT sensitivity (Bpss) and BDK sensitivity (Bpbs) are recessive traits and are separately controlled by multiple loci unlinked to 5-HT and BDK receptors, respectively. Furthermore, we found that PTX sensitizes mice to HA independently of Toll-like receptor 4, a purported receptor for PTX, and that the VAAS properties of PTX are not dependent upon endothelial caveolae or endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Finally, by using mice deficient in individual Gαi/o G-protein subunits, we demonstrate that Gαi1 and Gαi3 are the critical in vivo targets of ADP-ribosylation underlying VAAS elicited by PTX exposure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose / metabolism
  • Amines / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Bordetella pertussis / pathogenicity*
  • Cardiovascular Agents / metabolism*
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Pertussis Toxin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Amines
  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Gnai1 protein, mouse
  • Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose
  • Pertussis Toxin
  • GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go
  • Gnai3 protein, mouse