Bacterial Taxonomy
Research Lines
Content with Investigacion .
The Immunobiology group has been working for years on the following lines of research:
1) The mechanisms of haematopoietic cell generation throughout ontogeny and the influence that the first haematopoietic cells exert on the innate and adaptive immune system present in the adults. We have identified and characterised a new population of B lymphocytes called B1-Rel (B220lo), which produce high levels of natural IgG/IgA antibodies. We sought to understand their role in the immune response in animal models of infection, analysing their impact on immune cell populations and on the production of soluble mediators (cytokines and immunoglobulins). In this regard, we have evaluated the generation of embryonic megakaryocytes (and their differentiation niches), their functionality and that of platelets, and their influence on haematopoietic development. For lymphoid populations, we have carried out extensive characterisation by flow cytometry and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) methodology. To carry out these cellomic studies, we have designed complex panels for use in multiparametric phenotypic analysis, and single cell cytometry and RNAseq omics technologies on purified cell populations.
In parallel, we are interested in understanding local immune responses in respiratory infections at times of particular susceptibility due to the fragility of the immune system (childhood and old age), both in mouse animal models, which allow their manipulation, and in humans.
2) Mouse models studied during neonatal life, in which we evaluated the effect of antibiotic (AB) treatment and addressed the role of TLR receptors in innate, pseudo-innate and adaptive immune cell populations. In these models, we observed that AB administration was able to modulate B-lymphoid populations, as well as their ability to secrete proinflammatory cytokines in culture and their differentiation into plasma cells, with differentiated immunoglobulin repertoires. Furthermore. These effects were mediated through the Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2).
3) Mouse models with accelerated senescence (SAMP8) and senescent animals (over 20 months of age) to map lymphoid populations and soluble mediators of the immune response (immunoglobulins and cytokines). In these models, the B lymphoid populations (B1Rel and marginal zone B lymphocytes) are observed to be altered, accompanied by an increase in IgG1 with great restriction of their VDJ repertoires.
4) Role of the B1Rel population in animal models of local or systemic infection. We analysed the response to Streptoccoccus pneumoniae (SPN) locally in the lung and systemically in the spleen, as well as the role of TLR4 in these responses.
5) In humans, we are studying immune responses in children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) viral primo-infection. In this case we studied the immune response that occurs locally in the nasal mucosa (by analysis of nasal washings, NW) in a cohort of infected children versus healthy controls, stratified by age. We found that lymphomyeloid cells accumulate in these nasal washings in patients with diverse lymphocyte populations, as well as cytokines and immunoglobulins.
6) Analysis and characterisation of extracellular vesicles produced during respiratory infection both in lung supernatants from models of SPN infection and in LN in the case of children with RSV infection.
7) In parallel, we carry out studies of the genetic rearrangements of immunoglobulins and their use in the generation of chimeric receptors for possible use in immunotherapy.
Research projects
Content with Investigacion .
-Project “Induction, differentiation and modulation of resident B lymphocytes in the lung in response to pneumococcus (NEUBLUNG)”. Ministry of Science and Innovation, PID2022-141754OB-I00 Call 2022 "Knowledge Generation Projects". 09/01/2023-08/31/2026. Financed by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF, EU. PI: Belén by Andrés Muguruza. CoPI: María Luisa Gaspar Alonso-Vega.
-Project." Immune response of the nasal mucosa in childhood bronchiolitis” Instituto de Salud Carlos III-AESI. AESI-PI22CIII/00030 PI: Belén by Andrés Muguruza. CoPI Maria Luisa Gaspar Alonso-Vega. 01/01/2023-12/31/2025..
-Project. BenBedPhar. CA20121, European Union. Antonio Cuadrado. (CNM-ISCIII).10/19/2021-10/18/2025.
-Spanish Association Against Cancer Project “Novel comprehensive immunotherapy to specifically target the malignant clone in Sézary syndrome, an ultra-rare cancer of mature T lymphocytes”, number PROYE20084REGU. PI: José Ramón Regueiro, PI group Maria Luisa Gaspar. 01/01/2021-12/31/2023.
Project “The pulmonary immune system in homeostasis and infection: characterization and function of immature and pseudoinnate lymphoid populations.” MINECO-RETOS RTI2018-099114-B-100. PI: Maria Luisa Gaspar, CoPI: Belén de Andrés 01/01/2019-12/31/2022. Financed by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033/ and by FEDER A way of making Europe.
-Project “New B lymphoid populations: B1-rel pseudoinnate cells, homeostatic maintenance and their response under infection conditions.” MINECO-RETOS SAF2015-70880-R. PI: Maria Luisa Gaspar. 01/01/2016-12/31/2019.
-Project “Role of CD19+CD45R lymphocytes- in perinatal immune responses. Implications related to respiratory diseases in neonates. AESI PI14CIII/00049; PI Belén de Andrés. 2015-2018.
-Project “Study of the pseudo-innate population of CD19+CD45R- B lymphocytes in TLR-dependent infection models”. AESI PI11/01733FIS. PI Belén de Andrés. 2012-2015.
-Project." Cellular interactions in the establishment of B lymphoid differentiation niches: role of megakaryocytes and their implications in pathology. MINECO; SAF2012-33916. Maria Luisa Gaspar. 01/01/2013-12/31/2015.
-ISCIII Platforms Project to support R&D&I in Biomedicine and Health Sciences. PT23CIII/00006. 2023. Participating researcher: Isabel Cortegano.
-Research contracts between the Carlos III Health Institute and Inmunotek S.L. for the development of the Bactek-mv130 and Uromune-MV140 study in protection against S. pneumoniae infections. Immunotek. IP: Belen de Andrés 2019-2021.
-Research contract between the Carlos III Health Institute and Inmunotek S.L. “MV130 as a vaccine model based on trained immunity against respiratory infections due to pneumococcus and respiratory syncytial virus”, CAM Call. Industrial Doctorates. IND2023/BMD-27071. PI: Belén by Andrés Muguruza. 12/01/2023-11/30/2026.
Publications
Leon KE, Schubert RD, Casas-Alba D, Hawes IA, Ramachandran PS, Ramesh A, Pak JE, Wu W, Cheung CK, Crawford ED, Khan LM, Launes C, Sample HA, Zorn KC, Cabrerizo M, Valero-Rello A, Langelier C, Muñoz-Almagro C, DeRisi JL, Wilson MR. Genomic and serologic characterization of enterovirus A71 brainstem encephalitis. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2020
Leon KE, Schubert RD, Casas-Alba D, Hawes IA, Ramachandran PS, Ramesh A, Pak JE, Wu W, Cheung CK, Crawford ED, Khan LM, Launes C, Sample HA, Zorn KC, Cabrerizo M, Valero-Rello A, Langelier C, Muñoz-Almagro C, DeRisi JL, Wilson MR. Genomic and serologic characterization of enterovirus A71 brainstem encephalitis. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2020 Mar 5;7(3):e703. doi: 10.1212/NXI.0000000000000703. PMID: 32139440; PMCID: PMC7136061.
González-Sanz R, Casas-Alba D, Launes C, Muñoz-Almagro C, Ruiz-García MM, Alonso M, González-Abad MJ, Megías G, Rabella N, Del Cuerpo M, Gozalo-Margüello M, González-Praetorius A, Martínez-Sapiña A, Goyanes-Galán MJ, Romero MP, Calvo C, Antón A, Imaz M, Aranzamendi M, Hernández-Rodríguez Á, Moreno-Docón A, Rey- Cao S, Navascués A, Otero A, Cabrerizo M. Molecular epidemiology of an enterovirus A71 outbreak associated with severe neurological disease, Spain, 2016. Euro Surveill. 2019
González-Sanz R, Casas-Alba D, Launes C, Muñoz-Almagro C, Ruiz-García MM, Alonso M, González-Abad MJ, Megías G, Rabella N, Del Cuerpo M, Gozalo-Margüello M, González-Praetorius A, Martínez-Sapiña A, Goyanes-Galán MJ, Romero MP, Calvo C, Antón A, Imaz M, Aranzamendi M, Hernández-Rodríguez Á, Moreno-Docón A, Rey- Cao S, Navascués A, Otero A, Cabrerizo M. Molecular epidemiology of an enterovirus A71 outbreak associated with severe neurological disease, Spain, 2016. Euro Surveill. 2019 Feb;24(7):1800089. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2019.24.7.1800089. PMID: 30782267; PMCID: PMC6381658.
Spanish Afp Surveillance Working Group. Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance: challenges and opportunities from 18 years' experience, Spain, 1998 to 2015. Euro Surveill.
Spanish Afp Surveillance Working Group. Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance: challenges and opportunities from 18 years' experience, Spain, 1998 to 2015. Euro Surveill. 2018 Nov;23(47):1700423. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2018.23.47.1700423. PMID: 30482263; PMCID: PMC6341937.
Molecular Epidemiology of Human Parechoviruses in Children With Acute Respiratory Infection in Spain
M Cabrerizo*, C Calvo, G Trallero, ML García-García, M Arroyas, V Sánchez, F Pozo, I Casas. Molecular epidemiology of human parechoviruses children with acute respiratory infection in Spain. Pediatric Infect Dis J 32:802-3 (2013).
PUBMED DOIIdentification of novel Betaherpesviruses in iberian bats reveals parallel evolution
Pozo F, Juste J, Vázquez-Morón S., Aznar-López C, Ibáñez C, Garin I, Aihartza J, Casa I, Tenorio A, Echevarría JE. Identification of novel Betaherpesviruses in iberian bats reveals parallel evolution. PLoS ONE. 2016. 11(12): e0169153. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0169153
PUBMED DOIDetection of Rhabdovirus viral RNA in oropharyngeal swabs and ectoparasites of Spanish bats
Aznar C, Vazquez-Moron S, Martson D, Juste J, Ibáñez C, Berciano JM, Salsamendi E, Aihartza J, Banyard AC, McElhinney L, Fooks AR, Echevarria JE. Detection of Rhabdovirus viral RNA in oropharyngeal swabs and ectoparasites of Spanish bats. Journal of General Virology. 2013. 94: 69-75.
PUBMED DOIGenomic non-coding regions reveal hidden patterns of mumps virus circulation in Spain, 2005 to 2015
Gavilán AM, Fernández-García A*, Rueda A, Castellanos A, Masa J, López-Perea N, Torres de Mier MV, de Ory F, Echevarría JE. Non-coding sequences reveal hidden patterns of mumps virus circulation in Spain, 2005 to 2015. Eurosurveillance,2018, 23(15): 1-8. *Corresponding author.
PUBMED DOIFirst cases of European Bat Lyssavirus type 1 in Iberian serotine bats: implications for the molecular epidemiology of bat rabies in Europe.
Mingo-Casas P, Sandonís V, Obón E, Berciano JM, Vázquez-Morón S, Juste J, Echevarría JE. First cases of European Bat Lyssavirus type 1 in Iberian serotine bats: implications for the molecular epidemiology of bat rabies in Europe. Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2018: 12(4): e0006290.
PUBMED DOILast cases of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in Spain, 1997–2016: The success of a vaccination program
Seppälä EM, López-Perea N, Torres de Mier MV, Echevarría JE, Fernández García A, Masa-Calles J. Last cases of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome in Spain, 1997–2016: The success of a vaccination program. Vaccine, 2019, 37(1):169-175.
PUBMED DOICombination of Cefditoren and N-acetyl-l-Cysteine Shows a Synergistic Effect against Multidrug-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Biofilms
Llamosí M, Sempere J, Coronel P, Gimeno M, Yuste J, Domenech M. Combination of Cefditoren and N-acetyl-l-Cysteine Shows a Synergistic Effect against Multidrug-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Biofilms. Microbiol Spectr. 2022 Dec 21;10(6):e0341522
PUBMED DOIClearance of mixed biofilms of Streptococcus pneumoniae and methicillin-susceptible/resistant Staphylococcus aureus by antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine and cysteamine
Sempere J, Llamosí M, Román F, Lago D, González-Camacho F, Pérez-García C, Yuste J, Domenech M. Clearance of mixed biofilms of Streptococcus pneumoniae and methicillin-susceptible/resistant Staphylococcus aureus by antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine and cysteamine. Sci Rep. 2022 Apr 23;12(1):6668
PUBMED DOIClinical Relevance and Molecular Pathogenesis of the Emerging Serotypes 22F and 33F of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Spain
Sempere J, de Miguel S, González-Camacho F, Yuste J, Domenech M. Clinical Relevance and Molecular Pathogenesis of the Emerging Serotypes 22F and 33F of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Spain. Front Microbiol. 2020 Feb 27;11:309.
PUBMED DOICombination of Antibodies and Antibiotics as a Promising Strategy Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens of the Respiratory Tract
Domenech M, Sempere J, de Miguel S, Yuste J. Combination of Antibodies and Antibiotics as a Promising Strategy Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens of the Respiratory Tract. Front Immunol. 2018 Nov 20;9:2700. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02700. PMID: 30515172; PMCID: PMC6256034.
DOIChemotherapy with Phage Lysins Reduces Pneumococcal Colonization of the Respiratory Tract
Corsini B, Díez-Martínez R, Aguinagalde L, González-Camacho F, García-Fernández E, Letrado P, García P, Yuste J. Chemotherapy with Phage Lysins Reduces Pneumococcal Colonization of the Respiratory Tract. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2018 May 25;62(6):e02212-17. doi: 10.1128/AAC.02212-17. PMID: 29581113; PMCID: PMC5971604.
DOIImpact of Biological Therapies on the Immune Response after Pneumococcal Vaccination in Patients with Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases
Richi P, Yuste J, Navío T, González-Hombrado L, Salido M, Thuissard-Vasallo I, Jiménez-Díaz A, Llorente J, Cebrián L, Lojo L, Steiner M, Cobo T, Martín MD, García-Castro M, Castro P, Muñoz-Fernández S. Impact of Biological Therapies on the Immune Response after Pneumococcal Vaccination in Patients with Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases. Vaccines. 2021 Feb 28;9(3):203. doi: 10.3390/vaccines9030203. PMID: 33671007; PMCID: PMC7997274.
DOIPleiotropic Effects of Cell Wall Amidase LytA on Streptococcus pneumoniae Sensitivity to the Host Immune Response
Ramos-Sevillano E, Urzainqui A, Campuzano S, Moscoso M, González-Camacho F, Domenech M, Rodríguez de Córdoba S, Sánchez-Madrid F, Brown JS, García E, Yuste J. Pleiotropic effects of cell wall amidase LytA on Streptococcus pneumoniae sensitivity to the host immune response. Infect Immun. 2015 Feb;83(2):591-603. doi: 10.1128/IAI.02811-14. PMID: 25404032; PMCID: PMC4294232.
DOIPSGL-1 on Leukocytes is a Critical Component of the Host Immune Response against Invasive Pneumococcal Disease
Ramos-Sevillano E, Urzainqui A, de Andrés B, González-Tajuelo R, Domenech M, González-Camacho F, Sánchez-Madrid F, Brown JS, García E, Yuste J. PSGL-1 on Leukocytes is a Critical Component of the Host Immune Response against Invasive Pneumococcal Disease. PLoS Pathog. 2016 Mar 14;12(3):e1005500. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005500. PMID: 26975045; PMCID: PMC4790886.
DOIComparison of methods and characterization of small RNAs from plasma extracellular vesicles of HIV/HCV coinfected patients
Martínez-González E; Brochado-Kith O; Gómez-Sanz A; et al; Fernández-Rodríguez A (AC). (9/9). 2020. Small RNA sequencing from plasma extracellular vesicles of HIV/HCV coinfected patients: a protocol comparison SCIENTIFIC REPORTS. 9. ISSN 2045-2322.
DOIRelative telomere length impact on mortality of COVID-19: Sex differences
Virseda-Berdices A; Concostrina-Martinez L; Martínez-González O;et al; Fernández-Rodríguez A (AC). (14/14). 2022. Relative telomere length impact on mortality of COVID-19: Sex differences.Journal of medical virology. 95, pp.e28368. ISSN 0146-6615.
DOIHepatitis C Virus Influences HIV-1 Viral Splicing in Coinfected Patients
Martínez-Román P; López-Huertas MR; Crespo-Bermejo C; et al; Briz V (AC). (16/15). 2020. Hepatitis C virus influences HIV-1 viral splicing in coinfected patients JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE. MDPI. ISSN 2077-0383.
DOIContent with Investigacion .
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Almudena Cascajero Díaz
Técnico de laboratorio
ORCID code: 0000-0002-9654-3100
Técnico Superior de Actividades Técnicas y Profesionales (Unidades de Inmunopatología del SIDA y Legionella, Centro Nacional de Microbiología). Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Technician by IES Renacimiento de Madrid.
Experience in cloning techniques and characterization of neutralizing antibodies and participation in different projects on the pathogenesis of HIV by studying the viral envelope and the mechanisms of resistance to antiretroviral drugs. This experience has subsequently allowed me to participate in 5 multicenter clinical studies studying the immune response against different variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Since 2021, I also participate as a laboratory technician in the Legionella Unit as a support to the Spanish National Health System through the microbiological surveillance of the disease to contribute to the prevention and control of legionellosis.
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Laura del Estal Gómez
Ayudante de investigación
ORCID code: 0009-0000-2773-8986
Graduada en Biología Sanitaria por la Universidad de Alcalá. Máster Universitario en Microbiología Aplicada a la Salud Pública e Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas.
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Caroline Stephanie Crisóstomo Vergara
Técnico de Laboratorio
ORCID code: 0009-0008-0525-1737
Técnico de Laboratorio. Técnico superior de Laboratorio Clínico y Biomédico por la Escuela Técnica de Enseñanzas Especializadas de Madrid. Máster en Microbiología Clínica por el Instituto Europeo de Química, Física y Biología de Madrid.
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Fernando González Camacho
Científico Titular
ORCID code: 0000-0003-3175-9004
Licenciado en Ciencias Biológicas por la Universidad de Salamanca y Doctor por la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Actualmente, es Científico Titular de plantilla en el Centro Nacional de Microbiología (CNM) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII). Responsable de la Unidad de Legionella del Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Enfermedades Bacterianas transmitidas por agua y alimentos.
A nivel europeo es sustituto (Alternate) al National Focal Point para la enfermedad del legionario en el ECDC y es OCP (Operational Contact Point) en microbiología para la legionelosis en la European Legionnaires' Disease Surveillance Network (ELDSNet).
Coordina las líneas de investigación del laboratorio que se desarrollan en tres perspectivas diferentes: en las instalaciones colonizadas, estudios sobre la resistencia a los tratamientos y su persistencia; en la clínica, sobre factores de virulencia y su interacción con el sistema inmune; y en la vigilancia microbiológica, sobre la mejorar de los métodos de caracterización del microorganismo.
Es Investigador Principal en el proyecto “Búsqueda de biomarcadores de patogenicidad en Legionella spp con interés predictivo de riesgo de infección".
Es miembro de distintas sociedades científicas como son la Sociedad Española de Salud Ambiental (SESA), Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC) y la European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID).
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Juana María González Rubio
Científica Titular
ORCID code: 0000-0001-6979-2964
La Dra. Juana María González Rubio es Licenciada en Bioquímica por la Universidad de Salamanca y Doctora por la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Actualmente, es Científico Titular de plantilla en el Centro Nacional de Microbiología del Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), donde trabaja en la Unidad de Legionella del Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Enfermedades Bacterianas transmitidas por agua y alimentos.
Dentro del laboratorio, realiza las actividades propias del Programa de Vigilancia Microbiológica de Legionella, y lleva las líneas de investigación del laboratorio sobre la caracterización de biofilms y la puesta a punto de nuevas técnicas para la caracterización de Legionella. También forma parte del equipo investigador del proyecto “Búsqueda de marcadores de patogenicidad para el análisis de riesgos en las instalaciones".
Anteriormente, ha trabajado en la Unidad de Biomonitorización humana del Centro Nacional de Sanidad Ambiental (ISCIII) participando en diferentes proyectos de investigación relacionados con la Sanidad Ambiental, siendo el último más destacado el proyecto “HBM4EU" en el que ha trabajado hasta junio de 2023.
List of staff
Additional Information
The research objectives focus on the areas of Bacterial Taxonomy and Microbiology in Public Health:
- Identification of pathogenic bacteria that are difficult to assign taxonomically
- Description of new species
- Study of bacterial population biology through typing
- Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors for certain bacterial pathogens in different nosocomial/community settings.
These objectives are addressed from the perspective of polyphasic taxonomy (phenotypic and genotypic taxonomy) through the study of targets for genus/species assignment and phylogenetic analyses. The analysis of the virulome and resistome of certain species is approached from the perspective of complete genome sequencing.
Research on invasive infection by Streptococcus pyogenes and other beta-hemolytic streptococci has been carried out since 1994, through the Surveillance Program of the National Center for Microbiology. The typing of invasive S. pyogenes strains circulating in Spain includes determination of: serotype (emm-type); the genetic profile of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins; the antimicrobial resistance phenotype; and the genotypes of epidemiologically related strains and/or outbreaks.
The research objectives focus on the areas of Bacterial Taxonomy and Microbiology in Public Health:
- Identification of pathogenic bacteria that are difficult to assign taxonomically
- Description of new species
- Study of bacterial population biology through typing
- Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors for certain bacterial pathogens in different nosocomial/community settings.
These objectives are addressed from the perspective of polyphasic taxonomy (phenotypic and genotypic taxonomy) through the study of targets for genus/species assignment and phylogenetic analyses. The analysis of the virulome and resistome of certain species is approached from the perspective of complete genome sequencing.
Research on invasive infection by Streptococcus pyogenes and other beta-hemolytic streptococci has been carried out since 1994, through the Surveillance Program of the National Center for Microbiology. The typing of invasive S. pyogenes strains circulating in Spain includes determination of: serotype (emm-type); the genetic profile of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins; the antimicrobial resistance phenotype; and the genotypes of epidemiologically related strains and/or outbreaks.