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Vieira CS, Waniek PJ, Castro DP, Mattos DP, Moreira OC, Azambuja P. Impact of Trypanosoma cruzi on antimicrobial peptide gene expression and activity in the fat body and midgut of Rhodnius prolixus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:119. [PMID: 26931761 PMCID: PMC4774030 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rhodnius prolixus is a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in Latin America. In natural habitats, these insects are in contact with a variety of bacteria, fungi, virus and parasites that they acquire from both their environments and the blood of their hosts. Microorganism ingestion may trigger the synthesis of humoral immune factors, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The objective of this study was to compare the expression levels of AMPs (defensins and prolixicin) in the different midgut compartments and the fat body of R. prolixus infected with different T. cruzi strains. The T. cruzi Dm 28c clone (TcI) successfully develops whereas Y strain (TcII) does not complete its life- cycle in R. prolixus. The relative AMP gene expressions were evaluated in the insect midgut and fat body infected on different days with the T. cruzi Dm 28c clone and the Y strain. The influence of the antibacterial activity on the intestinal microbiota was taken into account. Methods The presence of T. cruzi in the midgut of R. prolixus was analysed by optical microscope. The relative expression of the antimicrobial peptides encoding genes defensin (defA, defB, defC) and prolixicin (prol) was quantified by RT-qPCR. The antimicrobial activity of the AMPs against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens were evaluated in vitro using turbidimetric tests with haemolymph, anterior and posterior midgut samples. Midgut bacteria were quantified using colony forming unit (CFU) assays and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results Our results showed that the infection of R. prolixus by the two different T. cruzi strains exhibited different temporal AMP induction profiles in the anterior and posterior midgut. Insects infected with T. cruzi Dm 28c exhibited an increase in defC and prol transcripts and a simultaneous reduction in the midgut cultivable bacteria population, Serratia marcescens and Rhodococcus rhodnii. In contrast, the T. cruzi Y strain neither induced AMP gene expression in the gut nor reduced the number of colony formation units in the anterior midgut. Beside the induction of a local immune response in the midgut after feeding R. prolixus with T. cruzi, a simultaneous systemic response was also detected in the fat body. Conclusions R. prolixus AMP gene expressions and the cultivable midgut bacterial microbiota were modulated in distinct patterns, which depend on the T. cruzi genotype used for infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1398-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - P J Waniek
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - D P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - D P Mattos
- Laboratório deBiologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - O C Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - P Azambuja
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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A cecropin-like antimicrobial peptide with anti-inflammatory activity from the black fly salivary glands. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:561. [PMID: 26497304 PMCID: PMC4620007 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) belonging to the cecropin family have been identified from the salivary glands of different black fly species, however, the immunological functions for these molecules were poorly understood. METHODS A novel cecropin-like antimicrobial peptide (SibaCec) was purified using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) from the salivary glands of the black fly Simulium bannaense. The amino acid sequence of SibaCec was determined by a combination method of automated Edman degradation and cDNA sequencing. The morphologic changes of Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli treated with SibaCec were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to analyze the mRNA expression of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Nitric oxide (NO) generation was examined using a Griess assay and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) were assessed by Western blotting analysis. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy was performed to evaluate the secondary structure of SibaCec in solvent environment. Interaction of SibaCec with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was studied using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)- conjugated LPS aggregates. Neutralization of LPS by SibaCec was assayed with the chromogenic limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test. qPCR was also used to analyze the expression of SibaCec mRNA in the salivary glands of insects after oral infection with the bacteria E.coli. RESULTS SibaCec possessed potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, and showed low cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells. SEM analysis indicated that SibaCec killed bacteria through the disruption of cell membrane integrity. Furthermore, SibaCec significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-1β (IL-1β) and interferon-6 (IL-6) by blocking the activation of MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways. It mainly adopted an α-helix conformation in membrane-mimetic environments. SibaCec could interact and neutralize LPS. Infection of black flies with bacteria caused an upregulation of the expression of SibaCec. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that in addition to the bactericidal capacity, SibaCec can function as immune regulator, inhibiting host secretion of inflammatory factors.
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Dias FDA, Guerra B, Vieira LR, Perdomo HD, Gandara ACP, do Amaral RJV, Vollú RE, Gomes SAO, Lara FA, Sorgine MHF, Medei E, de Oliveira PL, Salmon D. Monitoring of the Parasite Load in the Digestive Tract of Rhodnius prolixus by Combined qPCR Analysis and Imaging Techniques Provides New Insights into the Trypanosome Life Cycle. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004186. [PMID: 26496442 PMCID: PMC4619730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Here we report the monitoring of the digestive tract colonization of Rhodnius prolixus by Trypanosoma cruzi using an accurate determination of the parasite load by qPCR coupled with fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging (BLI). These complementary methods revealed critical steps necessary for the parasite population to colonize the insect gut and establish vector infection. Methodology/Principal Findings qPCR analysis of the parasite load in the insect gut showed several limitations due mainly to the presence of digestive-derived products that are thought to degrade DNA and inhibit further the PCR reaction. We developed a real-time PCR strategy targeting the T. cruzi repetitive satellite DNA sequence using as internal standard for normalization, an exogenous heterologous DNA spiked into insect samples extract, to precisely quantify the parasite load in each segment of the insect gut (anterior midgut, AM, posterior midgut, PM, and hindgut, H). Using combined fluorescence microscopy and BLI imaging as well as qPCR analysis, we showed that during their journey through the insect digestive tract, most of the parasites are lysed in the AM during the first 24 hours independently of the gut microbiota. During this short period, live parasites move through the PM to establish the onset of infection. At days 3–4 post-infection (p.i.), the parasite population begins to colonize the H to reach a climax at day 7 p.i., which is maintained during the next two weeks. Remarkably, the fluctuation of the parasite number in H remains relatively stable over the two weeks after refeeding, while the populations residing in the AM and PM increases slightly and probably constitutes the reservoirs of dividing epimastigotes. Conclusions/Significance These data show that a tuned dynamic control of the population operates in the insect gut to maintain an equilibrium between non-dividing infective trypomastigote forms and dividing epimastigote forms of the parasite, which is crucial for vector competence. Although the key aspects of the T. cruzi life cycle were described more than one century ago, the development and interactions of T. cruzi with its vector are poorly characterized. By dissection of different compartments of the triatomine gut (prototype Rhodnius prolixus) (i.e., AM, PM and H) at regular time intervals, we evaluated trypanosome development within the insect using an accurate qPCR assay. qPCR analysis of trypanosomal colonization and clearance dynamics in real-time were confirmed in vivo using both fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging, which revealed massive parasite lysis during the first 24 hours post-feeding (p.f.). After one week, the parasite succeeded in establishing a resident population in each compartment of the gut, albeit at varying levels. From one week after the onset of infection in the AM and PM, some resident forms agglomerated into rosettes, clustering in close association with the vector tissue and constituting potential parasite reservoirs of the bug. For the first time, we have described a methodology to accurately quantify parasites in the insect gut that would be a useful tool for evaluating the impact of RNAi silencing of insect genes during the course of infection by T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe de Almeida Dias
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Barbara Guerra
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem—CENABIO, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Larissa Rezende Vieira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hugo Diego Perdomo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Caroline Paiva Gandara
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Estebanez Vollú
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Flavio Alves Lara
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Henrique Ferreira Sorgine
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emiliano Medei
- Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem—CENABIO, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro Lagerblad de Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Didier Salmon
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Flores-Villegas AL, Salazar-Schettino PM, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE, Rojas-Wastavino GE, Bucio-Torres MI, Cabrera-Bravo M. Immune defence mechanisms of triatomines against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2015; 105:523-532. [PMID: 26082354 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485315000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Triatomines are vectors that transmit the protozoan haemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The aim of the current review is to provide a synthesis of the immune mechanisms of triatomines against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to provide clues for areas of further research including biological control. Regarding bacteria, the triatomine immune response includes antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as defensins, lysozymes, attacins and cecropins, whose sites of synthesis are principally the fat body and haemocytes. These peptides are used against pathogenic bacteria (especially during ecdysis and feeding), and also attack symbiotic bacteria. In relation to viruses, Triatoma virus is the only one known to attack and kill triatomines. Although the immune response to this virus is unknown, we hypothesize that haemocytes, phenoloxidase (PO) and nitric oxide (NO) could be activated. Different fungal species have been described in a few triatomines and some immune components against these pathogens are PO and proPO. In relation to parasites, triatomines respond with AMPs, including PO, NO and lectin. In the case of T. cruzi this may be effective, but Trypanosoma rangeli seems to evade and suppress PO response. Although it is clear that three parasite-killing processes are used by triatomines - phagocytosis, nodule formation and encapsulation - the precise immune mechanisms of triatomines against invading agents, including trypanosomes, are as yet unknown. The signalling processes used in triatomine immune response are IMD, Toll and Jak-STAT. Based on the information compiled, we propose some lines of research that include strategic approaches of biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Flores-Villegas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - P M Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - A Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva,Instituto de Ecología,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Apdo. P. 70-275,Circuito Exterior,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - A E Gutiérrez-Cabrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - G E Rojas-Wastavino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - M I Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - M Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
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Genes encoding defensins of important Chagas disease vectors used for phylogenetic studies. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:4503-11. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4694-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Ratcliffe NA, Vieira CS, Mendonça PM, Caetano RL, Queiroz MMDC, Garcia ES, Mello CB, Azambuja P. Detection and preliminary physico-chemical properties of antimicrobial components in the native excretions/secretions of three species of Chrysomya (Diptera, Calliphoridae) in Brazil. Acta Trop 2015; 147:6-11. [PMID: 25817237 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals and communities increasingly threaten public health in Brazil and the rest of the World. There is an urgent need for additional antimicrobial drugs. Calliphorid blowfly larvae are a rich source of antimicrobial factors but the potential of Neotropical species has been neglected. This preliminary study evaluates the antimicrobial activity of the native excretions/secretions of larvae of three species of Brazilian calliphorids, Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya putoria. Native excretions/secretions were collected from third instar larvae, sterile filtered and tested for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus 9518, Escherichia coli K12 4401 and Serratia marcescens 365. Turbidometric assays were made in micro-plates, using an ELISA reader, with readings taken up to 22 h. Bacterial suspensions at the start and end of each experiment were also serially diluted, spread on nutrient agar plates and then colony forming units counted. The physico-chemical characteristics of the native excretions/secretions were also tested by freezing/thawing, boiling, and protease digestion. The native excretions/secretions of larvae from these three Chrysomya species significantly inhibited bacterial growth. Therefore, Brazilian calliphorid flies could potentially provide new classes of antibiotics.
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Gumiel M, da Mota FF, Rizzo VDS, Sarquis O, de Castro DP, Lima MM, Garcia EDS, Carels N, Azambuja P. Characterization of the microbiota in the guts of Triatoma brasiliensis and Triatoma pseudomaculata infected by Trypanosoma cruzi in natural conditions using culture independent methods. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:245. [PMID: 25903360 PMCID: PMC4429471 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0836-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, which is transmitted by triatomine vectors. The northeastern region of Brazil is endemic for Chagas disease and has the largest diversity of triatomine species. T. cruzi development in its triatomine vector depends on diverse factors, including the composition of bacterial gut microbiota. Methods We characterized the triatomines captured in the municipality of Russas (Ceará) by sequencing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The composition of the bacterial community in the gut of peridomestic Triatoma brasiliensis and Triatoma pseudomaculata was investigated using culture independent methods based on the amplification of the 16S rRNA gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), DNA fragment cloning, Sanger sequencing and 454 pyrosequencing. Additionally, we identified TcI and TcII types of T. cruzi by sequencing amplicons from the gut metagenomic DNA with primers for the mini-exon gene. Results Triatomines collected in the peridomestic ecotopes were diagnosed as T. pseudomaculata and T. brasiliensis by comparing their COI sequence with GenBank. The rate of infection by T. cruzi in adult triatomines reached 80% for T. pseudomaculata and 90% for T. brasiliensis. According to the DNA sequences from the DGGE bands, the triatomine gut microbiota was primarily composed of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. However, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were also detected, although in much lower proportions. Serratia was the main genus, as it was encountered in all samples analyzed by DGGE and 454 pyrosequencing. Members of Corynebacterinae, a suborder of the Actinomycetales, formed the next most important group. The cloning and sequencing of full-length 16S rRNA genes confirmed the presence of Serratia marcescens, Dietzia sp., Gordonia terrae, Corynebacterium stationis and Corynebacterium glutamicum. Conclusions The study of the bacterial microbiota in the triatomine gut has gained increased attention because of the possible role it may play in the epidemiology of Chagas disease by competing with T. cruzi. Culture independent methods have shown that the bacterial composition of the microbiota in the guts of peridomestic triatomines is made up by only few bacterial species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-0836-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Gumiel
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Fabio Faria da Mota
- Laboratório de Biologia Computacional e Sistemas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa de Sousa Rizzo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Otília Sarquis
- Laboratório de Ecoepidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Daniele Pereira de Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Marli Maria Lima
- Laboratório de Ecoepidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Eloi de Souza Garcia
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Nicolas Carels
- Laboratório de Modelagem de Sistemas Biológicos, National Institute for Science and Technology on Innovation in Neglected Diseases (INCT-IDN), Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico em Saúde (CDTS), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Patricia Azambuja
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Vieira CS, Mattos DP, Waniek PJ, Santangelo JM, Figueiredo MB, Gumiel M, da Mota FF, Castro DP, Garcia ES, Azambuja P. Rhodnius prolixus interaction with Trypanosoma rangeli: modulation of the immune system and microbiota population. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:135. [PMID: 25888720 PMCID: PMC4350287 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0736-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma rangeli is a protozoan that infects a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans. Its main insect vector is Rhodnius prolixus and is found in several Latin American countries. The R. prolixus vector competence depends on the T. rangeli strain and the molecular interactions, as well as the insect's immune responses in the gut and haemocoel. This work focuses on the modulation of the humoral immune responses of the midgut of R. prolixus infected with T. rangeli Macias strain, considering the influence of the parasite on the intestinal microbiota. METHODS The population density of T. rangeli Macias strain was analysed in different R. prolixus midgut compartments in long and short-term experiments. Cultivable and non-cultivable midgut bacteria were investigated by colony forming unit (CFU) assays and by 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, respectively. The modulation of R. prolixus immune responses was studied by analysis of the antimicrobial activity in vitro against different bacteria using turbidimetric tests, the abundance of mRNAs encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) defensin (DefA, DefB, DefC), prolixicin (Prol) and lysozymes (LysA, LysB) by RT-PCR and analysis of the phenoloxidase (PO) activity. RESULTS Our results showed that T. rangeli successfully colonized R. prolixus midgut altering the microbiota population and the immune responses as follows: 1 - reduced cultivable midgut bacteria; 2 - decreased the number of sequences of the Enterococcaceae but increased those of the Burkholderiaceae family; the families Nocardiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Mycobacteriaceae encountered in control and infected insects remained the same; 3 - enhanced midgut antibacterial activities against Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus; 4 - down-regulated LysB and Prol mRNA levels; altered DefB, DefC and LysA depending on the infection (short and long-term); 5 - decreased PO activity. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that T. rangeli Macias strain modulates R. prolixus immune system and modifies the natural microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia S Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Débora P Mattos
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Peter J Waniek
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Jayme M Santangelo
- Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Instituto de Florestas, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Marcela B Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Marcia Gumiel
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Fabio F da Mota
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Daniele P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Eloi S Garcia
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Patrícia Azambuja
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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A Kazal-type inhibitor is modulated by Trypanosoma cruzi to control microbiota inside the anterior midgut of Rhodnius prolixus. Biochimie 2015; 112:41-8. [PMID: 25731714 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The triatomine insect, Rhodnius prolixus, is a vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease. The parasite must overcome immune response and microbiota to develop inside the midgut of triatomines. In this study, we expressed, purified and characterized a Kazal-type inhibitor from the midgut of R. prolixus, named RpTI, which may be involved in microbiota - T. cruzi interactions. The qPCR showed that the RpTI transcript was primarily expressed in tissues from the intestinal tract and that it was upregulated in the anterior midgut after T. cruzi infection. A 315-bp cDNA fragment encoding the mature protein was cloned into the pPIC9 vector and expressed in Pichia pastoris system. Recombinant RpTI (rRpTI) was purified on a trypsin-Sepharose column and had a molecular mass of 11.5 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis. This protein inhibited trypsin (Ki = 0.42 nM), whereas serine proteases from the coagulation cascade were not inhibited. Moreover, trypanocidal assays revealed that rRpTI did not interfere in the viability of T. cruzi trypomastigotes. The RpTI transcript was also knocked down by RNA interference prior to infection of R. prolixus with T. cruzi. The amount of T. cruzi in the anterior midgut was significantly lower in RpTI knockdown insects compared to the non-silenced groups. We also verified that the bacterial load is higher in the anterior midgut of silenced and infected R. prolixus compared to non-silenced and infected insects. Our results suggest that T. cruzi infection increases the expression of RpTI to mediate microbiota modulation and is important for parasite immediately after infection with R. prolixus.
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Wei L, Mu L, Wang Y, Bian H, Li J, Lu Y, Han Y, Liu T, Lv J, Feng C, Wu J, Yang H. Purification and characterization of a novel defensin from the salivary glands of the black fly, Simulium bannaense. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:71. [PMID: 25649358 PMCID: PMC4324660 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0669-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are haematophagous insects that can cause allergic reactions and act as vectors of pathogens. Although their saliva has been thought to contain a diverse array of physiologically active molecules, little information is available on antimicrobial factors in black fly salivary glands, especially no defensins have been reported so far. Methods A novel cationic defensin designated SibaDef was purified using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) from the salivary glands of the black fly Simulium bannaense. The amino acid sequence of SibaDef was determined by a combination method of automated Edman degradation and cDNA sequencing. The morphologic changes of Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Bacillus subtilis treated with SibaDef were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to analyze the expression of SibaDef mRNA in whole bodies of insects after oral infection with the bacteria S. aureus or B. subtilis. Results Surprisingly, the phylogenetic analysis of defensin-related amino acid sequences demonstrated that SibaDef is most closely related to defensins from the human body louse Pediculus humanus corporis (Anoplura: Pediculidae), rather than to other dipteran defensins. SibaDef showed potent antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive bacteria with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.83 μM to 2.29 μM. SEM analysis indicated that SibaDef killed microorganisms through the disruption of cell membrane integrity. The transcript levels of SibaDef in the bacteria-immunized flies increased with the time course, reaching maximum at 36 h and then slowly decreased from that time point. Conclusions Our results indicate that SibaDef is involved in the innate humoral response of the black fly S. bannaense, and it might play a significant role in the defence against microorganisms in both sugar and blood meals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lixian Mu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yipeng Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hui Bian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Jun Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yiling Lu
- Institute of Marine biological technology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Yi Han
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Tong Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Jing Lv
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Cuiping Feng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Hailong Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
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