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Stryiński R, Polak I, Gawryluk A, Rosa P, Łopieńska-Biernat E. The response of Anisakis simplex (s. s.) to anthelmintics - Specific changes in xenobiotic metabolic processes. Exp Parasitol 2024; 261:108751. [PMID: 38604302 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish and cephalopods that are infected with larvae of Anisakis simplex (sensu stricto) or Anisakis pegreffii. The purpose of this study was to investigate how A. simplex (s. s.) responds to the influence of anthelmintics such as ivermectin (IVM) and pyrantel (PYR). In vitro experiments were conducted using larvae at two developmental stages of A. simplex (s. s.) (L3 and L4) obtained from Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras). Larvae were cultured with different concentrations of IVM or PYR (1.56, 3.125, and 6.25 μg/mL) for various durations (3, 6, 9, and 12 h) under anaerobic conditions (37 °C, 5% CO2). The gene expression of actin, ABC transporter, antioxidant enzymes, γ-aminobutyric acid receptors, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, as well as the oxidative status were analyzed. The results showed that A. simplex (s. s.) L3 stage had lower mobility when cultured with PYR compared to IVM. The analysis of relative gene expression revealed significant differences in the mRNA level of ABC transporters after treatment with IVM and PYR, compared to the control group. Similar patterns were observed in the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in response to both drugs. Furthermore, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were higher in the treatment groups than in the control group. These findings suggest a relationship between the expression of the studied genes, including those related to oxidative metabolism, and the effectiveness of the tested drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stryiński
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A Str., 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Iwona Polak
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A Str., 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Anna Gawryluk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A Str., 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Paweł Rosa
- National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Research Station in Świnoujście, Plac Słowiański 11 Str., 72-600, Świnoujście, Poland.
| | - Elżbieta Łopieńska-Biernat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A Str., 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
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Martin EM, Mitchell EB, Yoon S, McCall JW, Fankhauser B, Mansour A, McCall S, Pollmeier M. Efficacy of moxidectin, using various dose regimens, against JYD-34, a macrocyclic lactone resistant isolate of Dirofilaria immitis. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:176. [PMID: 38575969 PMCID: PMC10996163 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are the only class of drugs currently commercially available that are effective for preventing heartworm disease. The data presented in this article provide information on the efficacy of oral moxidectin against JYD-34, a known ML-resistant Dirofilaria immitis isolate, when dogs are treated under various dosing regimens. METHODS Fifty-two purpose-bred Beagle dogs were used in five laboratory studies. All dogs were inoculated with 50 D. immitis third-stage larvae (L3) (JYD-34 isolate) 30 days prior to the first treatment. Dogs were randomized to treatment (four to five animals in each group) with one, three, or five monthly doses of oral moxidectin ranging from 6 to 100 µg/kg body weight. In each study, control dogs were not treated. Five to 6 months after L3 inoculation, dogs were euthanized, and adult worms were counted to evaluate efficacy of the dosing regimens. RESULTS Adult heartworms were recovered from all control dogs, with an overall geometric mean of 29.7 worms (range 15.2 to 38.0, individual counts ranged from 8 to 51). Five monthly doses of 6 µg/kg provided 83.3% and 90.2%, efficacy, and the same number of monthly doses of 9 µg/kg demonstrated 98.8% and 94.1% efficacy. Three monthly doses of 30 and 50 µg/kg demonstrated 97.9% and 99.0% efficacy, respectively, while a single dose of 100 µg/kg demonstrated 91.1% efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Five monthly doses of 9 µg/kg provided similar or only marginally lower efficacy against JYD-34, a known ML-resistant isolate, compared to substantially higher doses administered for 3 months. This underscores the importance of duration of exposure to moxidectin when facing ML-resistant isolates. Repeated administration of lower doses of moxidectin are an alternative to higher doses in the prevention of heartworm disease associated with less susceptible or resistant isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Martin
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 1730 Olympic Drive, Athens, GA, 30601, USA.
| | | | - Stephen Yoon
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 1730 Olympic Drive, Athens, GA, 30601, USA
| | - John W McCall
- TRS Labs, Inc, 215 Paradise Blvd, Athens, GA, 30607, USA
| | - Becky Fankhauser
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 1730 Olympic Drive, Athens, GA, 30601, USA
| | | | - Scott McCall
- TRS Labs, Inc, 215 Paradise Blvd, Athens, GA, 30607, USA
| | - Matthias Pollmeier
- Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Binger Str. 173, 55216, Ingelheim Am Rhein, Germany
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Chowdhury S, Sais D, Donnelly S, Tran N. The knowns and unknowns of helminth-host miRNA cross-kingdom communication. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:176-191. [PMID: 38151361 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that oversee gene modulation. They are integral to cellular functions and can migrate between species, leading to cross-kingdom gene suppression. Recent breakthroughs in helminth genome studies have sparked curiosity about helminth RNA regulators and their ability to regulate genes across species. Growing data indicate that helminth miRNAs have a significant impact on the host's immune system. Specific miRNAs from helminth parasites can merge with the host's miRNA system, implying that parasites could exploit their host's regulatory machinery and function. This review highlights the role of cross-kingdom helminth-derived miRNAs in the interplay between host and parasite, exploring potential routes for their uptake, processing, and consequences in host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaiya Chowdhury
- The School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia; School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Dayna Sais
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Sheila Donnelly
- The School of Life Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Nham Tran
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia.
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Liu L, Mahalak KK, Bobokalonov JT, Narrowe AB, Firrman J, Lemons JMS, Bittinger K, Hu W, Jones SM, Moustafa AM. Impact of Ivermectin on the Gut Microbial Ecosystem. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16125. [PMID: 38003317 PMCID: PMC10671733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin is a an anti-helminthic that is critical globally for both human and veterinary care. To the best of our knowledge, information available regarding the influence of ivermectin (IVM) on the gut microbiota has only been collected from diseased donors, who were treated with IVM alone or in combination with other medicines. Results thus obtained were influenced by multiple elements beyond IVM, such as disease, and other medical treatments. The research presented here investigated the impact of IVM on the gut microbial structure established in a Triple-SHIME® (simulator of the human intestinal microbial ecosystem), using fecal material from three healthy adults. The microbial communities were grown using three different culture media: standard SHIME media and SHIME media with either soluble or insoluble fiber added (control, SF, ISF). IVM introduced minor and temporary changes to the gut microbial community in terms of composition and metabolite production, as revealed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis, flow cytometry, and GC-MS. Thus, it was concluded that IVM is not expected to induce dysbiosis or yield adverse effects if administered to healthy adults. In addition, the donor's starting community influences the relationship between IVM and the gut microbiome, and the soluble fiber component in feed could protect the gut microbiota from IVM; an increase in short-chain fatty acid production was predicted by PICRUSt2 and detected with IVM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- LinShu Liu
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Karley K. Mahalak
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Jamshed T. Bobokalonov
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Adrienne B. Narrowe
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Jenni Firrman
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Johanna M. S. Lemons
- Dairy and Functional Foods Research Unit, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, USA
| | - Kyle Bittinger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Weiming Hu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven M. Jones
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ahmed M. Moustafa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Geary TG. New paradigms in research on Dirofilaria immitis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:247. [PMID: 37480077 PMCID: PMC10362759 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the advent of ivermectin (along with melarsomine and doxycycline), heartworm has come to be viewed as a solved problem in veterinary medicine, diminishing investment into non-clinical research on Dirofilaria immitis. However, heartworm infections continue to pose problems for practitioners and their patients and seem to be increasing in frequency and geographic distribution. Resistance to preventative therapies (macrocyclic lactones) complicates the picture. The use of chemotherapy for other kinds of pathogens has benefitted enormously from research into the basic biology of the pathogen and on the host-pathogen interface. A lack of basic information on heartworms as parasites and how they interact with permissive and non-permissive hosts greatly limits the ability to discover new ways to prevent and treat heartworm disease. Recent advances in technical platforms will help overcome the intrinsic barriers that hamper research on D. immitis, most notably, the need for experimentally infected dogs to maintain the life cycle and provide material for experiments. Impressive achievements in the development of laboratory animal models for D. immitis will enhance efforts to discover new drugs for prevention or treatment, to characterize new diagnostic biomarkers and to identify key parasite-derived molecules that are essential for survival in permissive hosts, providing a rational basis for vaccine discovery. A 'genomics toolbox' for D. immitis could enable unprecedented insight into the negotiations between host and parasite that enable survival in a permissive host. The more we know about the pathogen and how it manipulates its host, the better able we will be to protect companion animals far into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G Geary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University-Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Loghry HJ, Kwon H, Smith RC, Sondjaja NA, Minkler SJ, Young S, Wheeler NJ, Zamanian M, Bartholomay LC, Kimber MJ. Extracellular vesicles secreted by Brugia malayi microfilariae modulate the melanization pathway in the mosquito host. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8778. [PMID: 37258694 PMCID: PMC10232515 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35940-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne, filarial nematode diseases cause significant disease burdens in humans and domestic animals worldwide. Although there is strong direct evidence of parasite-driven immunomodulation of mammalian host responses, there is less evidence of parasite immunomodulation of the vector host. We have previously reported that all life stages of Brugia malayi, a filarial nematode and causative agent of Lymphatic filariasis, secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here we investigate the immunomodulatory effects of microfilariae-derived EVs on the vector host Aedes aegypti. RNA-seq analysis of an Ae. aegypti cell line treated with B. malayi microfilariae EVs showed differential expression of both mRNAs and miRNAs. AAEL002590, an Ae. aegypti gene encoding a serine protease, was shown to be downregulated when cells were treated with biologically relevant EV concentrations in vitro. Injection of adult female mosquitoes with biologically relevant concentrations of EVs validated these results in vivo, recapitulating the downregulation of AAEL002590 transcript. This gene was predicted to be involved in the mosquito phenoloxidase (PO) cascade leading to the canonical melanization response and correspondingly, both suppression of this gene using RNAi and parasite EV treatment reduced PO activity in vivo. Our data indicate that parasite-derived EVs interfere with critical immune responses in the vector host, including melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Loghry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Hyeogsun Kwon
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ryan C Smith
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Noelle A Sondjaja
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Sarah J Minkler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Sophie Young
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Nicolas J Wheeler
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, USA
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lyric C Bartholomay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael J Kimber
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Nunn LR, Juang TD, Beebe DJ, Wheeler NJ, Zamanian M. A high-throughput nematode sensory assay reveals an inhibitory effect of ivermectin on parasite gustation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.25.538347. [PMID: 37163046 PMCID: PMC10168391 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.25.538347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Sensory pathways first elucidated in Caenorhabditis elegans are conserved across free-living and parasitic nematodes, even though each species responds to a diverse array of compounds. Most nematode sensory assays are performed by tallying observations of worm behavior on two-dimensional planes using agarose plates. These assays have been successful in the study of volatile sensation but are poorly suited for investigation of water-soluble gustation or parasitic nematodes without a free-living stage. In contrast, gustatory assays tend to be tedious, often limited to the manipulation of a single individual at a time. We have designed a nematode sensory assay using a microfluidics device that allows for the study of gustation in a 96-well, three-dimensional environment. This device is suited for free-living worms and parasitic worms that spend their lives in an aqueous environment, and we have used it to show that ivermectin inhibits the gustatory ability of vector-borne parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo R. Nunn
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Terry D. Juang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - David J. Beebe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Nicolas J. Wheeler
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI USA
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
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Nunn LR, Juang TD, Beebe DJ, Wheeler NJ, Zamanian M. A high-throughput sensory assay for parasitic and free-living nematodes. Integr Biol (Camb) 2023; 15:zyad010. [PMID: 37555835 PMCID: PMC10752570 DOI: 10.1093/intbio/zyad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Sensory pathways first elucidated in Caenorhabditis elegans are conserved across free-living and parasitic nematodes, even though each species responds to a diverse array of compounds. Most nematode sensory assays are performed by tallying observations of worm behavior on two-dimensional planes using agarose plates. These assays have been successful in the study of volatile sensation but are poorly suited for investigation of water-soluble gustation or parasitic nematodes without a free-living stage. In contrast, gustatory assays tend to be tedious, often limited to the manipulation of a single individual at a time. We have designed a nematode sensory assay using a microfluidics device that allows for the study of gustation in a 96-well, three-dimensional environment. This device is suited for free-living worms and parasitic worms that spend their lives in an aqueous environment, and we have used it to show that ivermectin inhibits the gustatory ability of vector-borne parasitic nematodes. Insight box Nematodes are powerful model organisms for understanding the sensory biology of multicellular eukaryotes, and many parasitic species cause disease in humans. Simple sensory assays performed on agarose plates have been the bedrock for establishing the neuronal, genetic, and developmental foundations for many sensory modalities in nematodes. However, these classical assays are poorly suited for translational movement of many parasitic nematodes and the sensation of water-soluble molecules (gustation). We have designed a device for high-throughput nematode sensory assays in a gel matrix. This 'gustatory microplate' is amenable to several species and reveals novel responses by free-living and parasitic nematodes to cues and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo R. Nunn
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Terry D. Juang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - David J. Beebe
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
| | - Nicolas J. Wheeler
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
- Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI USA
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI USA
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Phenotypic Profiling of Macrocyclic Lactones on Parasitic Schistosoma Flatworms. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0123022. [PMID: 36695583 PMCID: PMC9933704 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01230-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrocyclic lactones are front-line therapies for parasitic roundworm infections; however, there are no comprehensive studies on the activity of this drug class against parasitic flatworms. Ivermectin is well known to be inactive against flatworms. However, the structure-activity relationship of macrocyclic lactones may vary across phyla, and it is entirely possible other members of this drug class do in fact show antiparasitic activity on flatworms. For example, there are several reports hinting at the anti-schistosomal activity of doramectin and moxidectin. To explore this class further, we developed an automated imaging assay combined with measurement of lactate levels from worm media. This assay was applied to the screening of 21 macrocyclic lactones (avermectins, milbemycins, and others such as spinosyns) against adult schistosomes. These in vitro assays identified several macrocyclic lactones (emamectin, milbemycin oxime, and the moxidectin metabolite 23-ketonemadectin) that caused contractile paralysis and lack of lactate production. Several of these were also active against miracidia, which infect the snail intermediate host. Hits prioritized from these in vitro assays were administered to mice harboring patent schistosome infections. However, no reduction in worm burden was observed. Nevertheless, these data show the utility of a multiplexed in vitro screening platform to quantitatively assess drug action and exclude inactive compounds from a chemical series before proceeding to in vivo studies. While the prototypical macrocyclic lactone ivermectin displays minimal activity against adult Schistosoma mansoni, this family of compounds does contain schistocidal compounds which may serve as a starting point for development of new anti-flatworm chemotherapies.
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Multivariate chemogenomic screening prioritizes new macrofilaricidal leads. Commun Biol 2023; 6:44. [PMID: 36639423 PMCID: PMC9839782 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04435-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of direct acting macrofilaricides for the treatment of human filariases is hampered by limitations in screening throughput imposed by the parasite life cycle. In vitro adult screens typically assess single phenotypes without prior enrichment for chemicals with antifilarial potential. We developed a multivariate screen that identified dozens of compounds with submicromolar macrofilaricidal activity, achieving a hit rate of >50% by leveraging abundantly accessible microfilariae. Adult assays were multiplexed to thoroughly characterize compound activity across relevant parasite fitness traits, including neuromuscular control, fecundity, metabolism, and viability. Seventeen compounds from a diverse chemogenomic library elicited strong effects on at least one adult trait, with differential potency against microfilariae and adults. Our screen identified five compounds with high potency against adults but low potency or slow-acting microfilaricidal effects, at least one of which acts through a novel mechanism. We show that the use of microfilariae in a primary screen outperforms model nematode developmental assays and virtual screening of protein structures inferred with deep learning. These data provide new leads for drug development, and the high-content and multiplex assays set a new foundation for antifilarial discovery.
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Wu J, Liao Y, Li D, Zhu Z, Zhang L, Wu Z, He P, Wang L. Extracellular vesicles derived from Trichinella Spiralis larvae promote the polarization of macrophages to M2b type and inhibit the activation of fibroblasts. Front Immunol 2022; 13:974332. [PMID: 36211336 PMCID: PMC9532625 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.974332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) is a globally distributed food-borne parasite that can coexist with the host for a long time after infection. Trichinella-derived secretions can regulate the immune response and fibroblasts of the host, but the specific mechanisms involved are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of T. spiralis larvae-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their key miRNAs in the process of T. spiralis–host interaction. In this study, we found that the EVs of T. spiralis larvae, as well as miR-1-3p and let-7-5p, expressed in T. spiralis larvae-derived EVs, can promote the polarization of bone marrow macrophages to M2b type while inhibiting the activation of fibroblasts. These findings will contribute to further understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying T. spiralis–host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wu
- Medical Department of Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, China
| | - Yao Liao
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dinghao Li
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zifeng Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lichao Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lifu Wang, ; Ping He, ; Zhongdao Wu,
| | - Ping He
- Medical Department of Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, China
- *Correspondence: Lifu Wang, ; Ping He, ; Zhongdao Wu,
| | - Lifu Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Clinical Rapid Diagnosis and Early Warning of Infectious Diseases, KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lifu Wang, ; Ping He, ; Zhongdao Wu,
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Loghry HJ, Sondjaja NA, Minkler SJ, Kimber MJ. Secreted filarial nematode galectins modulate host immune cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:952104. [PMID: 36032131 PMCID: PMC9402972 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.952104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by filarial nematodes including Brugia malayi. Over 860 million people worldwide are infected or at risk of infection in 72 endemic countries. The absence of a protective vaccine means that current control strategies rely on mass drug administration programs that utilize inadequate drugs that cannot effectively kill adult parasites, thus established infections are incurable. Progress to address deficiencies in the approach to LF control is hindered by a poor mechanistic understanding of host-parasite interactions, including mechanisms of host immunomodulation by the parasite, a critical adaptation for establishing and maintaining infections. The canonical type 2 host response to helminth infection characterized by anti-inflammatory and regulatory immune phenotypes is modified by filarial nematodes during chronic LF. Current efforts at identifying parasite-derived factors driving this modification focus on parasite excretory-secretory products (ESP), including extracellular vesicles (EVs). We have previously profiled the cargo of B. malayi EVs and identified B. malayi galectin-1 and galectin-2 as among the most abundant EV proteins. In this study we further investigated the function of these proteins. Sequence analysis of the parasite galectins revealed highest homology to mammalian galectin-9 and functional characterization identified similar substrate affinities consistent with this designation. Immunological assays showed that Bma-LEC-2 is a bioactive protein that can polarize macrophages to an alternatively activated phenotype and selectively induce apoptosis in Th1 cells. Our data shows that an abundantly secreted parasite galectin is immunomodulatory and induces phenotypes consistent with the modified type 2 response characteristic of chronic LF infection.
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Minkler SJ, Loghry-Jansen HJ, Sondjaja NA, Kimber MJ. Expression and Secretion of Circular RNAs in the Parasitic Nematode, Ascaris suum. Front Genet 2022; 13:884052. [PMID: 35711944 PMCID: PMC9194832 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.884052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a recently identified RNA species with emerging functional roles as microRNA (miRNA) and protein sponges, regulators of gene transcription and translation, and modulators of fundamental biological processes including immunoregulation. Relevant to this study, circRNAs have recently been described in the parasitic nematode, Haemonchus contortus, suggesting they may have functionally important roles in parasites. Given their involvement in regulating biological processes, a better understanding of their role in parasites could be leveraged for future control efforts. Here, we report the use of next-generation sequencing to identify 1,997 distinct circRNAs expressed in adult female stages of the gastrointestinal parasitic nematode, Ascaris suum. We describe spatial expression in the ovary-enriched and body wall muscle, and also report circRNA presence in extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by the parasite into the external environment. Further, we used an in-silico approach to predict that a subset of Ascaris circRNAs bind both endogenous parasite miRNAs as well as human host miRNAs, suggesting they could be functional as both endogenous and exogenous miRNA sponges to alter gene expression. There was not a strong correlation between Ascaris circRNA length and endogenous miRNA interactions, indicating Ascaris circRNAs are enriched for Ascaris miRNA binding sites, but that human miRNAs were predicted form a more thermodynamically stable bond with Ascaris circRNAs. These results suggest that secreted circRNAs could be interacting with host miRNAs at the host-parasite interface and influencing host gene transcription. Lastly, although we have previously found that therapeutically relevant concentrations of the anthelmintic drug ivermectin inhibited EV release from parasitic nematodes, we did not observe a direct effect of ivermectin treatment on Ascaris circRNAs expression or secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Minkler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Hannah J Loghry-Jansen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Noelle A Sondjaja
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Michael J Kimber
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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Airs PM, Vaccaro K, Gallo KJ, Dinguirard N, Heimark ZW, Wheeler NJ, He J, Weiss KR, Schroeder NE, Huisken J, Zamanian M. Spatial transcriptomics reveals antiparasitic targets associated with essential behaviors in the human parasite Brugia malayi. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010399. [PMID: 35390105 PMCID: PMC9017939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a chronic debilitating neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by mosquito-transmitted nematodes that afflicts over 60 million people. Control of LF relies on routine mass drug administration with antiparasitics that clear circulating larval parasites but are ineffective against adults. The development of effective adulticides is hampered by a poor understanding of the processes and tissues driving parasite survival in the host. The adult filariae head region contains essential tissues that control parasite feeding, sensory, secretory, and reproductive behaviors, which express promising molecular substrates for the development of antifilarial drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics. We have adapted spatial transcriptomic approaches to map gene expression patterns across these prioritized but historically intractable head tissues. Spatial and tissue-resolved data reveal distinct biases in the origins of known drug targets and secreted antigens. These data were used to identify potential new drug and vaccine targets, including putative hidden antigens expressed in the alimentary canal, and to spatially associate receptor subunits belonging to druggable families. Spatial transcriptomic approaches provide a powerful resource to aid gene function inference and seed antiparasitic discovery pipelines across helminths of relevance to human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Airs
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kathy Vaccaro
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kendra J. Gallo
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nathalie Dinguirard
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Zachary W. Heimark
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nicolas J. Wheeler
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jiaye He
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kurt R. Weiss
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nathan E. Schroeder
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jan Huisken
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Wolstenholme AJ, Neveu C. The avermectin/milbemycin receptors of parasitic nematodes. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 181:105010. [PMID: 35082033 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.105010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate-gated chloride channels are the most important target of ivermectin and related compounds in parasitic nematodes. A small family of genes encode subunits of these channels, allowing the assembly of multiple channel subtypes; the subunit composition of most of the native receptors is unknown. The members of the gene family vary between species, making extrapolation from C. elegans to parasites difficult. Expression of recombinant receptors in Xenopus oocytes can identify subunits that have the ability to co-assemble into novel channels, but localisation data, ideally at the single-cell level, is required to confirm that these subunits are expressed in the same cells and tissues. Fortunately, recent advances in this area are starting to make this information available; this information is adding to our understanding of how the drugs act and of the possible subunit combinations that create their targets in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J Wolstenholme
- UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, INRAE Centre Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - Cedric Neveu
- UMR1282 Infectiologie et Santé Publique, INRAE Centre Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
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16
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Drurey C, Maizels RM. Helminth extracellular vesicles: Interactions with the host immune system. Mol Immunol 2021; 137:124-133. [PMID: 34246032 PMCID: PMC8636279 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As long-lived parasites, helminths depend upon immunomodulation of their hosts for survival. The release of excretory-secretory (ES) products, including proteins, lipids and RNAs is how successful host manipulation is achieved. It has recently been discovered that the ES products of helminths contain extracellular vesicles (EVs), with every species investigated found to secrete these lipid-bound structures. EVs are perfect for packaging and delivering immune modulators to target cell types. This review outlines the research carried out on helminth EVs and their constituents thus far, as well as their interaction with components of the mammalian immune system. We discuss how targeting EVs will aid treatment of helminth infection and consider how EVs and their immunomodulatory cargo could be used as therapeutics as we progress through this exciting era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Drurey
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Rick M Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK.
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17
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High-content approaches to anthelmintic drug screening. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:780-789. [PMID: 34092518 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Most anthelmintics were discovered through in vivo screens using animal models of infection. Developing in vitro assays for parasitic worms presents several challenges. The lack of in vitro life cycle culture protocols requires harvesting worms from vertebrate hosts or vectors, limiting assay throughput. Once worms are removed from the host environment, established anthelmintics often show no obvious phenotype - raising concerns about the predictive value of many in vitro assays. However, with recent progress in understanding how anthelmintics subvert host-parasite interactions, and breakthroughs in high-content imaging and machine learning, in vitro assays have the potential to discern subtle cryptic parasite phenotypes. These may prove better endpoints than conventional in vitro viability assays.
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Hotterbeekx A, Perneel J, Vieri MK, Colebunders R, Kumar-Singh S. The Secretome of Filarial Nematodes and Its Role in Host-Parasite Interactions and Pathogenicity in Onchocerciasis-Associated Epilepsy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:662766. [PMID: 33996633 PMCID: PMC8113626 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.662766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Filarial nematodes secrete bioactive molecules which are of interest as potential mediators for manipulating host biology, as they are readily available at the host-parasite interface. The adult parasites can survive for years in the mammalian host, due to their successful modulation of the host immune system and most of these immunomodulatory strategies are based on soluble mediators excreted by the parasite. The secretome of filarial nematodes is a key player in both infection and pathology, making them an interesting target for further investigation. This review summarises the current knowledge regarding the components of the excretory-secretory products (ESPs) of filarial parasites and their bioactive functions in the human host. In addition, the pathogenic potential of the identified components, which are mostly proteins, in the pathophysiology of onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Hotterbeekx
- Molecular Pathology Group, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jolien Perneel
- Molecular Pathology Group, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Melissa Krizia Vieri
- Molecular Pathology Group, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Samir Kumar-Singh
- Molecular Pathology Group, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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