1
|
Karo-Atar D, Gregorieff A, King IL. Dangerous liaisons: how helminths manipulate the intestinal epithelium. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:414-422. [PMID: 37076358 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal helminths remain highly pervasive throughout the animal kingdom by modulating multiple aspects of the host immune response. The intestinal epithelium functions as a physical barrier as well as a sentinel innate immune tissue with the ability to sense and respond to infectious agents. Although helminths form intimate interactions with the epithelium, comprehensive knowledge about host-helminth interactions at this dynamic interface is lacking. In addition, little is known about the ability of helminths to directly shape the fate of this barrier tissue. Here, we review the diverse pathways by which helminths regulate the epithelium and highlight the emerging field of direct helminth regulation of intestinal stem cell (ISC) fate and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Karo-Atar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Irah L King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Centre for Microbiome Research, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Duque-Correa MA, Goulding D, Rodgers FH, Gillis JA, Cormie C, Rawlinson KA, Bancroft AJ, Bennett HM, Lotkowska ME, Reid AJ, Speak AO, Scott P, Redshaw N, Tolley C, McCarthy C, Brandt C, Sharpe C, Ridley C, Moya JG, Carneiro CM, Starborg T, Hayes KS, Holroyd N, Sanders M, Thornton DJ, Grencis RK, Berriman M. Defining the early stages of intestinal colonisation by whipworms. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1725. [PMID: 35365634 PMCID: PMC8976045 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Whipworms are large metazoan parasites that inhabit multi-intracellular epithelial tunnels in the large intestine of their hosts, causing chronic disease in humans and other mammals. How first-stage larvae invade host epithelia and establish infection remains unclear. Here we investigate early infection events using both Trichuris muris infections of mice and murine caecaloids, the first in-vitro system for whipworm infection and organoid model for live helminths. We show that larvae degrade mucus layers to access epithelial cells. In early syncytial tunnels, larvae are completely intracellular, woven through multiple live dividing cells. Using single-cell RNA sequencing of infected mouse caecum, we reveal that progression of infection results in cell damage and an expansion of enterocytes expressing of Isg15, potentially instigating the host immune response to the whipworm and tissue repair. Our results unravel intestinal epithelium invasion by whipworms and reveal specific host-parasite interactions that allow the whipworm to establish its multi-intracellular niche. Whipworms are large parasites causing chronic disease in humans and other mammals. Here, the authors show how larvae create tunnels inside the gut lining and reveal the early host response to infection via Isg15 in mice and murine caecaloids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María A Duque-Correa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK. .,Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK.
| | - David Goulding
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Faye H Rodgers
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.,Mogrify Ltd, 25 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge, CB4 0FW, UK
| | - J Andrew Gillis
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Claire Cormie
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.,Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Kate A Rawlinson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Allison J Bancroft
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Hayley M Bennett
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.,Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Magda E Lotkowska
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Adam J Reid
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.,Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Anneliese O Speak
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Paul Scott
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Nicholas Redshaw
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Charlotte Tolley
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Catherine McCarthy
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Cordelia Brandt
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Catherine Sharpe
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,InstilBio, UMIC Bio-Incubator, Manchester, M13 9XX, UK
| | - Caroline Ridley
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,Prime Global Medical Communications, Knutsford, WA16 8GP, UK
| | - Judit Gali Moya
- Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, 08028, Spain
| | - Claudia M Carneiro
- Immunopathology Laboratory, NUPEB, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Campus Universitario Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, MG, 35400-000, Brazil
| | - Tobias Starborg
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.,Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Kelly S Hayes
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Nancy Holroyd
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Mandy Sanders
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - David J Thornton
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Richard K Grencis
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CB10 1SA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hyun J, Lee M, Rehman J, Pajcini KV, Malik AB. Notch1 promotes ordered revascularization through Semaphorin 3g modulation of downstream vascular patterning signalling factors. J Physiol 2022; 600:509-530. [PMID: 34921404 PMCID: PMC9305962 DOI: 10.1113/jp282286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we genetically and functionally addressed potential pathways of Notch signalling in mediating vascular regeneration in mouse models. We first used transgenic adult mice with either gain- or loss-of-function Notch signalling in vascular endothelial cells and monitored perfusion in the hindlimb following ischaemia induced by femoral artery ligation. Mice deficient in Notch signalling showed defective perfusion recovery and expansion of collateral arteries. Transcriptomics analysis of arterial endothelial cells in the Notch mutants identified the guidance factor Sema3g as a candidate gene mediating reperfusion downstream of Notch. Studies in the retinal circulation showed the central role of SEMA3G downstream of Notch signalling in the orderly regulation of vascular patterning. These studies in multiple vascular beds show the primacy of Notch signalling and downstream generation of guidance peptides such as SEMA3G in promoting well-ordered vascular regeneration. KEY POINTS: Notch signalling is a critical mediator of revascularization. Yet the cellular processes activated during recovery following vascular injury are incompletely understood. Here we used genetic and cellular approaches in two different vascular beds and cultured endothelial cells to address the generalizability of mechanisms. By utilizing a highly reproducible murine model of hindlimb ischaemia in transgenic mice in which Notch signalling was inhibited at the transcriptional level, we demonstrated the centrality of Notch signalling in perfusion recovery and revascularization. RNA-sequencing of Notch mutants identified class 3 Semaphorins regulated by Notch signalling as downstream targets. Studies in retinal vessels and endothelial cells showed an essential role of guidance peptide Sema3g as a modulator of angiogenesis and orderly vascular patterning. The Notch to Sema3g signalling axis functions as a feedback mechanism to sculpt the growing vasculature in multiple beds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Hyun
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Monica Lee
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jalees Rehman
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kostandin V Pajcini
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Asrar B Malik
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yousefi Y, Haq S, Banskota S, Kwon YH, Khan WI. Trichuris muris Model: Role in Understanding Intestinal Immune Response, Inflammation and Host Defense. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10080925. [PMID: 34451389 PMCID: PMC8399713 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several parasites have evolved to survive in the human intestinal tract and over 1 billion people around the world, specifically in developing countries, are infected with enteric helminths. Trichuris trichiura is one of the world’s most common intestinal parasites that causes human parasitic infections. Trichuris muris, as an immunologically well-defined mouse model of T. trichiura, is extensively used to study different aspects of the innate and adaptive components of the immune system. Studies on T. muris model offer insights into understanding host immunity, since this parasite generates two distinct immune responses in resistant and susceptible strains of mouse. Apart from the immune cells, T. muris infection also influences various components of the intestinal tract, especially the gut microbiota, mucus layer, epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells. Here, we reviewed the different immune responses generated by innate and adaptive immune components during acute and chronic T. muris infections. Furthermore, we discussed the importance of studying T. muris model in understanding host–parasite interaction in the context of alteration in the host’s microbiota, intestinal barrier, inflammation, and host defense, and in parasite infection-mediated modulation of other immune and inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeganeh Yousefi
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Room 3N7, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (Y.Y.); (S.H.); (S.B.); (Y.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Sabah Haq
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Room 3N7, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (Y.Y.); (S.H.); (S.B.); (Y.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Suhrid Banskota
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Room 3N7, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (Y.Y.); (S.H.); (S.B.); (Y.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Yun Han Kwon
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Room 3N7, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (Y.Y.); (S.H.); (S.B.); (Y.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Waliul I. Khan
- Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University Health Sciences Centre Room 3N7, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; (Y.Y.); (S.H.); (S.B.); (Y.H.K.)
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-905-521-2100 (ext. 22846)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
O'Sullivan JDB, Cruickshank SM, Withers PJ, Else KJ. Morphological variability in the mucosal attachment site of Trichuris muris revealed by X-ray microcomputed tomography. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:797-807. [PMID: 34216623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic infections can be challenging to study because two dimensional light and electron microscopy are often limited in visualising complex and inaccessible attachment sites. Exemplifying this, Trichuris spp. inhabit a tunnel of epithelial cells within the host caecum and colon. A significant global burden of this infection persists, partly because available anthelminthics lack efficacy, although the mechanisms underlying this remain unknown. Consequently, there is a need to pioneer new approaches to better characterize the parasite niche within the host and investigate how variation in its morphology and integrity may contribute to resistance to therapeutic intervention. To address these aims, we exploited three-dimensional X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT) to image the mouse whipworm, Trichuris muris, in caeca of wild-type C57BL/6 and SCID mice ex vivo. Using osmium tetroxide staining to effectively enhance the contrast of worms, we found that a subset exhibited preferential positioning towards the bases of the intestinal crypts. Moreover, in one rare event, we demonstrated whipworm traversal of the lamina propria. This morphological variability contradicts widely accepted conclusions from conventional microscopy of the parasite niche, showing Trichuris in close contact with the host proliferative and immune compartments that may facilitate immunomodulation. Furthermore, by using a skeletonization-based approach we demonstrate considerable variation in tunnel length and integrity. The qualitative and quantitative observations provide a new morphological point of reference for future in vitro study of host-Trichuris interactions, and highlight the potential of microCT to characterise enigmatic host-parasite interactions more accurately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James D B O'Sullivan
- Henry Royce Institute, Department of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Sheena M Cruickshank
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Philip J Withers
- Henry Royce Institute, Department of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J Else
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, M13 9PT, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bancroft AJ, Grencis RK. Immunoregulatory molecules secreted by Trichuris muris. Parasitology 2021; 148:1-7. [PMID: 34075864 PMCID: PMC8660643 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Trichuris, whipworm nematode infections are prevalent in humans, domestic livestock and mammals. All share an epithelial dwelling niche and similar life cycle with the chronic infections that follow implying that immune evasion mechanisms are operating. Nematode excretory secretory (ES) products have been shown to be a rich source of immunomodulatory molecules for many species. The Trichuris muris model is a natural parasite of mice and has been used extensively to study host–parasite interactions and provides a tractable platform for investigation of the immunoregulatory capacity of whipworm ES. The present review details progress in identification of the composition of T. muris ES, immunomodulatory components and their potential mechanisms of action. The adult T. muris secretome is dominated by one protein with modulatory capacity although remains to be completely characterized. In addition, the secretome contains multiple other proteins and small molecules that have immunomodulatory potential, certainly by comparison to other Trichuris species. Moreover, T. muris-derived exosomes/exosome-like vesicles contain both protein and multiple miRNAs providing an alternate delivery process for molecules with the potential to modulate host immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allison J. Bancroft
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, ManchesterM13 9PT, UK
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, ManchesterM13 9PT, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
| | - Richard K. Grencis
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, ManchesterM13 9PT, UK
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, ManchesterM13 9PT, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Patel C, Keller L, Welsche S, Hattendorf J, Sayasone S, Ali SM, Ame SM, Coulibaly JT, Hürlimann E, Keiser J. Assessment of fecal calprotectin and fecal occult blood as point-of-care markers for soil-transmitted helminth attributable intestinal morbidity in a case-control substudy conducted in Côte d'Ivoire, Lao PDR and Pemba Island, Tanzania. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 32:100724. [PMID: 33554091 PMCID: PMC7851339 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.100724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) may result in chronic inflammatory disorders affecting the human host. The objective of this study was to evaluate Fecal Calprotectin (FC) and Fecal Occult Blood (FOB) in individuals infected and non-infected with STHs to identify potential intestinal morbidity markers. METHODS Stool from participants diagnosed positive for Trichuris trichiura and concomitant STH infections from three countries was used to perform FC and FOB point-of-care assays. Simultaneously, identified STH negative participants underwent FC and FOB testing as controls. Potential associations between test results and determinants were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. FINDINGS In total, 1034 T. trichiura infected cases (mostly light infections) and 157 STH negative controls were tested for FC and FOB. Among all participants tested, 18·5% had ≥ 50 µg/g FC concentration, while 14 (1·2%) were positive for FOB. No statistically significant association was found between T. trichiura infection or Ascaris lumbricoides co-infection and FC concentration, while an inverse association (odds ratio (OR): 0·45, 95% credible intervals (CrI): 0·26, 0·75) was found between hookworm co-infection and FC concentration. In Lao PDR, the proportion of participants in the ≥ 50 µg/g FC category was significantly higher in the oldest age category compared to the 5-11 years group (OR: 3·31, 95% CrI: 1·62, 7·24). Too few participants were found positive for FOB to derive any conclusions. INTERPRETATION Studies are needed to better understand the relationship between intestinal morbidity and STH infections. Suitable, standardized, low-cost markers of STH attributable morbidity to better monitor the impact of STH control interventions are necessary. FUNDING BMGF (OPP1153928).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandni Patel
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ladina Keller
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Welsche
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hattendorf
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Somphou Sayasone
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of International Program for Health in the Tropics, Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
| | - Said M. Ali
- Public Health Laboratory Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake, Pemba, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Shaali M. Ame
- Public Health Laboratory Ivo de Carneri, Chake Chake, Pemba, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Jean Tenena Coulibaly
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Department of Research and Development, Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Eveline Hürlimann
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hansen TVA, Cirera S, Neveu C, Courtot E, Charvet CL, Calloe K, Klaerke DA, Martin RJ. The narrow-spectrum anthelmintic oxantel is a potent agonist of a novel acetylcholine receptor subtype in whipworms. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1008982. [PMID: 33544769 PMCID: PMC7891710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of efficient alternative strategies, the control of parasitic nematodes, impacting human and animal health, mainly relies on the use of broad-spectrum anthelmintic compounds. Unfortunately, most of these drugs have a limited single-dose efficacy against infections caused by the whipworm, Trichuris. These infections are of both human and veterinary importance. However, in contrast to a wide range of parasitic nematode species, the narrow-spectrum anthelmintic oxantel has a high efficacy on Trichuris spp. Despite this knowledge, the molecular target(s) of oxantel within Trichuris is still unknown. In the distantly related pig roundworm, Ascaris suum, oxantel has a small, but significant effect on the recombinant homomeric Nicotine-sensitive ionotropic acetylcholine receptor (N-AChR) made up of five ACR-16 subunits. Therefore, we hypothesized that in whipworms, a putative homolog of an ACR-16 subunit, can form a functional oxantel-sensitive receptor. Using the pig whipworm T. suis as a model, we identified and cloned a novel ACR-16-like subunit and successfully expressed the corresponding homomeric channel in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Electrophysiological experiments revealed this receptor to have distinctive pharmacological properties with oxantel acting as a full agonist, hence we refer to the receptor as an O-AChR subtype. Pyrantel activated this novel O-AChR subtype moderately, whereas classic nicotinic agonists surprisingly resulted in only minor responses. We observed that the expression of the ACR-16-like subunit in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans conferred an increased sensitivity to oxantel of recombinant worms. We demonstrated that the novel Tsu-ACR-16-like receptor is indeed a target for oxantel, although other receptors may be involved. These finding brings new insight into the understanding of the high sensitivity of whipworms to oxantel, and highlights the importance of the discovery of additional distinct receptor subunit types within Trichuris that can be used as screening tools to evaluate the effect of new synthetic or natural anthelmintic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina V. A. Hansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
| | - Susanna Cirera
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Cédric Neveu
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Kirstine Calloe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Dan A. Klaerke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Richard J. Martin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yordanova IA, Ebner F, Schulz AR, Steinfelder S, Rosche B, Bolze A, Paul F, Mei HE, Hartmann S. The Worm-Specific Immune Response in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Receiving Controlled Trichuris suis Ova Immunotherapy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11020101. [PMID: 33572978 PMCID: PMC7912101 DOI: 10.3390/life11020101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering their potent immunomodulatory properties, therapeutic applications of Trichuris suis ova (TSO) are studied as potential alternative treatment of autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinical phase 1 and 2 studies have demonstrated TSO treatment to be safe and well tolerated in MS patients, however, they reported only modest clinical efficacy. We therefore addressed the cellular and humoral immune responses directed against parasite antigens in individual MS patients receiving controlled TSO treatment (2500 TSO p.o. every 2 weeks for 12 month). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of MS patients treated with TSO (n = 5) or placebo (n = 6) were analyzed. A continuous increase of serum IgG and IgE antibodies specific for T. suis excretory/secretory antigens was observed up to 12 months post-treatment. This was consistent with mass cytometry analysis identifying an increase of activated HLA-DRhigh plasmablast frequencies in TSO-treated patients. While stable and comparable frequencies of total CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were detected in placebo and TSO-treated patients over time, we observed an increase of activated HLA-DR+CD4+ T cells in TSO-treated patients only. Frequencies of Gata3+ Th2 cells and Th1/Th2 ratios remained stable during TSO treatment, while Foxp3+ Treg frequencies varied greatly between individuals. Using a T. suis antigen-specific T cell expansion assay, we also detected patient-to-patient variation of antigen-specific T cell recall responses and cytokine production. In summary, MS patients receiving TSO treatment established a T. suis-specific T- and B-cell response, however, with varying degrees of T cell responses and cellular functionality across individuals, which might account for the overall miscellaneous clinical efficacy in the studied patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivet A. Yordanova
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany; (I.A.Y.); (F.E.)
| | - Friederike Ebner
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany; (I.A.Y.); (F.E.)
| | - Axel Ronald Schulz
- German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, D-10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.R.S.); (H.E.M.)
| | | | - Berit Rosche
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Clinical and Experimental Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Anna Bolze
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Clinical and Experimental Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Henrik E. Mei
- German Rheumatism Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), a Leibniz Institute, D-10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.R.S.); (H.E.M.)
| | - Susanne Hartmann
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Infection Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, D-14163 Berlin, Germany; (I.A.Y.); (F.E.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lopes-Torres EJ, Girard-Dias W, de Souza W, Miranda K. On the structural organization of the bacillary band of Trichuris muris under cryopreparation protocols and three-dimensional electron microscopy. J Struct Biol 2020; 212:107611. [PMID: 32890779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Whipworms of the genus Trichuris are nematode parasites that infect mammals and can lead to various intestinal diseases of human and veterinary interest. The most intimate interaction between the parasite and the host intestine occurs through the anterior region of the nematode body, inserted into the intestinal mucosa during infection. One of the most prominent structures of the nematode surface found at the infection site is the bacillary band, a surface domain formed by a number of cells, mostly stichocytes and bacillary glands, whose structure and function are still under debate. Here, we used confocal microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, helium ion microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and FIB-SEM tomography to unveil the functional role of the bacillary gland cell. We analyzed the surface organization as well as the intracellular milieu of the bacillary glands of Trichuris muris in high pressure frozen/freeze-substituted samples. Results showed that the secretory content is preserved in all gland openings, presenting a projected pattern. FIB-SEM analysis showed that the lamellar zone within the bacillary gland chamber is formed by a set of lacunar structures that may exhibit secretory or absorptive functions. In addition, incubation of parasites with the fluid phase endocytosis marker sulforhodamine B showed a time-dependent uptake by the parasite mouth, followed by perfusion through different tissues with ultimate secretion through the bacillary gland. Taken together, the results show that the bacillary gland possess structural characteristics of secretory and absorptive cells and unequivocally demonstrate that the bacillary gland cell functions as a secretory structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E J Lopes-Torres
- Laboratório de Helmintologia Romero Lascasas Porto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Brazil.
| | - W Girard-Dias
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - W de Souza
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, s/n Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco G, CEP: 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - K Miranda
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho and Centro Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, s/n Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco G, CEP: 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dawson HD, Chen C, Li RW, Bell LN, Shea-Donohue T, Kringel H, Beshah E, Hill DE, Urban JF. Molecular and metabolomic changes in the proximal colon of pigs infected with Trichuris suis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12853. [PMID: 32732949 PMCID: PMC7393168 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69462-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pig whipworm Trichuris suis is important in swine production because of its negative effects on pig performance and, notably, to some humans with inflammatory bowel disease as a therapeutic agent that modulates inflammation. The proximal colon of T. suis-infected pigs exhibited general inflammation around day 21 after inoculation with infective eggs that is transcriptionally characterized by markers of type-2 immune activation, inflammation, cellular infiltration, tissue repair enzymes, pathways of oxidative stress, and altered intestinal barrier function. Prominent gene pathways involved the Th2-response, de novo cholesterol synthesis, fructose and glucose metabolism, basic amino acid metabolism, and bile acid transport. Upstream regulatory factor analysis implicated the bile acid/farnesoid X receptor in some of these processes. Metabolic analysis indicated changes in fatty acids, antioxidant capacity, biochemicals related to methylation, protein glycosylation, extracellular matrix structure, sugars, Krebs cycle intermediates, microbe-derived metabolites and altered metabolite transport. Close to 1,200 differentially expressed genes were modulated in the proximal colon of pigs with a persistent adult worm infection that was nearly 90% lower in pigs that had expelled worms. The results support a model to test diets that favorably alter the microbiome and improve host intestinal health in both pigs and humans exposed to Trichuris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harry D Dawson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Diet, Genomics, and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville, USA
| | - Celine Chen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Diet, Genomics, and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville, USA
| | - Robert W Li
- Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Helene Kringel
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ethiopia Beshah
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Diet, Genomics, and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville, USA
| | - Dolores E Hill
- Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
| | - Joseph F Urban
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Diet, Genomics, and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville, USA. .,Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Duque-Correa MA, Schreiber F, Rodgers FH, Goulding D, Forrest S, White R, Buck A, Grencis RK, Berriman M. Development of caecaloids to study host-pathogen interactions: new insights into immunoregulatory functions of Trichuris muris extracellular vesicles in the caecum. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:707-718. [PMID: 32659277 PMCID: PMC7435689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Development of new methods to generate, culture and characterise mouse caecaloids is described. Caecaloids recapitulate the caecal epithelium composition and spatial organisation. Caecaloids can be used to study host–caecal pathogen interactions in vitro. Trichuris muris EVs exert novel immunoregulatory effects on intestinal epithelial cells.
The caecum, an intestinal appendage in the junction of the small and large intestines, displays a unique epithelium that serves as an exclusive niche for a range of pathogens including whipworms (Trichuris spp.). While protocols to grow organoids from small intestine (enteroids) and colon (colonoids) exist, the conditions to culture organoids from the caecum have yet to be described. Here, we report methods to grow, differentiate and characterise mouse adult stem cell-derived caecal organoids, termed caecaloids. We compare the cellular composition of caecaloids with that of enteroids, identifying differences in intestinal epithelial cell populations that mimic those found in the caecum and small intestine. The remarkable similarity in the intestinal epithelial cell composition and spatial conformation of caecaloids and their tissue of origin enables their use as an in vitro model to study host interactions with important caecal pathogens. Thus, exploiting this system, we investigated the responses of caecal intestinal epithelial cells to extracellular vesicles secreted/excreted by the intracellular helminth Trichuris muris. Our findings reveal novel immunoregulatory effects of whipworm extracellular vesicles on the caecal epithelium, including the downregulation of responses to nucleic acid recognition and type-I interferon signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Faye H Rodgers
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - David Goulding
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Sally Forrest
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ruby White
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Amy Buck
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Richard K Grencis
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research and Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton CB10 1SA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vanderbeck A, Maillard I. Notch signaling at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 109:535-548. [PMID: 32557824 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1ri0520-138r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved cell-to-cell signaling pathway that regulates cellular differentiation and function across multiple tissue types and developmental stages. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of Notch signaling in mammalian innate and adaptive immunity. The importance of Notch signaling is pervasive throughout the immune system, as it elicits lineage and context-dependent effects in a wide repertoire of cells. Although regulation of binary cell fate decisions encompasses many of the functions first ascribed to Notch in the immune system, recent advances in the field have refined and expanded our view of the Notch pathway beyond this initial concept. From establishing T cell identity in the thymus to regulating mature T cell function in the periphery, the Notch pathway is an essential, recurring signal for the T cell lineage. Among B cells, Notch signaling is required for the development and maintenance of marginal zone B cells in the spleen. Emerging roles for Notch signaling in innate and innate-like lineages such as classical dendritic cells and innate lymphoid cells are likewise coming into view. Lastly, we speculate on the molecular underpinnings that shape the activity and versatility of the Notch pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Vanderbeck
- Immunology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Veterinary Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ivan Maillard
- Immunology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Else KJ, Keiser J, Holland CV, Grencis RK, Sattelle DB, Fujiwara RT, Bueno LL, Asaolu SO, Sowemimo OA, Cooper PJ. Whipworm and roundworm infections. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2020; 6:44. [PMID: 32467581 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-020-0171-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Trichuriasis and ascariasis are neglected tropical diseases caused by the gastrointestinal dwelling nematodes Trichuris trichiura (a whipworm) and Ascaris lumbricoides (a roundworm), respectively. Both parasites are staggeringly prevalent, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas, and are associated with substantial morbidity. Infection is initiated by ingestion of infective eggs, which hatch in the intestine. Thereafter, T. trichiura larvae moult within intestinal epithelial cells, with adult worms embedded in a partially intracellular niche in the large intestine, whereas A. lumbricoides larvae penetrate the gut mucosa and migrate through the liver and lungs before returning to the lumen of the small intestine, where adult worms dwell. Both species elicit type 2 anti-parasite immunity. Diagnosis is typically based on clinical presentation (gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation) and the detection of eggs or parasite DNA in the faeces. Prevention and treatment strategies rely on periodic mass drug administration (generally with albendazole or mebendazole) to at-risk populations and improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene. The effectiveness of drug treatment is very high for A. lumbricoides infections, whereas cure rates for T. trichiura infections are low. Novel anthelminthic drugs are needed, together with vaccine development and tools for diagnosis and assessment of parasite control in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Else
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Celia V Holland
- Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Richard K Grencis
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - David B Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Rayne Building, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lilian L Bueno
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Samuel O Asaolu
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Oluyomi A Sowemimo
- Department of Zoology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Philip J Cooper
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK.,Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, de la Salud y la Vida, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
O'Sullivan JDB, Cruickshank SM, Starborg T, Withers PJ, Else KJ. Characterisation of cuticular inflation development and ultrastructure in Trichuris muris using correlative X-ray computed tomography and electron microscopy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5846. [PMID: 32246000 PMCID: PMC7125116 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61916-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The parasitic nematode Trichuris trichiura is a significant burden on public health in developing countries, and currently available drugs exhibit a poor cure rate. Worms live within a specialised tunnel of host intestinal epithelial cells and have anterior-ventral projections of the cuticle termed “cuticular inflations”, which are thought to be involved in host-parasite interactions. This work aimed to characterise structure and suggest a function of cuticular inflations in the most tractable and widely-used model of trichuriasis, Trichuris muris. Using scanning electron microscopy, we show for the first time that most cuticular inflations develop between the second and third larval moults. Correlative X-ray computed tomography (CT)-steered Serial Block Face Scanning Electron Microscopy (SBF-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy enabled ultrastructural imaging of cuticular inflations, and showed the presence of an additional, web-like layer of cuticle between the median and cortical layers of the inflation. Additionally, we characterised variation in inflation morphology, resolving debate as to the inflations’ true shape in situ. Cells underlying the inflations had many mitochondria, and we highlight their potential capacity for active transport as an area for future investigation. Overall, insights from the powerful imaging techniques used provide an excellent basis for future study of cuticular inflation function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James D B O'Sullivan
- Henry Royce Institute, Department of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom. .,The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
| | - Sheena M Cruickshank
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Starborg
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Philip J Withers
- Henry Royce Institute, Department of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J Else
- The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Whipworm Infection Promotes Bacterial Invasion, Intestinal Microbiota Imbalance, and Cellular Immunomodulation. Infect Immun 2020; 88:IAI.00642-19. [PMID: 31843966 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00642-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with Trichuris trichiura are among the most common causes of intestinal parasitism in children worldwide, and the diagnosis is based on microscopic egg identification in the chronic phase of the infection. During parasitism, the adult worm of the trichurid nematode maintains its anterior region inserted in the intestinal mucosa, which causes serious damage and which may open access for gut microorganisms through the intestinal tissue. The immune-regulatory processes taking place during the evolution of the chronic infection are still not completely understood. By use of the Swiss Webster outbred mouse model, mice were infected with 200 eggs, and tolerance to the establishment of a chronic Trichuris muris infection was induced by the administration of a short pulse of dexamethasone during nematode early larval development. The infected mice presented weight loss, anemia, an imbalance of the microbiota, and intense immunological cell infiltration in the large intestine. It was found that mice have a mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 response, with differences being found among the different anatomical locations. After 45 days of infection, the parasitism induced changes in the microbiota composition and bacterial invasion of the large intestine epithelium. In addition, we describe that the excretory-secretory products from the nematode have anti-inflammatory effects on mouse macrophages cultured in vitro, suggesting that T. muris may modulate the immune response at the site of insertion of the worm inside mouse tissue. The data presented in this study suggest that the host immune state at 45 days postinfection with T. muris during the chronic phase of infection is the result of factors derived from the worm as well as alterations to the microbiota and bacterial invasion. Taken together, these results provide new information about the parasite-host-microbiota relationship and open new treatment possibilities.
Collapse
|
17
|
Glover M, Colombo SAP, Thornton DJ, Grencis RK. Trickle infection and immunity to Trichuris muris. PLoS Pathog 2019; 15:e1007926. [PMID: 31730667 PMCID: PMC6881069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of experiments investigating the immune response to gastrointestinal helminth infection use a single bolus infection. However, in situ individuals are repeatedly infected with low doses. Therefore, to model natural infection, mice were repeatedly infected (trickle infection) with low doses of Trichuris muris. Trickle infection resulted in the slow acquisition of immunity reflected by a gradual increase in worm burden followed by partial expulsion. Flow cytometry revealed that the CD4+ T cell response shifted from Th1 dominated to Th2 dominated, which coincided with an increase in Type 2 cytokines. The development of resistance following trickle infection was associated with increased worm expulsion effector mechanisms including goblet cell hyperplasia, Muc5ac production and increased epithelial cell turn over. Depletion of CD4+ T cells reversed resistance confirming their importance in protective immunity following trickle infection. In contrast, depletion of group 2 innate lymphoid cells did not alter protective immunity. T. muris trickle infection resulted in a dysbiotic mircrobiota which began to recover alpha diversity following the development of resistance. These data establish trickle infection as a robust and informative model for analysis of immunity to chronic intestinal helminth infection more akin to that observed under natural infection conditions and confirms the importance of CD4+ T cell adaptive immunity in host protection. Infection with parasitic worms (helminths) is a considerable cause of morbidity in humans. Understanding how we respond to infection is crucial to developing novel therapies. Laboratory models of helminth infection have been a valuable tool in understanding fundamental immune responses to infection. However, typically an individual mouse will be infected with a large, single-dose of the parasite. This is in contrast to the natural scenario in which individuals will receive frequent low level exposures. However, it is unknown how repeated infection alters the development of immunity to infection. We have developed a laboratory model to tackle this question. We infected mice with the model helminth Trichuris muris on a weekly basis and assessed a range of responses in comparison with a more traditional infection regime. We found striking differences in the dynamics of the infection, the host immune response, and in changes to host gut microbial populations. Our study shows how resistance to helminth infection can develop over time in response to repeat infection, and provides a model system that better reflects human immunity to this parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Glover
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stefano A. P. Colombo
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Thornton
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Richard K. Grencis
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Starborg T, O'Sullivan JDB, Carneiro CM, Behnsen J, Else KJ, Grencis RK, Withers PJ. Experimental steering of electron microscopy studies using prior X-ray computed tomography. Ultramicroscopy 2019; 201:58-67. [PMID: 30928781 PMCID: PMC6504073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Using microCT pre-scans to accurately steer serial block face SEM. High throughput screening and mapping samples to reduce time hunting for features of interest. Using microCT to optimise specimen preparation and staining. Using microCT to guide site-specific TEM sample preparation.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can provide unrivalled high-resolution images of specific features and volumes of interest. However, the regions interrogated are typically very small, and sample preparation is both time-consuming and destructive. Here we consider how prior X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT) presents an opportunity to increase the efficiency of electron microscopy in biology. We demonstrate how it can be used to; select the most promising samples and target site-specific locations; provide a wider context of the location being interrogated (multiscale correlative imaging); guide sample preparation and 3D imaging schemes; as well as quantify the effects of destructive sample preparation and staining procedures. We present a workflow utilising open source software in which microCT can be used either broadly, or precisely, to experimentally steer and inform subsequent electron microscopy studies. As automated sample registration procedures are developed to enable correlative microscopy, experimental steering by prior CT could be beneficially routinely incorporated into many experimental workflows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Starborg
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - James D B O'Sullivan
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Claudia Martins Carneiro
- Immunopathology Laboratory, NUPEB, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Campus Universitário Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000 Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Julia Behnsen
- Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Kathryn J Else
- Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Richard K Grencis
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Philip J Withers
- Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Partridge FA, Forman R, Willis NJ, Bataille CJR, Murphy EA, Brown AE, Heyer-Chauhan N, Marinič B, Sowood DJC, Wynne GM, Else KJ, Russell AJ, Sattelle DB. 2,4-Diaminothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines, a new class of anthelmintic with activity against adult and egg stages of whipworm. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006487. [PMID: 29995893 PMCID: PMC6062138 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The human whipworm Trichuris trichiura is a parasite that infects around 500 million people globally, with consequences including damage to physical growth and educational performance. Current drugs such as mebendazole have a notable lack of efficacy against whipworm, compared to other soil-transmitted helminths. Mass drug administration programs are therefore unlikely to achieve eradication and new treatments for trichuriasis are desperately needed. All current drug control strategies focus on post-infection eradication, targeting the parasite in vivo. Here we propose developing novel anthelmintics which target the egg stage of the parasite in the soil as an adjunct environmental strategy. As evidence in support of such an approach we describe the actions of a new class of anthelmintic compounds, the 2,4-diaminothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines (DATPs). This compound class has found broad utility in medicinal chemistry, but has not previously been described as having anthelmintic activity. Importantly, these compounds show efficacy against not only the adult parasite, but also both the embryonated and unembryonated egg stages and thereby may enable a break in the parasite lifecycle. The human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, infects around 500 million people globally, impacting on their physical growth and educational performance. There are currently huge mass drug administration (MDA) programs aiming to control whipworm, along with the other major soil transmitted helminths, Ascaris and hookworm. However single doses of albendazole and mebendazole, which are used in MDA, have particularly poor effectiveness against whipworm, with cure rates less than 40%. This means that MDA may not be able to control and eliminate whipworm infection, and risks the spread of resistance to albendazole and mebendazole in the parasite population. We are attempting to develop new treatments for parasitic worm infection, particularly focused on whipworm. We report the identification of a class of compounds, diaminothienopyrimidines (DATPs), which have not previously been described as anthelmintics. These compounds are effective against adult stages of whipworm, and also block the development of the model nematode C. elegans. Our DATP compounds reduce the ability of treated eggs to successfully establish infection in a mouse model of human whipworm. These results support a potential environmental spray to control whipworm by targeting the infectious egg stage in environmental hotspots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A. Partridge
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Forman
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky J. Willis
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carole J. R. Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emma A. Murphy
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anwen E. Brown
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Narinder Heyer-Chauhan
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Marinič
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. C. Sowood
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J. Else
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DBS); (KJE); (AJR)
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DBS); (KJE); (AJR)
| | - David B. Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DBS); (KJE); (AJR)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hansen TVA, Williams AR, Denwood M, Nejsum P, Thamsborg SM, Friis C. Pathway of oxfendazole from the host into the worm: Trichuris suis in pigs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2017; 7:416-424. [PMID: 29156431 PMCID: PMC5695533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that the efficacy of a single oral dose of benzimidazoles against Trichuris spp. infections in humans and animals is poor, but is currently still used in control programmes against human trichuriasis. However, the route of the benzimidazoles from the treated host to Trichuris remains unknown. As parts of adult Trichuris are situated intracellularly in the caecum, they might be exposed to anthelmintic drugs in the intestinal content as well as the mucosa. In this study, the pathway of oxfendazole and its metabolites was explored using a T. suis-pig infection model, by simultaneously measuring drug concentrations within the worms and the caecal mucosa, caecal tissue, caecal content and plasma of pigs over time after a single oral dose of 5 mg/kg oxfendazole. Additionally, for comparison to the in vivo study, drug uptake and metabolism of oxfendazole by T. suis was examined after in vitro incubation. Oxfendazole and metabolites were quantified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed a strong and highly significant association between OFZ concentrations within T. suis and in plasma, along with a weaker association between OFZ concentrations in caecal tissue/mucosa and T. suis, suggesting that oxfendazole reaches T. suis after absorption from the gastrointestinal tract and enters the worms by the blood-enterocyte pathway. The fenbendazole sulfone level in T. suis was highly affected by the concentrations in plasma. In addition, correlations between drug concentrations in the host compartments, were generally highest for this metabolite. In comparison to oxfendazole, the correlation between plasma and content was particularly high for this metabolite, suggesting a high level of drug movement between these compartments and the possible involvement of the enterohepatic circulation. Trichuris suis accumulate OFZ, FBZSO2 and FBZ without significant metabolism in vitro. OFZ concentrations in plasma, tissue and mucosa are major determinants of OFZ levels in worms. FBZSO2 concentration in plasma is the main determinant of FBZSO2 levels in T. suis. The blood-enterocyte pathway is proposed as the major route for OFZ to reach T. suis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina V A Hansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Andrew R Williams
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Matthew Denwood
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Stig M Thamsborg
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Christian Friis
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fleming J, Hernandez G, Hartman L, Maksimovic J, Nace S, Lawler B, Risa T, Cook T, Agni R, Reichelderfer M, Luzzio C, Rolak L, Field A, Fabry Z. Safety and efficacy of helminth treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: Results of the HINT 2 clinical trial. Mult Scler 2017; 25:81-91. [PMID: 29064315 DOI: 10.1177/1352458517736377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hygiene hypothesis suggests that microbial replacement may be therapeutic in allergic and autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, the results of helminth treatment, including in multiple sclerosis (MS), have been inconclusive. OBJECTIVE To assess safety and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity in subjects with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) during oral administration of ova from the porcine whipworm, Trichuris suis (TSO). METHODS A total of 16 disease-modifying treatment (DMT) naive RRMS subjects were studied in a baseline versus treatment (BVT) controlled prospective study. MRI scans were performed during 5 months of screening-observation, 10 months of treatment, and 4 months of post-treatment surveillance. RESULTS No serious symptoms or adverse events occurred during treatment. For the cohort, there was a trend consistent with a 35% diminution in active lesions when observation MRIs were compared to treatment MRIs ( p = 0.08), and at the level of individuals, 12 of 16 subjects improved during TSO treatment. T regulatory lymphocytes were increased during TSO treatment. CONCLUSION TSO is safe in RRMS subjects. Potentially favorable MRI outcomes and immunoregulatory changes were observed during TSO treatment; however, the magnitude of these effects was modest, and there was considerable variation among the responses of individual subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Fleming
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Gianna Hernandez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Leslie Hartman
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jane Maksimovic
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sara Nace
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Benjamin Lawler
- Department of Neurology, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield WI, USA
| | - Todd Risa
- Department of Radiology, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield WI, USA
| | - Thomas Cook
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rashmi Agni
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mark Reichelderfer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christopher Luzzio
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Loren Rolak
- Department of Neurology, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Marshfield WI, USA
| | - Aaron Field
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Zsuzsanna Fabry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cowan N, Meier C, Neodo A, Keiser J. Exposure of Heligmosomoides polygyrus and Trichuris muris to albendazole, albendazole sulfoxide, mebendazole and oxantel pamoate in vitro and in vivo to elucidate the pathway of drug entry into these gastrointestinal nematodes. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2017; 7:159-173. [PMID: 28371660 PMCID: PMC5377441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Millions of people are treated with anthelmintics to control soil-transmitted helminth infections; yet, drug distribution in the plasma and gastrointestinal tract compartments and the pathway of drug uptake into gastrointestinal nematodes responsible for the pharmacological effect are unknown. We assessed the distribution and uptake of albendazole, albendazole sulfoxide, albendazole sulfone in the hookworm Heligmosomoides polygyrus in vitro and in vivo as well as the distribution and uptake of albendazole, mebendazole, and oxantel pamoate in the whipworm Trichuris muris in vitro and in vivo. Oral and intraperitoneal treatments (100 mg/kg) were studied. Drug quantities in helminths and host compartments (stomach, the contents and mucosa of the small and large intestine, and the plasma) were determined using HPLC-UV/vis and anthelmintic activities were recorded using phenotypic readout. The influence of 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT), an irreversible and unspecific cytochrome P450 inhibitor, on albendazole disposition in mice harboring H. polygyrus was evaluated. In vivo, albendazole was found in quantities up to 10 nmol per ten H. polygyrus and up to 31 nmol per ten T. muris. ABT did not change the levels of albendazole or its metabolites in the plasma of mice harboring H. polygyrus or in H. polygyrus, whereas drug levels in the gastrointestinal tract of host mice doubled. Mebendazole and oxantel pamoate quantities per ten T. muris were as high as 21 nmol and 34 nmol, respectively. Albendazole revealed a very dynamic distribution and high rate of metabolism, hence, H. polygyrus and T. muris are exposed to albendazole and both metabolites via multiple pathways. Diffusion through the cuticle seems to be the crucial pathway of oxantel pamoate uptake into T. muris, and likely also for mebendazole. No relationship between concentrations measured in helminths and concentrations in plasma, intestinal content and mucosa of mice, or drug efficacy was noted for any of the drugs studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Cowan
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Charles Meier
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Neodo
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, P.O. Box, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Stroehlein AJ, Young ND, Korhonen PK, Chang BCH, Nejsum P, Pozio E, La Rosa G, Sternberg PW, Gasser RB. Whipworm kinomes reflect a unique biology and adaptation to the host animal. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:857-866. [PMID: 28606697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Roundworms belong to a diverse phylum (Nematoda) which is comprised of many parasitic species including whipworms (genus Trichuris). These worms have adapted to a biological niche within the host and exhibit unique morphological characteristics compared with other nematodes. Although these adaptations are known, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. The availability of genomes and transcriptomes of some whipworms now enables detailed studies of their molecular biology. Here, we defined and curated the full complement of an important class of enzymes, the protein kinases (kinomes) of two species of Trichuris, using an advanced and integrated bioinformatic pipeline. We investigated the transcription of Trichuris suis kinase genes across developmental stages, sexes and tissues, and reveal that selectively transcribed genes can be linked to central roles in developmental and reproductive processes. We also classified and functionally annotated the curated kinomes by integrating evidence from structural modelling and pathway analyses, and compared them with other curated kinomes of phylogenetically diverse nematode species. Our findings suggest unique adaptations in signalling processes governing worm morphology and biology, and provide an important resource that should facilitate experimental investigations of kinases and the biology of signalling pathways in nematodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J Stroehlein
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Neil D Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Yourgene Bioscience, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Paul W Sternberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Schroeder JH, McCarthy D, Szestak T, Cook DA, Taylor MJ, Craig AG, Lawson C, Lawrence RA. Brugia malayi microfilariae adhere to human vascular endothelial cells in a C3-dependent manner. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005592. [PMID: 28481947 PMCID: PMC5436873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brugia malayi causes the human tropical disease, lymphatic filariasis. Microfilariae (Mf) of this nematode live in the bloodstream and are ingested by a feeding mosquito vector. Interestingly, in a remarkable co-evolutionary adaptation, Mf appearance in the peripheral blood follows a circadian periodicity and reaches a peak when the mosquito is most likely to feed. For the remaining hours, the majority of Mf sequester in the lung capillaries. This circadian phenomenon has been widely reported and is likely to maximise parasite fitness and optimise transmission potential. However, the mechanism of Mf sequestration in the lungs remains largely unresolved. In this study, we demonstrate that B. malayi Mf can, directly adhere to vascular endothelial cells under static conditions and under flow conditions, they can bind at high (but not low) flow rates. High flow rates are more likely to be experienced diurnally. Furthermore, a non-periodic nematode adheres less efficiently to endothelial cells. Strikingly C3, the central component of complement, plays a crucial role in the adherence interaction. These novel results show that microfilariae have the ability to bind to endothelial cells, which may explain their sequestration in the lungs, and this binding is increased in the presence of inflammatory mediators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Hendrik Schroeder
- Royal Veterinary College, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal College Street, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tadge Szestak
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Darren A. Cook
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J. Taylor
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Alister G. Craig
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Lawson
- Royal Veterinary College, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal College Street, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel A. Lawrence
- Royal Veterinary College, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal College Street, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Oudhoff MJ, Antignano F, Chenery AL, Burrows K, Redpath SA, Braam MJ, Perona-Wright G, Zaph C. Intestinal Epithelial Cell-Intrinsic Deletion of Setd7 Identifies Role for Developmental Pathways in Immunity to Helminth Infection. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005876. [PMID: 27598373 PMCID: PMC5012677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestine is a common site for a variety of pathogenic infections. Helminth infections continue to be major causes of disease worldwide, and are a significant burden on health care systems. Lysine methyltransferases are part of a family of novel attractive targets for drug discovery. SETD7 is a member of the Suppressor of variegation 3-9-Enhancer of zeste-Trithorax (SET) domain-containing family of lysine methyltransferases, and has been shown to methylate and alter the function of a wide variety of proteins in vitro. A few of these putative methylation targets have been shown to be important in resistance against pathogens. We therefore sought to study the role of SETD7 during parasitic infections. We find that Setd7-/- mice display increased resistance to infection with the helminth Trichuris muris but not Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri. Resistance to T. muris relies on an appropriate type 2 immune response that in turn prompts intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) to alter differentiation and proliferation kinetics. Here we show that SETD7 does not affect immune cell responses during infection. Instead, we found that IEC-specific deletion of Setd7 renders mice resistant to T. muris by controlling IEC turnover, an important aspect of anti-helminth immune responses. We further show that SETD7 controls IEC turnover by modulating developmental signaling pathways such as Hippo/YAP and Wnt/β-Catenin. We show that the Hippo pathway specifically is relevant during T. muris infection as verteporfin (a YAP inhibitor) treated mice became susceptible to T. muris. We conclude that SETD7 plays an important role in IEC biology during infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Menno J. Oudhoff
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Center of Molecular Inflammation Research, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- * E-mail: (MJO); (CZ)
| | - Frann Antignano
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alistair L. Chenery
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kyle Burrows
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephen A. Redpath
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mitchell J. Braam
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Georgia Perona-Wright
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colby Zaph
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (MJO); (CZ)
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hansen TVA, Hansen M, Nejsum P, Mejer H, Denwood M, Thamsborg SM. Glucose Absorption by the Bacillary Band of Trichuris muris. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004971. [PMID: 27588682 PMCID: PMC5010283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A common characteristic of Trichuris spp. infections in humans and animals is the variable but low efficacy of single-dose benzimidazoles currently used in mass drug administration programmes against human trichuriasis. The bacillary band, a specialised morphological structure of Trichuris spp., as well as the unique partly intracellular habitat of adult Trichuris spp. may affect drug absorption and perhaps contribute to the low drug accumulation in the worm. However, the exact function of the bacillary band is still unknown. Methodology We studied the dependency of adult Trichuris muris on glucose and/or amino acids for survival in vitro and the absorptive function of the bacillary band. The viability of the worms was evaluated using a motility scale from 0 to 3, and the colorimetric assay Alamar Blue was utilised to measure the metabolic activity. The absorptive function of the bacillary band in living worms was explored using a fluorescent glucose analogue (6-NBDG) and confocal microscopy. To study the absorptive function of the bacillary band in relation to 6-NBDG, the oral uptake was minimised or excluded by sealing the oral cavity with glue and agarose. Principal Findings Glucose had a positive effect on both the motility (p < 0.001) and metabolic activity (p < 0.001) of T. muris in vitro, whereas this was not the case for amino acids. The 6-NBDG was observed in the pores of the bacillary band and within the stichocytes of the living worms, independent of oral sealing. Conclusions/Significance Trichuris muris is dependent on glucose for viability in vitro, and the bacillary band has an absorptive function in relation to 6-NBDG, which accumulates within the stichocytes. The absorptive function of the bacillary band calls for an exploration of its possible role in the uptake of anthelmintics, and as a potential anthelmintic target relevant for future drug development. The human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical countries and is believed to infect more than 460 million people worldwide. Treatment with single-dose albendazole or mebendazole is the current control strategy for human trichuriasis. This strategy, however, has a poor-to-mediocre treatment effect. The reason for the low treatment efficacy has been assessed in various ways, including genetic analysis, and both in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies. However, these studies have not been conclusive and did not evaluate whether the biology of Trichuris spp. may have an impact on the inadequate treatment efficacy. To assess a possible reason for this, we here explore the absorptive function of a specialised structure, named the bacillary band. We found that glucose was absorbed by the band and accumulated within the worm independent of oral ingestion, and we speculate that anthelmintics may enter the worm by the same route. If this is the case, this new insight may be used to optimise drug formulations of current and/or future anthelmintic drugs in the treatment of human trichuriasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina V. A. Hansen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael Hansen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Helena Mejer
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Matthew Denwood
- Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Stig M. Thamsborg
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cowan N, Raimondo A, Keiser J. Approved oncology drugs lack in vivo activity against Trichuris muris despite in vitro activity. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4443-4446. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5225-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
28
|
Vejzagić N, Adelfio R, Keiser J, Kringel H, Thamsborg SM, Kapel CMO. Bacteria-induced egg hatching differs for Trichuris muris and Trichuris suis. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:371. [PMID: 26174801 PMCID: PMC4501204 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0986-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eggs of the porcine whipworm Trichuris suis are currently explored in human clinical trials as a treatment of immune-mediated diseases. In this context, only the infective, embryonated eggs, constitute the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). The rodent whipworm, Trichuris muris is commonly used as a laboratory model to study Trichuris biology. The embryonated eggs (containing a fully developed larva) are biologically active and will invade the large intestinal mucosa of the host. This study aims to assess the in vitro hatching of T. muris and T. suis eggs in various bacterial cultures as a measure for their biological activity. Methods Eggs of T. muris and T. suis were incubated with Escherichia coli strain (BL-21) at three concentrations in a slightly modified in vitro egg hatching assay previously developed for T. muris. Additionally, E. coli strains (M15, SG13009, PMC103, JM109, TUNER, DH5alpha, TOP10) and five Gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus caccae, Streptococcus hyointestinalis, Lactobacillus amylovorus, L. murinus, and L. reuteri) were tested as a hatching stimulus for T. muris and T. suis eggs. Results Whereas T. muris eggs hatched, T. suis did not, even when exposed to different concentrations and strains of E. coli after 4 and 24-hour incubation. When incubated with Gram-positive bacteria, only T. muris eggs showed noticeable hatching after 20 h, although with high variability. Conclusions The observed difference in hatching of T. muris and T. suis eggs incubated with selected bacteria, indicate significant biological differences which may reflect specific adaptation to different host-specific gut microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nermina Vejzagić
- Section for Organismal Biology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Roberto Adelfio
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | - Stig Milan Thamsborg
- Parasite Technologies A/S, Hørsholm, Denmark. .,Parasitology and Aquatic Diseases, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Christian M O Kapel
- Section for Organismal Biology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark. .,Parasite Technologies A/S, Hørsholm, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Andreasen A, Petersen HH, Kringel H, Iburg TM, Skovgaard K, Dawson H, Urban JF, Thamsborg SM. Immune and inflammatory responses in pigs infected with Trichuris suis and Oesophagostomum dentatum. Vet Parasitol 2015; 207:249-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
30
|
Zaph C, Cooper PJ, Harris NL. Mucosal immune responses following intestinal nematode infection. Parasite Immunol 2014; 36:439-52. [PMID: 25201407 PMCID: PMC4312905 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In most natural environments, the large majority of mammals harbour parasitic helminths that often live as adults within the intestine for prolonged periods (1-2 years). Although these organisms have been eradicated to a large extent within westernized human populations, those living within rural areas of developing countries continue to suffer from high infection rates. Indeed, recent estimates indicate that approximately 2.5 billion people worldwide, mainly children, currently suffer from infection with intestinal helminths (also known as geohelminths and soil-transmitted helminths) . Paradoxically, the eradication of helminths is thought to contribute to the increased incidence of autoimmune diseases and allergy observed in developed countries. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding of host-helminth interactions at the mucosal surface that result in parasite expulsion or permit the establishment of chronic infections with luminal dwelling adult worms. We will also provide insight into the adaptive immune mechanisms that provide immune protection against re-infection with helminth larvae, a process that is likely to be key to the future development of successful vaccination strategies. Lastly, the contribution of helminths to immune modulation and particularly to the treatment of allergy and inflammatory bowel disease will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Zaph
- The Biomedical Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Genome and transcriptome of the porcine whipworm Trichuris suis. Nat Genet 2014; 46:701-6. [PMID: 24929829 PMCID: PMC4105696 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Trichuris (whipworm) infects 1 billion people worldwide and causes a disease (trichuriasis) that results in major socioeconomic losses in both humans and pigs. Trichuriasis relates to an inflammation of the large intestine manifested in bloody diarrhea, and chronic disease can cause malnourishment and stunting in children. Paradoxically, Trichuris of pigs has shown substantial promise as a treatment for human autoimmune disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and multiple sclerosis. Here we report whole-genome sequencing at ∼140-fold coverage of adult male and female T. suis and ∼80-Mb draft assemblies. We explore stage-, sex- and tissue-specific transcription of mRNAs and small noncoding RNAs.
Collapse
|
32
|
Whipworm genome and dual-species transcriptome analyses provide molecular insights into an intimate host-parasite interaction. Nat Genet 2014; 46:693-700. [PMID: 24929830 PMCID: PMC5012510 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Matthew Berriman and colleagues report the whole-genome sequences of the human-infective whipworm Trichuris trichiura and the mouse-infective laboratory model Trichuris muris. Their transcriptome analyses and examination of T. muris infection in mice provide insights into host response to infection and potential drug targets for this major soil-transmitted helminth. Whipworms are common soil-transmitted helminths that cause debilitating chronic infections in man. These nematodes are only distantly related to Caenorhabditis elegans and have evolved to occupy an unusual niche, tunneling through epithelial cells of the large intestine. We report here the whole-genome sequences of the human-infective Trichuris trichiura and the mouse laboratory model Trichuris muris. On the basis of whole-transcriptome analyses, we identify many genes that are expressed in a sex- or life stage–specific manner and characterize the transcriptional landscape of a morphological region with unique biological adaptations, namely, bacillary band and stichosome, found only in whipworms and related parasites. Using RNA sequencing data from whipworm-infected mice, we describe the regulated T helper 1 (TH1)-like immune response of the chronically infected cecum in unprecedented detail. In silico screening identified numerous new potential drug targets against trichuriasis. Together, these genomes and associated functional data elucidate key aspects of the molecular host-parasite interactions that define chronic whipworm infection.
Collapse
|
33
|
Comparative analysis of Trichuris muris surface using conventional, low vacuum, environmental and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:409-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
34
|
Klementowicz JE, Travis MA, Grencis RK. Trichuris muris: a model of gastrointestinal parasite infection. Semin Immunopathol 2012; 34:815-28. [PMID: 23053395 PMCID: PMC3496546 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-012-0348-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infection with soil-transmitted gastrointestinal parasites, such as Trichuris trichiura, affects more than a billion people worldwide, causing significant morbidity and health problems especially in poverty-stricken developing countries. Despite extensive research, the role of the immune system in triggering parasite expulsion is incompletely understood which hinders the development of anti-parasite therapies. Trichuris muris infection in mice serves as a useful model of T. trichiura infection in humans and has proven to be an invaluable tool in increasing our understanding of the role of the immune system in promoting either susceptibility or resistance to infection. The old paradigm of a susceptibility-associated Th1 versus a resistance-associated Th2-type response has been supplemented in recent years with cell populations such as novel innate lymphoid cells, basophils, dendritic cells and regulatory T cells proposed to play an active role in responses to T. muris infection. Moreover, new immune-controlled mechanisms of expulsion, such as increased epithelial cell turnover and mucin secretion, have been described in recent years increasing the number of possible targets for anti-parasite therapies. In this review, we give a comprehensive overview of experimental work conducted on the T. muris infection model, focusing on important findings and the most recent reports on the role of the immune system in parasite expulsion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna E Klementowicz
- Department of Surgery, The University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Makepeace BL, Martin C, Turner JD, Specht S. Granulocytes in helminth infection -- who is calling the shots? Curr Med Chem 2012; 19:1567-86. [PMID: 22360486 PMCID: PMC3394172 DOI: 10.2174/092986712799828337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/26/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Helminths are parasitic organisms that can be broadly described as “worms” due to their elongated body plan, but which otherwise differ in shape, development, migratory routes and the predilection site of the adults and larvae. They are divided into three major groups: trematodes (flukes), which are leaf-shaped, hermaphroditic (except for blood flukes) flatworms with oral and ventral suckers; cestodes (tapeworms), which are segmented, hermaphroditic flatworms that inhabit the intestinal lumen; and nematodes (roundworms), which are dioecious, cylindrical parasites that inhabit intestinal and peripheral tissue sites. Helminths exhibit a sublime co-evolution with the host´s immune system that has enabled them to successfully colonize almost all multicellular species present in every geographical environment, including over two billion humans. In the face of this challenge, the host immune system has evolved to strike a delicate balance between attempts to neutralize the infectious assault versus limitation of damage to host tissues. Among the most important cell types during helminthic invasion are granulocytes: eosinophils, neutrophils and basophils. Depending on the specific context, these leukocytes may have pivotal roles in host protection, immunopathology, or facilitation of helminth establishment. This review provides an overview of the function of granulocytes in helminthic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B L Makepeace
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Selkirk ME, Huang SC, Knox DP, Britton C. The development of RNA interference (RNAi) in gastrointestinal nematodes. Parasitology 2012; 139:605-12. [PMID: 22459433 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011002332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Despite the utility of RNAi for defining gene function in Caenorhabditis elegans and early successes reported in parasitic nematodes, RNAi has proven to be stubbornly inconsistent or ineffective in the animal parasitic nematodes examined to date. Here, we summarise some of our experiences with RNAi in parasitic nematodes affecting animals and discuss the available data in the context of our own unpublished work, taking account of mode of delivery, larval activation, site of gene transcription and the presence/absence of essential RNAi pathway genes as defined by comparisons to C. elegans. We discuss future directions briefly including the evaluation of nanoparticles as a means to enhance delivery of interfering RNA to the target worm tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murray E Selkirk
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Luna-Olivares LA, Ferdushy T, Kyvsgaard NC, Nejsum P, Thamsborg SM, Roepstorff A, Iburg TM. Localization of Ascaridia galli larvae in the jejunum of chickens 3 days post infection. Vet Parasitol 2012; 185:186-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
38
|
Assessing the zoonotic potential ofAscaris suumandTrichuris suis: looking to the future from an analysis of the past. J Helminthol 2012; 86:148-55. [DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x12000193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe two geohelminths,Ascaris lumbricoidesandTrichuris trichiura, infect more than a billion people worldwide but are only reported sporadically in the developed part of the world. In contrast, the closely related speciesA. suumandT. suisin pigs have a truly global distribution, with infected pigs found in most production systems. In areas where pigs and humans live in close proximity or where pig manure is used as fertilizer on vegetables for human consumption, there is a potential risk of cross-infections. We therefore review this relationship betweenAscarisandTrichurisin the human and pig host, with special focus on recent evidence concerning the zoonotic potential of these parasites, and identify some open questions for future research.
Collapse
|
39
|
Torres EJL, Nascimento APF, Menezes AO, Garcia J, dos Santos MAJ, Maldonado A, Miranda K, Lanfredi RM, de Souza W. A new species of Trichuris from Thrichomys apereoides (Rodentia: Echimyidae) in Brazil: Morphological and histological studies. Vet Parasitol 2010; 176:226-35. [PMID: 21109353 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Revised: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Trichuris thrichomysi n. sp., recovered from the cecum of the wild rodent Thrichomys apereoides from a transition zone between the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado morfoclimatic domains, and its life cycle observed under experimental conditions are described. This new species is closely related to Trichuris travassosi, Trichuris chiliensis and Trichuris fulvi, but can be distinguished from them mainly by differences in the posterior end of males. Details of the surface such as the bacillary gland, cuticular inflations and several morphological details obtained by scanning electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the characteristics that differentiate the new species. The histopathology of the intestinal wall of naturally infected rodents is also reported. The present study extends the geographical distribution of T. thrichomysi n. sp to the Pantanal ecosystem and reports a new host, Thrichomys pachiurus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo J Lopes Torres
- Laboratório de Biologia de Helmintos Otto Wucherer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, s/n Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco G, CEP: 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kopper JJ, Mansfield LS. Development of improved methods for delivery of Trichuris muris to the laboratory mouse. Parasitol Res 2010; 107:1103-13. [PMID: 20809420 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1978-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 07/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Murine immunological responses to experimental infection with Trichuris muris and the effects of the resident microbiota on these responses are of increasing interest. For these studies, accurate dose delivery and improved sterilization of inocula are essential to prevent co-infection with unknown contaminants. We found that washing T. muris eggs with antibiotics may not be sufficient for sterilization of inocula. However, washing eggs in 6.25% hypochlorite/bleach eliminated bacteria and fungi, as determined by culture and PCR, did not harm viable T. muris eggs and reduced the number of non-viable eggs in the inocula. A hatching assay and propidium iodide staining method were developed and found to increase the accuracy for assessing T. muris egg viability prior to infection for rapid dose evaluation. In addition, metal gavage feeding needles increased the accuracy and precision of the dose delivered to the mice compared to flexible rubber tubes. These methods will improve experimental Trichuris studies by decreasing the variability in outcome due to unintended carryover of adherent microorganisms and unrecognized variation in inocula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie J Kopper
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Patel N, Kreider T, Urban JF, Gause WC. Characterisation of effector mechanisms at the host:parasite interface during the immune response to tissue-dwelling intestinal nematode parasites. Int J Parasitol 2008; 39:13-21. [PMID: 18804113 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2008] [Revised: 08/06/2008] [Accepted: 08/08/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The protective immune response that develops following infection with many tissue-dwelling intestinal nematode parasites is characterised by elevations in IL-4 and IL-13 and increased numbers of CD4+ T cells, granulocytes and macrophages. These cells accumulate at the site of infection and in many cases can mediate resistance to these large multicellular pathogens. Recent studies suggest novel potential mechanisms mediated by these immune cell populations through their differential activation and ability to stimulate production of novel effector molecules. These newly discovered protective mechanisms may provide novel strategies to develop immunotherapies and vaccines against this group of pathogens. In this review, we will examine recent studies elucidating mechanisms of host protection against three widely-used experimental murine models of tissue-dwelling intestinal nematode parasites: Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Trichuris muris and Trichinella spiralis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nirav Patel
- Department of Medicine, UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School, MSB F639, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Artis D, Grencis RK. The intestinal epithelium: sensors to effectors in nematode infection. Mucosal Immunol 2008; 1:252-64. [PMID: 19079187 DOI: 10.1038/mi.2008.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The role of the intestinal epithelium as part of the physical barrier to infection is well established alongside its central roles in food absorption, sensing nutrients, and water balance. Nematodes are one of the most common types of pathogen to dwell in the intestine. This article reviews recent data that have identified crucial roles for intestinal epithelial cells in sensing these kinds of pathogens and initiating innate responses, which qualitatively influence adaptive immune responses against them. Moreover, it is now clear that the epithelium itself--in addition to the cells that lie within it--are key to many of the protective mechanisms that result in expulsion of these large multicellular parasites from the intestine. An understanding of the IEC and intraepithelial leukocyte response is crucial to both development of mucosal vaccines, and the mechanisms that underlie the emerging use of intestinal dwelling helminths for therapeutic treatments of inflammatory and autoimmune disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Artis
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Perrigoue JG, Marshall FA, Artis D. On the hunt for helminths: innate immune cells in the recognition and response to helminth parasites. Cell Microbiol 2008; 10:1757-64. [PMID: 18505479 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2008.01174.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The generation of protective immunity to helminth parasites is critically dependent upon the development of a CD4(+) T helper type 2 cytokine response. However, the host-parasite interactions responsible for initiating this response are poorly understood. This review will discuss recent advances in our understanding of how helminth-derived products are recognized by innate immune cells. Specifically, interactions between helminth excretory/secretory products and host Toll-like receptors and lectins will be discussed as well as the putative functions of helminth proteases and chitin in activating and recruiting innate immune cells. In addition, the functional significance of pattern recognition by epithelial cells, granulocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages including expression of alarmins, thymic stromal lymphopoetin, interleukin (IL)-25, IL-33 and Notch ligands in the development of adaptive anti-parasite Th2 cytokine responses will be examined.
Collapse
|
44
|
Zaph C, Troy AE, Taylor BC, Berman-Booty LD, Guild KJ, Du Y, Yost EA, Gruber AD, May MJ, Greten FR, Eckmann L, Karin M, Artis D. Epithelial-cell-intrinsic IKK-beta expression regulates intestinal immune homeostasis. Nature 2007; 446:552-6. [PMID: 17322906 DOI: 10.1038/nature05590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2006] [Accepted: 01/11/2007] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) provide a primary physical barrier against commensal and pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but the influence of IECs on the development and regulation of immunity to infection is unknown. Here we show that IEC-intrinsic IkappaB kinase (IKK)-beta-dependent gene expression is a critical regulator of responses of dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells in the GI tract. Mice with an IEC-specific deletion of IKK-beta show a reduced expression of the epithelial-cell-restricted cytokine thymic stromal lymphopoietin in the intestine and, after infection with the gut-dwelling parasite Trichuris, fail to develop a pathogen-specific CD4+ T helper type 2 (T(H)2) response and are unable to eradicate infection. Further, these animals show exacerbated production of dendritic-cell-derived interleukin-12/23p40 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, increased levels of CD4+ T-cell-derived interferon-gamma and interleukin-17, and develop severe intestinal inflammation. Blockade of proinflammatory cytokines during Trichuris infection ablates the requirement for IKK-beta in IECs to promote CD4+ T(H)2 cell-dependent immunity, identifying an essential function for IECs in tissue-specific conditioning of dendritic cells and limiting type 1 cytokine production in the GI tract. These results indicate that the balance of IKK-beta-dependent gene expression in the intestinal epithelium is crucial in intestinal immune homeostasis by promoting mucosal immunity and limiting chronic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colby Zaph
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Artis D. New weapons in the war on worms: identification of putative mechanisms of immune-mediated expulsion of gastrointestinal nematodes. Int J Parasitol 2006; 36:723-33. [PMID: 16620826 PMCID: PMC1800426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2005] [Revised: 02/06/2006] [Accepted: 02/10/2006] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Parasitic nematode infections of humans and livestock continue to impose a significant public health and economic burden worldwide. Murine models of intestinal nematode infection have proved to be relevant and tractable systems to define the cellular and molecular basis of how the host immune system regulates resistance and susceptibility to infection. While susceptibility to chronic infection is propagated by T helper cell type 1 cytokine responses (characterised by production of IL-12, IL-18 and interferon-gamma), immunity to intestinal-dwelling adult nematode worms is critically dependent on a type 2 cytokine response (controlled by CD4+T helper type 2 cells that secrete the cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13). However, the immune effector mechanisms elicited by type 2 cytokines in the gut microenvironment that precipitate worm expulsion have remained elusive. This review focuses on new studies that implicate host intestinal epithelial cells as one of the dominant immune effector cells against this group of pathogens. Specifically, three recently identified type 2 cytokine-dependent pathways that could offer insights into the mechanisms of expulsion of parasitic nematodes will be discussed: (i) the intelectins, a new family of galactose-binding lectins implicated in innate immunity, (ii) the resistin-like molecules, a family of small cysteine-rich proteins expressed by multiple cell types, and (iii) cytokine regulation of intestinal epithelial cell turnover. Identifying how the mammalian immune response fights gastrointestinal nematode infections is providing new insights into host protective immunity. Harnessing these discoveries, coupled with identifying what the targets of these responses are within parasitic nematodes, offers promise in the design of a new generation of anti-parasitic drugs and vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Artis
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Rosenthal 207, 3800 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|