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Khatri V, Chauhan N, Kalyanasundaram R. Parasite Cystatin: Immunomodulatory Molecule with Therapeutic Activity against Immune Mediated Disorders. Pathogens 2020; 9:E431. [PMID: 32486220 PMCID: PMC7350340 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of parasites or their products for treating chronic inflammation associated diseases (CIADs) has generated significant attention recently. Findings from basic and clinical research have provided valuable information on strengthening the notion that parasites' molecules can be developed as biotherapeutic agents. Completion of the genome, secreotome, and proteome of the parasites has provided an excellent platform for screening and identifying several host immunomodulatory molecules from the parasites and evaluate their therapeutic potential for CIADs. One of the widely studied host immunomodulatory molecules of the parasites is the cysteine protease inhibitor (cystatin), which is primarily secreted by the parasites to evade host immune responses. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the findings to date on the use of helminth parasite-derived cystatin as a therapeutic agent against CIADs. Although several studies suggest a role for alternatively activated macrophages, other regulatory cells, and immunosuppressive molecules, in this immunoregulatory activity of the parasite-derived cystatin, there is still no clear demonstration as to how cystatin induces its anti-inflammatory effect in suppressing CIADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Khatri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL 61107, USA; (N.C.); (R.K.)
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Sang M, Xu C, Wei Z, Wu X, Guo Y, Li J, Wang Z, Zhang J. Cloning and high-level SUMO-mediated fusion expression of a serine protease inhibitor from Hyphantria cunea Drury that exhibits activity against papain. Protein Expr Purif 2019; 158:36-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Yan LZ, Shi XM, Zu YW, Shen YY, Chen XX, Zhao MJ, Li XP, Yan BL, Huang HC. The opposite roles of PAS-5 and Galectin-1 in immune response during the early infection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:318. [PMID: 29843794 PMCID: PMC5975691 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a human zoonotic nematode parasite. Our previous studies found that PAS-5 and Galectin-1 (Gal-1) proteins of A. cantonensis could be strongly recognized by sera from mice infected with A. cantonensis. In this study, we further evaluated the potential roles of these two proteins in the induction of immune response in mice. METHODS Mice were immunized with recombinant PAS-5 or Gal-1 and then challenged with 30 infective A. cantonensis larvae following the last immunization. We then examined the infected mice for changes in serum antibodies and cytokines by ELISA, CD4+ T cells and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) by flow cytometry, and tissue damage severity by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. RESULTS Compared with control mice, the PAS-5-immunized mice exhibited increased levels of serum antibodies and cytokines (except for IL-10) at different time points post-infection. PAS-5 immunization promoted significant proliferation of CD4+ T cells, and caused more damage in the brain tissue. Vaccination with Gal-1 inhibited the production of antibodies (except for IgG1) and IFN-γ, but promoted the expression of IL-4 and IL-10. Gal-1 immunization results in significant increases in the levels of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs, and mild inflammatory changes. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings show that PAS-5 enhances, but Gal-1 inhibits the immune response in the early stage of A. cantonensis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Zhu Yan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 People’s Republic of China
- Clinical Laboratory of Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050082 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Meng Shi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Wen Zu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Shen
- School of the Second Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi-Xi Chen
- School of the First Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 People’s Republic of China
| | - Meng-Jing Zhao
- School of the First Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xing-Pan Li
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 People’s Republic of China
| | - Bao-Long Yan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui-Cong Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035 People’s Republic of China
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Zi M, Xu Y. Involvement of cystatin C in immunity and apoptosis. Immunol Lett 2018; 196:80-90. [PMID: 29355583 PMCID: PMC7112947 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
As an abundantly expressed cysteine protease inhibitor widely distributed in the organisms, cystatin C is involved in various physiological processes. Due to its relatively small molecular weight and easy detection, cystatin C is commonly used as a measure for glomerular filtration rate. In pathological conditions, however, growing evidences suggest that cystatin C is associated with various immune responses against either exogenous or endogenous antigens, which ultimately result in inflammatory autoimmune diseases or tumor development if not properly controlled. Thus the fluctuation of cystatin C levels might have more clinical implications than a reflection of kidney functions. Here, we summarize the latest development of studies on the pathophysiological functions of cystatin C, with focus on its immune regulatory roles at both cellular and molecular levels including antigen presentation, secretion of cytokines, synthesis of nitric oxide, as well as apoptosis. Finally, we discuss the clinical implications and therapeutic potentials of what this predominantly expressed protease inhibitor can bring to us.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Zi
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, School of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Yuekang Xu
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Conservation and Exploitation of Biological Resources, School of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China.
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Cloning and expression of a 16-kDa recombinant protein from Angiostrongylus cantonensis for use in immunoblot diagnosis of human angiostrongyliasis. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:4115-4122. [PMID: 27406573 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5184-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Angistrongylus cantonensis is a zoonotic nematode parasite and causative agent of human angiostrongyliasis, which clinically presents as eosinophilic meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Diagnosis of the disease is problematic since parasitologic findings are infrequent, and infection determinations must be based on the clinical symptoms and serological tests with limited specificities and sensitivities. The aim of the present study was to identify and generate a novel recombinant protein from A. cantonensis and evaluate its efficacy in the diagnosis of human angiostrongyliasis when incorporated into a Western blot serodiagnostic system. A cDNA protein expression library from adult A. cantonensis was constructed, followed by immunoscreening with serum from confirmed infected patients to identify and isolate immunoreactive clones. One clone, designated fAC40, possessed a partial sequence encoding a LisH protein domain with a predicted molecular weight of 16 kDa and containing four predicted antigenic peptides. By incorporating recombinant fAC40 in Western immunoblot tests using a serum panel consisting of confirmed and clinically diagnosed cases of human angiostrongyliasis and other helminthic infections, fAC40 exhibited a sensitivity and specificity of 91.8 and 100 %, respectively, and a positive and negative predictive value of 100 and 97.19 %, respectively, in the diagnosis of angiostrongyliasis. Importantly, it was not reactive with antibodies from serum of patients infected with Gnathostoma spinigerum and Cysticercus cellulosae, infections that clinically present neurological symptoms similar to angiostrongyliasis. These data demonstrate that the 16-kDa recombinant protein from A. cantonensis possesses high potential as a candidate antigen for a more sensitive and specific serodiagnosis of human angiostrongyliasis.
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The Biological Fight Against Pathogenic Bacteria and Protozoa. NEW WEAPONS TO CONTROL BACTERIAL GROWTH 2016. [PMCID: PMC7123701 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-28368-5_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The animal gastrointestinal tract is a tube with two open ends; hence, from the microbial point of view it constitutes an open system, as opposed to the circulatory system that must be a tightly closed microbial-free environment. In particular, the human intestine spans ca. 200 m2 and represents a massive absorptive surface composed of a layer of epithelial cells as well as a paracellular barrier. The permeability of this paracellular barrier is regulated by transmembrane proteins known as claudins that play a critical role in tight junctions.
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De NV, Duyet LV, Chai JY. A Case of Ocular Angiostrongyliasis with Molecular Identification of the Species in Vietnam. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2015; 53:713-7. [PMID: 26797438 PMCID: PMC4725225 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.6.713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A 23-year-old female residing in a village of Cao Bang Province, North Vietnam, visited the Hospital of Hanoi Medical University in July 2013. She felt dim eyes and a bulge-sticking pain in her left eye for some days before visiting the hospital. In the hospital, a clinical examination, an eye endoscopy, and an operation were carried out. A nematode specimen was collected from the eye of this patient. The body of this worm was thin and long and measured 22.0×0.3 mm. It was morphologically suggested as an immature female worm of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. By a molecular method using 18S rRNA gene, this nematode was confirmed as A. cantonensis. This is the first molecular study for identification of A. cantonensis in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Van De
- Department of Parasitology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Van Duyet
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Bio-Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
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Ji P, Hu H, Yang X, Wei X, Zhu C, Liu J, Feng Y, Yang F, Okanurak K, Li N, Zeng X, Zheng H, Wu Z, Lv Z. AcCystatin, an immunoregulatory molecule from Angiostrongylus cantonensis, ameliorates the asthmatic response in an aluminium hydroxide/ovalbumin-induced rat model of asthma. Parasitol Res 2014; 114:613-24. [PMID: 25399816 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4223-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological surveys have demonstrated that helminth infections are negatively related to atopic diseases, including asthma. Defining and characterising specific helminth molecules that have excellent immunomodulatory capacities as potential therapeutics for the treatment or prophylaxis of allergic manifestations are of great interest. AcCystatin, a cystatin protease inhibitor of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, is a homologue of other nematode cystatins with immunoregulatory properties. Here, we aim to determine the effects of AcCystatin on an ovalbumin/aluminium hydroxide (OVA/Al[OH]3)-induced rat model of asthma. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, including a control group, an OVA/Al[OH]3-induced asthma group, a group receiving AcCystatin immunisation prior to OVA/Al[OH]3-induced asthma and a group receiving AcCystatin treatment after OVA/Al[OH]3-induced asthma. The numbers of eosinophils, basophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes in the peripheral blood and of eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were counted for each animal. The expression levels of the cytokines interferon-γ, interleukin (IL) 4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL17A and tumour necrosis factor receptor-α in BALF, of OVA-specific immunoglobulin E in BALF and serum and of the chemokines eotaxin-1, eotaxin-2, eotaxin-3, MCP-1 and MCP-3 in lung tissue were measured. In addition, the degree of peribronchial and perivascular inflammation and the intensity of goblet cell metaplasia were qualitatively evaluated. The sensitised/challenged rats developed an extensive cell inflammatory response of the airways. AcCystatin administration significantly reduced the cellular infiltrate in the perivascular and peribronchial lung tissues and reduced both goblet mucous production and eosinophil infiltration. The rats that were treated with AcCystatin before or after sensitisation with OVA showed significant decreases in eotaxin-1, eotaxin-3 and MCP-1 expression in the lung tissue. The production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-17A and of OVA-specific IgE antibodies was also significantly reduced in AcCystatin-treated rats compared with untreated asthmatic rats. The AcCystatin treatment was associated with a significant increase in IL-10 levels. Our present findings provide the first demonstration that AcCystatin is an effective agent in the prevention and treatment of the airway inflammation associated with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Ji
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 2nd Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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Hernández HM, Marcet R, Sarracent J. Biological roles of cysteine proteinases in the pathogenesis of Trichomonas vaginalis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:54. [PMID: 25348828 PMCID: PMC4209856 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human trichomonosis, infection with Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease in the world. The host-parasite interaction and pathophysiological processes of trichomonosis remain incompletely understood. This review focuses on the advancements reached in the area of the pathogenesis of T. vaginalis, especially in the role of the cysteine proteinases. It highlights various approaches made in this field and lists a group of trichomonad cysteine proteinases involved in diverse processes such as invasion of the mucous layer, cytoadherence, cytotoxicity, cytoskeleton disruption of red blood cells, hemolysis, and evasion of the host immune response. A better understanding of the biological roles of cysteine proteinases in the pathogenesis of this parasite could be used in the identification of new chemotherapeutic targets. An additional advantage could be the development of a vaccine in order to reduce transmission of T. vaginalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda M Hernández
- Parasitology Department, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | - Ricardo Marcet
- Parasitology Department, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | - Jorge Sarracent
- Parasitology Department, "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute, Havana 10400, Cuba
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Chang SH, Tang P, Lai CH, Kuo ML, Wang LC. Identification and characterisation of microRNAs in young adults of Angiostrongylus cantonensis via a deep-sequencing approach. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 108:699-706. [PMID: 24037191 PMCID: PMC3970689 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276108062013005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important causative agent of
eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that participate in a wide range of
biological processes. This study employed a deep-sequencing approach to study
miRNAs from young adults of A. cantonensis. Based on 16,880,456
high-quality reads, 252 conserved mature miRNAs including 10 antisense miRNAs
that belonging to 90 families, together with 10 antisense miRNAs were identified
and characterised. Among these sequences, 53 miRNAs from 25 families displayed
50 or more reads. The conserved miRNA families were divided into four groups
according to their phylogenetic distribution and a total of nine families
without any members showing homology to other nematodes or adult worms were
identified. Stem-loop real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of
aca-miR-1-1 and aca-miR-71-1 demonstrated that their level of expression
increased dramatically from infective larvae to young adults and then decreased
in adult worms, with the male worms exhibiting significantly higher levels of
expression than female worms. These findings provide information related to the
regulation of gene expression during the growth, development and pathogenesis of
young adults of A. cantonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsin Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, TaoyuanCounty, Taiwan
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Cloning, expression and characterisation of a type II cystatin from Schistosoma japonicum, which could regulate macrophage activation. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3985-92. [PMID: 25096535 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cystatin play an important role in parasite immune evasion. It is involved in many immune responses processes regulations such as inhibiting antigen presentation, modifying cytokines production and macrophage polarization. In recent years, more and more cystatins were used in treating some inflammatory diseases such as asthma and inflammation bowel diseases; however, cystatins from Schistosoma japonicum were rarely studied. In the present study, we have cloned a cystatin from the adult stage of Schistosoma japonicum, named as SjCystatin, and its sequence shares conserved domains with other type II family cystatins. It was further verified by enzyme inhibition assays. SjCystatin retained its inhibitory activity under a wide range of pH values and temperatures, can maintain its inhibitory activity at pH 6.5-7.5 and 37 °C, respectively. Then, we investigated the effects of SjCystatin on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activated RAW264.7. Results showed that SjCystatin inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in a dose-dependent manner. LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-6 production began to be inhibited at least 6 h after SjCystatin stimulation. SjCystatin significantly increased IL-10 production at 6 h after stimulation and its effect on IL-10 production diminished quickly. These results imply that SjCystatin can induce M2 macrophage polarization and can be expected to serve as a potential drug source for the medication of inflammatory disorders like other cystatins.
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Molecular Cloning and Characterization of Cystatin, a Cysteine Protease Inhibitor, fromBufo melanostictus. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2014; 77:2077-81. [DOI: 10.1271/bbb.130424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Angiostrongylus cantonensis in China. TREATMENT OF HUMAN PARASITOSIS IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-39824-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Rebello KM, Siqueira CRD, Ribeiro EL, Valente RH, Mota EM, Perales J, Neves-Ferreira AGDC, Lenzi HL. Proteolytic activity in the adult and larval stages of the human roundworm parasite Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 107:752-9. [PMID: 22990964 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762012000600008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus costaricensis is a nematode that causes abdominal angiostrongyliasis, a widespread human parasitism in Latin America. This study aimed to characterize the protease profiles of different developmental stages of this helminth. First-stage larvae (L1) were obtained from the faeces of infected Sigmodon hispidus rodents and third-stage larvae (L3) were collected from mollusks Biomphalaria glabrata previously infected with L1. Adult worms were recovered from rodent mesenteric arteries. Protein extraction was performed after repeated freeze-thaw cycles followed by maceration of the nematodes in 40 mM Tris base. Proteolysis of gelatin was observed by zymography and found only in the larval stages. In L3, the gelatinolytic activity was effectively inhibited by orthophenanthroline, indicating the involvement of metalloproteases. The mechanistic class of the gelatinases from L1 could not be precisely determined using traditional class-specific inhibitors. Adult worm extracts were able to hydrolyze haemoglobin in solution, although no activity was observed by zymography. This haemoglobinolytic activity was ascribed to aspartic proteases following its effective inhibition by pepstatin, which also inhibited the haemoglobinolytic activity of L1 and L3 extracts. The characterization of protease expression throughout the A. costaricensis life cycle may reveal key factors influencing the process of parasitic infection and thus foster our understanding of the disease pathogenesis.
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Interface Molecules of Angiostrongylus cantonensis: Their Role in Parasite Survival and Modulation of Host Defenses. Int J Inflam 2012; 2012:512097. [PMID: 22536544 PMCID: PMC3321291 DOI: 10.1155/2012/512097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a nematode parasite that causes eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans. Disease presents following the ingestion of third-stage larvae residing in the intermediate mollusk host and disease manifests as an acute inflammation of the meninges characterized by eosinophil infiltrates which release a battery of proinflammatory and cytotoxic agents in response to the pathogen. As a mechanism of neutralizing these host defenses, A. cantonensis expresses different molecules with immunomodulatory properties that are excreted or secreted (ES). In this paper we discuss the role of ES proteins on disease exacerbation and their potential use as therapeutic targets.
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Molecular cloning and characterization of a matrix metalloproteinase, from Caenorhabditis elegans: employed to identify homologous protein from Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:2001-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2729-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Dong X, Liu F, Zhang D, Tang T, Ge X. Identification and characterization of the cysteine protease inhibitor gene MdCPI from Musca domestica. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 20:577-586. [PMID: 21711401 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2011.01088.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine proteinase inhibitors (CPIs) are involved in many vital cellular processes such as signalling pathways, apoptosis, immune response and development; however, no CPIs have yet been reported from the housefly Musca domestica. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a housefly CPI gene designated MdCPI. The gene contains an open reading frame of 357 bp encoding a protein of 118 amino acid residues with a putative signal peptide of 17 amino acid residues. Protein alignment demonstrated a high homology to that of Sarcophaga crassipalpis (identity = 51%). Phylogenetic analysis suggested that all CPIs from dipterans, including the housefly, belong to the I25A family and may be descended from a single common ancestor. The gene was expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli. Biochemical studies showed that MdCPI exerts an inhibiting function on papain, which is a classical assay to confirm CPIs. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunolocalization analysis revealed that MdCPI is specifically expressed in haemocytes and fat bodies. It is highly down-regulated in larvae and markedly up-regulated in the pupal stage, suggesting that it may be related to development.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Dong
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
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Dong F, Fu Y, Li X, Jiang J, Sun J, Cheng X. Cloning, expression, and characterization of salivary apyrase from Aedes albopictus. Parasitol Res 2011; 110:931-7. [PMID: 21842387 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2579-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Apyrases (ATP diphosphohydrolase) hydrolyze the phosphodiester bonds of nucleoside tri- and diphosphates to orthophosphate and mononucleodides. They can inhibit platelet activation by depletion of adenosine diphosphate. In the current study, the Escherichia coli expression vector pET-19b equipped with an N-terminal histidine tag was applied to express the apyrase of Aedes albopictus. The gene-coding mature apyrase protein was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pET-19b. Soluble apyrase protein with high purity was successfully obtained by utilization of the suitable renaturation approach and Ni-NTA purification column. Four monoclonal antibodies to apyrase from A. albopictus were produced in male BALB/c mice immunized with the renatured apyrase. Using immunofluorescence assay and immunoblotting analysis, recombinant apyrase showed fine consistency with native apyrase. From kinetic analysis, it had a K (m) of 11.6 μM and V (max) of 1.02 nM/S/μg protein for adenosine triphosphate. Adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited by approximately 6% when 0.4 μM recombinant apyrase was added and by about 9.5% when the concentration of recombinant apyrase was 0.8 μM. The effect on platelet aggregation was dose dependent. In conclusion, the apyrase of A. albopictus was cloned and expressed highly in the E. coli expression system. Recombinant apyrase protein showed biological activity, and anti-apyrase monoclonal antibody was also prepared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Dong
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, No. 138 Yixueyuan Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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Wang QP, Wu ZD, Wei J, Owen RL, Lun ZR. Human Angiostrongylus cantonensis: an update. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2011; 31:389-95. [PMID: 21725905 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-011-1328-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis was first discovered in 1935 and has become an important emerging pathogen causing human angiostrongyliasis. Major outbreaks of human angiostrongyliasis have been reported in endemic regions. Thousands of cases of human angiostrongyliasis have been documented worldwide. A. cantonensis has spread from its traditional endemic regions of the Pacific islands and Southeast Asia to the American continent including the USA, Caribbean islands and Brazil. Humans acquire A. cantonensis by consumption of raw or undercooked intermediate snail hosts or paratenic hosts. The main clinical manifestations of human angiostrongyliasis are eosinophilic meningitis and ocular angiostrongyliasis. The treatment of this disease includes supportive treatment, corticosteroid therapy, and combined therapy with corticosteroids and anthelminthics. The most effective method for prevention is to persuade people not to eat raw or undercooked intermediate and paratenic hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q-P Wang
- Center for Parasitic Organisms, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Han YP, Li ZY, Li BC, Sun X, Zhu CC, Ling XT, Zheng HQ, Wu ZD, Lv ZY. Molecular cloning and characterization of a cathepsin B from Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Parasitol Res 2011; 109:369-78. [PMID: 21344211 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-011-2264-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine proteases, a superfamily of hydrolytic enzymes, have numerous functions in parasites. Here, we reported the cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a cathepsin B (AcCPB) from Angiostrongylus cantonensis fourth-stage larvae cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequence analysis indicated AcCPB is related to other cathepsin B family members with an overall conserved architecture. AcCPB is evolutionarily more close to other parasitic nematode cathepsin B than the ones from hosts, sharing 43-53% similarities to the homologues from other organisms. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that AcCPB was expressed significantly higher in the fourth-stage larvae (L4) and the fifth-stage larvae (L5) than that in the third-stage larvae (L3) and adult worms (Aw). Unexpectedly, AcCPB was expressed at a higher level in L4 and L5 derived from mice than the larvae at the same stages derived from rats. The protease activity of recombinant AcCPB (rAcCPB) expressed in Escherichia coli showed high thermostability and acidic pH optima. The role in ovalbumin digestion and enzyme activity of rAcCPB could be evidently inhibited by cystatin from A.cantonensis. Furthermore, we found rAcCPB increased the expression levels of CD40, MHC II, and CD80 on LPS-stimulated dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, we provided the first experimental evidence for the expression of cathepsin B in A.cantonensis. Besides its highly specific expression in the stages of L4 and L5 when the worms cause dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier of hosts, AcCPB displayed different expression profiles in non-permissive host- and permissive host-derived larval stages and was involved in the maturation of DCs, suggesting a potential role in the central nervous system invasion and the immunoregulation during parasite-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-ping Han
- Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 2nd Zhongshan Road, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Liu Y, Tjäderhane L, Breschi L, Mazzoni A, Li N, Mao J, Pashley DH, Tay FR. Limitations in bonding to dentin and experimental strategies to prevent bond degradation. J Dent Res 2011; 90:953-68. [PMID: 21220360 DOI: 10.1177/0022034510391799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 423] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited durability of resin-dentin bonds severely compromises the lifetime of tooth-colored restorations. Bond degradation occurs via hydrolysis of suboptimally polymerized hydrophilic resin components and degradation of water-rich, resin-sparse collagen matrices by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cysteine cathepsins. This review examined data generated over the past three years on five experimental strategies developed by different research groups for extending the longevity of resin-dentin bonds. They include: (1) increasing the degree of conversion and esterase resistance of hydrophilic adhesives; (2) the use of broad-spectrum inhibitors of collagenolytic enzymes, including novel inhibitor functional groups grafted to methacrylate resins monomers to produce anti-MMP adhesives; (3) the use of cross-linking agents for silencing the activities of MMP and cathepsins that irreversibly alter the 3-D structures of their catalytic/allosteric domains; (4) ethanol wet-bonding with hydrophobic resins to completely replace water from the extrafibrillar and intrafibrillar collagen compartments and immobilize the collagenolytic enzymes; and (5) biomimetic remineralization of the water-filled collagen matrix using analogs of matrix proteins to progressively replace water with intrafibrillar and extrafibrillar apatites to exclude exogenous collagenolytic enzymes and fossilize endogenous collagenolytic enzymes. A combination of several of these strategies should result in overcoming the critical barriers to progress currently encountered in dentin bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Liu
- Department of Stomatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hankou District, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
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