1
|
Wang SS, Wang X, He JJ, Zheng WB, Zhu XQ, Elsheikha HM, Zhou CX. Expression profiles of host miRNAs and circRNAs and ceRNA network during Toxoplasma gondii lytic cycle. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:145. [PMID: 38418741 PMCID: PMC10902104 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08152-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic protozoan parasite that is highly prevalent in the human population and can lead to adverse health consequences in immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. Noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play important regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of many infections. However, the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and circRNAs implicated in the host cell response during the lytic cycle of T. gondii are unknown. In this study, we profiled the expression of miRNAs and circRNAs in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) at different time points after T. gondii infection using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). We identified a total of 7, 7, 27, 45, 70, 148, 203, and 217 DEmiRNAs and 276, 355, 782, 1863, 1738, 6336, 1229, and 1680 DEcircRNAs at 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h post infection (hpi), respectively. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the DE transcripts were enriched in immune response, apoptosis, signal transduction, and metabolism-related pathways. These findings provide new insight into the involvement of miRNAs and circRNAs in the host response to T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sha-Sha Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiangwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650500, Yunnan Province, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Chun-Xue Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, Shandong Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang L, Wang H, Wei S, Huang X, Yu C, Meng Q, Wang D, Yin G, Huang Z. Toxoplasma gondii induces MLTC-1 apoptosis via ERS pathway. Exp Parasitol 2022; 244:108429. [PMID: 36403802 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a serious intracellular parasite and mammalian infection can damage the reproductive system and lead to apoptosis of Murine Leydig tumor cells (MLTC-1); however, the mechanism is unclear. The testis Leydig cell is the main testosterone synthesis cell in male mammals. We studied the mechanism of T. gondii infection on Leydig cell apoptosis in vitro. MLTC-1 were divided into control and experimental groups. Experiment group cells and tachyzoites were co-cultured, in a 1:20 ratio, for 3, 6, 9, and 12 h. T. gondii entered the cells and caused lesions at 12 h. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of the experiment group increased with time and was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control group. RT-qPCR and western blot demonstrated that the expression of P53, Caspase-3, and Bax were significantly increased at 12 h (P < 0.05). Bcl-2 expression was significantly increased at 12 h (P < 0.05). The ER stress (ERS) pathway was important in cell apoptosis. RT-qPCR and western blot showed that the expression of CHOP was significantly increased at 12 h (P < 0.05). These data indicate that T. gondii induced MLTC-1 cell apoptosis may occur via the ERS pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, PR China
| | - Hailun Wang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, PR China
| | - Shihao Wei
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Huang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, PR China
| | - Chunchen Yu
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, PR China
| | - Qingrui Meng
- Jinshan College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, PR China
| | - Dengfeng Wang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, PR China
| | - Guangwen Yin
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, PR China.
| | - Zhijian Huang
- Engineering Laboratory of Animal Pharmaceuticals and College of Animal Science (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350002, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gamea GA, Elmehy DA, Salama AM, Soliman NA, Afifi OK, Elkaliny HH, Abo El gheit RE, El-Ebiary AA, Tahoon DM, Elkholy RA, Shoeib SM, Eleryan MA, Younis SS. Direct and indirect antiparasitic effects of chloroquine against the virulent RH strain of Toxoplasma gondii: An experimental study. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106508. [PMID: 35568067 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is a deleterious parasitic disease with harmful impact on both humans and animals. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antiparasitic effect of chloroquine (CQ), spiramycin (SP), and combination of both against the highly virulent RH HXGPRT (-) strain of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and to explore the mechanisms underlying such effect. METHODS We counted the tachyzoites in the peritoneal fluid and liver smears of mice and performed scanning and transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining of tachyzoites. Moreover, relative caspase 3 gene expression was measured by real time polymerase chain reaction of liver tissues and immunoassay of anti-apoptotic markers [B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and X-chromosome linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)] and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) was done in liver tissues by ELISA. In addition, we estimated serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) and performed histopathological examination of liver sections for scoring of inflammation. RESULTS We found that both CQ and CQ/SP combination significantly reduced parasitic load in the peritoneal fluid and liver smears, induced apical disruption of tachyzoites, triggered host cell apoptosis through elevation of relative caspase 3 gene expression and suppression of both Bcl-2 and XIAP. Also, they upregulated IFN-γ level, reduced serum AST and ALT, and ameliorated liver inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Either of CQ and CQ/SP combination was more effective than SP alone against T. gondii with the CQ/SP combination being more efficient. Therefore, adding CQ to other anti-Toxoplasma therapeutic regimens may be considered in future research.
Collapse
|
4
|
Rahimi HM, Nemati S, Alavifard H, Baghaei K, Mirjalali H, Zali MR. Soluble total antigen derived from Toxoplasma gondii RH strain prevents apoptosis, but induces anti-apoptosis in human monocyte cell line. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2021; 68. [PMID: 34889779 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2021.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis plays crucial role in the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis, as it limits further development of the disease. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of soluble total antigen (STAg) of Toxoplasma gondii (Nicolle et Manceaux, 1908) on the apoptotic and anti-apoptotic pathways. PMA-activated THP-1 cell line was sensed by T. gondii STAg and the expression patterns of caspase-3, -7, -8, -9, Bax, Bcl-2, and Mcl-1 genes were evaluated. The results showed statistically significant concentration-dependent overexpression of both Bcl-2 (P-value < 0.0001) and Mcl-1 (P-value = 0.0147). The cas-7 showed overexpression in all concentrations (P-value < 0.0001). The cas-3 was suppressed in concentrations 100, 80, and 40 µg, but statistically significant downregulated in concentrations 10 and 20 µg. The Bax was suppressed in concentrations 100 to 20 µg, while it slightly downregulated 1.42 fold (P-value = 0.0029) in concentration 10 µg. The expression of cas-8 and -9 was suppressed in all concentrations. Our results indicated that T. gondii STAg downregulated and suppressed apoptotic and upregulated anti-apoptotic pathways. The upregulation of cas-7 in this study may indicate the role of T. gondii STAg in activation of inflammatory responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Mohammad Rahimi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Centre, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Nemati
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Centre, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Centre, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Centre, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Centre, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Centre, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran *Address for correspondence: Hamed Mirjalali, Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Arabi Street, 1985717413, Chamran Highway, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lima TS, Mallya S, Jankeel A, Messaoudi I, Lodoen MB. Toxoplasma gondii Extends the Life Span of Infected Human Neutrophils by Inducing Cytosolic PCNA and Blocking Activation of Apoptotic Caspases. mBio 2021; 12:e02031-20. [PMID: 33500339 PMCID: PMC7858050 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02031-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that has the remarkable ability to infect and replicate in neutrophils, immune cells with an arsenal of antimicrobial effector mechanisms. We report that T. gondii infection extends the life span of primary human peripheral blood neutrophils by delaying spontaneous apoptosis, serum starvation-induced apoptosis, and tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α)-mediated apoptosis. T. gondii blockade of apoptosis was associated with an inhibition of processing and activation of the apoptotic caspases caspase-8 and -3, decreased phosphatidylserine exposure on the plasma membrane, and reduced cell death. We performed a global transcriptome analysis of T. gondii-infected peripheral blood neutrophils using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and identified gene expression changes associated with DNA replication and DNA repair pathways, which in mature neutrophils are indicative of changes in regulators of cell survival. Consistent with the RNA-Seq data, T. gondii infection upregulated transcript and protein expression of PCNA, which is found in the cytosol of human neutrophils, where it functions as a key inhibitor of apoptotic pro-caspases. Infection of neutrophils resulted in increased interaction of PCNA with pro-caspase-3. Inhibition of this interaction with an AlkB homologue 2 PCNA-interacting motif (APIM) peptide reversed the infection-induced delay in cell death. Taken together, these findings indicate a novel strategy by which T. gondii manipulates cell life span in primary human neutrophils, which may allow the parasite to maintain an intracellular replicative niche and avoid immune clearance.IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can cause life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals and in the developing fetus. Interestingly, T. gondii has evolved strategies to successfully manipulate the host immune system to establish a productive infection and evade host defense mechanisms. Although it is well documented that neutrophils are mobilized during acute T. gondii infection and infiltrate the site of infection, these cells can also be actively infected by T. gondii and serve as a replicative niche for the parasite. However, there is a limited understanding of the molecular processes occurring within T. gondii-infected neutrophils. This study reveals that T. gondii extends the life span of human neutrophils by inducing the expression of PCNA, which prevents activation of apoptotic caspases, thus delaying apoptosis. This strategy may allow the parasite to preserve its replicative intracellular niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane S Lima
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Sharmila Mallya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Allen Jankeel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Ilhem Messaoudi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Melissa B Lodoen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Saki J, Sabaghan M, Arjmand R, Teimoori A, Rashno M, Saki G, Shojaee S. Spermatogonia apoptosis induction as a possible mechanism of Toxoplasma gondii-induced male infertility. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 23:1164-1171. [PMID: 32963738 PMCID: PMC7491504 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.43535.10224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective(s): The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii as an intracellular protozoan is widely prevalent in humans and animals. Infection generally occurs through consuming food contaminated with oocysts and tissue cysts from undercooked meat. The parasite is carried in sexual fluids like semen but there is little information about the effect of T. gondii on the male reproductive system. In this study, we examined the effect of T. gondii tachyzoites on apoptosis induction in type B spermatogonia (GC-1) cells. Materials and Methods: Fresh tachyzoites taken of infected BALB/c mice, GC-1 spg cells were infected with increasing concentrations of tachyzoites of T. gondii, then apoptotic cells were identified and quantified by flow cytometry. The genes associated with apoptosis were evaluated by RT2 Profiler PCR Array. Results: PCR array analysis of 84 apoptosis-related genes demonstrated that 12 genes were up-regulated at least 4-fold and that one gene was down-regulated at least 2-fold in the T. gondii infection group compared with levels in the control group. The number of genes whose expression had increased during the period of infection with T. gondii was significantly higher than those whose expressions had decreased (18 versus 1) and Tnfrsf11b had the highest rate of gene expression. Conclusion: T. gondii induce in vitro apoptosis of GC-1 spg cells. This effect shows a trend of concentration-dependent increase so that with an increase in the ratio of parasite burden to spermatogonial cells, in addition to an increase in the number of genes whose expression has changed, the fold of these changes has increased as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasem Saki
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohamad Sabaghan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Arjmand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Virology Department, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Saki
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhou LJ, Chen M, Puthiyakunnon S, He C, Xia J, He CY, Deng SQ, Peng HJ. Toxoplasma gondii ROP18 inhibits human glioblastoma cell apoptosis through a mitochondrial pathway by targeting host cell P2X1. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:284. [PMID: 31164145 PMCID: PMC6547611 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Apoptosis plays a critical role in the embryonic development, homeostasis of immune system and host defense against intracellular microbial pathogens. Infection by the obligate intracellular pathogen Toxoplasma gondii can both inhibit and induce host cell apoptosis; however, the parasitic factors involved remain unclear. The T. gondii virulence factor ROP18 (TgROP18) has been reported to regulate host cell apoptosis; nevertheless, results for this regulation have been rarely reported or have provided contradictory findings. Human purinergic receptor 1 (P2X1) is an ATP-gated ion channel that responds to ATP stimulation and functions in cell apoptosis mediation. The precise roles of TgROP18 in T. gondii pathogenesis, and the relationship between TgROP18 and host P2X1 in host cell apoptosis are yet to be revealed. Methods Apoptosis rates were determined by flow cytometry (FCM) and TUNEL assay. The interaction between TgROP18 and the host P2X1 was measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assay. Calcium influx and mitochondrial membrane depolarization were determined by FCM after JC-1 staining. The translocation of cytochrome C (Cyt C), Bax and Bcl2 proteins, expression of the apoptotic proteins PARP and caspase activation were detected by western blotting. Results The apoptosis rates of glial or immune cells (human SF268, mouse RAW264.7 and human THP-1 cells) infected by any T. gondii strain (RH-type I, ME49-type II and VEG-type III) were significantly inhibited compared with their uninfected controls. TgROP18 inhibited ATP-induced apoptosis of SF268 with P2X1 expression, but had no effect on RAW264.7 or THP-1 cells without detectable P2X1 expression. It was further identified that TgROP18 interacted with P2X1, and overexpression of ROP18 in COS7 cells significantly inhibited cell apoptosis mediated by P2X1. Moreover, TgROP18 also inhibited P2X1-mediated Ca2+ influx, translocation of cytochrome C from the mitochondria to the cytosol, and ATP-triggered caspase activation. Conclusions Toxoplasma gondii infection inhibits ATP-induced host cell apoptosis, regardless of strain virulence and host cell lines. TgROP18 targets the purinergic receptor P2X1 of the SF268 human neural cells and inhibits ATP-induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, suggesting a sensor role for the host proapoptotic protein P2X1 in this process. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3529-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Juan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Santhosh Puthiyakunnon
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng He
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Cynthia Y He
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sheng-Qun Deng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Juan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhu W, Li J, Pappoe F, Shen J, Yu L. Strategies Developed by Toxoplasma gondii to Survive in the Host. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:899. [PMID: 31080445 PMCID: PMC6497798 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most successful intracellular parasites, Toxoplasma gondii has developed several strategies to avoid destruction by the host. These include approaches such as rapid and efficient cell invasion to avoid phagocytic engulfment, negative regulation of the canonical CD40-CD40L-mediated autophagy pathway, impairment of the noncanonical IFN-γ-dependent autophagy pathway, and modulation of host cell survival and death to obtain lifelong parasite survival. Different virulent strains have even evolved different ways to cope with and evade destruction by the host. This review aims to illustrate every aspect of the game between the host and Toxoplasma during the process of infection. A better understanding of all aspects of the battle between Toxoplasma and its hosts will be useful for the development of better strategies and drugs to control the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanbo Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Graduate School of Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jingyang Li
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Clinical Laboratory of the Third People's Hospital of Heifei, Hefei, China
| | - Faustina Pappoe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lima TS, Lodoen MB. Mechanisms of Human Innate Immune Evasion by Toxoplasma gondii. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:103. [PMID: 31041194 PMCID: PMC6476913 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite of global importance that can remarkably infect, survive, and replicate in nearly all mammalian cells. Notably, 110 years after its discovery, Toxoplasmosis is still a neglected parasitic infection. Although most human infections with T. gondii are mild or asymptomatic, T. gondii infection can result in life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals and in the developing fetus due to congenital infection, underscoring the role of the host immune system in controlling the parasite. Recent evidence indicates that T. gondii elicits a robust innate immune response during infection. Interestingly, however, T. gondii has evolved strategies to successfully bypass or manipulate the immune system and establish a life-long infection in infected hosts. In particular, T. gondii manipulates host immunity through the control of host gene transcription and dysregulation of signaling pathways that result in modulation of cell adhesion and migration, secretion of immunoregulatory cytokines, production of microbicidal molecules, and apoptosis. Many of these host-pathogen interactions are governed by parasite effector proteins secreted from the apical secretory organelles, including the rhoptries and dense granules. Here, we review recent findings on mechanisms by which T. gondii evades host innate immunity, with a focus on parasite evasion of the human innate immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane S Lima
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and the Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Melissa B Lodoen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and the Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Toxoplasma gondii Modulates the Host Cell Responses: An Overview of Apoptosis Pathways. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:6152489. [PMID: 31080827 PMCID: PMC6475534 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6152489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Infection with Toxoplasma gondii has a major implication in public health. Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect all nucleated cells belonging to a wide range of host species. One of the particularities of this parasite is its invasion and persistence in host cells of immunocompetent people. This infection is usually asymptomatic. In immunocompromised patients, the infection is severe and symptomatic. The mechanisms by which T. gondii persists are poorly studied in humans. In mouse models, many aspects of the interaction between the parasite and the host cells are being studied. Apoptosis is one of these mechanisms that could be modulated by Toxoplasma to persist in host cells. Indeed, Toxoplasma has often been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis and viability mechanisms in both human and murine infection models. Several of these studies centered on the regulation of apoptosis pathways have revealed interference of this parasite with host cell immunity, cell signalling, and invasion mechanisms. This review provides an overview of recent studies concerning the effect of Toxoplasma on different apoptotic pathways in infected host cells.
Collapse
|
11
|
Lau YT, Santos B, Barbosa M, Pales Espinosa E, Allam B. Regulation of apoptosis-related genes during interactions between oyster hemocytes and the alveolate parasite Perkinsus marinus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:180-189. [PMID: 30195907 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The alveolate Perkinsus marinus is the most devastating parasite of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. The parasite is readily phagocytosed by oyster hemocytes, but instead of intracellular killing and digestion, P. marinus can survive phagocytosis and divide in host cells. This intracellular parasitism is accompanied by a regulation of host cell apoptosis. This study was designed to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis regulation in oyster hemocytes following exposure to P. marinus. Regulation of apoptosis-related genes in C. virginica, and apoptosis-regulatory genes in P. marinus, were investigated via qPCR to assess the possible pathways involved during these interactions. In vitro experiments were also carried out to evaluate the effect of chemical inhibitors of P. marinus antioxidant processes on hemocyte apoptosis. Results indicate the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway (Bcl-2, anamorsin) of apoptosis in C. virginica exposed to P. marinus. In parallel, the antioxidants peroxiredoxin and superoxide dismutase were regulated in P. marinus exposed to C. virginica hemocytes suggesting that apoptosis regulation in infected oysters may be mediated by anti-oxidative processes. Chemical inhibition of P. marinus superoxide dismutase resulted in a marked increase of reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis in infected hemocytes. The implication of oxygen-dependent apoptosis during P. marinus infection and disease development in C. virginica is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuk-Ting Lau
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, United States
| | - Bianca Santos
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, United States
| | - Michelle Barbosa
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, United States
| | - Emmanuelle Pales Espinosa
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, United States
| | - Bassem Allam
- School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chakraborty S, Roy S, Mistry HU, Murthy S, George N, Bhandari V, Sharma P. Potential Sabotage of Host Cell Physiology by Apicomplexan Parasites for Their Survival Benefits. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1261. [PMID: 29081773 PMCID: PMC5645534 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Babesia, and Theileria are the major apicomplexan parasites affecting humans or animals worldwide. These pathogens represent an excellent example of host manipulators who can overturn host signaling pathways for their survival. They infect different types of host cells and take charge of the host machinery to gain nutrients and prevent itself from host attack. The mechanisms by which these pathogens modulate the host signaling pathways are well studied for Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, and Theileria, except for limited studies on Babesia. Theileria is a unique pathogen taking into account the way it modulates host cell transformation, resulting in its clonal expansion. These parasites majorly modulate similar host signaling pathways, however, the disease outcome and effect is different among them. In this review, we discuss the approaches of these apicomplexan to manipulate the host–parasite clearance pathways during infection, invasion, survival, and egress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonti Roy
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Hiral Uday Mistry
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Shweta Murthy
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Neena George
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Paresh Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Brasil TR, Freire-de-Lima CG, Morrot A, Vetö Arnholdt AC. Host- Toxoplasma gondii Coadaptation Leads to Fine Tuning of the Immune Response. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1080. [PMID: 28955329 PMCID: PMC5601305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii has successfully developed strategies to evade host's immune response and reach immune privileged sites, which remains in a controlled environment inside quiescent tissue cysts. In this review, we will approach several known mechanisms used by the parasite to modulate mainly the murine immune system at its favor. In what follows, we review recent findings revealing interference of host's cell autonomous immunity and cell signaling, gene expression, apoptosis, and production of microbicide molecules such as nitric oxide and oxygen reactive species during parasite infection. Modulation of host's metalloproteinases of extracellular matrix is also discussed. These immune evasion strategies are determinant to parasite dissemination throughout the host taking advantage of cells from the immune system to reach brain and retina, crossing crucial hosts' barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaís Rigueti Brasil
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Morrot
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Toxoplasma gondii ROP18: potential to manipulate host cell mitochondrial apoptosis. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2415-22. [PMID: 27021182 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-4993-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that may manipulate host cell mitochondrial apoptosis pathways. In our experiment, 293T cells were transfected with the p3×FLAG-CMV-Myc-ROP18 vector and expressed the ROP18-Myc fusion protein. Cell apoptosis was induced by 0.5 μg/mL actinomycin D (ActD) and was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. The cell mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by JC-1. Cytochrome c (Cyto-c) from mitochondria and the cytoplasm was measured by Western blot. The Bcl-2 and Bax coding gene expression levels were detected by real-time PCR. We found, in vitro, that T. gondii ROP18 significantly suppressed 293T cell apoptosis induced by ActD and maintained mitochondrial membrane potential and integrity, thereby preventing the release of Cyto-c from mitochondria into the cytoplasm. The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in ROP18-overexpressing cells was significantly higher than that of the negative control. Therefore, we speculate that ROP18 could suppress host cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in vitro.
Collapse
|
15
|
Chang S, Shan X, Li X, Fan W, Zhang SQ, Zhang J, Jiang N, Ma D, Mao Z. Toxoplasma gondii Rhoptry Protein ROP16 Mediates Partially SH-SY5Y Cells Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest by Directing Ser15/37 Phosphorylation of p53. Int J Biol Sci 2015; 11:1215-25. [PMID: 26327815 PMCID: PMC4551757 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.10516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma rhoptries, an unusual set of apical organelles that are associated with Toxoplasma infection may cause subversion of the host cell functions. Parasite rhoptry protein 16 (ROP16) is a regulator of host cell transcription during cell invasion in which it migrates into the host cell cytoplasm and subsequently localizes to the nucleus. In the present study, we found that overexpression of ROP16 could partially mediate human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y apoptosis (12.47%) and cell cycle arrest in G1 phase (60.77%) in a p53 dependent manner by influencing the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 and p21/CDKs. ROP16 was identified to co-localize with p53, a novel direct interaction partner in the nucleus of SH-SY5Y. Furthermore, SH-SY5Y apoptosis via the mitochondria-dependent p53 pathway and cell cycle arrest caused by ROP16 dealt with direct serine 15/37 phosphorylation of p53. Our studies provide a new mechanism by which ROP16 interacts with the nucleus proteins which subsequently subverts the host cells functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Chang
- 1. Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiumei Shan
- 1. Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xingliang Li
- 1. Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Weiwei Fan
- 1. Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Steven Qian Zhang
- 1. Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Duan Ma
- 2. Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zuohua Mao
- 1. Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vicentino-Vieira SL, Nogueira de Melo GDA, Biondaro Góis M, Martins Moreira N, de Araujo Pereira LG, de Almeida Araújo EJ, Garcia JL, de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana D. Oral dependent-dose toxoplasmic infection model induced by oocysts in rats: Myenteric plexus and jejunal wall changes. Exp Parasitol 2015; 156:12-8. [PMID: 26008610 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a widely distributed disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii that is mainly transmitted orally. Once ingested, the parasite crosses the intestinal barrier to reach the blood and lymph systems to migrate to other regions of the host. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the myenteric plexus and the jejunal wall of Wistar rats caused by oral infection with T. gondii oocysts (ME-49 strain). Inocula of 10, 100, 500 and 5000 oocysts were used. The total population of myenteric neurons and the most metabolically active subpopulation (NADH-diaphorase positive - NADH-dp) exhibited a decrease proportional to the dose of T. gondii. There was also a quantitative increase in the subpopulation of NADPH-diaphorase-positive (NADPH-dp) myenteric neurons, indicating greater expression of the NOS enzyme. Neuronal atrophy was observed, and morphological and morphometric alterations such as jejunal atrophy were found in the infected groups. Hypertrophy of the external muscle with the presence of inflammatory foci was observed in the group infected with 5000 oocysts. The changes observed in the infected groups were proportional to the number of oocysts inoculated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - João Luiz Garcia
- State University of Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, PR 445, km 380, 86057-970 Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Coelho C, Souza ACO, Derengowski LDS, de Leon-Rodriguez C, Wang B, Leon-Rivera R, Bocca AL, Gonçalves T, Casadevall A. Macrophage mitochondrial and stress response to ingestion of Cryptococcus neoformans. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2015; 194:2345-57. [PMID: 25646306 PMCID: PMC4340727 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human infection with Cryptococcus neoformans, a common fungal pathogen, follows deposition of yeast spores in the lung alveoli. The subsequent host-pathogen interaction can result in eradication, latency, or extrapulmonary dissemination. Successful control of C. neoformans infection is dependent on host macrophages, but macrophages display little ability to kill C. neoformans in vitro. Recently, we reported that ingestion of C. neoformans by mouse macrophages induces early cell cycle progression followed by mitotic arrest, an event that almost certainly reflects host cell damage. The goal of the present work was to understand macrophage pathways affected by C. neoformans toxicity. Infection of macrophages by C. neoformans was associated with alterations in protein translation rate and activation of several stress pathways, such as hypoxia-inducing factor-1-α, receptor-interacting protein 1, and apoptosis-inducing factor. Concomitantly we observed mitochondrial depolarization in infected macrophages, an observation that was replicated in vivo. We also observed differences in the stress pathways activated, depending on macrophage cell type, consistent with the nonspecific nature of C. neoformans virulence known to infect phylogenetically distant hosts. Our results indicate that C. neoformans infection impairs multiple host cellular functions and undermines the health of these critical phagocytic cells, which can potentially interfere with their ability to clear this fungal pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Coelho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461; Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Camila Oliveira Souza
- Cell Biology Department, Biology Science Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia CEP 70910-900, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos de Leon-Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461; MD Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Rosiris Leon-Rivera
- Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931; and Undergraduate Research Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461
| | - Anamelia Lorenzetti Bocca
- Cell Biology Department, Biology Science Institute, University of Brasilia, Brasilia CEP 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Arturo Casadevall
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461;
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Flegr J, Prandota J, Sovičková M, Israili ZH. Toxoplasmosis--a global threat. Correlation of latent toxoplasmosis with specific disease burden in a set of 88 countries. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90203. [PMID: 24662942 PMCID: PMC3963851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 383] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis is becoming a global health hazard as it infects 30-50% of the world human population. Clinically, the life-long presence of the parasite in tissues of a majority of infected individuals is usually considered asymptomatic. However, a number of studies show that this 'asymptomatic infection' may also lead to development of other human pathologies. AIMS OF THE STUDY The purpose of the study was to collect available geoepidemiological data on seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and search for its relationship with mortality and disability rates in different countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS Prevalence data published between 1995-2008 for women in child-bearing age were collected for 88 countries (29 European). The association between prevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific disease burden estimated with age-standardized Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) or with mortality, was calculated using General Linear Method with Gross Domestic Product per capita (GDP), geolatitude and humidity as covariates, and also using nonparametric partial Kendall correlation test with GDP as a covariate. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with specific disease burden in particular countries explaining 23% of variability in disease burden in Europe. The analyses revealed that for example, DALY of 23 of 128 analyzed diseases and disease categories on the WHO list showed correlations (18 positive, 5 negative) with prevalence of toxoplasmosis and another 12 diseases showed positive trends (p<0.1). For several obtained significant correlations between the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and specific diseases/clinical entities, possible pathophysiological, biochemical and molecular explanations are presented. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis correlated with various disease burden. Statistical associations does not necessarily mean causality. The precautionary principle suggests however that possible role of toxoplasmosis as a triggering factor responsible for development of several clinical entities deserves much more attention and financial support both in everyday medical practice and future clinical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Flegr
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Joseph Prandota
- Department of Social Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michaela Sovičková
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zafar H. Israili
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Malkwitz I, Berndt A, Daugschies A, Bangoura B. Long-term investigations on Toxoplasma gondii-infected primary chicken macrophages. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3115-22. [PMID: 23749093 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3486-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma (T.) gondii is known to infect various cell types including macrophages. In the present study, we generated monocyte-derived macrophage cultures from chicken blood. By flow cytometrical analysis, 84.5% of the cultivated cells showed typical macrophage properties. Macrophage cultures were cultivated at either 37 °C or 40 °C, respectively, and were infected 72 to 96 h post isolationem with tachyzoites of the T. gondii type II strain ME49 at a rate of 7.5 tachyzoites per host cell. Light microscopical investigations revealed incorporation of tachyzoites into the macrophages and gradual destruction of the infected macrophage culture. Parasite multiplication was observed by a quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) based on the 529-bp fragment specific for T. gondii. Samples were drawn 1 h post infectionem (p.i.), as well as 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h p.i. The parasite replication curve showed a transient decrease of parasite stages 12 h p.i. followed by a tachyzoite multiplication. The comparison of different culture conditions showed a significantly higher replication rate of T. gondii at 37 °C (median value 48 h p.i., 289.2% of the initial tachyzoite number) compared to cultures incubated at 40 °C (median value 48 h p.i., 73.1% of the initial tachyzoite number) throughout the observation period (P < 0.05). In general, replication rates were significantly lower than in a standard VERO cell cultures at 37 °C (P < 0.05). The observed differences were attributed to the physiological chicken macrophage reaction at 40 °C probably approximating the situation in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Malkwitz
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Contreras-Ochoa CO, Lagunas-Martínez A, Belkind-Gerson J, Díaz-Chávez J, Correa D. Toxoplasma gondii invasion and replication within neonate mouse astrocytes and changes in apoptosis related molecules. Exp Parasitol 2013; 134:256-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
21
|
Quan JH, Cha GH, Zhou W, Chu JQ, Nishikawa Y, Lee YH. Involvement of PI 3 kinase/Akt-dependent Bad phosphorylation in Toxoplasma gondii-mediated inhibition of host cell apoptosis. Exp Parasitol 2013; 133:462-71. [PMID: 23333591 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii-infected cells are resistant to various apoptotic stimuli, however, the role of the pro-apoptotic BH3-only Bad protein in T. gondii-imposed inhibition of host cell apoptosis in connection with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-PKB/Akt pathway was not well delineated. Here, we investigated the signaling patterns of Bad, Bax and PKB/Akt in T. gondii-infected and uninfected THP-1 cells treated with staurosporine (STS) or PI3K inhibitors. STS treatment, without T. gondii infection, reduced the viability of THP-1 cells in proportion to STS concentration and triggered many cellular death events such as caspase-3 and -9 activation, Bax translocation, cytochrome c release from host cell mitochondria into cytosol, and PARP cleavage in the host cell. However, T. gondii infection eliminated the STS-triggered mitochondrial apoptotic events described above. Additionally, T. gondii infection in vitro and in vivo induced the phosphorylation of PKB/Akt and Bad in a parasite-load-dependent manner which subsequently inhibited Bax translocation. The PI3K inhibitors, LY294002 and Wortmannin, both blocked parasite-induced phosphorylation of PKB/Akt and Bad. Furthermore, THP-1 cells pretreated with these PI3K inhibitors showed reduced phosphorylation of Bad in a dose-dependent manner and subsequently failed to inhibit the Bax translocation, also these cells also failed to overcome the T. gondii-imposed inhibition of host cell apoptosis. These data demonstrate that the PI3K-PKB/Akt pathway may be one of the major route for T. gondii in the prevention of host cell apoptosis and T. gondii phosphorylates the pro-apoptotic Bad protein to prevent apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Hua Quan
- Department of Infection Biology and Research Institute for Medical Sciences, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon 301-131, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kim SJ, Park JH, Kim KH, Lee WR, An HJ, Min BK, Han SM, Kim KS, Park KK. Apamin inhibits THP-1-derived macrophage apoptosis via mitochondria-related apoptotic pathway. Exp Mol Pathol 2012; 93:129-34. [PMID: 22537544 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|