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Prasanphanich NS, Leon K, Secor WE, Shoemaker CB, Heimburg-Molinaro J, Cummings RD. Anti-schistosomal immunity to core xylose/fucose in N-glycans. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1142620. [PMID: 37081851 PMCID: PMC10110957 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1142620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a globally prevalent, debilitating disease that is poorly controlled by chemotherapy and for which no vaccine exists. While partial resistance in people may develop over time with repeated infections and treatments, some animals, including the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), are only semi-permissive and have natural protection. To understand the basis of this protection, we explored the nature of the immune response in the brown rat to infection by Schistosoma mansoni. Infection leads to production of IgG to Infection leads to production of IgG to parasite glycoproteins parasite glycoproteins with complex-type N-glycans that contain a non-mammalian-type modification by core α2-Xylose and core α3-Fucose (core Xyl/Fuc). These epitopes are expressed on the surfaces of schistosomula and adult worms. Importantly, IgG to these epitopes can kill schistosomula by a complement-dependent process in vitro. Additionally, sera from both infected rhesus monkey and infected brown rat were capable of killing schistosomula in a manner inhibited by glycopeptides containing core Xyl/Fuc. These results demonstrate that protective antibodies to schistosome infections in brown rats and rhesus monkeys include IgG responses to the core Xyl/Fuc epitopes in surface-expressed N-glycans, and raise the potential of novel glyco-based vaccines that might be developed to combat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristoffer Leon
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - W. Evan Secor
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Charles B. Shoemaker
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Jamie Heimburg-Molinaro
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- National Center for Functional Glycomics, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Richard D. Cummings
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- National Center for Functional Glycomics, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Richard D. Cummings,
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2
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Jie H, Zhang SM, Ding FR, Chun-Lian Tang, Li XY. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase affects the growth of Schistosoma japonicum schistosomula. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106667. [PMID: 36030883 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from Schistosoma japonicum (SjGAPDH) on the growth of schistosomula. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to analyze the mRNA levels and immune localization of SjGAPDH. RNA interference experiments were conducted to further examine the role of SjGAPDH in the schistosomula growth of S. japonicum. The results demonstrated that SjGAPDH mRNA was expressed during all stages of S. japonicum development, with its expression gradually increasing over time. SjGAPDH was mainly distributed on the surface and in some parenchymal cells of S. japonicum. Double-stranded RNA-mediated GAPDH knockdown reduced SjGAPDH expression by approximately 59%. Light microscopic observations revealed that the size, length, width, volume, and area of schistosomula in the SjGAPDH interference group were significantly lower than those in the enhanced green fluorescent protein control group. These findings indicate that SjGAPDH may affect the growth of S. japonicum schistosomula and could be a useful target for treating schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jie
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, No. 947 Heping Street, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Si-Ming Zhang
- Wuhan University of Science and Technology, No. 947 Heping Street, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Fan-Rong Ding
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, No. 116 Yangyuan Street, Wuhan 430063, China
| | - Chun-Lian Tang
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, No. 116 Yangyuan Street, Wuhan 430063, China.
| | - Xiang-You Li
- Wuchang Hospital affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology, No. 116 Yangyuan Street, Wuhan 430063, China.
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3
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Schistosoma mansoni Adult Worm Protective and Diagnostic Proteins in n-Butanol Extracts Revealed by Proteomic Analysis. Pathogens 2021; 11:pathogens11010022. [PMID: 35055970 PMCID: PMC8777762 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The S. mansoni adult worm n-butanol extract (Sm-AWBE) has been previously shown to contain specific S. mansoni antigens that have been used for immunodiagnosis of schistosomiasis in solid phase alkaline phosphatase immunoassay (APIA) and western blot (WB) analyses. Sm-AWBE was also used in immunoprotection studies against a fatal live-cercariae challenge in experimental mouse vaccination (~43% protection). The Sm-AWBE fraction was prepared by mixing adult worm membranous suspensions with aqueous-saturated n-butanol, centrifuging and recovering n-butanol-resistant proteins in the aqueous phase. Here we report a preliminary identification of Sm-AWBE protein components as revealed from a qualitative proteomic study after processing Sm-AWBE by 1D-gel electrophoresis, in-gel and in-solution tryptic digestions, and mass spectrometry analyses. We identified 33 proteins in Sm-AWBE, all previously known S. mansoni proteins and antigens; among them, immunomodulatory proteins and proteins mostly involved in host–parasite interactions. About 81.8% of the identified Sm-AWBE proteins are antigenic. STRING analysis showed a set of Sm-AWBE proteins configuring a small network of interactive proteins and a group of proteins without interactions. Functional groups of proteins included muscle contraction, antioxidant, GPI-anchored phosphoesterases, regulatory 14-3-3, various enzymes and stress proteins. The results widen the possibilities to design novel antigen combinations for better diagnostic and immunoprotective strategies for schistosomiasis control.
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4
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Davey SD, Chalmers IW, Fernandez-Fuentes N, Swain MT, Smith D, Abbas Abidi SM, Saifullah MK, Raman M, Ravikumar G, McVeigh P, Maule AG, Brophy PM, Morphew RM. In silico characterisation of the complete Ly6 protein family in Fasciola gigantica supported through transcriptomics of the newly-excysted juveniles. Mol Omics 2021; 18:45-56. [PMID: 34781332 PMCID: PMC8763315 DOI: 10.1039/d1mo00254f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fasciola gigantica is one of the aetiological trematodes associated with fascioliasis, which heavily impacts food-production systems and human and animal welfare on a global scale. In the absence of a vaccine, fascioliasis control and treatment is restricted to pasture management, such as clean grazing, and a limited array of chemotherapies, to which signs of resistance are beginning to appear. Research into novel control strategies is therefore urgently required and the advent of ‘omics technologies presents considerable opportunity for novel drug and vaccine target discovery. Here, interrogation of the first available F. gigantica newly excysted juvenile (NEJ) transcriptome revealed several protein families of current interest to parasitic flatworm vaccine research, including orthologues of mammalian complement regulator CD59 of the Ly6 family. Ly6 proteins have previously been identified on the tegument of Schistosoma mansoni and induced protective immunity in vaccination trials. Incorporating the recently available F. gigantica genome, the current work revealed 20 novel Ly6 family members in F. gigantica and, in parallel, significantly extended the F. hepatica complement from 3 to 18 members. Phylogenetic analysis revealed several distinct clades within the family, some of which are unique to Fasciola spp. trematodes. Analysis of available proteomic databases also revealed three of the newly discovered FhLy6s were present in extracellular vesicles, which have previously been prioritised in studying the host-parasite interface. The presentation of this new transcriptomic resource, in addition to the Ly6 family proteins here identified, represents a wealth of opportunity for future vaccine research. Incorporating the recently available F. gigantica genome, the current work revealed 20 novel Ly6 family members in F. gigantica and, in parallel, significantly extended the F. hepatica complement from 3 to 18 members.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Davey
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK.
| | - Iain W Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK.
| | | | - Martin T Swain
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK.
| | - Dan Smith
- Computational and Analytical Sciences, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Syed M Abbas Abidi
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, 202001, India
| | - Mohammad K Saifullah
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, 202001, India
| | - Muthusamy Raman
- Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600051, India
| | | | - Paul McVeigh
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Aaron G Maule
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Peter M Brophy
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK.
| | - Russell M Morphew
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, UK.
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5
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Assessment of reference genes at six different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni for quantitative RT-PCR. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16816. [PMID: 34413342 PMCID: PMC8376997 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96055-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse-transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the most used, fast, and reproducible method to confirm large-scale gene expression data. The use of stable reference genes for the normalization of RT-qPCR assays is recognized worldwide. No systematic study for selecting appropriate reference genes for usage in RT-qPCR experiments comparing gene expression levels at different Schistosoma mansoni life-cycle stages has been performed. Most studies rely on genes commonly used in other organisms, such as actin, tubulin, and GAPDH. Therefore, the present study focused on identifying reference genes suitable for RT-qPCR assays across six S. mansoni developmental stages. The expression levels of 25 novel candidates that we selected based on the analysis of public RNA-Seq datasets, along with eight commonly used reference genes, were systematically tested by RT-qPCR across six developmental stages of S. mansoni (eggs, miracidia, cercariae, schistosomula, adult males and adult females). The stability of genes was evaluated with geNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder algorithms. The least stable candidate reference genes tested were actin, tubulin and GAPDH. The two most stable reference genes suitable for RT-qPCR normalization were Smp_101310 (Histone H4 transcription factor) and Smp_196510 (Ubiquitin recognition factor in ER-associated degradation protein 1). Performance of these two genes as normalizers was successfully evaluated with females maintained unpaired or paired to males in culture for 8 days, or with worm pairs exposed for 16 days to double-stranded RNAs to silence a protein-coding gene. This study provides reliable reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis using samples from six different S. mansoni life-cycle stages.
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6
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Barbosa MMF, Kanno AI, Pancakova V, Gonçalves VM, Malley R, Faria LP, Leite LCC. Optimization of Expression and Purification of Schistosoma mansoni Antigens in Fusion with Rhizavidin. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:983-991. [PMID: 34165770 PMCID: PMC8223184 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis causes significant morbidity and mortality. Vaccine efforts to date indicate the need to increase the immunogenicity of Schistosoma antigens. The multiple antigen-presenting system, whereby proteins are genetically fused to rhizavidin and affinity linked to biotinylated templates, enables the generation of robust immune responses. The objective of this work was to express and purify the S. mansoni antigens, SmTSP-2 and SmCD59.2, in fusion with rhizavidin. The fusion with rhizavidin greatly decreased the expression level of rSmTSP-2, but not rSmCD59.2, and both were expressed in the insoluble fraction, requiring optimization of culture conditions. Evaluation of different E. coli strains and media showed that BL21-DE3 cultured in Terrific Broth provided the highest expression levels of both proteins. Investigation of a range of time and temperature of induction showed that E. coli strains expressing rRzv:SmTSP-2 and rRzv:SmCD59.2 showed the highest protein production at 23 °C for 15 h. Recombinant proteins were purified by a single step of affinity chromatography allowing isolation of these proteins in high concentration and purity. The optimization process increased final soluble protein yield of rRzv:SmTSP-2 by fourfold and rRzv:SmCD59.2 by tenfold, providing ~ 20 mg/L of each protein. Optimized fusion protein production will allow antigen use in biotin–rhizavidin affinity platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra M F Barbosa
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alex I Kanno
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Violeta Pancakova
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,UnivLyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL1), 69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Viviane M Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Richard Malley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Leonardo P Faria
- Laboratório de Biomarcadores e Inflamação, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luciana C C Leite
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
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7
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Hambrook JR, Hanington PC. Immune Evasion Strategies of Schistosomes. Front Immunol 2021; 11:624178. [PMID: 33613562 PMCID: PMC7889519 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.624178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human schistosomes combat the unique immune systems of two vastly different hosts during their indirect life cycles. In gastropod molluscs, they face a potent innate immune response composed of variable immune recognition molecules and highly phagocytic hemocytes. In humans, a wide variety of innate and adaptive immune processes exist in proximity to these parasites throughout their lifespan. To survive and thrive as the second most common parasitic disease in humans, schistosomes have evolved many techniques to avoid and combat these targeted host responses. Among these techniques are molecular mimicry of host antigens, the utilization of an immune resistant outer tegument, the secretion of several potent proteases, and targeted release of specific immunomodulatory factors affecting immune cell functions. This review seeks to describe these key immune evasion mechanisms, among others, which schistosomes use to survive in both of their hosts. After diving into foundational observational studies of the processes mediating the establishment of schistosome infections, more recent transcriptomic and proteomic studies revealing crucial components of the host/parasite molecular interface are discussed. In order to combat this debilitating and lethal disease, a comprehensive understanding of schistosome immune evasion strategies is necessary for the development of novel therapeutics and treatment plans, necessitating the discussion of the numerous ways in which these parasitic flatworms overcome the immune responses of both hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R Hambrook
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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8
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Crosnier C, Hokke CH, Protasio AV, Brandt C, Rinaldi G, Langenberg MCC, Clare S, Janse JJ, Wilson S, Berriman M, Roestenberg M, Wright GJ. Screening of a library of recombinant Schistosoma mansoni proteins with sera from murine and human controlled infections identifies early serological markers. J Infect Dis 2020; 225:1435-1446. [PMID: 32524140 PMCID: PMC9016452 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a major global health problem caused by blood-dwelling parasitic worms, which is currently tackled primarily by mass administration of the drug praziquantel. Appropriate drug treatment strategies are informed by diagnostics that establish the prevalence and intensity of infection, which, in regions of low transmission, should be highly sensitive. Methods To identify sensitive new serological markers of Schistosoma mansoni infections, we have compiled a recombinant protein library of parasite cell-surface and secreted proteins expressed in mammalian cells. Results Together with a time series of sera samples from volunteers experimentally infected with a defined number of male parasites, we probed this protein library to identify several markers that can detect primary infections with as low as 10 parasites and as early as 5 weeks postinfection. Conclusions These new markers could be further explored as valuable tools to detect ongoing and previous S mansoni infections, including in endemic regions where transmission is low.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cornelis H Hokke
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anna V Protasio
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Marijke C C Langenberg
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jacqueline J Janse
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Shona Wilson
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Meta Roestenberg
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
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9
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Pereira ASA, Silveira GO, Amaral MS, Almeida SMV, Oliveira JF, Lima MCA, Verjovski-Almeida S. In vitro activity of aryl-thiazole derivatives against Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula and adult worms. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225425. [PMID: 31765429 PMCID: PMC6876889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is caused by a trematode of the genus Schistosoma and affects over 200 million people worldwide. The only drug recommended by the World Health Organization for treatment and control of schistosomiasis is praziquantel. Development of new drugs is therefore of great importance. Thiazoles are regarded as privileged structures with a broad spectrum of activities and are potential sources of new drug prototypes, since they can act through interactions with DNA and inhibition of DNA synthesis. In this context, we report the synthesis of a series of thiazole derivatives and their in vitro schistosomicidal activity by testing eight molecules (NJ03-08; NJ11-12) containing thiazole structures. Parameters such as motility and mortality, egg laying, pairing and parasite viability by ATP quantification, which were influenced by these compounds, were evaluated during the assays. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized for evaluation of morphological changes in the tegument. Schistosomula and adult worms were treated in vitro with different concentrations (6.25 to 50 μM) of the thiazoles for up to 5 and 3 days, respectively. After in vitro treatment for five days with 6.25 μM NJ05 or NJ07 separately, we observed a decrease of 30% in schistosomula viability, whilst treatment with NJ05+NJ07 lead to a reduction of 75% in viability measured by ATP quantitation and propidium iodide labeling. Adult worms’ treatment with 50 μM NJ05, NJ07 or NJ05 + NJ07 showed decreased motility to 30–50% compared with controls. Compound NJ05 was more effective than NJ07, and adult worm viability after three days was reduced to 25% in parasites treated with 50 μM NJ05, compared with a viability reduction to 40% with 50 μM NJ07. SEM analysis showed severe alterations in adult worms with formation of bulges and blisters throughout the dorsal region of parasites treated with NJ05 or NJ07. Oviposition was extremely affected by treatment with the NJ series compounds; at concentrations of 25 μM and 50 μM, oviposition reached almost zero with NJ05, NJ07 or NJ05 + NJ07 already at day one. Tested genes involved in egg biosynthesis were all confirmed by qPCR as downregulated in females treated with 25 μM NJ05 for 2 days, with a significant reduction in expression of p14, Tyrosinase 2, p48 and fs800. NJ05, NJ07 or NJ05+NJ07 treatment of HEK293 (human embryonic cell line) and HES (human epithelial cell line) showed EC50 in the range of 18.42 to 145.20 μM. Overall, our results demonstrate that those molecules are suitable targets for further development into new drugs for schistosomiasis treatment, although progress is needed to lessen the cytotoxic effects on human cells. According to the present study, thiazole derivatives have schistosomicidal activities and may be part of a possible new arsenal of compounds against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana S. A. Pereira
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Gilbert O. Silveira
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Sinara M. V. Almeida
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Antibióticos, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
- Universidade de Pernambuco, Campus Garanhuns, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Jamerson F. Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Antibióticos, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Maria C. A. Lima
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Antibióticos, Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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10
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Crosnier C, Brandt C, Rinaldi G, McCarthy C, Barker C, Clare S, Berriman M, Wright GJ. Systematic screening of 96 Schistosoma mansoni cell-surface and secreted antigens does not identify any strongly protective vaccine candidates in a mouse model of infection. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:159. [PMID: 31728414 PMCID: PMC6833992 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15487.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease affecting people living in tropical and sup-tropical areas. Transmission of the parasite has been reported in 78 countries, causing significant morbidity and around 200,000 deaths per year in endemic regions. The disease is currently managed by the mass-administration of praziquantel to populations at risk of infection; however, the reliance on a single drug raises the prospect of parasite resistance to the only treatment widely available. The development of an effective vaccine would be a more powerful method of control, but none currently exists and the identification of new immunogens that can elicit protective immune responses therefore remains a priority. Because of the complex nature of the parasite life cycle, identification of new vaccine candidates has mostly relied on the use of animal models and on a limited set of recombinant proteins. Methods: In this study, we have established an infrastructure for testing a large number of vaccine candidates in mice and used it to screen 96 cell-surface and secreted recombinant proteins from Schistosoma mansoni. This approach, using standardised immunisation and percutaneous infection protocols, allowed us to compare an extensive set of antigens in a systematic manner. Results: Although some vaccine candidates were associated with a statistically significant reduction in the number of eggs in the initial screens, these observations could not be repeated in subsequent challenges and none of the proteins studied were associated with a strongly protective effect against infection. Conclusions: Although no antigens individually induced reproducible and strongly protective effects using our vaccination regime, we have established the experimental infrastructures to facilitate large-scale systematic subunit vaccine testing for schistosomiasis in a murine infection model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Colin Barker
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Simon Clare
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
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11
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Farias LP, Chalmers IW, Perally S, Rofatto HK, Jackson CJ, Brown M, Khouri MI, Barbosa MMF, Hensbergen PJ, Hokke CH, Leite LCC, Hoffmann KF. Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like proteins: phylogenetic relationships, stage-specific transcription and tissue localization as predictors of immunological cross-reactivity. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:593-599. [PMID: 31136745 PMCID: PMC6598858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like (SmVAL) family relationships were investigated. Transcription patterns of SmVALs associate with phylogenetic relationships. There was clear antibody cross-reactivity between related native SmVAL proteins. SmVAL4, 10, 18 and 19 all localized via WISH to pre-acetabular glands of cercariae.
Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like proteins (SmVALs) are part of a diverse protein superfamily partitioned into two groups (group 1 and group 2). Phylogenetic analyses of group 1 SmVALs revealed that members could be segregated into subclades (A–D); these subclades share similar gene expression patterns across the parasite lifecycle and immunological cross-reactivity. Furthermore, whole-mount in situ hybridization demonstrated that the phylogenetically, transcriptionally and immunologically-related SmVAL4, 10, 18 and 19 (subclade C) were all localized to the pre-acetabular glands of immature cercariae. Our results suggest that SmVAL group 1 phylogenetic relationships, stage-specific transcriptional profiles and tissue localization are predictive of immunological cross-reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo P Farias
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rua Waldemar Falcão, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Iain W Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, SY23 3FG Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Samirah Perally
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, SY23 3FG Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Henrique K Rofatto
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Colin J Jackson
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, SY23 3FG Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Martha Brown
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, SY23 3FG Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Mariana I Khouri
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rua Waldemar Falcão, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mayra M F Barbosa
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Paul J Hensbergen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis H Hokke
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Luciana C C Leite
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Karl F Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, SY23 3FG Aberystwyth, UK.
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Egesa M, Lubyayi L, Jones FM, van Diepen A, Chalmers IW, Tukahebwa EM, Bagaya BS, Hokke CH, Hoffmann KF, Dunne DW, Elliott AM, Yazdanbakhsh M, Wilson S, Cose S. Antibody responses to Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula antigens. Parasite Immunol 2018; 40:e12591. [PMID: 30239012 PMCID: PMC6492298 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
While antigens from Schistosoma schistosomula have been suggested as potential vaccine candidates, the association between antibody responses with schistosomula antigens and infection intensity at reinfection is not well known. Schistosoma mansoni-infected individuals were recruited from a schistosomiasis endemic area in Uganda (n = 372), treated with 40 mg/kg praziquantel (PZQ) and followed up at five weeks and at one year post-treatment. Pre-treatment and five weeks post-treatment immunoglobulin (Ig) E, IgG1 and IgG4 levels against recombinant schistosomula antigens rSmKK7, rSmLy6A, rSmLy6B and rSmTSP7 were measured using ELISA. Factors associated with detectable pre-treatment or post-treatment antibody response against the schistosomula antigens and the association between five-week antibody responses and one year post-treatment reinfection intensity among antibody responders were examined. Being male was associated with higher pre-treatment IgG1 to rSmKK7, rSmLy6a and AWA. Five weeks post-treatment antibody responses against schistosomula antigens were not associated with one year post-treatment reinfection intensity among antibody responders' antibody levels against rSmKK7, rSmLy6B and rSmTSP7 dropped, but increased against rSmLy6A, AWA and SEA at five weeks post-treatment among antibody responders. S. mansoni-infected individuals exhibit detectable antibody responses to schistosomula antigens that are affected by treatment. These findings indicate that schistosomula antigens induce highly varied antibody responses and could have implications for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Egesa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesMakerere University College of Health SciencesKampalaUganda
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
| | - Lawrence Lubyayi
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
| | | | - Angela van Diepen
- Department of ParasitologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Iain W. Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | | | - Bernard S. Bagaya
- Department of Immunology and Molecular BiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesMakerere University College of Health SciencesKampalaUganda
| | - Cornelis H. Hokke
- Department of ParasitologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - David W. Dunne
- Department of PathologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Alison M. Elliott
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of ParasitologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Shona Wilson
- Department of PathologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Stephen Cose
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
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Egesa M, Lubyayi L, Tukahebwa EM, Bagaya BS, Chalmers IW, Wilson S, Hokke CH, Hoffmann KF, Dunne DW, Yazdanbakhsh M, Labuda LA, Cose S. Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula antigens induce Th1/Pro-inflammatory cytokine responses. Parasite Immunol 2018; 40:e12592. [PMID: 30239006 PMCID: PMC6492251 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Larvae of Schistosoma (schistosomula) are highly susceptible to host immune responses and are attractive prophylactic vaccine targets, although cellular immune responses against schistosomula antigens in endemic human populations are not well characterized. We collected blood and stool from 54 Schistosoma mansoni-infected Ugandans, isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and stimulated them for 24 hours with schistosome adult worm and soluble egg antigens (AWA and SEA), along with schistosomula recombinant proteins rSmKK7, Lymphocyte Antigen 6 isoforms (rSmLy6A and rSmLy6B), tetraspanin isoforms (rSmTSP6 and rSmTSP7). Cytokines, chemokines and growth factors were measured in the culture supernatants using a multiplex luminex assay, and infection intensity was determined before and at 1 year after praziquantel (PZQ) treatment using the Kato-Katz method. Cellular responses were grouped and the relationship between groups of correlated cellular responses and infection intensity before and after PZQ treatment was investigated. AWA and SEA induced mainly Th2 responses. In contrast, rSmLy6B, rSmTSP6 and rSmTSP7 induced Th1/pro-inflammatory responses. While recombinant antigens rSmKK7 and rSmLy6A did not induce a Th1/pro-inflammatory response, they had an association with pre-treatment infection intensity after adjusting for age and sex. Testing more schistosomula antigens using this approach could provide immune-epidemiology identifiers necessary for prioritizing next generation schistosomiasis vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Egesa
- Department of Medical MicrobiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesMakerere University College of Health SciencesKampalaUganda
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
| | - Lawrence Lubyayi
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
| | | | - Bernard S. Bagaya
- Department of Immunology and Molecular BiologySchool of Biomedical SciencesMakerere University College of Health SciencesKampalaUganda
| | - Iain W. Chalmers
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - Shona Wilson
- Department of PathologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Cornelis H. Hokke
- Department of ParasitologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural SciencesAberystwyth UniversityAberystwythUK
| | - David W. Dunne
- Department of PathologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Maria Yazdanbakhsh
- Department of ParasitologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Lucja A. Labuda
- Department of ParasitologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Stephen Cose
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research UnitEntebbeUganda
- Department of Clinical ResearchLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineLondonUK
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Fernandes RS, Barbosa TC, Barbosa MMF, Miyasato PA, Nakano E, Leite LCC, Farias LP. Stage and tissue expression patterns of Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like proteins SmVAL 4, 13, 16 and 24. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:223. [PMID: 28482920 PMCID: PMC5422958 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein (SmVAL) is a gene family composed of 29 members divided into group 1 encoding proteins potentially secreted, and group 2 encoding intracellular components. Some members were found to be upregulated in the transition of germ ball - cercariae - day 3 schistosomula, suggesting that group 1 SmVAL proteins are associated with the invasion of the human host, although their functions are not completely established. Recently, we have described the localization of SmVAL7 (group 1) and SmVAL6 (group 2) transcripts in the oesophageal gland and in the oral and ventral suckers of adult parasites, respectively. The expression patterns of the two genes suggest that SmVAL7 protein plays a role in the blood-feeding process while SmVAL6 is associated with the parasite attachment and movement in the vasculature. In this way, searching for additional secreted SmVAL proteins that could be involved in key processes from skin penetration to the beginning of blood-feeding, we investigated the tissue localization of SmVAL4, 13, 16 and 24 by whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH). Results We report here the localization of group 1 SmVAL4 and 24 transcripts in the pre-acetabular glands of developing germ balls. Time course experiments of in vitro cultured schistosomula after cercariae transformation demonstrated that SmVAL4 protein is secreted during the first 3 h of in vitro culture, correlating with the emptying of acetabular glands as documented by confocal microscopy. In addition, the localization of SmVAL13 transcripts in adult male anterior oesophageal gland suggests that the respective protein may be involved in the first steps of the blood-feeding process. SmVAL16 was localized close to the neural ganglia and requires further investigation. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that SmVAL proteins have localizations that place them in strategic positions to be considered as potential vaccine candidates as some members are exposed to interaction with the immune system and may participate in key processes of mammalian invasion and parasitism establishment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2144-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Sachetto Fernandes
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mayra Mara Ferrari Barbosa
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Aoki Miyasato
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliana Nakano
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Paiva Farias
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Present Address: Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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Cao X, Fu Z, Zhang M, Han Y, Han Q, Lu K, Li H, Zhu C, Hong Y, Lin J. Excretory/secretory proteome of 14-day schistosomula, Schistosoma japonicum. J Proteomics 2015; 130:221-30. [PMID: 26453986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a serious public health problem, with 200 million people infected and 779 million people at risk worldwide. The schistosomulum is the early stage of the complex lifecycle of Schistosoma japonicum in their vertebrate hosts, and is the main target of vaccine-induced protective immunity. Excretory/secretory (ES) proteins play a major role in host-parasite interactions and ES protein compositions of schistosomula of S. japonicum have not been characterized to date. In the present study, the proteome of ES proteins from 14 day schistosomula of S. japonicum was analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and 713 unique proteins were finally identified. Gene ontology and pathway analysis revealed that identified proteins were mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism, degradation, response to stimulus, oxidation-reduction, biological regulation and binding. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that thioredoxin peroxidase identified in this study had the effect on inhibiting MHCII and CD86 expression on LPS-activated macrophages. The present study provides insight into the growth and development of the schistosome in the final host and valuable information for screening vaccine candidates for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Cao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henran University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yanhui Han
- College of Animal Science, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
| | - Qian Han
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Lu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuangang Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Hong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.
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Human IgG1 Responses to Surface Localised Schistosoma mansoni Ly6 Family Members Drop following Praziquantel Treatment. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003920. [PMID: 26147973 PMCID: PMC4492491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The heptalaminate-covered, syncytial tegument is an important anatomical adaptation that enables schistosome parasites to maintain long-term, intravascular residence in definitive hosts. Investigation of the proteins present in this surface layer and the immune responses elicited by them during infection is crucial to our understanding of host/parasite interactions. Recent studies have revealed a number of novel tegumental surface proteins including three (SmCD59a, SmCD59b and Sm29) containing uPAR/Ly6 domains (renamed SmLy6A SmLy6B and SmLy6D in this study). While vaccination with SmLy6A (SmCD59a) and SmLy6D (Sm29) induces protective immunity in experimental models, human immunoglobulin responses to representative SmLy6 family members have yet to be thoroughly explored. Methodology/Principal Findings Using a PSI-BLAST-based search, we present a comprehensive reanalysis of the Schistosoma mansoni Ly6 family (SmLy6A-K). Our examination extends the number of members to eleven (including three novel proteins) and provides strong evidence that the previously identified vaccine candidate Sm29 (renamed SmLy6D) is a unique double uPAR/Ly6 domain-containing representative. Presence of canonical cysteine residues, signal peptides and GPI-anchor sites strongly suggest that all SmLy6 proteins are cell surface-bound. To provide evidence that SmLy6 members are immunogenic in human populations, we report IgG1 (as well as IgG4 and IgE) responses against two surface-bound representatives (SmLy6A and SmLy6B) within a cohort of S. mansoni-infected Ugandan males before and after praziquantel treatment. While pre-treatment IgG1 prevalence for SmLy6A and SmLy6B differs amongst the studied population (7.4% and 25.3% of the cohort, respectively), these values are both higher than IgG1 prevalence (2.7%) for a sub-surface tegumental antigen, SmTAL1. Further, post-treatment IgG1 levels against surface-associated SmLy6A and SmLy6B significantly drop (p = 0.020 and p < 0.001, respectively) when compared to rising IgG1 levels against sub-surface SmTAL1. Conclusions/Significance Collectively, these results expand the number of SmLy6 proteins found within S. mansoni and specifically demonstrate that surface-associated SmLy6A and SmLy6B elicit immunological responses during infection in endemic communities. Adult schistosome parasites can live in the human bloodstream for years without being adversely affected by the host immune response. Identifying which proteins are on the surface of the parasite and understanding how they contribute to long-term host/parasite relationships is an essential step in developing novel intervention strategies. Here, utilising a comprehensive bioinformatics approach to identify Schistosoma mansoni gene products sharing distinct surface-associated features including signal peptides, hydrophobic C-termini, disulfide bonds and uPAR/Ly6 domains, we identified eleven proteins of interest. These proteins, reassuringly, include three representatives previously found associated with the schistosome surface (here termed SmLy6A, SmLy6B and SmLy6D) as well as three novel members (SmLy6G, SmLy6H and SmLy6J). To identify if surface-associated SmLy6 members are recognized by S. mansoni infected individuals, we specifically examined antibody responses to SmLy6A and SmLy6B in an endemic human population. Our work expands the number of putative cell surface associated schistosome proteins and provides a greater understanding of the dynamics of antibody responses in endemic communities against two representatives.
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McWilliam HEG, Driguez P, Piedrafita D, McManus DP, Meeusen ENT. Discovery of novel Schistosoma japonicum antigens using a targeted protein microarray approach. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:290. [PMID: 24964958 PMCID: PMC4080988 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Novel vaccine candidates against Schistosoma japonicum are required, and antigens present in the vulnerable larval developmental stage are attractive targets. Post-genomic technologies are now available which can contribute to such antigen discovery. Methods A schistosome-specific protein microarray was probed using the local antibody response against migrating larvae. Antigens were assessed for their novelty and predicted larval expression and host-exposed features. One antigen was further characterised and its sequence and structure were analysed in silico. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyse transcript expression throughout development, and immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays employed to determine antigen recognition by antibody samples. Results Several known and novel antigens were discovered, two of which showed up-regulated transcription in schistosomula. One novel antigen, termed S. japonicum Ly-6-like protein 1 (Sj-L6L-1), was further characterised and shown to share structural and sequence features with the Ly-6 protein family. It was found to be present in the worm tegument and expressed in both the larval and adult worms, but was found to be antigenic only in the lungs that the larvae migrate to and traverse. Conclusions This study represents a novel approach to vaccine antigen discovery and may contribute to schistosome vaccine development against this important group of human and veterinary pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish E G McWilliam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Bahgat MM. Interaction Between the Neglected Tropical Disease Human Schistosomiasis and HCV Infection in Egypt: a Puzzling Relationship. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2014; 2:134-9. [PMID: 26356794 PMCID: PMC4521266 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2013.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Egypt has the highest prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and seropositivity worldwide, and it has been proposed that this enhanced susceptibility to HCV is related to coinfection with schistosomiasis. Although currently, there are no studies regarding the actual prevalence of both human schistosomiasis and schistosomiasis/HCV coinfection evidences strongly support that eliminating human schistosomiasis from Egypt is necessary to reduce both HCV prevalence and liver pathology. The present review highlights the significant impact of the neglected tropical disease human schistosomiasis on both susceptibility of Egyptians to HCV coinfection, severity of the resulting liver pathology, and poor response to antiviral therapy. The immune evasion mechanisms exerted by the HCV-NS3/4A protease domain, and the possible impact of immune evasion mechanisms exerted by proteases of larval, worm and egg stages of the parasite Schistosoma on human susceptibility to HCV infection are discussed. In addition, schistosome immune evasion mechanisms may include immunosuppression that in turn prevents clearance of HCV viremia and leads to relapsing HCV infection and severe liver pathology. I propose the generation of a replicon system from the most prevailing genotype (HCV-4a) in Egypt and establishing its replication on hepatoplastoma or immune cells in presence of bilharzial antigens. Finally, the use of a humanized small animal model that can acquire both HCV and S. mansoni infections will be important to further understand in real time the impact of coinfection on both the immune system and liver pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M. Bahgat
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases Group, Therapeutic Chemistry Department, the Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, the National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
- Research Group of Biomarkers for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
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Cesari IM, Ballén DE, Mendoza L, Ferrer A, Pointier JP, Kombila M, Richard-Lenoble D, Théron A. Comparative evaluation of Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma intercalatum, and Schistosoma haematobium alkaline phosphatase antigenicity by the alkaline phosphatase immunoassay (APIA). Parasitol Res 2014; 113:1395-403. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-3780-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Sun J, Wang SW, Li C, Hu W, Ren YJ, Wang JQ. Transcriptome profilings of female Schistosoma japonicum reveal significant differential expression of genes after pairing. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:881-92. [PMID: 24297695 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3719-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Pairing of Schistosoma japonicum initiates female development, leads to female sexual maturation, and maintains this mature state. To understand the mechanism involved in these processes, we studied parasites isolated from single- and double-sex cercariae-infected mice using deep-sequencing analysis, Solexa, to uncover pair-regulated transcriptional profiles. In this study, we report the results of high-throughput tag-sequencing (Tag-seq) analysis of the transcriptome of female worms 18 and 23 days postsingle- and double-sex infections. We sequenced over 3 million tags, obtained a total of 14,034, 27,251, 22,755, and 22,555 distinct tags corresponding to 5,773, 9,794, 8,885, and 8,870 tag-mapped genes for 23-day-old female schistosomula from double-sex infections (23DSI), 23-day-old female schistosomula from single-sex infections (23SSI), 18-day-old female schistosomula from double-sex infections (18DSI), and 18-day-old female schistosomula from single-sex infections (18SSI), respectively. Analyses of differentially expressed genes revealed similarities in the gene expression profiles between 18SSI and 18DSI as well as rational differential gene expression between 18SSI and 23SSI. However, fewer upregulated genes were found in 23DSI compared with 18DSI. Of the 3,446 differentially expressed genes between 23DSI and 23SSI, 2,913 genes were upregulated in 23SSI, whereas only 533 genes were upregulated in 23DSI. In these upregulated genes in 23DSI, phosphoglycerate mutase, superoxide dismutase, egg antigen, ribosomal proteins, ferritin-1 heavy chain, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 were detected. Detection of these genes suggests that gene expression in 23DSI is specialized for functions such as promotion and maintenance of female sexual maturation and egg production. Quantitative real-time (RT)-PCR analysis confirmed the Solexa results, thereby supporting the reliability of the system. Our results offer new insights into the biological significance of pairing, which directs the expression of genes specific for sexual maturation and egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sun
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China,
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On the three-finger protein domain fold and CD59-like proteins in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2482. [PMID: 24205416 PMCID: PMC3812095 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is believed that schistosomes evade complement-mediated killing by expressing regulatory proteins on their surface. Recently, six homologues of human CD59, an important inhibitor of the complement system membrane attack complex, were identified in the schistosome genome. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether these molecules could act as CD59-like complement inhibitors in schistosomes as part of an immune evasion strategy. Methodology/Principal Findings Herein, we describe the molecular characterization of seven putative SmCD59-like genes and attempt to address the putative biological function of two isoforms. Superimposition analysis of the 3D structure of hCD59 and schistosome sequences revealed that they contain the three-fingered protein domain (TFPD). However, the conserved amino acid residues involved in complement recognition in mammals could not be identified. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis determined that most of these genes are up-regulated in the transition from free-living cercaria to adult worm stage. Immunolocalization experiments and tegument preparations confirm that at least some of the SmCD59-like proteins are surface-localized; however, significant expression was also detected in internal tissues of adult worms. Finally, the involvement of two SmCD59 proteins in complement inhibition was evaluated by three different approaches: (i) a hemolytic assay using recombinant soluble forms expressed in Pichia pastoris and E. coli; (ii) complement-resistance of CHO cells expressing the respective membrane-anchored proteins; and (iii) the complement killing of schistosomula after gene suppression by RNAi. Our data indicated that these proteins are not involved in the regulation of complement activation. Conclusions Our results suggest that this group of proteins belongs to the TFPD superfamily. Their expression is associated to intra-host stages, present in the tegument surface, and also in intra-parasite tissues. Three distinct approaches using SmCD59 proteins to inhibit complement strongly suggested that these proteins are not complement inhibitors and their function in schistosomes remains to be determined. Schistosomes are parasites that reside for many years in the blood stream, demanding efficient mechanisms of evading immune response effectors such as complement deposition. A group of genes similar to human CD59, an important complement inhibitor in mammals, were identified in the schistosome genome. Computer predictions of protein structure indicated substantial similarity of the schistosome proteins and the mammalian CD59 family of proteins, which due to their three-finger-shaped spatial conformation are members of the Three-Finger Protein Domain fold superfamily (TFPD). Members of this family of schistosome proteins were also shown to be expressed predominantly during the mammalian stages when worms are exposed to complement and found to be present at the host-interactive surface of schistosomes. Three different methods were employed to test the possible involvement of these proteins in complement inhibition. Our results strongly suggest that these proteins are not involved in the inhibition of complement and that further studies are needed to establish their functional role(s) in schistosomes.
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Pomaznoy M, Tatkov S, Katokhin A, Afonnikov D, Babenko V, Furman D, Brusentsov I, Belavin P, Najakshin A, Guselnikov S, Vasiliev G, Sivkov A, Prokhortchouk E, Skryabin K, Mordvinov V. Adult Opisthorchis felineus major protein fractions deduced from transcripts: comparison with liver flukes Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:297-306. [PMID: 23891942 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiologically important liver flukes Opisthorchis felineus, Opisthorchis viverrini, and Clonorchis sinensis are of interest to health professionals, epidemiologists, pharmacologists, and molecular biologists. Recently the transcriptomes of the latter two species were intensively investigated. However our knowledge on molecular biology of O. felineus is scarce. We report the first results of the O. felineus transcriptome analysis. We isolated and annotated a total of 2560 expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences from adult O. felineus (deposited within the database of expressed sequence tags (dbEST), under accession numbers GenBank: JK624271-JK626790, JK006511-JK006547, JK649790-JK649792). Clustering and analysis resulted in the detection of 267 contigs. Of the protein sequences deduced from these, 82% had homologs in the NCBI (nr) protein database and 63% contained conserved domains, allowing the functions to be interpreted using the Gene Ontology terms. Comprehensive analysis of Opisthorchiidae- and Trematoda-specific substitutions within amino acid sequences deduced for the proteins myoglobin, vitelline precursor protein, cathepsin F, and 28kDa glutathione transferase was carried out. The gene set of the 32 ribosomal proteins for the three Opisthorchiidae species with the addition of available Schistosoma and Fasciola orthologs was created and is provided in the supplementary. The orthologous gene set created was used for inferring phylogeny within the Trematoda with special attention to interrelations within the Opisthorchiidae. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a closer relationship between C. sinensis and O. viverrini and some divergence of O. felineus from either O. viverrini or C. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Pomaznoy
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Lavrentieva 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
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Hahnel S, Lu Z, Wilson RA, Grevelding CG, Quack T. Whole-organ isolation approach as a basis for tissue-specific analyses in Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2336. [PMID: 23936567 PMCID: PMC3723596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases worldwide, second only to malaria. Schistosomes exhibit an exceptional reproductive biology since the sexual maturation of the female, which includes the differentiation of the reproductive organs, is controlled by pairing. Pathogenicity originates from eggs, which cause severe inflammation in their hosts. Elucidation of processes contributing to female maturation is not only of interest to basic science but also considering novel concepts combating schistosomiasis. Methodology/Principal Findings To get direct access to the reproductive organs, we established a novel protocol using a combined detergent/protease-treatment removing the tegument and the musculature of adult Schistosoma mansoni. All steps were monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and bright-field microscopy (BF). We focused on the gonads of adult schistosomes and demonstrated that isolated and purified testes and ovaries can be used for morphological and structural studies as well as sources for RNA and protein of sufficient amounts for subsequent analyses such as RT-PCR and immunoblotting. To this end, first exemplary evidence was obtained for tissue-specific transcription within the gonads (axonemal dynein intermediate chain gene SmAxDynIC; aquaporin gene SmAQP) as well as for post-transcriptional regulation (SmAQP). Conclusions/Significance The presented method provides a new way of getting access to tissue-specific material of S. mansoni. With regard to many still unanswered questions of schistosome biology, such as elucidating the molecular processes involved in schistosome reproduction, this protocol provides opportunities for, e.g., sub-transcriptomics and sub-proteomics at the organ level. This will promote the characterisation of gene-expression profiles, or more specifically to complete knowledge of signalling pathways contributing to differentiation processes, so discovering involved molecules that may represent potential targets for novel intervention strategies. Furthermore, gonads and other tissues are a basis for cell isolation, opening new perspectives for establishing cell lines, one of the tools desperately needed in the post-genomic era. As a neglected disease, schistosomiasis is still an enormous problem in the tropics and subtropics. Since the 1980s, Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the drug of choice but can be anticipated to lose efficacy in the future due to emerging resistance. Alternative drugs or efficient vaccines are still lacking, strengthening the need for the discovery of novel strategies and targets for combating schistosomiasis. One avenue is to understand the unique reproductive biology of this trematode in more detail. Sexual maturation of the adult female depends on a constant pairing with the male. This is a crucial prerequisite for the differentiation of the female reproductive organs such as the vitellarium and ovary, and consequently for the production of mature eggs. These are needed for life-cycle maintenance, but they also cause pathogenesis. With respect to adult males, the production of mature sperm is essential for fertilisation and life-cycle progression. In our study we present a convenient and inexpensive method to isolate reproductive tissues from adult schistosomes in high amounts and purity, representing a source for gonad-specific RNA and protein, which will serve for future sub-transcriptome and -proteome studies helping to characterise genes, or to unravel differentiation programs in schistosome gonads. Beyond that, isolated organs may be useful for approaches to establish cell cultures, desperately needed in the post-genomic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Hahnel
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Wang LC, Chen KY, Chang SH, Chung LY, Gan RCR, Cheng CJ, Tang P. Transcriptome profiling of the fifth-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis by next-generation sequencing. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3193-202. [PMID: 23828188 PMCID: PMC3742962 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important zoonotic nematode. It is the causative agent of eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans. However, information of this parasite at the genomic level is very limited. In the present study, the transcriptomic profiles of the fifth-stage larvae (L5) of A. cantonensis were investigated by next-generation sequencing (NGS). In the NGS database established from the larvae isolated from the brain of Sprague–Dawley rats, 31,487 unique genes with a mean length of 617 nucleotides were assembled. These genes were found to have a 46.08 % significant similarity to Caenorhabditis elegans by BLASTx. They were then compared with the expressed sequence tags of 18 other nematodes, and significant matches of 36.09–59.12 % were found. Among these genes, 3,338 were found to participate in 124 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. These pathways included 1,514 metabolisms, 846 genetic information processing, 358 environmental information processing, 264 cellular processes, and 91 organismal systems. Analysis of 30,816 sequences with the gene ontology database indicated that their annotations included 5,656 biological processes (3,364 cellular processes, 3,061 developmental processes, and 3,191 multicellular organismal processes), 7,218 molecular functions (4,597 binding and 3,084 catalytic activities), and 4,719 cellular components (4,459 cell parts and 4,466 cells). Moreover, stress-related genes (112 heat stress and 33 oxidation stress) and genes for proteases (159) were not uncommon. This study is the first NGS-based study to set up a transcriptomic database of A. cantonensis L5. The results provide new insights into the survival, development, and host–parasite interactions of this blood-feeding nematode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
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25
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Heekin AM, Guerrero FD, Bendele KG, Saldivar L, Scoles GA, Dowd SE, Gondro C, Nene V, Djikeng A, Brayton KA. Gut transcriptome of replete adult female cattle ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, feeding upon a Babesia bovis-infected bovine host. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3075-90. [PMID: 23749091 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3482-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As it feeds upon cattle, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is capable of transmitting a number of pathogenic organisms, including the apicomplexan hemoparasite Babesia bovis, a causative agent of bovine babesiosis. The R. microplus female gut transcriptome was studied for two cohorts: adult females feeding on a bovine host infected with B. bovis and adult females feeding on an uninfected bovine. RNA was purified and used to generate a subtracted cDNA library from B. bovis-infected female gut, and 4,077 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were sequenced. Gene expression was also measured by a microarray designed from the publicly available R. microplus gene index: BmiGI Version 2. We compared gene expression in the tick gut from females feeding upon an uninfected bovine to gene expression in tick gut from females feeding upon a splenectomized bovine infected with B. bovis. Thirty-three ESTs represented on the microarray were expressed at a higher level in female gut samples from the ticks feeding upon a B. bovis-infected calf compared to expression levels in female gut samples from ticks feeding on an uninfected calf. Forty-three transcripts were expressed at a lower level in the ticks feeding upon B. bovis-infected female guts compared with expression in female gut samples from ticks feeding on the uninfected calf. These array data were used as initial characterization of gene expression associated with the infection of R. microplus by B. bovis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Heekin
- Knipling-Bushland US Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX 78028, USA
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26
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Hong Y, Sun A, Zhang M, Gao F, Han Y, Fu Z, Shi Y, Lin J. Proteomics analysis of differentially expressed proteins in schistosomula and adult worms of Schistosoma japonicum. Acta Trop 2013; 126:1-10. [PMID: 23270889 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2012.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma japonicum has a complex lifecycle and exhibits dramatic changes in its biology and morphology at different developmental stages. The schistosomulum and adult worm are two stages of this complex lifecycle and differentially expressed proteins in these two stages should be important for survival, development, and reproduction of the parasites. In this study, soluble and hydrophobic proteins were extracted from eggs, cercariae, schistosomula (8d and 19d), and male and female adult worms (42d) of Schistosoma japonicum, and separated by two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis. A total of 1376±52, 928±61, 1465±41, 1230±30, 904±34, and 1080±26 soluble proteins and 1437±44, 845±53, 986±22, 1145±35, 1066±39, and 1123±45 hydrophobic proteins were separated from eggs, cercariae, schistosomula (8d and 19d), and male and female adult worms (42d), respectively. There were 65±14, 27±7, 37±17 and 48±9 soluble protein spots only present in schistosomula (8d and/or 19d) and adult schistosomes (male and/or female). We successfully identified 22 spots from schistosomula and 11 spots from adult schistosomes by mass spectrometry. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to examine six differentially expressed proteins at the transcription level. These proteins only found in schistosomula or adults stage by the proteomics analysis were highly expressed in the corresponding stage at mRNA level. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins from schistosomula were mainly involved in cellular metabolic processes, stress response and developmental process. Differentially expressed proteins from adult schistosomes were involved with gene expression and protein metabolism processes. The results of this study might provide new insights to stimulate further exploration of the mechanism of growth and development in schistosomes and help identify candidate molecules for developing new vaccines or drugs.
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Protasio AV, Dunne DW, Berriman M. Comparative study of transcriptome profiles of mechanical- and skin-transformed Schistosoma mansoni schistosomula. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2091. [PMID: 23516644 PMCID: PMC3597483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosome infection begins with the penetration of cercariae through healthy unbroken host skin. This process leads to the transformation of the free-living larvae into obligate parasites called schistosomula. This irreversible transformation, which occurs in as little as two hours, involves casting the cercaria tail and complete remodelling of the surface membrane. At this stage, parasites are vulnerable to host immune attack and oxidative stress. Consequently, the mechanisms by which the parasite recognises and swiftly adapts to the human host are still the subject of many studies, especially in the context of development of intervention strategies against schistosomiasis infection. Because obtaining enough material from in vivo infections is not always feasible for such studies, the transformation process is often mimicked in the laboratory by application of shear pressure to a cercarial sample resulting in mechanically transformed (MT) schistosomula. These parasites share remarkable morphological and biochemical similarity to the naturally transformed counterparts and have been considered a good proxy for parasites undergoing natural infection. Relying on this equivalency, MT schistosomula have been used almost exclusively in high-throughput studies of gene expression, identification of drug targets and identification of effective drugs against schistosomes. However, the transcriptional equivalency between skin-transformed (ST) and MT schistosomula has never been proven. In our approach to compare these two types of schistosomula preparations and to explore differences in gene expression triggered by the presence of a skin barrier, we performed RNA-seq transcriptome profiling of ST and MT schistosomula at 24 hours post transformation. We report that these two very distinct schistosomula preparations differ only in the expression of 38 genes (out of ∼11,000), providing convincing evidence to resolve the skin vs. mechanical long-lasting controversy. Schistosomiasis is an endemic parasitic disease affecting ∼200 million people in the most socioeconomically deprived regions of the world. Human infection occurs during water contact where free-living larvae called cercariae penetrate host skin and become parasitic organisms called schistosomula. This stage represents the first encounter of the parasites with the host and is also regarded as one of the most vulnerable stages of the parasite's life cycle. Therefore, schistosomula are the focus of many studies, many of which look at changes in the expression of genes as a way of understanding the process of infection, identifying potential drug targets and vaccine candidates. Because collecting enough parasitic material from natural infections is not possible for certain types of studies (for example, gene expression studies), a mechanical transformation of the cercariae into schistosomula is often used instead and assumed as a good proxy for the natural transformation process. However, the equivalency of gene expression profiles between naturally transformed parasites and the mechanically transformed counterparts has never been studied. In this report, we analyse differences in gene expression patterns between these two different parasite preparations and provide enough data to resolve a long-lasting controversy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Protasio
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - David W. Dunne
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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28
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Rofatto HK, Parker-Manuel SJ, Barbosa TC, Tararam CA, Alan Wilson R, Leite LC, Farias LP. Tissue expression patterns of Schistosoma mansoni Venom Allergen-Like proteins 6 and 7. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:613-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Revised: 03/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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29
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Gauci CG, Jayashi CM, Gonzalez AE, Lackenby J, Lightowlers MW. Protection of pigs against Taenia solium cysticercosis by immunization with novel recombinant antigens. Vaccine 2012; 30:3824-8. [PMID: 22521850 PMCID: PMC3383989 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant antigens from the oncosphere stage of the parasite Taenia solium were expressed in Escherichia coli. The TSOL16, TSOL45-1A and TSOL45-1B recombinant antigens, each consisting of fibronectin type III (FnIII) domain S, were produced as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase (GST) and maltose binding protein (MBP). Groups of pigs were immunized twice with the GST fusions of the antigens and boosted a third time with the MBP fusions prior to receiving a challenge infection with T. solium eggs. The TSOL16 antigen was found to be capable of inducing high levels of immunity in pigs against a challenge infection with T. solium. Immunological investigations identified differences in immune responses in the pigs vaccinated with the various antigens. The results demonstrate that the TSOL16 antigen could be a valuable adjunct to current porcine vaccination approaches and may allow the further development of new vaccination strategies against T. solium cysticercosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles G Gauci
- University of Melbourne, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia.
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30
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Farias LP, Rodrigues D, Cunna V, Rofatto HK, Faquim-Mauro EL, Leite LCC. Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen like proteins present differential allergic responses in a murine model of airway inflammation. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1510. [PMID: 22347513 PMCID: PMC3274501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Schistosoma mansoniVenom-Allergen-Like proteins (SmVALs) are members of the SCP/TAPS (Sperm-coating protein/Tpx-1/Ag5/PR-1/Sc7) protein superfamily, which may be important in the host-pathogen interaction. Some of these molecules were suggested by us and others as potential immunomodulators and vaccine candidates, due to their functional classification, expression profile and predicted localization. From a vaccine perspective, one of the concerns is the potential allergic effect of these molecules. Methodology/Principal Findings Herein, we characterized the putative secreted proteins SmVAL4 and SmVAL26 and explored the mouse model of airway inflammation to investigate their potential allergenic properties. The respective recombinant proteins were obtained in the Pichia pastoris system and the purified proteins used to produce specific antibodies. SmVAL4 protein was revealed to be present only in the cercarial stage, increasing from 0–6 h in the secretions of newly transformed schistosomulum. SmVAL26 was identified only in the egg stage, mainly in the hatched eggs' fluid and also in the secretions of cultured eggs. Concerning the investigation of the allergic properties of these proteins in the mouse model of airway inflammation, SmVAL4 induced a significant increase in total cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, mostly due to an increase in eosinophils and macrophages, which correlated with increases in IgG1, IgE and IL-5, characterizing a typical allergic airway inflammation response. High titers of anaphylactic IgG1 were revealed by the Passive Cutaneous Anaphylactic (PCA) hypersensitivity assay. Additionally, in a more conventional protocol of immunization for vaccine trials, rSmVAL4 still induced high levels of IgG1 and IgE. Conclusions Our results suggest that members of the SmVAL family do present allergic properties; however, this varies significantly and therefore should be considered in the design of a schistosomiasis vaccine. Additionally, the murine model of airway inflammation proved to be useful in the investigation of allergic properties of potential vaccine candidates. The Schistosoma mansoni Venom Allergen Like proteins (SmVALs) have been identified in the Transcriptome and Post-Genomic studies as targets for immune interventions. Two secreted members of the family were obtained as recombinant proteins in the native conformation. Antibodies produced against them showed that SmVAL4 was present mostly in cercarial secretions and SmVAL26 in egg secretions and that only the native SmVAL4 contained carbohydrate moieties. Due to concerns with potential allergic characteristics of this class of molecules, we have explored the mouse model of airway inflammation in order to investigate these properties in a more confined system. Sensitization and challenge with rSmVAL4, but not rSmVAL26, induced extensive migration of cells to the lungs, mostly eosinophils and macrophages; moreover, immunological parameters were also characteristic of an allergic inflammatory response. Our results showed that the allergic potential of this class of proteins can be variable and that the vaccine candidates should be characterized; the mouse model of airway inflammation can be useful to evaluate these properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dunia Rodrigues
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Vinicius Cunna
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | | | - Luciana C. C. Leite
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
- * E-mail:
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31
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Liu S, Cai P, Hou N, Piao X, Wang H, Hung T, Chen Q. Genome-wide identification and characterization of a panel of house-keeping genes in Schistosoma japonicum. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2012; 182:75-82. [PMID: 22245333 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2011] [Revised: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), as one of the most sensitive and precise gene expression analysis methods, is frequently used to validate data obtained in high-through-put assays. qPCR requires reference genes with stable transcription for accurate normalization. However, no systematic studies on such genes have been performed in the genus Schistosoma japonicum. In this study, eight novel candidate genes selected from a microarray analysis and four commonly used reference genes were systematically validated in a series of qPCR experiments. Based on the results of geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, and the comparative delta-cycle threshold (ΔCT) integrated analysis, the genes PSMD4, NDUFV2, and TPC2L were found to be most stably expressed in all S. japonicum developmental stages; meanwhile, ACTB and TUBA were found as the least stably expressed genes. This study provided, at the first time, data for genes that can be explored as reliable references in transcriptomic analysis of S. japonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Liu
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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32
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Computational vaccinology: an important strategy to discover new potential S. mansoni vaccine candidates. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:503068. [PMID: 22013383 PMCID: PMC3196198 DOI: 10.1155/2011/503068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The flatworm Schistosoma mansoni is a blood fluke parasite that causes schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease that occurs throughout the developing world. Current schistosomiasis control strategies are mainly based on chemotherapy, but many researchers believe that the best long-term strategy to control schistosomiasis is through immunization with an antischistosomiasis vaccine combined with drug treatment. Several papers on Schistosoma mansoni vaccine and drug development have been published in the past few years, representing an important field of study. The advent of technologies that allow large-scale studies of genes and proteins had a remarkable impact on the screening of new and potential vaccine candidates in schistosomiasis. In this postgenomic scenario, bioinformatic technologies have emerged as important tools to mine transcriptomic, genomic, and proteomic databases. These new perspectives are leading to a new round of rational vaccine development. Herein, we discuss different strategies to identify potential S. mansoni vaccine candidates using computational vaccinology.
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33
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Hong Y, Peng J, Jiang W, Fu Z, Liu J, Shi Y, Li X, Lin J. Proteomic analysis of schistosoma japonicum schistosomulum proteins that are differentially expressed among hosts differing in their susceptibility to the infection. Mol Cell Proteomics 2011; 10:M110.006098. [PMID: 21593212 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m110.006098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a tropical, parasitic disease affecting humans and several animal species. The aim of this study was to identify proteins involved in the growth and survival of the parasitic forms inside a host. Schistosomula of Schistosoma japonicum were isolated from three different hosts: the susceptible BALB/c mice; the Wistar rats, which have a considerably lower susceptibility; and the resistant reed vole, Microtus fortis. Soluble proteins of the schistosomula collected from the above three hosts 10 days postinfection were subjected to two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis. Comparative proteomic analyses revealed that 39, 21, and 25 protein spots were significantly differentially expressed between schistosomula from mice and rats, mice and reed voles, or rats and reed voles, respectively (ANCOVA, p < 0.05). Further, the protein spots were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem MS. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins were essentially those involved in the metabolism of proteins, ribonucleotides, or carbohydrates, or in stress response or cellular movement. This study represents the first attempt at profiling S. japonicum living in different states and provides a basis for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the development and survival of S. japonicum in different host environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Hong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai 200241, PR China
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Boukli NM, Delgado B, Ricaurte M, Espino AM. Fasciola hepatica and Schistosoma mansoni: identification of common proteins by comparative proteomic analysis. J Parasitol 2011; 97:852-61. [PMID: 21506812 DOI: 10.1645/ge-2495.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
It is not unusual to find common molecules among parasites of different species, genera, or phyla. When those molecules are antigenic, they may be used for developing drugs or vaccines that simultaneously target different species or genera of parasite. In the present study, we used a proteomic-based approach to identify proteins that are common to adult Fasciola hepatica and Schistosoma mansoni. Whole-worm extracts from each parasite were separated by 2-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), and digital images of both proteomes were superimposed using imaging software to identify proteins with identical isoelectric points and molecular weights. Protein identities were determined by mass spectrometry. Imaging and immunoblot analyses identified 28 immunoreactive proteins that are common to both parasites. Among these molecules are antioxidant proteins (thioredoxin and glutathione-S-transferase), glycolytic enzymes (glyceraldehyde 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and enolase), proteolytic enzymes (cathepsin-L and -D), inhibitors (Kunitz-type, Stefin-1), proteins with chaperone activity (heat shock protein 70 and fatty acid-binding protein), and structural proteins (calcium-binding protein, actin, and myosin). Some of the identified proteins could be used to develop drugs and vaccines against fascioliasis and schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal M Boukli
- Biomedical Proteomics Facility, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
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