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Yang Z, Xie L, Ba J, Zan S, Zhang L, Zhang X, Yu Y. Comparative studies between humans and golden Syrian hamsters via thromboelastography. Animal Model Exp Med 2024. [PMID: 38769667 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thromboelastography (TEG) is a widely utilized clinical testing method for real-time monitoring of platelet function and the thrombosis process. Lipid metabolism disorders are crucial risk factors for thrombosis. The lipid metabolism characteristics of hamsters resemble those of humans more closely than mice and rats, and their relatively large blood volume makes them suitable for studying the mechanisms of thrombosis related to plasma lipid mechanisms. Whole blood samples from golden Syrian hamsters and healthy humans were obtained following standard clinical procedures. TEG was employed to evaluate coagulation factor function, fibrinogen (Fib) function, platelet function, and the fibrinolytic system. METHODS The whole blood from hamster or healthy human was isolated following the clinical procedure, and TEG was employed to evaluate the coagulation factor function, Fib function, platelet function, and fibrinolytic system. Coagulation analysis used ACLTOP750 automatic coagulation analysis pipeline. Blood routine testing used XN-2000 automatic blood analyzer. RESULTS TEG parameters revealed that hamsters exhibited stronger coagulation factor function than humans (reaction time [R], p = 0.0117), with stronger Fib function (alpha angle, p < 0.0001; K-time [K], p < 0.0001). Platelet function did not differ significantly (maximum amplitude [MA], p = 0.077). Hamsters displayed higher coagulation status than humans (coagulation index [CI], p = 0.0023), and the rate of blood clot dissolution in hamsters differed from that in humans (percentage lysis 30 min after MA, p = 0.02). Coagulation analysis parameters indicated that prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were faster in hamsters than in humans (PT, p = 0.0014; APTT, p = 0.03), whereas the Fib content was significantly lower in hamsters than in humans (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was observed in thrombin time (p = 0.1949). CONCLUSIONS In summary, TEG could be used to evaluate thrombosis and bleeding parameters in whole blood samples from hamsters. The platelet function of hamsters closely resembled that of humans, whereas their coagulation function was significantly stronger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Yang
- School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Lili Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Jingjing Ba
- School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Simin Zan
- School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Letong Zhang
- School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Yu
- School of Laboratory Animal & Shandong Laboratory Animal Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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Diosdado A, Simón F, Serrat J, González-Miguel J. Interaction of helminth parasites with the haemostatic system of their vertebrate hosts: a scoping review. PARASITE (PARIS, FRANCE) 2022; 29:35. [PMID: 35833785 PMCID: PMC9281497 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Helminth parasitoses are among the most prevalent health issues worldwide. Their control depends largely on unravelling host–parasite interactions, including parasitic exploitation of the host haemostatic system. The present study undertakes a scoping review of the research carried out in this field with the aim of unifying and updating concepts. Multiple keywords combined with Boolean operators were employed to design the literature search strategy. Two online databases were used to identify original peer-reviewed articles written in English and published before 1st January 2020 describing molecular interactions between helminth parasites and the host haemostatic system. Relevant data from the selected sources of evidence were extracted and analysed. Ninety-six publications reporting 259 interactions were selected. Fifty-three proteins belonging to 32 species of helminth parasites were involved in interactions with components of the host haemostatic system. Many of these proteins from both parasite and host were conserved among the different interactions identified. Most of these interactions were related to the inhibition of the coagulation system and the activation of fibrinolysis. This was associated mainly with a potential of parasites to reduce the formation of blood clots in the host and attributed to biological processes, such as parasite nutrition, survival, invasion, evasion and migration or the appearance of pathological mechanisms in the host. A wide range of helminth parasites have developed similar strategies to exploit the haemostatic system of their hosts, which could be regarded as an evolutionary conserved mechanism that could confer benefits to parasites in terms of survival and establishment in their vertebrate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Diosdado
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Fernando Simón
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Judit Serrat
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier González-Miguel
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology of Salamanca (IRNASA-CSIC), 37008 Salamanca, Spain - Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Centre of One Health (COH), Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, H91 DK59 Galway, Ireland
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Schistosoma mansoni alter transcription of immunomodulatory gene products following in vivo praziquantel exposure. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009200. [PMID: 33657133 PMCID: PMC7959349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis relies almost entirely on praziquantel (PZQ) monotherapy. How PZQ clears parasite infections remains poorly understood. Many studies have examined the effects of PZQ on worms cultured in vitro, observing outcomes such as muscle contraction. However, conditions worms are exposed to in vivo may vary considerably from in vitro experiments given the short half-life of PZQ and the importance of host immune system engagement for drug efficacy in animal models. Here, we investigated the effects of in vivo PZQ exposure on Schistosoma mansoni. Measurement of pro-apoptotic caspase activation revealed that worm death occurs only after parasites shift from the mesenteric vasculature to the liver, peaking 24 hours after drug treatment. This indicates that PZQ is not directly schistocidal, since PZQ’s half-life is ~2 hours in humans and ~30 minutes in mice, and focuses attention on parasite interactions with the host immune system following the shift of worms to the liver. RNA-Seq of worms harvested from mouse livers following sub-lethal PZQ treatment revealed drug-evoked changes in the expression of putative immunomodulatory and anticoagulant gene products. Several of these gene products localized to the schistosome esophagus and may be secreted into the host circulation. These include several Kunitz-type protease inhibitors, which are also found in the secretomes of other blood feeding animals. These transcriptional changes may reflect mechanisms of parasite immune-evasion in response to chemotherapy, given the role of complement-mediated attack and the host innate/humoral immune response in parasite elimination. One of these isoforms, SmKI-1, has been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-coagulant properties. These data provide insight into the effect of in vivo PZQ exposure on S. mansoni, and the transcriptional response of parasites to the stress of chemotherapy. The disease schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms that live within the circulatory system. While this disease infects over 200 million people worldwide, treatment relies almost entirely on one drug, praziquantel, whose mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the effects of praziquantel treatment on the gene expression of parasites harvested from mice treated with praziquantel chemotherapy. Despite the rapid action of the drug on worms in vitro, we found that key outcomes in vivo (measurement of cell death and changes in gene expression) occurred relatively late (12+ hours after drug administration). We found that worms increased the expression of immunomodulatory gene products in response to praziquantel, including a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor that localized to the worm esophagus and may be secreted to the external host environment. These are an intriguing class of proteins, because they display anti-coagulant and immunomodulatory properties. Up-regulation of these gene products may reflect a parasite mechanism of immune-evasion in response to chemotherapy. This research provides insight into the mechanism of praziquantel by observing the effect of this drug on worms within the context of the host immune system.
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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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5
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Bexkens ML, van Gestel RA, van Breukelen B, Urbanus RT, Brouwers JF, Nieuwland R, Tielens AGM, van Hellemond JJ. Schistosoma mansoni infection affects the proteome and lipidome of circulating extracellular vesicles in the host. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2020; 238:111296. [PMID: 32603736 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2020.111296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Eggs, schistosomula and adult Schistosoma worms are known to release extracellular vesicles (EV) during in vitro incubations and these EVs are postulated to affect the host responses. So far only those EVs released during in vitro incubations of schistosomes have been studied and it is unknown whether in blood of infected hosts the schistosomal EVs can be detected amidst all the circulating EVs of the host itself. In this study we analyzed the protein as well as the phospholipid composition of EVs circulating in blood plasma of S. mansoni infected hamsters and compared those with the EVs circulating in blood of non-infected hamsters. Although neither proteins nor lipids specific for schistosomes could be detected in the circulating EVs of the infected hamsters, the infection with schistosomes had a marked effect on the circulating EVs of the host, as the protein as well as the lipid composition of EVs circulating in infected hamsters were different from the EVs of uninfected hamsters. The observed changes in the EV lipid and protein content suggest that more EVs are released by the diseased liver, the affected erythrocytes and activated immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel L Bexkens
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Renske A van Gestel
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bas van Breukelen
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rolf T Urbanus
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Center for Circulatory Health, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jos F Brouwers
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rienk Nieuwland
- Laboratory of Experimental Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Vesicle Observation Centre, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aloysius G M Tielens
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap J van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Costain AH, MacDonald AS, Smits HH. Schistosome Egg Migration: Mechanisms, Pathogenesis and Host Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2018; 9:3042. [PMID: 30619372 PMCID: PMC6306409 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.03042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Many parasitic worms possess complex and intriguing life cycles, and schistosomes are no exception. To exit the human body and progress to their successive snail host, Schistosoma mansoni eggs must migrate from the mesenteric vessels, across the intestinal wall and into the feces. This process is complex and not always successful. A vast proportion of eggs fail to leave their definite host, instead becoming lodged within intestinal or hepatic tissue, where they can evoke potentially life-threatening pathology. Thus, to maximize the likelihood of successful egg passage whilst minimizing host pathology, intriguing egg exit strategies have evolved. Notably, schistosomes actively exert counter-inflammatory influences on the host immune system, discreetly compromise endothelial and epithelial barriers, and modulate granuloma formation around transiting eggs, which is instrumental to their migration. In this review, we discuss new developments in our understanding of schistosome egg migration, with an emphasis on S. mansoni and the intestine, and outline the host-parasite interactions that are thought to make this process possible. In addition, we explore the potential immune implications of egg penetration and discuss the long-term consequences for the host of unsuccessful egg transit, such as fibrosis, co-infection and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice H. Costain
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew S. MacDonald
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hermelijn H. Smits
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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7
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Gao H, Tang B, Bai X, Wang L, Wu X, Shi H, Wang X, Liu X, Liu M. Characterization of an antigenic serine protease in the Trichinella spiralis adult. Exp Parasitol 2018; 195:8-18. [PMID: 30248330 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Serine proteases have been identified as important molecules that are involved in many parasitic infections, and these molecules have also been suggested to play important roles in Trichinella spiralis infections. In the present study, the antigenic serine protease gene Ts-ADSp-7, which was screened from a cDNA library of Trichinella spiralis Adults at 3 days post-infection (p.i.), was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The encoded protein, Ts-ADSp-7, revealed a potential trypsin-like serine protease domain but lacked substrate banding site at position 227 and protease activity. Transcription could be detected in the Adult and muscle larval stage but not in the newborn larval stage, where no fluorescent signal was detected. Western blot analysis revealed that the 3 days p.i. Adults and muscle larvae could secrete Ts-ADSp-7. Interestingly, strong fluorescent signal of Ts-ADSp-7 could be detected in the nucleoli of the enlarged muscle cell nuclei from 12 to 16 days p.i. and in the β-stichosomes of the muscle larvae from 16 to 35 days p.i.. The coagulation assay indicated that Ts-ADSp-7 could inhibit intrinsic coagulation pathway. Regarding the putatively important function of the serine protease in the helminth infection to hosts, a total of 81 serine proteases were found in the parasite and mainly comprised eight subfamilies. These subfamilies exhibited high similarity to transmembrane serine protease, coagulation factor XI, lipocalin, guanylin, ceropin, kallikrein, and plasminogen. Moreover, stage specificity was detected in several subfamilies. In summary, the putatively inactive serine protease-like protein Ts-ADSp-7 could inhibit blood coagulation, and the protein is located in the enlarged nuclei of nurse cells during capsule formation. Furthermore, members of the serine protease family in the parasite might be important molecules in the parasite-host interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Gao
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China
| | - Bin Tang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China
| | - Xue Bai
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China
| | - Libo Wang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China
| | - Xiuping Wu
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China
| | - Haining Shi
- Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital East, USA
| | - Xuelin Wang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China.
| | - Mingyuan Liu
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR China.
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Elzoheiry M, Da’dara AA, Bhardwaj R, Wang Q, Azab MS, El-Kholy ESI, El-Beshbishi SN, Skelly PJ. Intravascular Schistosoma mansoni Cleave the Host Immune and Hemostatic Signaling Molecule Sphingosine-1-Phosphate via Tegumental Alkaline Phosphatase. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1746. [PMID: 30105025 PMCID: PMC6077193 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes are parasitic flatworms that infect the vasculature of >200 million people around the world. These long-lived parasites do not appear to provoke blood clot formation or obvious inflammation around them in vivo. Proteins expressed at the host-parasite interface (such as Schistosoma mansoni alkaline phosphatase, SmAP) are likely key to these abilities. SmAP is a glycoprotein that hydrolyses the artificial substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate in a reaction that requires Mg2+ and at an optimal pH of 9. SmAP additionally cleaves the nucleoside monophosphates AMP, CMP, GMP, and TMP, all with a similar Km (~600-650 μM). Living adult worms, incubated in murine plasma for 1 h, alter the plasma metabolome; a decrease in sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is accompanied by an increase in the levels of its component parts-sphingosine and phosphate. To test the hypothesis that schistosomes can hydrolyze S1P (and not merely recruit or activate a host plasma enzyme with this function), living intravascular life-stage parasites were incubated with commercially obtained S1P and cleavage of S1P was detected. Parasites whose SmAP gene was suppressed using RNAi were impaired in their ability to cleave S1P compared to controls. In addition, recombinant SmAP hydrolyzed S1P. Since extracellular S1P plays key roles in controlling inflammation and platelet aggregation, we hypothesize that schistosome SmAP, by degrading S1P, can regulate the level of this bioactive lipid in the environment of the parasites to control these processes in the worm's local environment. This is the first report of any parasite being able to cleave S1P.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Elzoheiry
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Akram A. Da’dara
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Rita Bhardwaj
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Qiang Wang
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Manar S. Azab
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - El-Saeed I. El-Kholy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Samar N. El-Beshbishi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Patrick J. Skelly
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
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The blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni cleaves the coagulation protein high molecular weight kininogen (HK) but does not generate the vasodilator bradykinin. Parasit Vectors 2018. [PMID: 29540224 PMCID: PMC5853081 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2704-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomes are blood dwelling parasitic worms that cause the debilitating disease schistosomiasis. Here we examined the influence of the parasites on their external environment by monitoring the impact of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms on the murine plasma proteome in vitro and, in particular, on how the worms affect the blood coagulation protein high molecular weight kininogen (HK). Methods Following the incubation of adult schistosomes in murine plasma, two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) was conducted to look for changes in the plasma proteome compared with control plasma. A major change to the blood protein kininogen (HK) was observed, and the interaction of Schistosoma mansoni parasite with this protein alone was then investigated by western blot analysis and activity assays. Finally, the generation of bradykinin from HK was monitored using a bradykinin detection kit. Results The most striking change to the plasma proteome concerned HK; while the full-length protein was more abundant in control plasma, carboxyl-terminal truncated forms were more abundant in plasma that contained schistosomes. Incubating parasites in buffer with pure HK followed by Western blot analysis confirmed that human HK is degraded by the worms. The resulting digestion pattern differed from that brought about by kallikrein, a host serine protease that normally acts on HK to release the vasodilator bradykinin. We found that live schistosomes, while digesting HK, do not generate bradykinin nor do they cleave a chromogenic kallikrein substrate. Since the cleavage of HK by the worms is not impeded by the serine protease inhibitor PMSF but is blocked by the cysteine protease inhibitor E64c, we hypothesize that schistosome tegumental cysteine proteases are responsible for HK cleavage. Conclusions Since proteomic and biochemical studies have revealed that the schistosome tegument contains two cysteine proteases belonging to the calpain family (SmCalp1 and SmCalp2) we conclude that these are likely responsible for the HK cleavage reported here. Schistosome cleavage of HK should help impede blood clotting and inflammation around the worms in vivo and so promote their ease of movement within the vasculature of their hosts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-2704-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Dvorak J, Horn M. Serine proteases in schistosomes and other trematodes. Int J Parasitol 2018; 48:333-344. [PMID: 29477711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Trematodes, also known as flukes, are phylogenetically ancient parasitic organisms. Due to their importance as human and veterinary parasites, their proteins have been investigated extensively as drug and vaccine targets. Among those, proteases, as crucial enzymes for parasite survival, are considered candidate molecules for anti-parasitic interventions. Surprisingly however, trematode serine proteases, in comparison with other groups of proteases, are largely neglected. Genes encoding serine proteases have been identified in trematode genomes in significant abundance, but the biological roles and biochemical functions of these proteases are poorly understood. However, increasing volumes of genomic and proteomic studies, and accumulated experimental evidence, indicate that this class of proteases plays a substantial role in host-parasite interactions and parasite survival. Here, we discuss in detail serine proteases at genomic and protein levels, and their known or hypothetical functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dvorak
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Kamycka 129, Prague CZ 165 21, Czech Republic.
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ 166 10, Czech Republic.
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Da'dara AA, Siddons G, Icaza M, Wang Q, Skelly PJ. How schistosomes alter the human serum proteome. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2017; 215:40-46. [PMID: 28011341 PMCID: PMC5474353 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomes are intravascular parasitic worms that cause the debilitating disease schistosomiasis. To better understand how these long-lived parasites may subvert host immune and hemostatic capabilities, we examine here the impact of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms on the human serum proteome. Normal human serum (150μl) was incubated at 37°C for one hour either in the presence or absence of adult worms (∼50 pairs). Thereafter parasites were removed, serum samples were labeled and their proteins resolved for comparative analysis by 2D-Differential in-Gel Electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Several differences were noted between the two samples. Twenty protein spots were recovered and identified following trypsin digestion and mass spectroscopy. Strikingly, most of these (11/20) are associated with the complement system and include complement components C3, C4, factor B, complement factor H related protein 1 and clusterin. Western blot analysis confirms the impact of the worms on C3, C4 and factor B in serum. The data suggest that schistosomes engage complement but can rapidly degrade selected complement proteins which may help explain the worm's refractoriness towards complement-mediated attack. Other serum proteins identified as being impinged upon by schistosomes are alpha 2 macroglobulin, alpha 1 anti-chymotrypsin, actin cytoplasmic 2, serum amyloid A-4, protein DDX26B, hemoglobin subunit B and serum albumin. While the molecular nature of the interaction between these proteins and schistosomes is not known, possible roles for some of them in hemostasis, immune evasion and in the host response to serum stress are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram A Da'dara
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
| | - Giles Siddons
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
| | - Melissa Icaza
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
| | - Patrick J Skelly
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
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de la Torre-Escudero E, Pérez-Sánchez R, Manzano-Román R, Oleaga A. Schistosoma bovis-host interplay: Proteomics for knowing and acting. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 215:30-39. [PMID: 27485556 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Schistosoma bovis is a parasite of ruminants that causes significant economic losses to farmers throughout Africa, Southwestern Asia and the Mediterranean. Additionally, recent studies have reported its zoonotic potential through the formation of S. bovis×Schistosoma haematobium hybrids. As observed in the Schistosoma species infecting humans, it is assumed that S. bovis has also evolved host regulatory molecules that ensure its long-term survival in the bloodstream of its host. Since these molecules could be potential targets for the development of new drugs and anti-schistosome vaccines, their identification and functional characterization were undertaken. With this aim in mind, the molecular interface between S. bovis and its vertebrate host was subjected to a series of proteomic studies, which started with the analysis of the proteomes of the S. bovis moieties exposed to the host, namely, the excretory/secretory products and the tegument surface. Thus, a wealth of novel molecular information of S. bovis was obtained, which in turn allowed the identification of several parasite proteins with fibrinolytic and anticoagulant activities that could be used by S. bovis to regulate the host defensive systems. Following on, the host interface was investigated by studying the proteome of the host vascular endothelium surface at two points along the infection: in the lung vessels during the schistosomula migration and in the portal vein after the parasites have reached adulthood and sexual maturity. These studies have provided original data regarding the proteomes of the endothelial cell surface of pulmonary vasculature and portal vein in S. bovis-infected animals, and have shown significant changes in these proteomes associated with infection. This review compiles current information and the analyses of all the proteomic data from S. bovis and the S. bovis-host interface, including the molecular and functional characterization of S. bovis proteins that were found to participate in the regulation of the host coagulation and fibrinolysis systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo de la Torre-Escudero
- Parasitology Laboratory, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pérez-Sánchez
- Parasitology Laboratory, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Parasitology Laboratory, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ana Oleaga
- Parasitology Laboratory, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain.
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