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Huang G, Cong Z, Liu Z, Chen F, Bravo A, Soberón M, Zheng J, Peng D, Sun M. Silencing Ditylenchus destructor cathepsin L-like cysteine protease has negative pleiotropic effect on nematode ontogenesis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10030. [PMID: 38693283 PMCID: PMC11063044 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ditylenchus destructor is a migratory plant-parasitic nematode that severely harms many agriculturally important crops. The control of this pest is difficult, thus efficient strategies for its management in agricultural production are urgently required. Cathepsin L-like cysteine protease (CPL) is one important protease that has been shown to participate in various physiological and pathological processes. Here we decided to characterize the CPL gene (Dd-cpl-1) from D. destructor. Analysis of Dd-cpl-1 gene showed that Dd-cpl-1 gene contains a signal peptide, an I29 inhibitor domain with ERFNIN and GNFD motifs, and a peptidase C1 domain with four conserved active residues, showing evolutionary conservation with other nematode CPLs. RT-qPCR revealed that Dd-cpl-1 gene displayed high expression in third-stage juveniles (J3s) and female adults. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that Dd-cpl-1 was expressed in the digestive system and reproductive organs. Silencing Dd-cpl-1 in 1-cell stage eggs of D. destructor by RNAi resulted in a severely delay in development or even in abortive morphogenesis during embryogenesis. The RNAi-mediated silencing of Dd-cpl-1 in J2s and J3s resulted in a developmental arrest phenotype in J3 stage. In addition, silencing Dd-cpl-1 gene expression in female adults led to a 57.43% decrease in egg production. Finally, Dd-cpl-1 RNAi-treated nematodes showed a significant reduction in host colonization and infection. Overall, our results indicate that Dd-CPL-1 plays multiple roles in D. destructor ontogenesis and could serve as a new potential target for controlling D. destructor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Huang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ziwen Cong
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhonglin Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Feng Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Alejandra Bravo
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Mario Soberón
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Jinshui Zheng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Donghai Peng
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Ming Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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Zhu P, Wu K, Zhang C, Batool SS, Li A, Yu Z, Huang J. Advances in new target molecules against schistosomiasis: A comprehensive discussion of physiological structure and nutrient intake. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011498. [PMID: 37498810 PMCID: PMC10374103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a severe parasitic disease, is primarily caused by Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma japonicum, or Schistosoma haematobium. Currently, praziquantel is the only recommended drug for human schistosome infection. However, the lack of efficacy of praziquantel against juvenile worms and concerns about the emergence of drug resistance are driving forces behind the research for an alternative medication. Schistosomes are obligatory parasites that survive on nutrients obtained from their host. The ability of nutrient uptake depends on their physiological structure. In short, the formation and maintenance of the structure and nutrient supply are mutually reinforcing and interdependent. In this review, we focus on the structural features of the tegument, esophagus, and intestine of schistosomes and their roles in nutrient acquisition. Moreover, we introduce the significance and modes of glucose, lipids, proteins, and amino acids intake in schistosomes. We linked the schistosome structure and nutrient supply, introduced the currently emerging targets, and analyzed the current bottlenecks in the research and development of drugs and vaccines, in the hope of providing new strategies for the prevention and control of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kaijuan Wu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaobin Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Syeda Sundas Batool
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Anqiao Li
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- XiangYa School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zheng Yu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
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3
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Yang N, Matthew MA, Yao C. Roles of Cysteine Proteases in Biology and Pathogenesis of Parasites. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1397. [PMID: 37374899 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cysteine proteases, also known as thiol proteases, are a class of nucleophilic proteolytic enzymes containing cysteine residues in the enzymatic domain. These proteases generally play a pivotal role in many biological reactions, such as catabolic functions and protein processing, in all living organisms. They specifically take part in many important biological processes, especially in the absorption of nutrients, invasion, virulence, and immune evasion of parasitic organisms from unicellular protozoa to multicellular helminths. They can also be used as parasite diagnostic antigens and targets for gene modification and chemotherapy, as well as vaccine candidates, due to their species and even life-cycle stage specificity. This article highlights current knowledge on parasitic cysteine protease types, biological functions, and their applications in immunodiagnosis and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawu Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Maurice A Matthew
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Chaoqun Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and One Health Center for Zoonoses and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre P.O. Box 334, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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4
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Farid A. Preparation of polyclonal anti-Schistosoma mansoni cysteine protease antibodies for early diagnosis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:1609-1619. [PMID: 36773062 PMCID: PMC10006032 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12408-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
In many parts of the tropics, schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease second only to malaria as a cause of morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic approaches include microscopic sampling of excreta such as the Kato-Katz method, radiography, and serology. Due to their vital role in many stages of the parasitic life cycle, proteases have been under investigation as targets of immunological or chemotherapeutic anti-Schistosoma agents. Five major classes of protease have been identified on the basis of the peptide hydrolysis mechanism: serine, cysteine, aspartic, threonine, and metalloproteases. Proteases of all five catalytic classes have been identified from S. mansoni through proteomic or genetic analysis. The study aimed to produce polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) against schistosomal cysteine proteases (CP) to be used in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis. This study was conducted on S. mansoni-infected patients from highly endemic areas and from outpatients' clinic and hospitals and other patients infected with other parasites (Fasciola, hookworm, hydatid, and trichostrongyloids). In this study, the produced polyclonal antibodies against S. mansoni cysteine protease antigens were labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugate and used to detect CP antigens in stool and serum samples of S. mansoni-infected patients by sandwich ELISA. The study involved 200 S. mansoni-infected patients (diagnosed by finding characteristic eggs in the collected stool samples), 100 patients infected with other parasites (Fasciola, hookworm, hydatid, and trichostrongyloids), and 100 individuals who served as parasite-free healthy negative control. The prepared pAb succeeded in detecting CP antigens in stool and serum samples of S. mansoni-infected patients by sandwich ELISA with a sensitivity of 98.5% and 98.0% respectively. A positive correlation was observed between S. mansoni egg counts and both stool and serum antigen concentrations. Purified 27.5 kDa CP could be introduced as a suitable candidate antigen for early immunodiagnosis using sandwich ELISA for antigen detection. KEY POINTS: • Detection of cysteine protease antigens can replace parasitological examination. • Sandwich ELISA has a higher sensitivity than microscopic examination of eggs. • Identification of antigens is important for the goal of obtaining diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyaa Farid
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
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Rizk MA, Baghdadi HB, El-Sayed SAES, Eltaysh R, Igarashi I. Repurposing of the Malaria Box for Babesia microti in mice identifies novel active scaffolds against piroplasmosis. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:329. [PMID: 36123705 PMCID: PMC9487043 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05430-4] [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: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An innovative approach has been introduced for identifying and developing novel potent and safe anti-Babesia and anti-Theileria agents for the control of animal piroplasmosis. In the present study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of Malaria Box (MBox) compounds (n = 8) against the growth of Babesia microti in mice and conducted bioinformatics analysis between the selected hits and the currently used antibabesial drugs, with far-reaching implications for potent combinations. Methods A fluorescence assay was used to evaluate the in vivo inhibitory effects of the selected compounds. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using hierarchical clustering, distance matrix and molecular weight correlation, and PubChem fingerprint. The compounds with in vivo potential efficacy were selected to search for their target in the piroplasm parasites using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Results Screening the MBox against the in vivo growth of the B. microti parasite enabled the discovery of potent new antipiroplasm drugs, including MMV396693 and MMV665875. Interestingly, statistically significant (P < 0.05) downregulation of cysteine protease mRNA levels was observed in MMV665875-treated Theileria equi in vitro culture in comparison with untreated cultures. MMV396693/clofazimine and MMV665875/atovaquone (AV) showed maximum structural similarity (MSS) with each other. The distance matrix results indicate promising antibabesial efficacy of combination therapies consisting of either MMV665875 and AV or MMV396693 and imidocarb dipropionate (ID). Conclusions Inhibitory and hematology assay results suggest that MMV396693 and MMV665875 are potent antipiroplasm monotherapies. The structural similarity results indicate that MMV665875 and MMV396693 have a similar mode of action as AV and ID, respectively. Our findings demonstrated that MBox compounds provide a promising lead for the development of new antibabesial therapeutic alternatives. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05430-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan. .,Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt.
| | - Hanadi B Baghdadi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.,Basic and Applied Scientific Research Center (BASRC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shimaa Abd El-Salam El-Sayed
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt
| | - Rasha Eltaysh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia, Egypt
| | - Ikuo Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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Jatsa HB, Feussom NG, Nkondo ET, Kenfack MC, Simo ND, Fassi JBK, Femoe UM, Moaboulou C, Tsague CD, Dongo E, Kamtchouing P, Tchuem Tchuente LA. Efficacy of Ozoroa pulcherrima Schweinf methanolic extract against Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver injury in mice. J Tradit Complement Med 2019; 9:304-311. [PMID: 31453126 PMCID: PMC6702131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The roots of Ozoroa pulcherrima Schweinf are used in traditional medicine to treat intestinal helminthiasis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Ozoroa pulcherrima roots methanolic extract (OPME) on liver injury induced by Schistosoma mansoni in mice. A preliminary phytochemical study of OPME was conducted. OPME was given daily and orally to S. mansoni-infected mice at 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg for 28 days, starting from the 36th day post-infection. Praziquantel was used as reference drug. Non-infected and infected-untreated mice served as controls. Worm burden and egg output, transaminases, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and total protein; as well as malondialdehyde, catalase and reduced glutathione were evaluated. In OPME, total phenolic was 79.61 ± 0.25 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, while total flavonoid was 7.98 ± 0.04 mg rutin equivalent/g. Treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with OPME produced significant reduction of worm burden and ova count in the faeces, liver and intestine. Significant reduction of alanine aminotransferase activity (p < 0.001) as well as significant increase of total protein content (p < 0.001) was recorded after OPME treatment at all doses. Total bilirubin level was also reduced (p < 0.01). Administration of OPME at all doses corrected the high malondialdehyde level (p < 0.001) induced by the infection. At 200 mg/kg, catalase activity and reduced glutathione concentration were significantly increased (p < 0.001). OPME at 200 mg/kg showed moderate schistosomicidal effect, but was effective as the standard drug praziquantel in restoring the liver function after S. mansoni infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermine Boukeng Jatsa
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, P.O. Box 7244, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Nestor Gipwe Feussom
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, P.O. Box 7244, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Emilienne Tienga Nkondo
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, P.O. Box 7244, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Mérimé Christian Kenfack
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, P.O. Box 7244, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Nadège Distele Simo
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Joseph Bertin Kadji Fassi
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, P.O. Box 7244, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Ulrich Membe Femoe
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, P.O. Box 7244, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Cyriaque Moaboulou
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Christelle Dongmo Tsague
- Laboratory of Phytochemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Etienne Dongo
- Laboratory of Phytochemistry, Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Pierre Kamtchouing
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuente
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, P.O. Box 7244, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Schistosoma japonicum cathepsin B as potential diagnostic antigen for Asian zoonotic schistosomiasis. Parasitol Res 2019; 118:2601-2608. [PMID: 31377909 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06410-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the diagnostic value of Schistosoma japonicum cathepsin B (SjCatB) was evaluated as an antigen for the early detection of S. japonicum infection. SjCatB is a key protease used by the cercaria to penetrate the intact skin of the host for transdermal infection. The early exposure of the host's immune system to this enzyme may elicit early production of antibodies against this molecule. Therefore, the recombinant SjCatB (rSjCatB) was expressed in Escherichia coli with N-terminal 6xHis-tag. rSjCatB was tested for its performance as a diagnostic antigen using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with sera from experimentally infected mice collected at > 8 weeks post-infection. Showing 100% sensitivity and 95.0% specificity in the ELISA, rSjCatB was then evaluated with sera from experimentally infected mice collected at 1-7 weeks post-infection to determine how early the antibodies can be detected. Results showed that as early as 6 weeks post-infection, 2 of the 3 infected mice were found to be positive with the antibodies against SjCatB. Furthermore, the potential of the recombinant antigen in detecting human schistosomiasis was evaluated with archived serum samples collected from individuals who had been diagnosed with S. japonicum infection by stool examination. Results showed 86.7% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity suggesting its high diagnostic potential for human schistosomiasis. In addition, SjCatB showed minimal cross-reaction with the sera collected from patients with other parasitic diseases. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that SjCatB will be useful in the development of a sensitive and specific early detection test for S. japonicum infection.
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Ward DJ, Van de Langemheen H, Koehne E, Kreidenweiss A, Liskamp RMJ. Highly tunable thiosulfonates as a novel class of cysteine protease inhibitors with anti-parasitic activity against Schistosoma mansoni. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:2857-2870. [PMID: 31126821 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The development of a new class of cysteine protease inhibitors utilising the thiosulfonate moiety as an SH specific electrophile is described. This moiety has been introduced into suitable amino acid derived building blocks, which were incorporated into peptidic sequences leading to very potent i.e. sub micromolar inhibitors of the cysteine protease papain in the same range as the vinyl sulfone based inhibitor K11777. Therefore, their inhibitory effect on Schistosoma mansoni, a human blood parasite, that expresses several cysteine proteases, was evaluated. The homophenylalanine side chain containing compounds 27-30 and especially 36 showed promising activities compared with K11777 and warrant further investigations of these peptidic thiosulfonate inhibitors as new potential anti-parasitic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Ward
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - H Van de Langemheen
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - E Koehne
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - A Kreidenweiss
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - R M J Liskamp
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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Mäder P, Rennar GA, Ventura AMP, Grevelding CG, Schlitzer M. Chemotherapy for Fighting Schistosomiasis: Past, Present and Future. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:2374-2389. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Mäder
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Philipps-Universität Marburg; Marbacher Weg 6 35032 Marburg Germany
| | - Georg A. Rennar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Philipps-Universität Marburg; Marbacher Weg 6 35032 Marburg Germany
| | - Alejandra M. Peter Ventura
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Philipps-Universität Marburg; Marbacher Weg 6 35032 Marburg Germany
| | - Christoph G. Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, BFS; Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen; Schubertstraße 81 35392 Gießen Germany
| | - Martin Schlitzer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Philipps-Universität Marburg; Marbacher Weg 6 35032 Marburg Germany
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10
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Caffrey CR, Goupil L, Rebello KM, Dalton JP, Smith D. Cysteine proteases as digestive enzymes in parasitic helminths. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0005840. [PMID: 30138310 PMCID: PMC6107103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We briefly review cysteine proteases (orthologs of mammalian cathepsins B, L, F, and C) that are expressed in flatworm and nematode parasites. Emphasis is placed on enzyme activities that have been functionally characterized, are associated with the parasite gut, and putatively contribute to degrading host proteins to absorbable nutrients [1–4]. Often, gut proteases are expressed as multigene families, as is the case with Fasciola [5] and Haemonchus [6], presumably expanding the range of substrates that can be degraded, not least during parasite migration through host tissues [5]. The application of the free-living planarian and Caenorhabditis elegans as investigative models for parasite cysteine proteases is discussed. Finally, because of their central nutritive contribution, targeting the component gut proteases with small-molecule chemical inhibitors and understanding their utility as vaccine candidates are active areas of research [7].
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor R. Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Louise Goupil
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Karina M. Rebello
- Laboratório de Toxinologia and Laboratório de Estudos Integrados em Protozoologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John P. Dalton
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen´s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - David Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, Medical Biology Centre, Queen´s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Zhao L, Lu Z, He X, Mughal MN, Fang R, Zhou Y, Zhao J, Gasser RB, Grevelding CG, Ye Q, Hu M. Serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) controls growth and reproduction in Schistosoma japonicum. FASEB J 2018; 32:fj201800725R. [PMID: 29879373 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800725r] [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] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a human parasitic disease caused by flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. Adult female schistosomes produce numerous eggs that are responsible for the pathogenesis and transmission of the disease, and the maturation of female gonads depends on the permanent pairing of females and males. Signaling protein kinases have been proven to control female gonad differentiation after pairing; however, little is known about the roles of protein phosphatases in the developmental and reproductive biology of schistosomes. Here we explored 3 genes encoding catalytic subunits of serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1c) that were structurally and evolutionarily conserved in Schistosoma japonicum. In situ hybridization showed transcripts of 3 Sj-pp1c genes mainly localized in the reproductive organs and tissues. Triple knockdown of Sj-pp1c genes by RNA interference caused stunted growth and decreased pairing stability of worm pairs, as well as a remarkable reduction in cell proliferation activity and defects in reproductive maturation and fecundity. Transcriptomic analysis post-RNA interference suggested that Sj-pp1c genes are involved in controlling worm development and maturation mainly by regulating cell proliferation, eggshell synthesis, nutritional metabolism, cytoskeleton organization, and neural process. Our study provides the first insight into the fundamental contribution of Sj-PP1c to molecular mechanisms underlying the reproductive biology of schistosomes.-Zhao, L., Lu, Z., He, X., Mughal, M. N., Fang, R., Zhou, Y., Zhao, J., Gasser, R. B., Grevelding, C. G., Ye, Q., Hu, M. Serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) controls growth and reproduction in Schistosoma japonicum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigang Lu
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Xin He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mudassar N Mughal
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanqin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Robin B Gasser
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg (BFS), Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Qing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Mahmoud MSED, Ibrahim AN, Badawy AF, Abdelmoniem NM. Effect of phenyl vinyl sulphone cysteine protease inhibitor on Schistosoma mansoni: in vitro and in vivo experimental studies. J Parasit Dis 2017; 41:1049-1058. [PMID: 29114141 PMCID: PMC5660033 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-017-0933-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work aimed to study the effect of phenyl vinyl sulphone (PVS), a CPI, on different stages of Schistosoma (S.) mansoni in an in vitro culture study and in experimentally infected mice, compared to PZQ. As regards the in vitro study, different concentrations of PVS (1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 µg/ml) and PZQ (1 µg/ml) were assessed by % worm mortality for schistosomula and adults, and hemoglobin degradation by schistosomula. In vivo study included 8 groups of mice. Intraperitoneal PVS, subgroup (a), and oral PZQ, subgroup (b), were assessed at different durations post infection (pi); at 1, 3, 5 and 7 weeks pi (groups I, II, III and IV, respectively). Infection, PVS, PZQ, and normal control groups (groups V-VIII) were included. The anti-schistosomal effects of PVS were assessed by parasitological, histopathological and haematological parameters. In in vitro study, PVS had a schistosomicidal effect in a concentration and time dependent manner, PVS showed 100% schistosomula mortality at day 2 and 92% adult worm mortality at day 5. Furthermore, PVS decreased hemoglobin degradation by schistosomula. In in vivo study, PVS showed a decrease in total worm burden and tissue egg load in intestine and liver with an increase in number of dead ova in intestine of mice. Furthermore, PVS resulted in a decrease in number, size and cellularity of hepatic granulomas and an increase in hemoglobin concentration.PVS was better than PZQ in reducing each of tissue egg count in intestine at 5 and 7 weeks pi, and hepatic granuloma size at 3, 5 and 7 weeks pi. These results suggest that PVS can be a promising chemotherapeutic agent in Schistosoma mansoni infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayman Nabil Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Ramsis St., Abbassia, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
| | - Abeer Fathy Badawy
- Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Ramsis St., Abbassia, Cairo, 11566 Egypt
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Schistosoma mekongi cathepsin B and its use in the development of an immunodiagnosis. Acta Trop 2016; 155:11-9. [PMID: 26655041 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis mekongi is one of the most important human parasitic diseases caused by Schistosoma mekongi in South-east Asia. The endemic area is the Mekong River sub-region from Laos to Cambodia. This parasite also infects dogs and pigs which are its alternative host species. Currently, the lack of reliable rapid diagnosis makes it difficult to monitor the infection and spreading of the disease. In this study, we screened the antigens of the parasite with sera of infected mice using Western blotting and identified proteins of interest with LC-MS/MS to obtain potential candidate proteins for diagnostic development. This assay yielded 2 immunoreactive bands at molecular masses of 31 and 22kDa. The 31kDa protein was the major band identified as cathepsin B, and its gene was cloned to obtain a full cDNA sequence (SmekCatB). The cDNA consisted of 1123bp and its longest reading frame encoded for 342 amino acids with some putative post translation modifications. The recombinant SmekCatB (rSmekCatB) with hexahistidine tag at the C-terminus was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni-NTA resin under denaturing conditions. The rSmekCatB reacted with sera of S. mekongi-infected mice. Indirect ELISA using rSmekCatB as the antigen to detect mouse antibodies, revealed a sensitivity of 91.67% for schistosomiasis mekongi and the specificity of 100%. Our data suggested that SmekCatB is one of the most promising parasitic antigens that could be used for the diagnosis of S. mekongi infection.
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Küster T, Stadelmann B, Rufener R, Risch C, Müller J, Hemphill A. Oral treatments of Echinococcus multilocularis-infected mice with the antimalarial drug mefloquine that potentially interacts with parasite ferritin and cystatin. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2015; 46:546-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2015.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Dvořák J, Fajtová P, Ulrychová L, Leontovyč A, Rojo-Arreola L, Suzuki BM, Horn M, Mareš M, Craik CS, Caffrey CR, O'Donoghue AJ. Excretion/secretion products from Schistosoma mansoni adults, eggs and schistosomula have unique peptidase specificity profiles. Biochimie 2015; 122:99-109. [PMID: 26409899 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of a number of chronic helminth diseases of poverty that severely impact personal and societal well-being and productivity. Peptidases (proteases) are vital to successful parasitism, and can modulate host physiology and immunology. Interference of peptidase action by specific drugs or vaccines can be therapeutically beneficial. To date, research on peptidases in the schistosome parasite has focused on either the functional characterization of individual peptidases or their annotation as part of global genome or transcriptome studies. We were interested in functionally characterizing the complexity of peptidase activity operating at the host-parasite interface, therefore the excretory-secretory products of key developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni that parasitize the human were examined. Using class specific peptidase inhibitors in combination with a multiplex substrate profiling assay, a number of unique activities derived from endo- and exo-peptidases were revealed in the excretory-secretory products of schistosomula (larval migratory worms), adults and eggs. The data highlight the complexity of the functional degradome for each developmental stage of this parasite and facilitate further enquiry to establish peptidase identity, physiological and immunological function, and utility as drug or vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dvořák
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 142 20, Czech Republic; Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center, The Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice CZ - 370 05, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Fajtová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic; First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague CZ - 121 08, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Ulrychová
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 142 20, Czech Republic; Dept. of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague CZ - 128 44, Czech Republic
| | - Adrian Leontovyč
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic; First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague CZ - 121 08, Czech Republic
| | - Liliana Rojo-Arreola
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Brian M Suzuki
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague CZ - 166 10, Czech Republic
| | - Charles S Craik
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases and the Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Anthony J O'Donoghue
- Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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Zafar A, Ahmad S, Rizvi A, Ahmad M. Novel Non-Peptide Inhibitors against SmCL1 of Schistosoma mansoni: In Silico Elucidation, Implications and Evaluation via Knowledge Based Drug Discovery. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123996. [PMID: 25933436 PMCID: PMC4416924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major endemic disease known for excessive mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Because praziquantel is the only drug available for its treatment, the risk of drug resistance emphasizes the need to discover new drugs for this disease. Cathepsin SmCL1 is the critical target for drug design due to its essential role in the digestion of host proteins for growth and development of Schistosoma mansoni. Inhibiting the function of SmCL1 could control the wide spread of infections caused by S. mansoni in humans. With this objective, a homology modeling approach was used to obtain theoretical three-dimensional (3D) structure of SmCL1. In order to find the potential inhibitors of SmCL1, a plethora of in silico techniques were employed to screen non-peptide inhibitors against SmCL1 via structure-based drug discovery protocol. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were performed on the results of docked protein-ligand complexes to identify top ranking molecules against the modelled 3D structure of SmCL1. MD simulation results suggest the phytochemical Simalikalactone-D as a potential lead against SmCL1, whose pharmacophore model may be useful for future screening of potential drug molecules. To conclude, this is the first report to discuss the virtual screening of non-peptide inhibitors against SmCL1 of S. mansoni, with significant therapeutic potential. Results presented herein provide a valuable contribution to identify the significant leads and further derivatize them to suitable drug candidates for antischistosomal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Zafar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sabahuddin Ahmad
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Asim Rizvi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Masood Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
- * E-mail:
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Mossallam SF, Amer EI, El-Faham MH. Efficacy of Synriam™, a new antimalarial combination of OZ277 and piperaquine, against different developmental stages of Schistosoma mansoni. Acta Trop 2015; 143:36-46. [PMID: 25530543 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Control of schistosomiasis relies on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Given the rising concerns about the potential emergence of PZQ-resistant strains, it has now become necessary to search for novel therapeutics. However, the current pace for anti-schistosomal drug discovery is slow; hence, repositioning of existing approved drugs can offer a safe, rapid and cost-effective solution. The anti-malarial synthetic artemisinin-derivatives trioxolanes demonstrated anti-schistosomal efficacies against the three major species infecting humans and, unlike PZQ, showed activities against both juvenile and adult worm stages. The 1,2,4-trioxolane/OZ277 (arterolane maleate) in combination with a partner drug: piperaquine phosphate was recently developed as an anti-malarial drug and manufactured by Ranbaxy (India) as Synriam™ (SYN). Herein, the in vivo activities of SYN were investigated in a mouse model of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni), compared to PZQ. We show that a single fixed dose of 240mg/kg SYN (40mg/kg arterolane and 200mg/kg piperaqine) induced significant protective effects in mice, in terms of reduction in worm and tissue egg burdens, which were evident against all schistosome developmental stages. Extensive alterations in the tegument and subtegumental tissues of SYN-exposed worms were revealed by both scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Progressive decrease in worm activity and occurrence of death were noticed in vitro upon exposure to the drug - more pronounced in the presence of haemin. This report provides the first evidence of the efficacy of a combination of 1,2,4-trioxolane and piperaquine against S. mansoni in mice. Being effective against young stages, SYN could be used to prevent early Schistosoma infection.
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Figueiredo BCP, Ricci ND, de Assis NRG, de Morais SB, Fonseca CT, Oliveira SC. Kicking in the Guts: Schistosoma mansoni Digestive Tract Proteins are Potential Candidates for Vaccine Development. Front Immunol 2015; 6:22. [PMID: 25674091 PMCID: PMC4309203 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a debilitating disease that represents a major health problem in at least 74 tropical and subtropical countries. Current disease control strategies consist mainly of chemotherapy, which cannot prevent recurrent re-infection of people living in endemic area. In the last decades, many researchers made a remarkable effort in the search for an effective vaccine to provide long-term protection. Parasitic platyhelminthes of Schistosoma genus, which cause the disease, live in the blood vessels of definitive hosts where they are bathed in host blood for many years. Among the most promising molecules as vaccine candidates are the proteins present in the host–parasite interface, so numerous tegument antigens have been assessed and the achieved protection never got even close to 100%. Besides the tegument, the digestive tract is the other major site of host–parasite interface. Since parasites feed on blood, they need to swallow a considerable amount of blood for nutrient acquisition. Host blood ingested by schistosomes passes through the esophagus and reaches the gut where many peptidases catalyze the proteolysis of blood cells. Recent studies show the emergence of antigens related to the parasite blood feeding, such as esophageal gland proteins, proteases, and other proteins related to nutrient uptake. Herein, we review what is known about Schistosoma mansoni digestive tract proteins, emphasizing the ones described as potential vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Castro-Pimentel Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Natasha Delaqua Ricci
- Laboratório de Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Natan Raimundo Gonçalves de Assis
- Laboratório de Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Suellen Batistoni de Morais
- Laboratório de Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Cristina Toscano Fonseca
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Laboratório de Esquistossomose do Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
| | - Sergio Costa Oliveira
- Laboratório de Imunologia de Doenças Infecciosas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil ; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério de Ciência Tecnologia e Inovação, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Brazil
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Puente-Rivera J, de los Ángeles Ramón-Luing L, Figueroa-Angulo EE, Ortega-López J, Arroyo R. Trichocystatin-2 (TC-2): An endogenous inhibitor of cysteine proteinases in Trichomonas vaginalis is associated with TvCP39. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 54:255-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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El Ridi R, Tallima H, Dalton JP, Donnelly S. Induction of protective immune responses against schistosomiasis using functionally active cysteine peptidases. Front Genet 2014; 5:119. [PMID: 24847355 PMCID: PMC4021144 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Each year schistosomiasis afflicts up to 600 million people in 74 tropical and sub-tropical countries, predominantly in the developing world. Yet we depend on a single drug, praziquantel, for its treatment and control. There is no vaccine available but one is urgently needed especially since praziquantel-resistant parasites are likely to emerge at some time in the future. The disease is caused by several worm species of the genus Schistosoma. These express several classes of papain-like cysteine peptidases, cathepsins B and L, in various tissues but particularly in their gastrodermis where they employ them as digestive enzymes. We have shown that sub-cutaneous injection of recombinant and functionally active Schistosoma mansoni cathepsin B1 (SmCB1), or a cathepsin L from a related parasite Fasciola hepatica (FhCL1), elicits highly significant protection (up to 73%) against an experimental challenge worm infection in murine models of schistosomiasis. The immune modulating properties of this subcutaneous injection can boost protection levels (up to 83%) when combined with other S. mansoni vaccine candidates, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (SG3PDH) and peroxiredoxin (PRX-MAP). Here, we discuss these data in the context of the parasite's biology and development, and provide putative mechanism by which the native-like cysteine peptidase induce protective immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashika El Ridi
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hatem Tallima
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University Cairo, Egypt
| | - John P Dalton
- Medical Biology Centre, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Sheila Donnelly
- The i-three Institute, University of Technology at Sydney Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Farid A, Malek AA, Rabie I, Helmy A, El Amir AM. Overview on cysteine protease inhibitors as chemotherapy for Schistosomiasis mansoni in mice and also its effect on the parasitological and immunological profile. Pak J Biol Sci 2014; 16:1849-61. [PMID: 24517000 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2013.1849.1861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the use of 3 types of Cysteine Protease Inhibitors (CPIs) with praziquantel (PZQ) as chemotherapy against schistosomiasis mansoni in mice. All groups were going to assessment of fluromethylketone (FMK), Vinyl Sulfone (VS) and Sodium Nitro Prussid (SNP) by measurement of parasitological, immunological and histological parameters. In our study, The ova count/gm liver or intestine on with PZQ treatment showed 99.1 and 95.2% Percent Reduction (PR), respectively compared to control group. The most effective CPI was FMK when combined with PZQ recording 99.8 and 99.6% PR for liver and intestine, respectively. Regarding to the oogram pattern, FMK, VS and SNP treatment either at 3 or 5 wk PI revealed marked decrease in the immature and mature ova counts and an increase of the dead ova percentages. The effect of CPIs was studied on the PR of Mean Granuloma Diameter (MGD) and Mean Granuloma Number (MGN) of infected treated groups compared to infected control and PZQ treated groups. FMK treatment proved to be highly was effective against S. mansoni in mice disintegrating ova and reduction in granulomatous size and numbers. The microscopic examination of liver sections of infected mice showed a large cellular granuloma with living central ova. sections of Infected mice liver treated with FMK or VS alone or combined with PZQ showed a great reduction in granuloma size as small cellular granuloma with central degenerated ova. We observed that these CPIs alone or combined with PZQ could effectively block schistosomal activity and prevented its growth and differentiation. Briefly, the best schistosomicidal effect of CPIs, that gained by drug administration orally in a dose of 50 mg kg(-1) mouse, was observed with FMK. This was followed by VS and lastly with SNP. These results gave evidence that CPIs can selectively arrest parasite replication without untoward toxicity to the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Farid
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt
| | | | - I Rabie
- Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - A Helmy
- Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - A M El Amir
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Egypt
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Analysis of structures, functions, and epitopes of cysteine protease from Spirometra erinaceieuropaei Spargana. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:198250. [PMID: 24392448 PMCID: PMC3874363 DOI: 10.1155/2013/198250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Spirometra erinaceieuropaei cysteine protease (SeCP) in sparganum ES proteins recognized by early infection sera was identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS. The aim of this study was to predict the structures and functions of SeCP protein by using the full length cDNA sequence of SeCP gene with online sites and software programs. The SeCP gene sequence was of 1 053 bp length with a 1011 bp biggest ORF encoding 336-amino acid protein with a complete cathepsin propeptide inhibitor domain and a peptidase C1A conserved domain. The predicted molecular weight and isoelectric point of SeCP were 37.87 kDa and 6.47, respectively. The SeCP has a signal peptide site and no transmembrane domain, located outside the membrane. The secondary structure of SeCP contained 8 α -helixes, 7 β -strands, and 20 coils. The SeCP had 15 potential antigenic epitopes and 19 HLA-I restricted epitopes. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of SeCP, S. erinaceieuropaei has the closest evolutionary status with S. mansonoides. SeCP was a kind of proteolytic enzyme with a variety of biological functions and its antigenic epitopes could provide important insights on the diagnostic antigens and target molecular of antisparganum drugs.
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Arancibia R, Biot C, Delaney G, Roussel P, Pascual A, Pradines B, Klahn AH. Cyrhetrenyl chalcones: Synthesis, characterization and antimalarial evaluation. J Organomet Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2012.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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24
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Hagen J, Lee EF, Fairlie WD, Kalinna BH. Functional genomics approaches in parasitic helminths. Parasite Immunol 2012; 34:163-82. [PMID: 21711361 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2011.01306.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As research on parasitic helminths is moving into the post-genomic era, an enormous effort is directed towards deciphering gene function and to achieve gene annotation. The sequences that are available in public databases undoubtedly hold information that can be utilized for new interventions and control but the exploitation of these resources has until recently remained difficult. Only now, with the emergence of methods to genetically manipulate and transform parasitic worms will it be possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in nutrition, metabolism, developmental switches/maturation and interaction with the host immune system. This review focuses on functional genomics approaches in parasitic helminths that are currently used, to highlight potential applications of these technologies in the areas of cell biology, systems biology and immunobiology of parasitic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hagen
- Department of Veterinary Science, Centre for Animal Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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25
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Schwarz A, Valdés JJ, Kotsyfakis M. The role of cystatins in tick physiology and blood feeding. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2012; 3:117-27. [PMID: 22647711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2012.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Ticks, as obligate hematophagous ectoparasites, impact greatly on animal and human health because they transmit various pathogens worldwide. Over the last decade, several cystatins from different hard and soft ticks were identified and biochemically analyzed for their role in the physiology and blood feeding lifestyle of ticks. All these cystatins are potent inhibitors of papain-like cysteine proteases, but not of legumain. Tick cystatins were either detected in the salivary glands and/or the midgut, key tick organs responsible for blood digestion and the expression of pharmacologically potent salivary proteins for blood feeding. For example, the transcription of two cystatins named HlSC-1 and Sialostatin L2 was highly upregulated in these tick tissues during feeding. Vaccinating hosts against Sialostatin L2 and Om-cystatin 2 as well as silencing of a cystatin gene from Amblyomma americanum significantly inhibited the feeding ability of ticks. Additionally, Om-cystatin 2 and Sialostatin L possessed strong host immunosuppressive properties by inhibiting dendritic cell maturation due to their interaction with cathepsin S. These two cystatins, together with Sialostatin L2 are the first tick cystatins with resolved three-dimensional structure. Sialostatin L, furthermore, showed preventive properties against autoimmune diseases. In the case of the cystatin Hlcyst-2, experimental evidence showed its role in tick innate immunity, since increased Hlcyst-2 transcript levels were detected in Babesia gibsoni-infected larval ticks and the protein inhibited Babesia growth. Other cystatins, such as Hlcyst-1 or Om-cystatin 2 are assumed to be involved in regulating blood digestion. Only for Bmcystatin was a role in tick embryogenesis suggested. Finally, all the biochemically analyzed tick cystatins are powerful protease inhibitors, and some may be novel antigens for developing anti-tick vaccines and drugs of medical importance due to their stringent target specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Schwarz
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, AS CR v.v.i., Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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Studies on the establishment of a co-culture system of lung stage Schistosoma japonicum with host cells. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:735-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2894-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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He B, Cai G, Ni Y, Li Y, Zong H, He L. Characterization and expression of a novel cystatin gene from Schistosoma japonicum. Mol Cell Probes 2011; 25:186-93. [PMID: 21601634 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2011.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2011] [Revised: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cystatins are a family of cysteine protease inhibitors that play a crucial role in the immune evasion from their host and in the adaptation to host defence. Here, we isolated a full-length cDNA sequence inferred to encode a novel cystatin gene from a blood fluke, Schistosoma japonicum. The cDNA, designated SjCystatin, comprised an open reading frame (ORF) of 306 bp, and encoded 101 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 11.3 kDa. This predicted protein shared a significant degree of sequence identity with the type I cystatin (stefin) of Schistosoma mansoni and Homo sapiens. These proteins exhibited a typical cystatin topology, including the absence of disulfide bonds and three conserved catalytic motifs, Gly at the N-terminus (Gly(6)), Gln-X-Val-X-Gly motif (Q(49)VVAG(53)) and an LP pair at the C-terminus (L(76)P(77)). The SjCystatin gene spanned 376 bp and contained three exons. The positions of two introns were conserved between the cystatin genes of trematodes and their vertebrate hosts. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed the transcription of SjCystatin in the egg, schistosomula and adult stages of S. japonicum. The encoding ORF region was cloned into pET-28a (+) prokaryotic expression vector. After purification, the recombinant protein SjCystatin (recSjCystatin), expressed in Escherichia coli, was used to immunize animals and produce its specific polyclonal antibody. Western blot analysis revealed that the native SjCystatin was expressed in the egg and adult stages. The enzyme activity assay of the recSjCystatin showed that it inhibited the proteolytic activity of papain. SjCystatin protein was mainly localized on the miracidium within eggs. Immunohistochemistry revealed that SjCystatin mainly localized in the epithelial cells lining the gut as well as the tegument on the surface of adult worms. The conserved genomic DNA structure among cystatin homologues of trematode and their vertebrate host emphasized the characteristics of compatibility between parasites and their hosts. This study provides the first insight into the gene and protein of S. japonicum cystatin and a basis for a further understanding the functions of this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohua He
- Department of Human Parasitology, Basic Medical School, Wuhan University, Hubei, PR China
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Lichtenbergová L, Lassmann H, Jones MK, Kolářová L, Horák P. Trichobilharzia regenti: host immune response in the pathogenesis of neuroinfection in mice. Exp Parasitol 2011; 128:328-35. [PMID: 21554878 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2011.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2010] [Revised: 04/18/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Besides their natural bird hosts, Trichobilharzia regenti cercariae are able to penetrate skin of mammals, including humans. Experimental infections of mice showed that schistosomula of this species are able to avoid the immune response in skin of their non-specific mammalian host and escape the skin to migrate to the CNS. Schistosomula do not mature in mammals, but can survive in nervous tissue for several days post infection. Neuroinfections of specific bird hosts as well as accidental mammalian hosts can lead to neuromotor effects, for example, leg paralysis and thus this parasite serves as a model of parasite invasion of the CNS. Here, we show by histological and immunohistochemical investigation of CNS invasion of immunocompetent (BALB/c) and immunodeficient (SCID) mice by T. regenti schistosomula that the presence of parasites in the nervous tissue initiated an influx of immune cells, activation of microglia, astrocytes and development of inflammatory lesions. Schistosomula elimination in the tissue depended on the host immune status. In the absence of CD3+ T-cells in immunodeficient SCID mice, parasite destruction was slower than that in immunocompetent BALB/c mice. Axon injury and subsequent secondary demyelination in the CNS were associated with mechanical damage due to migration of schistosomula through the nervous tissue, and not by host immune processes. Immunoreactivity of the parasite intestinal content for specific antigens of oligodendrocytes/myelin and neurofilaments showed for the first time that schistosomula ingest the nervous tissue components during their migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Lichtenbergová
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Tchoubrieva E, Kalinna B. Advances in mRNA silencing and transgene expression: a gateway to functional genomics in schistosomes. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2011; 26:261-80. [PMID: 21415884 DOI: 10.5661/bger-26-261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The completion of the WHO Schistosoma Genome Project in 2008, although not fully annotated, provides a golden opportunity to actively pursue fundamental research on the parasites genome. This analysis will aid identification of targets for drugs, vaccines and markers for diagnostic tools as well as for studying the biological basis of drug resistance, infectivity and pathology. For the validation of drug and vaccine targets, the genomic sequence data is only of use if functional analyses can be conducted (in the parasite itself). Until recently, gene manipulation approaches had not been seriously addressed. This situation is now changing and rapid advances have been made in gene silencing and transgenesis of schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissaveta Tchoubrieva
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010 VIC, Australia
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Stack C, Dalton JP, Robinson MW. The phylogeny, structure and function of trematode cysteine proteases, with particular emphasis on the Fasciola hepatica cathepsin L family. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 712:116-35. [PMID: 21660662 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8414-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Helminth parasites (nematodes, flatworms and cestodes) infect over 1 billion of the world's population causing high morbidity and mortality. The large tissue-dwelling worms express papain-like cysteine peptidases, termed cathepsins that play important roles in virulence including host entry, tissue migration and the suppression of host immune responses. Much of our knowledge of helminth cathepsins comes from studies using flatworms or trematode (fluke) parasites. The developmentally-regulated expression of these proteases correlates with the passage of parasites through host tissues and their encounters with different host macromolecules. Recent phylogenetic, biochemical and structural studies indicate that trematode cathepsins exhibit overlapping but distinct substrate specificities due to divergence within the protease active site. Here we provide an overview of the evolution, biochemistry and structure of these important enzymes and highlight how recent advances in proteomics and gene silencing techniques are allowing researchers to probe their biological functions. We focus mainly on members of the cathepsin L gene family of the animal and human pathogen, Fasciola hepatica, because of our deep understanding of their function, biochemistry and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Stack
- School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Western Sydney (UWS), Narellan Road, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
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A rapid, high-throughput viability assay for Blastocystis spp. reveals metronidazole resistance and extensive subtype-dependent variations in drug susceptibilities. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 55:637-48. [PMID: 21098237 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00900-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocystis is an emerging protistan parasite of controversial pathogenesis. Although metronidazole (Mz) is standard therapy for Blastocystis infections, there have been accumulating reports of treatment failure, suggesting the existence of drug-resistant isolates. Furthermore, very little is known about Blastocystis susceptibility to standard antimicrobials. In the present study, we established resazurin and XTT viability microassays for Blastocystis spp. belonging to subtypes 4 and 7, both of which have been suggested to represent pathogenic zoonotic subtypes. The optimized resazurin assay was used to screen a total of 19 compounds against both subtypes. Interestingly, subtype 7 parasites were resistant to Mz, a 1-position-substituted 5-nitroimidazole (5-NI), while subtype 4 parasites were sensitive. Some cross-resistance was observed to tinidazole, another 1-position 5-NI. Conversely, subtype 4 parasites were resistant to emetine, while subtype 7 parasites were sensitive. Position 2 5-NIs were effective against both subtypes, as were ornidazole, nitazoxanide, furazolidone, mefloquine, quinicrine, quinine, cotrimoxazole (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), and iodoacetamide. Both subtypes were resistant to chloroquine, doxycycline, paromomycin, ampicillin, and pyrimethamine. This is the first study to report extensive variations in drug sensitivities among two clinically important subtypes. Our study highlights the need to reevaluate established treatment regimens for Blastocystis infections and offers clear new treatment options for Mz treatment failures.
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Tchoubrieva EB, Ong PC, Pike RN, Brindley PJ, Kalinna BH. Vector-based RNA interference of cathepsin B1 in Schistosoma mansoni. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 67:3739-48. [PMID: 20339897 PMCID: PMC11115793 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0345-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Revised: 03/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In helminth parasites, proteolytic enzymes have been implicated in facilitating host invasion, moulting, feeding, and evasion of the host immune response. These key functions render them potential targets for anti-parasite chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Schistosomes feed on host blood and the digested haemoglobin is their major source of amino acids. Haemoglobin digestion is essential for parasite development, growth, and reproduction. We recently reported the use of pseudotyped Moloney murine leukaemia virus to accomplish transformation of Schistosoma mansoni. Here, we report the design of a viral vector expressing a dsRNA hairpin to silence expression of the schistosome cathepsin B1 (SmCB1) gene. We observed 80% reduction in transcript level 72 h after virus exposure and complete silencing of enzyme activity in transduced worms. This is the first report using this technology in any helminth parasite. It will facilitate the evaluation of potential drug targets and biochemical pathways for novel interventions in schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissaveta B. Tchoubrieva
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Poh C. Ong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Robert N. Pike
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University Medical Centre, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Bernd H. Kalinna
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
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34
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Dolecková K, Albrecht T, Mikes L, Horák P. Cathepsins B1 and B2 in the neuropathogenic schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti: distinct gene expression profiles and presumptive roles throughout the life cycle. Parasitol Res 2010; 107:751-5. [PMID: 20556428 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1943-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Accepted: 06/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The neurotropic bird schistosome Trichobilharzia regenti possesses papain-like cysteine peptidases which have also been shown to be crucial enzymes in various developmental stages of the related human parasites Schistosoma spp. In this paper, we present data obtained by real-time polymerase chain reaction on the temporal distribution of transcripts of two cathepsins in different developmental stages of T. regenti: cathepsin B1 originally described from the gut lumen of schistosomula with presumptive role in nutrient digestion and cathepsin B2 originally found in penetration glands of cercariae with probable involvement in invasion of the final host. In spite of their mutual resemblance at the sequence level, the mRNA expression profiles clearly show distinct expression of cathepsins B1 and B2 during the development from eggs to cercariae. In the case of both cathepsins, the highest level of transcription was detected in intravertebrate stages. Putative functions of cathepsins B1 and B2 in schistosome developmental stages are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Dolecková
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicná 7, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Experimentally promising antischistosomal drugs: a review of some drug candidates not reaching the clinical use. Parasitol Res 2009; 105:899-906. [PMID: 19588166 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-009-1546-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2009] [Accepted: 06/18/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease affecting about 207 million people in the world. It still represents a major health problem in many tropical and sub-tropical countries as well as for travelers from developed countries. Control of the disease depends mainly on chemotherapy, with praziquantel becoming the exclusive drug. Extensive use of praziquantel with concerns about the possibility of drug resistance development, unavailability of an applicable vaccine, and the absence of a reasonable alternative to praziquantel all represent a real challenge. One of the suggested solutions is to exploit the advantages of compounds that proved efficacious at the experimental level with a good safety profile. These may undergo further investigations for the sake of developing their antischistosomal properties or to incorporate them in combination therapies. Chemotherapy literature is redundant with a huge number of compounds screened for their schistosomicidal properties. However, only a few of these may act as drug leads that could be promising in the development of a therapeutic reserve for schistosomiasis. The present paper reviews previous studies carried out on some of these compounds.
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Beckham SA, Piedrafita D, Phillips CI, Samarawickrema N, Law RH, Smooker PM, Quinsey NS, Irving JA, Greenwood D, Verhelst SHL, Bogyo M, Turk B, Coetzer TH, Wijeyewickrema LC, Spithill TW, Pike RN. A major cathepsin B protease from the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica has atypical active site features and a potential role in the digestive tract of newly excysted juvenile parasites. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2009; 41:1601-12. [PMID: 19401154 PMCID: PMC3514016 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2009.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2008] [Revised: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 02/08/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The newly excysted juvenile (NEJ) stage of the Fasciola hepatica lifecycle occurs just prior to invasion into the wall of the gut of the host, rendering it an important target for drug development. The cathepsin B enzymes from NEJ flukes have recently been demonstrated to be crucial to invasion and migration by the parasite. Here we characterize one of the cathepsin B enzymes (recombinant FhcatB1) from NEJ flukes. FhcatB1 has biochemical properties distinct from mammalian cathepsin B enzymes, with an atypical preference for Ile over Leu or Arg residues at the P(2) substrate position and an inability to act as an exopeptidase. FhcatB1 was active across a broad pH range (optimal activity at pH 5.5-7.0) and resistant to inhibition by cystatin family inhibitors from sheep and humans, suggesting that this enzyme would be able to function in extracellular environments in its mammalian hosts. It appears, however, that the FhcatB1 protease functions largely as a digestive enzyme in the gut of the parasite, due to the localization of a specific, fluorescently labeled inhibitor with an Ile at the P(2) position. Molecular modelling and dynamics were used to predict the basis for the unusual substrate specificity: a P(2) Ile residue positions the substrate optimally for interaction with catalytic residues of the enzyme, and the enzyme lacks an occluding loop His residue crucial for exopeptidase activity. The unique features of the enzyme, particularly with regard to its specificity and likely importance to a vital stage of the parasite's life cycle, make it an excellent target for therapeutic inhibitors or vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone A. Beckham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - David Piedrafita
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Carolyn I. Phillips
- Department of Pathology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5324, USA
| | - Nirma Samarawickrema
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Ruby H.P. Law
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peter M. Smooker
- School of Applied Sciences, RMIT, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Noelene S. Quinsey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - James A. Irving
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Deanne Greenwood
- Centre for Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Steven H. L. Verhelst
- Department of Pathology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5324, USA
| | - Matthew Bogyo
- Department of Pathology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5324, USA
| | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural and Molecular Biology, J. Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Theresa H. Coetzer
- School of Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology & Plant Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg campus), Private bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
| | - Lakshmi C. Wijeyewickrema
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Terry W. Spithill
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert N. Pike
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Dvorák J, Mashiyama ST, Sajid M, Braschi S, Delcroix M, Schneider EL, McKerrow WH, Bahgat M, Hansell E, Babbitt PC, Craik CS, McKerrow JH, Caffrey CR. SmCL3, a gastrodermal cysteine protease of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2009; 3:e449. [PMID: 19488406 PMCID: PMC2685030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2009] [Accepted: 05/01/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma are platyhelminth parasites that infect 200 million people worldwide. Digestion of nutrients from the host bloodstream is essential for parasite development and reproduction. A network of proteolytic enzymes (proteases) facilitates hydrolysis of host hemoglobin and serum proteins. Methodology/Principal Findings We identified a new cathepsin L termed SmCL3 using PCR strategies based on S. mansoni EST sequence data. An ortholog is present in Schistosoma japonicum. SmCL3 was heterologously expressed as an active enzyme in the yeast, Pichia pastoris. Recombinant SmCL3 has a broad pH activity range against peptidyl substrates and is inhibited by Clan CA protease inhibitors. Consistent with a function in degrading host proteins, SmCL3 hydrolyzes serum albumin and hemoglobin, is localized to the adult gastrodermis, and is expressed mainly in those life stages infecting the mammalian host. The predominant form of SmCL3 in the parasite exists as a zymogen, which is unusual for proteases. This zymogen includes an unusually long prodomain with alpha helical secondary structure motifs. The striking specificity of SmCL3 for amino acids with large aromatic side chains (Trp and Tyr) at the P2 substrate position, as determined with positional scanning-synthetic combinatorial library, is consistent with a molecular model that shows a large and deep S2 pocket. A sequence similarity network (SSN) view clusters SmCL3 and other cathepsins L in accordance with previous large-scale phylogenetic analyses that identify six super kingdoms. Conclusions/Significance SmCL3 is a gut-associated cathepsin L that may contribute to the network of proteases involved in degrading host blood proteins as nutrients. Furthermore, this enzyme exhibits some unusual sequence and biophysical features that may result in additional functions. The visualization of network inter-relationships among cathepsins L suggests that these enzymes are suitable ‘marker sequences’ for inclusion in future phylogenetic analyses. Parasitic infection caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma is a major global health problem. More than 200 million people are infected. Identifying and characterizing the constituent enzymes of the parasite's biochemical pathways should reveal opportunities for developing new therapies (i.e., vaccines, drugs). Schistosomes feed on host blood, and a number of proteolytic enzymes (proteases) contribute to this process. We have identified and characterized a new protease, SmCL3 (for Schistosoma mansoni cathepsin L3), that is found within the gut tissue of the parasite. We have employed various biochemical and molecular biological methods and sequence similarity analyses to characterize SmCL3 and obtain insights into its possible functions in the parasite, as well as its evolutionary position among cathepsin L proteases in general. SmCL3 hydrolyzes major host blood proteins (serum albumin and hemoglobin) and is expressed in parasite life stages infecting the mammalian host. Enzyme substrate specificity detected by positional scanning-synthetic combinatorial library was confirmed by molecular modeling. A sequence analysis placed SmCL3 to the cluster of other cathepsins L in accordance with previous phylogenetic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Dvorák
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America.
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Kašný M, Mikeš L, Hampl V, Dvořák J, Caffrey CR, Dalton JP, Horák P. Chapter 4 Peptidases of Trematodes. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2009; 69:205-97. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(09)69004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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40
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Fasciola gigantica: Evaluation of the effect of phenyl vinyl sulfone in vitro. Exp Parasitol 2008; 119:125-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2007] [Revised: 12/19/2007] [Accepted: 01/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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41
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Stack CM, Caffrey CR, Donnelly SM, Seshaadri A, Lowther J, Tort JF, Collins PR, Robinson MW, Xu W, McKerrow JH, Craik CS, Geiger SR, Marion R, Brinen LS, Dalton JP. Structural and functional relationships in the virulence-associated cathepsin L proteases of the parasitic liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:9896-908. [PMID: 18160404 PMCID: PMC3979170 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m708521200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2007] [Revised: 11/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The helminth parasite Fasciola hepatica secretes cysteine proteases to facilitate tissue invasion, migration, and development within the mammalian host. The major proteases cathepsin L1 (FheCL1) and cathepsin L2 (FheCL2) were recombinantly produced and biochemically characterized. By using site-directed mutagenesis, we show that residues at position 67 and 205, which lie within the S2 pocket of the active site, are critical in determining the substrate and inhibitor specificity. FheCL1 exhibits a broader specificity and a higher substrate turnover rate compared with FheCL2. However, FheCL2 can efficiently cleave substrates with a Pro in the P2 position and degrade collagen within the triple helices at physiological pH, an activity that among cysteine proteases has only been reported for human cathepsin K. The 1.4-A three-dimensional structure of the FheCL1 was determined by x-ray crystallography, and the three-dimensional structure of FheCL2 was constructed via homology-based modeling. Analysis and comparison of these structures and our biochemical data with those of human cathepsins L and K provided an interpretation of the substrate-recognition mechanisms of these major parasite proteases. Furthermore, our studies suggest that a configuration involving residue 67 and the "gatekeeper" residues 157 and 158 situated at the entrance of the active site pocket create a topology that endows FheCL2 with its unusual collagenolytic activity. The emergence of a specialized collagenolytic function in Fasciola likely contributes to the success of this tissue-invasive parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin M. Stack
- From the Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Conor R. Caffrey
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Sheila M. Donnelly
- From the Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Amritha Seshaadri
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Jonathan Lowther
- From the Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Jose F. Tort
- From the Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
- the Departamento de Genetica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del la Republica, General Flores 2125, CP 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Peter R. Collins
- From the Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Mark W. Robinson
- From the Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Weibo Xu
- From the Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - James H. McKerrow
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Charles S. Craik
- the Departments of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, and
| | - Sebastian R. Geiger
- the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Rachel Marion
- the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Linda S. Brinen
- the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - John P. Dalton
- From the Institute for the Biotechnology of Infectious Diseases, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
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42
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Morales ME, Rinaldi G, Gobert GN, Kines KJ, Tort JF, Brindley PJ. RNA interference of Schistosoma mansoni cathepsin D, the apical enzyme of the hemoglobin proteolysis cascade. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2007; 157:160-8. [PMID: 18067980 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2007.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Revised: 10/23/2007] [Accepted: 10/24/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The aspartic protease cathepsin D (Clan AA, Family A1) is expressed in the schistosome gut where it plays an apical role in the digestion of hemoglobin released from ingested erythrocytes. In this report, RNA interference approaches were employed to investigate the effects of knockdown of schistosome cathepsin D. Cultured schistosomules of Schistosoma mansoni were exposed by square wave electroporation to double stranded RNA (dsRNA) specific for cDNA encoding S. mansoni cathepsin D. RNAi-mediated reductions in transcript levels led to phenotypic changes including significant growth retardation in vitro and suppression of aspartic protease enzyme activity. In addition, black-pigmented heme, the end point by-product of normal hemoglobin proteolysis that accumulates in the schistosome gut, was not apparent within the guts of the treated schistosomules. Their guts appeared to be red in color, rather than black, apparently indicating the presence of intact rather than digested host hemoglobin. These phenotypic effects were apparent when either of two forms of dsRNA, a long form spanning the entire target transcript or a short form specific for the 3'-region was employed. Off-target effects were not apparent in transcript levels of the gut-localized cysteine protease cathepsin B1. Finally, cathepsin D may be an essential enzyme in the mammal-parasitic stages of schistosomes because schistosomules treated with dsRNA did not survive to maturity after transfer into Balb/c mice. These and earlier findings suggest that, given its essential function in parasite nutrition, schistosome cathepsin D could be developed as a target for novel anti-schistosomal interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Morales
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Okubo K, Yokoyama N, Govind Y, Alhassan A, Igarashi I. Babesia bovis: effects of cysteine protease inhibitors on in vitro growth. Exp Parasitol 2007; 117:214-7. [PMID: 17543303 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2007.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2007] [Revised: 03/22/2007] [Accepted: 04/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the effects of four kinds of cysteine protease inhibitors (E64, E64d, leupeptin, and ALLN) on the in vitro asexual growth of Babesia bovis. Of these, only the lipophilic inhibitors, E64d and ALLN, were found to effectively inhibit the growth of B. bovis. In further experiments, E64d, but not ALLN, significantly suppressed the parasite's invasion of host erythrocytes, while both chemicals, especially ALLN, inhibited the parasite's replication within the infected erythrocytes. These data suggested the presence of cysteine protease(s) derived from B. bovis, in which the protease(s) would play important roles in the erythrocyte invasion and/or replication processes of the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Okubo
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Abdulla MH, Lim KC, Sajid M, McKerrow JH, Caffrey CR. Schistosomiasis mansoni: novel chemotherapy using a cysteine protease inhibitor. PLoS Med 2007; 4:e14. [PMID: 17214506 PMCID: PMC1764436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0040014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2006] [Accepted: 10/30/2006] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a chronic, debilitating parasitic disease infecting more than 200 million people and is second only to malaria in terms of public health importance. Due to the lack of a vaccine, patient therapy is heavily reliant on chemotherapy with praziquantel as the World Health Organization-recommended drug, but concerns over drug resistance encourage the search for new drug leads. METHODS AND FINDINGS The efficacy of the vinyl sulfone cysteine protease inhibitor K11777 was tested in the murine model of schistosomiasis mansoni. Disease parameters measured were worm and egg burdens, and organ pathology including hepato- and splenomegaly, presence of parasite egg-induced granulomas in the liver, and levels of circulating alanine aminotransferase activity as a marker of hepatocellular function. K11777 (25 mg/kg twice daily [BID]), administered intraperitoneally at the time of parasite migration through the skin and lungs (days 1-14 postinfection [p.i.]), resulted in parasitologic cure (elimination of parasite eggs) in five of seven cases and a resolution of other disease parameters. K11777 (50 mg/kg BID), administered at the commencement of egg-laying by mature parasites (days 30-37 p.i.), reduced worm and egg burdens, and ameliorated organ pathology. Using protease class-specific substrates and active-site labeling, one molecular target of K11777 was identified as the gut-associated cathepsin B1 cysteine protease, although other cysteine protease targets are not excluded. In rodents, dogs, and primates, K11777 is nonmutagenic with satisfactory safety and pharmacokinetic profiles. CONCLUSIONS The significant reduction in parasite burden and pathology by this vinyl sulfone cysteine protease inhibitor validates schistosome cysteine proteases as drug targets and offers the potential of a new direction for chemotherapy of human schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha-Hamadien Abdulla
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kee-Chong Lim
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Mohammed Sajid
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - James H McKerrow
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, California Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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45
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Abstract
Diseases caused by tropical parasites affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide but have been largely neglected for drug development because they affect poor people in poor regions of the world. Most of the current drugs used to treat these diseases are decades old and have many limitations, including the emergence of drug resistance. This review will summarize efforts to reinvigorate the drug development pipeline for these diseases, which is driven in large part by support from major philanthropies. The organisms responsible for these diseases have a fascinating biology, and many potential biochemical targets are now apparent. These neglected diseases present unique challenges to drug development that are being addressed by new consortia of scientists from academia and industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Renslo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the Small Molecule Discovery Center, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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46
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Delcroix M, Sajid M, Caffrey CR, Lim KC, Dvorák J, Hsieh I, Bahgat M, Dissous C, McKerrow JH. A Multienzyme Network Functions in Intestinal Protein Digestion by a Platyhelminth Parasite. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:39316-29. [PMID: 17028179 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m607128200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteases frequently function not only as individual enzymes but also in cascades or networks. A notable evolutionary switch occurred in one such protease network that is involved in protein digestion in the intestine. In vertebrates, this is largely the work of trypsin family serine proteases, whereas in invertebrates, cysteine proteases of the papain family and aspartic proteases assume the role. Utilizing a combination of protease class-specific inhibitors and RNA interference, we deconvoluted such a network of major endopeptidases functioning in invertebrate intestinal protein digestion, using the parasitic helminth, Schistosoma mansoni as an experimental model. We show that initial degradation of host blood proteins is ordered, occasionally redundant, and substrate-specific. Although inhibition of parasite cathepsin D had a greater effect on primary cleavage of hemoglobin, inhibition of cathepsin B predominated in albumin degradation. Nevertheless, in both cases, inhibitor combinations were synergistic. An asparaginyl endopeptidase (legumain) also synergized with cathepsin B and L in protein digestion, either by zymogen activation or facilitating substrate cleavage. This protease network operates optimally in acidic pH compartments either in the gut lumen or in vacuoles of the intestinal lining cells. Defining the role of each of these major enzymes now provides a clearer understanding of the function of a complex protease network that is conserved throughout invertebrate evolution. It also provides insights into which of these proteases are logical targets for development of chemotherapy for schistosomiasis, a major global health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melaine Delcroix
- Department of Pathology, Tropical Disease Research Unit and Sandler Center for Basic Research in Parasitic Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA.
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47
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Ribeiro-dos-Santos G, Verjovski-Almeida S, Leite LCC. Schistosomiasis--a century searching for chemotherapeutic drugs. Parasitol Res 2006; 99:505-21. [PMID: 16636847 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-006-0175-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2006] [Accepted: 02/23/2006] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis affects 200 million individuals in underdeveloped and developing regions and is a growing concern for travelers worldwide. There has been evidence of resistance to the praziquantel-based therapy and reports of acute-disease manifestation; therefore, other drugs affecting different stages of the schistosome parasites life cycle and alternative therapeutic regimens should be developed and become accessible. The present review results from a comprehensive search in the scientific literature for substances and compounds tested in the past centennial for schistosomiasis therapy. We gathered over 40 drugs providing information on therapeutic action in humans or animal model, toxicity, susceptible Schistosoma stages, species, etc. The drugs were grouped according to their known metabolic effects on the parasite, whether they are on membrane structure and function, carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis and function, or on nucleic acid metabolism. We discuss the current knowledge of drug-target interactions, their mechanism of action and possible therapy combinations. Furthermore, based in the literature and in our own experience with large-scale Schistosoma mansoni genome and transcriptome analyses, we put forward several recently described gene products that are promising target candidates for existing or new drugs.
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48
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Armstrong PB. Proteases and protease inhibitors: a balance of activities in host-pathogen interaction. Immunobiology 2006; 211:263-81. [PMID: 16697919 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2006.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2005] [Accepted: 01/12/2006] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The immune system is the collection of effector molecules and cells of the host that act against invading parasites and their products. Secreted proteases serve important roles in parasitic metabolism and virulence and the several families of protein protease inhibitors of the plasma and blood cells play an important role in immunity by inactivating and clearing the protease virulence factors of parasites. The protease inhibitors are of two classes, the active-site inhibitors and the alpha2-macroglobulins. Inhibitors for the first class bind and inactivate the active site of the target protease. Proteins of the second class bind proteases by a unique molecular trap mechanism and deliver the bound protease to a receptor-mediated endocytic system for degradation in secondary lysosomes. Proteins of the alpha2-macroglobulin family are present in a variety of animal phyla, including the nematodes, arthropods, mollusks, echinoderms, urochordates, and vertebrates. A shared suite of unique functional characteristics have been documented for the alpha2-macroglobulins of vertebrates, arthropods, and mollusks. The alpha2-macroglobulins of nematodes, arthropods, mollusks, and vertebrates show significant sequence identity in key functional domains. Thus, the alpha2-macroglobulins comprise an evolutionarily conserved arm of the innate immune system with similar structure and function in animal phyla separated by 0.6 billion years of evolution.
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49
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Lee JC, Cho GS, Kwon JH, Shin MH, Lim JH, Kim WK. Macrophageal/microglial cell activation and cerebral injury induced by excretory–secretory products secreted by Paragonimus westermani. Neurosci Res 2006; 54:133-9. [PMID: 16325294 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2005.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2005] [Revised: 10/11/2005] [Accepted: 11/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral paragonimiasis causes various neurological disorders including seizures, visual impairment and hemiplegia. The excretory-secretory product (ESP) released by Paragonimus westermani has a cysteine protease activity and plays important roles in its migration in the host tissue and modulation of host immune responses. To gain more insight into the pathogenesis of ESP in the brain, we investigated the inflammatory reaction and cerebral injury following microinjection of ESP into rat striatum. The size of injury was maximally observed 3 days after microinjection of ESP and then declined to control levels as astrocytes have repopulated the injury. ED1-positive monocytes and microglia were confluently found inside the injury. The mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) occurred as early as 9h after ESP injection and then declined to control levels within 1 day. The iNOS inhibitor aminoguanidine largely decreased the expression of iNOS but did not reduce the size of lesion caused by ESP. Interestingly, however, heat inactivation of ESP caused a decrease of injury formation with no altered expression of iNOS. The data indicate that ESP produces brain tissue injury by recruiting activated monocytes/microglia via heat-labile protease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Chul Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Ewha Women's Univeristy, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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50
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Lilley CJ, Goodchild SA, Atkinson HJ, Urwin PE. Cloning and characterisation of a Heterodera glycines aminopeptidase cDNA. Int J Parasitol 2005; 35:1577-85. [PMID: 16216247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2005.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2005] [Revised: 06/21/2005] [Accepted: 07/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An aminopeptidase full-length cDNA (Hg-amp-1) was cloned from the adult female soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines by heterologous screening of a cDNA library with a Caenorhabditis elegans EST sequence. The predicted open reading frame encoded an 882-amino acid protein containing the conserved zinc-binding domain and GAMEN motif that are characteristic of M1 family aminopeptidases. The putative protein lacks any subcellular targeting signals and displays strong similarity to puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidases from C. elegans, Drosophila and mammals. Hg-amp-1 is expressed in juvenile nematodes and both male and female adults, with highest expression in gravid females. In situ mRNA hybridisation localised the Hg-amp-1 transcript to the genital primordium of pre-parasitic juvenile nematodes and the reproductive tract of adult females. Suppression of Hg-amp-1 transcript level by RNA-interference led to a 61% reduction in the number of female nematodes parasitising soybean roots 21 days post infection with infective juvenile nematodes that had been exposed to double-stranded RNA.
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