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Jardim Poli P, Fischer-Carvalho A, Tahira AC, Chan JD, Verjovski-Almeida S, Sena Amaral M. Long Non-Coding RNA Levels Are Modulated in Schistosoma mansoni following In Vivo Praziquantel Exposure. Noncoding RNA 2024; 10:27. [PMID: 38668385 PMCID: PMC11053911 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma that affects over 200 million people worldwide. For decades, praziquantel (PZQ) has been the only available drug to treat the disease. Despite recent discoveries that identified a transient receptor ion channel as the target of PZQ, schistosome response to this drug remains incompletely understood, since effectiveness relies on other factors that may trigger a complex regulation of parasite gene expression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with low or no protein-coding potential that play important roles in S. mansoni homeostasis, reproduction, and fertility. Here, we show that in vivo PZQ treatment modulates lncRNA levels in S. mansoni. We re-analyzed public RNA-Seq data from mature and immature S. mansoni worms treated in vivo with PZQ and detected hundreds of lncRNAs differentially expressed following drug exposure, many of which are shared among mature and immature worms. Through RT-qPCR, seven out of ten selected lncRNAs were validated as differentially expressed; interestingly, we show that these lncRNAs are not adult worm stage-specific and are co-expressed with PZQ-modulated protein-coding genes. By demonstrating that parasite lncRNA expression levels alter in response to PZQ, this study unravels an important step toward elucidating the complex mechanisms of S. mansoni response to PZQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Jardim Poli
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
| | - Agatha Fischer-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
| | - Ana Carolina Tahira
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
| | - John D. Chan
- Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA;
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Murilo Sena Amaral
- Laboratório de Ciclo Celular, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (P.J.P.); (A.F.-C.); (A.C.T.); (S.V.-A.)
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2
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da Silva ES, de Santana MBR, Silveira EF, Torres RT, Silva RC, Fernandes AMS, Belitardo EMMDA, Garcés LFS, Santiago LF, Urrego JR, Vilas-Bôas DS, de Freitas LAR, Zakzuk J, Pacheco LGC, Cruz ÁA, Ferreira F, Cooper P, Caraballo L, Pinheiro CDS, Alcantara-Neves NM. The hybrid protein BTH2 suppresses allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of HDM-specific immunotherapy. Clin Exp Allergy 2023; 53:821-832. [PMID: 36779555 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment approach to change disease-causing allergens. Hypoallergenic derivatives show promise as potential therapeutics, amongst which BTH2 was designed to induce tolerance against Blomia tropicalis allergy. Our aim was to investigate the hypoallergenicity and immunoregulatory activity of BTH2 in vitro and its therapeutic potential in a mouse model of AIT. METHODS Recombinant Blo t 5 and Blo t 21 allergens and their hybrid derivatives (BTH1 and BTH2) were expressed and purified. IgE binding capacity was tested by ELISA using sera from Brazilian, Colombian, and Ecuadorian subjects. Secretion of cytokines in supernatants from human cell cultures was measured following stimulation with the four recombinants and controls. The capacity of BTH2 to ameliorate allergic airway inflammation induced by B. tropicalis extract was evaluated in a murine model of AIT. RESULTS rBlo t 5 and rBlo t 21 were identified as major allergens in Latin American patients, and BTH2 had the lowest IgE binding. In vitro stimulation of human cells induced greater levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ and reduced the secretion of Th2 cytokines. BTH2 ameliorated allergic airway inflammation in B. tropicalis-challenged A/J mice, as evidenced by the histopathological and humoral biomarkers: decreased Th2 cytokines and cellular infiltration (especially eosinophils), lower activity of eosinophil peroxidase, an increase in IgG blocking antibodies and strong reduction of mucus production by goblet cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that BTH2 represents a promising candidate for the treatment of B. tropicalis allergy with hypoallergenic, immune regulatory and therapeutic properties. Further pre-clinical studies are required in murine models of chronic asthma to further address the efficacy and safety of BTH2 as a vaccine against B. tropicalis-induced allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Santos da Silva
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Maceió, Brazil
| | - Marina Borges Rabelo de Santana
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Immunology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Elisânia Fontes Silveira
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Rogério Tanan Torres
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Raphael Chagas Silva
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Immunology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Emília Maria Medeiros de Andrade Belitardo
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Immunology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FioCruz), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Luis Fabián Salazar Garcés
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Immunology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Technical University of Ambato, Ambato, Ecuador
| | - Leonardo Freire Santiago
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Deise Souza Vilas-Bôas
- Post-Graduate Program in Immunology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Laboratory of Histotechnology, Department of Biomorphology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Luiz Antônio Rodrigues de Freitas
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FioCruz), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Pathology of the School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Josefina Zakzuk
- Institute of Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Luis Gustavo Carvalho Pacheco
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Fatima Ferreira
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Philip Cooper
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- School of Medicine, International University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Luis Caraballo
- Institute of Immunological Research, University of Cartagena, Cartagena, Colombia
| | - Carina da Silva Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Immunology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Neuza Maria Alcantara-Neves
- Laboratory of Allergology and Acarology (LAA), Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology of the Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Maceió, Brazil
- Post-Graduate Program in Immunology, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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3
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Amor DALM, Santos LN, Silva ES, de Santana MBR, Belitardo EMMDA, Sena FDA, Pontes-de-Carvalho L, Figueiredo CA, Alcântara-Neves NM. Toxocara canis extract fractions promote mainly the production of Th1 and regulatory cytokines by human leukocytes in vitro. Acta Trop 2022; 234:106579. [PMID: 35843307 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Helminths possibly down-modulate immune responses to airborne allergens through the induction of a regulatory network. The identification of helminths bioactive molecules is highly desirable, given their immunomodulatory potential which could be used in immunotherapies for allergy and autoimmune diseases. To investigate the immunoregulatory potential of the adult Toxocara canis crude extract and ten protein fractions of its extract, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 10 allergic and 9 non-allergic individuals were cultivated, in vitro, in the presence or absence of these antigens, and their supernatants were evaluated for cytokine production (TGF-β, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-5, IL13, and IL-17). To determine the cell viability, the PBMC were cultivated for 24 h in the presence of the antigens and, following, they were subjected to a cytotoxicity assay. The viability of the PBMC was not affected by incubation with the T. canis antigens. As some fractions stimulated the production of immunoregulatory (TGF-β and/or IL-10), IL-12 and Th1 (TNF-α) cytokines, without stimulating Th2 cytokines (IL-5 and IL13) and IL-17, it was proposed that they would be potential candidates for further studies, especially involving the purification and characterization of specific proteins, which could be tested separately to evaluate their specific role as adjuvants in immunotherapy for inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dra Ana Lúcia Moreno Amor
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Avenida Carlos Amaral, 1015 - Cajueiro, Santo Antônio de Jesus, Bahia 44430-622, Brazil.
| | | | - Eduardo Santos Silva
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Flávia de Araújo Sena
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Camila A Figueiredo
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Oliveira LM, Oliveira YLDC, Oliveira YLM, Ramos ACS, Andrade GF, Sá VL, Geraldi RM, Pinheiro CS, Bueno LL, Fujiwara RT, Dolabella SS. Intestinal polyparasitism and levels of mucosal anthelmintic SIgA in children from endemic areas in Northeastern Brazil. Parasite Immunol 2021; 44:e12899. [PMID: 34861047 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between parasites during co-infections are often complex and can impact immunization and treatment programmes, as well as disease outcomes and morbidity. However, little is known about these interactions and the mechanisms involved. In this study, a coproparasitological survey was carried out in school-age children living in endemic areas of parasitic infection in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. Anti-helminth-specific and total secretory immunoglobulin-A (SIgA) levels were measured in stool and saliva samples and were compared in children presenting monoparasitism, polyparasitism (helminths and/or intestinal protozoa) and no infections. The survey showed that protozoa were more prevalent than helminths, and that there was a high frequency of polyparasitism in the studied population, mainly from combinations of protozoan species. Although less frequent, combinations between species of protozoa and helminths were also observed. The levels of salivary SIgA in these co-infected individuals were lower than the average observed in infections with helminths alone. Although the children participating in this survey were asymptomatic, and it was, therefore, not possible to evaluate the impact of salivary SIgA reduction on the diseases, and the study highlights the need for further investigations of co-infections by intestinal parasites and the effects on immune response induced by the interactions between different parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana M Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil.,Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristovão, Brazil
| | - Yvanna L D C Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Yrna L M Oliveira
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Anne Caroline S Ramos
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Gabriela F Andrade
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristovão, Brazil
| | - Vitor L Sá
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristovão, Brazil
| | - Ricardo M Geraldi
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristovão, Brazil
| | - Carina S Pinheiro
- Department of Biointeraction, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Lilian L Bueno
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil.,Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Silvio S Dolabella
- Postgraduate Program in Parasite Biology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil.,Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, São Cristovão, Brazil
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5
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Long non-coding RNA levels can be modulated by 5-azacytidine in Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21565. [PMID: 33299037 PMCID: PMC7725772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78669-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is a flatworm that causes schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that affects more than 200 million people worldwide. There is only one drug indicated for treatment, praziquantel, which may lead to parasite resistance emergence. The ribonucleoside analogue 5-azacytidine (5-AzaC) is an epigenetic drug that inhibits S. mansoni oviposition and ovarian development through interference with parasite transcription, translation and stem cell activities. Therefore, studying the downstream pathways affected by 5-AzaC in S. mansoni may contribute to the discovery of new drug targets. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides with low or no protein coding potential that have been involved in reproduction, stem cell maintenance and drug resistance. We have recently published a catalog of lncRNAs expressed in S. mansoni life-cycle stages, tissues and single cells. However, it remains largely unknown if lncRNAs are responsive to epigenetic drugs in parasites. Here, we show by RNA-Seq re-analyses that hundreds of lncRNAs are differentially expressed after in vitro 5-AzaC treatment of S. mansoni females, including intergenic, antisense and sense lncRNAs. Many of these lncRNAs belong to co-expression network modules related to male metabolism and are also differentially expressed in unpaired compared with paired females and ovaries. Half of these lncRNAs possess histone marks at their genomic loci, indicating regulation by histone modification. Among a selected set of 8 lncRNAs, half of them were validated by RT-qPCR as differentially expressed in females, and some of them also in males. Interestingly, these lncRNAs are also expressed in other life-cycle stages. This study demonstrates that many lncRNAs potentially involved with S. mansoni reproductive biology are modulated by 5-AzaC and sheds light on the relevance of exploring lncRNAs in response to drug treatments in parasites.
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Zawawi A, Forman R, Smith H, Mair I, Jibril M, Albaqshi MH, Brass A, Derrick JP, Else KJ. In silico design of a T-cell epitope vaccine candidate for parasitic helminth infection. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008243. [PMID: 32203551 PMCID: PMC7117776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trichuris trichiura is a parasite that infects 500 million people worldwide, leading to colitis, growth retardation and Trichuris dysentery syndrome. There are no licensed vaccines available to prevent Trichuris infection and current treatments are of limited efficacy. Trichuris infections are linked to poverty, reducing children's educational performance and the economic productivity of adults. We employed a systematic, multi-stage process to identify a candidate vaccine against trichuriasis based on the incorporation of selected T-cell epitopes into virus-like particles. We conducted a systematic review to identify the most appropriate in silico prediction tools to predict histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecule T-cell epitopes. These tools were used to identify candidate MHC-II epitopes from predicted ORFs in the Trichuris genome, selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected epitopes were incorporated into Hepatitis B core antigen virus-like particles (VLPs). Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages responded in vitro to VLPs irrespective of whether the VLP also included T-cell epitopes. The VLPs were internalized and co-localized in the antigen presenting cell lysosomes. Upon challenge infection, mice vaccinated with the VLPs+T-cell epitopes showed a significantly reduced worm burden, and mounted Trichuris-specific IgM and IgG2c antibody responses. The protection of mice by VLPs+T-cell epitopes was characterised by the production of mesenteric lymph node (MLN)-derived Th2 cytokines and goblet cell hyperplasia. Collectively our data establishes that a combination of in silico genome-based CD4+ T-cell epitope prediction, combined with VLP delivery, offers a promising pipeline for the development of an effective, safe and affordable helminth vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat Zawawi
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Forman
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Smith
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Iris Mair
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Murtala Jibril
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Munirah H. Albaqshi
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Brass
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy P. Derrick
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J. Else
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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7
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Jex AR, Gasser RB, Schwarz EM. Transcriptomic Resources for Parasitic Nematodes of Veterinary Importance. Trends Parasitol 2018; 35:72-84. [PMID: 30529253 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are important pathogens of animals, causing diseases that impact on agricultural production worldwide. Research on these worms has been constrained by a lack of genetic and genomic tools. Nonetheless, over the past decade this field has made substantial advances, many of which have been led by transcriptomic sequencing. The present review summarises major transcriptomic studies of veterinary parasitic nematodes in recent years, and comments on overarching themes stemming from this work that inform our understanding of parasitism. Finally, we comment on current, state-of-the-art informatic tools for the analysis of complex worm transcriptomes to extract maximum the molecular information from them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron R Jex
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erich M Schwarz
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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8
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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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9
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Marzano V, Mancinelli L, Bracaglia G, Del Chierico F, Vernocchi P, Di Girolamo F, Garrone S, Tchidjou Kuekou H, D’Argenio P, Dallapiccola B, Urbani A, Putignani L. "Omic" investigations of protozoa and worms for a deeper understanding of the human gut "parasitome". PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005916. [PMID: 29095820 PMCID: PMC5667730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The human gut has been continuously exposed to a broad spectrum of intestinal organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites (protozoa and worms), over millions of years of coevolution, and plays a central role in human health. The modern lifestyles of Western countries, such as the adoption of highly hygienic habits, the extensive use of antimicrobial drugs, and increasing globalisation, have dramatically altered the composition of the gut milieu, especially in terms of its eukaryotic “citizens.” In the past few decades, numerous studies have highlighted the composition and role of human intestinal bacteria in physiological and pathological conditions, while few investigations exist on gut parasites and particularly on their coexistence and interaction with the intestinal microbiota. Studies of the gut “parasitome” through “omic” technologies, such as (meta)genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, are herein reviewed to better understand their role in the relationships between intestinal parasites, host, and resident prokaryotes, whether pathogens or commensals. Systems biology–based profiles of the gut “parasitome” under physiological and severe disease conditions can indeed contribute to the control of infectious diseases and offer a new perspective of omics-assisted tropical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Marzano
- Human Microbiome Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Mancinelli
- Laboratory Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bracaglia
- Laboratory Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pamela Vernocchi
- Human Microbiome Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Garrone
- Laboratory Medicine, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia D’Argenio
- Pediatric Immuno-infectivology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Dallapiccola
- Scientific Directorate, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biochemical Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery–Policlinico A. Gemelli, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Proteomic and Metabonomic Unit, Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Putignani
- Human Microbiome Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Parasitology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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10
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Stroehlein AJ, Young ND, Korhonen PK, Chang BCH, Nejsum P, Pozio E, La Rosa G, Sternberg PW, Gasser RB. Whipworm kinomes reflect a unique biology and adaptation to the host animal. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:857-866. [PMID: 28606697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Roundworms belong to a diverse phylum (Nematoda) which is comprised of many parasitic species including whipworms (genus Trichuris). These worms have adapted to a biological niche within the host and exhibit unique morphological characteristics compared with other nematodes. Although these adaptations are known, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. The availability of genomes and transcriptomes of some whipworms now enables detailed studies of their molecular biology. Here, we defined and curated the full complement of an important class of enzymes, the protein kinases (kinomes) of two species of Trichuris, using an advanced and integrated bioinformatic pipeline. We investigated the transcription of Trichuris suis kinase genes across developmental stages, sexes and tissues, and reveal that selectively transcribed genes can be linked to central roles in developmental and reproductive processes. We also classified and functionally annotated the curated kinomes by integrating evidence from structural modelling and pathway analyses, and compared them with other curated kinomes of phylogenetically diverse nematode species. Our findings suggest unique adaptations in signalling processes governing worm morphology and biology, and provide an important resource that should facilitate experimental investigations of kinases and the biology of signalling pathways in nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J Stroehlein
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Neil D Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pasi K Korhonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bill C H Chang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Yourgene Bioscience, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Peter Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Paul W Sternberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Robin B Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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11
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Yu L, Cao B, Long Y, Tukayo M, Feng C, Fang W, Luo D. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of two important life stages of Angiostrongylus cantonensis: fifth-stage larvae and female adults. Genet Mol Biol 2017. [PMID: 28644509 PMCID: PMC5488468 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2016-0274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms involved in the fast growth of Angiostrongylus
cantonensis from fifth-stage larvae (L5) to female adults and how L5
breaks through the blood-brain barrier in a permissive host remain unclear. In this
work, we compared the transcriptomes of these two life stages to identify the main
factors involved in the rapid growth and transition to adulthood. RNA samples from
the two stages were sequenced and assembled de novo. Gene Ontology
and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of 1,346 differentially
expressed genes between L5 and female adults was then undertaken. Based on a
combination of analytical results and developmental characteristics, we suggest that
A. cantonensis synthesizes a large amount of cuticle in L5 to
allow body dilatation in the rapid growth period. Products that are degraded via the
lysosomal pathway may provide sufficient raw materials for cuticle production. In
addition, metallopeptidases may play a key role in parasite penetration of the
blood-brain barrier during migration from the brain. Overall, these results indicate
that the profiles of each transcriptome are tailored to the need for survival in each
developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yu
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Binbin Cao
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ying Long
- Translational Medicine Center, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410006, China
| | - Meks Tukayo
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Chonglv Feng
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Wenzhen Fang
- College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Damin Luo
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.,State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
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12
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Wit J, Gilleard JS. Resequencing Helminth Genomes for Population and Genetic Studies. Trends Parasitol 2017; 33:388-399. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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13
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Nascimento Santos L, Carvalho Pacheco LG, Silva Pinheiro C, Alcantara-Neves NM. Recombinant proteins of helminths with immunoregulatory properties and their possible therapeutic use. Acta Trop 2017; 166:202-211. [PMID: 27871775 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The inverse relationship between helminth infections and the development of immune-mediated diseases is a cornerstone of the hygiene hypothesis and studies were carried out to elucidate the mechanisms by which helminth-derived molecules can suppress immunological disorders. These studies have fostered the idea that parasitic worms may be used as a promising therapeutic alternative for prevention and treatment of immune-mediated diseases. We discuss the current approaches for identification of helminth proteins with potential immunoregulatory properties, including the strategies based on high-throughput technologies. We also explore the methodological approaches and expression systems used for production of the recombinant forms of more than 20 helminth immunomodulatory proteins, besides their performances when evaluated as immunotherapeutic molecules to treat different immune-mediated conditions, including asthma and inflammatory bowel diseases. Finally, we discuss the perspectives of using these parasite-derived recombinant molecules as tools for future immunotherapy and immunoprophylaxis of human inflammatory diseases.
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14
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Stoltzfus JD, Pilgrim AA, Herbert DR. Perusal of parasitic nematode 'omics in the post-genomic era. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 215:11-22. [PMID: 27887974 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The advent of high-throughput, next-generation sequencing methods combined with advances in computational biology and bioinformatics have greatly accelerated discovery within biomedical research. This "post-genomics" era has ushered in powerful approaches allowing one to quantify RNA transcript and protein abundance for every gene in the genome - often for multiple conditions. Herein, we chronicle how the post-genomics era has advanced our overall understanding of parasitic nematodes through transcriptomics and proteomics and highlight some of the important advances made in each major nematode clade. We primarily focus on organisms relevant to human health, given that nematode infections significantly impact disability-adjusted life years (DALY) scores within the developing world, but we also discuss organisms of veterinary importance as well as those used as laboratory models. As such, we envision that this review will serve as a comprehensive resource for those seeking a better understanding of basic parasitic nematode biology as well as those interested in targets for vaccination and pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Stoltzfus
- Department of Biology, Millersville University, Millersville, PA, United States.
| | - Adeiye A Pilgrim
- Emory University School of Medicine MD/PhD Program, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - De'Broski R Herbert
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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