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Nascimento da Silva J, Conceição CC, Ramos de Brito GC, Renato de Oliveira Daumas Filho C, Walter Nuno AB, Talyuli OAC, Arcanjo A, de Oliveira PL, Moreira LA, Vaz IDS, Logullo C. Immunometabolic crosstalk in Aedes fluviatilis and Wolbachia pipientis symbiosis. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107272. [PMID: 38588812 PMCID: PMC11154636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107272] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Wolbachia pipientis is a maternally transmitted symbiotic bacterium that mainly colonizes arthropods, potentially affecting different aspects of the host's physiology, e.g., reproduction, immunity, and metabolism. It has been shown that Wolbachia modulates glycogen metabolism in mosquito Aedes fluviatilis (Ae. fluviatilis). Glycogen synthesis is controlled by the enzyme GSK3, which is also involved in immune responses in both vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. Here we investigated the mechanisms behind immune changes mediated by glycogen synthase kinase β (GSK3β) in the symbiosis between Ae. fluviatilis and W. pipientis using a GSK3β inhibitor or RNAi-mediated gene silencing. GSK3β inhibition or knockdown increased glycogen content and Wolbachia population, together with a reduction in Relish2 and gambicin transcripts. Furthermore, knockdown of Relish2 or Caspar revealed that the immunodeficiency pathway acts to control Wolbachia numbers in the host. In conclusion, we describe for the first time the involvement of GSK3β in Ae. fluviatilis immune response, acting to control the Wolbachia endosymbiotic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhenifer Nascimento da Silva
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Christiano Calixto Conceição
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gisely Cristina Ramos de Brito
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Renato de Oliveira Daumas Filho
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz Walter Nuno
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Octavio A C Talyuli
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Angélica Arcanjo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pedro L de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciano Andrade Moreira
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Grupo Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno Vetor, Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Centro de Biotecnologia and Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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2
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Zhong Z, Wang K, Wang J. Tick symbiosis. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 62:101163. [PMID: 38244689 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
As obligate blood-feeders, ticks serve as vectors for a variety of pathogens that pose threats on both human and livestock health. The microbiota that ticks harbor play important roles in influencing tick nutrition, development, reproduction, and vector. These microbes also affect the capacity of ticks to transmit pathogens (vector competence). Therefore, comprehending the functions of tick microbiota will help in developing novel and effective tick control strategies. Here, we summarize the effects of main tick symbiotic bacteria on tick physiology and vector competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Kun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
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3
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Wu-Chuang A, Hartmann D, Maitre A, Mateos-Hernández L, Frantová H, Urbanová V, Obregon D, Cabezas-Cruz A, Perner J. Variation of bacterial community assembly over developmental stages and midgut of Dermanyssus gallinae. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:2400-2413. [PMID: 37249591 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02244-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial microbiota play an important role in the fitness of arthropods, but the bacterial microflora in the parasitic mite Dermanyssus gallinae is only partially explored; there are gaps in our understanding of the microbiota localization and in our knowledge of microbial community assembly. In this work, we have visualized, quantified the abundance, and determined the diversity of bacterial occupancy, not only across developmental stages of D. gallinae, but also in the midgut of micro-dissected female D. gallinae mites. We explored community assembly and the presence of keystone taxa, as well as predicted metabolic functions in the microbiome of the mite. The diversity of the microbiota and the complexity of co-occurrence networks decreased with the progression of the life cycle. However, several bacterial taxa were present in all samples examined, indicating a core symbiotic consortium of bacteria. The relatively higher bacterial abundance in adult females, specifically in their midguts, implicates a function linked to the biology of D. gallinae mites. If such an association proves to be important, the bacterial microflora qualifies itself as an acaricidal or vaccine target against this troublesome pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Wu-Chuang
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - David Hartmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Apolline Maitre
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
- INRAE, UR 0045 Laboratoire de Recherches Sur Le Développement de L'Elevage (SELMET-LRDE), 20250, Corte, France
- EA 7310, Laboratoire de Virologie, Université de Corse, Corte, France
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Helena Frantová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Urbanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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4
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Shi H, Yu X, Cheng G. Impact of the microbiome on mosquito-borne diseases. Protein Cell 2023; 14:743-761. [PMID: 37186167 PMCID: PMC10599646 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad021] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases present a significant threat to human health, with the possibility of outbreaks of new mosquito-borne diseases always looming. Unfortunately, current measures to combat these diseases such as vaccines and drugs are often either unavailable or ineffective. However, recent studies on microbiomes may reveal promising strategies to fight these diseases. In this review, we examine recent advances in our understanding of the effects of both the mosquito and vertebrate microbiomes on mosquito-borne diseases. We argue that the mosquito microbiome can have direct and indirect impacts on the transmission of these diseases, with mosquito symbiotic microorganisms, particularly Wolbachia bacteria, showing potential for controlling mosquito-borne diseases. Moreover, the skin microbiome of vertebrates plays a significant role in mosquito preferences, while the gut microbiome has an impact on the progression of mosquito-borne diseases in humans. As researchers continue to explore the role of microbiomes in mosquito-borne diseases, we highlight some promising future directions for this field. Ultimately, a better understanding of the interplay between mosquitoes, their hosts, pathogens, and the microbiomes of mosquitoes and hosts may hold the key to preventing and controlling mosquito-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huicheng Shi
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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5
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Riske BF, Luckhart S, Riehle MA. Starving the Beast: Limiting Coenzyme A Biosynthesis to Prevent Disease and Transmission in Malaria. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13915. [PMID: 37762222 PMCID: PMC10530615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813915] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites must acquire all necessary nutrients from the vertebrate and mosquito hosts to successfully complete their life cycle. Failure to acquire these nutrients can limit or even block parasite development and presents a novel target for malaria control. One such essential nutrient is pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, which the parasite cannot synthesize de novo and is required for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA) in the parasite. This review examines pantothenate and the CoA biosynthesis pathway in the human-mosquito-malaria parasite triad and explores possible approaches to leverage the CoA biosynthesis pathway to limit malaria parasite development in both human and mosquito hosts. This includes a discussion of sources for pantothenate for the mosquito, human, and parasite, examining the diverse strategies used by the parasite to acquire substrates for CoA synthesis across life stages and host resource pools and a discussion of drugs and alternative approaches being studied to disrupt CoA biosynthesis in the parasite. The latter includes antimalarial pantothenate analogs, known as pantothenamides, that have been developed to target this pathway during the human erythrocytic stages. In addition to these parasite-targeted drugs, we review studies of mosquito-targeted allosteric enzymatic regulators known as pantazines as an approach to limit pantothenate availability in the mosquito and subsequently deprive the parasite of this essential nutrient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan F. Riske
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA;
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Michael A. Riehle
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;
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6
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Abstract
Haematophagous arthropods, including mosquitoes, ticks, flies, triatomine bugs and lice (here referred to as vectors), are involved in the transmission of various pathogens to mammals on whom they blood feed. The diseases caused by these pathogens, collectively known as vector-borne diseases (VBDs), threaten the health of humans and animals. Although the vector arthropods differ in life histories, feeding behaviour as well as reproductive strategies, they all harbour symbiotic microorganisms, known as microbiota, on which they depend for completing essential aspects of their biology, such as development and reproduction. In this Review, we summarize the shared and unique key features of the symbiotic associations that have been characterized in the major vector taxa. We discuss the crosstalks between microbiota and their arthropod hosts that influence vector metabolism and immune responses relevant for pathogen transmission success, known as vector competence. Finally, we highlight how current knowledge on symbiotic associations is being explored to develop non-chemical-based alternative control methods that aim to reduce vector populations, or reduce vector competence. We conclude by highlighting the remaining knowledge gaps that stand to advance basic and translational aspects of vector-microbiota interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| | - Li Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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7
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Caragata EP, Short SM. Vector microbiota and immunity: modulating arthropod susceptibility to vertebrate pathogens. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 50:100875. [PMID: 35065286 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Arthropods, including mosquitoes, sand flies, tsetse flies, and ticks are vectors of many bacterial, parasitic, and viral pathogens that cause serious disease in humans and animals. Their microbiota, that is, all microorganisms that dwell within their tissues, can impact vector immunity and susceptibility to pathogen infection. Historically, host-pathogen-microbiota interactions have not been well described, with little known about mechanism. In this review, we highlight recent advances in understanding how individual microorganisms and microbial communities interact with vectors and human pathogens, the mechanisms they utilize to achieve these effects, and the potential for exploiting these interactions to control pathogen transmission. These studies fill important knowledge gaps and further our understanding of the roles that the vector microbiota plays in pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P Caragata
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Sarah M Short
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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8
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Microbiomes of Blood-Feeding Arthropods: Genes Coding for Essential Nutrients and Relation to Vector Fitness and Pathogenic Infections. A Review. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122433. [PMID: 34946034 PMCID: PMC8704530 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-feeding arthropods support a diverse array of symbiotic microbes, some of which facilitate host growth and development whereas others are detrimental to vector-borne pathogens. We found a common core constituency among the microbiota of 16 different arthropod blood-sucking disease vectors, including Bacillaceae, Rickettsiaceae, Anaplasmataceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Moraxellaceae and Staphylococcaceae. By comparing 21 genomes of common bacterial symbionts in blood-feeding vectors versus non-blooding insects, we found that certain enteric bacteria benefit their hosts by upregulating numerous genes coding for essential nutrients. Bacteria of blood-sucking vectors expressed significantly more genes (p < 0.001) coding for these essential nutrients than those of non-blooding insects. Moreover, compared to endosymbionts, the genomes of enteric bacteria also contained significantly more genes (p < 0.001) that code for the synthesis of essential amino acids and proteins that detoxify reactive oxygen species. In contrast, microbes in non-blood-feeding insects expressed few gene families coding for these nutrient categories. We also discuss specific midgut bacteria essential for the normal development of pathogens (e.g., Leishmania) versus others that were detrimental (e.g., bacterial toxins in mosquitoes lethal to Plasmodium spp.).
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9
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Jiménez-Cortés JG, García-Contreras R, Bucio-Torres MI, Cabrera-Bravo M, López-Jácome LE, Franco-Cendejas R, Vences-Blanco MO, Salazar-Schettino PM. Bacteria cultured from the gut of Meccus pallidipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), a triatomine species endemic to Mexico. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:478-483. [PMID: 33340140 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The study of intestinal microbiota in vector insects like triatomines is paramount in parasitology because many parasitic species inhabit the vector's gut. Although knowledge on the gut microbiota in various vectors of the parasitic flagellate Trypanosoma cruzi has grown, research efforts have focused on South American triatomines. This study reports the isolation of bacterial microbiota in the anterior and posterior gut of Meccus pallidipennis (a triatomine species endemic to Mexico) by culture, as well as its identification by phenotypic and biochemical tests and its quantification by counting colony-forming units. The study was performed on fifth-instar nymph and adult specimens of M. pallidipennis, either laboratory-bred or collected in the field and either infected or not with T. cruzi. Overall, 17 bacterial species were identified, with the genera Bacillus and Staphylococcus being the most prevalent regardless of the origin of the insects. No differences were observed in the number of bacterial species in the gut of laboratory-bred and field-collected insects, neither with respect to life stage or infection status. In general, the Shannon-Weaver diversity index was higher in non-infected insects than in infected ones. Further studies using non-culture methods are required to determine whether bacterial species diversity is modified by laboratory breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Jiménez-Cortés
- Laboratorio de Biología de Parásitos, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - R García-Contreras
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - M I Bucio-Torres
- Laboratorio de Biología de Parásitos, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - M Cabrera-Bravo
- Laboratorio de Biología de Parásitos, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - L E López-Jácome
- Laboratorio de Infectología, Centro Nacional de Investigación y Atención a Quemados (CENIAQ), Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - R Franco-Cendejas
- Laboratorio de Infectología, Centro Nacional de Investigación y Atención a Quemados (CENIAQ), Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - M O Vences-Blanco
- Laboratorio de Biología de Parásitos, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - P M Salazar-Schettino
- Laboratorio de Biología de Parásitos, Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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10
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Doña J, Virrueta Herrera S, Nyman T, Kunnasranta M, Johnson KP. Patterns of Microbiome Variation Among Infrapopulations of Permanent Bloodsucking Parasites. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:642543. [PMID: 33935998 PMCID: PMC8085356 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.642543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While interspecific variation in microbiome composition can often be readily explained by factors such as host species identity, there is still limited knowledge of how microbiomes vary at scales lower than the species level (e.g., between individuals or populations). Here, we evaluated variation in microbiome composition of individual parasites among infrapopulations (i.e., populations of parasites of the same species living on a single host individual). To address this question, we used genome-resolved and shotgun metagenomic data of 17 infrapopulations (balanced design) of the permanent, bloodsucking seal louse Echinophthirius horridus sampled from individual Saimaa ringed seals Pusa hispida saimensis. Both genome-resolved and read-based metagenomic classification approaches consistently show that parasite infrapopulation identity is a significant factor that explains both qualitative and quantitative patterns of microbiome variation at the intraspecific level. This study contributes to the general understanding of the factors driving patterns of intraspecific variation in microbiome composition, especially of bloodsucking parasites, and has implications for understanding how well-known processes occurring at higher taxonomic levels, such as phylosymbiosis, might arise in these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Doña
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States.,Departamento de Biología Animal, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Stephany Virrueta Herrera
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Tommi Nyman
- Department of Ecosystems in the Barents Region, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Svanvik, Norway
| | - Mervi Kunnasranta
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland.,Natural Resources Institute Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Kevin P Johnson
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
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11
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Nattoh G, Bargul JL, Magoma G, Mbaisi L, Butungi H, Mararo E, Teal E, Herren JK. The fungus Leptosphaerulina persists in Anopheles gambiae and induces melanization. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246452. [PMID: 33617536 PMCID: PMC7899377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anopheles mosquitoes are colonized by diverse microorganisms that may impact on host biology and vectorial capacity. Eukaryotic symbionts such as fungi have been isolated from Anopheles, but whether they are stably associated with mosquitoes and transmitted transstadially across mosquito life stages or to subsequent generations remains largely unexplored. Here, we show that a Leptosphaerulina sp. fungus isolated from the midgut of An. gambiae can be stably associated with An. gambiae host and that it imposes low fitness cost when re-introduced through co-feeding. This fungus is transstadially transmitted across An. gambiae developmental stages and to their progeny. It is present in field-caught larvae and adult mosquitoes at moderate levels across geographical regions. We observed that Leptosphaerulina sp. induces a distinctive melanotic phenotype across the developmental stages of mosquito. As a eukaryotic symbiont that is stably associated with An. gambiae Leptosphaerulina sp. can be explored for paratransgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey Nattoh
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
- Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences Technology and Innovation, Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gabriel Magoma
- Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences Technology and Innovation, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lilian Mbaisi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hellen Butungi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Enock Mararo
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Evan Teal
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
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12
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Lee J, Yek S, Wilson R, Rahman S. Characterization of the Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) holobiome: bacterial composition across land use type and mosquito sex in Malaysia. Acta Trop 2020; 212:105683. [PMID: 32888935 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the diversity and dynamics of the microbiota within the mosquito holobiome is of great importance to apprehend how the microbiota modulates various complex processes and interactions. This study examined the bacterial composition of Aedes albopictus across land use type and mosquito sex in the state of Selangor, Malaysia using 16S rRNA sequencing. The bacterial community structure in mosquitoes was found to be influenced by land use type and mosquito sex, with the environment and mosquito diet respectively identified to be the most likely sources of microbes. We found that approximately 70% of the microbiota samples were dominated by Wolbachia and removing Wolbachia from analyses revealed the relatively even composition of the remaining bacterial microbiota. Furthermore, microbial interaction network analysis highlighted the prevalence of co-exclusionary patterns in all networks regardless of land use and mosquito sex, with Wolbachia exhibiting co-exclusionary interactions with other residential bacteria such as Xanthomonas, Xenophilus and Zymobacter.
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Salcedo-Porras N, Umaña-Diaz C, de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt R, Lowenberger C. The Role of Bacterial Symbionts in Triatomines: An Evolutionary Perspective. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1438. [PMID: 32961808 PMCID: PMC7565714 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects have established mutualistic symbiotic interactions with microorganisms that are beneficial to both host and symbiont. Many insects have exploited these symbioses to diversify and expand their ecological ranges. In the Hemiptera (i.e., aphids, cicadas, and true bugs), symbioses have established and evolved with obligatory essential microorganisms (primary symbionts) and with facultative beneficial symbionts (secondary symbionts). Primary symbionts are usually intracellular microorganisms found in insects with specialized diets such as obligate hematophagy or phytophagy. Most Heteroptera (true bugs), however, have gastrointestinal (GI) tract extracellular symbionts with functions analogous to primary endosymbionts. The triatomines, are vectors of the human parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. A description of their small GI tract microbiota richness was based on a few culturable microorganisms first described almost a century ago. A growing literature describes more complex interactions between triatomines and bacteria with properties characteristic of both primary and secondary symbionts. In this review, we provide an evolutionary perspective of beneficial symbioses in the Hemiptera, illustrating the context that may drive the evolution of symbioses in triatomines. We highlight the diversity of the triatomine microbiota, bacterial taxa with potential to be beneficial symbionts, the unique characteristics of triatomine-bacteria symbioses, and the interactions among trypanosomes, microbiota, and triatomines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Salcedo-Porras
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (C.U.-D.); (R.d.O.B.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Claudia Umaña-Diaz
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (C.U.-D.); (R.d.O.B.B.); (C.L.)
| | - Ricardo de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (C.U.-D.); (R.d.O.B.B.); (C.L.)
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, 23890-000 Seropédica, Brasil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada; (C.U.-D.); (R.d.O.B.B.); (C.L.)
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14
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Insight into diversity of bacteria belonging to the order Rickettsiales in 9 arthropods species collected in Serbia. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18680. [PMID: 31822714 PMCID: PMC6904564 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55077-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsiales bacteria in arthropods play a significant role in both public health and arthropod ecology. However, the extensive genetic diversity of Rickettsiales endosymbionts of arthropods is still to be discovered. In 2016, 515 arthropods belonging to 9 species of four classes (Insecta, Chilopoda, Diplopoda and Arachnida) were collected in Serbia. The presence and genetic diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria were evaluated by characterizing the 16S rRNA (rrs), citrate synthase (gltA) and heat shock protein (groEL) genes. The presence of various Rickettsiales bacteria was identified in the majority of tested arthropod species. The results revealed co-circulation of five recognized Rickettsiales species including Rickettsia, Ehrlichia and Wolbachia, as well as four tentative novel species, including one tentative novel genus named Neowolbachia. These results suggest the remarkable genetic diversity of Rickettsiales bacteria in certain arthropod species in this region. Furthermore, the high prevalence of spotted fever group Rickettsia in Ixodes ricinus ticks highlights the potential public health risk of human Rickettsia infection.
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15
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Kieran TJ, Arnold KMH, Thomas JC, Varian CP, Saldaña A, Calzada JE, Glenn TC, Gottdenker NL. Regional biogeography of microbiota composition in the Chagas disease vector Rhodnius pallescens. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:504. [PMID: 31665056 PMCID: PMC6821009 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3761-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triatomine bugs are vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. Rhodnius pallescens is a major vector of Chagas disease in Panama. Understanding the microbial ecology of disease vectors is important in the development of vector management strategies that target vector survival and fitness. In this study we examined the whole-body microbial composition of R. pallescens from three locations in Panama. Methods We collected 89 R. pallescens specimens using Noireau traps in Attalea butyracea palms. We then extracted total DNA from whole-bodies of specimens and amplified bacterial microbiota using 16S rRNA metabarcoding PCR. The 16S libraries were sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq and analyzed using QIIME2 software. Results We found Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes to be the most abundant bacterial phyla across all samples. Geographical location showed the largest difference in microbial composition with northern Veraguas Province having the most diversity and Panama Oeste Province localities being most similar to each other. Wolbachia was detected in high abundance (48–72%) at Panama Oeste area localities with a complete absence of detection in Veraguas Province. No significant differences in microbial composition were detected between triatomine age class, primary blood meal source, or T. cruzi infection status. Conclusions We found biogeographical regions differ in microbial composition among R. pallescens populations in Panama. While overall the microbiota has bacterial taxa consistent with previous studies in triatomine microbial ecology, locality differences are an important observation for future studies. Geographical heterogeneity in microbiomes of vectors is an important consideration for future developments that leverage microbiomes for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy J Kieran
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Kaylee M H Arnold
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Jesse C Thomas
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Christina P Varian
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Azael Saldaña
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama City, Panama
| | - Jose E Calzada
- Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud (ICGES), Panama City, Panama
| | - Travis C Glenn
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Nicole L Gottdenker
- Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. .,Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. .,Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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Salcedo-Porras N, Lowenberger C. The innate immune system of kissing bugs, vectors of chagas disease. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 98:119-128. [PMID: 31014953 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Kissing bugs have long served as models to study many aspects of insect physiology. They also serve as vectors for the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that causes Chagas disease in humans. The overall success of insects is due, in part, to their ability to recognize parasites and pathogens as non-self and to eliminate them using their innate immune system. This immune system comprises physical barriers, cellular responses (phagocytosis, nodulation and encapsulation), and humoral factors (antimicrobial peptides and the prophenoloxidase cascade). Trypanosoma cruzi survives solely in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the vector; if it migrates to the hemocoel it is eliminated. Kissing bugs may not mount a vigorous immune response in the GI tract to avoid eliminating obligate symbiotic microbes on which they rely for survival. Here we describe the current knowledge of innate immunity in kissing bugs and new opportunities using genomic and transcriptomic approaches to study the complex triatomine-trypanosome-microbiome interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Salcedo-Porras
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
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17
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Pavela R, Maggi F, Iannarelli R, Benelli G. Plant extracts for developing mosquito larvicides: From laboratory to the field, with insights on the modes of action. Acta Trop 2019; 193:236-271. [PMID: 30711422 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, major research efforts have been done to investigate the insecticidal activity of plant-based products against mosquitoes. This is a modern and timely challenge in parasitology, aimed to reduce the frequent overuse of synthetic pesticides boosting resistance development in mosquitoes and causing serious threats to human health and environment. This review covers the huge amount of literature available on plant extracts tested as mosquito larvicides, particularly aqueous and alcoholic ones, due to their easy formulation in water without using surfactants. We analysed results obtained on more than 400 plant species, outlining that 29 of them have outstanding larvicidal activity (i.e., LC50 values below 10 ppm) against major vectors belonging to the genera Anopheles, Aedes and Culex, among others. Furthermore, synergistic and antagonistic effects between plant extracts and conventional pesticides, as well as among selected plant extracts are discussed. The efficacy of pure compounds isolated from the most effective plant extracts and - when available - their mechanism of action, as well as the impact on non-target species, is also covered. These belong to the following class of secondary metabolites: alkaloids, alkamides, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, sterols, flavonoids, coumarins, anthraquinones, xanthones, acetogenonins and aliphatics. Their mode of action on mosquito larvae ranges from neurotoxic effects to inhibition of detoxificant enzymes and larval development and/or midugut damages. In the final section, current drawbacks as well as key challenges for future research, including technologies to synergize efficacy and improve stability - thus field performances - of the selected plant extracts, are outlined. Unfortunately, despite the huge amount of laboratory evidences about their efficacy, only a limited number of studies was aimed to validate their efficacy in the field, nor the epidemiological impact potentially arising from these vector control operations has been assessed. This strongly limits the development of commercial mosquito larvicides of botanical origin, at variance with plant-borne products developed in the latest decades to kill or repel other key arthropod species of medical and veterinary importance (e.g., ticks and lice), as well as mosquito adults. Further research on these issues is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Pavela
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska 507, 161 06, Prague 6, Ruzyne, Czech Republic
| | - Filippo Maggi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, via Sant'Agostino, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
| | - Romilde Iannarelli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, via Sant'Agostino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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18
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Vieira CS, Moreira OC, Batista KKS, Ratcliffe NA, Castro DP, Azambuja P. The NF-κB Inhibitor, IMD-0354, Affects Immune Gene Expression, Bacterial Microbiota and Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Rhodnius prolixus Midgut. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1189. [PMID: 30233391 PMCID: PMC6128222 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus is an insect vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in Latin America. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factors (TF) are conserved components of the innate immune system in several multicellular organisms including insects. The drug IMD-0354 [N-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-5-chloro-2-hydroxy-benzamide] is a selective inhibitor of IκB kinases. It blocks IκBα phosphorylation thus preventing nuclear translocation of the NF-κb TF. In humans, NF-κB is involved in several biological processes such as inflammation, cell proliferation and immunity. In insects, the activation of the immune system upon microbial challenge can be controlled by signaling pathways such as the immune deficiency (IMD) and Toll, to combat infection. These activated pathways signal to downstream NF-κB TF to stimulate specific immune genes, triggering the synthesis of several molecules such as the antimicrobial peptides. In Drosophila melanogaster, the activation and regulation of NF-κB TF have been elucidated, while in triatomines these mechanisms are not fully understood Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of oral administration of the drug IMD-0354 on the R. prolixus immune response to challenge with bacteria and T. cruzi, as well as the impact on the gut bacterial microbiota. R. prolixus were fed with rabbit blood containing IMD-0354 and Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, or T. cruzi. The effects of IMD-0354 on insect mortality and antimicrobial activity in insect midgut samples, as well as the relative expression of R. prolixus immune genes were recorded. The bacterial microbiota was analyzed, and viable parasites were counted in insect midgut samples. The IMD-0354 treatment modulated antibacterial activity and the gene expression patterns of defensin A, defensin B, defensin C, and prolixicin, and the genes involved in the IMD and Toll pathways. Additionally, there was an increase of bacterial microbiota in treated insects. Insects treated with IMD-0354 and concomitantly infected with bacteria or T. cruzi through the blood meal had increased mortality, while the T. cruzi population in R. prolixus midgut was reduced. The inhibitory effect of IMD-0354 indicates the importance of NF-κB TF in the innate immune responses involved in the control of bacteria and parasite infections in the R. prolixus midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia S Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otacílio C Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kate K S Batista
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Norman A Ratcliffe
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.,College of Science, Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Daniele P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Azambuja
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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19
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Vieira CS, Moreira OC, Batista KKS, Ratcliffe NA, Castro DP, Azambuja P. The NF-κB Inhibitor, IMD-0354, Affects Immune Gene Expression, Bacterial Microbiota and Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Rhodnius prolixus Midgut. Front Physiol 2018. [PMID: 30233391 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus is an insect vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in Latin America. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factors (TF) are conserved components of the innate immune system in several multicellular organisms including insects. The drug IMD-0354 [N-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-5-chloro-2-hydroxy-benzamide] is a selective inhibitor of IκB kinases. It blocks IκBα phosphorylation thus preventing nuclear translocation of the NF-κb TF. In humans, NF-κB is involved in several biological processes such as inflammation, cell proliferation and immunity. In insects, the activation of the immune system upon microbial challenge can be controlled by signaling pathways such as the immune deficiency (IMD) and Toll, to combat infection. These activated pathways signal to downstream NF-κB TF to stimulate specific immune genes, triggering the synthesis of several molecules such as the antimicrobial peptides. In Drosophila melanogaster, the activation and regulation of NF-κB TF have been elucidated, while in triatomines these mechanisms are not fully understood Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of oral administration of the drug IMD-0354 on the R. prolixus immune response to challenge with bacteria and T. cruzi, as well as the impact on the gut bacterial microbiota. R. prolixus were fed with rabbit blood containing IMD-0354 and Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, or T. cruzi. The effects of IMD-0354 on insect mortality and antimicrobial activity in insect midgut samples, as well as the relative expression of R. prolixus immune genes were recorded. The bacterial microbiota was analyzed, and viable parasites were counted in insect midgut samples. The IMD-0354 treatment modulated antibacterial activity and the gene expression patterns of defensin A, defensin B, defensin C, and prolixicin, and the genes involved in the IMD and Toll pathways. Additionally, there was an increase of bacterial microbiota in treated insects. Insects treated with IMD-0354 and concomitantly infected with bacteria or T. cruzi through the blood meal had increased mortality, while the T. cruzi population in R. prolixus midgut was reduced. The inhibitory effect of IMD-0354 indicates the importance of NF-κB TF in the innate immune responses involved in the control of bacteria and parasite infections in the R. prolixus midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia S Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otacílio C Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kate K S Batista
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Norman A Ratcliffe
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
- College of Science, Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Daniele P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Azambuja
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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