1
|
Yeh YT, Del Álamo JC, Caffrey CR. Biomechanics of parasite migration within hosts. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:164-175. [PMID: 38172015 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.001] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The dissemination of protozoan and metazoan parasites through host tissues is hindered by cellular barriers, dense extracellular matrices, and fluid forces in the bloodstream. To overcome these diverse biophysical impediments, parasites implement versatile migratory strategies. Parasite-exerted mechanical forces and upregulation of the host's cellular contractile machinery are the motors for these strategies, and these are comparably better characterized for protozoa than for helminths. Using the examples of the protozoans, Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium, and the metazoan, Schistosoma mansoni, we highlight how quantitative tools such as traction force and reflection interference contrast microscopies have improved our understanding of how parasites alter host mechanobiology to promote their migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Yeh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Juan C Del Álamo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Division of Cardiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 93093, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC0657, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alimohamadi H, Rangamani P. Effective cell membrane tension protects red blood cells against malaria invasion. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011694. [PMID: 38048346 PMCID: PMC10721198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical step in how malaria parasites invade red blood cells (RBCs) is the wrapping of the membrane around the egg-shaped merozoites. Recent experiments have revealed that RBCs can be protected from malaria invasion by high membrane tension. While cellular and biochemical aspects of parasite actomyosin motor forces during the malaria invasion have been well studied, the important role of the biophysical forces induced by the RBC membrane-cytoskeleton composite has not yet been fully understood. In this study, we use a theoretical model for lipid bilayer mechanics, cytoskeleton deformation, and membrane-merozoite interactions to systematically investigate the influence of effective RBC membrane tension, which includes contributions from the lipid bilayer tension, spontaneous tension, interfacial tension, and the resistance of cytoskeleton against shear deformation on the progression of membrane wrapping during the process of malaria invasion. Our model reveals that this effective membrane tension creates a wrapping energy barrier for a complete merozoite entry. We calculate the tension threshold required to impede the malaria invasion. We find that the tension threshold is a nonmonotonic function of spontaneous tension and undergoes a sharp transition from large to small values as the magnitude of interfacial tension increases. We also predict that the physical properties of the RBC cytoskeleton layer-particularly the resting length of the cytoskeleton-play key roles in specifying the degree of the membrane wrapping. We also found that the shear energy of cytoskeleton deformation diverges at the full wrapping state, suggesting the local disassembly of the cytoskeleton is required to complete the merozoite entry. Additionally, using our theoretical framework, we predict the landscape of myosin-mediated forces and the physical properties of the RBC membrane in regulating successful malaria invasion. Our findings on the crucial role of RBC membrane tension in inhibiting malaria invasion can have implications for developing novel antimalarial therapeutic or vaccine-based strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haleh Alimohamadi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Souza G, Teixeira SC, Fajardo Martínez AF, Silva RJ, Luz LC, de Lima Júnior JP, Rosini AM, dos Santos NCL, de Oliveira RM, Paschoalino M, Barbosa MC, Alves RN, Gomes AO, da Silva CV, Ferro EAV, Barbosa BF. Trypanosoma cruzi P21 recombinant protein modulates Toxoplasma gondii infection in different experimental models of the human maternal-fetal interface. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243480. [PMID: 37915581 PMCID: PMC10617204 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Toxoplasma gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a disease that affects about one-third of the human population. Most infected individuals are asymptomatic, but severe cases can occur such as in congenital transmission, which can be aggravated in individuals infected with other pathogens, such as HIV-positive pregnant women. However, it is unknown whether infection by other pathogens, such as Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, as well as one of its proteins, P21, could aggravate T. gondii infection. Methods In this sense, we aimed to investigate the impact of T. cruzi and recombinant P21 (rP21) on T. gondii infection in BeWo cells and human placental explants. Results Our results showed that T. cruzi infection, as well as rP21, increases invasion and decreases intracellular proliferation of T. gondii in BeWo cells. The increase in invasion promoted by rP21 is dependent on its binding to CXCR4 and the actin cytoskeleton polymerization, while the decrease in proliferation is due to an arrest in the S/M phase in the parasite cell cycle, as well as interleukin (IL)-6 upregulation and IL-8 downmodulation. On the other hand, in human placental villi, rP21 can either increase or decrease T. gondii proliferation, whereas T. cruzi infection increases T. gondii proliferation. This increase can be explained by the induction of an anti-inflammatory environment through an increase in IL-4 and a decrease in IL-6, IL-8, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. Discussion In conclusion, in situations of coinfection, the presence of T. cruzi may favor the congenital transmission of T. gondii, highlighting the importance of neonatal screening for both diseases, as well as the importance of studies with P21 as a future therapeutic target for the treatment of Chagas disease, since it can also favor T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Aryani Felixa Fajardo Martínez
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Luana Carvalho Luz
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Joed Pires de Lima Júnior
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Monteiro Rosini
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Natália Carine Lima dos Santos
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael Martins de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marina Paschoalino
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Matheus Carvalho Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rosiane Nascimento Alves
- Department of Agricultural and Natural Science, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Ituiutaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Angelica Oliveira Gomes
- Institute of Natural and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Claudio Vieira da Silva
- Laboratory of Trypanosomatids, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Bellisa Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dans MG, Piirainen H, Nguyen W, Khurana S, Mehra S, Razook Z, Geoghegan ND, Dawson AT, Das S, Parkyn Schneider M, Jonsdottir TK, Gabriela M, Gancheva MR, Tonkin CJ, Mollard V, Goodman CD, McFadden GI, Wilson DW, Rogers KL, Barry AE, Crabb BS, de Koning-Ward TF, Sleebs BE, Kursula I, Gilson PR. Sulfonylpiperazine compounds prevent Plasmodium falciparum invasion of red blood cells through interference with actin-1/profilin dynamics. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002066. [PMID: 37053271 PMCID: PMC10128974 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With emerging resistance to frontline treatments, it is vital that new antimalarial drugs are identified to target Plasmodium falciparum. We have recently described a compound, MMV020291, as a specific inhibitor of red blood cell (RBC) invasion, and have generated analogues with improved potency. Here, we generated resistance to MMV020291 and performed whole genome sequencing of 3 MMV020291-resistant populations. This revealed 3 nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in 2 genes; 2 in profilin (N154Y, K124N) and a third one in actin-1 (M356L). Using CRISPR-Cas9, we engineered these mutations into wild-type parasites, which rendered them resistant to MMV020291. We demonstrate that MMV020291 reduces actin polymerisation that is required by the merozoite stage parasites to invade RBCs. Additionally, the series inhibits the actin-1-dependent process of apicoplast segregation, leading to a delayed death phenotype. In vitro cosedimentation experiments using recombinant P. falciparum proteins indicate that potent MMV020291 analogues disrupt the formation of filamentous actin in the presence of profilin. Altogether, this study identifies the first compound series interfering with the actin-1/profilin interaction in P. falciparum and paves the way for future antimalarial development against the highly dynamic process of actin polymerisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline G Dans
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Henni Piirainen
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - William Nguyen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sachin Khurana
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Somya Mehra
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zahra Razook
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Sujaan Das
- Ludwig Maximilian University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Thorey K Jonsdottir
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mikha Gabriela
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria R Gancheva
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Vanessa Mollard
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geoffrey I McFadden
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danny W Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kelly L Rogers
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alyssa E Barry
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan S Crabb
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tania F de Koning-Ward
- School of Medicine and Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Inari Kursula
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Paul R Gilson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Frischknecht F, Enninga J. Actin subversion for productive Plasmodium hepatocyte invasion. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:319-320. [PMID: 36931922 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Productive invasion of hepatocytes by Plasmodium sporozoites is a key step of infection. The parasites traverse hepatocytes before targeting one of them to form a parasitophorous vacuole for parasite expansion. Schepis et al. show the induction of membrane ruffling via host Rho GTPases by Plasmodium sporozoites facilitating productive invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Freddy Frischknecht
- University of Heidelberg Medical School, Center for Infectious Diseases, Parasitology and German Center for Infection Research, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Jost Enninga
- Institut Pasteur, Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions Unit and CNRS UMR3691, Université de Paris Cité, 75724 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schepis A, Kumar S, Kappe SHI. Malaria parasites harness Rho GTPase signaling and host cell membrane ruffling for productive invasion of hepatocytes. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111927. [PMID: 36640315 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium sporozoites are the motile forms of the malaria parasites that infect hepatocytes. The initial invasion of hepatocytes is thought to be actively driven by sporozoites, but host cell processes might also play a role. Sporozoite invasion triggers a host plasma membrane invagination that forms a vacuole around the intracellular parasite, which is critical for subsequent intracellular parasite replication. Using fast live confocal microscopy, we observed that the initial interactions between sporozoites and hepatocytes induce plasma membrane ruffles and filopodia extensions. Importantly, we find that these host cell processes facilitate invasion and that Rho GTPase signaling, which regulates membrane ruffling and filopodia extension, is critical for productive infection. Interestingly, sporozoite cell traversal stimulates these processes, suggesting that it increases hepatocyte susceptibility to productive infection. Our study identifies host cell signaling events involved in plasma membrane dynamics as a critical host component of successful malaria parasite infection of hepatocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Schepis
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 307 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 307 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Stefan H I Kappe
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 307 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Role of Host Small GTPases in Apicomplexan Parasite Infection. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071370. [PMID: 35889089 PMCID: PMC9319929 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Apicomplexa are obligate intracellular parasites responsible for several important human diseases. These protozoan organisms have evolved several strategies to modify the host cell environment to create a favorable niche for their survival. The host cytoskeleton is widely manipulated during all phases of apicomplexan intracellular infection. Moreover, the localization and organization of host organelles are altered in order to scavenge nutrients from the host. Small GTPases are a class of proteins widely involved in intracellular pathways governing different processes, from cytoskeletal and organelle organization to gene transcription and intracellular trafficking. These proteins are already known to be involved in infection by several intracellular pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and protozoan parasites. In this review, we recapitulate the mechanisms by which apicomplexan parasites manipulate the host cell during infection, focusing on the role of host small GTPases. We also discuss the possibility of considering small GTPases as potential targets for the development of novel host-targeted therapies against apicomplexan infections.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhu Y, Liao X, Han T, Chen JY, He C, Lu Z. Symbiodiniaceae microRNAs and their targeting sites in coral holobionts: A transcriptomics-based exploration. Genomics 2022; 114:110404. [PMID: 35714829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Corals should make excellent models for cross-kingdom research because of their natural animal-photobiont holobiont composition, yet a lack of studies and experimental data restricts their use. Here we integrate new full-length transcriptomes and small RNAs of four common reef-building corals with the published Cladocopium genomes to gain deeper insight into gene regulation in coral-Symbiodiniaceae holobionts. Eleven novel Symbiodiniaceae miRNAs get identified, and enrichment results of their target genes show that they might play a role in downregulating rejection from host coral cells, protecting symbiont from autophagy and apoptosis in parallel. This work provides evidence for the early origin of cross-kingdom regulation as a mechanism of self-defense autotrophs can use against heterotrophs, sheds more light on coral-Symbiodiniaceae holobionts, and contributes valuable data for further coral research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunchi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Liao
- Guangxi Key Lab of Mangrove Conservation and Utilization, Guangxi Mangrove Research Center, Beihai, Guangxi, China
| | - Tingyu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - J-Y Chen
- Nanjing Institute of Paleontology and Geology, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunpeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zuhong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cova MM, Lamarque MH, Lebrun M. How Apicomplexa Parasites Secrete and Build Their Invasion Machinery. Annu Rev Microbiol 2022; 76:619-640. [PMID: 35671531 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-041320-021425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexa are obligatory intracellular parasites that sense and actively invade host cells. Invasion is a conserved process that relies on the timely and spatially controlled exocytosis of unique specialized secretory organelles termed micronemes and rhoptries. Microneme exocytosis starts first and likely controls the intricate mechanism of rhoptry secretion. To assemble the invasion machinery, micronemal proteins-associated with the surface of the parasite-interact and form complexes with rhoptry proteins, which in turn are targeted into the host cell. This review covers the molecular advances regarding microneme and rhoptry exocytosis and focuses on how the proteins discharged from these two compartments work in synergy to drive a successful invasion event. Particular emphasis is given to the structure and molecular components of the rhoptry secretion apparatus, and to the current conceptual framework of rhoptry exocytosis that may constitute an unconventional eukaryotic secretory machinery closely related to the one described in ciliates. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 76 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Mendonça Cova
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host Interactions (LPHI), CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France;
| | - Mauld H Lamarque
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host Interactions (LPHI), CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France;
| | - Maryse Lebrun
- Laboratory of Pathogen Host Interactions (LPHI), CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sánchez-Arcila JC, Jensen KDC. Forward Genetics in Apicomplexa Biology: The Host Side of the Story. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:878475. [PMID: 35646724 PMCID: PMC9133346 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.878475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forward genetic approaches have been widely used in parasitology and have proven their power to reveal the complexities of host-parasite interactions in an unbiased fashion. Many aspects of the parasite’s biology, including the identification of virulence factors, replication determinants, antibiotic resistance genes, and other factors required for parasitic life, have been discovered using such strategies. Forward genetic approaches have also been employed to understand host resistance mechanisms to parasitic infection. Here, we will introduce and review all forward genetic approaches that have been used to identify host factors involved with Apicomplexa infections, which include classical genetic screens and QTL mapping, GWAS, ENU mutagenesis, overexpression, RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 library screens. Collectively, these screens have improved our understanding of host resistance mechanisms, immune regulation, vaccine and drug designs for Apicomplexa parasites. We will also discuss how recent advances in molecular genetics give present opportunities to further explore host-parasite relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Sánchez-Arcila
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
| | - Kirk D. C. Jensen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- Health Science Research Institute, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kirk D. C. Jensen,
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mining the Proteome of Toxoplasma Parasites Seeking Vaccine and Diagnostic Candidates. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091098. [PMID: 35565525 PMCID: PMC9099775 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The One Health concept to toxoplasmosis highlights that the health of humans is closely related to the health of animals and our common environment. Toxoplasmosis outcomes might be severe and fatal in patients with immunodeficiency, diabetes, and pregnant women and infants. Consequently, the development of effective vaccine and diagnostic strategies is urgent for the elimination of this disease. Proteomics analysis has allowed the identification of key proteins that can be utilized in the development of novel disease diagnostics and vaccines. This work presents relevant proteins found in the proteome of the life cycle-specific stages of Toxoplasma parasites. In fact, it brings together the main functionality key proteins from Toxoplasma parasites coming from proteomic approaches that are most likely to be useful in improving the disease management, and critically proposes innovative directions to finally develop promising vaccines and diagnostics tools. Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a pathogenic protozoan parasite that infects the nucleated cells of warm-blooded hosts leading to an infectious zoonotic disease known as toxoplasmosis. The infection outcomes might be severe and fatal in patients with immunodeficiency, diabetes, and pregnant women and infants. The One Health approach to toxoplasmosis highlights that the health of humans is closely related to the health of animals and our common environment. The presence of drug resistance and side effects, the further improvement of sensitivity and specificity of serodiagnostic tools and the potentiality of vaccine candidates to induce the host immune response are considered as justifiable reasons for the identification of novel targets for the better management of toxoplasmosis. Thus, the identification of new critical proteins in the proteome of Toxoplasma parasites can also be helpful in designing and test more effective drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. Accordingly, in this study we present important proteins found in the proteome of the life cycle-specific stages of Toxoplasma parasites that are potential diagnostic or vaccine candidates. The current study might help to understand the complexity of these parasites and provide a possible source of strategies and biomolecules that can be further evaluated in the pathobiology of Toxoplasma parasites and for diagnostics and vaccine trials against this disease.
Collapse
|
12
|
Amanzougaghene N, Tajeri S, Yalaoui S, Lorthiois A, Soulard V, Gego A, Rametti A, Risco-Castillo V, Moreno A, Tefit M, van Gemert GJ, Sauerwein RW, Vaillant JC, Ravassard P, Pérignon JL, Froissard P, Mazier D, Franetich JF. The Host Protein Aquaporin-9 is Required for Efficient Plasmodium falciparum Sporozoite Entry into Human Hepatocytes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:704662. [PMID: 34268141 PMCID: PMC8276244 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.704662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte invasion by Plasmodium sporozoites represents a promising target for innovative antimalarial therapy, but the molecular events mediating this process are still largely uncharacterized. We previously showed that Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite entry into hepatocytes strictly requires CD81. However, CD81-overexpressing human hepatoma cells remain refractory to P. falciparum infection, suggesting the existence of additional host factors necessary for sporozoite entry. Here, through differential transcriptomic analysis of human hepatocytes and hepatoma HepG2-CD81 cells, the transmembrane protein Aquaporin-9 (AQP9) was found to be among the most downregulated genes in hepatoma cells. RNA silencing showed that sporozoite invasion of hepatocytes requires AQP9 expression. AQP9 overexpression in hepatocytes increased their permissiveness to P. falciparum. Moreover, chemical disruption with the AQP9 inhibitor phloretin markedly inhibited hepatocyte infection. Our findings identify AQP9 as a novel host factor required for P. falciparum sporozoite hepatocyte-entry and indicate that AQP9 could be a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Amanzougaghene
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Shahin Tajeri
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Samir Yalaoui
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR S945, Paris, France.,INSERM, U945, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Lorthiois
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR S945, Paris, France.,INSERM, U945, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Soulard
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Gego
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR S945, Paris, France.,INSERM, U945, Paris, France
| | - Armelle Rametti
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR S945, Paris, France.,INSERM, U945, Paris, France
| | | | - Alicia Moreno
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Maurel Tefit
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, MMB-NCMLS, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Robert W Sauerwein
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, MMB-NCMLS, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jean-Christophe Vaillant
- AP-HP, Service de Chirurgie Digestive, Hépato-Bilio-Pancréatique et Transplantation Hépatique, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Ravassard
- CR-ICM - LGN CNRS UMR-7991, IFR des Neurosciences, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Louis Pérignon
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR S945, Paris, France.,INSERM, U945, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Froissard
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMR S945, Paris, France.,INSERM, U945, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Mazier
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jean-François Franetich
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses, CIMI-Paris, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pei G, Dorhoi A. NOD-Like Receptors: Guards of Cellular Homeostasis Perturbation during Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136714. [PMID: 34201509 PMCID: PMC8268748 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system relies on families of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that detect distinct conserved molecular motifs from microbes to initiate antimicrobial responses. Activation of PRRs triggers a series of signaling cascades, leading to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and antimicrobials, thereby contributing to the early host defense against microbes and regulating adaptive immunity. Additionally, PRRs can detect perturbation of cellular homeostasis caused by pathogens and fine-tune the immune responses. Among PRRs, nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors (NLRs) have attracted particular interest in the context of cellular stress-induced inflammation during infection. Recently, mechanistic insights into the monitoring of cellular homeostasis perturbation by NLRs have been provided. We summarize the current knowledge about the disruption of cellular homeostasis by pathogens and focus on NLRs as innate immune sensors for its detection. We highlight the mechanisms employed by various pathogens to elicit cytoskeleton disruption, organelle stress as well as protein translation block, point out exemplary NLRs that guard cellular homeostasis during infection and introduce the concept of stress-associated molecular patterns (SAMPs). We postulate that integration of information about microbial patterns, danger signals, and SAMPs enables the innate immune system with adequate plasticity and precision in elaborating responses to microbes of variable virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Pei
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
- Correspondence: (G.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Anca Dorhoi
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Correspondence: (G.P.); (A.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Jin Y, El-Ashram S, Yao Y, Shen J, Suo X, Liu X, Ji Y. Video Microscopic Analysis of Invasion of Toxoplasma gondii into Peritoneal Macrophages. J Parasitol 2021; 106:715-720. [PMID: 33184636 DOI: 10.1645/19-152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can infect all nucleated cells through active invasion. Some non-canonical pathways for T. gondii infection of macrophages have recently been reported. We report a new mode of T. gondii invasion using a time-lapse imaging system, in which T. gondii tachyzoites are engulfed by a tube-like structure on peritoneal macrophage phagosomes and then escape from the phagosomes. Escaped parasites re-invade macrophages through intercellular junctions between their apical end and host cell membranes. We call this invasion pathway of T. gondii "pseudopod-assisted invasion" (PAI). The completion of this invasion process depends on parasitic motility and secretion of adhesins from parasitic micronemes. Our results provide new information about T. gondii infection and establish another platform for studying interactions between T. gondii and macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Laboratory of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases Control, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, 18 Jiangwan Street, Foshan, 528231 Guangdong Province, China.,Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Yong Yao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Laboratory of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases Control, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jijia Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Laboratory of Tropical and Parasitic Diseases Control, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xun Suo
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology & National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xianyong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology & National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongsheng Ji
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chaurasiya A, Garg S, Khanna A, Narayana C, Dwivedi VP, Joshi N, E Anam Z, Singh N, Singhal J, Kaushik S, Kaur Kahlon A, Srivastava P, Marothia M, Kumar M, Kumar S, Kumari G, Munjal A, Gupta S, Singh P, Pati S, Das G, Sagar R, Ranganathan A, Singh S. Pathogen induced subversion of NAD + metabolism mediating host cell death: a target for development of chemotherapeutics. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:10. [PMID: 33441562 PMCID: PMC7806871 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00366-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hijacking of host metabolic status by a pathogen for its regulated dissemination from the host is prerequisite for the propagation of infection. M. tuberculosis secretes an NAD+-glycohydrolase, TNT, to induce host necroptosis by hydrolyzing Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Herein, we expressed TNT in macrophages and erythrocytes; the host cells for M. tuberculosis and the malaria parasite respectively, and found that it reduced the NAD+ levels and thereby induced necroptosis and eryptosis resulting in premature dissemination of pathogen. Targeting TNT in M. tuberculosis or induced eryptosis in malaria parasite interferes with pathogen dissemination and reduction in the propagation of infection. Building upon our discovery that inhibition of pathogen-mediated host NAD+ modulation is a way forward for regulation of infection, we synthesized and screened some novel compounds that showed inhibition of NAD+-glycohydrolase activity and pathogen infection in the nanomolar range. Overall this study highlights the fundamental importance of pathogen-mediated modulation of host NAD+ homeostasis for its infection propagation and novel inhibitors as leads for host-targeted therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayushi Chaurasiya
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Swati Garg
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Ashish Khanna
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Chintam Narayana
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Ved Prakash Dwivedi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Nishant Joshi
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, 201314, India
| | - Zill E Anam
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Niharika Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Jhalak Singhal
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Shikha Kaushik
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Amandeep Kaur Kahlon
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Pallavi Srivastava
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Manisha Marothia
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Geeta Kumari
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Akshay Munjal
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Sonal Gupta
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Preeti Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Soumya Pati
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, 201314, India
| | - Gobardhan Das
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Ram Sagar
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Anand Ranganathan
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Shailja Singh
- Special Centre for Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Paone S, D'Alessandro S, Parapini S, Celani F, Tirelli V, Pourshaban M, Olivieri A. Characterization of the erythrocyte GTPase Rac1 in relation to Plasmodium falciparum invasion. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22054. [PMID: 33328606 PMCID: PMC7744522 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79052-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is still a devastating disease with 228 million cases globally and 405,000 lethal outcomes in 2018, mainly in children under five years of age. The threat of emerging malaria strains resistant to currently available drugs has made the search for novel drug targets compelling. The process by which Plasmodium falciparum parasites invade the host cell has been widely studied, but only a few erythrocyte proteins involved in this process have been identified so far. The erythrocyte protein Rac1 is a GTPase that plays an important role in host cell invasion by many intracellular pathogens. Here we show that Rac1 is recruited in proximity to the site of parasite entry during P. falciparum invasion process and that subsequently localizes to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane. We also suggest that this GTPase may be involved in erythrocyte invasion by P. falciparum, by testing the effect of specific Rac1 inhibitory compounds. Finally, we suggest a secondary role of the erythrocyte GTPase also in parasite intracellular development. We here characterize a new erythrocyte protein potentially involved in P. falciparum invasion of the host cell and propose the human GTPase Rac1 as a novel and promising antimalarial drug target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Paone
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sarah D'Alessandro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Per La Salute, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Celani
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Tirelli
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Olivieri
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Augusto L, Wek RC, Sullivan WJ. Host sensing and signal transduction during Toxoplasma stage conversion. Mol Microbiol 2020; 115:839-848. [PMID: 33118234 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects nucleated cells in virtually all warm-blooded vertebrates, including one-third of the human population. While immunocompetent hosts do not typically show symptoms of acute infection, parasites are retained in latent tissue cysts that can be reactivated upon immune suppression, potentially damaging key organ systems. Toxoplasma has a multistage life cycle that is intimately linked to environmental stresses and host signals. As this protozoan pathogen is transmitted between multiple hosts and tissues, it evaluates these external signals to appropriately differentiate into distinct life cycle stages, such as the transition from its replicative stage (tachyzoite) to the latent stage (bradyzoite) that persists as tissue cysts. Additionally, in the gut of its definitive host, felines, Toxoplasma converts into gametocytes that produce infectious oocysts (sporozoites) that are expelled into the environment. In this review, we highlight recent advances that have illuminated the interfaces between Toxoplasma and host and how these interactions control parasite stage conversion. Mechanisms underlying these stage transitions are important targets for therapeutic intervention aimed at thwarting parasite transmission and pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Augusto
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ronald C Wek
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - William J Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mello-Vieira J, Enguita FJ, de Koning-Ward TF, Zuzarte-Luís V, Mota MM. Plasmodium translocon component EXP2 facilitates hepatocyte invasion. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5654. [PMID: 33159090 PMCID: PMC7648069 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19492-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium parasites possess a translocon that exports parasite proteins into the infected erythrocyte. Although the translocon components are also expressed during the mosquito and liver stage of infection, their function remains unexplored. Here, using a combination of genetic and chemical assays, we show that the translocon component Exported Protein 2 (EXP2) is critical for invasion of hepatocytes. EXP2 is a pore-forming protein that is secreted from the sporozoite upon contact with the host cell milieu. EXP2-deficient sporozoites are impaired in invasion, which can be rescued by the exogenous administration of recombinant EXP2 and alpha-hemolysin (an S. aureus pore-forming protein), as well as by acid sphingomyelinase. The latter, together with the negative impact of chemical and genetic inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase on invasion, reveals that EXP2 pore-forming activity induces hepatocyte membrane repair, which plays a key role in parasite invasion. Overall, our findings establish a novel and critical function for EXP2 that leads to an active participation of the host cell in Plasmodium sporozoite invasion, challenging the current view of the establishment of liver stage infection. While the role of Plasmodium EXP2 protein as translocon component of blood stage parasites is established, its functional role in liver stage parasites remains unclear. Here, Mello-Vieira et al. reveal that EXP2 pore-forming activity induces hepatocyte membrane repair and hence is critical for hepatocyte invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Mello-Vieira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francisco J Enguita
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Vanessa Zuzarte-Luís
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria M Mota
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dans MG, Weiss GE, Wilson DW, Sleebs BE, Crabb BS, de Koning-Ward TF, Gilson PR. Screening the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box for invasion and egress inhibitors of the blood stage of Plasmodium falciparum reveals several inhibitory compounds. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:235-252. [PMID: 32135179 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
With emerging resistance to frontline treatments, it is vital that new drugs are identified to target Plasmodium falciparum. One of the most critical processes during parasites asexual lifecycle is the invasion and subsequent egress of red blood cells (RBCs). Many unique parasite ligands, receptors and enzymes are employed during egress and invasion that are essential for parasite proliferation and survival, therefore making these processes druggable targets. To identify potential inhibitors of egress and invasion, we screened the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box, a 400 compound library against neglected tropical diseases, including 125 with antimalarial activity. For this screen, we utilised transgenic parasites expressing a bioluminescent reporter, nanoluciferase (Nluc), to measure inhibition of parasite egress and invasion in the presence of the Pathogen Box compounds. At a concentration of 2 µM, we found 15 compounds that inhibited parasite egress by >40% and 24 invasion-specific compounds that inhibited invasion by >90%. We further characterised 11 of these inhibitors through cell-based assays and live cell microscopy, and found two compounds that inhibited merozoite maturation in schizonts, one compound that inhibited merozoite egress, one compound that directly inhibited parasite invasion and one compound that slowed down invasion and arrested ring formation. The remaining compounds were general growth inhibitors that acted during the egress and invasion phase of the cell cycle. We found the sulfonylpiperazine, MMV020291, to be the most invasion-specific inhibitor, blocking successful merozoite internalisation within human RBCs and having no substantial effect on other stages of the cell cycle. This has significant implications for the possible development of an invasion-specific inhibitor as an antimalarial in a combination based therapy, in addition to being a useful tool for studying the biology of the invading parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline G Dans
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia.
| | - Greta E Weiss
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Danny W Wilson
- Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Brendan S Crabb
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | | | - Paul R Gilson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Horta MF, Andrade LO, Martins-Duarte ÉS, Castro-Gomes T. Cell invasion by intracellular parasites - the many roads to infection. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/4/jcs232488. [PMID: 32079731 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.232488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular parasites from the genera Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, Leishmania and from the phylum Microsporidia are, respectively, the causative agents of toxoplasmosis, malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and microsporidiosis, illnesses that kill millions of people around the globe. Crossing the host cell plasma membrane (PM) is an obstacle these parasites must overcome to establish themselves intracellularly and so cause diseases. The mechanisms of cell invasion are quite diverse and include (1) formation of moving junctions that drive parasites into host cells, as for the protozoans Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp., (2) subversion of endocytic pathways used by the host cell to repair PM, as for Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania, (3) induction of phagocytosis as for Leishmania or (4) endocytosis of parasites induced by specialized structures, such as the polar tubes present in microsporidian species. Understanding the early steps of cell entry is essential for the development of vaccines and drugs for the prevention or treatment of these diseases, and thus enormous research efforts have been made to unveil their underlying biological mechanisms. This Review will focus on these mechanisms and the factors involved, with an emphasis on the recent insights into the cell biology of invasion by these pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fátima Horta
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Luciana Oliveira Andrade
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Érica Santos Martins-Duarte
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Thiago Castro-Gomes
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wu SZ, Wei HX, Jiang D, Li SM, Zou WH, Peng HJ. Genome-Wide CRISPR Screen Identifies Host Factors Required by Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 9:460. [PMID: 32039045 PMCID: PMC6987080 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii are obligate intracellular protoza, and due to their small genome and limited encoded proteins, they have to exploit host factors for entry, replication, and dissemination. Such host factors can be defined as host dependency factors (HDFs). Though HDFs are inessential for cell viability, they are critical for pathogen infection, and potential ideal targets for therapeutic intervention. However, information about these HDFs required by T. gondii infection is highly deficient. In this study, the genes of human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells were comprehensively edited using the lentiviral CRISPR-Cas9-sgRNA library, and then the lentivirus-treated cells were infected with T. gondii at multiplication of infection 1 (MOI = 1) for 10 days to identify HDFs essential for T. gondii infection. The survival cells were harvested and sent for sgRNA sequencing. The sgRNA sequence matched genes or miRNAs were potential HDFs. Some cells in the lentivirus-treated group could survive longer than those in the untreated control group after T. gondii infection. From a pool of 19,050 human genes and 1,864 human pri-miRNAs, 1,193 potential HDFs were identified, including 1,183 genes and 10 pri-miRNAs (corresponding with 17 mature miRNAs). Among them, seven genes and five mature miRNAs were validated with siRNAs, miRNA inhibitors, and mimics, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that, among the 1,183 genes, 53 potential HDFs were associated with regulation of host actin cytoskeleton and 23 potential HDFs coded immune negative regulators. This result indicated that actin dynamics were indispensable for T. gondii infection, and some host immune negative regulators may be involved in disarming host defenses. Our findings contribute to the current limited knowledge about host factors required by T. gondii infection and provide us with new targets for medication therapy and vaccine exploitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shui-Zhen Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Xia Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng-Min Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Hao Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Juan Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Del Rosario M, Periz J, Pavlou G, Lyth O, Latorre‐Barragan F, Das S, Pall GS, Stortz JF, Lemgruber L, Whitelaw JA, Baum J, Tardieux I, Meissner M. Apicomplexan F-actin is required for efficient nuclear entry during host cell invasion. EMBO Rep 2019; 20:e48896. [PMID: 31584242 PMCID: PMC6893294 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201948896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium spp. invade host cells by injecting a protein complex into the membrane of the targeted cell that bridges the two cells through the assembly of a ring-like junction. This circular junction stretches while the parasites apply a traction force to pass through, a step that typically concurs with transient constriction of the parasite body. Here we analyse F-actin dynamics during host cell invasion. Super-resolution microscopy and real-time imaging highlighted an F-actin pool at the apex of pre-invading parasite, an F-actin ring at the junction area during invasion but also networks of perinuclear and posteriorly localised F-actin. Mutant parasites with dysfunctional acto-myosin showed significant decrease of junctional and perinuclear F-actin and are coincidently affected in nuclear passage through the junction. We propose that the F-actin machinery eases nuclear passage by stabilising the junction and pushing the nucleus through the constriction. Our analysis suggests that the junction opposes resistance to the passage of the parasite's nucleus and provides the first evidence for a dual contribution of actin-forces during host cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Del Rosario
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Javier Periz
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Georgios Pavlou
- Institute for Advanced BiosciencesCNRS, UMR5309, INSERM U1209Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Oliver Lyth
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Fernanda Latorre‐Barragan
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Faculty of Science, Food Engineering and BiotechnologyTechnical University of AmbatoAmbatoEcuador
| | - Sujaan Das
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Gurman S Pall
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Johannes Felix Stortz
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Leandro Lemgruber
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Isabelle Tardieux
- Institute for Advanced BiosciencesCNRS, UMR5309, INSERM U1209Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Markus Meissner
- Wellcome Centre For Integrative ParasitologyInstitute of InfectionImmunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Experimental ParasitologyDepartment for Veterinary SciencesLudwig‐Maximilians‐University Munich MunichGermany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Haqshenas G, Doerig C. Targeting of host cell receptor tyrosine kinases by intracellular pathogens. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/599/eaau9894. [PMID: 31530732 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aau9894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular pathogens use complex and tightly regulated processes to enter host cells. Upon initial interactions with signaling proteins at the surface of target cells, intracellular microbes activate and co-opt specific host signaling pathways that mediate cell surface-cytosol communications to facilitate pathogen internalization. Here, we discuss the roles of host receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in the establishment of productive infections by major intracellular pathogens. We evaluate the gaps in the current understanding of this process and propose a comprehensive approach for assessing the role of host cell signaling in the biology of intracellular microorganisms and viruses. We also discuss RTK-targeting strategies for the treatment of various infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gholamreza Haqshenas
- Infection and Immunity, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Christian Doerig
- Infection and Immunity, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia. .,Centre for Chronic Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Intracellular protozoan parasites: living probes of the host cell surface molecular repertoire. Curr Opin Microbiol 2019; 52:116-123. [PMID: 31349210 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular protozoans co-evolved with their mammalian host cells a range of strategies to cope with the composite and dynamic cell surface features they encounter during migration and infection. Therefore, these single-celled eukaryotic parasites represent a fascinating source of living probes for precisely capturing the dynamic coupling between the membrane and contractile cortex components of the cell surface. Such biomechanical changes drive a constant re-sculpting of the host cell surface, enabling rapid adjustments that contribute to cellular homeostasis. As emphasized in this review, through the design of specific molecular devices and stratagems to interfere with the biomechanics of the mammalian cell surface these parasitic microbes escape from dangerous or unfavourable microenvironments by breaching host cell membranes, directing the membrane repair machinery to wounded membrane areas, or minimizing membrane assault using discretion and speed when invading host cells for sustained residence.
Collapse
|
25
|
Tardieux I. [Illuminating the last twist of the Toxoplasma parasite to invade a host-feeding cell]. Med Sci (Paris) 2019; 35:109-112. [PMID: 30774077 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2019013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Tardieux
- Institut pour l'avancée des biosciences (IAB), équipe dynamique membranaire des interactions parasite-hôte, CNRS UMR5309, Inserm U1209, Université Grenoble Alpes, allée des Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hou Z, Liu D, Su S, Wang L, Zhao Z, Ma Y, Li Q, Jia C, Xu J, Zhou Y, Tao J. Comparison of splenocyte microRNA expression profiles of pigs during acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:97. [PMID: 30700253 PMCID: PMC6354428 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5458-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects humans and other warm-blooded animals. Previous quantitative proteomic analyses of infected host cells revealed that the expression of many host proteins is modulated by T. gondii infection. However, at present limited data are available on the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) associated with the pathology and host immune responses induced by acute and chronic infection with T. gondii in pigs in vivo. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to investigate expression profiles of spleen miRNAs at 10, 25 and 50 days post-infection (DPI) in pigs infected with Chinese I genotype strain T. gondii isolated from a dead pig. RESULTS When compared to the control group, 34, 6 and 86 DEMs were found in spleens of infected pigs at 10, 25 and 50 DPI, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the target genes of DEMs showed that no GO terms were enriched at 25 DPI, whereas 28 and 241 GO terms, of which two and 215 were sample-specific, were significantly enriched at 10 and 50 DPI, respectively. The top 20 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of the target genes of DEMs included signal transduction, immune system, metabolism and diseases. miRNA-gene network analysis revealed that the DEMs played important roles in the host immune response to T. gondii infection by modulating expression levels of cellular immunity-related cytokines and immune-related C-type lectins. CONCLUSION Our results not only showed that host miRNA expression is altered by T. gondii but also revealed differences in the regulation of key biological processes and pathways involved in host responses to acute versus chronic T. gondii infection. This will aid future research into miRNA-target interactions during T. gondii infection in pigs and the development of novel therapies against T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaofeng Hou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Su
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lele Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenxing Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoqiao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanli Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjun Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghua Zhou
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Tao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agri-food Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China. .,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Apicomplexa are obligate intracellular parasites that actively invade, replicate within, and egress from host cells. The parasite actinomyosin-based molecular motor complex (often referred to as the glideosome) is considered an important mediator of parasite motility and virulence. Mature intracellular parasites often become motile just prior to egress from their host cells, and in some genera, this motility is important for successful egress as well as for subsequent invasion of new host cells. To determine whether actinomyosin-based motility is important in the red blood cell egress and invasion activities of the malaria parasite, we have used a conditional genetic approach to delete GAP45, a primary component of the glideosome, in asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum Our results confirm the essential nature of GAP45 for invasion but show that P. falciparum does not require a functional motor complex to undergo egress from the red blood cell. Malarial egress therefore differs fundamentally from induced egress in the related apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondiiIMPORTANCE Clinical malaria results from cycles of replication of single-celled parasites of the genus Plasmodium in red blood cells. Intracellular parasite replication is followed by a highly regulated, protease-dependent process called egress, in which rupture of the bounding membranes allows explosive release of daughter merozoites which rapidly invade fresh red cells. A parasite actinomyosin-based molecular motor (the glideosome) has been proposed to provide the mechanical force to drive invasion. Studies of the related parasite Toxoplasma gondii have shown that induced egress requires parasite motility, mediated by a functional glideosome. However, whether the glideosome has a similar essential role in egress of malaria merozoites from red blood cells is unknown. Here, we show that although a functional glideosome is required for red blood cell invasion by Plasmodium falciparum merozoites, it is not required for egress. These findings place further emphasis on the key role of the protease cascade in malarial egress.
Collapse
|
28
|
Pavlou G, Biesaga M, Touquet B, Lagal V, Balland M, Dufour A, Hakimi MA, Tardieux I. Toxoplasma Parasite Twisting Motion Mechanically Induces Host Cell Membrane Fission to Complete Invasion within a Protective Vacuole. Cell Host Microbe 2018; 24:81-96.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
29
|
Carlsson AE. Membrane bending by actin polymerization. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2018; 50:1-7. [PMID: 29207306 PMCID: PMC5911415 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Actin polymerization provides driving force to aid several types of processes that involve pulling the plasma membrane into the cell, including phagocytosis, cellular entry of large viruses, and endocytosis. In endocytosis, actin polymerization is especially important under conditions of high membrane tension or high turgor pressure. Recent modeling efforts have shown how actin polymerization can give rise to a distribution of forces around the endocytic site, and explored how these forces affect the shape dynamics; experiments have revealed the structure of the endocytic machinery in increasing detail, and demonstrated key feedback interactions between actin assembly and membrane curvature. Here we provide a perspective on these findings and suggest avenues for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders E Carlsson
- Department of Physics, Washington University, One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1105, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Portillo JAC, Muniz-Feliciano L, Lopez Corcino Y, Lee SJ, Van Grol J, Parsons SJ, Schiemman WP, Subauste CS. Toxoplasma gondii induces FAK-Src-STAT3 signaling during infection of host cells that prevents parasite targeting by autophagy. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006671. [PMID: 29036202 PMCID: PMC5658194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting of Toxoplasma gondii by autophagy is an effective mechanism by which host cells kill the protozoan. Thus, the parasite must avoid autophagic targeting to survive. Here we show that the mammalian cytoplasmic molecule Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) becomes activated during invasion of host cells. Activated FAK appears to accompany the formation of the moving junction (as assessed by expression the parasite protein RON4). FAK activation was inhibited by approaches that impaired β1 and β3 integrin signaling. FAK caused activation of Src that in turn mediated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation at the unique Y845 residue. Expression of Src-resistant Y845F EGFR mutant markedly inhibited ROP16-independent activation of STAT3 in host cells. Activation of FAK, Y845 EGFR or STAT3 prevented activation of PKR and eIF2α, key stimulators of autophagy. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of FAK, Src, EGFR phosphorylation at Y845, or STAT3 caused accumulation of the autophagy protein LC3 and LAMP-1 around the parasite and parasite killing dependent on autophagy proteins (ULK1 and Beclin 1) and lysosomal enzymes. Parasite killing was inhibited by expression of dominant negative PKR. Thus, T. gondii activates a FAK→Src→Y845-EGFR→STAT3 signaling axis within mammalian cells, thereby enabling the parasite to survive by avoiding autophagic targeting through a mechanism likely dependent on preventing activation of PKR and eIF2α.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose-Andres C. Portillo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Luis Muniz-Feliciano
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Yalitza Lopez Corcino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - So Jung Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Van Grol
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Sarah J. Parsons
- Department of Microbiology and Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - William P. Schiemman
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Carlos S. Subauste
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and HIV Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chakraborty S, Roy S, Mistry HU, Murthy S, George N, Bhandari V, Sharma P. Potential Sabotage of Host Cell Physiology by Apicomplexan Parasites for Their Survival Benefits. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1261. [PMID: 29081773 PMCID: PMC5645534 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Babesia, and Theileria are the major apicomplexan parasites affecting humans or animals worldwide. These pathogens represent an excellent example of host manipulators who can overturn host signaling pathways for their survival. They infect different types of host cells and take charge of the host machinery to gain nutrients and prevent itself from host attack. The mechanisms by which these pathogens modulate the host signaling pathways are well studied for Plasmodium, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, and Theileria, except for limited studies on Babesia. Theileria is a unique pathogen taking into account the way it modulates host cell transformation, resulting in its clonal expansion. These parasites majorly modulate similar host signaling pathways, however, the disease outcome and effect is different among them. In this review, we discuss the approaches of these apicomplexan to manipulate the host–parasite clearance pathways during infection, invasion, survival, and egress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sonti Roy
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Hiral Uday Mistry
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Shweta Murthy
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Neena George
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Paresh Sharma
- National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB-DBT), Hyderabad, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
|
33
|
Efficient invasion by Toxoplasma depends on the subversion of host protein networks. Nat Microbiol 2017; 2:1358-1366. [PMID: 28848228 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-017-0018-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites are important pathogens of humans and domestic animals, including Plasmodium species (the agents of malaria) and Toxoplasma gondii, which is responsible for toxoplasmosis. They replicate within the cells of their animal hosts, to which they gain access using a unique parasite-driven invasion process. At the core of the invasion machine is a structure at the interface between the invading parasite and host cell called the moving junction (MJ) 1 . The MJ serves as both a molecular doorway to the host cell and an anchor point enabling the parasite to engage its motility machinery to drive the penetration of the host cell 2 , ultimately yielding a protective vacuole 3 . The MJ is established through self-assembly of parasite proteins at the parasite-host interface 4 . However, it is unknown whether host proteins are subverted for MJ formation. Here, we show that Toxoplasma parasite rhoptry neck proteins (RON2, RON4 and RON5) cooperate to actively recruit the host CIN85, CD2AP and the ESCRT-I components ALIX and TSG101 to the MJ during invasion. We map the interactions in detail and demonstrate that the parasite mimics and subverts conserved binding interfaces with remarkable specificity. Parasite mutants unable to recruit these host proteins show inefficient host cell invasion in culture and attenuated virulence in mice. This study reveals molecular mechanisms by which parasites subvert widely conserved host machinery to force highly efficient host cell access.
Collapse
|
34
|
Tardieux I, Baum J. Reassessing the mechanics of parasite motility and host-cell invasion. J Cell Biol 2017; 214:507-15. [PMID: 27573462 PMCID: PMC5004448 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201605100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The capacity to migrate is fundamental to multicellular and single-celled life. Apicomplexan parasites, an ancient protozoan clade that includes malaria parasites (Plasmodium) and Toxoplasma, achieve remarkable speeds of directional cell movement. This rapidity is achieved via a divergent actomyosin motor system, housed within a narrow compartment that lies underneath the length of the parasite plasma membrane. How this motor functions at a mechanistic level during motility and host cell invasion is a matter of debate. Here, we integrate old and new insights toward refining the current model for the function of this motor with the aim of revitalizing interest in the mechanics of how these deadly pathogens move.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Tardieux
- Institute of Advanced BioSciences, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1209, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, England, UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Vaughan AM, Kappe SHI. Malaria Parasite Liver Infection and Exoerythrocytic Biology. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a025486. [PMID: 28242785 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a025486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In their infection cycle, malaria parasites undergo replication and population expansions within the vertebrate host and the mosquito vector. Host infection initiates with sporozoite invasion of hepatocytes, followed by a dramatic parasite amplification event during liver stage parasite growth and replication within hepatocytes. Each liver stage forms up to 90,000 exoerythrocytic merozoites, which are in turn capable of initiating a blood stage infection. Liver stages not only exploit host hepatocyte resources for nutritional needs but also endeavor to prevent hepatocyte cell death and detection by the host's immune system. Research over the past decade has identified numerous parasite factors that play a critical role during liver infection and has started to delineate a complex web of parasite-host interactions that sustain successful parasite colonization of the mammalian host. Targeting the parasites' obligatory infection of the liver as a gateway to the blood, with drugs and vaccines, constitutes the most effective strategy for malaria eradication, as it would prevent clinical disease and onward transmission of the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Vaughan
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Stefan H I Kappe
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98109.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Early electron microscopy studies revealed the elaborate cellular features that define the unique adaptations of apicomplexan parasites. Among these were bulbous rhoptry (ROP) organelles and small, dense granules (GRAs), both of which are secreted during invasion of host cells. These early morphological studies were followed by the exploration of the cellular contents of these secretory organelles, revealing them to be comprised of highly divergent protein families with few conserved domains or predicted functions. In parallel, studies on host-pathogen interactions identified many host signaling pathways that were mysteriously altered by infection. It was only with the advent of forward and reverse genetic strategies that the connections between individual parasite effectors and the specific host pathways that they targeted finally became clear. The current repertoire of parasite effectors includes ROP kinases and pseudokinases that are secreted during invasion and that block host immune pathways. Similarly, many secretory GRA proteins alter host gene expression by activating host transcription factors, through modification of chromatin, or by inducing small noncoding RNAs. These effectors highlight novel mechanisms by which T. gondii has learned to harness host signaling to favor intracellular survival and will guide future studies designed to uncover the additional complexity of this intricate host-pathogen interaction.
Collapse
|
37
|
John Von Freyend S, Kwok-Schuelein T, Netter HJ, Haqshenas G, Semblat JP, Doerig C. Subverting Host Cell P21-Activated Kinase: A Case of Convergent Evolution across Pathogens. Pathogens 2017; 6:pathogens6020017. [PMID: 28430160 PMCID: PMC5488651 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens6020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular pathogens have evolved a wide range of strategies to not only escape from the immune systems of their hosts, but also to directly exploit a variety of host factors to facilitate the infection process. One such strategy is to subvert host cell signalling pathways to the advantage of the pathogen. Recent research has highlighted that the human serine/threonine kinase PAK, or p21-activated kinase, is a central component of host-pathogen interactions in many infection systems involving viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic pathogens. PAK paralogues are found in most mammalian tissues, where they play vital roles in a wide range of functions. The role of PAKs in cell proliferation and survival, and their involvement in a number of cancers, is of great interest in the context of drug discovery. In this review we discuss the latest insights into the surprisingly central role human PAK1 plays for the infection by such different infectious disease agents as viruses, bacteria, and parasitic protists. It is our intention to open serious discussion on the applicability of PAK inhibitors for the treatment, not only of neoplastic diseases, which is currently the primary objective of drug discovery research targeting these enzymes, but also of a wide range of infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona John Von Freyend
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Terry Kwok-Schuelein
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - Hans J Netter
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne Health, The Peter Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
| | - Gholamreza Haqshenas
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | | | - Christian Doerig
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Stadler RV, White LA, Hu K, Helmke BP, Guilford WH. Direct measurement of cortical force generation and polarization in a living parasite. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:1912-1923. [PMID: 28209732 PMCID: PMC5541842 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-07-0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexa is a large phylum of intracellular parasites that are notable for the diseases they cause, including toxoplasmosis, malaria, and cryptosporidiosis. A conserved motile system is critical to their life cycles and drives directional gliding motility between cells, as well as invasion of and egress from host cells. However, our understanding of this system is limited by a lack of measurements of the forces driving parasite motion. We used a laser trap to measure the function of the motility apparatus of living Toxoplasma gondii by adhering a microsphere to the surface of an immobilized parasite. Motion of the microsphere reflected underlying forces exerted by the motile apparatus. We found that force generated at the parasite surface begins with no preferential directionality but becomes directed toward the rear of the cell after a period of time. The transition from nondirectional to directional force generation occurs on spatial intervals consistent with the lateral periodicity of structures associated with the membrane pellicle and is influenced by the kinetics of actin filament polymerization and cytoplasmic calcium. A lysine methyltransferase regulates both the magnitude and polarization of the force. Our work provides a novel means to dissect the motile mechanisms of these pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel V Stadler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Lauren A White
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Ke Hu
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
| | - Brian P Helmke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - William H Guilford
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Whitelaw JA, Latorre-Barragan F, Gras S, Pall GS, Leung JM, Heaslip A, Egarter S, Andenmatten N, Nelson SR, Warshaw DM, Ward GE, Meissner M. Surface attachment, promoted by the actomyosin system of Toxoplasma gondii is important for efficient gliding motility and invasion. BMC Biol 2017; 15:1. [PMID: 28100223 PMCID: PMC5242020 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-016-0343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Apicomplexan parasites employ a unique form of movement, termed gliding motility, in order to invade the host cell. This movement depends on the parasite’s actomyosin system, which is thought to generate the force during gliding. However, recent evidence questions the exact molecular role of this system, since mutants for core components of the gliding machinery, such as parasite actin or subunits of the MyoA-motor complex (the glideosome), remain motile and invasive, albeit at significantly reduced efficiencies. While compensatory mechanisms and unusual polymerisation kinetics of parasite actin have been evoked to explain these findings, the actomyosin system could also play a role distinct from force production during parasite movement. Results In this study, we compared the phenotypes of different mutants for core components of the actomyosin system in Toxoplasma gondii to decipher their exact role during gliding motility and invasion. We found that, while some phenotypes (apicoplast segregation, host cell egress, dense granule motility) appeared early after induction of the act1 knockout and went to completion, a small percentage of the parasites remained capable of motility and invasion well past the point at which actin levels were undetectable. Those act1 conditional knockout (cKO) and mlc1 cKO that continue to move in 3D do so at speeds similar to wildtype parasites. However, these mutants are virtually unable to attach to a collagen-coated substrate under flow conditions, indicating an important role for the actomyosin system of T. gondii in the formation of attachment sites. Conclusion We demonstrate that parasite actin is essential during the lytic cycle and cannot be compensated by other molecules. Our data suggest a conventional polymerisation mechanism in vivo that depends on a critical concentration of G-actin. Importantly, we demonstrate that the actomyosin system of the parasite functions in attachment to the surface substrate, and not necessarily as force generator. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-016-0343-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie A Whitelaw
- Wellcome Trust Centre For Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Fernanda Latorre-Barragan
- Wellcome Trust Centre For Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Simon Gras
- Wellcome Trust Centre For Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Gurman S Pall
- Wellcome Trust Centre For Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Jacqueline M Leung
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Myers Hall 240, 915 E 3rd St Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.,University of Vermont, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Aoife Heaslip
- University of Vermont, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Burlington, Vermont, 05405, USA
| | - Saskia Egarter
- Wellcome Trust Centre For Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Nicole Andenmatten
- Wellcome Trust Centre For Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - Shane R Nelson
- University of Vermont, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Burlington, Vermont, 05405, USA
| | - David M Warshaw
- University of Vermont, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Burlington, Vermont, 05405, USA
| | - Gary E Ward
- University of Vermont, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
| | - Markus Meissner
- Wellcome Trust Centre For Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Bichet M, Touquet B, Gonzalez V, Florent I, Meissner M, Tardieux I. Genetic impairment of parasite myosin motors uncovers the contribution of host cell membrane dynamics to Toxoplasma invasion forces. BMC Biol 2016; 14:97. [PMID: 27829452 PMCID: PMC5101828 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-016-0316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The several-micrometer-sized Toxoplasma gondii protozoan parasite invades virtually any type of nucleated cell from a warm-blooded animal within seconds. Toxoplasma initiates the formation of a tight ring-like junction bridging its apical pole with the host cell membrane. The parasite then actively moves through the junction into a host cell plasma membrane invagination that delineates a nascent vacuole. Recent high resolution imaging and kinematics analysis showed that the host cell cortical actin dynamics occurs at the site of entry while gene silencing approaches allowed motor-deficient parasites to be generated, and suggested that the host cell could contribute energetically to invasion. In this study we further investigate this possibility by analyzing the behavior of parasites genetically impaired in different motor components, and discuss how the uncovered mechanisms illuminate our current understanding of the invasion process by motor-competent parasites. Results By simultaneously tracking host cell membrane and cortex dynamics at the site of interaction with myosin A-deficient Toxoplasma, the junction assembly step could be decoupled from the engagement of the Toxoplasma invasive force. Kinematics combined with functional analysis revealed that myosin A-deficient Toxoplasma had a distinct host cell-dependent mode of entry when compared to wild-type or myosin B/C-deficient Toxoplasma. Following the junction assembly step, the host cell formed actin-driven membrane protrusions that surrounded the myosin A-deficient mutant and drove it through the junction into a typical vacuole. However, this parasite-entry mode appeared suboptimal, with about 40 % abortive events for which the host cell membrane expansions failed to cover the parasite body and instead could apply deleterious compressive forces on the apical pole of the zoite. Conclusions This study not only clarifies the key contribution of T. gondii tachyzoite myosin A to the invasive force, but it also highlights a new mode of entry for intracellular microbes that shares early features of macropinocytosis. Given the harmful potential of the host cell compressive forces, we propose to consider host cell invasion by zoites as a balanced combination between host cell membrane dynamics and the Toxoplasma motor function. In this light, evolutionary shaping of myosin A with fast motor activity could have contributed to optimize the invasive potential of Toxoplasma tachyzoites and thereby their fitness. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12915-016-0316-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Bichet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Cell & Membrane Dynamics of Host-Parasite Interactions, INSERM U1209, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CNRS UMR5309, 38000, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.,Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Bastien Touquet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Cell & Membrane Dynamics of Host-Parasite Interactions, INSERM U1209, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CNRS UMR5309, 38000, Grenoble, France.,Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Virginie Gonzalez
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Florent
- Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS UMR7245, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Markus Meissner
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Isabelle Tardieux
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Cell & Membrane Dynamics of Host-Parasite Interactions, INSERM U1209, 38000, Grenoble, France. .,CNRS UMR5309, 38000, Grenoble, France. .,Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France. .,Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, CNRS, UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75015, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Identification and Characterization of the Rhoptry Neck Protein 2 in Babesia divergens and B. microti. Infect Immun 2016; 84:1574-1584. [PMID: 26953328 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00107-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites include those of the genera Plasmodium, Cryptosporidium, and Toxoplasma and those of the relatively understudied zoonotic genus Babesia In humans, babesiosis, particularly transfusion-transmitted babesiosis, has been emerging as a major threat to public health. Like malaria, the disease pathology is a consequence of the parasitemia which develops through cyclical replication of Babesia parasites in host erythrocytes. However, there are no exoerythrocytic stages in Babesia, so targeting of the blood stage and associated proteins to directly prevent parasite invasion is the most desirable option for effective disease control. Especially promising among such molecules are the rhoptry neck proteins (RONs), whose homologs have been identified in many apicomplexan parasites. RONs are involved in the formation of the moving junction, along with AMA1, but no RON has been identified and characterized in any Babesia spp. Here we identify the RON2 proteins of Babesia divergens (BdRON2) and B. microti (BmRON2) and show that they are localized apically and that anti-BdRON2 antibodies are significant inhibitors of parasite invasion in vitro Neither protein is immunodominant, as both proteins react only marginally with sera from infected animals. Further characterization of the direct role of both BdRON2 and BmRON2 in parasite invasion is required, but knowledge of the level of conformity of RON2 proteins within the apicomplexan phylum, particularly that of the AMA1-RON2 complex at the moving junction, along with the availability of an animal model for B. microti studies, provides a key to target this complex with a goal of preventing the erythrocytic invasion of these parasites and to further our understanding of the role of these conserved ligands in invasion.
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Invasive stages of apicomplexan parasites require a host cell to survive, proliferate and advance to the next life cycle stage. Once invasion is achieved, apicomplexans interact closely with the host cell cytoskeleton, but in many cases the different species have evolved distinct mechanisms and pathways to modulate the structural organization of cytoskeletal filaments. The host cell cytoskeleton is a complex network, largely, but not exclusively, composed of microtubules, actin microfilaments and intermediate filaments, all of which are modulated by associated proteins, and it is involved in diverse functions including maintenance of cell morphology and mechanical support, migration, signal transduction, nutrient uptake, membrane and organelle trafficking and cell division. The ability of apicomplexans to modulate the cytoskeleton to their own advantage is clearly beneficial. We here review different aspects of the interactions of apicomplexans with the three main cytoskeletal filament types, provide information on the currently known parasite effector proteins and respective host cell targets involved, and how these interactions modulate the host cell physiology. Some of these findings could provide novel targets that could be exploited for the development of preventive and/or therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
43
|
Quantitative phospho-proteomics reveals the Plasmodium merozoite triggers pre-invasion host kinase modification of the red cell cytoskeleton. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19766. [PMID: 26830761 PMCID: PMC4735681 DOI: 10.1038/srep19766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasive blood-stage malaria parasite - the merozoite - induces rapid morphological changes to the target erythrocyte during entry. However, evidence for active molecular changes in the host cell that accompany merozoite invasion is lacking. Here, we use invasion inhibition assays, erythrocyte resealing and high-definition imaging to explore red cell responses during invasion. We show that although merozoite entry does not involve erythrocyte actin reorganisation, it does require ATP to complete the process. Towards dissecting the ATP requirement, we present an in depth quantitative phospho-proteomic analysis of the erythrocyte during each stage of invasion. Specifically, we demonstrate extensive increased phosphorylation of erythrocyte proteins on merozoite attachment, including modification of the cytoskeletal proteins beta-spectrin and PIEZO1. The association with merozoite contact but not active entry demonstrates that parasite-dependent phosphorylation is mediated by host-cell kinase activity. This provides the first evidence that the erythrocyte is stimulated to respond to early invasion events through molecular changes in its membrane architecture.
Collapse
|
44
|
Rucksaken R, Haonon O, Pinlaor P, Pairojkul C, Roytrakul S, Yongvanit P, Selmi C, Pinlaor S. Plasma IgG autoantibody against actin-related protein 3 in liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini infection. Parasite Immunol 2016; 37:340-8. [PMID: 25809205 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Opisthorchiasis secondary to Opisthorchis viverrini infection leads to cholangiocellular carcinoma through chronic inflammation of the bile ducts and possibly inducing autoimmunity. It was hypothesized that plasma autoantibodies directed against self-proteins are biomarkers for opisthorchiasis. Plasma from patients with opisthorchiasis was tested using proteins derived from immortalized cholangiocyte cell lines, and spots reacting with plasma were excised and subjected to LC-MS/MS. Seven protein spots were recognized by IgG autoantibodies, and the highest matching scored protein was actin-related protein 3 (ARP3). The antibody against ARP3 was tested in plasma from 55 O. viverrini-infected patients, 24 patients with others endemic parasitic infections and 17 healthy controls using Western blot and ELISA. Immunoreactivity against recombinant ARP3 was significantly more prevalent in opisthorchiasis compared to healthy controls at Western blotting and ELISA (P < 0.05). Plasma ARP3 autoantibody titres were also higher in opisthorchiasis compared to healthy individuals (P < 0.01) and other parasitic infections including Strongyloides stercoralis (P < 0.001), echinostome (P < 0.05), hookworms (P < 0.001) and Taenia spp. (P < 0.05). It was further characterized in that the ARP3 autoantibody titre had a sensitivity of 78.18% and specificity of 100% for opisthorchiasis. In conclusion, it may be suggested that plasma anti-ARP3 might represent a new diagnostic antibody for opisthorchiasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Rucksaken
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - O Haonon
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - P Pinlaor
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Centre for Research and Development in Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - C Pairojkul
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - S Roytrakul
- Proteomics Research Laboratory, Genome Institute, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - P Yongvanit
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - C Selmi
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,BIOMETRA Department, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S Pinlaor
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Koch M, Baum J. The mechanics of malaria parasite invasion of the human erythrocyte - towards a reassessment of the host cell contribution. Cell Microbiol 2016; 18:319-29. [PMID: 26663815 PMCID: PMC4819681 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, we still know little about the mechanics of Plasmodium host cell invasion. Fundamentally, while the essential or non‐essential nature of different parasite proteins is becoming clearer, their actual function and how each comes together to govern invasion are poorly understood. Furthermore, in recent years an emerging world view is shifting focus away from the parasite actin–myosin motor being the sole force responsible for entry to an appreciation of host cell dynamics and forces and their contribution to the process. In this review, we discuss merozoite invasion of the erythrocyte, focusing on the complex set of pre‐invasion events and how these might prime the red cell to facilitate invasion. While traditionally parasite interactions at this stage have been viewed simplistically as mediating adhesion only, recent work makes it apparent that by interacting with a number of host receptors and signalling pathways, combined with secretion of parasite‐derived lipid material, that the merozoite may initiate cytoskeletal re‐arrangements and biophysical changes in the erythrocyte that greatly reduce energy barriers for entry. Seen in this light Plasmodium invasion may well turn out to be a balance between host and parasite forces, much like that of other pathogen infection mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Koch
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Jake Baum
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Gaudreault V, Wirbel J, Jardim A, Rohrbach P, Scorza T. Red Blood Cells Preconditioned with Hemin Are Less Permissive to Plasmodium Invasion In Vivo and In Vitro. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140805. [PMID: 26465787 PMCID: PMC4605744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a parasitic disease that causes severe hemolytic anemia in Plasmodium-infected hosts, which results in the release and accumulation of oxidized heme (hemin). Although hemin impairs the establishment of Plasmodium immunity in vitro and in vivo, mice preconditioned with hemin develop lower parasitemia when challenged with Plasmodium chabaudi adami blood stage parasites. In order to understand the mechanism accounting for this resistance as well as the impact of hemin on eryptosis and plasma levels of scavenging hemopexin, red blood cells were labeled with biotin prior to hemin treatment and P. c. adami infection. This strategy allowed discriminating hemin-treated from de novo generated red blood cells and to follow the infection within these two populations of cells. Fluorescence microscopy analysis of biotinylated-red blood cells revealed increased P. c. adami red blood cells selectivity and a decreased permissibility of hemin-conditioned red blood cells for parasite invasion. These effects were also apparent in in vitro P. falciparum cultures using hemin-preconditioned human red blood cells. Interestingly, hemin did not alter the turnover of red blood cells nor their replenishment during in vivo infection. Our results assign a function for hemin as a protective agent against high parasitemia, and suggest that the hemolytic nature of blood stage human malaria may be beneficial for the infected host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Gaudreault
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jakob Wirbel
- Institute of parasitology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Armando Jardim
- Institute of parasitology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Petra Rohrbach
- Institute of parasitology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Tatiana Scorza
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Dasgupta S, Auth T, Gov NS, Satchwell TJ, Hanssen E, Zuccala ES, Riglar DT, Toye AM, Betz T, Baum J, Gompper G. Membrane-wrapping contributions to malaria parasite invasion of the human erythrocyte. Biophys J 2015; 107:43-54. [PMID: 24988340 PMCID: PMC4184798 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood stage malaria parasite, the merozoite, has a small window of opportunity during which it must successfully target and invade a human erythrocyte. The process of invasion is nonetheless remarkably rapid. To date, mechanistic models of invasion have focused predominantly on the parasite actomyosin motor contribution to the energetics of entry. Here, we have conducted a numerical analysis using dimensions for an archetypal merozoite to predict the respective contributions of the host-parasite interactions to invasion, in particular the role of membrane wrapping. Our theoretical modeling demonstrates that erythrocyte membrane wrapping alone, as a function of merozoite adhesive and shape properties, is sufficient to entirely account for the first key step of the invasion process, that of merozoite reorientation to its apex and tight adhesive linkage between the two cells. Next, parasite-induced reorganization of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton and release of parasite-derived membrane can also account for a considerable energetic portion of actual invasion itself, through membrane wrapping. Thus, contrary to the prevailing dogma, wrapping by the erythrocyte combined with parasite-derived membrane release can markedly reduce the expected contributions of the merozoite actomyosin motor to invasion. We therefore propose that invasion is a balance between parasite and host cell contributions, evolved toward maximal efficient use of biophysical forces between the two cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Dasgupta
- Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Thorsten Auth
- Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Nir S Gov
- Department of Chemical Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Centre de Recherche, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | | | - Eric Hanssen
- Advanced Microscopy Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth S Zuccala
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David T Riglar
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ashley M Toye
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; Bristol Institute for Transfusion Sciences, NHS Blood and Transplant, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Timo Betz
- Centre de Recherche, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Jake Baum
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Gerhard Gompper
- Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
UNLABELLED Apicomplexan parasites actively invade host cells using a mechanism predicted to be powered by a parasite actin-dependent myosin motor. In the model apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii, inducible knockout of the actin gene, ACT1, was recently demonstrated to limit but not completely abolish invasion. This observation has led to the provocative suggestion that T. gondii possesses alternative, ACT1-independent invasion pathways. Here, we dissected the residual invasive ability of Δact1 parasites. Surprisingly, we were able to detect residual ACT1 protein in inducible Δact1 parasites as long as 5 days after ACT1 deletion. We further found that the longer Δact1 parasites were propagated after ACT1 deletion, the more severe an invasion defect was observed. Both findings are consistent with the quantity of residual ACT1 retained in Δact1 parasites being responsible for their invasive ability. Furthermore, invasion by the Δact1 parasites was also sensitive to the actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin D. Finally, there was no clear defect in attachment to host cells or moving junction formation by Δact1 parasites. However, Δact1 parasites often exhibited delayed entry into host cells, suggesting a defect specific to the penetration stage of invasion. Overall, our results support a model where residual ACT1 protein retained in inducible Δact1 parasites facilitates their limited invasive ability and confirm that parasite actin is essential for efficient penetration into host cells during invasion. IMPORTANCE The prevailing model for apicomplexan invasion has recently been suggested to require major revision, based on studies where core components of the invasion machinery were genetically disrupted using a Cre-Lox-based inducible knockout system. For the myosin component of the motor thought to power invasion, an alternative parasite myosin was recently demonstrated to functionally compensate for loss of the primary myosin involved in invasion. Here, we highlight a second mechanism that can account for the surprising ability of parasites to invade after genetic disruption of core invasion machinery. Specifically, residual actin protein present in inducible knockout parasites appears able to support their limited invasion of host cells. Our results have important implications for the interpretation of the apicomplexan invasion model and also highlight significant considerations when analyzing the phenotypes of inducible knockout parasites generated using Cre-Lox technology.
Collapse
|
49
|
AMA1-deficient Toxoplasma gondii parasites transiently colonize mice and trigger an innate immune response that leads to long-lasting protective immunity. Infect Immun 2015; 83:2475-86. [PMID: 25847964 DOI: 10.1128/iai.02606-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) protein was believed to be essential for the perpetuation of two Apicomplexa parasite genera, Plasmodium and Toxoplasma, until we genetically engineered viable parasites lacking AMA1. The reduction in invasiveness of the Toxoplasma gondii RH-AMA1 knockout (RH-AMA1(KO)) tachyzoite population, in vitro, raised key questions about the outcome associated with these tachyzoites once inoculated in the peritoneal cavity of mice. In this study, we used AMNIS technology to simultaneously quantify and image the parasitic process driven by AMA1(KO) tachyzoites. We report their ability to colonize and multiply in mesothelial cells and in both resident and recruited leukocytes. While the RH-AMA1(KO) population amplification is rapidly lethal in immunocompromised mice, it is controlled in immunocompetent hosts, where immune cells in combination sense parasites and secrete proinflammatory cytokines. This innate response further leads to a long-lasting status immunoprotective against a secondary challenge by high inocula of the homologous type I or a distinct type II T. gondii genotypes. While AMA1 is definitively not an essential protein for tachyzoite entry and multiplication in host cells, it clearly assists the expansion of parasite population in vivo.
Collapse
|
50
|
Bussière FI, Brossier F, Le Vern Y, Niepceron A, Silvestre A, de Sablet T, Lacroix-Lamandé S, Laurent F. Reduced parasite motility and micronemal protein secretion by a p38 MAPK inhibitor leads to a severe impairment of cell invasion by the apicomplexan parasite Eimeria tenella. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116509. [PMID: 25689363 PMCID: PMC4331428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
E. tenella infection is associated with a severe intestinal disease leading to high economic losses in poultry industry. Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are implicated in early response to infection and are divided in three pathways: p38, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Our objective was to determine the importance of these kinases on cell invasion by E. tenella. We evaluated the effect of specific inhibitors (ERK: PD98059, JNKII: SP600125, p38 MAPK: SB203580) on the invasion of epithelial cells. Incubation of SP600125 and SB203580 with epithelial cells and parasites significantly inhibited cell invasion with the highest degree of inhibition (90%) for SB203580. Silencing of the host p38α MAPK expression by siRNA led to only 20% decrease in cell invasion. In addition, when mammalian epithelial cells were pre-treated with SB203580, and washed prior infection, a 30% decrease in cell invasion was observed. This decrease was overcome when a p38 MAPK activator, anisomycin was added during infection. This suggests an active but limited role of the host p38 MAPK in this process. We next determined whether SB203580 has a direct effect on the parasite. Indeed, parasite motility and secretion of micronemal proteins (EtMIC1, 2, 3 and 5) that are involved in cell invasion were both decreased in the presence of the inhibitor. After chasing the inhibitor, parasite motility and secretion of micronemal proteins were restored and subsequently cell invasion. SB203580 inhibits cell invasion by acting partly on the host cell and mainly on the parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Françoise I. Bussière
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Fabien Brossier
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Yves Le Vern
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
- Plate-forme d’Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules, Laboratoire de Cytométrie et Fluorimétrie, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Alisson Niepceron
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Anne Silvestre
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Thibaut de Sablet
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Sonia Lacroix-Lamandé
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| | - Fabrice Laurent
- Apicomplexes et Immunité Mucosale, INRA, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, UMR1282, Infectiologie et Santé Publique, F-37000 Tours, France
| |
Collapse
|