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Jaroenlak P, McCarty KL, Xia B, Lam C, Zwack EE, Yanai I, Bhabha G, Ekiert DC. scRNA-seq reveals transcriptional dynamics of Encephalitozoon intestinalis parasites in human macrophages. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.30.596468. [PMID: 38853846 PMCID: PMC11160751 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.30.596468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Microsporidia are single-celled intracellular parasites that cause opportunistic diseases in humans. Encephalitozoon intestinalis is a prevalent human-infecting species that invades the small intestine. Dissemination to other organ systems is also observed, and is potentially facilitated by macrophages. The macrophage response to infection and the developmental trajectory of the parasite are not well studied. Here we use single cell RNA sequencing to investigate transcriptional changes in both the host and parasite during infection. While a small population of infected macrophages mount a response, most remain transcriptionally unchanged, suggesting that the majority of parasites may avoid host detection. The parasite transcriptome reveals large transcriptional changes throughout the life cycle, providing a blueprint for parasite development. The stealthy microsporidian lifestyle likely allows these parasites to harness macrophages for replication and dissemination. Together, our data provide insights into the host response in primary human macrophages and the E. intestinalis developmental program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pattana Jaroenlak
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kacie L. McCarty
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA
| | - Bo Xia
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Cherry Lam
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA
| | - Erin E. Zwack
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA
| | - Itai Yanai
- Institute for Computational Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Gira Bhabha
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Damian C. Ekiert
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, USA
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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2
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Caravello G, Franchet A, Niehus S, Ferrandon D. Phagocytosis Is the Sole Arm of Drosophila melanogaster Known Host Defenses That Provides Some Protection Against Microsporidia Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:858360. [PMID: 35493511 PMCID: PMC9043853 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.858360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites able to infest specifically a large range of species, including insects. The knowledge about the biology of microsporidial infections remains confined to mostly descriptive studies, including molecular approaches such as transcriptomics or proteomics. Thus, functional data to understand insect host defenses are currently lacking. Here, we have undertaken a genetic analysis of known host defenses of the Drosophila melanogaster using an infection model whereby Tubulinosema ratisbonensis spores are directly injected in this insect. We find that phagocytosis does confer some protection in this infection model. In contrast, the systemic immune response, extracellular reactive oxygen species, thioester proteins, xenophagy, and intracellular antiviral response pathways do not appear to be involved in the resistance against this parasite. Unexpectedly, several genes such as PGRP-LE seem to promote this infection. The prophenol oxidases that mediate melanization have different functions; PPO1 presents a phenotype similar to that of PGRP-LE whereas that of PPO2 suggests a function in the resilience to infection. Similarly, eiger and Unpaired3, which encode two cytokines secreted by hemocytes display a resilience phenotype with a strong susceptibility to T. ratisbonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dominique Ferrandon
- UPR9022, University of Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IBMC), Modèles Insectes D’Immunité Innée (M3I) Unité Propre Recherche (UPR) 9022 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Strasbourg, France
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3
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Aseeja P, Shaikh Y, Bajpai A, Sirsikar P, Kalra SK. Advancement in our understanding of immune response against Encephalitozoon infection. Parasite Immunol 2021; 43:e12828. [PMID: 33682117 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Microsporidia are a group of obligate, intracellular, spore-forming eukaryotic pathogens, which predominantly infects immunocompromised individuals worldwide. Encephalitozoon spp. is one of the most prevalent microsporidia known to infect humans. Host immune system plays a major role in combating pathogens including Encephalitozoon spp. infecting humans. Both innate and adaptive arms of host immune system work together in combating Encephalitozoon infection. Researchers are conducting studies to elucidate the role of both arms of immune system against Encephalitozoon infection. In addition to cell-mediated adaptive immunity, role of innate immunity is also being highlighted in clearance of Encephalitozoon spp. from host body. Therefore, the current review will give a clear and consolidated update on the role of innate as well as adaptive immunity in protection against Encephalitozoon spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praisy Aseeja
- Faculty of Applied Sciences & Biotechnology, Shoolini university of Biotechnology & Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - Yasmin Shaikh
- Faculty of Applied Sciences & Biotechnology, Shoolini university of Biotechnology & Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - Anamika Bajpai
- Centre for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Medicine Education & Research Building, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Prachitee Sirsikar
- Faculty of Applied Sciences & Biotechnology, Shoolini university of Biotechnology & Management Sciences, Solan, India
| | - Sonali K Kalra
- Faculty of Applied Sciences & Biotechnology, Shoolini university of Biotechnology & Management Sciences, Solan, India
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4
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Han Y, Gao H, Xu J, Luo J, Han B, Bao J, Pan G, Li T, Zhou Z. Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses Against Microsporidia Infection in Mammals. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1468. [PMID: 32670257 PMCID: PMC7332555 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular and eukaryotic pathogens that can infect immunocompromised and immunocompetent mammals, including humans. Both innate and adaptive immune systems play important roles against microsporidian infection. The innate immune system can partially eliminate the infection by immune cells, such as gamma delta T cell, natural killer cells (NKs), macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), and present the pathogens to lymphocytes. The innate immune cells can also prime and enhance the adaptive immune response via surface molecules and secreted cytokines. The adaptive immune system is critical to eliminate microsporidian infection by activating cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and humoral immune responses, and feedback regulation of the innate immune mechanism. In this review, we will discuss the cellular and molecular responses and functions of innate and adaptive immune systems against microsporidian infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinze Han
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hailong Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinzhi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Jialing Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Control, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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5
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Dávila-Martínez C, Castillo-Velázquez U, Soto-Domínguez A, Nevárez-Garza AM, Arce-Mendoza AY, Hernandez-Vidal G, Zamora-Avila DE, Rodriguez-Tovar LE. Immunohistochemical localization of TNF-α and IL-4 in granulomas of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed New Zealand white rabbits infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Cytokine 2020; 130:155055. [PMID: 32182455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a fungi-related, obligate, zoonotic, spore-forming intracellular eukaryotic microorganism. This emerging pathogen causes granulomas to form in the brain and kidneys of infected individuals. The objective of the current study was to detect the distribution of TNF-α- and IL-4-positive cells using immunohistochemistry within these granulomas in both infected immunocompetent (group A) and immunosuppressed (group B) New Zealand white rabbits. In the brain, labeled TNF-α immune cells were mainly located in the granuloma peripheries in group B. Granulomas examined in the kidneys of groups A and B were TNF-α positive, but were significantly different (p < 0.001) when compared with the brain. IL-4-producing immune cells in the brain and kidneys were disseminated within granulomas in groups A and B; however, no significant difference (p > 0.05), was observed. IL-4 positive cells were more numerous in brain sections of group B and differed significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with kidneys. Granulomas were not observed in control animals (groups C and D). In conclusion, we identified TNF-α positive cells in both the brain and kidneys of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed animals; IL-4 positive cells were numerous in the brains of immunosuppressed rabbits; however, in terms of percentage were numerous in the brains of immunocompetent rabbits. Immunosuppression appeared to stimulate a change in the cellular phenotype of Th1- to Th2-like granulomas in the brain and kidneys via an unknown mechanism. Expression of pro- and pre-inflammatory cytokines in microsporidian granulomas suggests a mechanism by which E. cuniculi evades the immune response, causing more severe disease. These results increase our understanding of TNF-α and IL-4-positive cells within the E. cuniculi granuloma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Dávila-Martínez
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - U Castillo-Velázquez
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - A Soto-Domínguez
- Departamento de Histología, Facultad de Medicina, UANL, Monterrey, N. L. C.P. 64460, Mexico
| | - A M Nevárez-Garza
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - A Y Arce-Mendoza
- Cuerpo Académico de Inmunología Clínica y Dermatología, Facultad de Medicina, UANL, Col. Mitras Centro, Monterrey, N. L. C.P. 64460, Mexico
| | - G Hernandez-Vidal
- Cuerpo Académico de Patobiología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - D E Zamora-Avila
- Cuerpo Académico de Epidemiologia Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - L E Rodriguez-Tovar
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L. C.P. 66050, Mexico.
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6
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Pereira A, Alvares-Saraiva AM, Konno FTDC, Spadacci-Morena DD, Perez EC, Mariano M, Lallo MA. B-1 cell-mediated modulation of M1 macrophage profile ameliorates microbicidal functions and disrupt the evasion mechanisms of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007674. [PMID: 31536488 PMCID: PMC6779274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we have investigated the possible effect of B-1 cells on the activity of peritoneal macrophages in E. cuniculi infection. In the presence of B-1 cells, peritoneal macrophages had an M1 profile with showed increased phagocytic capacity and index, associated with the intense microbicidal activity and a higher percentage of apoptotic death. The absence of B-1 cells was associated with a predominance of the M2 macrophages, reduced phagocytic capacity and index and microbicidal activity, increased pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines production, and higher percentual of necrosis death. In addition, in the M2 macrophages, spore of phagocytic E. cuniculi with polar tubular extrusion was observed, which is an important mechanism of evasion of the immune response. The results showed the importance of B-1 cells in the modulation of macrophage function against E. cuniculi infection, increasing microbicidal activity, and reducing the fungal mechanisms involved in the evasion of the immune response. The adaptive immune response plays a key role against Encephalitozoon cuniculi, an opportunistic fungus for T cells immunodeficient patients. The role of B cells and antibody play in natural resistance to Encephalitozoon cuniculi remains unknown. Previously, we demonstrated that B-1 deficient mice (XID), an important component of innate immunity, were more susceptible to encephalitozoonosis, despite the increase in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Here we observed that the absence of B-1 cells was associated with a larger population of M2 macrophages, a balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines profile, which had lower microbicidal activity against E. cuniculi infection. However, in the presence of B-1 cells, peritoneal macrophages had a M1 profile with showed increased microbicidal activity and a higher percentage of apoptotic death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Pereira
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista, Rua José Maria Whitaker, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Curso de Biomedicina, Centro Universitário São Camilo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Anuska Marcelino Alvares-Saraiva
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista, Rua José Maria Whitaker, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Interdisciplinar em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, Rua Galvão Bueno, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Laboratório de Fisiopatologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | | | | | - Elizabeth Cristina Perez
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista, Rua José Maria Whitaker, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Mario Mariano
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista, Rua José Maria Whitaker, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Maria Anete Lallo
- Programa de Patologia Ambiental e Experimental, Universidade Paulista, Rua José Maria Whitaker, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.,Curso de Biomedicina, Centro Universitário São Camilo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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7
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Nevárez-Garza AM, Castillo-Velázquez U, Soto-Domínguez A, Montes-de-Oca-Luna R, Zamora-Ávila DE, Wong-González A, Rodríguez-Tovar LE. Quantitative analysis of TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-10 expression, nitric oxide response, and apoptosis in Encephalitozoon cuniculi-infected rabbits. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 81:235-243. [PMID: 29229442 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α, interleukin (IL) -4 and IL-10, as well as apoptosis and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured in the brain and kidneys of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed New Zealand White rabbits infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. All of the animals had clinical signs histopathological lesions compatible with encephalitozoonosis and were E. cuniculi-positive by using a carbon immunoassay test. Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection promoted the expression of TNF-α and NO production in the kidneys of infected rabbits, and a synergic effect was observed in animal treated with dexamethasone. The IL-4 expression was similar in the brain and kidneys of infected rabbits, regardless of their immunologic status. The IL-10 mRNA expression in the brain of infected immunosuppressed rabbits was elevated when compared with positive controls. Apoptosis of granuloma mononuclear-like cells was detected in immunocompetent E. cuniculi-infected rabbits, but it was more evident in infected-immunosuppressed animals. Nitric oxide levels were elevated both in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed infected animals, but it was more apparent in the kidneys. These data suggest that modulation of the immune response by E. cuniculi could contribute to the survival of the parasite within phagocytic cells in granulomas via an as yet undetermined mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Nevárez-Garza
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - Uziel Castillo-Velázquez
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - Adolfo Soto-Domínguez
- Cuerpo Académico de Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, UANL, Monterrey, N. L., C.P. 64460, Mexico
| | - R Montes-de-Oca-Luna
- Cuerpo Académico de Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, UANL, Monterrey, N. L., C.P. 64460, Mexico
| | - Diana E Zamora-Ávila
- Cuerpo Académico de Epidemiología Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Wong-González
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., C.P. 66050, Mexico
| | - Luis E Rodríguez-Tovar
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., C.P. 66050, Mexico.
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8
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Sak B, Kotková M, Hlásková L, Kváč M. Limited effect of adaptive immune response to control encephalitozoonosis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Sak
- Institute of Parasitology; BC CAS, v.v.i.; České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - M. Kotková
- Faculty of Agriculture; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice; České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - L. Hlásková
- Institute of Parasitology; BC CAS, v.v.i.; České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | - M. Kváč
- Institute of Parasitology; BC CAS, v.v.i.; České Budějovice Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice; České Budějovice Czech Republic
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9
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B-1 cell decreases susceptibility to encephalitozoonosis in mice. Immunobiology 2017; 222:218-227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Rodríguez-Tovar LE, Castillo-Velázquez U, Arce-Mendoza AY, Nevárez-Garza AM, Zarate-Ramos JJ, Hernández-Vidal G, Rodríguez-Ramírez HG, Trejo-Chávez A. Interferon γ and interleukin 10 responses in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed New Zealand White rabbits naturally infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 62:82-88. [PMID: 27156850 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 were measured in the serum of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed New Zealand White rabbits naturally infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. IFN-γ levels were elevated in infected rabbits, and a synergic effect was observed in animals treated with the immunosuppressive agent dexamethasone (Dex). The role of IL-10 in infected rabbits remains unclear, as IL-10 levels were similar to those of negative controls. Dex appeared to exhibit a proinflammatory effect, as IFN-γ levels were elevated in infected immunosuppressed rabbits. Similarly, Dex exhibited a synergic effect in infected immunosuppressed rabbits, as evidenced by the elevation in IFN-γ production. These data indicate that the immune response to this glucocorticoid should be considered in the design of future animal model studies of immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Rodríguez-Tovar
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., CP 66050, Mexico
| | - Uziel Castillo-Velázquez
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., CP 66050, Mexico.
| | - Alma Y Arce-Mendoza
- Cuerpo Académico de Inmunología Clínica y Dermatología, Facultad de Medicina, UANL, Col. Mitras Centro, Monterrey, N. L., CP 64460, Mexico
| | - Alicia M Nevárez-Garza
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., CP 66050, Mexico
| | - Juan J Zarate-Ramos
- Cuerpo Académico de Epidemiologia Veterinaria, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., CP 66050, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Hernández-Vidal
- Cuerpo Académico de Patobiología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., CP 66050, Mexico
| | - Heidi G Rodríguez-Ramírez
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., CP 66050, Mexico
| | - Armando Trejo-Chávez
- Cuerpo Académico de Zoonosis y Enfermedades Emergentes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, UANL, General Escobedo, N. L., CP 66050, Mexico
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11
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Kotkova M, Sak B, Kvetonova D, Kvac M. Latent microsporidiosis caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi in immunocompetent hosts: a murine model demonstrating the ineffectiveness of the immune system and treatment with albendazole. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60941. [PMID: 23593356 PMCID: PMC3623998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites causing severe infections with lethal outcome in immunocompromised hosts. However, these pathogens are more frequently reported as latent infections in immunocompetent individuals and raises questions about the potential risk of reactivation following induced immunosuppression. Aims To evaluate the possibility latent microsporidiosis, efficacy or albendazole, and reactivation, the authors monitored the course of E. cuniculi infection in immunocompetent BALB/c mice and immunodeficient SCID mice using molecular methods. Methods Mice were per orally infected with 107 spores of E. cuniculi. Selected groups were treated with albendazole, re-infected or chemically immunosuppressed by dexamethasone. The presence of microsporidia in the host’s organs and feces were determined using PCR methods. Changes in numbers of lymphocytes in blood and in spleen after induction of immunosuppression were confirmed using flow cytometry analysis. Results Whereas E. cuniculi caused lethal microsporidiosis in SCID mice, the infection in BABL/c mice remained asymptomatic despite parasite dissemination into many organs during the acute infection phase. Albendazole treatment led to microsporidia elimination from organs in BALB/c mice. In SCID mice, however, only a temporary reduction in number of affected organs was observed and infection re-established post-treatment. Dexamethasone treatment resulted in a chronic microsporidia infection disseminating into most organs in BALB/c mice. Although the presence of E. cuniculi in organs of albendazole- treated mice was undetectable by PCR, it was striking that infection was reactivated by immunosuppression treatment. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that microsporidia can successfully survive in organs of immunocompetent hosts and are able to reactivate from undetectable levels and spread within these hosts after induction of immunosuppression. These findings stress the danger of latent microsporidiosis as a life-threatening risk factor especially for individuals undergoing chemotherapy and in transplant recipients of organs originating from infected donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kotkova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Bohumil Sak
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Dana Kvetonova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Kvac
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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Ghosh K, Weiss LM. T cell response and persistence of the microsporidia. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2011; 36:748-60. [PMID: 22126330 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6976.2011.00318.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The microsporidia are a diverse phylum of obligate intracellular parasites related to the fungi that cause significant and sometimes life-threatening disease in immune-compromised hosts, such as AIDS and organ transplant patients. More recently, their role in causing pathology in immune-competent populations has also been appreciated. Interestingly, in several instances, the microsporidia have been shown to persist in their hosts long term, causing at opposite ends of the spectrum either an intractable chronic diarrhea and wasting in patients with advanced-stage AIDS or asymptomatic shedding of spores in healthy populations. Much remains to be studied regarding the immune response to these pathogens, but it seems clear that CD8+ T cells are essential in clearing infection. However, in the infection models examined thus far, the role for CD4+ T cells is unclear at best. Here, we discuss the possible reasons and ramifications of what may be a weak primary CD4+ T cell response against Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Given the central role of the CD4+ T cell in other models of adaptive immunity, a better appreciation of its role in responding to microsporidia may provide insight into the survival strategies of these pathogens, which allow them to persist in hosts of varied immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaya Ghosh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Sharma S, Das S, Joseph J, Vemuganti GK, Murthy S. Microsporidial Keratitis: Need for Increased Awareness. Surv Ophthalmol 2011; 56:1-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2010.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2009] [Revised: 03/24/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Mathews A, Hotard A, Hale-Donze H. Innate immune responses to Encephalitozoon species infections. Microbes Infect 2009; 11:905-11. [PMID: 19573618 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular, eukaryotic fungi, which have gained recognition as opportunistic parasites in immunocompromised patients. Resistance to lethal microsporidia infections requires a Th1 immune response; how this protection is initiated against Encephalitozoon species is the focus of this review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Mathews
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, 202 Life Sciences, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-1715, USA
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15
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Toll-like receptor 2 recognition of the microsporidia Encephalitozoon spp. induces nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and subsequent inflammatory responses. Infect Immun 2008; 76:4737-44. [PMID: 18678660 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00733-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that are ubiquitous in nature and have been recognized as causing an important emerging disease among immunocompromised individuals. Limited knowledge exists about the immune response against these organisms, and virtually nothing is known about the receptors involved in host recognition. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are pattern recognition receptors that bind to specific molecules found on pathogens and signal a variety of inflammatory responses. In this study, we show that both Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Encephalitozoon intestinalis are preferentially recognized by TLR2 and not by TLR4 in primary human macrophages. This is the first demonstration of host receptor recognition of any microsporidian species. TLR2 ligation is known to activate NF-kappaB, resulting in inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). We found that the infection of primary human macrophages leads to the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB in as early as 1 h and the subsequent production of TNF-alpha and IL-8. To verify the direct role of TLR2 parasite recognition in the production of these cytokines, the receptor was knocked down in primary human macrophages using small interfering RNA. This knockdown resulted in decreases in both the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB and the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-8 after challenge with spores. Taken together, these experiments directly link the initial inflammatory response induced by Encephalitozoon spp. to TLR2 stimulation in human macrophages.
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Fischer J, Tran D, Juneau R, Hale-Donze H. Kinetics of Encephalitozoon Spp. Infection of Human Macrophages. J Parasitol 2008; 94:169-75. [DOI: 10.1645/ge-1303.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Salát J, Horká H, Sak B, Kopecký J. Pure CD4+ T lymphocytes fail to protect perorally infected SCID mice from lethal microsporidiosis caused by Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Parasitol Res 2007; 99:682-6. [PMID: 16738893 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-006-0208-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2006] [Accepted: 04/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The role of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the protection against intraperitoneally (i.p.) or perorally (p.o.) acquired Encephalitozoon cuniculi (Levaditi et al., C R Soc Biol Paris 89:984-986, 1923) infection was studied by means of reconstitution of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice with well-defined populations of naive CD8+ or CD4+ T lymphocytes. Adoptive transfer of pure CD8+ T lymphocyte subpopulation protects SCID mice against a lethal microsporidiosis caused by E. cuniculi. The protective effect of CD8+ T lymphocytes is manifested in both i.p. and p.o. infection. On the contrary, the host defense against peroral infection does not require CD8+ T cells. The protective role is not mediated by CD4+ T lymphocytes only. SCID mice reconstitution with pure CD4+ T cell subpopulation led to prolonged survival of perorally infected mice. However, these mice died due to lethal encephalitozoonosis caused by i.p. infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jirí Salát
- Biological Center, Institute of Parasitology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 37005 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Microsporidiosis is an emerging and opportunistic infection associated with a wide range of clinical syndromes in humans. This review highlights the research on microsporidiosis in humans during the previous 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS The reduced and compact microsporidian genome has generated much interest for better understanding the evolution of these parasites, and comparative molecular phylogenetic studies continue to support a relationship between the microsporidia and fungi. Through increased awareness and improved diagnostics, microsporidiosis has been identified in a broader range of human populations that, in addition to persons with HIV infection, includes travelers, children, organ transplant recipients, and the elderly. SUMMARY Effective commercial therapies for Enterocytozoon bieneusi, the most common microsporidian species identified in humans, are still lacking, making the need to develop tissue culture and small animal models increasingly urgent. Environmental transport modeling and disinfection strategies are being addressed for improving water safety. Questions still exist about whether microsporidia infections remain persistent in asymptomatic immune-competent individuals, reactivate during conditions of immune compromise, or may be transmitted to others at risk, such as during pregnancy or through organ donation. Reliable serological diagnostic methods are needed to supplement polymerase chain reaction or histochemistry when spore shedding may be sporadic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Didier
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, Louisiana 70433, USA.
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