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de Souza-Maciel E, Carvalho-Kelly LF, Freitas-Mesquita AL, Meyer-Fernandes JR. The ecto-3'-nucleotidase activity of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites increases their adhesion to host cells through the generation of extracellular adenosine. Eur J Protistol 2024; 94:126086. [PMID: 38688045 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126086] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii, a free-living amoeba, can be pathogenic to humans causing a corneal infection named Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). The mannose-binding protein (MBP) is well established as the major factor related to Acanthamoeba pathogenesis. However, additional factors that participate in the adhesion process and protect trophozoites from cytolytic effects caused by host immune responses remain unknown. Ectonucleotidases, including 3'-nucleotidase/nuclease (3'-NT/NU), a bifunctional enzyme that was recently reported in A. castellanii, are frequently related to the establishment of parasitic infections. We verified that trophozoites can hydrolyze 3'-AMP, and this activity is similar to that observed in other protists. The addition of 3'-AMP increases the adhesion of trophozoites to LLC-MK2 epithelial cells, and this stimulation is completely reversed by DTT, an inhibitor of ecto-3'-nucleotidase activity. Lesions in corneal cells caused by AK infection may elevate the extracellular level of 3'-AMP. We believe that ecto-3'-nucleotidase activity can modulate the host immune response, thus facilitating the establishment of parasitic infection. This activity results from the generation of extracellular adenosine, which can bind to purinergic receptors present in host immune cells. Positive feedback may occur in this cascade of events once the ecto-3'-nucleotidase activity of trophozoites is increased by the adhesion of trophozoites to LLC-MK2 cells.
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Carvalho-Kelly LF, Freitas-Mesquita AL, Nascimento MTC, Dick CF, de Souza-Maciel E, Rochael NC, Saraiva EM, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites escape killing by neutrophil extracellular traps using their 3'-nucleotidase/nuclease activity. Eur J Protistol 2023; 91:126032. [PMID: 37948889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2023.126032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba castellanii is a free-living amoeba that acts as an opportunistic pathogen for humans and is the pathogenic agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). A. castellanii may present as proliferative and infective trophozoites or as resistant cysts during their life cycle. The immune response against AK is still poorly explored; however, it is well established that macrophages and neutrophils play essential roles in controlling corneal infection during the disease outcome. The release of NETs is one of the innate immune strategies to prevent parasite infection, especially when neutrophils interact with microorganisms that are too large to be phagocytosed, which is the case for amoeba species. The present work demonstrated that A. castellanii trophozoites can trigger NET formation upon in vitro interaction with neutrophils. Using DNase as a control, we observed increased parasite survival after coinciding with neutrophils, which may be correlated with NET degradation. Indeed, A. castellanii trophozoites degrade the NET DNA scaffold. Molecular analysis confirmed the occurrence of a 3'-nucleotidase/nuclease (3'-NT/NU) in the A. castellanii genome. We also demonstrated that trophozoites exhibit significantly higher 3'-NT/NU activity than cysts, which cannot trigger NET release. Considering that previous studies indicated the pathological role of 3'-NT-/NU in parasite infection, we suggest that this enzyme may act as the mechanism of escape of A. castellanii trophozoites from NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michelle T C Nascimento
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Claudia F Dick
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Natalia C Rochael
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elvira M Saraiva
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Husťáková B, Trundová M, Adámková K, Kovaľ T, Dušková J, Dohnálek J. A highly active S1-P1 nuclease from the opportunistic pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia cleaves c-di-GMP. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2103-2118. [PMID: 37309731 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14683] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A number of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens code for S1-P1 nucleases with a poorly understood role. We have characterized a recombinant form of S1-P1 nuclease from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, an opportunistic pathogen. S. maltophilia nuclease 1 (SmNuc1) acts predominantly as an RNase and is active in a wide range of temperatures and pH. It retains a notable level of activity towards RNA and ssDNA at pH 5 and 9 and about 10% of activity towards RNA at 10 °C. SmNuc1 with very high catalytic rates outperforms S1 nuclease from Aspergillus oryzae and other similar nucleases on all types of substrates. SmNuc1 degrades second messenger c-di-GMP, which has potential implications for its role in the pathogenicity of S. maltophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanka Husťáková
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Biocev, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mária Trundová
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Biocev, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Kristýna Adámková
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Biocev, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Kovaľ
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Biocev, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jarmila Dušková
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Biocev, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Dohnálek
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Biomolecules, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Biocev, Vestec, Czech Republic
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Carnielli JB, Dave A, Romano A, Forrester S, de Faria PR, Monti-Rocha R, Costa CH, Dietze R, Graham IA, Mottram JC. 3'Nucleotidase/nuclease is required for Leishmania infantum clinical isolate susceptibility to miltefosine. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104378. [PMID: 36462405 PMCID: PMC9713291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Miltefosine treatment failure in visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil has been associated with deletion of the miltefosine susceptibility locus (MSL) in Leishmania infantum. The MSL comprises four genes, 3'-nucleotidase/nucleases (NUC1 and NUC2); helicase-like protein (HLP); and 3,2-trans-enoyl-CoA isomerase (TEI). METHODS In this study CRISPR-Cas9 was used to either epitope tag or delete NUC1, NUC2, HLP and TEI, to investigate their role in miltefosine resistance mechanisms. Additionally, miltefosine transporter genes and miltefosine-mediated reactive oxygen species homeostasis were assessed in 26 L. infantum clinical isolates. A comparative lipidomic analysis was also performed to investigate the molecular basis of miltefosine resistance. FINDINGS Deletion of both NUC1, NUC2 from the MSL was associated with a significant decrease in miltefosine susceptibility, which was restored after re-expression. Metabolomic analysis of parasites lacking the MSL or NUC1 and NUC2 identified an increase in the parasite lipid content, including ergosterol; these lipids may contribute to miltefosine resistance by binding the drug in the membrane. Parasites lacking the MSL are more resistant to lipid metabolism perturbation caused by miltefosine and NUC1 and NUC2 are involved in this pathway. Additionally, L. infantum parasites lacking the MSL isolated from patients who relapsed after miltefosine treatment were found to modulate nitric oxide accumulation in host macrophages. INTERPRETATION Altogether, these data indicate that multifactorial mechanisms are involved in natural resistance to miltefosine in L. infantum and that the absence of the 3'nucleotidase/nuclease genes NUC1 and NUC2 contributes to the phenotype. FUNDING MRC GCRF and FAPES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana B.T. Carnielli
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom,Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brazil,Corresponding author. York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.
| | - Anuja Dave
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Audrey Romano
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Forrester
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro R. de Faria
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brazil
| | - Renata Monti-Rocha
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brazil
| | - Carlos H.N. Costa
- Laboratório de Pesquisas em Leishmanioses, Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portella, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Teresina-PI, Brazil
| | - Reynaldo Dietze
- Laboratório de Leishmanioses, Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória-ES, Brazil,Global Health & Tropical Medicine—Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical—Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ian A. Graham
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy C. Mottram
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom,Corresponding author. York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.
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Liao C, Mao F, Qian M, Wang X. Pathogen-Derived Nucleases: An Effective Weapon for Escaping Extracellular Traps. Front Immunol 2022; 13:899890. [PMID: 35865526 PMCID: PMC9294136 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.899890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 2004 publication of the first study describing extracellular traps (ETs) from human neutrophils, several reports have shown the presence of ETs in a variety of different animals and plants. ETs perform two important functions of immobilizing and killing invading microbes and are considered a novel part of the phagocytosis-independent, innate immune extracellular defense system. However, several pathogens can release nucleases that degrade the DNA backbone of ETs, reducing their effectiveness and resulting in increased pathogenicity. In this review, we examined the relevant literature and summarized the results on bacterial and fungal pathogens and parasites that produce nucleases to evade the ET-mediated host antimicrobial mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengshui Liao
- College of Animal Science and Technology/Luoyang Key Laboratory of Live Carrier Biomaterial and Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- *Correspondence: Chengshui Liao, ; Xiaoli Wang,
| | - Fuchao Mao
- College of Animal Science and Technology/Luoyang Key Laboratory of Live Carrier Biomaterial and Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- Animal Diseases and Public Health Engineering Research Center of Henan Province, Luoyang Vocational and Technical College, Luoyang, China
| | - Man Qian
- College of Animal Science and Technology/Luoyang Key Laboratory of Live Carrier Biomaterial and Animal Disease Prevention and Control, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiaoli Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
- *Correspondence: Chengshui Liao, ; Xiaoli Wang,
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Freitas-Mesquita AL, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Stage-Specific Class I Nucleases of Leishmania Play Important Roles in Parasite Infection and Survival. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:769933. [PMID: 34722348 PMCID: PMC8554303 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.769933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Protozoans of the genus Leishmania are the causative agents of an important neglected tropical disease referred to as leishmaniasis. During their lifecycle, the parasites can colonize the alimentary tract of the sand fly vector and the parasitophorous vacuole of the mammalian host, differentiating into distinct stages. Motile promastigotes are found in the sand fly vector and are transmitted to the mammalian host during the insect blood meal. Once in the vertebrate host, the parasites differentiate into amastigotes and multiply inside macrophages. To successfully establish infection in mammalian hosts, Leishmania parasites exhibit various strategies to impair the microbicidal power of the host immune system. In this context, stage-specific class I nucleases play different and important roles related to parasite growth, survival and development. Promastigotes express 3’-nucleotidase/nuclease (3’-NT/NU), an ectoenzyme that can promote parasite escape from neutrophil extracellular traps (NET)-mediated death through extracellular DNA hydrolysis and increase Leishmania-macrophage interactions due to extracellular adenosine generation. Amastigotes express secreted nuclease activity during the course of human infection that may be involved in the purine salvage pathway and can mobilize extracellular nucleic acids available far from the parasite. Another nuclease expressed in amastigotes (P4/LmC1N) is located in the endoplasmic reticulum of the parasite and may be involved in mRNA stability and DNA repair. Homologs of this class I nuclease can induce protection against infection by eliciting a T helper 1-like immune response. These immunogenic properties render these nucleases good targets for the development of vaccines against leishmaniasis, mainly because amastigotes are the form responsible for the development and progression of the disease. The present review aims to present and discuss the roles played by different class I nucleases during the Leishmania lifecycle, especially regarding the establishment of mammalian host infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Leocadio Freitas-Mesquita
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo De Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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7
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Phenotypical and genotypical differences among Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis isolates that caused different clinical frames in humans and dogs: A systematic review. Acta Trop 2021; 221:106018. [PMID: 34157292 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis is an important etiological agent of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in Brazil. The species causes a large spectrum of clinical manifestations in humans and dogs, ranging from cutaneous, cutaneous diffuse, mucocutaneous, and visceral involvement, however, the factors that drive the development of different disease forms by the same species are not yet fully known. In the present work, it was systematically reviewed the studies addressing phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis isolates causing cutaneous and visceral clinical frames in humans and dogs, comparing the results observed. For this, four research databases were searched for the following keywords: (Leishmania amazonensis AND visceral leishmaniasis) AND (tropism OR virulence OR visceralization OR adaptations OR mutation OR clinical presentation OR resistance OR survival OR wide spectrum). The results revealed that the complexity disease seems to involve the combination of genetic factors of the parasite (as modifications in molecules related to the virulence and metabolism) and also of the host's immune background and status. Nonetheless, the exact mechanism that leads to different clinical manifestations between strains of the same species is still uncertain and future studies must be developed to better elucidate this phenomenon.
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8
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Paes-Vieira L, Rocco-Machado N, Freitas-Mesquita AL, Dos Santos Emiliano YS, Gomes-Vieira AL, de Almeida-Amaral EE, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Differential regulation of E-NTPdases during Leishmania amazonensis lifecycle and effect of their overexpression on parasite infectivity and virulence. Parasitol Int 2021; 85:102423. [PMID: 34298165 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by Leishmania amazonensis are characterized by a persistent parasitemia due to the ability of the parasite to modulate the immune response of macrophages. It has been proposed that ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDases) could be able to suppress the host immune defense by reducing the ATP and ADP levels. The AMP generated from E-NTPDase activity can be subsequently hydrolyzed by ecto-nucleotidases, increasing the levels of adenosine, which can reduce the inflammatory response. In the present work, we provide new information about the role of E-NTPDases on infectivity and virulence of L. amazonensis. Our data demonstrate that not only the E-NTPDase activity is differentially regulated during the parasite development but also the expression of the genes ntpd1 and ntpd2. E-NTPDase activity increases significantly in axenic amastigotes and metacyclic promastigotes, both infective forms in mammalian host. A similar profile was found for mRNA levels of the ntpd1 and ntpd2 genes. Using parasites overexpressing the genes ntpd1 and ntpd2, we could demonstrate that L. amazonensis promastigotes overexpressing ntpd2 gene show a remarkable increase in their ability to interact with macrophages compared to controls. In addition, both ntpd1 and ntpd2-overexpressing parasites were more infective to macrophages than controls. The kinetics of lesion formation by transfected parasites were similar to controls until the second week. However, twenty days post-infection, mice infected with ntpd1 and ntpd2-overexpressing parasites presented significantly reduced lesions compared to controls. Interestingly, parasite load reached similar levels among the different experimental groups. Thus, our data show a non-linear relationship between higher E-NTPDase activity and lesion formation. Previous studies have correlated increased ecto-NTPDase activity with virulence and infectivity of Leishmania parasites. Based in our results, we are suggesting that the induced overexpression of E-NTPDases in L. amazonensis could increase extracellular adenosine levels, interfering with the balance of the immune response to promote the pathogen clearance and maintain the host protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisvane Paes-Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Nathália Rocco-Machado
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Anita Leocadio Freitas-Mesquita
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Yago Sousa Dos Santos Emiliano
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Pavilhão Leônidas Deane, 4° andar, sala 405A, Manguinhos, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Gomes-Vieira
- Instituto de Química, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elmo Eduardo de Almeida-Amaral
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-FIOCRUZ, Pavilhão Leônidas Deane, 4° andar, sala 405A, Manguinhos, 21045-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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9
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Afonso M, Mestre AR, Silva G, Almeida AC, Cunha RA, Meyer-Fernandes JR, Gonçalves T, Rodrigues L. Candida Extracellular Nucleotide Metabolism Promotes Neutrophils Extracellular Traps Escape. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:678568. [PMID: 34327150 PMCID: PMC8313894 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.678568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Host innate immunity is fundamental to the resistance against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata infection, two of the most important agents contributing to human fungal infections. Phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils, constitute the first line of host defense mechanisms, and the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) represent an important strategy to immobilize and to kill invading microorganisms, arresting the establishment of infection. The purinergic system operates an important role in the homeostasis of immunity and inflammation, and ectophosphatase and ectonucleotidase activities are recognized as essential for survival strategies and infectious potential of several pathogens. The expression and unique activity of a 3′-nucleotidase/nuclease (3′NT/NU), able to hydrolyze not only AMP but also nucleic acids, has been considered as part of a possible mechanism of microbes to escape from NETs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate if yeasts escape from the NET-mediated killing through their 3′NT/NU enzymatic activity contributing to NET-hydrolysis. After demonstrating the presence of 3′NT/NU activity in C. albicans, C. glabrata, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that, during neutrophils-Candida interaction, when NETs formation and release are triggered, NETs digestion occurs and this process of NETs disruption promoted by yeast cells was prevented by ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (TTM), a 3′NT/NU inhibitor. In conclusion, although the exact nature and specificity of yeasts ectonucleotidases are not completely unraveled, we highlight the importance of these enzymes in the context of infection, helping yeasts to overcome host defenses, whereby C. albicans and C. glabrata can escape NET-mediate killing through their 3′NT/NU activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Afonso
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Mestre
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Guilherme Silva
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Almeida
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- FMUC-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Purines at CNC - Neuromodulation Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal.,FMUC-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lisa Rodrigues
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Coimbra, Portugal.,FMUC-Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Elmahallawy EK, Alkhaldi AAM. Insights into Leishmania Molecules and Their Potential Contribution to the Virulence of the Parasite. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8020033. [PMID: 33672776 PMCID: PMC7924612 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neglected parasitic diseases affect millions of people worldwide, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Among other parasitic diseases, leishmaniasis remains an important public health problem caused by the protozoa of the genus Leishmania, transmitted by the bite of the female sand fly. The disease has also been linked to tropical and subtropical regions, in addition to being an endemic disease in many areas around the world, including the Mediterranean basin and South America. Although recent years have witnessed marked advances in Leishmania-related research in various directions, many issues have yet to be elucidated. The intention of the present review is to give an overview of the major virulence factors contributing to the pathogenicity of the parasite. We aimed to provide a concise picture of the factors influencing the reaction of the parasite in its host that might help to develop novel chemotherapeutic and vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
- Correspondence: (E.K.E.); (A.A.M.A.)
| | - Abdulsalam A. M. Alkhaldi
- Biology Department, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 2014, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (E.K.E.); (A.A.M.A.)
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11
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Schwabl P, Boité MC, Bussotti G, Jacobs A, Andersson B, Moreira O, Freitas-Mesquita AL, Meyer-Fernandes JR, Telleria EL, Traub-Csekö Y, Vaselek S, Leštinová T, Volf P, Morgado FN, Porrozzi R, Llewellyn M, Späth GF, Cupolillo E. Colonization and genetic diversification processes of Leishmania infantum in the Americas. Commun Biol 2021; 4:139. [PMID: 33514858 PMCID: PMC7846609 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania infantum causes visceral leishmaniasis, a deadly vector-borne disease introduced to the Americas during the colonial era. This non-native trypanosomatid parasite has since established widespread transmission cycles using alternative vectors, and human infection has become a significant concern to public health, especially in Brazil. A multi-kilobase deletion was recently detected in Brazilian L. infantum genomes and is suggested to reduce susceptibility to the anti-leishmanial drug miltefosine. We show that deletion-carrying strains occur in at least 15 Brazilian states and describe diversity patterns suggesting that these derive from common ancestral mutants rather than from recurrent independent mutation events. We also show that the deleted locus and associated enzymatic activity is restored by hybridization with non-deletion type strains. Genetic exchange appears common in areas of secondary contact but also among closely related parasites. We examine demographic and ecological scenarios underlying this complex L. infantum population structure and discuss implications for disease control. Philipp Schwabl, Mariana Boité, and colleagues analyze 126 Leishmania infantum genomes to determine how demographic and selective consequences of the parasite’s invasive history have contributed to intricate population genetic heterogeneity across Brazil. Their data suggest a complex interplay of population expansion, secondary contact and genetic exchange events underlying diversity patterns at short and long-distance scales. These processes also appear pivotal to the proliferation of a drug resistance-associated multi-gene deletion on chromosome 31.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schwabl
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mariana C Boité
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Giovanni Bussotti
- Institut Pasteur-Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub-C3BI, USR 3756 IP CNRS, 75015, Paris, France.,Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitology moléculaire et Signalisation, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Arne Jacobs
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Bjorn Andersson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum 9C, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Otacilio Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Doenças Endêmicas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Anita L Freitas-Mesquita
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jose Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Erich L Telleria
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Yara Traub-Csekö
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Slavica Vaselek
- Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Leštinová
- Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Volf
- Faculty of Science, Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 128 44, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fernanda N Morgado
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renato Porrozzi
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martin Llewellyn
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gerald F Späth
- Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1201, Unité de Parasitology moléculaire et Signalisation, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Elisa Cupolillo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Leishmaniose, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, 21040-365, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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12
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Silva D, Moreira D, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Quintas C, Gonçalves J, Fresco P. Intracellular adenosine released from THP-1 differentiated human macrophages is involved in an autocrine control of Leishmania parasitic burden, mediated by adenosine A 2A and A 2B receptors. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 885:173504. [PMID: 32858046 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infected macrophages have conditions to produce adenosine. Despite its known immunosuppressive effects, no studies have yet established whether adenosine alter Leishmania parasitic burden upon macrophage infection. This work aimed at investigating whether endogenous adenosine exerts an autocrine modulation of macrophage response towards Leishmania infection, identifying its origin and potential pharmacological targets for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), using THP-1 differentiated macrophages. Adenosine deaminase treatment of infected THP-1 cells reduced the parasitic burden (29.1 ± 2.2%, P < 0.05). Adenosine A2A and A2B receptor subtypes expression was confirmed by RT-qPCR and by immunocytochemistry and their blockade with selective adenosine A2A and A2B antagonists reduced the parasitic burden [14.5 ± 3.1% (P < 0.05) and 12.3 ± 3.1% (P < 0.05), respectively; and 24.9 ± 2.8% (P < 0.05), by the combination of the two antagonists)], suggesting that adenosine A2 receptors are tonically activated in infected THP-1 differentiated macrophages. The tonic activation of adenosine A2 receptors was dependent on the release of intracellular adenosine through equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENT1/ENT2): NBTI or dipyridamole reduced (~25%) whereas, when ENTs were blocked, adenosine A2 receptor antagonists failed to reduce and A2 agonists increase parasitic burden. Effects of adenosine A2 receptors antagonists and ENT1/2 inhibitor were prevented by L-NAME, indicating that nitric oxide production inhibition prevents adenosine from increasing parasitic burden. Results suggest that intracellular adenosine, released through ENTs, elicits an autocrine increase in parasitic burden in THP-1 macrophages, through adenosine A2 receptors activation. These observations open the possibility to use well-established ENT inhibitors or adenosine A2 receptor antagonists as new therapeutic approaches in VL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dany Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Diana Moreira
- Parasite Disease Group, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- Parasite Disease Group, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Clara Quintas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Jorge Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Epithelial Interactions in Cancer, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Fresco
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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13
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Arora K, Rai AK. Dependence of Leishmania parasite on host derived ATP: an overview of extracellular nucleotide metabolism in parasite. J Parasit Dis 2019; 43:1-13. [PMID: 30956439 PMCID: PMC6423245 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-018-1061-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kashika Arora
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) Allahabad, Allahabad, 211004 U.P. India
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Center, Ghent University Global Campus, Incheon, 21985 South Korea
| | - Ambak Kumar Rai
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) Allahabad, Allahabad, 211004 U.P. India
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14
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Freitas-Mesquita AL, Dick CF, Dos-Santos ALA, Nascimento MTC, Rochael NC, Saraiva EM, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Cloning, expression and purification of 3'-nucleotidase/nuclease, an enzyme responsible for the Leishmania escape from neutrophil extracellular traps. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 229:6-14. [PMID: 30772424 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the most significant of the neglected tropical diseases, with 350 million people in 98 countries worldwide living at risk of developing one of the many forms of the disease. During the transmission of the parasite from its vector to the vertebrate host, neutrophils are rapidly recruited to the site of the sandfly bite. Using different strategies, neutrophils can often kill a large number of parasites. However, some parasites can resist neutrophil-killing mechanisms and survive until macrophage arrival at the infection site. One of the strategies for neutrophil-mediated killing is the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Because of its ecto-localized nuclease activity, the enzyme 3'-nucleotidase/nuclease (3'NT/NU), present in different Leishmania species, was recently identified as part of a possible parasite escape mechanism from NET-mediated death. Previous studies showed that 3'NT/NU also plays an important role in the establishment of Leishmania infection by generating extracellular adenosine that favors the parasite and macrophage interaction. This study aims to deepen the knowledge about 3'NT/NU, mainly with respect to its nuclease activity that is little studied in the current literature. For this, we cloned, expressed and purified the recombinant La3'NT/NU and have confirmed its contribution to the parasite escape from NET-mediated killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Leocadio Freitas-Mesquita
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Claudia F Dick
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - André L A Dos-Santos
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Michelle T C Nascimento
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Natalia C Rochael
- Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes (IMPPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elvira M Saraiva
- Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes (IMPPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis (IBqM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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15
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Koval T, Dohnálek J. Characteristics and application of S1–P1 nucleases in biotechnology and medicine. Biotechnol Adv 2018; 36:603-612. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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16
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Freitas-Mesquita AL, Meyer-Fernandes JR. 3'nucleotidase/nuclease in protozoan parasites: Molecular and biochemical properties and physiological roles. Exp Parasitol 2017; 179:1-6. [PMID: 28587841 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
3'-nucleotidase/nuclease (3'NT/NU) is a bi-functional enzyme that is able to hydrolyze 3'-monophosphorylated nucleotides and nucleic acids. This review summarizes the major molecular and biochemical properties of this enzyme in different trypanosomatid species. Sequence analysis of the gene encoding 3'NT/NU in Leishmania and Crithidia species showed that the protein possesses five highly conserved regions that are characteristic of members of the class I nuclease family. 3'NT/NU presents a molecular weight of approximately 40 kDa, which is conserved among the studied species. Throughout the review, we discuss inhibitors and substrate specificity, relating them to the putative structure of the enzyme. Finally, we present the major biological roles performed by 3'NT/NU. The involvement of 3'NT/NU in the purine salvage pathway was confirmed by the increase of activity and expression of the enzyme when the parasites were submitted to purine starvation. The generation of extracellular adenosine is also important to the modulation of the host immune response. Interaction assays involving Leishmania parasites and macrophages indicated that 3'-nucleotidase activity increases the association index between them. Recently, it was shown that 3'NT/NU plays a role in parasite escape from neutrophil extracellular traps, one of the first mechanisms of the host immune system for preventing infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Leocadio Freitas-Mesquita
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil.
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil.
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17
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Adenosine generated by ectonucleotidases modulates the host immune system during visceral leishmaniasis. Cytokine 2017; 91:170-179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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18
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Chaves MM, Canetti C, Coutinho-Silva R. Crosstalk between purinergic receptors and lipid mediators in leishmaniasis. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:489. [PMID: 27595742 PMCID: PMC5011846 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1781-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease affecting millions of people around the world caused by organisms of the genus Leishmania. Parasite escape mechanisms of the immune system confer the possibility of resistance and dissemination of the disease. A group of molecules that has become a target for Leishmania survival strategies are lipid mediators. Among them, leukotriene B4 (LTB4) has been described as a pro-inflammatory molecule capable of activating cells of the immune system to combat Leishmania. In an opposite way, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a lipid mediator described as a deactivator of macrophages and neutrophils. The balance of these two molecules can be generated by extracellular nucleotides, such as adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine (Ado), which activate the purinergic receptors system. Herein, we discuss the role of extracellular nucleotides and the resulting balance of LTB4 and PGE2 in Leishmania fate, survival or death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana M Chaves
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,Laboratory of Inflammation, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,National Institute of Translational Research in Health and Environment in the Amazon Region, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Cláudio Canetti
- Laboratory of Inflammation, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.,National Institute of Translational Research in Health and Environment in the Amazon Region, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Robson Coutinho-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil. .,National Institute of Translational Research in Health and Environment in the Amazon Region, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil.
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19
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Freitas-Mesquita AL, Gomes MT, Vieira DP, Paes-Vieira L, Nascimento MTC, Lopes AHCS, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Inhibitory effects promoted by 5'-nucleotides on the ecto-3'-nucleotidase activity of Leishmania amazonensis. Exp Parasitol 2016; 169:111-8. [PMID: 27531705 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Leishmania amazonensis is the etiological agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. During its life cycle, the flagellated metacyclic promastigote forms are transmitted to vertebrate hosts by sandfly bites, and they develop into amastigotes inside macrophages, where they multiply. L. amazonensis possesses a bifunctional enzyme, called 3'-nucleotidase/nuclease (3'NT/NU), which is able to hydrolyze extracellular 3'-monophosphorylated nucleosides and nucleic acids. 3'NT/NU plays an important role in the generation of extracellular adenosine and has been described as a key enzyme in the acquisition of purines by trypanosomatids. Furthermore, it has been observed that 3'NT/NU also plays a valuable role in the establishment of parasitic infection. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the modulation of the 3'-nucleotidase (3'NT) activity of L. amazonensis by several nucleotides. It was observed that 3'NT activity is inhibited by micromolar concentrations of guanosine and guanine nucleotides. The inhibition promoted by 5'-GMP on the 3'NT activity of L. amazonensis is reversible and uncompetitive because the addition of the inhibitor decreased the kinetic parameters Km and Vmax. Finally, we found that the addition of 5'-GMP is able to reverse the stimulation promoted by 3'-AMP in a macrophage-parasite interaction assay. The determination of compounds that can inhibit the 3'NT activity of Leishmania is very important because this enzyme does not occur in mammals, making it a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Leocadio Freitas-Mesquita
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marta T Gomes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Danielle P Vieira
- Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Lisvane Paes-Vieira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Michelle T C Nascimento
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Angela H C S Lopes
- Instituto de Microbiologia Prof. Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-590, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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20
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Giarola NLL, Silveira TS, Inacio JDF, Vieira LP, Almeida-Amaral EE, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Leishmania amazonensis: Increase in ecto-ATPase activity and parasite burden of vinblastine-resistant protozoa. Exp Parasitol 2014; 146:25-33. [PMID: 25176449 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Leishmania amazonensis is a protozoan parasite that induces mucocutaneous and diffuse cutaneous lesions upon infection. An important component in treatment failure is the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. It is necessary to clarify the mechanism of resistance that occurs in these parasites to develop effective drugs for leishmaniasis treatment. Promastigote forms of L. amazonensis were selected by gradually increasing concentrations of vinblastine and were maintained under continuous drug pressure (resistant cells). Vinblastine-resistant L. amazonensis proliferated similarly to control parasites. However, resistant cells showed changes in the cell shape, irregular flagella and a decrease in rhodamine 123 accumulation, which are factors associated with the development of resistance, suggesting the MDR phenotype. The Mg-dependent-ecto-ATPase, an enzyme located on cell surface of Leishmania parasites, is involved in the acquisition of purine and participates in the adhesion and infectivity process. We compared control and resistant L. amazonensis ecto-enzymatic activities. The control and resistant Leishmania ecto-ATPase activities were 16.0 ± 1.5 nmol Pi × h(-1) × 10(-7) cells and 40.0 ± 4.4 nmol Pi × h(-1) × 10(-7)cells, respectively. Interestingly, the activity of other ecto-enzymes present on the L. amazonensis cell surface, the ecto-5' and 3'-nucleotidases and ecto-phosphatase, did not increase. The level of ecto-ATPase modulation is related to the degree of resistance of the cell. Cells resistant to 10 μM and 60 μM of vinblastine have ecto-ATPase activities of 22.7 ± 0.4 nmol Pi × h(-1) × 10(-7) cells and 33.8 ± 0.8 nmol Pi × h(-1) × 10(-7)cells, respectively. In vivo experiments showed that both lesion size and parasite burden in mice infected with resistant parasites are greater than those of L. amazonensis control cells. Furthermore, our data established a relationship between the increase in ecto-ATPase activity and greater infectivity and severity of the disease caused by vinblastine-resistant L. amazonensis promastigotes. Taken together, these data suggest that ecto-enzymes could be potential therapeutic targets in the struggle against the spread of leishmaniasis, a neglected world-wide public health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naira Lígia Lima Giarola
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Brazil
| | - Thaís Souza Silveira
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro IFRJ, Brazil
| | | | - Lisvane Paes Vieira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Brazil
| | | | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Brazil.
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21
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Figliuolo VR, Chaves SP, Santoro GF, Coutinho CMLM, Meyer-Fernandes JR, Rossi-Bergmann B, Coutinho-Silva R. Periodate-oxidized ATP modulates macrophage functions during infection with Leishmania amazonensis. Cytometry A 2014; 85:588-600. [PMID: 24804957 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we showed that treating macrophages with ATP impairs the intracellular growth of Leishmania amazonensis, and that the P2X7 purinergic receptor is overexpressed during leishmaniasis. In the present study, we directly evaluated the effect of periodate-oxidized ATP (oATP) on parasite control in Leishmania-infected macrophages. We found that oATP impaired the attachment/entrance of L. amazonensis promastigotes to C57BL/6 mouse macrophages in a P2X7 receptor-independent manner, as macrophages from P2X7(-/-) mice were similarly affected. Although oATP directly inhibited the growth of axenic promastigotes in culture, promoted rapid ultrastructural alterations, and impaired Leishmania internalization by macrophages, it did not affect intracellular parasite multiplication. Upon infection, phagosomal acidification was diminished in oATP-treated macrophages, accompanied by reduced endosomal proteolysis. Likewise, MHC class II molecules expression and ectoATPase activity was decreased by oATP added to macrophages at the time of parasite infection. These inhibitory effects were not due to a cytotoxic effect, as no additional release of lactate dehydrogenase was detected in culture supernatants. Moreover, the capacity of macrophages to produce nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species was not affected by the presence of oATP during infection. We conclude that oATP directly affects extracellular parasite integrity and macrophage functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- V R Figliuolo
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho-IBCCF, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional para Pesquisa Translacional em Saúde e Ambiente na Região Amazônica, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/MCT, Brasil
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3'-nucleotidase/nuclease activity allows Leishmania parasites to escape killing by neutrophil extracellular traps. Infect Immun 2014; 82:1732-40. [PMID: 24516114 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01232-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a widespread neglected tropical disease caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus. These parasites express the enzyme 3'-nucleotidase/nuclease (3'NT/NU), which has been described to be involved in parasite nutrition and infection. Bacteria that express nucleases escape the toxic effects of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Hence, we investigated the role of 3'NT/NU in Leishmania survival of NET-mediated killing. Promastigotes of Leishmania infantum were cultured in high-phosphate (HP) or low-phosphate (LP) medium to modulate nuclease activity. We compared the survival of the two different groups of Leishmania during interaction with human neutrophils, assessing the role of neutrophil extracellular traps. As previously reported, we detected higher nuclease activity in parasites cultured in LP medium. Both LP and HP promastigotes were capable of inducing the release of neutrophil extracellular traps from human neutrophils in a dose- and time-dependent manner. LP parasites had 2.4 times more survival than HP promastigotes. NET disruption was prevented by the treatment of the parasites with ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (TTM), a 3'NT/NU inhibitor. Inhibition of 3'NT/NU by 3'-AMP, 5'-GMP, or TTM decreased promastigote survival upon interaction with neutrophils. Our results show that Leishmania infantum induces NET release and that promastigotes can escape NET-mediated killing by 3'-nucleotidase/nuclease activity, thus ascribing a new function to this enzyme.
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Freitas-Mesquita AL, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Ecto-nucleotidases and Ecto-phosphatases from Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites. Subcell Biochem 2014; 74:217-252. [PMID: 24264248 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-7305-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Ecto-enzymes can be defined as membrane-bound proteins that have their active site facing the extracellular millieu. In trypanosomatids, the physiological roles of these enzymes remain to be completed elucidated; however, many important events have already been related to them, such as the survival of parasites during their complex life cycle and the successful establishment of host infection. This chapter focuses on two remarkable classes of ecto-enzymes: ecto-nucleotidases and ecto-phosphatases, summarizing their occurrence and possible physiological roles in Leishmania and Trypanosoma genera. Ecto-nucleotidases are characterized by their ability to hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides, playing an important role in purinergic signaling. By the action of these ecto-enzymes, parasites are capable of modulating the host immune system, which leads to a successful parasite infection. Furthermore, ecto-nucleotidases are also involved in the purine salvage pathway, acting in the generation of nucleosides that are able to cross plasma membrane via specialized transporters. Another important ecto-enzyme present in a vast number of pathogenic organisms is the ecto-phosphatase. These enzymes are able to hydrolyze extracellular phosphorylated substrates, releasing free inorganic phosphate that can be internalized by the cell, crossing the plasma membrane through a Pi-transporter. Ecto-phosphatases are also involved in the invasion and survival of parasite in the host cells. Several alternative functions have been suggested for these enzymes in parasites, such as participation in their proliferation, differentiation, nutrition and protection. In this context, the present chapter provides an overview of recent discoveries related to the occurrence of ecto-nucleotidase and ecto-phosphatase activities in Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites.
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Freitas-Mesquita AL, Fonseca-de-Souza AL, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Leishmania amazonensis: characterization of an ecto-pyrophosphatase activity. Exp Parasitol 2013; 137:8-13. [PMID: 24316462 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Several ecto-enzymatic activities have been described in the plasma membrane of the protozoan Leishmania amazonensis, which is the major etiological agent of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America. These enzymes, including ecto-phosphatases, contribute to the survival of the parasite by participating in phosphate metabolism. This work identifies and characterizes the extracellular hydrolysis of inorganic pyrophosphate related to an ecto-pyrophosphatase activity of the promastigote form of L. amazonensis. This ecto-pyrophosphatase activity is insensitive to MnCl2 but is strongly stimulated by MgCl2. This stimulation was not observed during the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate (p-NPP) or β-glycerophosphate, two substrates for different ecto-phosphatases present in the L. amazonensis plasma membrane. Furthermore, extracellular PPi hydrolysis is more efficient at alkaline pHs, while p-NPP hydrolysis occurs mainly at acidic pHs. These results led us to conclude that extracellular PPi is hydrolyzed not by non-specific ecto-phosphatases but rather by a genuine ecto-pyrophosphatase. In the presence of 5mM MgCl2, the ecto-pyrophosphatase activity from L. amazonensis is sensitive to micromolar concentrations of NaF and millimolar concentrations of CaCl2. Moreover, this activity is significantly higher during the first days of L. amazonensis culture, which suggests a possible role for this enzyme in parasite growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Leocadio Freitas-Mesquita
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Fonseca-de-Souza
- Laboratório de Terapia e Fisiologia Celular e Molecular, Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, 23070-200 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Real F, Vidal RO, Carazzolle MF, Mondego JMC, Costa GGL, Herai RH, Würtele M, de Carvalho LM, Carmona e Ferreira R, Mortara RA, Barbiéri CL, Mieczkowski P, da Silveira JF, Briones MRDS, Pereira GAG, Bahia D. The genome sequence of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis: functional annotation and extended analysis of gene models. DNA Res 2013; 20:567-81. [PMID: 23857904 PMCID: PMC3859324 DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dst031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the sequencing and annotation of the Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis genome, an etiological agent of human cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Amazon region of Brazil. L. (L.) amazonensis shares features with Leishmania (L.) mexicana but also exhibits unique characteristics regarding geographical distribution and clinical manifestations of cutaneous lesions (e.g. borderline disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis). Predicted genes were scored for orthologous gene families and conserved domains in comparison with other human pathogenic Leishmania spp. Carboxypeptidase, aminotransferase, and 3′-nucleotidase genes and ATPase, thioredoxin, and chaperone-related domains were represented more abundantly in L. (L.) amazonensis and L. (L.) mexicana species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these two species share groups of amastin surface proteins unique to the genus that could be related to specific features of disease outcomes and host cell interactions. Additionally, we describe a hypothetical hybrid interactome of potentially secreted L. (L.) amazonensis proteins and host proteins under the assumption that parasite factors mimic their mammalian counterparts. The model predicts an interaction between an L. (L.) amazonensis heat-shock protein and mammalian Toll-like receptor 9, which is implicated in important immune responses such as cytokine and nitric oxide production. The analysis presented here represents valuable information for future studies of leishmaniasis pathogenicity and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Real
- 1Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - EPM/UNIFESP, Rua Botucatu 862, 6 andar, 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil
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26
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Trypanosoma cruzi: effects of heat shock on ecto-ATPase activity. Exp Parasitol 2013; 133:434-41. [PMID: 23295384 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we demonstrate that Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain epimastigotes exhibit Mg2+-dependent ecto-ATPase activity that is stimulated by heat shock. When the epimastigotes were incubated at 37°C for 2h, the ecto-ATPase activity of the cells was 43.95±0.97 nmol Pi/h×10(7) cells, whereas the ecto-ATPase activity of cells that were not exposed to heat shock stress was 16.97±0.30 nmol Pi/h×10(7) cells. The ecto-ATPase activities of cells, that were exposed or not exposed to heat shock stress had approximately the same Km values (2.25±0.26 mM ATP and 1.55±0.23 mM ATP, respectively) and different Vmax values. The heat-shocked cells had higher Vmax values (54.38±3.07 nmol Pi/h×10(7) cells) than the cells that were not exposed to heat shock (19.38±1.76 nmol Pi/h×10(7) cells). We also observed that the ecto-phosphatase and ecto-5'nucleotidase activities of cells that had been incubated at 28°C or 37°C were the same. Interestingly, cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, suppressed the heat shock effect of ecto-ATPase activity on T. cruzi. The Mg2+-dependent ecto-ATPase activity from the Y strain (high virulence) was approximately 2-fold higher than that of Dm28c (a clone with low virulence). In addition, these two strains presented different responses to heat shock with regard to their ecto-ATPase activities; Y strain epimastigotes had a stimulation of 2.52-fold while the Dm28c strain had a 1.71-fold stimulation. In this context, the virulent trypomastigote form of T. cruzi, Dm28c, had an ecto-ATPase activity that was more than 7-fold higher (66.67±5.98 nmol Pi/h×10(7) cells) than that of the insect epimastigote forms (8.91±0.76 nmol Pi/h×10(7) cells). This difference increased to approximately 10-fold when both forms were subjected to heat shock stress (181.14±16.48 nmol Pi/h×10(7) cells for trypomastigotes and 16.71±1.17 nmol Pi/h×10(7) cells for epimastigotes at 37°C). The ecto-ATPase activity of a plasma membrane-enriched fraction obtained from T. cruzi epimastigotes was not increased by heat treatment, which suggested that cytoplasmic components had an influence on enzyme activation by heat shock stress.
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Russo-Abrahão T, Alves-Bezerra M, Majerowicz D, Freitas-Mesquita AL, Dick CF, Gondim KC, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Transport of inorganic phosphate in Leishmania infantum and compensatory regulation at low inorganic phosphate concentration. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2012. [PMID: 23201200 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2012.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proliferation of Leishmania infantum depends on exogenous inorganic phosphate (Pi) but little is known about energy metabolism and transport of Pi across the plasma membrane in Leishmania sp. METHODS We investigated the kinetics of 32Pi transport, the influence of H+ and K+ ionophores and inhibitors, and expression of the genes for the Na+:Pi and H+:Pi cotransporters. RESULTS The proton ionophore FCCP, bafilomycin A1 (vacuolar ATPase inhibitor), nigericin (K+ ionophore) and SCH28080 (an inhibitor of H+, K+-ATPase) all inhibited the transport of Pi. This transport showed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with K0.5 and Vmax values of 0.016±0.002mM and 564.9±18.06pmol×h-1×10-7cells, respectively. These values classify the Pi transporter of L. infantum among the high-affinity transporters, a group that includes Pho84 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Two sequences were identified in the L. infantum genome that code for phosphate transporters. However, transcription of the PHO84 transporter was 10-fold higher than the PHO89 transporter in this parasite. Accordingly, Pi transport and LiPho84 gene expression were modulated by environmental Pi variations. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm the presence of a Pi transporter in L. infantum, similar to PHO84 in S. cerevisiae, that contributes to the acquisition of inorganic phosphate and could be involved in growth and survival of the promastigote forms of L. infantum. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE This work provides the first description of a PHO84-like Pi transporter in a Trypanosomatide parasite of the genus Leishmania, responsible for many infections worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Russo-Abrahão
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Instituto de Bioquímica Medica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - M Alves-Bezerra
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto de Bioquímica Medica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - D Majerowicz
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto de Bioquímica Medica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - A L Freitas-Mesquita
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Instituto de Bioquímica Medica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - C F Dick
- Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Instituto de Bioquímica Medica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - K C Gondim
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto de Bioquímica Medica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - J R Meyer-Fernandes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Instituto de Bioquímica Medica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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28
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Leite PM, Gomes RS, Figueiredo AB, Serafim TD, Tafuri WL, de Souza CC, Moura SAL, Fietto JLR, Melo MN, Ribeiro-Dias F, Oliveira MAP, Rabello A, Afonso LCC. Ecto-nucleotidase activities of promastigotes from Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis relates to parasite infectivity and disease clinical outcome. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1850. [PMID: 23071853 PMCID: PMC3469556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis has been associated with a broad range of clinical manifestations ranging from a simple cutaneous ulcer to destructive mucosal lesions. Factors leading to this diversity of clinical presentations are not clear, but parasite factors have lately been recognized as important in determining disease progression. Given the fact that the activity of ecto-nucleotidases correlates with parasitism and the development of infection, we evaluated the activity of these enzymes in promastigotes from 23 L. braziliensis isolates as a possible parasite-related factor that could influence the clinical outcome of the disease. Methodology/Principal Findings Our results show that the isolates differ in their ability to hydrolyze adenine nucleotides. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between the time for peak of lesion development in C57BL/6J mice and enzymatic activity and clinical manifestation of the isolate. In addition, we found that L. (V.) braziliensis isolates obtained from mucosal lesions hydrolyze higher amounts of adenine nucleotides than isolates obtained from skin lesions. One isolate with high (PPS6m) and another with low (SSF) ecto-nucleotidase activity were chosen for further studies. Mice inoculated with PPS6m show delayed lesion development and present larger parasite loads than animals inoculated with the SSF isolate. In addition, PPS6m modulates the host immune response by inhibiting dendritic cell activation and NO production by activated J774 macrophages. Finally, we observed that the amastigote forms from PPS6m and SSF isolates present low enzymatic activity that does not interfere with NO production and parasite survival in macrophages. Conclusions/Significance Our data suggest that ecto-nucleotidases present on the promastigote forms of the parasite may interfere with the establishment of the immune response with consequent impaired ability to control parasite dissemination and this may be an important factor in determining the clinical outcome of leishmaniasis. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a widespread tropical disease caused by different species of Leishmania protozoa that are transmitted by infected sandflies. Clinical presentations are extremely diverse and dependent on a variety of parasite and host factors that are poorly understood. Leishmania (V.) braziliensis infection may result in a devastating disease manifestation characterized by the development of destructive lesions in the oral, nasal, and pharyngeal mucosal. Ecto-nucleotidases are enzymes that are involved in the hydrolysis of extracellular nucleotides. These enzymes have been shown to correlate with virulence of Leishmania parasites. In this work, we evaluated the ecto-nucleotidase activity of promastigotes from the twenty three different L. braziliensis isolates. We demonstrated that isolates obtained from mucosal lesions present higher levels of ecto-nucleotidase activity than those from cutaneous lesions. In addition, we show that in the murine model of cutaneous leishmaniasis, promastigote forms of parasite with higher activity induce a delayed/decreased immune response that may correlate with spreading of the parasites throughout the body. Thus, we propose that the level of ecto-nucleotidase activity of promastigotes may be a marker for the development of severe clinical forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis and also a possible target for future therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline M. Leite
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, DECBI/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo S. Gomes
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, DECBI/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Amanda B. Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, DECBI/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Tiago D. Serafim
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, DECBI/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wagner L. Tafuri
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, ICB, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carolina C. de Souza
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, ICB, UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sandra A. L. Moura
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, DECBI/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana L. R. Fietto
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria N. Melo
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fátima Ribeiro-Dias
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Publica, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Milton A. P. Oliveira
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Publica, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Ana Rabello
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou- FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luís C. C. Afonso
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, DECBI/NUPEB, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Paletta-Silva R, Vieira-Bernardo R, Cosentino-Gomes D, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Leishmania amazonensis: Inhibition of 3′-nucleotidase activity by Cu2+ ions. Exp Parasitol 2012; 131:63-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Revised: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Paletta-Silva R, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Adenosine and immune imbalance in visceral leishmaniasis: the possible role of ectonucleotidases. J Trop Med 2011; 2012:650874. [PMID: 22007242 PMCID: PMC3189589 DOI: 10.1155/2012/650874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Revised: 07/31/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe form of leishmaniasis and is responsible for most Leishmania-associated deaths. VL represents a serious public health problem that affects many countries. The immune response in leishmaniasis is very complex and is poorly understood. The Th1 versus Th2 paradigm does not appear to be so clear in visceral leishmaniasis, suggesting that other immunosuppressive or immune-evasion mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of VL. It has been demonstrated that generation of adenosine, a potent endogenous immunosuppressant, by extracellular enzymes capable to hydrolyze adenosine tri-nucleotide (ATP) at the site of infection, can lead to immune impairment and contribute to leishmaniasis progression. In this regard, this paper discusses the unique features in VL immunopathogenesis, including a possible role for ectonucleotidases in leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Paletta-Silva
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Bloco H, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INCTBEB), CCS, Bloco H, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Bloco H, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INCTBEB), CCS, Bloco H, Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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