1
|
Mining the Proteome of Toxoplasma Parasites Seeking Vaccine and Diagnostic Candidates. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091098. [PMID: 35565525 PMCID: PMC9099775 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The One Health concept to toxoplasmosis highlights that the health of humans is closely related to the health of animals and our common environment. Toxoplasmosis outcomes might be severe and fatal in patients with immunodeficiency, diabetes, and pregnant women and infants. Consequently, the development of effective vaccine and diagnostic strategies is urgent for the elimination of this disease. Proteomics analysis has allowed the identification of key proteins that can be utilized in the development of novel disease diagnostics and vaccines. This work presents relevant proteins found in the proteome of the life cycle-specific stages of Toxoplasma parasites. In fact, it brings together the main functionality key proteins from Toxoplasma parasites coming from proteomic approaches that are most likely to be useful in improving the disease management, and critically proposes innovative directions to finally develop promising vaccines and diagnostics tools. Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is a pathogenic protozoan parasite that infects the nucleated cells of warm-blooded hosts leading to an infectious zoonotic disease known as toxoplasmosis. The infection outcomes might be severe and fatal in patients with immunodeficiency, diabetes, and pregnant women and infants. The One Health approach to toxoplasmosis highlights that the health of humans is closely related to the health of animals and our common environment. The presence of drug resistance and side effects, the further improvement of sensitivity and specificity of serodiagnostic tools and the potentiality of vaccine candidates to induce the host immune response are considered as justifiable reasons for the identification of novel targets for the better management of toxoplasmosis. Thus, the identification of new critical proteins in the proteome of Toxoplasma parasites can also be helpful in designing and test more effective drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tools. Accordingly, in this study we present important proteins found in the proteome of the life cycle-specific stages of Toxoplasma parasites that are potential diagnostic or vaccine candidates. The current study might help to understand the complexity of these parasites and provide a possible source of strategies and biomolecules that can be further evaluated in the pathobiology of Toxoplasma parasites and for diagnostics and vaccine trials against this disease.
Collapse
|
2
|
Kurre D, Suguna K. Network of Entamoeba histolytica HSP18.5 dimers formed by two overlapping [IV]-X-[IV] motifs. Proteins 2021; 89:1039-1054. [PMID: 33792100 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are ATP-independent molecular chaperones with low molecular weight that prevent the aggregation of proteins during stress conditions and maintain protein homeostasis in the cell. sHSPs exist in dynamic equilibrium as a mixture of oligomers of various sizes with a constant exchange of subunits between them. Many sHSPs form cage-like assemblies that may dissociate into smaller oligomers during stress conditions. We carried out the functional and structural characterization of a small heat shock protein, HSP18.5, from Entamoeba histolytica (EhHSP18.5). It showed a pH-dependent change in its oligomeric state, which varied from a tetramer to larger than 48-mer. EhHSP18.5 protected Nde I and lysozyme substrates from temperature and chemical stresses, respectively. The crystal structure of EhHSP18.5 was determined at a resolution of 3.28 Å in C2221 cell with four subunits in the asymmetric unit forming two non-metazoan sHSP-type dimers. Unlike the reported cage-like structures, EhHSP18.5 formed a network of linear chains of molecules in the crystal. Instead of a single [IV]-X-[IV] motif, EhHSP18.5 has two overlapping I/V-X-I/V sequences at the C-terminus giving rise to novel interactions between the dimers. Negative staining Electron Microscopy images of EhHSP18.5 showed the presence of multiple oligomers: closed structures of various sizes and long tube-like structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devanshu Kurre
- Molecular Biophysics unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Kaza Suguna
- Molecular Biophysics unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kumar V, Behl A, Kapoor P, Nayak B, Singh G, Singh AP, Mishra S, Kang TS, Mishra PC, Hora R. Inner membrane complex 1l protein of Plasmodium falciparum links membrane lipids with cytoskeletal element 'actin' and its associated motor 'myosin'. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 126:673-684. [PMID: 30599160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.12.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The inner membrane complex (IMC) is a defining feature of apicomplexans comprising of lipid and protein components involved in gliding motility and host cell invasion. Motility of Plasmodium parasites is accomplished by an actin and myosin based glideosome machinery situated between the parasite plasma membrane (PPM) and IMC. Here, we have studied in vivo expression and localization of a Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) IMC protein 'PfIMC1l' and characterized it functionally by using biochemical assays. We have identified cytoskeletal protein 'actin' and motor protein 'myosin' as novel binding partners of PfIMC1l, alongside its interaction with the lipids 'cholesterol' and 'phosphatidyl-inositol 4, 5 bisphosphate' (PIP2). While actin and myosin compete for interaction with PfIMC1l, actin and either of the lipids (cholesterol or PIP2) simultaneously bind PfIMC1l. Interestingly, PfIMC1l showed enhanced binding with actin in the presence of calcium ions, and displayed direct binding with calcium. Based on our in silico analysis and experimental data showing PfIMC1l-actin/myosin and PfIMC1l-lipid interactions, we propose that this protein may anchor the IMC membrane with the parasite gliding apparatus. Considering its binding with key proteins involved in motility viz. myosin and actin (with calcium dependence), we suggest that PfIMC1l may have a role in the locomotion of Plasmodium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Ankita Behl
- Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Payal Kapoor
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Bandita Nayak
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Gurbir Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Amrit Pal Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Satish Mishra
- CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tejwant Singh Kang
- Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | | | - Rachna Hora
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marin MS, Hecker YP, Quintana S, Pérez SE, Leunda MR, Cantón GJ, Cobo ER, Moore DP, Odeón AC. Immunization with inactivated antigens of Neospora caninum induces toll-like receptors 3, 7, 8 and 9 in maternal-fetal interface of infected pregnant heifers. Vet Parasitol 2017; 243:12-17. [PMID: 28807280 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an obligate parasite and a major cause of abortion in cattle. Pregnancy failures appear to be associated with weak innate defences on the maternal-fetal interface during infection with N. caninum. Herein, we studied the gene expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in pregnant heifers immunized with different vaccine formulations against N. caninum before mating and then challenged the heifers with live N. caninum on day 70 of gestation. TLR7 and TLR8 expression was upregulated in the placental caruncle of infected-pregnant heifers previously exposed to live N. caninum as immunogen. However, TLR7 and 8 expression in both placenta and caruncle as well as, TLR3 and 9 expression in caruncle were upregulated when heifers were previously immunized with inactivated soluble whole antigens and recombinant NcSAG1, NcHSP20 and NcGRA7 proteins. All dams were carrying viable fetuses when they were culled at day 104 of gestation. Upregulation of TLR7 and IFNγ expression was detected in fetal spleen when their mothers where previously vaccinated with soluble antigens and recombinant NcSAG1, NcHSP20 and NcGRA7 proteins. These studies demonstrate that soluble or recombinant NcSAG1, NcHSP20 and NcGRA7 antigens induce key TLRs expression at the maternal-fetal interface, probably triggering damaging inflammatory cellular immune responses associated with abortion. Previous infection with N. caninum seems to attenuate the innate immune response at the maternal-fetal interface, which could favour pregnancy maintenance and perpetuation of the disease. This finding represents novel information on how N. caninum vaccination and infection modulate TLRs expression at the placenta and fetal spleen, the possible role in the pregnancy outcomes and transplacental transmission of the protozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M S Marin
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Y P Hecker
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S Quintana
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Investigación en Abejas Sociales, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UNMDP, Funes 3350, 7600 Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S E Pérez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil (CIVETAN, CONICET-CICPBA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Paraje Arroyo Seco s/n, 7000 Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M R Leunda
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G J Cantón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E R Cobo
- Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - D P Moore
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rivadavia 1917, C1033AAJ Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A C Odeón
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce, Ruta 226 Km 73.5, 7620 Balcarce, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
A 78 kDa host cell invasion protein of Neospora caninum as a potential vaccine candidate. Exp Parasitol 2015; 148:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
6
|
A Neospora caninum vaccine using recombinant proteins fails to prevent foetal infection in pregnant cattle after experimental intravenous challenge. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2014; 162:142-53. [PMID: 25467890 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2014.11.001] [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: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of rNcSAG1, rNcHSP20 and rNcGRA7 recombinant proteins formulated with immune stimulating complexes (ISCOMs) in pregnant heifers against vertical transmission of Neospora caninum. Twelve pregnant heifers were divided into 3 groups of 4 heifers each, receiving different formulations before mating. Immunogens were administered twice subcutaneously: group A animals were inoculated with three recombinant proteins (rNcSAG1, rNcHSP20, rNcGRA7) formulated with ISCOMs; group B animals received ISCOM-MATRIX (without antigen) and group C received sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) only. The recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified nickel resin. All groups were intravenously challenged with the NC-1 strain of N. caninum at Day 70 of gestation and dams slaughtered at week 17 of the experiment. Heifers from group A developed specific antibodies against rNcSAG1, rNcHSP20 and rNcGRA7 prior to the challenge. Following immunization, an statistically significant increase of antibodies against rNcSAG1 and rNcHSP20 in all animals of group A was detected compared to animals in groups B and C at weeks 5, 13 and 16 (P<0.001). Levels of antibodies against rNcGRA7 were statistical higher in group A animals when compared with groups B and C at weeks 5 and 16 (P>0.001). There were no differences in IFN-γ production among the experimental groups at any time point (P>0.05). Transplacental transmission was determined in all foetuses of groups A, B and C by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and nested PCR. This work showed that rNcSAG1, rNcHSP20 and rNcGRA7 proteins while immunogenic in cattle failed to prevent the foetal infection in pregnant cattle challenged at Day 70 of gestation.
Collapse
|
7
|
Harding CR, Meissner M. The inner membrane complex through development of Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium. Cell Microbiol 2014; 16:632-41. [PMID: 24612102 PMCID: PMC4286798 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii are important human and veterinary pathogens. These parasites possess an unusual double membrane structure located directly below the plasma membrane named the inner membrane complex (IMC). First identified in early electron micrograph studies, huge advances in genetic manipulation of the Apicomplexa have allowed the visualization of a dynamic, highly structured cellular compartment with important roles in maintaining the structure and motility of these parasites. This review summarizes recent advances in the field and highlights the changes the IMC undergoes during the complex life cycles of the Apicomplexa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare R Harding
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Monney T, Hemphill A. Vaccines against neosporosis: what can we learn from the past studies? Exp Parasitol 2014; 140:52-70. [PMID: 24602874 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 02/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite, which is a leading cause of abortion in cattle; thus neosporosis represents an important veterinary health problem and is of high economic significance. The parasite can infect cattle via trans-placental transmission from an infected cow to its fetus (vertical transmission), or through the oral route via ingestion of food or water contaminated with oocysts that were previously shed with the feces of a canid definitive host (horizontal transmission). Although vaccination was considered a rational strategy to prevent bovine neosporosis, the only commercialized vaccine (Neoguard®) produced ambiguous results with relatively low efficacy, and was recently removed from the market. Therefore, there is a need to develop an efficient vaccine capable of preventing both, the horizontal transmission through infected food or water to a naïve animal as well as the vertical transmission from infected but clinically asymptomatic dams to the fetus. Different vaccine strategies have been investigated, including the use of live attenuated vaccines, killed parasite lysates, total antigens or antigen fractions from killed parasites, and subunit vaccines. The vast majority of experimental studies were performed in mice, and to a certain extent in gerbils, but there is also a large number of investigations that were conducted in cattle and sheep. However, it is difficult to directly compare these studies due to the high variability of the parameters employed. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances made in vaccine development against N. caninum in cattle and in mice and highlight the most important factors, which are likely to influence the degree of protection mediated by vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Monney
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, CH-3012 Berne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Garcia-Vedrenne AE, Groner M, Page-Karjian A, Siegmund GF, Singhal S, Sziklay J, Roberts S. Development of genomic resources for a thraustochytrid pathogen and investigation of temperature influences on gene expression. PLoS One 2013; 8:e74196. [PMID: 24069279 PMCID: PMC3775781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how environmental changes influence the pathogenicity and virulence of infectious agents is critical for predicting epidemiological patterns of disease. Thraustochytrids, part of the larger taxonomic class Labyrinthulomycetes, contain several highly pathogenic species, including the hard clam pathogen quahog parasite unknown (QPX). QPX has been associated with large-scale mortality events along the northeastern coast of North America. Growth and physiology of QPX is temperature-dependent, and changes in local temperature profiles influence pathogenicity. In this study we characterize the partial genome of QPX and examine the influence of temperature on gene expression. Genes involved in several biological processes are differentially expressed upon temperature change, including those associated with altered growth and metabolism and virulence. The genomic and transcriptomic resources developed in this study provide a foundation for better understanding virulence, pathogenicity and life history of thraustochytrid pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Elisa Garcia-Vedrenne
- Department of Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| | - Maya Groner
- Department of Health Management, Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Annie Page-Karjian
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gregor-Fausto Siegmund
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sonia Singhal
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jamie Sziklay
- Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai‘i, Kane‘ohe, Hawai‘i, United States of America
| | - Steven Roberts
- School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
De Napoli MG, de Miguel N, Lebrun M, Moreno SNJ, Angel SO, Corvi MM. N-terminal palmitoylation is required for Toxoplasma gondii HSP20 inner membrane complex localization. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2013; 1833:1329-37. [PMID: 23485398 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2013.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite and the causative agent of toxoplasmosis. Protein palmitoylation is known to play roles in signal transduction and in enhancing the hydrophobicity of proteins thus contributing to their membrane association. Global inhibition of protein palmitoylation has been shown to affect T. gondii physiology and invasion of the host cell. However, the proteins affected by this modification have been understudied. This paper shows that the small heat shock protein 20 from T. gondii (TgHSP20) is synthesized as a mature protein in the cytosol and is palmitoylated in three cysteine residues. However, its localization at the inner membrane complex (IMC) is dependent only on N-terminal palmitoylation. Absence or incomplete N-terminal palmitoylation causes TgHSP20 to partially accumulate in a membranous structure. Interestingly, TgHSP20 palmitoylation is not responsible for its interaction with the daughter cells IMCs. Together, our data describe the importance of palmitoylation in protein targeting to the IMC in T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M G De Napoli
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|