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La Rosa F, Varotto-Boccazzi I, Saresella M, Marventano I, Cattaneo GM, Hernis A, Piancone F, Otranto D, Epis S, Bandi C, Clerici M. The non-pathogenic protozoon Leishmania tarentolae interferes with the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in human cells: new perspectives in the control of inflammation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1298275. [PMID: 38707903 PMCID: PMC11066211 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1298275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Innate immune responses against infectious agents can act as triggers of inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, various pathogens have developed mechanisms for the evasion of the immune response, based on an inhibition of innate immunity and inflammatory responses. Inflammatory diseases could thus be controlled through the administration of pathogens or pathogen-derived molecules, capable of interfering with the mechanisms at the basis of inflammation. In this framework, the NLRP3 inflammasome is an important component in innate antimicrobial responses and a major player in the inflammatory disease. Parasites of the genus Leishmania are master manipulators of innate immune mechanisms, and different species have been shown to inhibit inflammasome formation. However, the exploitation of pathogenic Leishmania species as blockers of NLRP3-based inflammatory diseases poses safety concerns. Methods To circumvent safety issues associated with pathogenic parasites, we focused on Leishmania tarentolae, a species of Leishmania that is not infectious to humans. Because NLRP3 typically develops in macrophages, in response to the detection and engulfment microorganisms, we performed our experiments on a monocyte-macrophage cell line (THP-1), either wild type or knockout for ASC, a key component of NLRP3 formation, with determination of cytokines and other markers of inflammation. Results L. tarentolae was shown to possess the capability of dampening the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the consequent expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, with minor differences compared to effects of pathogenic Leishmania species. Conclusion The non-pathogenic L. tarentolae appears a promising pro-biotic microbe with anti-inflammatory properties or a source of immune modulating cellular fractions or molecules, capable of interfering with the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Ambra Hernis
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Sara Epis
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center 'Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Fodor A, Hess C, Ganas P, Boros Z, Kiss J, Makrai L, Dublecz K, Pál L, Fodor L, Sebestyén A, Klein MG, Tarasco E, Kulkarni MM, McGwire BS, Vellai T, Hess M. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMP) in the Cell-Free Culture Media of Xenorhabdus budapestensis and X. szentirmaii Exert Anti-Protist Activity against Eukaryotic Vertebrate Pathogens including Histomonas meleagridis and Leishmania donovani Species. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1462. [PMID: 37760758 PMCID: PMC10525888 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091462] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-microbial peptides provide a powerful toolkit for combating multidrug resistance. Combating eukaryotic pathogens is complicated because the intracellular drug targets in the eukaryotic pathogen are frequently homologs of cellular structures of vital importance in the host organism. The entomopathogenic bacteria (EPB), symbionts of entomopathogenic-nematode species, release a series of non-ribosomal templated anti-microbial peptides. Some may be potential drug candidates. The ability of an entomopathogenic-nematode/entomopathogenic bacterium symbiotic complex to survive in a given polyxenic milieu is a coevolutionary product. This explains that those gene complexes that are responsible for the biosynthesis of different non-ribosomal templated anti-microbial protective peptides (including those that are potently capable of inactivating the protist mammalian pathogen Leishmania donovanii and the gallinaceous bird pathogen Histomonas meleagridis) are co-regulated. Our approach is based on comparative anti-microbial bioassays of the culture media of the wild-type and regulatory mutant strains. We concluded that Xenorhabdus budapestensis and X. szentirmaii are excellent sources of non-ribosomal templated anti-microbial peptides that are efficient antagonists of the mentioned pathogens. Data on selective cytotoxicity of different cell-free culture media encourage us to forecast that the recently discovered "easy-PACId" research strategy is suitable for constructing entomopathogenic-bacterium (EPB) strains producing and releasing single, harmless, non-ribosomal templated anti-microbial peptides with considerable drug, (probiotic)-candidate potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Fodor
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter. sétány 1C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.V.)
| | - Claudia Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (P.G.)
| | - Petra Ganas
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (P.G.)
| | - Zsófia Boros
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter. sétány 1C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.V.)
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Applied Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly utca 1, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
| | - János Kiss
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Applied Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly utca 1, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
| | | | - Károly Dublecz
- Institute of Physiology and Nutrition, Georgikon Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Deák Ferenc utca 16, H-8360 Keszthely, Hungary; (K.D.); (L.P.)
| | - László Pál
- Institute of Physiology and Nutrition, Georgikon Campus, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Deák Ferenc utca 16, H-8360 Keszthely, Hungary; (K.D.); (L.P.)
| | - László Fodor
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine, H-1143 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Anna Sebestyén
- First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Michael G. Klein
- USDA-ARS & Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, 13416 Claremont Ave, Cleveland, OH 44130, USA;
| | - Eustachio Tarasco
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Manjusha M. Kulkarni
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.M.K.); (B.S.M.)
| | - Bradford S. McGwire
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (M.M.K.); (B.S.M.)
| | - Tibor Vellai
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter. sétány 1C, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (Z.B.); (T.V.)
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish Medicine, Department for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public Health, University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni Vienna), 1210 Vienna, Austria; (C.H.); (P.G.)
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3
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Bandi C, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D, Alvaro A, Louzada-Flores VN, Pajoro M, Varotto-Boccazzi I, Brilli M, Manenti A, Montomoli E, Zuccotti G, Epis S. Leishmania tarentolae: a vaccine platform to target dendritic cells and a surrogate pathogen for next generation vaccine research in leishmaniases and viral infections. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:35. [PMID: 36703216 PMCID: PMC9879565 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasites of the genus Leishmania are unusual unicellular microorganisms in that they are characterized by the capability to subvert in their favor the immune response of mammalian phagocytes, including dendritic cells. Thus, in overt leishmaniasis, dendritic cells and macrophages are converted into a niche for Leishmania spp. in which the parasite, rather than being inactivated and disassembled, survives and replicates. In addition, Leishmania parasites hitchhike onto phagocytic cells, exploiting them as a mode of transport to lymphoid tissues where other phagocytic cells are potentially amenable to parasite colonization. This propensity of Leishmania spp. to target dendritic cells has led some researchers to consider the possibility that the non-pathogenic, reptile-associated Leishmania tarentolae could be exploited as a vaccine platform and vehicle for the production of antigens from different viruses and for the delivery of the antigens to dendritic cells and lymph nodes. In addition, as L. tarentolae can also be regarded as a surrogate of pathogenic Leishmania parasites, this parasite of reptiles could possibly be developed into a vaccine against human and canine leishmaniases, exploiting its immunological cross-reactivity with other Leishmania species, or, after its engineering, for the expression of antigens from pathogenic species. In this article we review published studies on the use of L. tarentolae as a vaccine platform and vehicle, mainly in the areas of leishmaniases and viral infections. In addition, a short summary of available knowledge on the biology of L. tarentolae is presented, together with information on the use of this microorganism as a micro-factory to produce antigens suitable for the serodiagnosis of viral and parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bandi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alvaro
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Pajoro
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Varotto-Boccazzi
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Brilli
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Montomoli
- grid.511037.1VisMederi, Siena, Italy ,grid.9024.f0000 0004 1757 4641Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy ,Department of Pediatrics, Ospedale dei Bambini-Buzzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Epis
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Biosciences, Pediatric CRC “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”–University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Marques-Santos F, Amendoeira MRR, Galvão RMS, Rocha LM, Faria RX. Comparative evaluation of plant extract effects on peritoneal, medullary and J774 cells. G8 macrophages. BRAZ J BIOL 2023; 83:e268859. [PMID: 37132741 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.268859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of medicinal plants as raw material for extracts production and pure substances isolation and subsequence development of new drugs represents a constantly growing area. However, some stages are indispensable before pharmacologically evaluating natural products such as medicines. Toxicity tests in mammalian cells are essential to initiate new drugs development or verify the substance's biocompatibility. Thus, we verified the toxicity of crude extracts and fractions with different polarities obtained from the leaves and stems of eight plant species. The toxic effect was evaluated on macrophages obtained from the bone marrow and peritoneal cavity of a Swiss webster mouse and J774 macrophages. G8 cell lineage. These macrophages were cultured in a 96-well plate, and the compounds were added at a concentration of 100 µg/mL for 24 hours. After this time, the supernatant was removed. The toxicity was evaluated for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay and the resazurin assay, which uses an indicator dye to measure oxidation-reduction reactions. The results showed a difference in the percentage of toxicity when comparing the same extract in different types of macrophages. This outcome indicates that these cells from different origins may exhibit different responses when exposed to the same natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Marques-Santos
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - M R R Amendoeira
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Toxoplasmose e outras Protozooses, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - R M S Galvão
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ, Laboratório de Estudos de Farmacologia Experimental, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - L M Rocha
- Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF, Laboratório de Tecnologia em Produtos Naturais, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - R X Faria
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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5
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Efficacy of mucosal vaccination using a protozoan parasite as a vehicle for antigen delivery: IgG and neutralizing response after rectal administration of LeCoVax-2, a candidate vaccine against COVID-19. Pharmacol Res 2022; 186:106546. [PMCID: PMC9633108 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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6
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Leishmania tarentolae as an Antigen Delivery Platform: Dendritic Cell Maturation after Infection with a Clone Engineered to Express the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050803. [PMID: 35632559 PMCID: PMC9144667 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Protozoa of the genus Leishmania are characterized by their capacity to target macrophages and Dendritic Cells (DCs). These microorganisms could thus be exploited for the delivery of antigens to immune cells. Leishmania tarentolae is regarded as a non-pathogenic species; it was previously used as a biofactory for protein production and has been considered as a candidate vaccine or as an antigen delivery platform. However, results on the type of immune polarization determined by L. tarentolae are still inconclusive. Methods: DCs were derived from human monocytes and exposed to live L. tarentolae, using both the non-engineered P10 strain, and the same strain engineered for expression of the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2. We then determined: (i) parasite internalization in the DCs; and (ii) the capacity of the assayed strains to activate DCs and the type of immune polarization. Results: Protozoan parasites from both strains were effectively engulfed by DCs, which displayed a full pattern of maturation, in terms of MHC class II and costimulatory molecule expression. In addition, after parasite infection, a limited release of Th1 cytokines was observed. Conclusions: Our results indicate that L. tarentolae could be used as a vehicle for antigen delivery to DCs and to induce the maturation of these cells. The limited cytokine release suggests L. tarentolae as a neutral vaccine vehicle that could be administered in association with appropriate immune-modulating molecules.
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Detection of Superoxide Radical in Adherent Living Cells by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectroscopy Using Cyclic Nitrones. Methods Mol Biol 2020. [PMID: 32857354 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0896-8_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Spin trapping with cyclic nitrones coupled to electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) enables the detection and characterization of oxygen-derived free radicals, such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, in living cells. Detection is usually performed on cell suspensions introduced in glass capillaries, gas-permeable tubing, or flat cells, even when cells normally require attachment for growth. However, radical production may be influenced by cell adhesion, while enzymatic or mechanical cell harvesting may damage the cells and alter their metabolic rates. Here, we describe the detection on adherent cells attached to microscope coverslip glasses. This method preserves cell integrity, ensures near physiological conditions for naturally adherent cells, and is relatively simple to set up. Up to 12 conditions can be screened in half a day using a single batch of culture cells.
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