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Othman B, Zeef L, Szestak T, Rchiad Z, Storm J, Askonas C, Satyam R, Madkhali A, Haley M, Wagstaff S, Couper K, Pain A, Craig A. Different PfEMP1-expressing Plasmodium falciparum variants induce divergent endothelial transcriptional responses during co-culture. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295053. [PMID: 38033133 PMCID: PMC10688957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of mortality and morbidity caused by malaria infection and differs from other human malaria species in the degree of accumulation of parasite-infected red blood cells in the microvasculature, known as cytoadherence or sequestration. In P. falciparum, cytoadherence is mediated by a protein called PfEMP1 which, due to its exposure to the host immune system, undergoes antigenic variation resulting in the expression of different PfEMP1 variants on the infected erythrocyte membrane. These PfEMP1s contain various combinations of adhesive domains, which allow for the differential engagement of a repertoire of endothelial receptors on the host microvasculature, with specific receptor usage associated with severe disease. We used a co-culture model of cytoadherence incubating human brain microvascular endothelial cells with erythrocytes infected with two parasite lines expressing different PfEMP1s that demonstrate different binding profiles to vascular endothelium. We determined the transcriptional profile of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) following different incubation periods with infected erythrocytes, identifying different transcriptional profiles of pathways previously found to be involved in the pathology of severe malaria, such as inflammation, apoptosis and barrier integrity, induced by the two PfEMP1 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basim Othman
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Zeef
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tadge Szestak
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Zineb Rchiad
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, KSA
| | - Janet Storm
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Askonas
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, KSA
| | - Rohit Satyam
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, KSA
| | - Aymen Madkhali
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Haley
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Wagstaff
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Couper
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Arnab Pain
- Pathogen Genomics Laboratory, Bioscience Program, Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, KSA
| | - Alister Craig
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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2
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The IL-33/ST2 Pathway in Cerebral Malaria. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113457. [PMID: 36362246 PMCID: PMC9658244 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an immunomodulatory cytokine which plays critical roles in tissue function and immune-mediated diseases. IL-33 is abundant within the brain and spinal cord tissues where it acts as a key cytokine to coordinate the exchange between the immune and central nervous system (CNS). In this review, we report the recent advances to our knowledge regarding the role of IL-33 and of its receptor ST2 in cerebral malaria, and in particular, we highlight the pivotal role that IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway could play in brain and cerebrospinal barriers permeability. IL-33 serum levels are significantly higher in children with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria than children without complications or noninfected children. IL-33 levels are correlated with parasite load and strongly decrease with parasite clearance. We postulate that sequestration of infected erythrocytes or merozoites liberation from schizonts could amplify IL-33 production in endothelial cells, contributing either to malaria pathogenesis or recovery.
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Plasmodium falciparum and TNF-α Differentially Regulate Inflammatory and Barrier Integrity Pathways in Human Brain Endothelial Cells. mBio 2022; 13:e0174622. [PMID: 36036514 PMCID: PMC9601155 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01746-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is a severe complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection characterized by the loss of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, which is associated with brain swelling and mortality in patients. P. falciparum-infected red blood cells and inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), have been implicated in the development of cerebral malaria, but it is still unclear how they contribute to the loss of BBB integrity. Here, a combination of transcriptomic analysis and cellular assays detecting changes in barrier integrity and endothelial activation were used to distinguish between the effects of P. falciparum and TNF-α on a human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) line and in primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells. We observed that while TNF-α induced high levels of endothelial activation, it only caused a small increase in HBMEC permeability. Conversely, P. falciparum-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) led to a strong increase in HBMEC permeability that was not mediated by cell death. Distinct transcriptomic profiles of TNF-α and P. falciparum in HBMECs confirm the differential effects of these stimuli, with the parasite preferentially inducing an endoplasmic reticulum stress response. Our results establish that there are fundamental differences in the responses induced by TNF-α and P. falciparum on brain endothelial cells and suggest that parasite-induced signaling is a major component driving the disruption of the BBB during cerebral malaria, proposing a potential target for much needed therapeutics.
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Huang K, Huang L, Zhang X, Zhang M, Wang Q, Lin H, Yu Z, Li X, Liu XB, Wu Q, Wang Y, Wang J, Jin X, Gao H, Han X, Lin R, Cen S, Liu Z, Huang B. Mast cells-derived exosomes worsen the development of experimental cerebral malaria. Acta Trop 2021; 224:106145. [PMID: 34562426 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most severe neurological complication caused by Plasmodium falciparum infection. The accumulating evidence demonstrated that mast cells (MCs) and its mediators played a critical role in mediating malaria severity. Earlier studies identified that exosomes were emerging as key mediators of intercellular communication and can be released from several kinds of MCs. However, the potential functions and pathological mechanisms of MCs-derived exosomes (MCs-Exo) impacting on CM pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Herein, we utilized an experimental CM (ECM) model (C57BL/6 mice infected with P. berghei ANKA strain), and then intravenously (i.v.) injected MCs-Exo into P. berghei ANKA-infected mice to unfold this mechanism and investigate the effect of MCs-Exo on ECM pathogenies. We also used an in vitro model by investigating the pathogenesis development of brain microvascular endothelial cells line (bEnd.3 cells) co-cultured with P. berghei ANKA blood-stage soluble antigen (PbAg) after MCs-Exo treatment. The higher numbers of MCs and levels of MCs degranulation were observed in skin, cervical lymph node, and brain of ECM mice than those of the uninfected mice. Exosomes were successfully isolated from culture supernatants of mouse MCs line (P815 cells) and characterized by spherical vesicles with the diameter of 30-150 nm, and expression of typical exosomal markers (e.g., CD9, CD63, and CD81). The i.v. injection of MCs-Exo dramatically elevated incidence of ECM in the P. berghei ANKA-infected mice, exacerbated liver and brain histopathological damage, promoted Th1 cytokine response, aggravated brain vascular endothelial activation and blood brain barrier breakdown in ECM mice. In addition, the treatment of MCs-Exo led to the decrease of cells viability and mRNA levels of Ang-1, ZO-1, and Claudin-5, but increase of mRNA levels of Ang-2, CCL2, CXCL1, and CXCL9 in bEnd.3 cells co-cultured with PbAg in vitro. Taken together, our data indicated that MCs-Exo could worsen pathogenesis of ECM in mice.
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Raacke M, Kerr A, Dörpinghaus M, Brehmer J, Wu Y, Lorenzen S, Fink C, Jacobs T, Roeder T, Sellau J, Bachmann A, Metwally NG, Bruchhaus I. Altered Cytokine Response of Human Brain Endothelial Cells after Stimulation with Malaria Patient Plasma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071656. [PMID: 34359826 PMCID: PMC8303479 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, are accompanied by a strong immunological response of the human host. To date, more than 30 cytokines have been detected in elevated levels in plasma of malaria patients compared to healthy controls. Endothelial cells (ECs) are a potential source of these cytokines, but so far it is not known if their cytokine secretion depends on the direct contact of the P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) with ECs in terms of cytoadhesion. Culturing ECs with plasma from malaria patients (27 returning travellers) resulted in significantly increased secretion of IL-11, CXCL5, CXCL8, CXCL10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) if compared to matching controls (22 healthy individuals). The accompanying transcriptome study of the ECs identified 43 genes that were significantly increased in expression (≥1.7 fold) after co-incubation with malaria patient plasma, including cxcl5 and angptl4. Further bioinformatic analyses revealed that biological processes such as cell migration, cell proliferation and tube development were particularly affected in these ECs. It can thus be postulated that not only the cytoadhesion of IEs, but also molecules in the plasma of malaria patients exerts an influence on ECs, and that not only the immunological response but also other processes, such as angiogenesis, are altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Raacke
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Amy Kerr
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Michael Dörpinghaus
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Jana Brehmer
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Yifan Wu
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Stephan Lorenzen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Christine Fink
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (C.F.); (T.R.)
| | - Thomas Jacobs
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Thomas Roeder
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany; (C.F.); (T.R.)
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Julie Sellau
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Anna Bachmann
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Nahla Galal Metwally
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
| | - Iris Bruchhaus
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (M.R.); (A.K.); (M.D.); (J.B.); (Y.W.); (S.L.); (T.J.); (J.S.); (A.B.); (N.G.M.)
- Department of Biology, University of Hamburg, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-404-281-8472
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Corbett Y, Parapini S, Perego F, Messina V, Delbue S, Misiano P, Falchi M, Silvestrini F, Taramelli D, Basilico N, D'Alessandro S. Phagocytosis and activation of bone marrow-derived macrophages by Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. Malar J 2021; 20:81. [PMID: 33568138 PMCID: PMC7874634 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03589-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The innate immune response against various life cycle stages of the malaria parasite plays an important role in protection against the disease and regulation of its severity. Phagocytosis of asexual erythrocytic stages is well documented, but little and contrasting results are available about phagocytic clearance of sexual stages, the gametocytes, which are responsible for the transmission of the parasites from humans to mosquitoes. Similarly, activation of host macrophages by gametocytes has not yet been carefully addressed. Methods Phagocytosis of early or late Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes was evaluated through methanol fixed cytospin preparations of immortalized mouse C57Bl/6 bone marrow-derived macrophages treated for 2 h with P. falciparum and stained with Giemsa, and it was confirmed through a standardized bioluminescent method using the transgenic P. falciparum 3D7elo1-pfs16-CBG99 strain. Activation was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide or cytokine levels in the supernatants of immortalized mouse C57Bl/6 bone marrow-derived macrophages treated with early or late gametocytes. Results The results showed that murine bone marrow-derived macrophages can phagocytose both early and late gametocytes, but only the latter were able to induce the production of inflammatory mediators, specifically nitric oxide and the cytokines tumour necrosis factor and macrophage inflammatory protein 2. Conclusions These results support the hypothesis that developing gametocytes interact in different ways with innate immune cells of the host. Moreover, the present study proposes that early and late gametocytes act differently as targets for innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Corbett
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria Network, Milan, Italy.
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria Network, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Perego
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Messina
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Delbue
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Misiano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Falchi
- AIDS-Ricerca e sviluppo, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Silvestrini
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria Network, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria Network, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria Network, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah D'Alessandro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria-Italian Malaria Network, Milan, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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7
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Jensen AR, Adams Y, Hviid L. Cerebral Plasmodium falciparum malaria: The role of PfEMP1 in its pathogenesis and immunity, and PfEMP1-based vaccines to prevent it. Immunol Rev 2020; 293:230-252. [PMID: 31562653 PMCID: PMC6972667 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium continues to be a major health problem worldwide. The unicellular Plasmodium-parasites have the unique capacity to infect and replicate within host erythrocytes. By expressing variant surface antigens Plasmodium falciparum has evolved to avoid protective immune responses; as a result in endemic areas anti-malaria immunity develops gradually over many years of multiple and repeated infections. We are studying the role of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) expressed by asexual stages of P. falciparum responsible for the pathogenicity of severe malaria. The immunopathology of falciparum malaria has been linked to cyto-adhesion of infected erythrocytes to specific host receptors. A greater appreciation of the PfEMP1 molecules important for the development of protective immunity and immunopathology is a prerequisite for the rational discovery and development of a safe and protective anti-disease malaria vaccine. Here we review the role of ICAM-1 and EPCR receptor adhering falciparum-parasites in the development of severe malaria; we discuss our current research to understand the factors involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and the feasibility of developing a vaccine targeted specifically to prevent this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Ramstedt Jensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Yvonne Adams
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Lars Hviid
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and MicrobiologyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Infectious DiseasesRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
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8
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Mbagwu SI, Lannes N, Walch M, Filgueira L, Mantel PY. Human Microglia Respond to Malaria-Induced Extracellular Vesicles. Pathogens 2019; 9:pathogens9010021. [PMID: 31878288 PMCID: PMC7168629 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the chief immune cells of the brain and have been reported to be activated in severe malaria. Their activation may drive towards neuroinflammation in cerebral malaria. Malaria-infected red blood cell derived-extracellular vesicles (MiREVs) are produced during the blood stage of malaria infection. They mediate intercellular communication and immune regulation, among other functions. During cerebral malaria, the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier can promote the migration of substances such as MiREVs from the periphery into the brain, targeting cells such as microglia. Microglia and extracellular vesicle interactions in different pathological conditions have been reported to induce neuroinflammation. Unlike in astrocytes, microglia–extracellular vesicle interaction has not yet been described in malaria infection. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the uptake of MiREVs by human microglia cells and their cytokine response. Human blood monocyte-derived microglia (MoMi) were generated from buffy coats of anonymous healthy donors using Ficoll-Paque density gradient centrifugation. The MiREVs were isolated from the Plasmodium falciparum cultures. They were purified by ultracentrifugation and labeled with PKH67 green fluorescent dye. The internalization of MiREVs by MoMi was observed after 4 h of co-incubation on coverslips placed in a 24-well plate at 37 °C using confocal microscopy. Cytokine-gene expression was investigated using rt-qPCR, following the stimulation of the MoMi cells with supernatants from the parasite cultures at 2, 4, and 24 h, respectively. MiREVs were internalized by the microglia and accumulated in the perinuclear region. MiREVs-treated cells increased gene expression of the inflammatory cytokine TNFα and reduced gene expression of the immune suppressive IL-10. Overall, the results indicate that MiREVs may act on microglia, which would contribute to enhanced inflammation in cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smart Ikechukwu Mbagwu
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi 435101, Nigeria
- Correspondence: (S.I.M.); (L.F.)
| | - Nils Lannes
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Michael Walch
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Luis Filgueira
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (S.I.M.); (L.F.)
| | - Pierre-Yves Mantel
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Oncology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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9
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Tran TM, Crompton PD. Decoding the complexities of human malaria through systems immunology. Immunol Rev 2019; 293:144-162. [PMID: 31680289 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of the Plasmodium parasite and its life cycle poses a challenge to our understanding of the host immune response against malaria. Studying human immune responses during natural and experimental Plasmodium infections can enhance our understanding of malaria-protective immunity and inform the design of disease-modifying adjunctive therapies and next-generation malaria vaccines. Systems immunology can complement conventional approaches to facilitate our understanding of the complex immune response to the highly dynamic malaria parasite. In this review, recent studies that used systems-based approaches to evaluate human immune responses during natural and experimental Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections as well as during immunization with candidate malaria vaccines are summarized and related to each other. The potential for next-generation technologies to address the current limitations of systems-based studies of human malaria are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan M Tran
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Peter D Crompton
- Malaria Infection Biology and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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10
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Avril M, Benjamin M, Dols MM, Smith JD. Interplay of Plasmodium falciparum and thrombin in brain endothelial barrier disruption. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13142. [PMID: 31511575 PMCID: PMC6739390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49530-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent concepts suggest that both Plasmodium falciparum factors and coagulation contribute to endothelial activation and dysfunction in pediatric cerebral malaria (CM) pathology. However, there is still limited understanding of how these complex inflammatory stimuli are integrated by brain endothelial cells. In this study, we examined how mature-stage P. falciparum infected erythrocytes (IE) interact with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and thrombin in the activation and permeability of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) monolayers. Whereas trophozoite-stage P. falciparum-IE have limited effect on the viability of HBMEC or the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines or chemokines, except at super physiological parasite-host cell ratios, schizont-stage P. falciparum-IE induced low levels of cell death. Additionally, schizont-stage parasites were more barrier disruptive than trophozoite-stage P. falciparum-IE and prolonged thrombin-induced barrier disruption in both resting and TNFα-activated HBMEC monolayers. These results provide evidence that parasite products and thrombin may interact to increase brain endothelial permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Avril
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Max Benjamin
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | | | - Joseph D Smith
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA. .,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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Abstract
Neutrophils are abundant in the circulation and are one of the immune system's first lines of defense against infection. There has been substantial work carried out investigating the role of neutrophils in malaria and it is clear that during infection neutrophils are activated and are capable of clearing malaria parasites by a number of mechanisms. This review focuses on neutrophil responses to human malarias, summarizing evidence which helps us understand where neutrophils are, what they are doing, how they interact with parasites as well as their potential role in vaccine mediated immunity. We also outline future research priorities for these, the most abundant of leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth H Aitken
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Agersew Alemu
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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12
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Wilson KD, Ochoa LF, Solomon OD, Pal R, Cardona SM, Carpio VH, Keiser PH, Cardona AE, Vargas G, Stephens R. Elimination of intravascular thrombi prevents early mortality and reduces gliosis in hyper-inflammatory experimental cerebral malaria. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:173. [PMID: 29866139 PMCID: PMC5987620 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1207-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral malaria (CM) is the most lethal outcome of Plasmodium infection. There are clear correlations between expression of inflammatory cytokines, severe coagulopathies, and mortality in human CM. However, the mechanisms intertwining the coagulation and inflammation pathways, and their roles in CM, are only beginning to be understood. In mice with T cells deficient in the regulatory cytokine IL-10 (IL-10 KO), infection with Plasmodium chabaudi leads to a hyper-inflammatory response and lethal outcome that can be prevented by anti-TNF treatment. However, inflammatory T cells are adherent within the vasculature and not present in the brain parenchyma, suggesting a novel form of cerebral inflammation. We have previously documented behavioral dysfunction and microglial activation in infected IL-10 KO animals suggestive of neurological involvement driven by inflammation. In order to understand the relationship of intravascular inflammation to parenchymal dysfunction, we studied the congestion of vessels with leukocytes and fibrin(ogen) and the relationship of glial cell activation to congested vessels in the brains of P. chabaudi-infected IL-10 KO mice. METHODS Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we describe severe thrombotic congestion in these animals. We stained for immune cell surface markers (CD45, CD11b, CD4), fibrin(ogen), microglia (Iba-1), and astrocytes (GFAP) in the brain at the peak of behavioral symptoms. Finally, we investigated the roles of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and coagulation on the pathology observed using neutralizing antibodies and low-molecular weight heparin to inhibit both inflammation and coagulation, respectively. RESULTS Many blood vessels in the brain were congested with thrombi containing adherent leukocytes, including CD4 T cells and monocytes. Despite containment of the pathogen and leukocytes within the vasculature, activated microglia and astrocytes were prevalent in the parenchyma, particularly clustered near vessels with thrombi. Neutralization of TNF, or the coagulation cascade, significantly reduced both thrombus formation and gliosis in P. chabaudi-infected IL-10 KO mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the contribution of cytokines, coagulation, and leukocytes within the brain vasculature to neuropathology in malaria infection. Strikingly, localization of inflammatory leukocytes within intravascular clots suggests a mechanism for interaction between the two cascades by which cytokines drive local inflammation without considerable cellular infiltration into the brain parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle D Wilson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Lorenzo F Ochoa
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Olivia D Solomon
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Rahul Pal
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Sandra M Cardona
- Department of Biology, One UTSA Circle, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Victor H Carpio
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Philip H Keiser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0435, USA
| | - Astrid E Cardona
- Department of Biology, One UTSA Circle, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Gracie Vargas
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.,Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Robin Stephens
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555-0435, USA. .,Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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13
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Basilico N, Corbett Y, D' Alessandro S, Parapini S, Prato M, Girelli D, Misiano P, Olliaro P, Taramelli D. Malaria pigment stimulates chemokine production by human microvascular endothelium. Acta Trop 2017; 172:125-131. [PMID: 28476599 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe falciparum malaria is characterized by the sequestration of infected erythrocytes and leukocyte recruitment in the microvasculature, resulting in impaired blood flow and metabolic disturbances. Which parasite products cause chemokine production, thus contributing to the strong host inflammatory response and cellular recruitment are not well characterized. Here, we studied haemozoin (Hz), the end-product of haem, a ferriprotoporphyrin-IX crystal bound to host and parasite lipids, DNA, and proteins. We found that natural Hz isolated from Plasmodium falciparum cultures induces CXCL8 and CCL5 production in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) in a time-dependent manner. This up-regulation is not caused by haem but rather by Hz-generated lipoperoxidation products (15-HETE) and fibrinogen associated to Hz, and is, at least in part, triggered by the activation of NF-κB, as it was significantly inhibited by artemisinin and other NF-κB pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Basilico
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36-20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Yolanda Corbett
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Sarah D' Alessandro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36-20133, Milano, Italy; Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Mauro Prato
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze Università di Torino, Corso Raffaello 30-10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Daniela Girelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Chirurgiche e Odontoiatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Misiano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36-20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Piero Olliaro
- UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme on Research & Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Donatella Taramelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Pascal 36-20133, Milano, Italy
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14
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Dunst J, Kamena F, Matuschewski K. Cytokines and Chemokines in Cerebral Malaria Pathogenesis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:324. [PMID: 28775960 PMCID: PMC5517394 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is among the major causes of malaria-associated mortality and effective adjunctive therapeutic strategies are currently lacking. Central pathophysiological processes involved in the development of cerebral malaria include an imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses to Plasmodium infection, endothelial cell activation, and loss of blood-brain barrier integrity. However, the sequence of events, which initiates these pathophysiological processes as well as the contribution of their complex interplay to the development of cerebral malaria remain incompletely understood. Several cytokines and chemokines have repeatedly been associated with cerebral malaria severity. Increased levels of these inflammatory mediators could account for the sequestration of leukocytes in the cerebral microvasculature present during cerebral malaria, thereby contributing to an amplification of local inflammation and promoting cerebral malaria pathogenesis. Herein, we highlight the current knowledge on the contribution of cytokines and chemokines to the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria with particular emphasis on their roles in endothelial activation and leukocyte recruitment, as well as their implication in the progression to blood-brain barrier permeability and neuroinflammation, in both human cerebral malaria and in the murine experimental cerebral malaria model. A better molecular understanding of these processes could provide the basis for evidence-based development of adjunct therapies and the definition of diagnostic markers of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Dunst
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection BiologyBerlin, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free UniversityBerlin, Germany.,Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt UniversityBerlin, Germany
| | - Faustin Kamena
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection BiologyBerlin, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free UniversityBerlin, Germany.,Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt UniversityBerlin, Germany
| | - Kai Matuschewski
- Parasitology Unit, Max Planck Institute for Infection BiologyBerlin, Germany.,Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Free UniversityBerlin, Germany
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15
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Utter C, Serrano AE, Glod JW, Leibowitz MJ. Association of Plasmodium falciparum with Human Endothelial Cells in vitro. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2017; 90:183-193. [PMID: 28656007 PMCID: PMC5482297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial abnormalities play a critical role in the pathogenesis of malaria caused by the human pathogen, Plasmodium falciparum. In serious infections and especially in cerebral malaria, red blood cells infected with the parasite are sequestered in small venules in various organs, resulting in endothelial activation and vascular occlusion, which are believed to be largely responsible for the morbidity and mortality caused by this infection, especially in children. We demonstrate that after incubation with infected red blood cells (iRBCs), cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) contain parasite protein, genomic DNA, and RNA, as well as intracellular vacuoles with apparent parasite-derived material, but not engulfed or adherent iRBCs. The association of this material with the HUVECs is observed over 96 hours after removal of iRBCs. This phenomenon may occur in endothelial cells in vivo by the process of trogocytosis, in which transfer of material between cells depends on direct cell contact. This process may contribute to the endothelial activation and disruption involved in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Utter
- Evolution Medical Communications, One Blue Hill Plaza, Pearl River, NY
| | - Adelfa E. Serrano
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - John W. Glod
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Michael J. Leibowitz
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA,To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Michael J. Leibowitz, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, Tel: (916) 474-5313; Fax: (530) 752-8692, .
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16
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Gillrie MR, Ho M. Dynamic interactions of Plasmodium spp. with vascular endothelium. Tissue Barriers 2017; 5:e1268667. [PMID: 28452684 PMCID: PMC5362994 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2016.1268667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodial species are protozoan parasites that infect erythrocytes. As such, they are in close contact with microvascular endothelium for most of the life cycle in the mammalian host. The host-parasite interactions of this stage of the infection are responsible for the clinical manifestations of the disease that range from a mild febrile illness to severe and frequently fatal syndromes such as cerebral malaria and multi-organ failure. Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of the most severe form of malaria, is particularly predisposed to modulating endothelial function through either direct adhesion to endothelial receptor molecules, or by releasing potent host and parasite products that can stimulate endothelial activation and/or disrupt barrier function. In this review, we provide a critical analysis of the current clinical and laboratory evidence for endothelial dysfunction during severe P. falciparum malaria. Future investigations using state-of-the-art technologies such as mass cytometry and organs-on-chips to further delineate parasite-endothelial cell interactions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R. Gillrie
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - May Ho
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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17
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Vásquez AM, Blair S, García LF, Segura C. Plasmodium falciparum isolates from patients with uncomplicated malaria promote endothelial inflammation. Microbes Infect 2016; 19:132-141. [PMID: 27717894 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The ability of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes (Pf-IEs) to activate endothelial cells has been described; however, the interaction of the endothelium with Pf-IEs field isolates from patients has been less characterized. Previous reports have shown that isolates alter the endothelial permeability and apoptosis. In this study, the adhesion of 19 uncomplicated malaria isolates to Human Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HDMEC), and their effect on the expression of ICAM-1 and proinflammatory molecules (sICAM-1, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1) was evaluated. P. falciparum isolates adhered to resting and TNFα-activated HDEMC cells at different levels. All isolates increased the ICAM-1 expression on the membrane (mICAM-1) of HDMEC and increased the release of its soluble form (sICAM-1), as well the production of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 by HDMEC with no signs of cell apoptosis. No correlation between parasite adhesion and production of cytokines was observed. In conclusion, isolates from uncomplicated malaria can induce a proinflammatory response in endothelial cells that may play a role during the initial inflammatory response to parasite infection; however, a continuous activation of the endothelium can contribute to pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Vásquez
- Grupo Malaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61 - 30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Silvia Blair
- Grupo Malaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61 - 30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Luis F García
- Grupo de Inmunología Celular e Inmunogenética (GICIG), Sede de Investigación Universitaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61 - 30, Lab 410, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Cesar Segura
- Grupo Malaria, Universidad de Antioquia, Carrera 53 No. 61 - 30, Lab 610, Medellín, Colombia
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18
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Endothelial-Leukocyte Interaction in Severe Malaria: Beyond the Brain. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:168937. [PMID: 26491221 PMCID: PMC4605361 DOI: 10.1155/2015/168937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the most important parasitic disease worldwide, accounting for 1 million deaths each year. Severe malaria is a systemic illness characterized by dysfunction of brain tissue and of one or more peripheral organs as lungs and kidney. The most severe and most studied form of malaria is associated with cerebral complications due to capillary congestion and the adhesion of infected erythrocytes, platelets, and leukocytes to brain vasculature. Thus, leukocyte rolling and adhesion in the brain vascular bed during severe malaria is singular and distinct from other models of inflammation. The leukocyte/endothelium interaction and neutrophil accumulation are also observed in the lungs. However, lung interactions differ from brain interactions, likely due to differences in the blood-brain barrier and blood-air barrier tight junction composition of the brain and lung endothelium. Here, we review the importance of endothelial dysfunction and the mechanism of leukocyte/endothelium interaction during severe malaria. Furthermore, we hypothesize a possible use of adjunctive therapies to antimalarial drugs that target the interaction between the leukocytes and the endothelium.
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19
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Khaw LT, Ball HJ, Mitchell AJ, Grau GE, Stocker R, Golenser J, Hunt NH. Brain endothelial cells increase the proliferation of Plasmodium falciparum through production of soluble factors. Exp Parasitol 2014; 145:34-41. [PMID: 25045850 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We here describe the novel finding that brain endothelial cells in vitro can stimulate the growth of Plasmodium falciparum through the production of low molecular weight growth factors. By using a conditioned medium approach, we show that the brain endothelial cells continued to release these factors over time. If this mirrors the in vivo situation, these growth factors potentially would provide an advantage, in terms of enhanced growth, for sequestered parasitised red blood cells in the brain microvasculature. We observed this phenomenon with brain endothelial cells from several sources as well as a second P. falciparum strain. The characteristics of the growth factors included: <3 kDa molecular weight, heat stable, and in part chloroform soluble. Future efforts should be directed at identifying these growth factors, since blocking their production or actions might be of benefit for reducing parasite load and, hence, malaria pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Khaw
- Molecular Immunopathology Unit, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - H J Ball
- Molecular Immunopathology Unit, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - A J Mitchell
- Molecular Immunopathology Unit, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Immune Imaging Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - G E Grau
- Vascular Immunology Unit, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - R Stocker
- Vascular Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Lowy Packer Building, 405 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - J Golenser
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Kuvin Centre for the Study of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - N H Hunt
- Molecular Immunopathology Unit, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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20
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N'Dilimabaka N, Taoufiq Z, Zougbédé S, Bonnefoy S, Lorthiois A, Couraud PO, Rebollo A, Snounou G, Mazier D, Moreno Sabater A. P. falciparum isolate-specific distinct patterns of induced apoptosis in pulmonary and brain endothelial cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90692. [PMID: 24686750 PMCID: PMC3970966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The factors implicated in the transition from uncomplicated to severe clinical malaria such as pulmonary oedema and cerebral malaria remain unclear. It is known that alterations in vascular integrity due to endothelial cell (EC) activation and death occur during severe malaria. In this study, we assessed the ability of different P. falciparum clinical isolates to induce apoptosis in ECs derived from human lung and brain. We observed that induction of EC apoptosis was sensitive to the environmental pH and required direct contact between the parasite and the cell, though it was not correlated to the ability of the parasite to cytoadhere. Moreover, the extent of induced apoptosis in the two EC types varied with the isolate. Analysis of parasite genes transcript led us to propose that the activation of different pathways, such as Plasmodium apoptosis-linked pathogenicity factors (PALPF), PALPF-2, PALPF-5 and PF11_0521, could be implied in EC death. These observations provide an experimental framework to decipher the molecular mechanism implicated in the genesis of severe malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine N'Dilimabaka
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMRS 945, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMRS 945, Paris, France
| | - Zacharie Taoufiq
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMRS 945, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMRS 945, Paris, France
| | - Sergine Zougbédé
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMRS 945, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMRS 945, Paris, France
| | - Serge Bonnefoy
- Institut Pasteur, Unité d'Immunologie Moléculaire des Parasites, CNRS URA 2581, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Lorthiois
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMRS 945, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMRS 945, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Oliver Couraud
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Angelita Rebollo
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMRS 945, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMRS 945, Paris, France
| | - Georges Snounou
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMRS 945, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMRS 945, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Mazier
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMRS 945, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMRS 945, Paris, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Alicia Moreno Sabater
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, UMRS 945, Paris, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMRS 945, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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21
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Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria is responsible for over 250 million clinical cases every year worldwide. Severe malaria cases might present with a range of disease syndromes including acute respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, hypoglycaemia, renal failure, anaemia, pulmonary oedema, cerebral malaria (CM) and placental malaria (PM) in pregnant women. Two main determinants of severe malaria have been identified: sequestration of parasitized red blood cells and strong pro-inflammatory responses. Increasing evidence from human studies and malaria infection animal models revealed the presence of host leucocytes at the site of parasite sequestration in brain blood vessels as well as placental tissue in complicated malaria cases. These observations suggested that apart from secreting cytokines, leucocytes might also contribute to disease by migrating to the site of parasite sequestration thereby exacerbating organ-specific inflammation. This evidence attracted substantial interest in identifying trafficking pathways by which inflammatory leucocytes are recruited to target organs during severe malaria syndromes. Chemo-attractant cytokines or chemokines are the key regulators of leucocyte trafficking and their potential contribution to disease has recently received considerable attention. This review summarizes the main findings to date, investigating the role of chemokines in severe malaria and the implication of these responses for the induction of pathogenesis and immunity to infection.
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22
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Clonal variants of Plasmodium falciparum exhibit a narrow range of rolling velocities to host receptor CD36 under dynamic flow conditions. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2013; 12:1490-8. [PMID: 24014767 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00148-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cytoadhesion of Plasmodium falciparum parasitized red blood cells (pRBCs) has been implicated in the virulence of malaria infection. Cytoadhesive interactions are mediated by the protein family of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1). The PfEMP1 family is under strong antibody and binding selection, resulting in extensive sequence and size variation of the extracellular domains. Here, we investigated cytoadhesion of pRBCs to CD36, a common receptor of P. falciparum field isolates, under dynamic flow conditions. Isogeneic parasites, predominantly expressing single PfEMP1 variants, were evaluated for binding to recombinant CD36 under dynamic flow conditions using microfluidic devices. We tested if PfEMP1 size (number of extracellular domains) or sequence variation affected the pRBC-CD36 interaction. Our analysis showed that clonal parasite variants varied ∼5-fold in CD36 rolling velocity despite extensive PfEMP1 sequence polymorphism. In addition, adherent pRBCs exhibited a characteristic hysteresis in rolling velocity at microvascular flow rates, which was accompanied by changes in pRBC shape and may represent important adaptations that favor stable binding.
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23
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Cruz LN, Wu Y, Craig AG, Garcia CRS. Signal transduction in Plasmodium-Red Blood Cells interactions and in cytoadherence. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2012; 84:555-72. [PMID: 22634746 DOI: 10.1590/s0001-37652012005000036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is responsible for more than 1.5 million deaths each year, especially among children (Snow et al. 2005). Despite of the severity of malaria situation and great effort to the development of new drug targets (Yuan et al. 2011) there is still a relative low investment toward antimalarial drugs. Briefly there are targets classes of antimalarial drugs currently being tested including: kinases, proteases, ion channel of GPCR, nuclear receptor, among others (Gamo et al. 2010). Here we review malaria signal transduction pathways in Red Blood Cells (RBC) as well as infected RBCs and endothelial cells interactions, namely cytoadherence. The last process is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of severe malaria. The molecules displayed on the surface of both infected erythrocytes (IE) and vascular endothelial cells (EC) exert themselves as important mediators in cytoadherence, in that they not only induce structural and metabolic changes on both sides, but also trigger multiple signal transduction processes, leading to alteration of gene expression, with the balance between positive and negative regulation determining endothelial pathology during a malaria infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Cruz
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil
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24
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Mwai L, Diriye A, Masseno V, Muriithi S, Feltwell T, Musyoki J, Lemieux J, Feller A, Mair GR, Marsh K, Newbold C, Nzila A, Carret CK. Genome wide adaptations of Plasmodium falciparum in response to lumefantrine selective drug pressure. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31623. [PMID: 22384044 PMCID: PMC3288012 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination therapy of the Artemisinin-derivative Artemether (ART) with Lumefantrine (LM) (Coartem®) is an important malaria treatment regimen in many endemic countries. Resistance to Artemisinin has already been reported, and it is feared that LM resistance (LMR) could also evolve quickly. Therefore molecular markers which can be used to track Coartem® efficacy are urgently needed. Often, stable resistance arises from initial, unstable phenotypes that can be identified in vitro. Here we have used the Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistant reference strain V1S to induce LMR in vitro by culturing the parasite under continuous drug pressure for 16 months. The initial IC50 (inhibitory concentration that kills 50% of the parasite population) was 24 nM. The resulting resistant strain V1SLM, obtained after culture for an estimated 166 cycles under LM pressure, grew steadily in 378 nM of LM, corresponding to 15 times the IC50 of the parental strain. However, after two weeks of culturing V1SLM in drug-free medium, the IC50 returned to that of the initial, parental strain V1S. This transient drug tolerance was associated with major changes in gene expression profiles: using the PFSANGER Affymetrix custom array, we identified 184 differentially expressed genes in V1SLM. Among those are 18 known and putative transporters including the multidrug resistance gene 1 (pfmdr1), the multidrug resistance associated protein and the V-type H+ pumping pyrophosphatase 2 (pfvp2) as well as genes associated with fatty acid metabolism. In addition we detected a clear selective advantage provided by two genomic loci in parasites grown under LM drug pressure, suggesting that all, or some of those genes contribute to development of LM tolerance – they may prove useful as molecular markers to monitor P. falciparum LM susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Mwai
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Welcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Abdi Diriye
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Welcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Victor Masseno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Welcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Steven Muriithi
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Welcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Theresa Feltwell
- Pathogen Microarrays group, The Welcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Musyoki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Welcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Jacob Lemieux
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Avi Feller
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gunnar R. Mair
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Welcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Newbold
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alexis Nzila
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Welcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Céline K. Carret
- Molecular Parasitology Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Lisboa, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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25
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Grau GER, Craig AG. Cerebral malaria pathogenesis: revisiting parasite and host contributions. Future Microbiol 2012; 7:291-302. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.11.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is one of a number of clinical syndromes associated with infection by human malaria parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The etiology of cerebral malaria derives from sequestration of parasitized red cells in brain microvasculature and is thought to be enhanced by the proinflammatory status of the host and virulence characteristics of the infecting parasite variant. In this article we examine the range of factors thought to influence the development of Plasmodium falciparum cerebral malaria in humans and review the evidence to support their role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Emile Raymond Grau
- Vascular Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2042, Australia
- La Jolla Infectious Disease Institute, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
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26
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Gillrie MR, Lee K, Gowda DC, Davis SP, Monestier M, Cui L, Hien TT, Day NPJ, Ho M. Plasmodium falciparum histones induce endothelial proinflammatory response and barrier dysfunction. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 180:1028-1039. [PMID: 22260922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2011] [Revised: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite of human erythrocytes that causes the most severe form of malaria. Severe P. falciparum infection is associated with endothelial activation and permeability, which are important determinants of the outcome of the infection. How endothelial cells become activated is not fully understood, particularly with regard to the effects of parasite subcomponents. We demonstrated that P. falciparum histones extracted from merozoites (HeH) directly stimulated the production of IL-8 and other inflammatory mediators by primary human dermal microvascular endothelial cells through a signaling pathway that involves Src family kinases and p38 MAPK. The stimulatory effect of HeH and recombinant P. falciparum H3 (PfH3) was abrogated by histone-specific antibodies. The release of nuclear contents on rupture of infected erythrocytes was captured by live cell imaging and confirmed by detecting nucleosomes in the supernatants of parasite cultures. HeH and recombinant parasite histones also induced endothelial permeability through a charge-dependent mechanism that resulted in disruption of junctional protein expression and cell death. Recombinant human activated protein C cleaved HeH and PfH3 and abrogated their proinflammatory effects. Circulating nucleosomes of both human and parasite origin were detected in the plasma of patients with falciparum malaria and correlated positively with disease severity. These results support a pathogenic role for both host- and pathogen-derived histones in P. falciparum-caused malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Gillrie
- Department of Microbiology Immunology & Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kristine Lee
- Department of Microbiology Immunology & Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - D Channe Gowda
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Shevaun P Davis
- Department of Microbiology Immunology & Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Marc Monestier
- Temple Autoimmunity Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Tran Tinh Hien
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - May Ho
- Department of Microbiology Immunology & Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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27
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Wu Y, Szestak T, Stins M, Craig AG. Amplification of P. falciparum Cytoadherence through induction of a pro-adhesive state in host endothelium. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24784. [PMID: 22043276 PMCID: PMC3197193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the ability of P.falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) to induce a pro-adhesive environment in the host endothelium during malaria infection, prior to the systemic cytokine activation seen in the later phase of disease. Previous work had shown increases in receptor levels but had not measured to actual impact on IE binding. Using a co-culture system with a range of endothelial cells (EC) and IE with different cytoadherent properties, we have characterised the specific expression of adhesion receptors and subsequent IE binding by FACS and adhesion assays. We have also examined the specific signalling pathways induced during co-culture that are potentially involved in the induction of receptor expression. The results confirmed that ICAM-1 is up-regulated, albeit at much lower levels than seen with TNF activation, in response to co-culture with infected erythrocytes in all three tissue endothelial cell types tested but that up-regulation of VCAM-1 is tissue-dependent. This small increase in the levels of EC receptors correlated with large changes in IE adhesion ability. Co-culture with either RBC or IE increased the potential of subsequent adhesion indicating priming/modulation effects on EC which make them more susceptible to adhesion and thereby the recruitment of IE. Trypsin surface digestion of IE and the use of a Pfsbp1-knockout (ko) parasite line abrogated the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and reduced IE binding to EC suggesting that PfEMP-1 and other molecules exported to the IE surface via the PfSBP1 pathway are major mediators of this phenotype. This was also supported by the higher induction of EC adhesion receptors by adherent IE compared to isogenic, non-adherent lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tadge Szestak
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Monique Stins
- RT Johnson Division of NeuroImmunology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alister G. Craig
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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28
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Barbier M, Faille D, Loriod B, Textoris J, Camus C, Puthier D, Flori L, Wassmer SC, Victorero G, Alessi MC, Fusaï T, Nguyen C, Grau GE, Rihet P. Platelets alter gene expression profile in human brain endothelial cells in an in vitro model of cerebral malaria. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19651. [PMID: 21603600 PMCID: PMC3095604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet adhesion to the brain microvasculature has been associated with cerebral malaria (CM) in humans, suggesting that platelets play a role in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. In vitro co-cultures have shown that platelets can act as a bridge between Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (pRBC) and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBEC) and potentiate HBEC apoptosis. Using cDNA microarray technology, we analyzed transcriptional changes of HBEC in response to platelets in the presence or the absence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and pRBC, which have been reported to alter gene expression in endothelial cells. Using a rigorous statistical approach with multiple test corrections, we showed a significant effect of platelets on gene expression in HBEC. We also detected a strong effect of TNF, whereas there was no transcriptional change induced specifically by pRBC. Nevertheless, a global ANOVA and a two-way ANOVA suggested that pRBC acted in interaction with platelets and TNF to alter gene expression in HBEC. The expression of selected genes was validated by RT-qPCR. The analysis of gene functional annotation indicated that platelets induce the expression of genes involved in inflammation and apoptosis, such as genes involved in chemokine-, TREM1-, cytokine-, IL10-, TGFβ-, death-receptor-, and apoptosis-signaling. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that platelets play a pathogenic role in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Barbier
- Laboratoire de Pharmacogenétique des Maladies Parasitaires-EA 864, IFR 48, Faculté de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Dorothée Faille
- Unité de Recherche en Biologie et en Épidémiologie Parasitaires, UMR 6236-URMITE-IMTSSA, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées-Antenne Marseille, Marseille, France
- INSERM, UMR 626, Faculté de Médecine, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Vascular Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Béatrice Loriod
- INSERM U928-TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université, IFR137, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Textoris
- INSERM U928-TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université, IFR137, Marseille, France
| | - Claire Camus
- Laboratoire de Pharmacogenétique des Maladies Parasitaires-EA 864, IFR 48, Faculté de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- INSERM U928-TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université, IFR137, Marseille, France
| | - Denis Puthier
- INSERM U928-TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université, IFR137, Marseille, France
| | - Laurence Flori
- Laboratoire de Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, Domaine de Vilvert, INRA AgroParisTech, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Samuel Crocodile Wassmer
- Department of Medical Parasitology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | | | - Thierry Fusaï
- Unité de Recherche en Biologie et en Épidémiologie Parasitaires, UMR 6236-URMITE-IMTSSA, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées-Antenne Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Nguyen
- INSERM U928-TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université, IFR137, Marseille, France
| | - Georges E. Grau
- Vascular Immunology Unit, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Pascal Rihet
- Laboratoire de Pharmacogenétique des Maladies Parasitaires-EA 864, IFR 48, Faculté de Pharmacie, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- INSERM U928-TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université, IFR137, Marseille, France
- * E-mail:
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29
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Costenaro P, Benedetti P, Facchin C, Mengoli C, Pellizzer G. Fatal Myocarditis in Course of Plasmodium falciparum Infection: Case Report and Review of Cardiac Complications in Malaria. Case Rep Med 2011; 2011:202083. [PMID: 21541220 PMCID: PMC3085333 DOI: 10.1155/2011/202083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a fatal case of imported malaria where the sole finding revealed at the postmortem evaluation was an acute lymphocytic myocarditis with myocardiolysis. This case recalls the potential importance of myocardial injury in the prognosis of malaria and prompts a reevaluation of current perspectives on the pathogenesis of severe falciparum infection. In the light of this, we have reviewed the cases of cardiac complications in malaria published to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Costenaro
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Malattie Infettive, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Giustiniani, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Benedetti
- Unità Operativa di Malattie infettive e Tropicali, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Chiara Facchin
- Unità Operativa di Malattie infettive e Tropicali, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Carlo Mengoli
- Scuola di Specializzazione in Malattie Infettive, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Giustiniani, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Giampietro Pellizzer
- Unità Operativa di Malattie infettive e Tropicali, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
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30
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de Souza JB, Okomo U, Alexander ND, Aziz N, Owens BMJ, Kaur H, Jasseh M, Muangnoicharoen S, Sumariwalla PF, Warhurst DC, Ward SA, Conway DJ, Ulloa L, Tracey KJ, Foxwell BMJ, Kaye PM, Walther M. Oral activated charcoal prevents experimental cerebral malaria in mice and in a randomized controlled clinical trial in man did not interfere with the pharmacokinetics of parenteral artesunate. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9867. [PMID: 20419161 PMCID: PMC2855344 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 02/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Safe, cheap and effective adjunct therapies preventing the development of, or reducing the mortality from, severe malaria could have considerable and rapid public health impact. Oral activated charcoal (oAC) is a safe and well tolerated treatment for acute poisoning, more recently shown to have significant immunomodulatory effects in man. In preparation for possible efficacy trials in human malaria, we sought to determine whether oAC would i) reduce mortality due to experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) in mice, ii) modulate immune and inflammatory responses associated with ECM, and iii) affect the pharmacokinetics of parenteral artesunate in human volunteers. Methods/Principal Findings We found that oAC provided significant protection against P. berghei ANKA-induced ECM, increasing overall survival time compared to untreated mice (p<0.0001; hazard ratio 16.4; 95% CI 6.73 to 40.1). Protection from ECM by oAC was associated with reduced numbers of splenic TNF+ CD4+ T cells and multifunctional IFNγ+TNF+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, we identified a whole blood gene expression signature (68 genes) associated with protection from ECM. To evaluate whether oAC might affect current best available anti-malarial treatment, we conducted a randomized controlled open label trial in 52 human volunteers (ISRCTN NR. 64793756), administering artesunate (AS) in the presence or absence of oAC. We demonstrated that co-administration of oAC was safe and well-tolerated. In the 26 subjects further analyzed, we found no interference with the pharmacokinetics of parenteral AS or its pharmacologically active metabolite dihydroartemisinin. Conclusions/Significance oAC protects against ECM in mice, and does not interfere with the pharmacokinetics of parenteral artesunate. If future studies succeed in establishing the efficacy of oAC in human malaria, then the characteristics of being inexpensive, well-tolerated at high doses and requiring no sophisticated storage would make oAC a relevant candidate for adjunct therapy to reduce mortality from severe malaria, or for immediate treatment of suspected severe malaria in a rural setting. Trial Registration Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN64793756
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Brian de Souza
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Department of Immunology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Uduak Okomo
- Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Neal D. Alexander
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Naveed Aziz
- The Technology Facility, Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin M. J. Owens
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Hull York Medical School and Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Harparkash Kaur
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Momodou Jasseh
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Percy F. Sumariwalla
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Imperial College of Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - David C. Warhurst
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A. Ward
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Conway
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Center of Immunology and Inflammation, North Shore-LIJ Research Institute, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kevin J. Tracey
- Center of Immunology and Inflammation, North Shore-LIJ Research Institute, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Brian M. J. Foxwell
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Imperial College of Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M. Kaye
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Hull York Medical School and Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (PMK); (MW)
| | - Michael Walther
- Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia
- * E-mail: (PMK); (MW)
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31
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Pasini EM, Lutz HU, Mann M, Thomas AW. Red Blood Cell (RBC) membrane proteomics — Part II: Comparative proteomics and RBC patho-physiology. J Proteomics 2010; 73:421-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2009.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2009] [Revised: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 07/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Hughes KR, Biagini GA, Craig AG. Continued cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells after antimalarial treatment. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2009; 169:71-8. [PMID: 19800372 PMCID: PMC2814047 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Revised: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Development of severe disease in Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection is thought to be, at least in part, due to the sequestration of trophozoite-stage infected red blood cells in the microvasculature. The process of cytoadherence is mediated by binding of the parasite protein PfEMP-1 on the surface of infected red blood cells to endothelial cell receptors. Although antimalarial treatments rapidly kill parasites, significant mortality is still seen in severe malaria, particularly within 24h of hospital admission. We find that cytoadherence of infected red blood cells continues for several hours after killing of the parasite by antimalarials; after 24h treatment using a range of antimalarials binding is approximately one-third the level of untreated parasite cultures. This is consistent with the maintained presence of PfEMP-1 on the surface of drug-treated infected red blood cells. A specific advantage of artesunate over other treatments tested is seen on addition of this drug to younger ring stage parasites, which do not mature to the cytoadherent trophozoite-stage. These findings show that cytoadherence, a potential pathogenic property of P. falciparum infected red blood cells, continues long after the parasite has been killed. These data support the development of adjunctive therapies to reverse the pathophysiological consequences of cytoadherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie R Hughes
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK.
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33
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Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes induce NF-kappaB regulated inflammatory pathways in human cerebral endothelium. Blood 2009; 114:4243-52. [PMID: 19713460 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-06-226415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral malaria is a severe multifactorial condition associated with the interaction of high numbers of infected erythrocytes to human brain endothelium without invasion into the brain. The result is coma and seizures with death in more than 20% of cases. Because the brain endothelium is at the interface of these processes, we investigated the global gene responses of human brain endothelium after the interaction with Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes with either high- or low-binding phenotypes. The most significantly up-regulated transcripts were found in gene ontology groups comprising the immune response, apoptosis and antiapoptosis, inflammatory response, cell-cell signaling, and signal transduction and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation cascade. The proinflammatory NF-kappaB pathway was central to the regulation of the P falciparum-modulated endothelium transcriptome. The proinflammatory molecules, for example, CCL20, CXCL1, CXCL2, IL-6, and IL-8, were increased more than 100-fold, suggesting an important role of blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelium in the innate defense during P falciparum-infected erythrocyte (Pf-IRBC) sequestration. However, some of these diffusible molecules could have reversible effects on brain tissue and thus on neurologic function. The inflammatory pathways were validated by direct measurement of proteins in brain endothelial supernatants. This study delineates the strong inflammatory component of human brain endothelium contributing to cerebral malaria.
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34
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Moxon CA, Heyderman RS, Wassmer SC. Dysregulation of coagulation in cerebral malaria. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2009; 166:99-108. [PMID: 19450727 PMCID: PMC2724037 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2009.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2008] [Revised: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 03/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a life-threatening complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection and represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The nature of the pathogenetic processes leading to the cerebral complications remains poorly understood. It has recently emerged that in addition to their conventional role in the regulation of haemostasis, coagulation factors have an inflammatory role that is pivotal in the pathogenesis of a number of acute and chronic conditions, including CM. This new insight offers important therapeutic potential. This review explores the clinical, histological and molecular evidence for the dysregulation of the coagulation system in CM, looking at possible underlying mechanisms. We discuss areas for future research to improve understanding of CM pathogenesis and for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Alan Moxon
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, College of Medicine, Chichiri, PO Box 30096, Blantyre 3, Malawi.
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35
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Angiopoietin-2 is associated with decreased endothelial nitric oxide and poor clinical outcome in severe falciparum malaria. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:17097-102. [PMID: 18957536 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0805782105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adherence of parasitized erythrocytes to activated endothelium causes microvascular obstruction, tissue ischemia, and clinical complications in severe malaria (SM); however, the mechanisms leading to endothelial activation remain unclear. The angiogenic factors, angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are modulators of endothelial activation, with Ang-2 release from Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs) being regulated by endothelial nitric oxide (NO). We explored the relationships between endothelial NO bioavailability, Ang-2, VEGF, tissue perfusion, and clinical outcomes in SM. We measured plasma Ang-2 and VEGF, together with biomarkers of severity from 146 adults with and without SM, in parallel with longitudinal measures of endothelial function by using reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (a measure of endothelial NO bioavailability). Regression was used to relate concentrations of Ang-2/VEGF with malaria disease severity, biomarkers of perfusion, endothelial activation, and parasite biomass. The longitudinal relationship between Ang-2 and endothelial function was assessed by using a mixed-effects model. Ang-2 concentrations were elevated in SM and associated with increased venous lactate, plasma intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 concentrations, parasite biomass, and mortality. In contrast, VEGF concentrations were inversely associated with these biomarkers. Ang-2 concentrations were significantly better predictors of death than venous lactate (P = 0.03). Recovery of endothelial function was associated with falling concentrations of Ang-2. Ang-2 release from endothelial cells with reduced NO bioavailability is likely to contribute to endothelial activation, sequestered parasite biomass, impaired perfusion, and poor outcome in severe falciparum malaria. Agents that improve endothelial NO, reduce WPB exocytosis, and/or antagonize Ang-2 may have therapeutic roles in SM.
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Wilson NO, Huang MB, Anderson W, Bond V, Powell M, Thompson WE, Armah HB, Adjei AA, Gyasi R, Tettey Y, Stiles JK. Soluble factors from Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes induce apoptosis in human brain vascular endothelial and neuroglia cells. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2008; 162:172-6. [PMID: 18848585 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2008.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2008] [Revised: 08/29/2008] [Accepted: 09/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The severity of malaria is multi-factorial. It is associated with parasite-induced alteration in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels in host serum and cerebrospinal fluid. It is also associated with sequestration and cytoadherence of parasitized erythrocytes (pRBCs) in post-capillary venules and blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction. The role of these factors in development of vascular injury and tissue damage in malaria patients is unclear. While some studies indicate a requirement for pRBC adhesion to vascular endothelial cells (ECs) in brain capillaries to induce apoptosis and BBB damage, others show no role of apoptosis resulting from adhesion of pRBC to EC. In the present study, the hypothesis that soluble factors from Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes induce apoptosis in human brain vascular endothelial (HBVEC) and neuroglia cells (cellular components of the BBB) was tested. Apoptotic effects of parasitized (pRBC) and non-parasitized erythrocyte (RBC) conditioned medium on HBVEC and neuroglia cells were determined in vitro by evaluating nuclear DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay) in cultured cells. Soluble factors from P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes in conditioned medium induced extensive DNA fragmentation in both cell lines, albeit to a greater extent in HBVEC than neuroglia, indicating that extended exposure to high levels of these soluble factors in serum may be associated with vascular, neuronal and tissue injury in malaria patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana O Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
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Abstract
Cytoadherence of PRBCs (Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells) to host endothelium has been associated with pathology in severe malaria, but, despite extensive information on the primary processes involved in the adhesive interactions, the mechanisms underlying the disease are poorly understood. Endothelial cells have the ability to mobilize immune and pro-adhesive responses when exposed to both PRBCs and TNF (tumour necrosis factor). In addition, there is also an up-regulation by PRBCs and TNF and a concurrent down-regulation of a range of genes involved in inflammation and cell death, by PRBCs and TNF. We propose that the balance between positive and negative regulation will contribute to endothelial pathology during malarial infection. Apposition of PRBCs has been shown by a number of groups to activate signalling pathways. This is dependent, at least in part, on the cytoadherence characteristics of the invading isolate, such that the avidity of the PRBC for the receptor on host endothelium is proportional to the level of activation of the signalling pathways. An understanding of the post-adhesive processes produced by cytoadherence may help us to understand the variable pathology seen in malaria and to design appropriate therapies to alleviate severe disease.
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Sherman IW. References. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-308x(08)00430-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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