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Pollak A. 40 years neonatology : An academic life. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024:10.1007/s00508-024-02360-2. [PMID: 38634910 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-024-02360-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A complete review of the development of neonatology in the last 40 years would probably require a compendium with several volumes, to bring to view the remarkable improvements in survival rates and neurodevelopmental outcomes of ill babies in Austria, most industrial countries and to some extent worldwide. The challenge I had to solve here was to integrate my own contributions to the field of neonatology during this period and particularly the contributions of my team from the Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescence Medicine, Medical University Vienna where I was working first as an intern and resident and later had the privilege to become head of department. AIM This very personal review was conceived to showcase the milestones of neonatology where, in my opinion, our department made some meaningful contributions in research and clinical practice during the past 40 years. METHODS A total of 10 areas of interest were selected which most likely influenced survival rates of preterm infants born at increasingly younger gestational ages and ameliorated long-term clinical and neurodevelopmental outcomes, including: 1) Construction and continuous modernization of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). 2) Installation of the "Regionalization Program for NICUs in Vienna". 3) Treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of premature babies. 4) Fine tuning of glucose metabolism for growth and outcome. 5) Neurodevelopmental care. 6) Neonatal hematology. 7) Infection control. 8) The toxoplasma screening program. 9) The newborn screening program. 10) Quality control: the Vermont Oxford Neonatal Network (VONN). RESULTS Over the past four decades advancements in research and technology have allowed a transformative development of neonatal medicine. Survival rates without increased morbidity for very premature infants with gestational ages reaching to what we consider nowadays the border of viability have constantly increased. In my professional life as a neonatologist in Austria I have had the possibility to support and shape some of these developments together with my team. CONCLUSION As we look ahead it is imperative to build upon the progress made, harnessing the power of science and technology to further improve the survival and quality of life for preterm infants in Austria and worldwide. At the same time, neonatology must continue to prioritize ethical reflection and education, fostering a culture of integrity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of guidelines and protocols that uphold ethical standards while addressing the evolving needs and complexities of neonatal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Pollak
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine and Neuropediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Qiu ZE, Chen L, Hou XC, Sheng J, Xu JB, Xu JW, Gao DD, Huang ZX, Lei TL, Huang ZY, Peng L, Yang HL, Lin QH, Zhu YX, Guan WJ, Lun ZR, Zhou WL, Zhang YL. Toxoplasma gondii infection triggers ongoing inflammation mediated by increased intracellular Cl - concentration in airway epithelium. J Infect 2023; 86:47-59. [PMID: 36334726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread parasitic protozoan causing toxoplasmosis including pulmonary toxoplasmosis. As the first line of host defense, airway epithelial cells play critical roles in orchestrating pulmonary innate immunity. However, the mechanism underlying the airway inflammation induced by the T. gondii infection remains largely unclear. This study demonstrated that after infection with T. gondii, the major anion channel located in the apical membranes of airway epithelial cells, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), was degraded by the parasite-secreted cysteine proteases. The intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) was consequently elevated, leading to activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling via serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1. Furthermore, the heightened [Cl-]i and activated NF-κB signaling could be sustained in a positive feedback regulatory manner resulting from decreased intracellular cAMP level through NF-κB-mediated up-regulation of phosphodiesterase 4. Conversely, the sulfur-containing compound allicin conferred anti-inflammatory effects on pulmonary toxoplasmosis by decreasing [Cl-]i via activation of CFTR. These results suggest that the intracellular Cl- dynamically modulated by T. gondii mediates sustained airway inflammation, which provides a potential therapeutic target against pulmonary toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Er Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Chun Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Jie Sheng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Bang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Wen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Dong Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou 510500, P. R. China
| | - Ze-Xin Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Tian-Lun Lei
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Zi-Yang Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Lei Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Long Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Qin-Hua Lin
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Yun-Xin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Jie Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510120, P. R. China
| | - Zhao-Rong Lun
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Liang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China.
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China.
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Korb E, Drinić M, Wagner A, Geissler N, Inic-Kanada A, Peschke R, Joachim A, Wiedermann U, Schabussova I. Reduction of Allergic Lung Disease by Mucosal Application of Toxoplasma gondii-Derived Molecules: Possible Role of Carbohydrates. Front Immunol 2021; 11:612766. [PMID: 33776987 PMCID: PMC7988086 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.612766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The hygiene hypothesis suggests a link between parasitic infections and immune disorders, such as allergic diseases. We previously showed that infection with Toxoplasma gondii or systemic application of T. gondii tachyzoites lysate antigen (TLA) in a prophylactic, but not therapeutic protocol, prevented allergic airway inflammation in mice. Here we tested the effect of prophylactic and therapeutic application of TLA via the mucosal route. Methods Mice were intranasally treated with TLA either i) prior to sensitization, ii) during sensitization and challenge, or iii) after sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA). Recruitment of inflammatory cells to the lung, cytokine levels in restimulated lung and spleen cell cultures as well as levels of OVA-specific antibodies in serum were measured. In parallel, the effect of native TLA, heat-inactivated (hiTLA) or deglycosylated TLA (dgTLA) on sensitized splenocytes was evaluated ex vivo. Results When applied together with OVA i) during systemic sensitization and local challenge or ii) exclusively during local challenge, TLA reduced infiltration of eosinophils into the lung, OVA-specific type 2 cytokines in restimulated lung cell cultures, and partially, type 2 cytokines in restimulated spleen cell cultures in comparison to allergic controls. No beneficial effect was observed when TLA was applied prior to the start of sensitization. Analysis of epitope sugars on TLA indicated a high abundance of mannose, fucose, N-acetylglucosamine, and N-acetylgalactosamine. Deglycosylation of TLA, but not heat-inactivation, abolished the potential of TLA to reduce type 2 responses ex vivo, suggesting a significant role of carbohydrates in immunomodulation. Conclusion We showed that mucosal application of TLA reduced the development of experimental allergy in mice. The beneficial effects depended on the timing of the application in relation to the time point of sensitization. Not only co-application, but also therapy in sensitized/allergic animals with native TLA reduced local allergic responses. Furthermore, we show that TLA is highly glycosylated and glycoconjugates seem to play a role in anti-allergic effects. In summary, given the powerful modulatory effect that TLA exhibits, understanding its exact mechanisms of action may lead to the development of novel immunomodulators in clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Korb
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirjana Drinić
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Wagner
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nora Geissler
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleksandra Inic-Kanada
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roman Peschke
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irma Schabussova
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Korb E, Bağcıoğlu M, Garner-Spitzer E, Wiedermann U, Ehling-Schulz M, Schabussova I. Machine Learning-Empowered FTIR Spectroscopy Serum Analysis Stratifies Healthy, Allergic, and SIT-Treated Mice and Humans. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10071058. [PMID: 32708591 PMCID: PMC7408032 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The unabated global increase of allergic patients leads to an unmet need for rapid and inexpensive tools for the diagnosis of allergies and for monitoring the outcome of allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT). In this proof-of-concept study, we investigated the potential of Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, a high-resolution and cost-efficient biophotonic method with high throughput capacities, to detect characteristic alterations in serum samples of healthy, allergic, and SIT-treated mice and humans. To this end, we used experimental models of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation and allergen-specific tolerance induction in BALB/c mice. Serum collected before and at the end of the experiment was subjected to FTIR spectroscopy. As shown by our study, FTIR spectroscopy, combined with deep learning, can discriminate serum from healthy, allergic, and tolerized mice, which correlated with immunological data. Furthermore, to test the suitability of this biophotonic method for clinical diagnostics, serum samples from human patients were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. In line with the results from the mouse models, machine learning-assisted FTIR spectroscopy allowed to discriminate sera obtained from healthy, allergic, and SIT-treated humans, thereby demonstrating its potential for rapid diagnosis of allergy and clinical therapeutic monitoring of allergic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Korb
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (E.K.); (E.G.-S.); (U.W.)
| | - Murat Bağcıoğlu
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Erika Garner-Spitzer
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (E.K.); (E.G.-S.); (U.W.)
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (E.K.); (E.G.-S.); (U.W.)
| | - Monika Ehling-Schulz
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Correspondence: (M.E.-S.); (I.S.); Tel.: +43-1-25077-2460 (M.E.-S.); +43-1-40160-38250 (I.S.)
| | - Irma Schabussova
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (E.K.); (E.G.-S.); (U.W.)
- Correspondence: (M.E.-S.); (I.S.); Tel.: +43-1-25077-2460 (M.E.-S.); +43-1-40160-38250 (I.S.)
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5
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Andrade MMC, Carneiro VL, Galvão AA, Fonseca TR, Vitor RWA, Alcantara-Neves NM, Cruz ÁA, Figueiredo CA. Toxoplasma gondii protects from IgE sensitization and induces Th1/Th2 immune profile. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12694. [PMID: 31884701 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T gondii) infection has been associated with protection against allergy and autoimmune diseases. We investigated the effects of T gondii infection on cytokine and antibody responses in atopic and nonatopic Brazilian subjects. We have measured in whole-blood cultures, Th1 (IFN-γ and IL-12), Th2 (IL-5) and regulatory cytokine IL-10 in blood cells unstimulated and stimulated with pokeweed mitogen or T gondii soluble tachyzoites antigen (STAg) or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus antigen. A significant negative association was found between high levels of anti-dust mite IgE and T gondii seropositivity (OR = 0.46; 95%CI = 0.25-0.85). STAg stimulation induced a mixed profile of Th1 and Th2 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-5) in Tg-positive atopic individuals compared with Tg-negative atopic individuals (P < .0001, P = .033 and P = .003, respectively). In contrast, IL-10 production was not different between these groups. No association was found between T gondii infection and asthma. We hypothesized that the protective effect on atopy might be related to the strong Th1 immune response to T gondii found on the seropositive subjects. From our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the association between atopy and T gondii infection in Brazilian subjects, analysing the cellular immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena M C Andrade
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Alana A Galvão
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Thales R Fonseca
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ricardo W A Vitor
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Álvaro A Cruz
- ProAR - Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Camila A Figueiredo
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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6
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Perrone Sibilia MD, Aldirico MDLÄ, Soto AS, Picchio MS, Sánchez VR, Arcón N, Moretta R, Martín V, Vanzulli S, Fenoy IM, Goldman A. Chronic infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii prevents the development of experimental atopic dermatitis in mice. J Dermatol Sci 2019; 96:143-150. [PMID: 31735466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Supporting the hypothesis thatT. gondii infection protects against allergy in humans we previously demonstrated that this infection can modulate not only the susceptibility to develop respiratory allergies in mice but also suppresses allergic responses at systemic level. This latter finding suggests that T. gondii infection could prevent the onset of other allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. At present, few studies have investigated the modulation of atopic dermatitis by parasite infections. OBJECTIVE Here, we sought to investigate whether chronic infection with T. gondii is capable of modulating the development of atopic dermatitis. METHODS Chronically infected mice were sensitized by repeated epicutaneous ovalbumin administration. Skin histopathology, humoral response, cytokine production and innate type-II lymphoid cells (ILC2) were assessed. RESULTS A marked reduction in epidermal thickness and dermal inflammatory infiltrate along with a reduction in mast cell count was observed in infected mice compared to non-infected mice. These results correlated with a diminished TH2 and TH1 allergen specific response. Reduced type-II IL-4 and IL-5 cytokines were already detected during the first 24 h of allergen sensitization in splenocytes and draining lymph nodes from infected mice. Moreover, this reduced type-II profile in chronically infected animals correlated with diminished ILC2 number in draining lymph nodes. CONCLUSION Chronic infection withT. gondii prevents the development of atopic dermatitis. The diminished susceptibility seems to result from changes in type-II innate immune response that may lead to the induction of a deficient TH2 response and consequently to a lower susceptibility to develop atopic dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Damián Perrone Sibilia
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, ECyT, San Martín, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ängeles Aldirico
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, ECyT, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Ariadna Soledad Soto
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, ECyT, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Mariano Sergio Picchio
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, ECyT, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Roxana Sánchez
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, ECyT, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Nadia Arcón
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, ECyT, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Rosalía Moretta
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, ECyT, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Valentina Martín
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, ECyT, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Silvia Vanzulli
- Laboratorio de Anatomía Patológica, Instituto de Investigaciones Hematológicas, Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Martín Fenoy
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, ECyT, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Goldman
- Universidad Nacional de San Martín, CONICET, Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, ECyT, San Martín, Argentina.
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7
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that is highly prevalent within human populations. Its genome encodes a range of enzymes involved in glycan biosynthesis and metabolism. A new study presents a library of CRISPR/Cas9-based glyco-relevant gene knockouts and their examination in glycomic and functional assays. This new resource can pave the way for a better understanding of the role of carbohydrates in infection and immunomodulation by this significant protozoan parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain B H Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Universität für Bodenkultur, Muthgasse 18, 1190 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Irma Schabussova
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Tyebji S, Seizova S, Hannan AJ, Tonkin CJ. Toxoplasmosis: A pathway to neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 96:72-92. [PMID: 30476506 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that resides, in a latent form, in the human central nervous system. Infection with Toxoplasma drastically alters the behaviour of rodents and is associated with the incidence of specific neuropsychiatric conditions in humans. But the question remains: how does this pervasive human pathogen alter behaviour of the mammalian host? This fundamental question is receiving increasing attention as it has far reaching public health implications for a parasite that is very common in human populations. Our current understanding centres on neuronal changes that are elicited directly by this intracellular parasite versus indirect changes that occur due to activation of the immune system within the CNS, or a combination of both. In this review, we explore the interactions between Toxoplasma and its host, the proposed mechanisms and consequences on neuronal function and mental health, and discuss Toxoplasma infection as a public health issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Tyebji
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Simona Seizova
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
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9
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de Andrade CM, Carneiro VL, Cerqueira JV, Fonseca HF, Queiroz GA, Costa RS, Alcantara-Neves NM, Cooper P, Figueiredo CA. Parasites and allergy: Observations from Brazil. Parasite Immunol 2018; 41:e12588. [PMID: 30188574 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Brazil is a middle-income country undergoing the epidemiological transition. Effects of changes in daily life habits and access to clean water, sanitation and urban services on a growing urban population have contributed to a double burden of both infectious and noncommunicable chronic diseases. Studies have indicated that parasite infections may modulate the human immune system and influence the development of allergic conditions such as asthma. However, there is no consensus in the published literature on the effects of parasitic infections on allergy, perhaps as a consequence of factors determining the epidemiology of these infections that vary between populations such as age of first infection, duration and chronicity of infections, parasite burden and species, and host genetic susceptibility. In this review, we discuss the observations from Brazil concerning the relationship between parasite infections and allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valdirene L Carneiro
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Jéssica V Cerqueira
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Hellen F Fonseca
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Gerson A Queiroz
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ryan S Costa
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Philip Cooper
- St. George's University of London, London, UK.,Facultad de Ciencias Medicas de la Salud y la Vida, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Camila A Figueiredo
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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10
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Saberi R, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Aghayan SA, Hosseini SA, Anvari D, Nayeri Chegeni T, Hosseininejad Z, Daryani A. Is Toxoplasma gondii playing a positive role in multiple sclerosis risk? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neuroimmunol 2018; 322:57-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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11
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Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite-extract acts as a potent immunomodulator against allergic sensitization and airway inflammation. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15211. [PMID: 29123241 PMCID: PMC5680314 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15663-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown an inverse relationship between infections with certain parasites and a reduced incidence of allergic diseases. We and others have shown that infection with Toxoplasma gondii prevents the development of allergy in mice. To establish whether this beneficial effect could be recapitulated by soluble products of this parasite, we tested an extract derived from T. gondii tachyzoites. Immunization of BALB/c mice with tachyzoites lysate antigen (TLA) elicited mixed Th1/Th2 responses. When TLA was applied together with the sensitizing ovalbumin (OVA), the development of allergic airway inflammation was reduced, with decreased airway hyperresponsiveness associated with reduced peribronchial and perivascular cellular infiltration, reduced production of OVA-specific Th2 cytokines in lungs and spleens and reduced levels of serum OVA-specific IgG1 as well as IgE-dependent basophil degranulation. Of note, TLA retained its immunomodulatory properties, inducing high levels of IL-6, TNFα, IL-10 and IL-12p70 in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells after heat-inactivation or proteinase K-treatment for disruption of proteins, but not after sodium metaperiodate-treatment that degrades carbohydrate structures, suggesting that carbohydrates may play a role in immunomodulatory properties of TLA. Here we show that extracts derived from parasites may replicate the benefits of parasitic infection, offering new therapies for immune-mediated disorders.
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12
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Soto AS, Fenoy IM, Sanchez VR, March F, Perrone Sibilia MD, Aldirico MDLA, Picchio MS, Arcon N, Acosta PL, Polack FP, Martin V, Goldman A. Toxoplasma gondii serine-protease inhibitor-1: A new adjuvant candidate for asthma therapy. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187002. [PMID: 29073215 PMCID: PMC5658115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine-proteases are important players in the pathogenesis of asthma, promoting inflammation and tissue remodeling. It’s also known that many serine protease inhibitors display immunomodulatory properties. TgPI-1 is a Toxoplasma gondii protein that exhibits broad spectrum inhibitory activity against serine proteases. In view of the increased prevalence of atopic disorders and the need to develop new treatment strategies we sought to investigate the potential of TgPI-1 for treating respiratory allergies. For this purpose, we developed a therapeutic experimental model. BALB/c mice were rendered allergic by intraperitoneal ovalbumin-alum sensitization and airway-challenged. Once the asthmatic phenotype was achieved, mice were intranasally treated with rTgPI-1 alone or with a mixture of rTgPI-1 and ovalbumin (OVA). A week later mice were given a secondary aerosol challenge. Treatment with rTgPI-1 alone or co-administered with OVA diminished bronchoalveolar eosinophilia, mucus production and peribronchial lung infiltration. This effect was accompanied by a lung resistance reduction of 26.3% and 50.3% respectively. Both treatments resulted in the production of lower levels of IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ and regulatory IL-10 by thoracic lymph node cells stimulated with OVA. Interestingly, significant decreases in OVA specific IgE and T cell proliferation, and increases in FoxP3+ T cells at local and systemic levels were only detected when the inhibitor was administered along with OVA. These results show that both rTgPI-1 treatments reduced asthma hallmarks. However, co-administration of the inhibitor with the allergen was more effective. Hence, rTgPI-1 emerges as a novel adjuvant candidate for asthma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna S. Soto
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio M. Fenoy
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa R. Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia March
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matías D. Perrone Sibilia
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María de los Angeles Aldirico
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano S. Picchio
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadia Arcon
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricio L. Acosta
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Fundación Infant, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Valentina Martin
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Goldman
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, Vacunas y Alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Smole U, Schabussova I, Pickl WF, Wiedermann U. Murine models for mucosal tolerance in allergy. Semin Immunol 2017; 30:12-27. [PMID: 28807539 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Immunity is established by a fine balance to discriminate between self and non-self. In addition, mucosal surfaces have the unique ability to establish and maintain a state of tolerance also against non-self constituents such as those represented by the large numbers of commensals populating mucosal surfaces and food-derived or air-borne antigens. Recent years have seen a dramatic expansion in our understanding of the basic mechanisms and the involved cellular and molecular players orchestrating mucosal tolerance. As a direct outgrowth, promising prophylactic and therapeutic models for mucosal tolerance induction against usually innocuous antigens (derived from food and aeroallergen sources) have been developed. A major theme in the past years was the introduction of improved formulations and novel adjuvants into such allergy vaccines. This review article describes basic mechanisms of mucosal tolerance induction and contrasts the peculiarities but also the interdependence of the gut and respiratory tract associated lymphoid tissues in that context. Particular emphasis is put on delineating the current prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to study and improve mucosal tolerance induction in allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Smole
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irma Schabussova
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Winfried F Pickl
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Zare-Bidaki M, Assar S, Hakimi H, Abdollahi SH, Nosratabadi R, Kennedy D, Arababadi MK. TGF-β in Toxoplasmosis: Friend or foe? Cytokine 2016; 86:29-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Wagner A, Schabussova I, Drinic M, Akgün J, Loupal G, Kundi M, Joachim A, Wiedermann U. Oocyst-Derived Extract of Toxoplasma Gondii Serves as Potent Immunomodulator in a Mouse Model of Birch Pollen Allergy. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155081. [PMID: 27149118 PMCID: PMC4857930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previously, we have shown that oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts prevented type I allergy in mice. Here we investigated whether the application of a T. gondii oocyst lysate antigen (OLA) could also reduce allergy development. BALB/c mice were immunised twice with OLA followed by sensitisation with the major birch pollen (BP) allergen Bet v 1 and an aerosol challenge with BP extract. Methods First, we tested OLA in vitro. Stimulation of splenocytes and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) with OLA led to the production of pro-inflammatory and regulatory cytokines such as IL-6, IFN-γ and IL-10. Moreover, BMDC exposed to OLA upregulated the maturation markers CD40, CD80, CD86, and MHCII. Furthermore, OLA was recognised by TLR2-transfected human embryonic kidney cells. Results Immunisation of mice with OLA induced high levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies in sera along with increased production of IFN-γ and IL-10 in Toxoplasma-antigen restimulated splenocytes. OLA reduced allergic airway inflammation as manifested by significant reduction of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar fluids, decreased cellular infiltrates and mucus production in the lungs. Accordingly, Bet v 1-specific IgE was decreased in OLA-pretreated mice. The reduced allergic immune responses were accompanied by increased numbers of CD4+CD25highFoxp3+ regulatory T cells in spleens as well as by increased numbers of granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in lungs when compared to sensitised controls suggesting that these two cell populations might be involved in the suppression of the allergic immune responses. Conclusion Our data demonstrate that pretreatment with the oocyst extract can exert anti-allergic effects comparable to T. gondii infection. Thus, the immunomodulatory properties of the parasite extract indicate that this extract and in the future defined molecules thereof might serve as immunomodulatory adjuvants in allergy treatment and prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Wagner
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Irma Schabussova
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirjana Drinic
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johnnie Akgün
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Loupal
- Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kundi
- Institute of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anja Joachim
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology & Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Stascheit F, Paul F, Harms L, Rosche B. Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity is negatively associated with multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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17
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Fenoy IM, Sánchez VR, Soto AS, Picchio MS, Martin V, Goldman A. Toxoplasma gondii infection modulate systemic allergic immune response in BALB/c mice. Exp Parasitol 2015; 154:47-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abdollahi SH, Ayoobi F, Khorramdelazad H, Nasiri Ahmadabadi B, Rezayati M, Kazemi Arababadi M, Zare-Bidaki M. Levels of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta After Immunization of Mice With in vivo prepared Toxoplasma gondii Excretory/Secretory Proteins. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 8:e17802. [PMID: 26060564 PMCID: PMC4458350 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.8(5)2015.17802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii has a high prevalence in human populations. A suitable vaccine for animals can stop the transmission of infection between animal and human. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo prepared excretory/secretory antigens (E/SA) as a potential candidate for immunization against the parasite and its effect on the production of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). MATERIALS AND METHODS Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites were inoculated in the peritoneal cavity of mice and E/SA was harvested and used in animal immunization with and without adjuvant. Serum levels of anti-E/SA antibodies and TGF-β were measured in days 0, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 after immunization using ELISA technique. The measurements were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Our results showed that the serum levels of anti-E/SA immunoglobulins significantly increased in all of the immunized groups. The differences of the serum levels of TGF-β between the groups were statistically significant at days 28 and 56 after immunization with E/SA. CONCLUSIONS Based on our study, in vivo prepared E/SA may be considered as a good candidate for animal immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hossein Abdollahi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IR Iran
| | - Fateme Ayoobi
- Physiology and Pharmacology Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IR Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IR Iran
| | - Behzad Nasiri Ahmadabadi
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IR Iran
| | - Mohammadtaghi Rezayati
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IR Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IR Iran
| | - Mohammad Zare-Bidaki
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Mohammad Zare-Bidaki, Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IR Iran. Tel: +98-3915234003, Fax: +98-3915225209, E-mail:
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Prime-boost vaccination with toxoplasma lysate antigen, but not with a mixture of recombinant protein antigens, leads to reduction of brain cyst formation in BALB/c mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126334. [PMID: 26010355 PMCID: PMC4444244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infection with the ubiquitous parasite Toxoplasma gondii is a threat for immunocompromised patients and pregnant women and effective immune-prophylaxis is still lacking. Methods Here we tested a mixture of recombinant T. gondii antigens expressed in different developmental stages, i.e., SAG1, MAG1 and GRA7 (SMG), and a lysate derived from T. gondii tachyzoites (TLA) for prophylactic vaccination against cyst formation. Both vaccine formulations were applied systemically followed by an oral TLA-booster in BALB/c mice. Results Systemic priming with SMG and oral TLA-booster did not show significant induction of protective immune responses. In contrast, systemic priming and oral booster with TLA induced higher levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a in sera as well as high levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgG1 in small intestines. Furthermore, high levels of Toxoplasma-specific Th1-, Th17- and Th2-associated cytokines were only detected in restimulated splenocytes of TLA-vaccinated mice. Importantly, in mice orally infected with T. gondii oocysts, only TLA-vaccination and booster reduced brain cysts. Furthermore, sera from these mice reduced tachyzoites invasion of Vero cells in vitro, indicating that antibodies may play a critical role for protection against Toxoplasma infection. Additionally, supernatants from splenocyte cultures of TLA-vaccinated mice containing high levels of IFN-γ lead to substantial production of nitric oxide (NO) after incubation with macrophages in vitro. Since NO is involved in the control of parasite growth, the high levels of IFN-γ induced by vaccination with TLA may contribute to the protection against T. gondii. Conclusion In conclusion, our data indicate that prime-boost approach with TLA, but not with the mixture of recombinant antigens SMG, induces effective humoral and cellular Toxoplasma-specific responses and leads to significant reduction of cerebral cysts, thereby presenting a viable strategy for further vaccine development against T. gondii infection.
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Fenoy IM, Sanchez VR, Soto AS, Picchio MS, Maglioco A, Corigliano MG, Dran GI, Martin V, Goldman A. Regulatory cells induced by acute toxoplasmosis prevent the development of allergic lung inflammation. Immunobiology 2014; 220:641-8. [PMID: 25532793 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2014.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The increased prevalence of allergies in developed countries has been attributed to a reduction of some infections. Supporting epidemiological studies, we previously showed that both acute and chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection can diminish allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice. The mechanisms involved when sensitization occurs during acute phase would be related to the strong Th1 response induced by the parasite. Here, we further investigated the mechanisms involved in T. gondii allergy protection in mice sensitized during acute T. gondii infection. Adoptive transference assays and ex vivo co-cultures experiments showed that not only thoracic lymph node cells from infected and sensitized mice but also from non-sensitized infected animals diminished both allergic lung inflammation and the proliferation of effector T cells from allergic mice. This ability was found to be contact-independent and correlated with high levels of CD4(+)FoxP3(+) cells. IL-10 would not be involved in allergy suppression since IL-10-deficient mice behaved similar to wild type mice. Our results extend earlier work and show that, in addition to immune deviation, acute T. gondii infection can suppress allergic airway inflammation through immune suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio M Fenoy
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, vacunas y alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, UNSAM, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Vanesa R Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, vacunas y alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, UNSAM, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Ariadna S Soto
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, vacunas y alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, UNSAM, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Mariano S Picchio
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, vacunas y alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, UNSAM, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Andrea Maglioco
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX-CONICET), Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana G Corigliano
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Vegetal, IIB-INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela I Dran
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental (IMEX-CONICET), Academia Nacional de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valentina Martin
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, vacunas y alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, UNSAM, San Martín, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Goldman
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, vacunas y alergia, CESyMA, Escuela de Ciencia y Tecnología, UNSAM, San Martín, Argentina.
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Positive associations between infections of Toxoplasma gondii and seropositivity with Anisakis simplex in human patients suffering from chronic urticaria. J Helminthol 2014; 89:707-13. [PMID: 24991841 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x14000480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a food-borne and orofecal microorganism which produces chronic infection, and attempts have been made to prove its negative association with atopy in the context of the hygiene hypothesis. Anisakis simplex is a fish parasite associated with chronic urticaria (CU) in endemic regions. We analysed the relationship between both infectious agents in CU. We included 42 patients with chronic urticaria (18 patients with CU associated with A. simplex sensitization and 24 not sensitized CU patients). Patients were assessed for atopy by a skin prick test (SPT) against common aeroallergens and for respiratory symptoms. Anisakis simplex sensitization was assessed by SPT and specific IgE by CAP fluoro-enzyme immunoassay (CAP-FEIA). Anti-T. gondii IgG levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CU patients were analysed with respect to T. gondii seropositivity, A. simplex sensitization, atopy and immigrant status. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 40.5% in CU patients and 42.1% in the control group. Immigrants were more frequently infected by T. gondii (41.2% versus 12%; P =0.036). Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were associated with past A. simplex parasitism (odds ratio 6.73; P =0.03) and independently with atopic sensitization (odds ratio 5.85; P =0.04). In CU patients, T. gondii has no protective effect on atopic sensitization or A. simplex sensitization.
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Araujo ECB, Barbosa BF, Coutinho LB, Barenco PVC, Sousa LA, Milanezi CM, Bonfá G, Pavanelli WR, Silva JS, Ferro EAV, Silva DAO, Cunha-Junior JP, Silva NM. Heme oxygenase-1 activity is involved in the control of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the lung of BALB/c and C57BL/6 and in the small intestine of C57BL/6 mice. Vet Res 2013; 44:89. [PMID: 24088531 PMCID: PMC3851451 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-44-89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an enzyme that catabolizes free heme, which induces an intense inflammatory response. The expression of HO-1 is induced by different stimuli, triggering an anti-inflammatory response during biological stress. It was previously verified that HO-1 is able to induce indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that is induced by IFN-γ in Toxoplasma gondii infection. To verify the role of HO-1 during in vivo T. gondii infection, BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were infected with the ME49 strain and treated with zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX) or hemin, which inhibit or induce HO-1 activity, respectively. The results show that T. gondii infection induced high levels of HO-1 expression in the lung of BALB/c and C57BL6 mice. The animals treated with ZnPPIX presented higher parasitism in the lungs of both lineages of mice, whereas hemin treatment decreased the parasite replication in this organ and in the small intestine of infected C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, C57BL/6 mice infected with T. gondii and treated with hemin showed higher levels of IDO expression in the lungs and small intestine than uninfected mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that HO-1 activity is involved in the control of T. gondii in the lungs of both mouse lineages, whereas the hemin, a HO-1 inducer, seems to be involved in the control of parasitism in the small intestine of C57BL/6 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester C B Araujo
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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Bangoura B, Zöller B, Koethe M, Ludewig M, Pott S, Fehlhaber K, Straubinger R, Daugschies A. Experimental Toxoplasma gondii oocyst infections in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). Vet Parasitol 2013; 196:272-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Persat F, Mercier C, Ficheux D, Colomb E, Trouillet S, Bendridi N, Musset K, Loeuillet C, Cesbron-Delauw MF, Vincent C. A synthetic peptide derived from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii triggers human dendritic cells' migration. J Leukoc Biol 2012; 92:1241-50. [PMID: 23033174 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.1211600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The migration of DCs is a critical function, enabling information to be carried to where the immunological response occurs. Parasites are known to weaken host immunity by interfering with the functions of DCs and thus, may be a source of molecules with immunomodulatory properties. Here, we demonstrate that the soluble protein, GRA5, specific to Toxoplasma gondii, is able to increase the migration of human CD34-DCs toward CCL19. A synthetic Pep29 derived from the GRA5 hydrophilic NT region (Pep29) was found to be internalized by macropinocytosis and to trigger in vitro migration of CD34-DCs via CCR7 expression without activating DCs. Pep29 also induced a decrease in the number of LCs from human skin epidermis. As local depletion of DCs and migration of immature DCs lead to a disruption of the specific innate response, our results highlight the potential of using pathogen-derived synthetic peptides as novel cell modulators with a therapeutic potential to reduce symptoms in inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Persat
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, EA 4169, Lyon, France
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Toxoplasma gondii infection induces suppression in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43420. [PMID: 22952678 PMCID: PMC3429463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disorder characterized by infiltration of the airway wall with inflammatory cells driven mostly by activation of Th2-lymphocytes, eosinophils and mast cells. There is a link between increased allergy and a reduction of some infections in Western countries. Epidemiological data also show that respiratory allergy is less frequent in people exposed to orofecal and foodborne microbes such as Toxoplasma gondii. We previously showed that both acute and chronic parasite T. gondii infection substantially blocked development of airway inflammation in adult BALB/c mice. Based on the high levels of IFN-γ along with the reduction of Th2 phenotype, we hypothesized that the protective effect might be related to the strong Th1 immune response elicited against the parasite. However, other mechanisms could also be implicated. The possibility that regulatory T cells inhibit allergic diseases has received growing support from both animal and human studies. Here we investigated the cellular mechanisms involved in T. gondii induced protection against allergy. Our results show for the first time that thoracic lymph node cells from mice sensitized during chronic T. gondii infection have suppressor activity. Suppression was detected both in vitro, on allergen specific T cell proliferation and in vivo, on allergic lung inflammation after adoptive transference from infected/sensitized mice to previously sensitized animals. This ability was found to be contact- independent and correlated with high levels of TGF-β and CD4+FoxP3+ cells.
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Schabussova I, Hufnagl K, Tang MLK, Hoflehner E, Wagner A, Loupal G, Nutten S, Zuercher A, Mercenier A, Wiedermann U. Perinatal maternal administration of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 prevents allergic inflammation in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40271. [PMID: 22792257 PMCID: PMC3391241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hygiene hypothesis implies that microbial agents including probiotic bacteria may modulate foetal/neonatal immune programming and hence offer effective strategies for primary allergy prevention; however their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. We investigated whether oral administration of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 to mothers during gestation/lactation can protect against airway inflammation in offspring in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, and examined the immune mechanisms involved. METHODS BALB/c mice were treated daily with L. paracasei in drinking water or drinking water alone in the last week of gestation and during lactation. Their offspring were sensitized with recombinant Bet v 1, followed by aerosol challenge with birch pollen extract. RESULTS Maternal exposure to L. paracasei prevented the development of airway inflammation in offspring, as demonstrated by attenuation of eosinophil influx in the lungs; reduction of IL-5 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage, and in lung and mediastinal lymph node cell cultures; and reduced peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate and mucus hypersecretion. While allergen-specific IgE and IgG antibody levels remained unchanged by the treatment, IL-4 and IL-5 production in spleen cell cultures were significantly reduced upon allergen stimulation in offspring of L. paracasei treated mice. Offspring of L. paracasei supplemented mothers had significantly reduced Bet v 1-specific as well as Concanavalin A-induced responses in spleen and mesenteric lymph node cell cultures, suggesting the modulation of both antigen-specific and mitogen-induced immune responses in offspring. These effects were associated with increased Foxp3 mRNA expression in the lungs and increased TGF-beta in serum. CONCLUSION Our data show that in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, perinatal administration of L. paracasei NCC 2461 to pregnant/lactating mothers protects against the development of airway inflammation in offspring by activating regulatory pathways, likely through TLR2/4 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Schabussova
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Hufnagl
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mimi L. K. Tang
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children’s Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Allergy and Immune Disorders, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children’s Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Hoflehner
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Angelika Wagner
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Loupal
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology and Forensic Veterinary Medicine, The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophie Nutten
- Nutrition and Health Department, Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Annick Mercenier
- Nutrition and Health Department, Nestlé Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Jung BK, Pyo KH, Shin KY, Hwang YS, Lim H, Lee SJ, Moon JH, Lee SH, Suh YH, Chai JY, Shin EH. Toxoplasma gondii infection in the brain inhibits neuronal degeneration and learning and memory impairments in a murine model of Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33312. [PMID: 22470449 PMCID: PMC3310043 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression is a characteristic feature of Toxoplasma gondii-infected murine hosts. The present study aimed to determine the effect of the immunosuppression induced by T. gondii infection on the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Tg2576 AD mice. Mice were infected with a cyst-forming strain (ME49) of T. gondii, and levels of inflammatory mediators (IFN-γ and nitric oxide), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), neuronal damage, and β-amyloid plaque deposition were examined in brain tissues and/or in BV-2 microglial cells. In addition, behavioral tests, including the water maze and Y-maze tests, were performed on T. gondii-infected and uninfected Tg2576 mice. Results revealed that whereas the level of IFN-γ was unchanged, the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in T. gondii-infected mice than in uninfected mice, and in BV-2 cells treated with T. gondii lysate antigen. Furthermore, nitrite production from primary cultured brain microglial cells and BV-2 cells was reduced by the addition of T. gondii lysate antigen (TLA), and β-amyloid plaque deposition in the cortex and hippocampus of Tg2576 mouse brains was remarkably lower in T. gondii-infected AD mice than in uninfected controls. In addition, water maze and Y-maze test results revealed retarded cognitive capacities in uninfected mice as compared with infected mice. These findings demonstrate the favorable effects of the immunosuppression induced by T. gondii infection on the pathogenesis and progression of AD in Tg2576 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong-Kwang Jung
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ho Pyo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Young Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sang Hwang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoungsub Lim
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joong Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Ho Moon
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hyung Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Hun Suh
- Department of Pharmacology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Yil Chai
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hee Shin
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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Prevalence of specific IgG-antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in domestic turkeys determined by kinetic ELISA based on recombinant GRA7 and GRA8. Vet Parasitol 2011; 180:179-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2010] [Revised: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Abstract
Incidences of allergic disease have recently increased worldwide. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) has long been a controversial treatment for allergic diseases. Although beneficial effects on clinically relevant outcomes have been demonstrated in clinical trials by subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), there remains a risk of severe and sometimes fatal anaphylaxis. Mucosal immunotherapy is one advantageous choice because of its non-injection routes of administration and lower side-effect profile. This study reviews recent progress in mucosal immunotherapy for allergic diseases. Administration routes, antigen quality and quantity, and adjuvants used are major considerations in this field. Also, direct uses of unique probiotics, or specific cytokines, have been discussed. Furthermore, some researchers have reported new therapeutic ideas that combine two or more strategies. The most important strategy for development of mucosal therapies for allergic diseases is the improvement of antigen formulation, which includes continuous searching for efficient adjuvants, collecting more information about dominant T-cell epitopes of allergens, and having the proper combination of each. In clinics, when compared to other mucosal routes, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a preferred choice for therapeutic administration, although local and systemic side effects have been reported. Additionally, not every allergen has the same beneficial effect. Further studies are needed to determine the benefits of mucosal immunotherapy for different allergic diseases after comparison of the different administration routes in children and adults. Data collected from large, well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized trials, with post-treatment follow-up, can provide robust substantiation of current evidence.
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IgE mediates killing of intracellular Toxoplasma gondii by human macrophages through CD23-dependent, interleukin-10 sensitive pathway. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18289. [PMID: 21526166 PMCID: PMC3081288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In addition to helminthic infections, elevated serum IgE levels were observed in many protozoal infections, while their contribution during immune response to these pathogens remained unclear. As IgE/antigen immune complexes (IgE-IC) bind to human cells through FcεRI or FcεRII/CD23 surface molecules, the present study aimed to identify which functional receptor may be involved in IgE-IC interaction with human macrophages, the major effector cell during parasite infection. Methodology/Principal Findings Human monocyte-derived macrophages were infected with Toxoplasma gondii before being incubated with IgE-IC. IgE receptors were then identified using appropriate blocking antibodies. The activation of cells and parasiticidal activity were evaluated by mediator quantification and direct counting of infected macrophages. RNAs were extracted and cell supernatants were also collected for their content in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and nitrites. Sera from symptomatic infected patients were also tested for their content of IgE, IL-10 and nitrites, and compared to values found in healthy donors. Results showed that IgE-IC induced intracellular elimination of parasites by human macrophages. IgE-mediated effect was FcεRI-independent, but required cross-linking of surface FcεRII/CD23, cell activation and the generation of nitric oxide (NO). Although TNF-α was shown to be produced during cell activation, this cytokine had minor contribution in this phenomenon while endogenous and exogenous IL-10 down-regulated parasite killing. Inverse relationship was found between IL-10 and NO expression by infected human macrophages at both mRNA and mediator levels. The relationship between these in vitro data and in vivo levels of various factors in T. gondii infected patients supports the involvement of CD23 antigen and IL-10 expression in disease control. Conclusion Thus, IgE may be considered as immune mediator during antiprotozoal activity of human macrophages through its ability to trigger CD23 signaling. Increased cell activation by IgE-IC may also account for chronic inflammatory diseases observed in some patients.
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Bahia-Oliveira LMG, Silva JAD, Peixoto-Rangel AL, Boechat MSB, Oliveira AMWA, Massara CL, Peixe RG. Host immune response to Toxoplasma gondii and Ascaris lumbricoides in a highly endemic area: evidence of parasite co-immunomodulation properties influencing the outcome of both infections. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2010; 104:273-80. [PMID: 19430653 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000200021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis and ascaridiasis evoke polar Th-1 and Th-2 host immune responses, respectively. A study to investigate the specific cytokine profile production by in vitro cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals living under precarious sanitary conditions in a highly endemic area for the parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Ascaris lumbricoides was conducted. High levels of both IFN-gamma (Th-1) and IL-13 (Th-2) were observed in groups of co-infected individuals presenting toxoplasmic ocular lesions. Significantly lower IL-10 and TGF-beta levels were produced by co-infected individuals in comparison with groups of individuals not infected with A. lumbricoides and either positive or negative for T. gondii living under good sanitary conditions (control groups). The possible influence of co-parasitism on the clinical presentation of ocular toxoplasmosis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lílian M G Bahia-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil.
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