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Kafle A, Ojha SC. Advancing vaccine development against Opisthorchis viverrini: A synergistic integration of omics technologies and advanced computational tools. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1410453. [PMID: 39076588 PMCID: PMC11284087 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1410453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver fluke O. viverrini (Opisthorchis viverrini), a neglected tropical disease (NTD), endemic to the Great Mekong Subregion (GMS), mainly afflicts the northeastern region of Thailand. It is a leading cause of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in humans. Presently, the treatment modalities for opisthorchiasis incorporate the use of the antihelminthic drug praziquantel, the rapid occurrence of reinfection, and the looming threat of drug resistance highlight the urgent need for vaccine development. Recent advances in "omics" technologies have proven to be a powerful tool for such studies. Utilizing candidate proteins identified through proteomics and refined via immunoproteomics, reverse vaccinology (RV) offers promising prospects for designing vaccines targeting essential antibody responses to eliminate parasite. Machine learning-based computational tools can predict epitopes of candidate protein/antigens exhibiting high binding affinities for B cells, MHC classes I and II, indicating strong potential for triggering both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Subsequently, these vaccine designs can undergo population-specific testing and docking/dynamics studies to assess efficacy and synergistic immunogenicity. Hence, refining proteomics data through immunoinformatics and employing computational tools to generate antigen-specific targets for trials offers a targeted and efficient approach to vaccine development that applies to all domains of parasite infections. In this review, we delve into the strategic antigen selection process using omics modalities for the O. viverrini parasite and propose an innovative framework for vaccine design. We harness omics technologies to revolutionize vaccine development, promising accelerated discoveries and streamlined preclinical and clinical evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Kafle
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Suvash Chandra Ojha
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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2
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Brann T, Beltramini A, Chaparro C, Berriman M, Doyle SR, Protasio AV. Subtelomeric plasticity contributes to gene family expansion in the human parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:217. [PMID: 38413905 PMCID: PMC10900676 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genomic region that lies between the telomere and chromosome body, termed the subtelomere, is heterochromatic, repeat-rich, and frequently undergoes rearrangement. Within this region, large-scale structural changes enable gene diversification, and, as such, large multicopy gene families are often found at the subtelomere. In some parasites, genes associated with proliferation, invasion, and survival are often found in these regions, where they benefit from the subtelomere's highly plastic, rapidly changing nature. The increasing availability of complete (or near complete) parasite genomes provides an opportunity to investigate these typically poorly defined and overlooked genomic regions and potentially reveal relevant gene families necessary for the parasite's lifestyle. RESULTS Using the latest chromosome-scale genome assembly and hallmark repeat richness observed at chromosome termini, we have identified and characterised the subtelomeres of Schistosoma mansoni, a metazoan parasitic flatworm that infects over 250 million people worldwide. Approximately 12% of the S. mansoni genome is classified as subtelomeric, and, in line with other organisms, we find these regions to be gene-poor but rich in transposable elements. We find that S. mansoni subtelomeres have undergone extensive interchromosomal recombination and that these sites disproportionately contribute to the 2.3% of the genome derived from segmental duplications. This recombination has led to the expansion of subtelomeric gene clusters containing 103 genes, including the immunomodulatory annexins and other gene families with unknown roles. The largest of these is a 49-copy plexin domain-containing protein cluster, exclusively expressed in the tegument-the tissue located at the host-parasite physical interface-of intramolluscan life stages. CONCLUSIONS We propose that subtelomeric regions act as a genomic playground for trial-and-error of gene duplication and subsequent divergence. Owing to the importance of subtelomeric genes in other parasites, gene families implicated in this subtelomeric expansion within S. mansoni warrant further characterisation for a potential role in parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Brann
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 2PQ, UK
| | - A Beltramini
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 2PQ, UK
| | - C Chaparro
- IHPE, CNRS, IFREMER, UPVD, University Montpellier, Perpignan, F-66860, France
| | - M Berriman
- School of Infection and Immunity, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK
| | - S R Doyle
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - A V Protasio
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 2PQ, UK.
- Christ's College, Cambridge, CB2 3BU, UK.
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Zumuk CP, Jones MK, Navarro S, Gray DJ, You H. Transmission-Blocking Vaccines against Schistosomiasis Japonica. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1707. [PMID: 38338980 PMCID: PMC10855202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Control of schistosomiasis japonica, endemic in Asia, including the Philippines, China, and Indonesia, is extremely challenging. Schistosoma japonicum is a highly pathogenic helminth parasite, with disease arising predominantly from an immune reaction to entrapped parasite eggs in tissues. Females of this species can generate 1000-2200 eggs per day, which is about 3- to 15-fold greater than the egg output of other schistosome species. Bovines (water buffalo and cattle) are the predominant definitive hosts and are estimated to generate up to 90% of parasite eggs released into the environment in rural endemic areas where these hosts and humans are present. Here, we highlight the necessity of developing veterinary transmission-blocking vaccines for bovines to better control the disease and review potential vaccine candidates. We also point out that the approach to producing efficacious transmission-blocking animal-based vaccines before moving on to human vaccines is crucial. This will result in effective and feasible public health outcomes in agreement with the One Health concept to achieve optimum health for people, animals, and the environment. Indeed, incorporating a veterinary-based transmission vaccine, coupled with interventions such as human mass drug administration, improved sanitation and hygiene, health education, and snail control, would be invaluable to eliminating zoonotic schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chika P. Zumuk
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Severine Navarro
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Darren J. Gray
- Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Hong You
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; (C.P.Z.); (M.K.J.); (S.N.)
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
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Rinaldi G, Loukas A, Sotillo J. Trematode Genomics and Proteomics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1454:507-539. [PMID: 39008274 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-60121-7_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Trematode infections stand out as one of the frequently overlooked tropical diseases, despite their wide global prevalence and remarkable capacity to parasitize diverse host species and tissues. Furthermore, these parasites hold significant socio-economic, medical, veterinary and agricultural implications. Over the past decades, substantial strides have been taken to bridge the information gap concerning various "omic" tools, such as proteomics and genomics, in this field. In this edition of the book, we highlight recent progress in genomics and proteomics concerning trematodes with a particular focus on the advances made in the past 5 years. Additionally, we present insights into cutting-edge technologies employed in studying trematode biology and shed light on the available resources for exploring the molecular facets of this particular group of parasitic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Rinaldi
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Alex Loukas
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Laboratorio de Referencia e Investigación en Parasitología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain.
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LoVerde PT. Schistosomiasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1454:75-105. [PMID: 39008264 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-60121-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major cause of morbidity in the world and almost 800 million people worldwide are at risk for schistosomiasis; it is second only to malaria as a major infectious disease. Globally, it is estimated that the disease affects more than 250 million people in 78 countries of the world and is responsible for some 280,000-500,000 deaths each year. The three major schistosomes infecting humans are Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium. This chapter covers a wide range of aspects of schistosomiasis, including basic biology of the parasites, epidemiology, immunopathology, treatment, control, vaccines, and genomics/proteomics. In this chapter, the reader will understand the significant toll this disease takes in terms of mortality and morbidity. A description of the various life stages of schistosomes is presented, which will be informative for both those unfamiliar with the disease and experienced scientists. Clinical and public health aspects are addressed that cover acute and chronic disease, diagnosis, current treatment regimens and alternative drugs, and schistosomiasis control programs. A brief overview of genomics and proteomics is included that details recent advances in the field that will help scientists investigate the molecular biology of schistosomes. The reader will take away an appreciation for general aspects of schistosomiasis and the current research advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip T LoVerde
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Zhong H, Hou L, Qin F, Ren Y, Dong B, Zhu D, Li H, Lu K, Fu Z, Liu J, Gu S, Jin Y. Molecular and functional characterization of Schistosoma japonicum annexin A13. Vet Res 2023; 54:116. [PMID: 38049816 PMCID: PMC10696758 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01244-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects humans and animals in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Schistosome eggs are responsible for the pathogenesis and transmission of schistosomiasis, thus reducing egg production is vital for prevention and control of schistosomiasis. However, the mechanisms underlying schistosome reproduction remain unclear. Annexin proteins (ANXs) are involved in the physiological and pathological functions of schistosomes, but the specific regulatory mechanisms and roles of ANX A13 in the development of Schistosoma japonicum and host-parasite interactions remain poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, the expression profiles of SjANX A13 at different life cycle stages of S. japonicum were assessed using quantitative PCR. In addition, the expression profiles of the homolog in S. mansoni were analyzed in reference to public datasets. The results of RNA interference showed that knockdown of SjANX A13 significantly affected the development and egg production of female worms in vivo. The results of an immune protection assay showed that recombinant SjANX A13 increased production of immunoglobulin G-specific antibodies. Finally, co-culture of S. japonicum exosomes with LX-2 cells using a transwell system demonstrated that SjANX A13 is involved in host-parasite interactions via exosomes. Collectively, these results will help to clarify the roles of SjANX A13 in the development of S. japonicum and host-parasite interactions as a potential vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Hou
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Shanxi, China
| | - Fanglin Qin
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqi Ren
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Dong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Danlin Zhu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Lu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaopeng Gu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Shanxi, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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Shakir EMN, Rinaldi G, Kirk RS, Walker AJ. Schistosoma mansoni excretory-secretory products induce protein kinase signalling, hyperkinesia, and stem cell proliferation in the opposite sex. Commun Biol 2023; 6:985. [PMID: 37752334 PMCID: PMC10522684 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05333-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult male and female schistosomes in copula dwell within human blood vessels and lay eggs that cause the major Neglected Tropical Disease human schistosomiasis. How males and females communicate to each other is poorly understood; however, male-female physical interaction is known to be important. Here, we investigate whether excretory-secretory products (ESPs), released into the external milieu by mature Schistosoma mansoni, might induce responses in the opposite sex. We demonstrate that ESPs adhere to the surface of opposite sex worms inducing the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathways, particularly in the parasite tegument. Furthermore, we show that mature worms stimulated signalling in juvenile worms. Strikingly, we demonstrate that ESPs from the opposite sex promote stem cell proliferation, in an ERK- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner, in the tegument and within the testes of males, and the ovaries and vitellaria of females. Hyperkinesia also occurs following opposite sex ESP exposure. Our findings support the hypothesis that male and female schistosomes may communicate over distance to modulate key processes underlying worm development and disease progression, opening unique avenues for schistosomiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M N Shakir
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Ruth S Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK.
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Watakulsin K, Surapaitoon A, Ulag LH, Kaing S, Suyapoh W, Saichua P, Salao K, Tangkawatana S, Suttiprapa S. Distinct antibody response in susceptible and non-susceptible hosts of the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini infection. Parasitology 2023; 150:653-660. [PMID: 37288733 PMCID: PMC10410377 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Opisthorchis viverrini is a carcinogenic parasite that can cause bile duct cancer called cholangiocarcinoma. A study of the immune response of this parasite in susceptible and non-susceptible hosts may provide a clue to develop vaccines and immunodiagnostic markers, which are currently not available. Here, we compared the antibody response in susceptible Golden Syrian hamsters and non-susceptible BALB/c mice infected by the liver fluke. In mice, the antibody was detected between 1 and 2 weeks post-infection, whereas it was positive between 2 and 4 weeks post-infection in hamsters. Immunolocalization revealed that the antibody from mice reacts strongly with the tegumental surface and gut epithelium of the worm, while hamster antibody showed a weak signal in the tegument and a comparable signal in the gut of the worm. Immunoblot of the tegumental proteins demonstrated that while hamster antibody showed a broad specificity, mice strongly reacted with a single protein band. Mass spectrometry revealed these immunogenic targets. Recombinant proteins of the reactive targets were produced in the bacterial expression system. The immunoblot of these recombinant proteins confirm the reactivity of their native form. In summary, there is a different antibody response against O. viverrini infection in susceptible and non-susceptible hosts. The non-susceptible host reacts quicker and stronger than the susceptible host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krongkarn Watakulsin
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Tropical Disease Research Center, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Arpa Surapaitoon
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Lorina Handayani Ulag
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jakarta 13210, Indonesia
| | - Sunheng Kaing
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Tropical Disease Research Center, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Watcharapol Suyapoh
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Prasert Saichua
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Tropical Disease Research Center, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Kanin Salao
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sirikachorn Tangkawatana
- Tropical Disease Research Center, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sutas Suttiprapa
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Tropical Disease Research Center, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Opisthorchiasis, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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Comparative proteome analysis of the tegument of male and female adult Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7569. [PMID: 35534617 PMCID: PMC9085856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11645-3] [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: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tegument, as the surface layer of adult male and female Schistosoma spp. represents the protective barrier of the worms to the hostile environment of the host bloodstream. Here we present the first comparative analysis of sex-specific tegument proteins of paired or virgin Schistosoma mansoni. We applied a new and highly sensitive workflow, allowing detection of even low abundance proteins. Therefore, a streptavidin–biotin affinity purification technique in combination with single pot solid-phase enhanced sample preparation was established for subsequent LC–MS/MS analysis. We were able to identify 1519 tegument proteins for male and female virgin and paired worms and categorized them by sex. Bioinformatic analysis revealed an involvement of female-specific tegument proteins in signaling pathways of cellular processes and antioxidant mechanisms. Male-specific proteins were found to be enriched in processes linked to phosphorylation and signal transduction. This suggests a task sharing between the sexes that might be necessary for survival in the host. Our datasets provide a basis for further studies to understand and ultimately decipher the strategies of the two worm sexes to evade the immune system.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schistosomes are long-lived blood dwelling helminth parasites using intricate mechanisms to invade, mature, and reproduce inside their vertebrate hosts, whilst simultaneously deploying immune evasion strategies. Their multi-tissue organization and solid body plan presents particular problems for the definition of sub-proteomes. AREAS COVERED Here, we focus on the two host-parasite interfaces of the adult worm accessible to the immune system, namely the tegument and the alimentary tract, but also on the secretions of the infective cercaria, the migrating schistosomulum and the mature egg. In parallel, we introduce the concepts of "leakyome' and 'disintegrome' to emphasize the importance of interpreting data in the context of schistosome biology so that misleading conclusions about the distinct proteome compositions are avoided. Lastly, we highlight the possible clinical implications of the reviewed proteomic findings for pathogenesis, vaccine design and diagnostics. EXPERT OPINION Proteomics has provided considerable insights into the biology of schistosomes, most importantly for rational selection of novel vaccine candidates that might confer protective immunity, but also into the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. However, given the increasing sensitivity of mass spectrometric instrumentation, we stress the need for care in data interpretation since schistosomes do not deviate from the fundamental rules of eukaryotic cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Castro-Borges
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brasil
| | - R Alan Wilson
- Department of Biology and York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
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Gobert GN, McManus DP, McMullan G, Creevey CJ, Carson J, Jones MK, Nawaratna SSK, Weerakoon KG, You H. Adult schistosomes have an epithelial bacterial population distinct from the surrounding mammalian host blood. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263188. [PMID: 35085360 PMCID: PMC8794206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic and chronic disease affecting hundreds of millions of people. Adult schistosomes reside in the blood stream of the definitive mammalian host. These helminth parasites possess two epithelial surfaces, the tegument and the gastrodermis, both of which interact with the host during immune evasion and in nutrient uptake.
Methods
Female ARC Swiss mice (4–6 weeks old) were infected percutaneously with Schistosoma japonicum cercariae freshly shed from Oncomelania hupensis quadrasi snails (Philippines strain). Fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) was performed by using fresh adult S. japonicum perfused from those infected mice. Adult S. japonicum worms were processed to isolate the tegument from the carcass containing the gastrodermis; blood and bile were collected individually from infected and uninfected mice. Total DNA extracted from all those samples were used for microbiome profiling.
Results
FISH and microbiome profiling showed the presence of bacterial populations on two epithelial surfaces of adult worms, suggesting they were distinct not only from the host blood but also from each other. Whereas microbial diversity was reduced overall in the parasite epithelial tissues when compared with that of host blood, specific bacterial taxa, including Anoxybacillus and Escherichia, were elevated on the tegument. Minimal differences were evident in the microbiome of host blood during an active infection, compared with that of control uninfected blood. However, sampling of bile from infected animals identified some differences compared with controls, including elevated levels of Limnohabitans, Clostridium and Curvibacter.
Conclusions
Using FISH and microbial profiling, we were able to demonstrate, for the first time, that bacteria are presented on the epithelial surfaces of adult schistosomes. These schistosome surface-associated bacteria, which are distinct from the host blood microenvironment, should be considered as a new and important component of the host-schistosome interaction. The importance of individual bacterial species in relation to schistosome parasitism needs further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey N. Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (HY); (GNG)
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Geoff McMullan
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jack Carson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sujeevi S. K. Nawaratna
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Kosala G. Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail: (HY); (GNG)
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Mekonnen GG, Tedla BA, Pearson MS, Becker L, Field M, Amoah AS, van Dam G, Corstjens PLAM, Mduluza T, Mutapi F, Loukas A, Sotillo J. Characterisation of tetraspanins from Schistosoma haematobium and evaluation of their potential as novel diagnostic markers. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010151. [PMID: 35073344 PMCID: PMC8812969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma haematobium is the leading cause of urogenital schistosomiasis and it is recognised as a class 1 carcinogen due to the robust association of infection with bladder cancer. In schistosomes, tetraspanins (TSPs) are abundantly present in different parasite proteomes and could be potential diagnostic candidates due to their accessibility to the host immune system. The large extracellular loops of six TSPs from the secretome (including the soluble excretory/secretory products, tegument and extracellular vesicles) of S. haematobium (Sh-TSP-2, Sh-TSP-4, Sh-TSP-5, Sh-TSP-6, Sh-TSP-18 and Sh-TSP-23) were expressed in a bacterial expression system and polyclonal antibodies were raised to the recombinant proteins to confirm the anatomical sites of expression within the parasite. Sh-TSP-2, and Sh-TSP-18 were identified on the tegument, whereas Sh-TSP-4, Sh-TSP-5, Sh-TSP-6 and Sh-TSP-23 were identified both on the tegument and internal tissues of adult parasites. The mRNAs encoding these TSPs were differentially expressed throughout all schistosome developmental stages tested. The potential diagnostic value of three of these Sh-TSPs was assessed using the urine of individuals (stratified by infection intensity) from an endemic area of Zimbabwe. The three Sh-TSPs were the targets of urine IgG responses in all cohorts, including individuals with very low levels of infection (those positive for circulating anodic antigen but negative for eggs by microscopy). This study provides new antigen candidates to immunologically diagnose S. haematobium infection, and the work presented here provides compelling evidence for the use of a biomarker signature to enhance the diagnostic capability of these tetraspanins. Schistosoma haematobium, the leading cause of urogenital schistosomiasis, affects millions of people worldwide. Infection with this parasite is associated with different clinical complications such as squamous cell carcinoma and genital malignancy in women. Despite its importance, there is a lack of sensitive and specific diagnostics that support control and elimination initiatives against this devastating disease. Herein, we have characterised six molecules belonging to the tetraspanin family of membrane proteins, providing details about their relative expression during parasite’s development and their localization in adult forms of S. haematobium. Furthermore, we have characterised the antibody responses against three of these molecules in urine from infected human subjects from an endemic area, providing compelling evidence for the use of these molecules to diagnose urogenital schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gebeyaw G. Mekonnen
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bemnet A. Tedla
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Mark S. Pearson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
- * E-mail: (MSP); (AL); (JS)
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Matt Field
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health & Medicine and Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
- Immunogenomics Lab, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Abena S. Amoah
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Chilumba, Malawi
| | - Govert van Dam
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Paul L. A. M. Corstjens
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Takafira Mduluza
- Biochemistry Department, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa Partnership, NIHR Global Health Research Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Francisca Mutapi
- Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa Partnership, NIHR Global Health Research Unit, University of Zimbabwe, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
- * E-mail: (MSP); (AL); (JS)
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (MSP); (AL); (JS)
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Francoeur R, Atuhaire A, Arinaitwe M, Adriko M, Ajambo D, Nankasi A, Babayan SA, Lamberton PHL. ABO Blood Groups Do Not Predict Schistosoma mansoni Infection Profiles in Highly Endemic Villages of Uganda. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9122448. [PMID: 34946048 PMCID: PMC8705964 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni is a parasite which causes significant public-health issues, with over 240 million people infected globally. In Uganda alone, approximately 11.6 million people are affected. Despite over a decade of mass drug administration in this country, hyper-endemic hotspots persist, and individuals who are repeatedly heavily and rapidly reinfected are observed. Human blood-type antigens are known to play a role in the risk of infection for a variety of diseases, due to cross-reactivity between host antibodies and pathogenic antigens. There have been conflicting results on the effect of blood type on schistosomiasis infection and pathology. Moreover, the effect of blood type as a potential intrinsic host factor on S. mansoni prevalence, intensity, clearance, and reinfection dynamics and on co-infection risk remains unknown. Therefore, the epidemiological link between host blood type and S. mansoni infection dynamics was assessed in three hyper-endemic communities in Uganda. Longitudinal data incorporating repeated pretreatment S. mansoni infection intensities and clearance rates were used to analyse associations between blood groups in school-aged children. Soil-transmitted helminth coinfection status and biometric parameters were incorporated in a generalised linear mixed regression model including age, gender, and body mass index (BMI), which have previously been established as significant factors influencing the prevalence and intensity of schistosomiasis. The analysis revealed no associations between blood type and S. mansoni prevalence, infection intensity, clearance, reinfection, or coinfection. Variations in infection profiles were significantly different between the villages, and egg burden significantly decreased with age. While blood type has proven to be a predictor of several diseases, the data collected in this study indicate that it does not play a significant role in S. mansoni infection burdens in these high-endemicity communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Francoeur
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
- Welcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Chester, Chester CH1 4BJ, UK
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (P.H.L.L.)
| | - Alon Atuhaire
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala P.O. Box 1661, Uganda; (A.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.); (A.N.)
| | - Moses Arinaitwe
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala P.O. Box 1661, Uganda; (A.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.); (A.N.)
| | - Moses Adriko
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala P.O. Box 1661, Uganda; (A.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.); (A.N.)
| | - Diana Ajambo
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala P.O. Box 1661, Uganda; (A.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.); (A.N.)
| | - Andrina Nankasi
- Vector Control Division, Ministry of Health, Kampala P.O. Box 1661, Uganda; (A.A.); (M.A.); (M.A.); (A.N.)
| | - Simon A. Babayan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
| | - Poppy H. L. Lamberton
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
- Welcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (P.H.L.L.)
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14
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Fifty years of the schistosome tegument: discoveries, controversies, and outstanding questions. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1213-1232. [PMID: 34767805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The unique multilaminate appearance of the tegument surface of schistosomes was first described in 1973, in one of the earliest volumes of the International Journal for Parasitology. The present review, published almost 50 years later, traces the development of our knowledge of the tegument, starting with those earliest cytological advances, particularly the surface plasma membrane-membranocalyx complex, through an era of protein discovery to the modern age of protein characterization, aided by proteomics. More recently, analysis of single cell transcriptomes of schistosomes is providing insight into the organisation of the cell bodies that support the surface syncytium. Our understanding of the tegument, notably the nature of the proteins present within the plasma membrane and membranocalyx, has provided insights into how the schistosomes interact with their hosts but many aspects of how the tegument functions remain unanswered. Among the unresolved aspects are those concerned with maintenance and renewal of the surface membrane complex, and whether surface proteins and membrane components are recycled. Current controversies arising from investigations about whether the tegument is a source of extracellular vesicles during parasitism, and if it is covered with glycolytic enzymes, are evaluated in the light of cytological and proteomic knowledge of the layer.
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Evaluation of Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Fasciola hepatica Tetraspanin 2 (TSP2) Fused to E. coli Heat-Labile Enterotoxin B Subunit LTB Adjuvant Following Intranasal Vaccination of Cattle. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9111213. [PMID: 34835144 PMCID: PMC8623123 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasciolosis, caused by the liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica, is an economically important and globally distributed zoonotic disease. Liver fluke infections in livestock cause significant losses in production and are of particular concern to regions where drug resistance is emerging. Antigens of the F. hepatica surface tegument represent promising vaccine candidates for controlling this disease. Tetraspanins are integral tegumental antigens that have shown partial protection as vaccine candidates against other trematode species. The Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin's B subunit (LTB) is a potent mucosal adjuvant capable of inducing an immune response to fused antigens. This study investigates the potential of F. hepatica tetraspanin 2 extracellular loop 2 (rFhTSP2) as a protective vaccine antigen and determines if fusion of FhTSP2 to LTB can enhance protection in cattle. Cattle were immunised subcutaneously with rFhTSP2 mixed in the Freund's adjuvant and intranasally with rLTB-FhTSP2 in saline, accounting for equal molar ratios of tetraspanin in both groups. Vaccination with rFhTSP2 stimulated a strong specific serum IgG response, whereas there was no significant serum IgG response following rLTB-FhTSP2 intranasal vaccination. There was no substantial antigen specific serum IgA generated in all groups across the trial. Contrastingly, after the fluke challenge, a rise in antigen specific saliva IgA was observed in both vaccination groups on Day 42, with the rLTB-FhTSP2 vaccination group showing significant mucosal IgA production at Day 84. However, neither vaccine group showed a significant reduction of fluke burden nor faecal egg output. These results suggest that intranasal vaccination with rLTB-FhTSP2 does elicit a humoral mucosal response but further work is needed to evaluate if mucosal delivery of liver fluke antigens fused to LTB is a viable vaccine strategy.
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McManus DP. The Search for a Schistosomiasis Vaccine: Australia's Contribution. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9080872. [PMID: 34451997 PMCID: PMC8402410 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, results in considerable human morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa, in particular, but also parts of the Middle East, South America, and Southeast Asia. The anti-schistosome drug praziquantel is efficacious and safe against the adult parasites of all Schistosoma species infecting humans; however, it does not prevent reinfection and the development of drug resistance is a constant concern. The need to develop an effective vaccine is of great importance if the health of many in the developing world is to be improved. Indeed, vaccination, in combination with other public health measures, can provide an invaluable tool to achieve lasting control, leading to schistosomiasis elimination. Australia has played a leading role in schistosomiasis vaccine research over many years and this review presents an overview of some of the significant contributions made by Australian scientists in this important area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia
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Silva JC, Lins CR, Lacerda SS, Ramos RE, Araújo HD, Melo-Junior MR, Alves LC, Brayner FA, Nunes IS, Melo FL, Carvalho BM. In vitro and in vivo effects of P-MAPA immunomodulator on schistosomiasis. Acta Trop 2021; 218:105909. [PMID: 33789153 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.105909] [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: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an infectious disease caused by helminth parasites of the genus Schistosoma; it is transmitted in over 78 countries. The main strategy for schistosomiasis control is treatment of infected people with praziquantel (PZQ). As PZQ-resistant strains have emerged, new anti-schistosomal agents have become necessary. We evaluated the in vitro and in vivo effect of P-MAPA, an aggregated polymer of protein magnesium ammonium phospholinoleate-palmitoleate anhydride with immunomodulatory properties; it is produced by Aspergillus oryzae fermentation. In vitro, P-MAPA (5, 50, and 100 µg/mL) damaged the Schistosoma mansoni tegument, causing thorn losses and tuber destruction in male worms and peeling and erosion in females after 24-h incubation. In vivo, P-MAPA (5 and 100 mg/kg, alone and combined with PZQ - 50 mg/kg) reduced the number of eggs by up to 69.20% in the liver and 88.08% in the intestine. Furthermore, granulomas were reduced up to 83.13%, and there was an increase in the number of dead eggs and a reduction of serum aspartate aminotransferase levels. These data suggest that P-MAPA activity can help improve schistosomiasis treatment and patients' quality of life.
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Phumrattanaprapin W, Chaiyadet S, Brindley PJ, Pearson M, Smout MJ, Loukas A, Laha T. Orally Administered Bacillus Spores Expressing an Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Tetraspanin Protect Hamsters Against Challenge Infection With Carcinogenic Human Liver Fluke. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:1445-1455. [PMID: 32813017 PMCID: PMC8064041 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is a food-borne trematode that causes hepatobiliary disease in humans throughout Southeast Asia. People become infected by consuming raw or undercooked fish containing metacercariae. Development of a vaccine to prevent or minimize pathology would decrease the risk of severe morbidity, including the development of bile duct cancer. METHODS We produced an oral vaccine based on recombinant Bacillus subtilis spores expressing the large extracellular loop (LEL) of O. viverrini tetraspanin-2 (Ov-TSP-2), a protein that is abundant on the surface of O. viverrini secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). Recombinant spores expressing Ov-TSP-2-LEL were orally administered to hamsters prior to challenge infection with O. viverrini metacercariae. RESULTS Vaccinated hamsters generated serum IgG as well as bile IgG and IgA responses to Ov-TSP-2-LEL, and serum IgG from vaccinated hamsters blocked the uptake of fluke EVs by a human bile duct epithelial cell line. Vaccinated hamsters had 56% reductions in both adult flukes and fecal eggs compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that oral vaccination of hamsters with recombinant B. subtilis spores expressing Ov-TSP-2-LEL is efficacious at reducing infection intensity and could form the basis of a vaccine for control of carcinogenic liver fluke infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sujittra Chaiyadet
- Tropical Medicine Graduate Program, Academic Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Mark Pearson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael J Smout
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thewarach Laha
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein 6 (SmVAL6) maintains tegumental barrier function. Int J Parasitol 2020; 51:251-261. [PMID: 33253697 PMCID: PMC7957364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Smval6 is expressed in oral/ventral suckers, oesophageal gland and mesenchymal cells of Schistosoma mansoni. Smval6 knockdown increases surface membrane permeability. SmVAL6 interacts with Sm14 and DLC proteins.
The Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein (SmVAL) superfamily is a collection of at least 29 molecules that have been classified into two distinctive groups (Group 1 and Group 2 SmVALs). The fundamental basis for SmVAL segregation relates to signal peptide and conserved cysteine retention (present in all Group 1 SmVALs, but absent in all Group 2 SmVALs). These structural differences have led to the hypothesis that most Group 1 SmVALs, found as components of schistosome excretory/secretory (E/S) products, predominantly interact with their environment (intermediate or definitive hosts) whereas the Group 2 SmVALs are retained within the schistosome to fulfil parasite-related functions. While experimental evidence to support Group 1 SmVAL/host interactions is growing, similar support for identification of parasite-related Group 2 SmVAL functions is currently lacking. By applying a combination of approaches to the study of SmVAL6, we provide the first known evidence for an essential function of a Group 2 SmVAL in schistosome biology. After whole mount in situ hybridisation (WISH) localised Smval6 to the anterior region of the oesophageal gland (AOG) and cells scattered through the mesenchyme in adult schistosomes, short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of Smval6 was employed to assess loss of function phenotypes. Here, siSmval6-mediated knockdown of transcript and protein levels led to an increase in tegumental permeability as assessed by the quantification of TAMRA-labelled dextran throughout sub-tegumental cells/tissues. Yeast two hybrid screening using SmVAL6 as a bait revealed Sm14 (a fatty acid binding protein) and a dynein light chain (DLC) as directly interacting partners. Interrogation of single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data supported these protein interactions by demonstrating the spatial co-expression of Smval6/dlc/Sm14 in a small proportion of adult cell types (e.g. neurons, tegumental cells and neoblasts). In silico modelling of SmVAL6 with Sm14 and DLC provided evidence that opposing faces of SmVAL6 were likely responsible for these protein/protein interactions. Our results suggest that SmVAL6 participates in oesophageal biology, formation of higher order protein complexes and maintenance of tegumental barrier function. Further studies of other Group 2 SmVALs may reveal additional functions of this enigmatic superfamily.
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Shi Y, Yu K, Liang A, Huang Y, Ou F, Wei H, Wan X, Yang Y, Zhang W, Jiang Z. Identification and Analysis of the Tegument Protein and Excretory-Secretory Products of the Carcinogenic Liver Fluke Clonorchis sinensis. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:555730. [PMID: 33072014 PMCID: PMC7538622 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.555730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fluke proteins, including excretory-secretory products (ESPs) and tegument proteins, are critical for the pathogenesis, nutrient metabolism, etiology and immune response of liver cancer. To understand the functions of various proteins in Clonorchis sinensis physiology and human clonorchiasis, the ESPs and tegument proteins of C. sinensis were identified. Supernatants containing ESPs from adult C. sinensis after culture for 6 h were harvested and concentrated. The tegument was detached using a freeze/thaw method and successively extracted using various extraction buffers. The outer surface proteins of C. sinensis were labeled with biotin, and the biotinylated proteins were purified. The ESP, tegument and labeled outer surface proteins were identified and analyzed by high-resolution LC-MS/MS. The identified proteins were compared with those of other flukes, and the protein functions associated with pathogenesis, carcinogenesis and potential vaccine antigens and drug targets were predicted and analyzed. A total of 175 proteins were identified after the 6-h culture of C. sinensis ESPs. A total of 352 tegument proteins were identified through sequential solubilization of the isolated teguments, and a subset of these proteins were localized to the surface membrane of the tegument by labeling with biotin. Thirty identified proteins, including annexins, actin and tetraspanins, were identified as potential immunomodulators and promising vaccine antigens. Interestingly, among the 352 tegument proteins, as many as 155 were enzymes, and most were oxidoreductases, hydrolases or transferases. A comparison of the outer surface proteins of C. sinensis with those of other flukes indicated that flukes have some common outer surface proteins, such as actin, tetraspanin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and annexin. Granulin, thioredoxin peroxiredoxin, carbonyl reductase 1 and cystatin were identified in the C. sinensis proteome and predicted to be related to liver disease and cancer. The analysis of the C. sinensis proteome could contribute to a more in-depth understanding of complex parasite-host relationships, improve the diagnosis of clonorchiasis and benefit research on the pathogenesis and development of novel interventions, drugs and vaccines to control C. sinensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunliang Shi
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Kai Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Anli Liang
- Xiangsihu College of Guangxi University for Nationalities, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Fangqi Ou
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Haiyan Wei
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoling Wan
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Yichao Yang
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
| | - Weiyu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhihua Jiang
- Institute of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning, China
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Abstract
The tegument (outer surface) of Schistosoma mansoni and other trematodes is in intimate contact with the host and plays an important role in host-parasite interactions. It is a complex structure that contains hundreds of proteins implicated in a variety of functions, although, so far, only a few proteins have been well characterized. Indeed, a few of these proteins have been shown to be effective vaccine and diagnostic candidates against S. mansoni and other schistosomes, and so the proteomic characterization of tegumental molecules could open new avenues for the development of novel control and surveillance strategies to combat schistosomiasis. Here, we describe the step by step isolation of tegumental proteins from the different tegument compartments using a biotinylation approach, as well as the materials and reagents needed.
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Tedla BA, Pickering D, Becker L, Loukas A, Pearson MS. Vaccination with Schistosoma mansoni Cholinesterases Reduces the Parasite Burden and Egg Viability in a Mouse Model of Schistosomiasis. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E162. [PMID: 32260125 PMCID: PMC7349746 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma, which kills 300,000 people every year in developing countries, and there is no vaccine. Recently, we have shown that cholinesterases (ChEs)-enzymes that regulate neurotransmission-from Schistosoma mansoni are expressed on the outer tegument surface and present in the excretory/secretory products of larval schistosomula and adult worms, and are essential for parasite survival in the definitive host, highlighting their utility as potential schistosomiasis vaccine targets. When treated in vitro with anti-schistosome cholinesterase (SmChE) IgG, both schistosomula and adult worms displayed significantly decreased ChE activity, which eventually resulted in parasite death. Vaccination with individual SmChEs, or a combination of all three SmChEs, significantly reduced worm burdens in two independent trials compared to controls. Average adult worm numbers and liver egg burdens were significantly decreased for all vaccinated mice across both trials, with values of 29-39% and 13-46%, respectively, except for those vaccinated with SmAChE1 in trial 1. Egg viability, as determined by egg hatching from liver homogenates, was significantly reduced in the groups vaccinated with the SmChE cocktail (40%) and SmAChE2 (46%). Furthermore, surviving worms from each vaccinated group were significantly stunted and depleted of glycogen stores, compared to controls. These results suggest that SmChEs could be incorporated into a vaccine against schistosomiasis to reduce the pathology and transmission of this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mark S. Pearson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (B.A.T.); (D.P.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
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Li XH, Vance GM, Cartwright J, Cao JP, Wilson RA, Castro-Borges W. Mapping the epitopes of Schistosoma japonicum esophageal gland proteins for incorporation into vaccine constructs. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229542. [PMID: 32107503 PMCID: PMC7046203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of a schistosome vaccine has proved challenging but we have suggested that characterisation of the self-cure mechanism in rhesus macaques might provide a route to an effective product. The schistosome esophagus is a complex structure where blood processing is initiated by secretions from anterior and posterior glands, achieved by a mixture of ~40 unique proteins. The mechanism of self-cure in macaques involves cessation of feeding, after which worms slowly starve to death. Antibody coats the esophagus lumen and disrupts the secretory processes from the glands, potentially making their secretions ideal vaccine targets. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We have designed three peptide arrays comprising overlapping 15-mer peptides encompassing 32 esophageal gland proteins, and screened them for reactivity against 22-week infection serum from macaques versus permissive rabbit and mouse hosts. There was considerable intra- and inter-species variation in response and no obvious unique target was associated with self-cure status, which suggests that self-cure is achieved by antibodies reacting with multiple targets. Some immuno-dominant sequences/regions were evident across species, notably including: MEGs 4.1C, 4.2, and 11 (Array 1); MEG-12 and Aspartyl protease (Array 2); a Tetraspanin 1 loop and MEG-n2 (Array 3). Responses to MEGs 8.1C and 8.2C were largely confined to macaques. As proof of principle, three synthetic genes were designed, comprising several key targets from each array. One of these was expressed as a recombinant protein and used to vaccinate rabbits. Higher antibody titres were obtained to the majority of reactive regions than those elicited after prolonged infection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE It is feasible to test simultaneously the additive potential of multiple esophageal proteins to induce protection by combining their most reactive regions in artificial constructs that can be used to vaccinate suitable hosts. The efficacy of the approach to disrupt esophageal function now needs to be tested by a parasite challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hong Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gillian M. Vance
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jared Cartwright
- Protein Production Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - Jian-Ping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - R Alan Wilson
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, University of York, York, England, United Kingdom
| | - William Castro-Borges
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brasil
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Adekiya TA, Kondiah PPD, Choonara YE, Kumar P, Pillay V. A Review of Nanotechnology for Targeted Anti-schistosomal Therapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:32. [PMID: 32083071 PMCID: PMC7005470 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the major parasitic diseases and second most prevalent among the group of neglected diseases. The prevalence of schistosomiasis may be due to environmental and socio-economic factors, as well as the unavailability of vaccines for schistosomiasis. To date, current treatment; mainly the drug praziquantel (PZQ), has not been effective in treating the early forms of schistosome species. The development of drug resistance has been documented in several regions globally, due to the overuse of PZQ, rate of parasitic mutation, poor treatment compliance, co-infection with different strains of schistosomes and the overall parasite load. Hence, exploring the schistosome tegument may be a potential focus for the design and development of targeted anti-schistosomal therapy, with higher bioavailability as molecular targets using nanotechnology. This review aims to provide a concise incursion on the use of various advance approaches to achieve targeted anti-schistosomal therapy, mainly through the use of nano-enabled drug delivery systems. It also assimilates the molecular structure and function of the schistosome tegument and highlights the potential molecular targets found on the tegument, for effective specific interaction with receptors for more efficacious anti-schistosomal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Viness Pillay
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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25
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Leow CY, Willis C, Chuah C, Leow CH, Jones M. Immunogenicity, antibody responses and vaccine efficacy of recombinant annexin B30 against Schistosoma mansoni. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12693. [PMID: 31880816 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Schistosomes infect approximately 250 million people worldwide. To date, there is no effective vaccine available for the prevention of schistosome infection in endemic regions. There remains a need to develop means to confer long-term protection of individuals against reinfection. In this study, an annexin, namely annexin B30, which is highly expressed in the tegument of Schistosoma mansoni was selected to evaluate its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in a mouse model. METHODS AND RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis showed that there were three potential linear B-cell epitopes and four conformational B-cell epitopes predicted from annexin B30, respectively. Full-length annexin B30 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). In the presence of adjuvants, the soluble recombinant protein was evaluated for its protective efficacy in two independent vaccine trials. Immunization of CBA mice with recombinant annexin B30 formulated either in alum only or alum/CpG induced a mixed Th1/Th2 cytokine profile but no significant protection against schistosome infection was detected. CONCLUSION Recombinant annexin B30 did not confer significant protection against the parasite. The molecule may not be suitable for vaccine development. However, it could be an ideal biomarker recommended for immunodiagnostics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiuan Yee Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Charlene Willis
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld, Australia
| | - Candy Chuah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Malaysia
| | - Chiuan Herng Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Malaysia
| | - Malcolm Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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26
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González-Miguel J, Becerro-Recio D, Sotillo J, Simón F, Siles-Lucas M. Set up of an in vitro model to study early host-parasite interactions between newly excysted juveniles of Fasciola hepatica and host intestinal cells using a quantitative proteomics approach. Vet Parasitol 2020; 278:109028. [PMID: 31986420 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is the causative agent of fasciolosis, a parasitic zoonosis of global distribution causing significant economic losses in animal production and a human public health problem in low-income countries. Hosts are infected by ingestion of aquatic plants carrying metacercariae. Once ingested, the juvenile parasites excyst in the small intestine and, after crossing it, they follow a complex migratory route that lead the parasites to their definitive location in the bile ducts. Despite being a critical event in the progression of the infection, the available data on the cross-talk relationships between the parasite and the host at an early stage of the infection are scarce. The objective of the present work is to characterize the proteomic changes occurring in both the parasite and the host, through the development of a novel in vitro model, to shed light on the molecular pathways of communication between the newly excysted juveniles (NEJ) from F. hepatica and the host's intestinal epithelium. For this, in vitro excystation of F. hepatica metacercariae was carried out and NEJ were obtained. Additionally, optimal conditions of growth and expansion of mouse primary small intestinal epithelial cells (MPSIEC) in culture were fine-tuned. Tegumentary and somatic parasite antigens (NEJ-Teg and NEJ-Som), as well as host cell protein lysate (MPSIEC-Lys) were obtained before and after 24 h co-culture of NEJ with MPSIEC. We used an isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based strategy to detect 191 and 62 up-regulated, and 112 and 57 down-regulated proteins in the NEJ-Teg and NEJ-Som extracts, respectively. Similarly, 87 up-regulated and 73 down-regulated proteins in the MPSIEC-Lys extract were identified. Taking into account the biological processes in which these proteins were involved, interesting mechanisms related to parasite development, invasion and evasion, as well as manipulation of the host intestinal epithelial cell adhesion, immunity and apoptosis pathways, among others, could be inferred, taking place at the host-parasite interface. The further understanding of these processes could constitute promising therapeutic targets in the future against fasciolosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier González-Miguel
- Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology (IRNASA, CSIC), Sustainable Development Department, C/Cordel de Merinas, 52, 37008, Salamanca, Spain; Martsinovsky Institute of Medical Parasitology, Tropical and Vector Borne Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia.
| | - David Becerro-Recio
- Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology (IRNASA, CSIC), Sustainable Development Department, C/Cordel de Merinas, 52, 37008, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fernando Simón
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mar Siles-Lucas
- Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology (IRNASA, CSIC), Sustainable Development Department, C/Cordel de Merinas, 52, 37008, Salamanca, Spain
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27
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Lei N, Liu FC, Ren CP, Shen JJ, Liu M. An Efficient Schistosoma japonicum Bivalent Membrane Protein Antigen DNA Vaccine Against Schistosomiasis in Mice. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:9319-9326. [PMID: 31811711 PMCID: PMC6916134 DOI: 10.12659/msm.919195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is one of the most important infectious parasitic diseases in the world. The most important was to control schistosomiasis is through a combination of medical therapy and immunization. The membrane antigens Tsp2 and 29 from Schistosoma are promising anti-schistosomiasis vaccine candidates. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, the pcDNA3.1(+)-SjTsp2, pcDNA3.1(+)-Sj29, and pcDNA3.1 (+)-SjTsp2-29 eukaryotic expression vectors were successfully constructed as DNA vaccines, and the protective abilities of these vaccines were evaluated in mice. RESULTS The results showed that vaccination with SjTsp2, Sj29, and SjTsp2-29 reduced parasite burden and hepatic pathology compared to the control group, and the protective effect of the bivalent SjTsp2-29 DNA vaccine was better than that of the univalent SjTsp2 or Sj29 DNA vaccines. We also found high levels of IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a against SjTsp2, Sj29, and SjTsp2-29 DNA vaccines, with high expression of IFN-γ and no IL-4 in the mice. CONCLUSIONS The double-membrane antigen DNA vaccine SjTsp2-29 elicited protection against Schistosoma infection and might serve as a vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Lei
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
- Department of Physiology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Feng-Chun Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Cui-Ping Ren
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Jia Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, P.R. China
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28
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Pirovich D, Da'dara AA, Skelly PJ. Why Do Intravascular Schistosomes Coat Themselves in Glycolytic Enzymes? Bioessays 2019; 41:e1900103. [PMID: 31661165 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900103] [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: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomes are intravascular parasitic helminths (blood flukes) that infect more than 200 million people globally. Proteomic analysis of the tegument (skin) of these worms has revealed the surprising presence of glycolytic enzymes on the parasite's external surface. Immunolocalization data as well as enzyme activity displayed by live worms confirm that functional glycolytic enzymes are indeed expressed at the host-parasite interface. Since these enzymes are traditionally considered to function intracellularly to drive glycolysis, in an extracellular location they are hypothesized to engage in novel "moonlighting" functions such as immune modulation and blood clot dissolution that promote parasite survival. For instance, several glycolytic enzymes can interact with plasminogen and promote its activation to the thrombolytic plasmin; some can inhibit complement function; some induce B cell proliferation or macrophage apoptosis. Several pathogenic bacteria and protists also express glycolytic enzymes externally, suggesting that moonlighting functions of extracellular glycolytic enzymes can contribute broadly to pathogen virulence. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/njtWZ2y3k_I.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pirovich
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Akram A Da'dara
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Patrick J Skelly
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
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29
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Leow CY, Willis C, Leow CH, Hofmann A, Jones M. Molecular characterization of Schistosoma mansoni tegument annexins and comparative analysis of antibody responses following parasite infection. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2019; 234:111231. [PMID: 31628972 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2019.111231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomes are parasitic blood flukes that infect approximately 250 million people worldwide. The disease known as schistosomiasis, is the second most significant tropical parasitic disease after malaria. Praziquantel is the only effective drug currently licensed for schistosomiasis and there are concerns about resistance to the drug. There has been much effort to develop vaccines against schistosomiasis to produce long-term protection in endemic regions. Surface-associated proteins, and in particular, those expressed in the body wall, or tegument, have been proposed as potential vaccine targets. Of these, annexins are thought to be of integral importance for the stability of this apical membrane system. Here, we present the structural and immunobiochemical characterization of four homologous annexins namely annexin B30, annexin B5a, annexin B7a and annexin B5b from S. mansoni. Bioinformatics analysis showed that there was no signal peptide predicted for any annexin in this study. Further analysis showed that each of all four annexin protein possesses a primary structure consisting of a short but variable N-terminal region and a long C-terminal core containing four homologous annexin repeats (I-IV), which contain five alpha-helices. The life cycle expression profile of each annexin was assessed using quantitative PCR. The results showed that the overall transcript levels of the each of four homologous annexins were relatively low in the egg stage, but increased gradually after the transition of cercariae (the invasive schistosome larvae) to schistosomula (the post-invasive larvae). Circular dichroism (CD) demonstrated that rAnnexin B30, rAnnexin B5a and rAnnexin 7a were folded, showing a secondary structure content rich in alpha-helices. The membrane binding affinity was enhanced when rAnnexin B30, rAnnexin B5a and rAnnexin 7a was incubated in the presence of Ca2+. All annexin members evaluated in this study were immunolocalized to the tegument, with immunoreactivity also occurring in cells and in muscle of adult parasites. All four recombinant annexins were immunoreactive and they were recognized by the sera of mice infected with S. mansoni. In conclusion, the overall results present the molecular characterization of annexin B30, annexin B5a, annexin B7a and annexin B5b from S. mansoni in host-parasite interactions and strongly suggest that the molecules could be useful candidates for vaccine or diagnostic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiuan Yee Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Charlene Willis
- School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chiuan Herng Leow
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Andreas Hofmann
- Structural Chemistry Program, Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Malcolm Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
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30
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Rando DG, da Costa MO, Pavani TF, Oliveira T, dos Santos PF, Amorim CR, Pinto PL, de Brito MG, Silva MP, Roquini DB, de Moraes J. Vanillin-Related N-Acylhydrazones: Synthesis, Antischistosomal Properties and Target Fishing Studies. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1241-1251. [DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190620163237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease, which affects millions of people in developing
countries. Its treatment relies on a single therapeutic alternative, the praziquantel. This situation
may lead to drug resistance which, in turn, made urgent the need for new antischistosomal agents. Nacylhydrazones
are usually explored as good antimicrobial agents, but the vanillin-related N-acylhydrazones
have never been tested by their antiparasitic potential.
Objective:
Herein, we report the synthesis of seven analogues, three of them unpublished, their biological
investigation against Schistosoma mansoni and Target Fishing studies.
Methods:
The compounds were synthesized following classical synthetical approaches. The anthelmintic
potential was assessed as well as their cytotoxicity profile. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and target
fishing study were performed to better understand the observed antischistosomal activity.
Results:
Compound GPQF-407 exhibited good antischistosomal activity (47.91 µM) with suitable selectivity
index (4.14). Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that it triggered severe tegumental destruction
and tubercle disintegration. Target fishing studies pointed out some probable targets, such as the
serine-threonine kinases, dihydroorotate dehydrogenases and carbonic anhydrase II.
Conclusion:
The GPQF-407 was revealed to be a promising antischistosomal agent which, besides presenting
the N-acylhydrazone privileged scaffold, also could be easily synthesized on large scales from
commercially available materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela G.G. Rando
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela O.L. da Costa
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais F.A. Pavani
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago Oliveira
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Paloma F. dos Santos
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Carina R. Amorim
- Grupo de Pesquisas Quimico-Farmaceuticas, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientais, Quimicas e Farmaceuticas, Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro L.S. Pinto
- Nucleo de Enteroparasitas, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana G. de Brito
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos P.N. Silva
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniel B. Roquini
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
| | - Josué de Moraes
- Nucleo de Pesquisa em Doencas Negligenciadas, Universidade Guarulhos, Praca Tereza Cristina, 229, Centro, 07023-070, Guarulhos, SP, Brazil
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Chaimon S, Limpanont Y, Reamtong O, Ampawong S, Phuphisut O, Chusongsang P, Ruangsittichai J, Boonyuen U, Watthanakulpanich D, O'Donoghue AJ, Caffrey CR, Adisakwattana P. Molecular characterization and functional analysis of the Schistosoma mekongi Ca 2+-dependent cysteine protease (calpain). Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:383. [PMID: 31362766 PMCID: PMC6668146 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3639-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma mekongi, which causes schistosomiasis in humans, is an important public health issue in Southeast Asia. Treatment with praziquantel is the primary method of control but emergence of praziquantel resistance requires the development of alternative drugs and vaccines. Calcium-dependent cysteine protease (calpain) is a novel vaccine candidate that has been studied in S. mansoni, S. japonicum, and protozoans including malaria, leishmania and trypanosomes. However, limited information is available on the properties and functions of calpain in other Schistosoma spp., including S. mekongi. In this study, we functionally characterized calpain 1 of S. mekongi (SmeCalp1). Results Calpain 1 of S. mekongi was obtained from transcriptomic analysis of S. mekongi; it had the highest expression level of all isoforms tested and was predominantly expressed in the adult male. SmeCalp1 cDNA is 2274 bp long and encodes 758 amino acids, with 85% to 90% homology with calpains in other Schistosoma species. Recombinant SmeCalp1 (rSmeCalp1), with a molecular weight of approximately 86.7 kDa, was expressed in bacteria and stimulated a marked antibody response in mice. Native SmeCalp1 was detected in crude worm extract and excretory-secretory product, and it was mainly localized in the tegument of the adult male; less signal was detected in the adult female worm. Thus, SmeCalp1 may play a role in surface membrane synthesis or host–parasite interaction. We assessed the protease activity of rSmeCalp1 and demonstrated that rSmeCalp1 could cleave the calpain substrate N-succinyl-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-7-amino-4-methylcoumarin, that was inhibited by calpain inhibitors (MDL28170 and E64c). Additionally, rSmeCalp1 could degrade the biological substrates fibronectin (blood clotting protein) and human complement C3, indicating important roles in the intravascular system and in host immune evasion. Conclusions SmeCalp1 is expressed on the tegumental surface of the parasite and can cleave host defense molecules; thus, it might participate in growth, development and survival during the entire life-cycle of S. mekongi. Information on the properties and functions of SmeCalp1 reported herein will be advantageous in the development of effective drugs and vaccines against S. mekongi and other schistosomes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3639-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salisa Chaimon
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Yanin Limpanont
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Sumate Ampawong
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Orawan Phuphisut
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Phiraphol Chusongsang
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Jiraporn Ruangsittichai
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Usa Boonyuen
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Dorn Watthanakulpanich
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Anthony J O'Donoghue
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Conor R Caffrey
- Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
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32
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Sotillo J, Pearson MS, Loukas A. Trematode Genomics and Proteomics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1154:411-436. [PMID: 31297769 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-18616-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Trematode infections are among the most neglected tropical diseases despite their worldwide distribution and extraordinary ability to parasitise many different host species and host tissues. Furthermore, these parasites are of great socioeconomic, medical, veterinary and agricultural importance. During the last 10 years, there have been increasing efforts to overcome the lack of information on different "omic" resources such as proteomics and genomics. Herein, we focus on the recent advances in genomics and proteomics from trematodes of human importance, including liver, blood, intestinal and lung flukes. We also provide information on the latest technologies applied to study the biology of trematodes as well as on the resources available for the study of the molecular aspects of this group of helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.
| | - Mark S Pearson
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major cause of morbidity in the world; it is second only to malaria as a major infectious disease. Globally, it is estimated that the disease affects over 250 million people in 78 countries of the world and is responsible for some 280,000 deaths each year. The three major schistosomes infecting humans are Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium. This chapter covers a wide range of aspects of schistosomiasis, including basic biology of the parasites, epidemiology, immunopathology, treatment, control, vaccines, and genomics/proteomics. In this chapter, the reader will understand the significant toll this disease takes in terms of mortality and morbidity. A description of the various life stages of schistosomes is presented, which will be informative for both those unfamiliar with the disease and experienced scientists. Clinical and public health aspects are addressed that cover acute and chronic disease, diagnosis, current treatment regimens and alternative drugs, and schistosomiasis control programs. A brief overview of genomics and proteomics is included that details recent advances in the field that will help scientists investigate the molecular biology of schistosomes. The reader will take away an appreciation for general aspects of schistosomiasis and research advances.
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Liu J, Giri BR, Chen Y, Luo R, Xia T, Grevelding CG, Cheng G. Schistosoma japonicum IAP and Teg20 safeguard tegumental integrity by inhibiting cellular apoptosis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006654. [PMID: 30044778 PMCID: PMC6078320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes are causative agents of human schistosomiasis, which is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Adult schistosomes can survive in their final hosts for several decades, and they have evolved various strategies to overcome the host immune response. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms that regulate parasitic cell survival will open avenues for developing novel strategies against schistosomiasis. Our previous study suggested that an inhibitor of apoptosis protein in Schistosoma japonicum (SjIAP) may play important roles in parasitic survival and development. Here, we demonstrated that SjIAP can negatively regulate cellular apoptosis in S. japonicum by suppressing caspase activity. Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated that SjIAP ubiquitously expressed within the worm body including the tegument. Silencing of SjIAP expression via small interfering RNA led to destruction of the tegument integrity in schistosomes. We further used co-immunoprecipitation to identify interaction partners of SjIAP and revealed the tegument protein SjTeg-20 as a putative interacting partner of SjIAP. The interaction between SjIAP and SjTeg-20 was confirmed by a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay. Moreover, results of a TUNEL assay, RNA interference, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, caspase assays, transcript profiling, and protein localization of both interacting molecules provided first evidence for an essential role of SjIAP and SjTeg-20 to maintain the structural integrity of the tegument by negatively regulating apoptosis. Taken together, our findings suggest that the cooperative activities of SjIAP and SjTeg-20 belong to the strategic inventory of S. japonicum ensuring survival in the hostile environment within the vasculature of the final host. Schistosomiasis is a worldwide public health concern particularly in developing countries. The causative agents, schistosomes, can survive within the vascular system of their final hosts for several decades despite facing the host’s immune response. Therefore, elucidating the mechanism of cell survival will contribute to the understanding of host-parasite interaction and may lead to the identification of suitable targets for developing novel strategies against schistosomiasis. Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins are highly conserved proteins functioning as endogenous inhibitors of apoptotic cell death. Here, we demonstrated that an inhibitor of apoptosis protein of Schistosoma japonicum (SjIAP) governs the integrity of the tegument of schistosomes by inhibiting cellular apoptosis of the parasite. Further studies revealed that SjTeg-20, an S. japonicum tegumental protein, cooperates with SjIAP to inhibit apoptosis in schistosomes. Our findings provide new insights into the role of SjIAP and SjTeg-20 in maintaining the integrity of the worm tegument by negatively regulating apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Liu
- Department of Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
| | - Bikash R. Giri
- Department of Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Department of Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Luo
- Department of Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianqi Xia
- Department of Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Guofeng Cheng
- Department of Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: ,
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Ponce R, León-Janampa N, Gilman RH, Liendo R, Roncal E, Luis S, Quiñones-Garcia S, Silverstein Z, García HH, Gonzales A, Sheen P, Zimic M, Pajuelo MJ. A novel enolase from Taenia solium metacestodes and its evaluation as an immunodiagnostic antigen for porcine cysticercosis. Exp Parasitol 2018; 191:44-54. [PMID: 29885292 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cysticercosis is a worldwide parasitic disease of humans and pigs principally caused by infection with the larvae of the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. Through the use of the recently-made-available T. solium genome, we identified a gene within a novel 1448 bp ORF that theoretically encodes for a 433 amino acid-long protein and predicted to be an α-enolase closely related to enolases of other flatworms. Additional bioinformatic analyses revealed a putative plasminogen-binding region on this protein, suggesting a potential role for this protein in pathogenesis. On this basis, we isolated the mRNA encoding for this presumptive enolase from T. solium metacestodes and reverse-transcribed it into cDNA before subsequently cloning and expressing it in both E. coli (rEnoTs) and insect cells (rEnoTsBac), in a 6xHis tagged manner. The molecular weights of these two recombinant proteins were ∼48 and ∼50 kDa, respectively, with the differences likely attributable to differential glycosylation. We used spectrophotometric assays to confirm the enolase nature of rEnoTs as well as to measure its enzymatic activity. The resulting estimates of specific activity (60.000 U/mg) and Km (0.091 mM) are quite similar to the catalytic characteristics of enolases of other flatworms. rEnoTs also exhibited high immunogenicity, eliciting a strong polyclonal antibody response in immunized rabbits. We subsequently employed rEnoTsBac for use in an ELISA aimed at discriminating between healthy pigs and those infected with T. solium. This diagnostic assay exhibited a sensitivity of 88.4% (95% CI, 74.92%-96.11%) and a specificity of 83.7% (95% CI: 69.29%-93.19%). In conclusión, this study reports on and enzymatically characterizes a novel enolase from T. solium metacestode, and shows a potential use as an immunodiagnostic for porcine cysticercosis.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Antibodies, Helminth/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Helminth/chemistry
- Antigens, Helminth/genetics
- Antigens, Helminth/immunology
- Antigens, Helminth/metabolism
- Computational Biology
- Confidence Intervals
- Cysticercosis/diagnosis
- Cysticercosis/veterinary
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary
- Female
- Genetic Vectors
- Phosphopyruvate Hydratase/chemistry
- Phosphopyruvate Hydratase/genetics
- Phosphopyruvate Hydratase/immunology
- Phosphopyruvate Hydratase/metabolism
- Phylogeny
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/isolation & purification
- ROC Curve
- Rabbits
- Recombinant Proteins/chemistry
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Sequence Alignment
- Sf9 Cells
- Spectrophotometry/veterinary
- Swine
- Swine Diseases/diagnosis
- Swine Diseases/parasitology
- Taenia solium/classification
- Taenia solium/enzymology
- Taenia solium/genetics
- Taenia solium/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Reynaldo Ponce
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Nancy León-Janampa
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ruddy Liendo
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Elisa Roncal
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Sueline Luis
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Stefany Quiñones-Garcia
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Zach Silverstein
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hector H García
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru; Cysticercosis Unit, Instituto de Ciencias Neurológicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Armando Gonzales
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Patricia Sheen
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Mirko Zimic
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Mónica J Pajuelo
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
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de Oliveira SA, de Oliveira Barbosa M, Filho CALM, Oliveira AR, de Sousa FA, de Farias Santiago E, de Oliveira Filho GB, de Moraes Gomes PAT, da Conceição JM, Brayner FA, Alves LC, Leite ACL. Phthalimido-thiazole as privileged scaffold: activity against immature and adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2105-2115. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5897-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Schistosome vaccines: problems, pitfalls and prospects. Emerg Top Life Sci 2017; 1:641-650. [PMID: 33525844 DOI: 10.1042/etls20170094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma remains an important public health problem in spite of concerted efforts at control. An effective vaccine would be a useful addition to control strategies that currently rely on chemotherapy, but such a product is not imminent. In this review, likely causes for the lack of progress are first considered. These include the strategies used by worms to evade the immune response, concepts that have misdirected the field, an emphasis on internal antigens, and the use of the laboratory mouse for vaccine testing. On a positive note, recent investigations on self-cure by the rhesus macaque offer the most promising context for vaccine development. The identification of proteins at the parasite-host interface, especially those of the esophageal glands involved in blood processing, has provided an entirely new category of vaccine candidates that merit evaluation.
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Macalanda AMC, Angeles JMM, Moendeg KJ, Dang AT, Higuchi L, Inoue N, Xuan X, Kirinoki M, Chigusa Y, Leonardo LR, Villacorte EA, Rivera PT, Goto Y, Kawazu SI. Evaluation of Schistosoma japonicum thioredoxin peroxidase-1 as a potential circulating antigen target for the diagnosis of Asian schistosomiasis. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 80:156-163. [PMID: 29187698 PMCID: PMC5797876 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Asian schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum is a serious zoonotic disease endemic in China, the Philippines and parts of Indonesia. Mass drug administration in endemic areas resulted to
decline in disease severity and intensity. The low intensity of infection limits the use of current parasitological methods for schistosomiasis diagnosis. Detection of parasite circulating antigens might provide more
informative result as it may indicate the true status of infection. In this study, S. japonicum thioredoxin peroxidase-1 (SjTPx-1) a 22 kDa secreted antioxidant enzyme expressed throughout the life
stages of the parasite was evaluated for its potential use as a biomarker for schistosomiasis japonica infection. Rabbit polyclonal antibody and mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were raised against the recombinant
SjTPx-1 (rSjTPx-1). The antibodies produced against the recombinant antigen was confirmed to detect the native SjTPx-1 in crude adult worm lysate. Likewise, the specific binding of mAbs to parasite TPx-1 and not to
mammalian peroxiredoxin-1 orthologues was also confirmed. The double antibody sandwich ELISA developed in this study was able to detect at least 1 ng/ml of rSjTPx-1. In addition, this
method was able to detect the antigen from all serum samples of experimentally infected rabbit and mice. The diagnostic potential of SjTPx-1 in human clinical samples was also evaluated, in which 4 out of 10
stool-confirmed serum samples had detectable levels of the antigen. The results suggest that SjTPx-1 can be a potential biomarker for Asian zoonotic schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Miki C Macalanda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Jose Ma M Angeles
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kharleezelle J Moendeg
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Anh Tm Dang
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Luna Higuchi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Noboru Inoue
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Masashi Kirinoki
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Yuichi Chigusa
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Lydia R Leonardo
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
| | - Elena A Villacorte
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
| | - Pilarita T Rivera
- Department of Parasitology, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
| | - Yasuyuki Goto
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Kawazu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
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Navarrete-Perea J, Isasa M, Paulo JA, Corral-Corral R, Flores-Bautista J, Hernández-Téllez B, Bobes RJ, Fragoso G, Sciutto E, Soberón X, Gygi SP, Laclette JP. Quantitative multiplexed proteomics of Taenia solium cysts obtained from the skeletal muscle and central nervous system of pigs. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005962. [PMID: 28945737 PMCID: PMC5634658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In human and porcine cysticercosis caused by the tapeworm Taenia solium, the larval stage (cysts) can infest several tissues including the central nervous system (CNS) and the skeletal muscles (SM). The cyst’s proteomics changes associated with the tissue localization in the host tissues have been poorly studied. Quantitative multiplexed proteomics has the power to evaluate global proteome changes in response to different conditions. Here, using a TMT-multiplexed strategy we identified and quantified over 4,200 proteins in cysts obtained from the SM and CNS of pigs, of which 891 were host proteins. To our knowledge, this is the most extensive intermixing of host and parasite proteins reported for tapeworm infections.Several antigens in cysticercosis, i.e., GP50, paramyosin and a calcium-binding protein were enriched in skeletal muscle cysts. Our results suggested the occurrence of tissue-enriched antigen that could be useful in the improvement of the immunodiagnosis for cysticercosis. Using several algorithms for epitope detection, we selected 42 highly antigenic proteins enriched for each tissue localization of the cysts. Taking into account the fold changes and the antigen/epitope contents, we selected 10 proteins and produced synthetic peptides from the best epitopes. Nine peptides were recognized by serum antibodies of cysticercotic pigs, suggesting that those peptides are antigens. Mixtures of peptides derived from SM and CNS cysts yielded better results than mixtures of peptides derived from a single tissue location, however the identification of the ‘optimal’ tissue-enriched antigens remains to be discovered. Through machine learning technologies, we determined that a reliable immunodiagnostic test for porcine cysticercosis required at least five different antigenic determinants. Human and porcine cysticercosis caused by Taenia solium is a parasite disease still endemic in developing countries. The cysts can be located in different host tissues, including different organs of the central nervous system and the skeletal muscles. The molecular mechanisms associated with the tissue localization of the cysts are not well understood. Here, we described the proteome changes of the cysts obtained from different host tissues from infected pigs using quantitative multiplex proteomics. We explored the diversity of host proteins identified in the cyst’s protein extracts and we also explored the immune-localization of several host-related proteins within the cysts, and propose their possible function. We identified several proteins and antigens enriched for a given tissue localization. Several synthetic peptides designed from these tissue-enriched antigens were tested trough ELISA. Using a combination of peptide mixtures and machine learning technologies we were able to distinguish non cysticercotic and cysticercotic pig’s sera. The tissue-enriched proteins/antigens could be useful for the development of improved immuno-diagnostic tests capable of discriminate the tissue-localization of the cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Navarrete-Perea
- Dept. of Immunology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Marta Isasa
- Dept. of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joao A Paulo
- Dept. of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ricardo Corral-Corral
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Institute of Cell Physiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jeanette Flores-Bautista
- Dept. of Immunology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Beatriz Hernández-Téllez
- Dept. of Tissue and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Raúl J Bobes
- Dept. of Immunology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gladis Fragoso
- Dept. of Immunology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Edda Sciutto
- Dept. of Immunology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Xavier Soberón
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, México.,Dept. of Biocatalysis and Cellular Engineering, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos, México
| | - Steven P Gygi
- Dept. of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Juan P Laclette
- Dept. of Immunology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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Cameron TC, Cooke I, Faou P, Toet H, Piedrafita D, Young N, Rathinasamy V, Beddoe T, Anderson G, Dempster R, Spithill TW. A novel ex vivo immunoproteomic approach characterising Fasciola hepatica tegumental antigens identified using immune antibody from resistant sheep. Int J Parasitol 2017; 47:555-567. [PMID: 28455238 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A more thorough understanding of the immunological interactions between Fasciola spp. and their hosts is required if we are to develop new immunotherapies to control fasciolosis. Deeper knowledge of the antigens that are the target of the acquired immune responses of definitive hosts against both Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica will potentially identify candidate vaccine antigens. Indonesian Thin Tail sheep express a high level of acquired immunity to infection by F. gigantica within 4weeks of infection and antibodies in Indonesian Thin Tail sera can promote antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against the surface tegument of juvenile F. gigantica in vitro. Given the high protein sequence similarity between F. hepatica and F. gigantica, we hypothesised that antibody from F. gigantica-infected sheep could be used to identify the orthologous proteins in the tegument of F. hepatica. Purified IgG from the sera of F. gigantica-infected Indonesian Thin Tail sheep collected pre-infection and 4weeks p.i. were incubated with live adult F. hepatica ex vivo and the immunosloughate (immunoprecipitate) formed was isolated and analysed via liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry to identify proteins involved in the immune response. A total of 38 proteins were identified at a significantly higher abundance in the immunosloughate using week 4 IgG, including eight predicted membrane proteins, 20 secreted proteins, nine proteins predicted to be associated with either the lysosomes, the cytoplasm or the cytoskeleton and one protein with an unknown cellular localization. Three of the membrane proteins are transporters including a multidrug resistance protein, an amino acid permease and a glucose transporter. Interestingly, a total of 21 of the 38 proteins matched with proteins recently reported to be associated with the proposed small exosome-like extracellular vesicles of adult F. hepatica, suggesting that the Indonesian Thin Tail week 4 IgG is either recognising individual proteins released from extracellular vesicles or is immunoprecipitating intact exosome-like extracellular vesicles. Five extracellular vesicle membrane proteins were identified including two proteins predicted to be associated with vesicle transport/ exocytosis (VPS4, vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 4b and the Niemann-Pick C1 protein). RNAseq analysis of the developmental transcription of the 38 immunosloughate proteins showed that the sequences are expressed over a wide abundance range with 21/38 transcripts expressed at a relatively high level from metacercariae to the adult life cycle stage. A notable feature of the immunosloughates was the absence of cytosolic proteins which have been reported to be secreted markers for damage to adult flukes incubated in vitro, suggesting that the proteins observed are not inadvertent contaminants leaking from damaged flukes ex vivo. The identification of tegument protein antigens shared between F. gigantica and F. hepatica is beneficial in terms of the possible development of a dual purpose vaccine effective against both fluke species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy C Cameron
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ira Cooke
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia; Comparative Genomics Centre and Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pierre Faou
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hayley Toet
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Piedrafita
- School of Applied and Biomedical Sciences, Federation University, Churchill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Neil Young
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vignesh Rathinasamy
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Travis Beddoe
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn Anderson
- Virbac (Australia) Pty Ltd, Milperra, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert Dempster
- Virbac (Australia) Pty Ltd, Milperra, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Terry W Spithill
- Department of Animal, Plant and Soil Sciences and Centre for AgriBioscience, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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A novel duplex ddPCR assay for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica: proof of concept in an experimental mouse model. Parasitology 2017; 144:1005-1015. [DOI: 10.1017/s003118201700021x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYThe current World Health Organization strategic plan targets the elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2025 and accurate diagnostics will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. DNA-based detection methods provide a viable alternative to some of the commonly used tests, notably microscopy and serology, for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis. The detection of parasite cell-free DNA in different clinical samples is a recent valuable advance, which provides significant benefits for accurate disease diagnosis. Here we validated a novel duplex droplet digital PCR assay for the diagnosis of Chinese (SjC) and Philippine (SjP) strains of Schistosoma japonicum infection in a mouse model. The assay proved applicable for both SjC and SjP infections and capable of detecting infection at a very early intra-mammalian stage in conveniently obtainable samples (urine and saliva) as well as in serum and feces. The target DNA copy numbers obtained in the assay showed a positive correlation with the infection burden assessed by direct traditional parasitology. The potential to detect parasite DNA in urine and saliva has important practical implications for large-scale epidemiological screening programmes in the future, particularly in terms of logistical convenience, and the assay has the potential to be a valuable additional tool for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica.
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Kim YJ, Yoo WG, Lee MR, Kang JM, Na BK, Cho SH, Park MY, Ju JW. Molecular and Structural Characterization of the Tegumental 20.6-kDa Protein in Clonorchis sinensis as a Potential Druggable Target. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E557. [PMID: 28273846 PMCID: PMC5372573 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The tegument, representing the membrane-bound outer surface of platyhelminth parasites, plays an important role for the regulation of the host immune response and parasite survival. A comprehensive understanding of tegumental proteins can provide drug candidates for use against helminth-associated diseases, such as clonorchiasis caused by the liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis. However, little is known regarding the physicochemical properties of C. sinensis teguments. In this study, a novel 20.6-kDa tegumental protein of the C. sinensis adult worm (CsTegu20.6) was identified and characterized by molecular and in silico methods. The complete coding sequence of 525 bp was derived from cDNA clones and encodes a protein of 175 amino acids. Homology search using BLASTX showed CsTegu20.6 identity ranging from 29% to 39% with previously-known tegumental proteins in C. sinensis. Domain analysis indicated the presence of a calcium-binding EF-hand domain containing a basic helix-loop-helix structure and a dynein light chain domain exhibiting a ferredoxin fold. We used a modified method to obtain the accurate tertiary structure of the CsTegu20.6 protein because of the unavailability of appropriate templates. The CsTegu20.6 protein sequence was split into two domains based on the disordered region, and then, the structure of each domain was modeled using I-TASSER. A final full-length structure was obtained by combining two structures and refining the whole structure. A refined CsTegu20.6 structure was used to identify a potential CsTegu20.6 inhibitor based on protein structure-compound interaction analysis. The recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography. In C. sinensis, CsTegu20.6 mRNAs were abundant in adult and metacercariae, but not in the egg. Immunohistochemistry revealed that CsTegu20.6 localized to the surface of the tegument in the adult fluke. Collectively, our results contribute to a better understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of CsTegu20.6 and homologs of flukes. One compound is proposed as a putative inhibitor of CsTegu20.6 to facilitate further studies for anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jung Kim
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, Centre for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Research Institute of Health, Chungbuk 28159, Korea.
| | - Won Gi Yoo
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, Centre for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Research Institute of Health, Chungbuk 28159, Korea.
| | - Myoung-Ro Lee
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, Centre for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Research Institute of Health, Chungbuk 28159, Korea.
| | - Jung-Mi Kang
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea.
| | - Byoung-Kuk Na
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, and Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju 52727, Korea.
| | - Shin-Hyeong Cho
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, Centre for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Research Institute of Health, Chungbuk 28159, Korea.
| | - Mi-Yeoun Park
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, Centre for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Research Institute of Health, Chungbuk 28159, Korea.
| | - Jung-Won Ju
- Division of Malaria and Parasitic Diseases, Centre for Immunology and Pathology, Korea National Research Institute of Health, Chungbuk 28159, Korea.
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Sotillo J, Doolan D, Loukas A. Recent advances in proteomic applications for schistosomiasis research: potential clinical impact. Expert Rev Proteomics 2016; 14:171-183. [DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2017.1271327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Denise Doolan
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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de la Torre-Escudero E, Pérez-Sánchez R, Manzano-Román R, Oleaga A. Schistosoma bovis-host interplay: Proteomics for knowing and acting. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 215:30-39. [PMID: 27485556 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Schistosoma bovis is a parasite of ruminants that causes significant economic losses to farmers throughout Africa, Southwestern Asia and the Mediterranean. Additionally, recent studies have reported its zoonotic potential through the formation of S. bovis×Schistosoma haematobium hybrids. As observed in the Schistosoma species infecting humans, it is assumed that S. bovis has also evolved host regulatory molecules that ensure its long-term survival in the bloodstream of its host. Since these molecules could be potential targets for the development of new drugs and anti-schistosome vaccines, their identification and functional characterization were undertaken. With this aim in mind, the molecular interface between S. bovis and its vertebrate host was subjected to a series of proteomic studies, which started with the analysis of the proteomes of the S. bovis moieties exposed to the host, namely, the excretory/secretory products and the tegument surface. Thus, a wealth of novel molecular information of S. bovis was obtained, which in turn allowed the identification of several parasite proteins with fibrinolytic and anticoagulant activities that could be used by S. bovis to regulate the host defensive systems. Following on, the host interface was investigated by studying the proteome of the host vascular endothelium surface at two points along the infection: in the lung vessels during the schistosomula migration and in the portal vein after the parasites have reached adulthood and sexual maturity. These studies have provided original data regarding the proteomes of the endothelial cell surface of pulmonary vasculature and portal vein in S. bovis-infected animals, and have shown significant changes in these proteomes associated with infection. This review compiles current information and the analyses of all the proteomic data from S. bovis and the S. bovis-host interface, including the molecular and functional characterization of S. bovis proteins that were found to participate in the regulation of the host coagulation and fibrinolysis systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo de la Torre-Escudero
- Parasitology Laboratory, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pérez-Sánchez
- Parasitology Laboratory, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Raúl Manzano-Román
- Parasitology Laboratory, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ana Oleaga
- Parasitology Laboratory, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain.
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Zhu L, Liu J, Dao J, Lu K, Li H, Gu H, Liu J, Feng X, Cheng G. Molecular characterization of S. japonicum exosome-like vesicles reveals their regulatory roles in parasite-host interactions. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25885. [PMID: 27172881 PMCID: PMC4865838 DOI: 10.1038/srep25885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted extracellular vesicles play an important role in pathogen-host interactions. Increased knowledge of schistosome extracellular vesicles could provide insights into schistosome-host interactions and enable the development of novel intervention strategies to inhibit parasitic processes and lessen disease transmission. Here, we describe biochemical characterization of Schistosoma japonicum exosome-like vesicles (S. japonicum EVs). A total of 403 proteins were identified in S. japonicum EVs, and bioinformatics analyses indicated that these proteins were mainly involved in binding, catalytic activity, and translation regulatory activity. Next, we characterized the population of small RNAs associated with S. japonicum EVs. Further studies demonstrated that mammalian cells could internalize S. japonicum EVs and transfer their cargo miRNAs to recipient cells. Additionally, we found that a specific miRNA, likely originating from a final host, ocu-miR-191–5p, is also associated with S. japonicum EVs. Overall, our findings demonstrate that S. japonicum EVs could be implicated in the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis via a mechanism involving the transfer of their cargo miRNAs to hosts. Our findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of schistosome-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Zhu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Juntao Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinwei Dao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Lu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiming Gu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingang Feng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture, 518 Ziyue Road, Shanghai, China
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The omic approach to parasitic trematode research—a review of techniques and developments within the past 5 years. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2523-43. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Cao X, Fu Z, Zhang M, Han Y, Han H, Han Q, Lu K, Hong Y, Lin J. iTRAQ-based comparative proteomic analysis of excretory-secretory proteins of schistosomula and adult worms of Schistosoma japonicum. J Proteomics 2016; 138:30-9. [PMID: 26915583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2016.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a serious public health problem with 200 million people infected and 779 million people at risk worldwide. The schistosomulum and adult worm are two stages of the complex lifecycle of Schistosoma japonicum and excretory/secretory proteins (ESPs) play a major role in host-parasite interactions. In this study, iTRAQ-coupled LC-MS/MS was used to investigate the proteome of ESPs obtained from schistosomula and adult worms of S. japonicum, and 298 differential ESPs were identified. Bioinformatics analysis of differential ESPs in the two developmental stages showed that 161 ESPs upregulated in schistosomula were associated with stress responses, carbohydrate metabolism and protein degradation, whereas ESPs upregulated in adult worms were mainly related to immunoregulation and purine metabolism. Recombinant heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx), two differential proteins identified in this study, were expressed. Further studies showed that rSjHSP70 and rSjTPx stimulated macrophages expressing high levels of the anti-inflammatory factors TGF-β, IL-10 and Arg-1, and suppressed the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and iNOS in LPS-induced macrophages. This study provides new insights into the survival and development of schistosomes in the final host and helps identify vaccine candidates or new diagnostic reagents for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Cao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yanhui Han
- College of Animal Science, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hongxiao Han
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Han
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Lu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Hong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Shanghai, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.
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Characterization of VAMP2 in Schistosoma japonicum and the Evaluation of Protective Efficacy Induced by Recombinant SjVAMP2 in Mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144584. [PMID: 26641090 PMCID: PMC4671580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The outer-tegument membrane covering the schistosome is believed to maintain via the fusion of membranous vesicles. Fusion of biological membranes is a fundamental process in all eukaryotic cells driven by formation of trans-SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) complexes through pairing of vesicle associated v-SNAREs (VAMP) with complementary t-SNAREs on target membranes. The purpose of this study was to characterize Schistosoma japonicum vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (SjVAMP2) and to investigate its potential as a candidate vaccine against schistosomiasis. Methodology/Principal Findings The sequence of SjVAMP2 was analyzed, cloned, expressed and characterized. SjVAMP2 is a member of the synaptobrevin superfamily harboring the v-SNARE coiled-coil homology domain. RT–PCR analysis revealed that significantly higher SjVAMP2 levels were observed in 14-, 28- and 42-day-old worms, and SjVAMP2 expression was much higher in 42-day-old female worms than in those male worms. Additionally, the expression of SjVAMP2 was associated with membrane recovery in PZQ-treated worms. Immunostaining assay showed that SjVAMP2 was mainly distributed in the sub-tegument of the worms. Western blotting revealed that rSjVAMP2 showed strong immunogenicity. Purified rSjVAMP2 emulsified with ISA206 adjuvant induced 41.5% and 27.3% reductions in worm burden, and 36.8% and 23.3% reductions in hepatic eggs in two independent trials. Besides, significantly higher rSjVAMP2-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a levels were detected in rSjVAMP2-vaccinated mice. Conclusion Our study indicated that SjVAMP2 is a potential vaccine candidate against S. japonicum and provided the basis for further investigations into the biological function of SjVAMP2.
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Driguez P, McManus DP, Gobert GN. Clinical implications of recent findings in schistosome proteomics. Expert Rev Proteomics 2015; 13:19-33. [PMID: 26558506 DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2016.1116390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of clinical significance that, despite years of research, still requires an effective vaccine and improved diagnostics for surveillance, control and potential elimination. Furthermore, the causes of host pathology during schistosomiasis are still not completely understood. The recent sequencing of the genomes of the three key schistosome species has enabled the discovery of many new possible vaccine and drug targets, as well as diagnostic biomarkers, using high-throughput and sensitive proteomics methods. This review focuses on the literature of the last 5 years that has reported on the use of proteomics to both better understand the biology of the schistosome parasites and the disease they cause in definitive mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Driguez
- a QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Disease Division , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- a QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Disease Division , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- a QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Infectious Disease Division , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
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Abstract
Little is known about the molecular mechanisms whereby the human blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum is able to survive in the host venous blood system. Protease inhibitors are likely released by the parasite enabling it to avoid attack by host proteolytic enzymes and coagulation factors. Interrogation of the S. japonicum genomic sequence identified a gene, SjKI-1, homologous to that encoding a single domain Kunitz protein (Sjp_0020270) which we expressed in recombinant form in Escherichia coli and purified. SjKI-1 is highly transcribed in adult worms and eggs but its expression was very low in cercariae and schistosomula. In situ immunolocalization with anti-SjKI-1 rabbit antibodies showed the protein was present in eggs trapped in the infected mouse intestinal wall. In functional assays, SjKI-1 inhibited trypsin in the picomolar range and chymotrypsin, neutrophil elastase, FXa and plasma kallikrein in the nanomolar range. Furthermore, SjKI-1, at a concentration of 7·5 µ m, prolonged 2-fold activated partial thromboplastin time of human blood coagulation. We also demonstrate that SjKI-1 has the ability to bind Ca(++). We present, therefore, characterization of the first Kunitz protein from S. japonicum which we show has an anti-coagulant properties. In addition, its inhibition of neutrophil elastase indicates SjKI-1 have an anti-inflammatory role. Having anti-thrombotic properties, SjKI-1 may point the way towards novel treatment for hemostatic disorders.
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