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Sureshan M, Rajamanikandan S, Saraboji K. Comprehensive approach to in silico identification and in vitro validation of anti-filarial hit molecules targeting the dimer interface of thioredoxin peroxidase 1 in Wuchereria bancrofti: a progress in anti-filariasis drug development. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10922-9. [PMID: 38954071 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10922-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a significant health challenge for populations in developing countries. LF is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly caused by the filarial nematode, Wuchereria bancrofti, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Since the present drugs develop complications, including adverse side effects, lack of specificity, and development of drug resistance, the present study focused on developing the potential anti-filariasis drugs targeting crucial proteins for the nematode life cycle. We have identified the therapeutic compounds by targeting the enzyme thioredoxin peroxidase 1 (WbTPx1), which facilitates the conversion of hydrogen peroxide into water, an essential mechanism by which the nematode survives against oxidative stress in the host. This approach might resolve treatment efficacy and activity difficulties at various stages of filarial parasitic worms. We modeled the structure of WbTPx1 and employed the structure-based virtual screening approach, focusing on the dimer interface region of the protein. ADMET prediction profiles of the non-toxic, top-ranked hits with higher docking scores demonstrate higher affinity to the nematode protein than its human homolog. The molecular dynamic simulation studies show WbTPx1-hit complexes' stability and the intactness of hits in the binding site. Further, in vitro validation of identified hits using Setaria digitata, a cattle nematode, showed better IC50 and higher inhibition than the standard drug ivermectin, indicating the potential to inhibit enzyme activity and the development of drug candidates for controlling LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muthusamy Sureshan
- Biomolecular Crystallography Lab, Department of Bioinformatics, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, 613401, India
| | - Sundarraj Rajamanikandan
- Department of Biochemistry, Centre for Drug Discovery, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, 641021, India
| | - Kadhirvel Saraboji
- Department of Computational Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, 151401, India.
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Multivariate chemogenomic screening prioritizes new macrofilaricidal leads. Commun Biol 2023; 6:44. [PMID: 36639423 PMCID: PMC9839782 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04435-8] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of direct acting macrofilaricides for the treatment of human filariases is hampered by limitations in screening throughput imposed by the parasite life cycle. In vitro adult screens typically assess single phenotypes without prior enrichment for chemicals with antifilarial potential. We developed a multivariate screen that identified dozens of compounds with submicromolar macrofilaricidal activity, achieving a hit rate of >50% by leveraging abundantly accessible microfilariae. Adult assays were multiplexed to thoroughly characterize compound activity across relevant parasite fitness traits, including neuromuscular control, fecundity, metabolism, and viability. Seventeen compounds from a diverse chemogenomic library elicited strong effects on at least one adult trait, with differential potency against microfilariae and adults. Our screen identified five compounds with high potency against adults but low potency or slow-acting microfilaricidal effects, at least one of which acts through a novel mechanism. We show that the use of microfilariae in a primary screen outperforms model nematode developmental assays and virtual screening of protein structures inferred with deep learning. These data provide new leads for drug development, and the high-content and multiplex assays set a new foundation for antifilarial discovery.
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Ajendra J, Allen JE. Neutrophils: Friend or Foe in Filariasis? Parasite Immunol 2022; 44:e12918. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesuthas Ajendra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology University Hospital of Bonn Bonn Germany
| | - Judith E. Allen
- Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology & Infection, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Wellcome Centre for Cell‐Matrix Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Center University of Manchester Manchester UK
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Wilson NE, Reaves BJ, Wolstenholme AJ. Lack of detectable short-term effects of a single dose of ivermectin on the human immune system. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:304. [PMID: 34090504 PMCID: PMC8179708 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04810-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ivermectin is widely used in human and animal medicine to treat and prevent parasite nematode infections. It has been suggested that its mode of action requires the host immune system, as it is difficult to reproduce its clinical efficacy in vitro. We therefore studied the effects of a single dose of ivermectin (Stromectol®—0.15 mg/kg) on cytokine levels and immune cell gene expression in human volunteers. This dose reduces bloodstream microfilariae rapidly and for several months when given in mass drug administration programmes. Methods Healthy volunteers with no travel history to endemic regions were given 3–4 tablets, depending on their weight, of either ivermectin or a placebo. Blood samples were drawn immediately prior to administration, 4 h and 24 h afterwards, and complete blood counts performed. Serum levels of 41 cytokines and chemokines were measured using Luminex® and expression levels of 770 myeloid-cell-related genes determined using the NanoString nCounter®. Cytokine levels at 4 h and 24 h post-treatment were compared to the levels pre-treatment using simple t tests to determine if any individual results required further investigation, taking p = < 0.05 as the level of significance. NanoString data were analysed on the proprietary software, nSolver™. Results No significant differences were observed in complete blood counts or cytokine levels at either time point between people given ivermectin versus placebo. Only three genes showed a significant change in expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells 4 h after ivermectin was given; there were no significant changes 24 h after drug administration or in polymorphonuclear cells at either time point. Leukocytes isolated from those participants given ivermectin showed no difference in their ability to kill Brugia malayi microfilariae in vitro. Conclusions Overall, our data do not support a direct effect of ivermectin, when given at the dose used in current filarial elimination programmes, on the human immune system. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03459794 Registered 9th March 2018, Retrospectively registered https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03459794?term=NCT03459794&draw=2&rank=1. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04810-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E Wilson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.,Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Barbara J Reaves
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.,Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Adrian J Wolstenholme
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA. .,Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA. .,INRAE Centre Val du Loire, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
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Haythorn A, Young M, Stanton J, Zhang J, Mueller POE, Halper J. Differential gene expression in skin RNA of horses affected with degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis. J Orthop Surg Res 2020; 15:460. [PMID: 33028365 PMCID: PMC7541307 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-020-01994-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Equine degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a systemic connective tissue disorder first identified in Peruvian Paso horses but afflicting other horse breeds as well. Inappropriate accumulation of proteoglycans in connective tissues, most prominently in tendons and ligaments, leads to progressive and debilitating lameness and pain. It is largely unknown what drives the overproduction of proteoglycans, but our previous studies suggest involvement of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family, impacting synthesis of proteoglycans. To identify potential players in pathogenesis of DSLD a new approach utilizing next generation sequencing was undertaken. METHODS Next generation sequencing was performed using RNA extracted from skin biopsies of six control Peruvian Pasos and six horses with DSLD (4 Peruvian Pasos and 2 warmbloods). The CuffDiff result sets were validated with algorithms used to run them. This was based on the determined false discovery rates derived from the P values adjusted for multiple testing for any given result. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis of transcriptomes revealed differential expression of over 1500 genes, including increased expression of genes for several growth factors (most prominently BMP2, FGF5, CTGF, many members of the EGF family), and mediators of signaling (Fos, Myc, MAPK system), and keratins. Two genes encoding for enzymes involved in synthesis of hyaluronan were also overexpressed. Gene expression was decreased for protein cores of many proteoglycans, several growth factors, most collagens, and many peptides with immune function. CONCLUSIONS The overexpression of BMP2 correlates well with our previous data. However, the decrease in expression of numerous proteoglycans was unexpected. A mutation in a gene of a less characterized proteoglycan and/or glycosyltransferase with subsequent increased production of hyaluronan and/or a proteoglycan(s) undetected in our study could account for the systemic proteoglycan deposition. Decreased collagen gene expression indicates abnormal connective tissue metabolism. The increased expression of keratin genes and FGF5 supports reports of skin abnormalities in DSLD. Underexpression of immune function genes corresponds with lack of inflammation in DSLD tissues. Finally, though the proteoglycan and/or glycosaminoglycan abundant in DSLD has not been identified, we validated our previous data, including overexpression of BMP2, and systemic nature of DSLD due to disturbed metabolism of the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Haythorn
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Madeline Young
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - James Stanton
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - P. O. E. Mueller
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
| | - Jaroslava Halper
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
- AU/UGA Medical Partnership, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602 USA
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Lucchetti C, Genchi M, Venco L, Menozzi A, Serventi P, Bertini S, Bazzocchi C, Kramer LH, Vismarra A. Differential ABC transporter gene expression in adult Dirofilaria immitis males and females following in vitro treatment with ivermectin, doxycycline or a combination of both. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:401. [PMID: 31409391 PMCID: PMC6693208 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3645-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Combination doxycycline/macrocyclic lactone (ML) protocols have been shown to provide a more rapid adulticidal and microfilaricidal effect than either MLs or doxycycline alone, although female worms were reported to have a higher tolerance to treatments compared to male worms. The present study aimed to evaluate how ABC transporters may be involved in the synergic effect of the combination treatment. Adult worms of D. immitis were treated in vitro for 24 hours with doxycycline (DOXY), ivermectin (IVM) and a combination of both, and changes in the modulation of ABC transporter genes were measured. Levels of doxycycline inside different treatment media, post-treatment, were determined through HPLC analysis. Results Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed the presence of changes in the modulation of ABC transporter genes evaluated in this study. In particular, in female worms, the combination treatment induced a substantial increase in gene expressions, especially of Dim-pgp-10 and Dim-haf-4; whereas in male worms, the greatest increase in gene expression was observed for Dim-pgp-10 and Dim-pgp-11 when treated with DMSO + IVM and DMSO + DOXY/IVM. HPLC analysis of the DOXY concentrations in the media after in vitro treatments of male worms showed a slight difference between the DMSO + DOXY samples and the combination (DMSO + DOXY + IVM), while no difference was observed among females. Conclusions Further studies are required to explain whether the modulation of cellular efflux plays a role, even partially, in the adulticide effect of doxycycline/macrocyclic lactone combinations in heartworm-infected dogs. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate P-gp expression in adult D. immitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Lucchetti
- Dept. of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Parasitology Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Genchi
- Dept. of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Parasitology Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Luigi Venco
- Clinica Veterinaria Lago Maggiore, 28041, Arona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Menozzi
- Dept. of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Pharmacology Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Paolo Serventi
- Dept. of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Pharmacology Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Simone Bertini
- Dept. of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Pharmacology Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Bazzocchi
- Dept. of Veterinary Science, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Helen Kramer
- Dept. of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Parasitology Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Alice Vismarra
- Dept. of Veterinary Sciences, University of Parma, Parasitology Unit, 43126, Parma, Italy
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Berrafato T, Coates R, Reaves BJ, Kulke D, Wolstenholme AJ. Macrocyclic lactone anthelmintic-induced leukocyte binding to Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae: Influence of the drug resistance status of the parasite. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2019; 10:45-50. [PMID: 31054498 PMCID: PMC6500911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics are the only class of drug currently used to prevent heartworm disease. Their extremely high potency in vivo is not mirrored by their activity against Dirofilaria immitis larvae in vitro, leading to suggestions that they may require host immune functions to kill the parasites. We have previously shown that ivermectin stimulates the binding of canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) to D. immitis microfilariae (Mf). We have now extended these studies to moxidectin and examined the ability of both drugs to stimulate canine PBMC and PMN attachment to Mf from multiple strains of D. immitis, including two that are proven to be resistant to ivermectin in vivo. Both ivermectin and moxidectin significantly increased the percentage of drug-susceptible parasites with cells attached at very low concentrations (<10 nM), but much higher concentrations of ivermectin (>100 nM) were required to increase the percentage of the two resistant strains, Yazoo-2013 and Metairie-2014, with cells attached. Moxidectin increased the percentage of the two resistant strains with cells attached at lower concentrations (<10 nM) than did ivermectin. The attachment of the PBMCs and PMNs did not result in any parasite killing in vitro. These data support the biological relevance of the drug-stimulated attachment of canine leukocytes to D. immitis Mf and suggest that this phenomenon is related to the drug resistance status of the parasites. Ivermectin promotes attachment of PMN and PBMC to D. immitis microfilariae in vitro. Moxidectin has a similar effect. Higher ivermectin concentrations are needed if Mf of ML-resistant strains are used. Moxidectin is more effective at promoting cell attachment to resistant Mf. Neither PMN nor PBMC attachment does not result in parasite death in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Berrafato
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Ruby Coates
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Barbara J Reaves
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Daniel Kulke
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, 51373, Leverkusen, Germany.
| | - Adrian J Wolstenholme
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA; Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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Anthelmintics - From Discovery to Resistance III (Indian Rocks Beach, FL, 2018). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY-DRUGS AND DRUG RESISTANCE 2018; 8:494-495. [PMID: 30429103 PMCID: PMC6287533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The third scientific meeting in the series “Anthelmintics: From Discovery to Resistance” was held in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, at the end of January 2018. The meeting focused on a variety of topics related to the title, including the identification of novel targets and new leads, the mechanism of action of existing drugs and the genetic basis of resistance against them. Throughout there was an emphasis on the exploitation of new technologies and methods to further these aims. The presentations, oral and poster, covered basic, veterinary and medical science with strong participation by both academic and commercial researchers. This special issue contains selected papers from the meeting.
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