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Pereira SB, de Mattos DP, Gonzalez MS, Mello CB, Azambuja P, de Castro DP, Vieira CS. Immune signaling pathways in Rhodnius prolixus in the context of Trypanosoma rangeli infection: cellular and humoral immune responses and microbiota modulation. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1435447. [PMID: 39210973 PMCID: PMC11357937 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1435447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rhodnius prolixus is a hematophagous insect and one of the main vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli parasites in Latin America. Gut microbiota and insect immune responses affect T. cruzi and T. rangeli infection within triatomines. Particularly the Toll and IMD signaling pathways activations and how they orchestrate the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) expressions in R. prolixus, especially when infected by T. rangeli. Objectives Examine how T. rangeli infection modulates R. prolixus cellular and humoral immunity and its impacts on insect microbiota. Methods R. prolixus was fed on blood containing epimastigotes of T. rangeli, and infection was quantified in insect tissues. The gene expression of dorsal, cactus, relish, PGRP, and AMPs was examined in the midgut, fat body, and salivary glands by quantitative real-time PCR. Microbiota composition was analyzed using RT-q PCR targeting specific bacterial species. Hemocyte numbers and phenoloxidase activity were quantified to assess cellular immune responses. Results T. rangeli infection modulated triatomine immunity in midgut and hemocoel, activating the expression of the NF-kB gene dorsal, associated with the Toll pathway; increasing expression of the gene encoding PGRP receptor, a component involved in the IMD pathway, both in the intestine and fat body; repressing the expression of the relish transcription factor, mainly in salivary glands. Among the R. prolixus AMPs studied, T. rangeli infection repressed all AMP gene expression, other than defensin C which increased mRNA levels. The PO activity was enhanced in the hemolymph of infected insects. T. rangeli infection did not induce hemocyte number alterations compared to control insects. However, an increase in hemocyte microaggregation was detected in infected insects. Discussion R. prolixus recognizes T. rangeli infection and triggers humoral and cellular immune responses involving Toll pathway activation, defensin C synthesis, increased phenoloxidase activity, and enhanced hemocyte aggregation. On the other hand, T. rangeli infection suppressed some IMD pathway components, suggesting that, in R. prolixus, this pathway is involved in defensins A and B gene regulation. Importantly, these immune responses altered the bacterial microbiota composition, potentially favoring T. rangeli establishment in the insect vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suelen Bastos Pereira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Débora Passos de Mattos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Salabert Gonzalez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Niterói, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cicero Brasileiro Mello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Niterói, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Azambuja
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Niterói, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniele Pereira de Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cecília Stahl Vieira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Praha, Czechia
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Schaub GA. Interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi, Triatomines and the Microbiota of the Vectors-A Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:855. [PMID: 38792688 PMCID: PMC11123833 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050855] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, its vectors, triatomines, and the diverse intestinal microbiota of triatomines, which includes mutualistic symbionts, and highlights open questions. T. cruzi strains show great biological heterogeneity in their development and their interactions. Triatomines differ from other important vectors of diseases in their ontogeny and the enzymes used to digest blood. Many different bacteria colonize the intestinal tract of triatomines, but only Actinomycetales have been identified as mutualistic symbionts. Effects of the vector on T. cruzi are indicated by differences in the ability of T. cruzi to establish in the triatomines and in colonization peculiarities, i.e., proliferation mainly in the posterior midgut and rectum and preferential transformation into infectious metacyclic trypomastigotes in the rectum. In addition, certain forms of T. cruzi develop after feeding and during starvation of triatomines. Negative effects of T. cruzi on the triatomine vectors appear to be particularly evident when the triatomines are stressed and depend on the T. cruzi strain. Effects on the intestinal immunity of the triatomines are induced by ingested blood-stage trypomastigotes of T. cruzi and affect the populations of many non-symbiotic intestinal bacteria, but not all and not the mutualistic symbionts. After the knockdown of antimicrobial peptides, the number of non-symbiotic bacteria increases and the number of T. cruzi decreases. Presumably, in long-term infections, intestinal immunity is suppressed, which supports the growth of specific bacteria, depending on the strain of T. cruzi. These interactions may provide an approach to disrupt T. cruzi transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter A Schaub
- Zoology/Parasitology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
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Gama MDVF, Alexandre YDN, Pereira da Silva JM, Castro DP, Genta FA. Digestive α-L-fucosidase activity in Rhodnius prolixus after blood feeding: effect of secretagogue and nutritional stimuli. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1123414. [PMID: 37538373 PMCID: PMC10394381 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1123414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is an important vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas Disease. This insect is a model for the study of insect physiology, especially concerning the digestion of blood. Among the enzymes produced in the midgut of R. prolixus after blood feeding there is a α-L-fucosidase activity. There are very few studies on α-L-fucosidase of insects, and the role of R. prolixus α-L-fucosidase is still not clear. In this work, we tested if the mechanism for production of this enzyme is similar to the observed for proteases, a secretatogue mechanism that respond to the protein contents of the meal. Methods: We tested if specific proteins or sugars elicit this response, which may help to understand the nature of the physiological substrate for this enzyme. Results: In general, our results showed that the Anterior Midgut was the only midgut fraction that responds to the blood meal in terms of α-L-fucosidase production. Besides that, this response was not triggered by midgut distension or by ingestion of the blood cell fraction. Conversely, the enzyme was produced after feeding with the plasma fraction. However, the production of α-L-fucosidase was also triggered by different biochemical stimuli, as protein or fucoidan ingestion. Discussion: This suggested that the production of the enzyme in the anterior midgut was a general physiological response under control of different convergent signals. Besides that, the comparison between different treatments for artificial blood feeding showed that heparinated blood was the choice with minor side effects for the study of the midgut α-L-fucosidase, when compared to defibrinated or citrated blood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniele Pereira Castro
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando Ariel Genta
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Yu H, Yang X, Dai J, Li Y, Veeran S, Lin J, Shu B. Effects of azadirachtin on detoxification-related gene expression in the fat bodies of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:42587-42595. [PMID: 35294689 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19661-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, has become a worldwide pest and threatens world food production. A previous study indicated that azadirachtin, the most effective botanical insecticide for S. frugiperda, inhibits larval growth of the insect. The effect of azadirachtin on the tissues of the larvae, however, remains to be determined. In this study, the effects of azadirachtin on the structure of fat bodies were analyzed. Comparative transcriptomic analysis was conducted between controls and samples treated with 0.1 μg/g azadirachtin for 7 days to explore potential relevant mechanisms. The expression of 5356 genes was significantly affected after azadirachtin treatment, with 3020 up-regulated and 2336 down-regulated. Among them, 137 encode detoxification enzymes, including 53 P450s, 20 GSTs, 27 CarEs, 16 UGTs, and 12 ABC transporters. Our results indicated that azadirachtin could destroy fat body structure and change the mRNA levels of detoxification-related genes. The up-regulated genes encoding detoxification enzymes might be related to detoxifying azadirachtin. Our results elucidate a preliminary mechanism of azadirachtin detoxification in the fat bodies of S. frugiperda larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikuo Yu
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianmei Yang
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghua Dai
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuning Li
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sethuraman Veeran
- Department of Biotechnology, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jintian Lin
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China
| | - Benshui Shu
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Subtropical Fruit Trees Outbreak Control, Institute for Management of Invasive Alien Species, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, 313 Yingdong teaching building, Guangzhou, 510225, People's Republic of China.
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Resisting an invasion: A review of the triatomine vector (Kissing bug) defense strategies against a Trypanosoma sp infection. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106745. [PMID: 36375520 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106745] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Triatomines are an important group of insects in the Americas. They serve as transmission vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent responsible for the deadly Chagas disease in humans. The digenetic parasite has a complex life cycle, alternating between mammalian and insect hosts, facing different environments. In the insect vector, the metacyclic trypomastigote (non-replicative) and epimastigote (replicative) stages face a set of insect-mediated environmental changes, such as intestinal pH, body temperature, nutrient availability, and vector immune response. These insects have the ability to differentiate between self and non-self-particles using their innate immune system. This immune system comprises physical barriers, cellular responses (phagocytosis, nodules and encapsulation), humoral factors, including effector mechanisms (antimicrobial peptides and prophenoloxidase cascade) and the intestinal microbiota. Here, we consolidate and synthesize the available literature to describe the defense mechanisms deployed by the triatomine vector against the parasite, as documented in recent years, the possible mechanisms developed by the parasite to protect against the insect's specific microenvironment and innate immune responses, and future perspectives on the Triatomine-Trypanosome interaction.
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Marieshwari BN, Bhuvaragavan S, Sruthi K, Mullainadhan P, Janarthanan S. Insect phenoloxidase and its diverse roles: melanogenesis and beyond. J Comp Physiol B 2023; 193:1-23. [PMID: 36472653 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-022-01468-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Insect life on earth is greatly diversified despite being exposed to several infectious agents due to their diverse habitats and ecological niche. One of the major factors responsible for their successful establishment is having a powerful innate immune system. The most common and effective method used by insects in recognizing pathogen and non-self-substances is the melanization process among others. The key enzyme involved in melanin biosynthesis is the copper containing humoral defense enzyme, phenoloxidase (PO). This review focused on understanding about PO and that had been in research for nearly a century. The review elaborates about evolutionary significance of PO in arthropods, its relationship with mammalian tyrosinases, various substrates, activators and inhibitors involved in the activation of phenoloxidase cascade, as it requires an integrated system of activation that vary among insect species. The enzyme also plays a vital role in insect immunity by involving in several other immune functions like sclerotization, wound healing, opsonization, encapsulation and nodule formation. Further, gene knock down or knock out of PO genes and inhibition of PO-melanization cascade by several mechanisms can also be considered as promising future alternative to control serious pests by making them highly susceptible to any targeted attack.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kannan Sruthi
- Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, 600025, India
| | | | - Sundaram Janarthanan
- Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, 600025, India.
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7
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Ouali R, Vieira LR, Salmon D, Bousbata S. Rhodnius prolixus Hemolymph Immuno-Physiology: Deciphering the Systemic Immune Response Triggered by Trypanosoma cruzi Establishment in the Vector Using Quantitative Proteomics. Cells 2022; 11:1449. [PMID: 35563760 PMCID: PMC9104911 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the development of Trypanosoma cruzi within the triatomine vector at the molecular level should provide novel targets for interrupting parasitic life cycle and affect vectorial competence. The aim of the current study is to provide new insights into triatomines immunology through the characterization of the hemolymph proteome of Rhodnius prolixus, a major Chagas disease vector, in order to gain an overview of its immune physiology. Surprisingly, proteomics investigation of the immunomodulation of T. cruzi-infected blood reveals that the parasite triggers an early systemic response in the hemolymph. The analysis of the expression profiles of hemolymph proteins from 6 h to 24 h allowed the identification of a broad range of immune proteins expressed already in the early hours post-blood-feeding regardless of the presence of the parasite, ready to mount a rapid response exemplified by the significant phenol oxidase activation. Nevertheless, we have also observed a remarkable induction of the immune response triggered by an rpPGRP-LC and the overexpression of defensins 6 h post-T. cruzi infection. Moreover, we have identified novel proteins with immune properties such as the putative c1q-like protein and the immunoglobulin I-set domain-containing protein, which have never been described in triatomines and could play a role in T. cruzi recognition. Twelve proteins with unknown function are modulated by the presence of T. cruzi in the hemolymph. Determining the function of these parasite-induced proteins represents an exciting challenge for increasing our knowledge about the diversity of the immune response from the universal one studied in holometabolous insects. This will provide us with clear answers for misunderstood mechanisms in host-parasite interaction, leading to the development of new generation strategies to control vector populations and pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radouane Ouali
- Proteomic Plateform, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Larissa Rezende Vieira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências e da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Didier Salmon
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências e da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Sabrina Bousbata
- Proteomic Plateform, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
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8
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Batista KKS, Vieira CS, Figueiredo MB, Costa-Latgé SG, Azambuja P, Genta FA, Castro DP. Influence of Serratia marcescens and Rhodococcus rhodnii on the Humoral Immunity of Rhodnius prolixus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222010901. [PMID: 34681561 PMCID: PMC8536199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a human infectious disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and can be transmitted by triatomine vectors, such as Rhodnius prolixus. One limiting factor for T. cruzi development is the composition of the bacterial gut microbiota in the triatomine. Herein, we analyzed the humoral immune responses of R. prolixus nymphs treated with antibiotics and subsequently recolonized with either Serratia marcescens or Rhodococcus rhodnii. The treatment with antibiotics reduced the bacterial load in the digestive tract, and the recolonization with each bacterium was successfully detected seven days after treatment. The antibiotic-treated insects, recolonized with S. marcescens, presented reduced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and phenoloxidase activity in hemolymph, and lower nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and higher defensin C gene (DefC) gene expression in the fat body. These insects also presented a higher expression of DefC, lower prolixicin (Prol), and lower NOS levels in the anterior midgut. However, the antibiotic-treated insects recolonized with R. rhodnii had increased antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and lower activity against S. aureus, higher phenoloxidase activity in hemolymph, and lower NOS expression in the fat body. In the anterior midgut, these insects presented higher NOS, defensin A (DefA) and DefC expression, and lower Prol expression. The R. prolixus immune modulation by these two bacteria was observed not only in the midgut, but also systemically in the fat body, and may be crucial for the development and transmission of the parasites Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate K. S. Batista
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (K.K.S.B.); (C.S.V.); (S.G.C.-L.); (F.A.G.)
| | - Cecília S. Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (K.K.S.B.); (C.S.V.); (S.G.C.-L.); (F.A.G.)
| | | | - Samara G. Costa-Latgé
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (K.K.S.B.); (C.S.V.); (S.G.C.-L.); (F.A.G.)
| | - Patrícia Azambuja
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi 24210-201, Brazil;
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil
| | - Fernando A. Genta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (K.K.S.B.); (C.S.V.); (S.G.C.-L.); (F.A.G.)
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil
| | - Daniele P. Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil; (K.K.S.B.); (C.S.V.); (S.G.C.-L.); (F.A.G.)
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro 21941-599, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-21-3865-8184
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Nascimento PVP, Almeida-Oliveira F, Macedo-Silva A, Ausina P, Motinha C, Sola-Penna M, Majerowicz D. Gene annotation of nuclear receptor superfamily genes in the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus and the effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone on lipid metabolism. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:297-314. [PMID: 33455040 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone is fundamental for regulating moulting and metamorphosis in immature insects, and it plays a role in physiological regulation in adult insects. This hormone acts by binding and activating a receptor, the ecdysone receptor, which is part of the nuclear receptor gene superfamily. Here, we analyse the genome of the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus to annotate the nuclear receptor superfamily genes. The R. prolixus genome displays a possible duplication of the HNF4 gene. All the analysed insect organs express most nuclear receptor genes as shown by RT-PCR. The quantitative PCR analysis showed that the RpEcR and RpUSP genes are highly expressed in the testis, while the RpHNF4-1 and RpHNF4-2 genes are more active in the fat body and ovaries and in the anterior midgut, respectively. Feeding does not induce detectable changes in the expression of these genes in the fat body. However, the expression of the RpHNF4-2 gene is always higher than that of RpHNF4-1. Treating adult females with 20-hydroxyecdysone increased the amount of triacylglycerol stored in the fat bodies by increasing their lipogenic capacity. These results indicate that 20-hydroxyecdysone acts on the lipid metabolism of adult insects, although the underlying mechanism is not clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- P V P Nascimento
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - F Almeida-Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A Macedo-Silva
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - P Ausina
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C Motinha
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M Sola-Penna
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - D Majerowicz
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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Eberhard FE, Klimpel S, Guarneri AA, Tobias NJ. Metabolites as predictive biomarkers for Trypanosoma cruzi exposure in triatomine bugs. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3051-3057. [PMID: 34136103 PMCID: PMC8178018 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis), colonizes the intestinal tract of triatomines. Triatomine bugs act as vectors in the life cycle of the parasite and transmit infective parasite stages to animals and humans. Contact of the vector with T. cruzi alters its intestinal microbial composition, which may also affect the associated metabolic patterns of the insect. Earlier studies suggest that the complexity of the triatomine fecal metabolome may play a role in vector competence for different T. cruzi strains. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry and supervised machine learning, we aimed to detect differences in the intestinal metabolome of the triatomine Rhodnius prolixus and predict whether the insect had been exposed to T. cruzi or not based solely upon their metabolic profile. We were able to predict the exposure status of R. prolixus to T. cruzi with accuracies of 93.6%, 94.2% and 91.8% using logistic regression, a random forest classifier and a gradient boosting machine model, respectively. We extracted the most important features in producing the models and identified the major metabolites which assist in positive classification. This work highlights the complex interactions between triatomine vector and parasite including effects on the metabolic signature of the insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny E. Eberhard
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Alessandra A. Guarneri
- Vector Behaviour and Pathogen Interaction Group, Instituto René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima,1715, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 30190-009, Brazil
| | - Nicholas J. Tobias
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
- Corresponding author at: LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE TBG), Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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11
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Batista KKDS, Vieira CS, Florentino EB, Caruso KFB, Teixeira PTP, Moraes CDS, Genta FA, de Azambuja P, de Castro DP. Nitric oxide effects on Rhodnius prolixus's immune responses, gut microbiota and Trypanosoma cruzi development. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 126:104100. [PMID: 32822690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2020.104100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The immune system of Rhodnius prolixus comprehends the synthesis of different effectors that modulate the intestinal microbiota population and the life cycle of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi inside the vector midgut. One of these immune responses is the production of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) derived by the action of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Therefore, we investigated the effects of L-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide (NO) production and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), an inhibitor of NOS, added in the insect blood meal. We analyzed the impact of these treatments on the immune responses and development of intestinal bacteria and parasites on R. prolixus nymphs. The L-arginine treatment in R. prolixus nymphs induced a higher NOS gene expression in the fat body and increased NO production, but reduced catalase and antimicrobial activities in the midgut. As expected, L-NAME treatment reduced NOS gene expression in the fat body. In addition, L-NAME treatment diminished catalase activity in the hemolymph and posterior midgut reduced phenoloxidase activity in the anterior midgut and increased the antimicrobial activity in the hemolymph. Both treatments caused a reduction in the cultivatable intestinal microbiota, especially in insects treated with L-NAME. However, T. cruzi development in the insect's digestive tract was suppressed after L-arginine treatment and the opposite was observed with L-NAME, which resulted in higher parasite counts. Therefore, we conclude that induction and inhibition of NOS and NO production are associated with other R. prolixus humoral immune responses, such as catalase, phenoloxidase, and antibacterial activities in different insect organs. These alterations reflect on intestinal microbiota and T. cruzi development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cecília Stahl Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Karina Francine Bravo Caruso
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Caroline da Silva Moraes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernando Ariel Genta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia de Azambuja
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniele Pereira de Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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12
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Coste Grahl MV, Perin APA, Lopes FC, Porto BN, Uberti AF, Canavoso LE, Stanisçuaski F, Fruttero LL. The role of extracellular nucleic acids in the immune system modulation of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 167:104591. [PMID: 32527424 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2020.104591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular traps (ETs) are extracellular nucleic acids associated with cytoplasmic proteins that may aid in the capture and killing of pathogens. To date, only a few insects were shown to display this kind of immune response. Jaburetox, a peptide derived from jack bean urease, showed toxic effects in Rhodnius prolixus, affecting its immune response. The present study aims to evaluate the role of extracellular nucleic acids in R. prolixus' immune response, using Jaburetox as a model entomotoxin. The insects were treated with extracellular nucleic acids and/or Jaburetox, and the cellular and humoral responses were assessed. We also evaluated the release of extracellular nucleic acids induced by toxins, and performed immunocompetence assays using pathogenic bacteria. Our results demonstrated that extracellular nucleic acids can modulate the insect immune responses, either alone or associated with the toxin. Although RNA and DNA induced a cellular immune response, only DNA was able to neutralize the Jaburetox-induced aggregation of hemocytes. Likewise, the activation of the humoral response was different for RNA and DNA. Nevertheless, it was observed that both, extracellular DNA and RNA, immunocompensated the Jaburetox effects on insect defenses upon the challenge of a pathogenic bacterium. The toxin was not able to alter cellular viability, in spite of inducing an increase in the reactive species of oxygen formation. In conclusion, we have demonstrated a protective role for extracellular nucleic acids in R. prolixus´ immune response to toxins and pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Ana Paula A Perin
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda C Lopes
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Bárbara N Porto
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, Building 60, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Augusto F Uberti
- Laboratory of Neurotoxins, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, CEP 90610-000 Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Lilian E Canavoso
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Fernanda Stanisçuaski
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, CEP 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo L Fruttero
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina.
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13
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Mesías AC, Garg NJ, Zago MP. Redox Balance Keepers and Possible Cell Functions Managed by Redox Homeostasis in Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:435. [PMID: 31921709 PMCID: PMC6932984 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxicity of oxygen and nitrogen reactive species appears to be merely the tip of the iceberg in the world of redox homeostasis. Now, oxidative stress can be seen as a two-sided process; at high concentrations, it causes damage to biomolecules, and thus, trypanosomes have evolved a strong antioxidant defense system to cope with these stressors. At low concentrations, oxidants are essential for cell signaling, and in fact, the oxidants/antioxidants balance may be able to trigger different cell fates. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the current knowledge of the oxidant environment experienced by T. cruzi along the different phases of its life cycle, and the molecular tools exploited by this pathogen to deal with oxidative stress, for better or worse. Further, we discuss the possible redox-regulated processes that could be governed by this oxidative context. Most of the current research has addressed the importance of the trypanosomes' antioxidant network based on its detox activity of harmful species; however, new efforts are necessary to highlight other functions of this network and the mechanisms underlying the fine regulation of the defense machinery, as this represents a master key to hinder crucial pathogen functions. Understanding the relevance of this balance keeper program in parasite biology will give us new perspectives to delineate improved treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Mesías
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Nisha J Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - M Paola Zago
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
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14
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Salcedo-Porras N, Lowenberger C. The innate immune system of kissing bugs, vectors of chagas disease. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 98:119-128. [PMID: 31014953 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Kissing bugs have long served as models to study many aspects of insect physiology. They also serve as vectors for the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that causes Chagas disease in humans. The overall success of insects is due, in part, to their ability to recognize parasites and pathogens as non-self and to eliminate them using their innate immune system. This immune system comprises physical barriers, cellular responses (phagocytosis, nodulation and encapsulation), and humoral factors (antimicrobial peptides and the prophenoloxidase cascade). Trypanosoma cruzi survives solely in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the vector; if it migrates to the hemocoel it is eliminated. Kissing bugs may not mount a vigorous immune response in the GI tract to avoid eliminating obligate symbiotic microbes on which they rely for survival. Here we describe the current knowledge of innate immunity in kissing bugs and new opportunities using genomic and transcriptomic approaches to study the complex triatomine-trypanosome-microbiome interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Salcedo-Porras
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
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15
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Dos-Santos ALA, Dick CF, Lopes LR, Rocco-Machado N, Muzi-Filho H, Freitas-Mesquita AL, Paes-Vieira L, Vieyra A, Meyer-Fernandes JR. Tartrate-resistant phosphatase type 5 in Trypanosoma cruzi is important for resistance to oxidative stress promoted by hydrogen peroxide. Exp Parasitol 2019; 205:107748. [PMID: 31442453 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi (the causative agent of Chagas disease) presents a complex life cycle that involves adaptations in vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. As a protozoan parasite of hematophagous insects and mammalian hosts, T. cruzi is exposed to reactive oxygen species (ROS). To investigate the functionality of T. cruzi tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5 (TcACP5), we cloned, superexpressed and purified the enzyme. Purified TcACP5 exhibited a Vmax and apparent Km for pNPP hydrolysis of 7.7 ± 0.2 nmol pNP × μg-1 × h-1 and 169.3 ± 22.6 μM, respectively. The pH dependence was characterized by sharp maximal activity at pH 5.0, and inhibition assays demonstrated its sensitivity to acid phosphatase inhibitors. Similar activities were obtained with saturating concentrations of P-Ser and P-Thr as substrates. The enzyme metabolizes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in vitro, and parasites superexpressing this enzyme were more resistant to oxidative stress promoted by H2O2. Taken together, these results suggest that TcACP5 plays a central role in phosphoryl transfer and redox reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L A Dos-Santos
- Leopoldo De Meis Medical Biochemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia F Dick
- Leopoldo De Meis Medical Biochemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro R Lopes
- Leopoldo De Meis Medical Biochemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nathália Rocco-Machado
- Leopoldo De Meis Medical Biochemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Humberto Muzi-Filho
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anita L Freitas-Mesquita
- Leopoldo De Meis Medical Biochemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lisvane Paes-Vieira
- Leopoldo De Meis Medical Biochemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adalberto Vieyra
- Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Graduate Program in Translational Biomedicine, Grande Rio University, Duque de Caxias, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Leopoldo De Meis Medical Biochemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (INBEB), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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16
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González-Rete B, Salazar-Schettino PM, Bucio-Torres MI, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Cabrera-Bravo M. Activity of the prophenoloxidase system and survival of triatomines infected with different Trypanosoma cruzi strains under different temperatures: understanding Chagas disease in the face of climate change. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:219. [PMID: 31068226 PMCID: PMC6507061 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about how human disease vectors will modify their life history patterns and survival capacity as a result of climate change. One case is that of Chagas disease, which has triatomine bugs and Trypanosoma cruzi as vectors and parasite, respectively. This work aimed to determine: (i) the activity of the prophenoloxidase system (prophenoloxidase and phenoloxidase activity, two indicators of immune ability) in three intestine regions (anterior midgut, posterior midgutand rectum) of the triatomine bug Meccus pallidipennis under three temperature conditions (20 °C, 30 °C and 34 °C) against two T. cruzi strains [ITRI/MX/14/CHIL (Chilpancingo) and ITRI/MX/12/MOR (Morelos)], and (ii) whether vector survival varies under these three temperatures after infection by these T. cruzi strains. RESULTS Our results indicate that prophenoloxidase activity was lower at higher temperatures, that the level of prophenoloxidase activity elicited by each strain was different (higher in Chilpancingo than in Morelos strains), and that prophenoloxidase activity was more intense in the anterior midgut than in the posterior midgut or rectum. Survival rates were lower in insects maintained at higher temperatures and infected by Chilpancingo strains. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that climate change could lead to lower prophenoloxidase activity and survival rates in triatomines when infected with different T. cruzi strains, which could reduce the vector capacity of M. pallidipennis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paz María Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Martha I Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Margarita Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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17
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Zhang HH, Luo MJ, Zhang QW, Cai PM, Idrees A, Ji QE, Yang JQ, Chen JH. Molecular characterization of prophenoloxidase-1 (PPO1) and the inhibitory effect of kojic acid on phenoloxidase (PO) activity and on the development of Zeugodacus tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2019; 109:236-247. [PMID: 29929571 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485318000470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Phenoloxidase (PO) plays a key role in melanin biosynthesis during insect development. Here, we isolated the 2310-bp full-length cDNA of PPO1 from Zeugodacus tau, a destructive horticultural pest. qRT-polymerase chain reaction showed that the ZtPPO1 transcripts were highly expressed during larval-prepupal transition and in the haemolymph. When the larvae were fed a 1.66% kojic acid (KA)-containing diet, the levels of the ZtPPO1 transcripts significantly increased by 2.79- and 3.39-fold in the whole larvae and cuticles, respectively, while the corresponding PO activity was significantly reduced; in addition, the larval and pupal durations were significantly prolonged; pupal weights were lowered; and abnormal phenotypes were observed. An in vitro inhibition experiment indicated that KA was an effective competitive inhibitor of PO in Z. tau. Additionally, the functional analysis showed that 20E could significantly up-regulate the expression of ZtPPO1, induce lower pupal weight, and advance pupation. Knockdown of the ZtPPO1 gene by RNAi significantly decreased mRNA levels after 24 h and led to low pupation rates and incomplete pupae with abnormal phenotypes during the larval-pupal interim period. These results proved that PO is important for the normal growth of Z. tau and that KA can disrupt the development of this pest insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- H-H Zhang
- Institute of Beneficial Insects, Plant Protection College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fuzhou 350002, PR,China
| | - M-J Luo
- Institute of Beneficial Insects, Plant Protection College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fuzhou 350002, PR,China
| | - Q-W Zhang
- Institute of Beneficial Insects, Plant Protection College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fuzhou 350002, PR,China
| | - P-M Cai
- Institute of Beneficial Insects, Plant Protection College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fuzhou 350002, PR,China
| | - A Idrees
- Institute of Beneficial Insects, Plant Protection College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fuzhou 350002, PR,China
| | - Q-E Ji
- Institute of Beneficial Insects, Plant Protection College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fuzhou 350002, PR,China
| | - J-Q Yang
- Institute of Beneficial Insects, Plant Protection College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fuzhou 350002, PR,China
| | - J-H Chen
- Institute of Beneficial Insects, Plant Protection College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University,Fuzhou 350002, PR,China
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18
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Favila-Ruiz G, Jiménez-Cortés JG, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Salazar-Schettino PM, Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE, Pérez-Torres A, De Fuentes-Vicente JA, Vences-Blanco MO, Bucio-Torres MI, Flores-Villegas AL, Cabrera-Bravo M. Effects of Trypanosoma cruzi on the phenoloxidase and prophenoloxidase activity in the vector Meccus pallidipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:434. [PMID: 30053904 PMCID: PMC6062883 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3016-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triatomine insects are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease. The insect-parasite interaction has been studied in relation to the transmission and prevalence of this disease. For most triatomines, however, several crucial aspects of the insect immune response are still unknown. For example, only for Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans has the activity of phenoloxidase (PO) and its zymogen prophenoloxidase (proPO) been reported in relation to the hemolymph and anterior midgut (AM). The aim of this study was to gain insight into the immune response to T. cruzi infection of an important triatomine in Mexico, Meccus pallidipennis. Methods Parasites were quantified in the rectal contents of infected M. pallidipennis groups. We examined some key factors in disease transmission, including the systemic (hemolymph) and local (gut) immune response. Results Parasites were present in the rectal contents at 4 days post-infection (pi) and reached their maximum density on day 7 pi. At 7 and 9 days pi mainly metacyclic trypomastigotes occurred. Compared to the control, the infected insects exhibited diminished PO activity in the hemolymph on days 9, 16 and 20 pi, and in the AM only on day 9. Additionally, infected insects displayed lower proPO activity in the hemolymph on day 1, but greater activity in the AM on day 28. Conclusions The parasite strain originating from M. pallidipennis rapidly colonized the rectum of nymphs of this triatomine and developed high numbers of metacyclic trypomastigotes. Neither the changes of concentrations of PO and proPO in the hemolymph nor in the AM correlated with the changes in the population of T. cruzi. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3016-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Favila-Ruiz
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J Guillermo Jiménez-Cortés
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, 04510, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Paz María Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ana E Gutiérrez-Cabrera
- CONACYT-Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Avenida Universidad 655, Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cerrada Los Pinos y Caminera, CP 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Armando Pérez-Torres
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular; Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Mauro O Vences-Blanco
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, 04510, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Martha I Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Laura Flores-Villegas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.
| | - Margarita Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.
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19
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Azambuja P, Garcia ES, Waniek PJ, Vieira CS, Figueiredo MB, Gonzalez MS, Mello CB, Castro DP, Ratcliffe NA. Rhodnius prolixus: from physiology by Wigglesworth to recent studies of immune system modulation by Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 97:45-65. [PMID: 27866813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This review is dedicated to the memory of Professor Sir Vincent B. Wigglesworth (VW) in recognition of his many pioneering contributions to insect physiology which, even today, form the basis of modern-day research in this field. Insects not only make vital contributions to our everyday lives by their roles in pollination, balancing eco-systems and provision of honey and silk products, but they are also outstanding models for studying the pathogenicity of microorganisms and the functioning of innate immunity in humans. In this overview, the immune system of the triatomine bug, Rhodnius prolixus, is considered which is most appropriate to this dedication as this insect species was the favourite subject of VW's research. Herein are described recent developments in knowledge of the functioning of the R. prolixus immune system. Thus, the roles of the cellular defences, such as phagocytosis and nodule formation, as well as the role of eicosanoids, ecdysone, antimicrobial peptides, reactive oxygen and nitrogen radicals, and the gut microbiota in the immune response of R. prolixus are described. The details of many of these were unknown to VW although his work gives indications of his awareness of the importance to R. prolixus of cellular immunity, antibacterial activity, prophenoloxidase and the gut microbiota. This description of R. prolixus immunity forms a backdrop to studies on the interaction of the parasitic flagellates, Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli, with the host defences of this important insect vector. These parasites remarkably utilize different strategies to avoid/modulate the triatomine immune response in order to survive in the extremely hostile host environments present in the vector gut and haemocoel. Much recent information has also been gleaned on the remarkable diversity of the immune system in the R. prolixus gut and its interaction with trypanosome parasites. This new data is reviewed and gaps in our knowledge of R. prolixus immunity are identified as subjects for future endeavours. Finally, the publication of the T. cruzi, T. rangeli and R. prolixus genomes, together with the use of modern molecular techniques, should lead to the enhanced identification of the determinants of infection derived from both the vector and the parasites which, in turn, could form targets for new molecular-based control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Azambuja
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - E S Garcia
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - P J Waniek
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - C S Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - M B Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - M S Gonzalez
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - C B Mello
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - D P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - N A Ratcliffe
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Department of Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom.
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Triflumuron Effects on the Physiology and Reproduction of Rhodnius prolixus Adult Females. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:8603140. [PMID: 27822479 PMCID: PMC5086386 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8603140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the efficacy of the growth regulator triflumuron (TFM) in inducing mortality and disrupting both oviposition and egg hatching in Rhodnius prolixus adult females. TFM was administered via feeding, topically or by continuous contact with impregnated surfaces. Feeding resulted in mild biological effects compared with topical and impregnated surfaces. One day after treatment, the highest mortality levels were observed with topical surface and 30 days later both topical and impregnated surfaces induced higher mortalities than feeding. Oral treatment inhibited oviposition even at lower doses, and hatching of eggs deposited by treated females was similarly affected by the three delivery modes. Topical treatment of eggs deposited by nontreated females significantly reduced hatching. However, treatment per contact of eggs oviposited by untreated females did not disrupt eclosion. Additionally, oral treatment increased the number of immature oocytes per female, and topical treatment reduced the mean size of oocytes. TFM also affected carcass chitin content, diuresis, and innate immunity of treated insects. These results suggest that TFM acts as a potent growth inhibitor of R. prolixus adult females and has the potential to be used in integrated vector control programs against hematophagous triatomine species.
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Fruttero LL, Moyetta NR, Uberti AF, Grahl MVC, Lopes FC, Broll V, Feder D, Carlini CR. Humoral and cellular immune responses induced by the urease-derived peptide Jaburetox in the model organism Rhodnius prolixus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:412. [PMID: 27455853 PMCID: PMC4960889 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1710-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the entomotoxicity of plant ureases has been reported almost 20 years ago, their insecticidal mechanism of action is still not well understood. Jaburetox is a recombinant peptide derived from one of the isoforms of Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean) urease that presents biotechnological interest since it is toxic to insects of different orders. Previous studies of our group using the Chagas disease vector and model insect Rhodnius prolixus showed that the treatment with Jack Bean Urease (JBU) led to hemocyte aggregation and hemolymph darkening, among other effects. In this work, we employed cell biology and biochemical approaches to investigate whether Jaburetox would induce not only cellular but also humoral immune responses in this species. RESULTS The findings indicated that nanomolar doses of Jaburetox triggered cation-dependent, in vitro aggregation of hemocytes of fifth-instar nymphs and adults. The use of specific eicosanoid synthesis inhibitors revealed that the cellular immune response required cyclooxygenase products since indomethacin prevented the Jaburetox-dependent aggregation whereas baicalein and esculetin (inhibitors of the lipoxygenases pathway) did not. Cultured hemocytes incubated with Jaburetox for 24 h showed cytoskeleton disorganization, chromatin condensation and were positive for activated caspase 3, an apoptosis marker, although their phagocytic activity remained unchanged. Finally, in vivo treatments by injection of Jaburetox induced both a cellular response, as observed by hemocyte aggregation, and a humoral response, as seen by the increase of spontaneous phenoloxidase activity, a key enzyme involved in melanization and defense. On the other hand, the humoral response elicited by Jaburetox injections did not lead to an increment of antibacterial or lysozyme activities. Jaburetox injections also impaired the clearance of the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus from the hemolymph leading to increased mortality, indicating a possible immunosuppression induced by treatment with the peptide. CONCLUSIONS In our experimental conditions and as part of its toxic action, Jaburetox activates some responses of the immune system of R. prolixus both in vivo and in vitro, although this induction does not protect the insects against posterior bacterial infections. Taken together, these findings contribute to the general knowledge of insect immunity and shed light on Jaburetox's mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo L Fruttero
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. .,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. .,Instituto do Cérebro (InsCer) - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Augusto F Uberti
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C Lopes
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Denise Feder
- Department of General Biology l, Insect Biology Laboratory, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Biophysics, Biosciences Institute (IB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Flores-Villegas AL, Salazar-Schettino PM, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE, Rojas-Wastavino GE, Bucio-Torres MI, Cabrera-Bravo M. Immune defence mechanisms of triatomines against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2015; 105:523-532. [PMID: 26082354 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485315000504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Triatomines are vectors that transmit the protozoan haemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The aim of the current review is to provide a synthesis of the immune mechanisms of triatomines against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to provide clues for areas of further research including biological control. Regarding bacteria, the triatomine immune response includes antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as defensins, lysozymes, attacins and cecropins, whose sites of synthesis are principally the fat body and haemocytes. These peptides are used against pathogenic bacteria (especially during ecdysis and feeding), and also attack symbiotic bacteria. In relation to viruses, Triatoma virus is the only one known to attack and kill triatomines. Although the immune response to this virus is unknown, we hypothesize that haemocytes, phenoloxidase (PO) and nitric oxide (NO) could be activated. Different fungal species have been described in a few triatomines and some immune components against these pathogens are PO and proPO. In relation to parasites, triatomines respond with AMPs, including PO, NO and lectin. In the case of T. cruzi this may be effective, but Trypanosoma rangeli seems to evade and suppress PO response. Although it is clear that three parasite-killing processes are used by triatomines - phagocytosis, nodule formation and encapsulation - the precise immune mechanisms of triatomines against invading agents, including trypanosomes, are as yet unknown. The signalling processes used in triatomine immune response are IMD, Toll and Jak-STAT. Based on the information compiled, we propose some lines of research that include strategic approaches of biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Flores-Villegas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - P M Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - A Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva,Instituto de Ecología,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Apdo. P. 70-275,Circuito Exterior,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - A E Gutiérrez-Cabrera
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - G E Rojas-Wastavino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - M I Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
| | - M Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina,Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,Circuito Interior,Avenida Universidad 3000,Ciudad Universitaria,04510,Coyoacán,Distrito Federal,México
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Vieira CS, Mattos DP, Waniek PJ, Santangelo JM, Figueiredo MB, Gumiel M, da Mota FF, Castro DP, Garcia ES, Azambuja P. Rhodnius prolixus interaction with Trypanosoma rangeli: modulation of the immune system and microbiota population. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:135. [PMID: 25888720 PMCID: PMC4350287 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0736-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trypanosoma rangeli is a protozoan that infects a variety of mammalian hosts, including humans. Its main insect vector is Rhodnius prolixus and is found in several Latin American countries. The R. prolixus vector competence depends on the T. rangeli strain and the molecular interactions, as well as the insect's immune responses in the gut and haemocoel. This work focuses on the modulation of the humoral immune responses of the midgut of R. prolixus infected with T. rangeli Macias strain, considering the influence of the parasite on the intestinal microbiota. METHODS The population density of T. rangeli Macias strain was analysed in different R. prolixus midgut compartments in long and short-term experiments. Cultivable and non-cultivable midgut bacteria were investigated by colony forming unit (CFU) assays and by 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, respectively. The modulation of R. prolixus immune responses was studied by analysis of the antimicrobial activity in vitro against different bacteria using turbidimetric tests, the abundance of mRNAs encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) defensin (DefA, DefB, DefC), prolixicin (Prol) and lysozymes (LysA, LysB) by RT-PCR and analysis of the phenoloxidase (PO) activity. RESULTS Our results showed that T. rangeli successfully colonized R. prolixus midgut altering the microbiota population and the immune responses as follows: 1 - reduced cultivable midgut bacteria; 2 - decreased the number of sequences of the Enterococcaceae but increased those of the Burkholderiaceae family; the families Nocardiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Mycobacteriaceae encountered in control and infected insects remained the same; 3 - enhanced midgut antibacterial activities against Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus; 4 - down-regulated LysB and Prol mRNA levels; altered DefB, DefC and LysA depending on the infection (short and long-term); 5 - decreased PO activity. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that T. rangeli Macias strain modulates R. prolixus immune system and modifies the natural microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia S Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Débora P Mattos
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Peter J Waniek
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Jayme M Santangelo
- Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Instituto de Florestas, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Marcela B Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Marcia Gumiel
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Fabio F da Mota
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Daniele P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Eloi S Garcia
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Patrícia Azambuja
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. .,Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Bai PP, Xie YF, Shen GM, Wei DD, Wang JJ. Phenoloxidase and its zymogen are required for the larval-pupal transition in Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 71:137-146. [PMID: 25450426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Phenoloxidases (POs) play a key role in melanin production, are involved in invertebrate immune mechanisms, and are considered important enzymes in the insect development process. In the present study, we report the developmental stage and tissue-specific expression patterns of BdPPO1 and PO activity from Bactrocera dorsalis. The results showed that the activity of PO and its zymogen expression were closely related to the development of B. dorsalis during the larval-pupal transition, particularly in the integument. Additionally, biochemical characterization showed that PO from different developmental stages and tissues all had maximum activity at pH 7.5 and 37°C. After feeding a metal ion-containing artificial diet, the activity of PO and expression of BdPPO1 were significantly increased, indicating that PO was a metalloprotein and it could be activated by Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Cu2+. The functional analysis showed that the expression of BdPPO1 could be regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) after injection. Furthermore, injection of the double-stranded RNA of BdPPO1 into the 3rd instar larvae significantly reduced mRNA levels after 24 h and 48 h, and resulted in a lower pupation rate and abnormal phenotype. These results expand the understanding of the important role of PO and its zymogen in the growth of B. dorsalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Ping Bai
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Yi-Fei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Guang-Mao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Dan-Dan Wei
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, PR China.
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25
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Delkash-Roudsari S, Zibaee A, Bigham Z. Purification and characterization of a phenoloxidase in the hemocytes of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): effects of insect growth regulators and endogenous inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2014; 30:569-74. [PMID: 25373499 DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2014.954107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A phenoloxidase was extracted and purified from hemocytes of Ephestia kuehniella by using ammonium sulfate, Sepharyl G-100 and DEAE-Cellulose fast flow chromatographies. At the final stage of purification, a protein was purified by molecular mass of 78.5 kDa, specific activity of 1.17 U/mg protein, recovery of 20.48% and purification fold of 16.71. The purified PO showed the highest activity at pH 4-5 and temperatures of 35-40 °C. Na(+), K(+), Mn(+), Zn(2+) and Mg(2+) decreased activity of the purified PO but Ca(2+) and Cu(2+) increased the enzymatic activity. EDTA (General chelating agent), DTC (Copper chelating agent) and EGTA (Calcium chelating agent) significantly decreased PO activity but TTHA (Magnesium chelating agent) showed no statistically significant effects. Kinetic parameters of the purified enzyme showed the highest Vmax when L-DOPA was used as substrate but no significant differences were observed in case of Km for used L-DOPA, pyrocatechol and hydroquinone. In vitro inhibition of the purified PO by using two insect growth regulators, Hexaflumuron and Pyriproxyfen, revealed IC50 of 96.41 and 38.59 µg/ml for these compounds, respectively. Kinetic studies using different concentrations of L-DOPA and IC50 concentrations of the two IGRs revealed the increase of Km value versus control and competitive inhibition. Finally, column chromatography of hemolymph revealed peak III showing endogenous inhibitors of phenoloxidase by molecular weight of 27.3 that showed competitive inhibition on the PO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Delkash-Roudsari
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan , Rasht, Iran and
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26
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Upton LM, Povelones M, Christophides GK. Anopheles gambiae blood feeding initiates an anticipatory defense response to Plasmodium berghei. J Innate Immun 2014; 7:74-86. [PMID: 25247883 DOI: 10.1159/000365331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes have potent innate defense mechanisms that protect them from infection by diverse pathogens. Much remains unknown about how different pathogens are sensed and specific responses triggered. Leucine-Rich repeat IMmune proteins (LRIMs) are a mosquito-specific family of putative innate receptors. Although some LRIMs have been implicated in mosquito immune responses, the function of most family members is largely unknown. We screened Anopheles gambiae LRIMs by RNAi for effects on mosquito infection by rodent malaria and found that LRIM9 is a Plasmodium berghei antagonist with phenotypes distinct from family members LRIM1 and APL1C, which are key components of the mosquito complement-like pathway. LRIM9 transcript and protein levels are significantly increased after blood feeding but are unaffected by Plasmodium or midgut microbiota. Interestingly, LRIM9 in the hemolymph is strongly upregulated by direct injection of the ecdysteroid, 20-hydroxyecdysone. Our data suggest that LRIM9 may define a novel anti-Plasmodium immune defense mechanism triggered by blood feeding and that hormonal changes may alert the mosquito to bolster its defenses in anticipation of exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanna M Upton
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Castro DP, Moraes CS, Gonzalez MS, Ratcliffe NA, Azambuja P, Garcia ES. Trypanosoma cruzi immune response modulation decreases microbiota in Rhodnius prolixus gut and is crucial for parasite survival and development. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36591. [PMID: 22574189 PMCID: PMC3344921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi in order to complete its development in the digestive tract of Rhodnius prolixus needs to overcome the immune reactions and microbiota trypanolytic activity of the gut. We demonstrate that in R. prolixus following infection with epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi clone Dm28c and, in comparison with uninfected control insects, the midgut contained (i) fewer bacteria, (ii) higher parasite numbers, and (iii) reduced nitrite and nitrate production and increased phenoloxidase and antibacterial activities. In addition, in insects pre-treated with antibiotic and then infected with Dm28c, there were also reduced bacteria numbers and a higher parasite load compared with insects solely infected with parasites. Furthermore, and in contrast to insects infected with Dm28c, infection with T. cruzi Y strain resulted in a slight decreased numbers of gut bacteria but not sufficient to mediate a successful parasite infection. We conclude that infection of R. prolixus with the T. cruzi Dm28c clone modifies the host gut immune responses to decrease the microbiota population and these changes are crucial for the parasite development in the insect gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele P Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Reactive oxygen species scavenging by catalase is important for female Lutzomyia longipalpis fecundity and mortality. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17486. [PMID: 21408075 PMCID: PMC3052318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The phlebotomine sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis is the most important vector of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL), the disseminated and most serious form of the disease in Central and South America. In the natural environment, most female L. longipalpis are thought to survive for less than 10 days and will feed on blood only once or twice during their lifetime. Successful transmission of parasites occurs when a Leishmania-infected female sand fly feeds on a new host. Knowledge of factors affecting sand fly longevity that lead to a reduction in lifespan could result in a decrease in parasite transmission. Catalase has been found to play a major role in survival and fecundity in many insect species. It is a strong antioxidant enzyme that breaks down toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ovarian catalase was found to accumulate in the developing sand fly oocyte from 12 to 48 hours after blood feeding. Catalase expression in ovaries as well as oocyte numbers was found to decrease with age. This reduction was not found in flies when fed on the antioxidant ascorbic acid in the sugar meal, a condition that increased mortality and activation of the prophenoloxidase cascade. RNA interference was used to silence catalase gene expression in female Lu. longipalpis. Depletion of catalase led to a significant increase of mortality and a reduction in the number of developing oocytes produced after blood feeding. These results demonstrate the central role that catalase and ROS play in the longevity and fecundity of phlebotomine sand flies.
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