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Yoon C, Ham YS, Gil WJ, Yang CS. Exploring the potential of Toxoplasma gondii in drug development and as a delivery system. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:289-300. [PMID: 38297164 PMCID: PMC10907749 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01165-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases are various groups of conditions that result in immune system disorders and increased cancer risk. Despite the identification of causative cytokines and pathways, current clinical treatment for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases is limited. In addition, immune-mediated inflammatory disease treatment can increase the risk of cancer. Several previous studies have demonstrated that Toxoplasma gondii manipulates the immune response by inhibiting or stimulating cytokines, suggesting the potential for controlling and maintaining a balanced immune system. Additionally, T. gondii also has the unique characteristic of being a so-called "Trojan horse" bacterium that can be used as a drug delivery system to treat regions that have been resistant to previous drug delivery therapies. In this study, we reviewed the potential of T. gondii in drug development and as a delivery system through current research on inflammation-regulating mechanisms in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanjin Yoon
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Institute of Natural Science & Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Yu Seong Ham
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Woo Jin Gil
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea
| | - Chul-Su Yang
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea.
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, 15588, South Korea.
- Department of Medicinal and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, 15588, South Korea.
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2
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Nezu N, Usui Y, Saito A, Shimizu H, Asakage M, Yamakawa N, Tsubota K, Wakabayashi Y, Narimatsu A, Umazume K, Maruyama K, Sugimoto M, Kuroda M, Goto H. Machine Learning Approach for Intraocular Disease Prediction Based on Aqueous Humor Immune Mediator Profiles. Ophthalmology 2021; 128:1197-1208. [PMID: 33484732 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Various immune mediators have crucial roles in the pathogenesis of intraocular diseases. Machine learning can be used to automatically select and weigh various predictors to develop models maximizing predictive power. However, these techniques have not yet been applied extensively in studies focused on intraocular diseases. We evaluated whether 5 machine learning algorithms applied to the data of immune-mediator levels in aqueous humor can predict the actual diagnoses of 17 selected intraocular diseases and identified which immune mediators drive the predictive power of a machine learning model. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Five hundred twelve eyes with diagnoses from among 17 intraocular diseases. METHODS Aqueous humor samples were collected, and the concentrations of 28 immune mediators were determined using a cytometric bead array. Each immune mediator was ranked according to its importance using 5 machine learning algorithms. Stratified k-fold cross-validation was used in evaluation of algorithms with the dataset divided into training and test datasets. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The algorithms were evaluated in terms of precision, recall, accuracy, F-score, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the precision-recall curve, and mean decrease in Gini index. RESULTS Among the 5 machine learning models, random forest (RF) yielded the highest classification accuracy in multiclass differentiation of 17 intraocular diseases. The RF prediction models for vitreoretinal lymphoma, acute retinal necrosis, endophthalmitis, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and primary open-angle glaucoma achieved the highest classification accuracy, precision, and recall. Random forest recognized vitreoretinal lymphoma, acute retinal necrosis, endophthalmitis, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and primary open-angle glaucoma with the top 5 F-scores. The 3 highest-ranking relevant immune mediators were interleukin (IL)-10, interferon-γ-inducible protein (IP)-10, and angiogenin for prediction of vitreoretinal lymphoma; monokine induced by interferon γ, interferon γ, and IP-10 for acute retinal necrosis; and IL-6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and IL-8 for endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS Random forest algorithms based on 28 immune mediators in aqueous humor successfully predicted the diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma, acute retinal necrosis, and endophthalmitis. Overall, the findings of the present study contribute to increased knowledge on new biomarkers that potentially can facilitate diagnosis of intraocular diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Nezu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Usui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Akira Saito
- Department of AI Applied Quantitative Clinical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Shimizu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Asakage
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Yamakawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kinya Tsubota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Akitomo Narimatsu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Umazume
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Maruyama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Sugimoto
- Research and Development Center for Minimally Invasive Therapies, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kuroda
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Goto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Greigert V, Bittich-Fahmi F, Pfaff AW. Pathophysiology of ocular toxoplasmosis: Facts and open questions. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008905. [PMID: 33382688 PMCID: PMC7774838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii are frequent, but one of its main consequences, ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), remains poorly understood. While its clinical description has recently attracted more attention and publications, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are only sparsely elucidated, which is partly due to the inherent difficulties to establish relevant animal models. Furthermore, the particularities of the ocular environment explain why the abundant knowledge on systemic toxoplasmosis cannot be just transferred to the ocular situation. However, studies undertaken in mouse models have revealed a central role of interferon gamma (IFNγ) and, more surprisingly, interleukin 17 (IL17), in ocular pathology and parasite control. These studies also show the importance of the genetic background of the infective Toxoplasma strain. Indeed, infections due to exotic strains show a completely different pathophysiology, which translates in a different clinical outcome. These elements should lead to more individualized therapy. Furthermore, the recent advance in understanding the immune response during OT paved the way to new research leads, involving immune pathways poorly studied in this particular setting, such as type I and type III interferons. In any case, deeper knowledge of the mechanisms of this pathology is needed to establish new, more targeted treatment schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Greigert
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Faiza Bittich-Fahmi
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W. Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- * E-mail:
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4
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Smith JR, Ashander LM, Arruda SL, Cordeiro CA, Lie S, Rochet E, Belfort R, Furtado JM. Pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 81:100882. [PMID: 32717377 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ocular toxoplasmosis is a retinitis -almost always accompanied by vitritis and choroiditis- caused by intraocular infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Depending on retinal location, this condition may cause substantial vision impairment. T. gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, with both sexual and asexual life cycles, and infection is typically contracted orally by consuming encysted bradyzoites in undercooked meat, or oocysts on unwashed garden produce or in contaminated water. Presently available anti-parasitic drugs cannot eliminate T. gondii from the body. In vitro studies using T. gondii tachyzoites, and human retinal cells and tissue have provided important insights into the pathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis. T. gondii may cross the vascular endothelium to access human retina by at least three routes: in leukocyte taxis; as a transmigrating tachyzoite; and after infecting endothelial cells. The parasite is capable of navigating the human neuroretina, gaining access to a range of cell populations. Retinal Müller glial cells are preferred initial host cells. T. gondii infection of the retinal pigment epithelial cells alters the secretion of growth factors and induces proliferation of adjacent uninfected epithelial cells. This increases susceptibility of the cells to parasite infection, and may be the basis of the characteristic hyperpigmented toxoplasmic retinal lesion. Infected epithelial cells also generate a vigorous immunologic response, and influence the activity of leukocytes that infiltrate the retina. A range of T. gondii genotypes are associated with human ocular toxoplasmosis, and individual immunogenetics -including polymorphisms in genes encoding innate immune receptors, human leukocyte antigens and cytokines- impacts the clinical manifestations. Research into basic pathogenic mechanisms of ocular toxoplasmosis highlights the importance of prevention and suggests new biological drug targets for established disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine R Smith
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA.
| | - Liam M Ashander
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
| | - Sigrid L Arruda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Cynthia A Cordeiro
- Cordeiro et Costa Ophtalmologie, Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil; Formerly of Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Minas Gerais School of Medicine, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Shervi Lie
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elise Rochet
- Eye & Vision Health and Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rubens Belfort
- Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João M Furtado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil; Formerly of Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, USA
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5
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Boothroyd JC. What a Difference 30 Years Makes! A Perspective on Changes in Research Methodologies Used to Study Toxoplasma gondii. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2071:1-25. [PMID: 31758444 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9857-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a remarkable species with a rich cell, developmental, and population biology. It is also sometimes responsible for serious disease in animals and humans and the stages responsible for such disease are relatively easy to study in vitro or in laboratory animal models. As a result of all this, Toxoplasma has become the subject of intense investigation over the last several decades, becoming a model organism for the study of the phylum of which it is a member, Apicomplexa. This has led to an ever-growing number of investigators applying an ever-expanding set of techniques to dissecting how Toxoplasma "ticks" and how it interacts with its many hosts. In this perspective piece I first wind back the clock 30 years and then trace the extraordinary pace of methodologies that have propelled the field forward to where we are today. In keeping with the theme of this collection, I focus almost exclusively on the parasite, rather than host side of the equation. I finish with a few thoughts about where the field might be headed-though if we have learned anything, the only sure prediction is that the pace of technological advance will surely continue to accelerate and the future will give us still undreamed of methods for taking apart (and then putting back together) this amazing organism with all its intricate biology. We have so far surely just scratched the surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Boothroyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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6
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Kano SI, Hodgkinson CA, Jones-Brando L, Eastwood S, Ishizuka K, Niwa M, Choi EY, Chang DJ, Chen Y, Velivela SD, Leister F, Wood J, Chowdari K, Ducci F, Caycedo DA, Heinz E, Newman ER, Cascella N, Mortensen PB, Zandi PP, Dickerson F, Nimgaonkar V, Goldman D, Harrison PJ, Yolken RH, Sawa A. Host-parasite interaction associated with major mental illness. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:194-205. [PMID: 30127472 PMCID: PMC6382596 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0217-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies frequently report that patients with major mental illness such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have co-morbid physical conditions, suggesting that systemic alterations affecting both brain and peripheral tissues might underlie the disorders. Numerous studies have reported elevated levels of anti-Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) antibodies in patients with major mental illnesses, but the underlying mechanism was unclear. Using multidisciplinary epidemiological, cell biological, and gene expression profiling approaches, we report here multiple lines of evidence suggesting that a major mental illness-related susceptibility factor, Disrupted in schizophrenia (DISC1), is involved in host immune responses against T. gondii infection. Specifically, our cell biology and gene expression studies have revealed that DISC1 Leu607Phe variation, which changes DISC1 interaction with activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), modifies gene expression patterns upon T. gondii infection. Our epidemiological data have also shown that DISC1 607 Phe/Phe genotype was associated with higher T. gondii antibody levels in sera. Although further studies are required, our study provides mechanistic insight into one of the few well-replicated serological observations in major mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Kano
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Colin A Hodgkinson
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Lorraine Jones-Brando
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Sharon Eastwood
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
| | - Koko Ishizuka
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Minae Niwa
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Eric Y Choi
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Daniel J Chang
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Yian Chen
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Swetha D Velivela
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Flora Leister
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Joel Wood
- Departments of Psychiatry and Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Kodavali Chowdari
- Departments of Psychiatry and Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Francesca Ducci
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Daniel A Caycedo
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Elizabeth Heinz
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Emily R Newman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nicola Cascella
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Preben B Mortensen
- National Centre for Register-Based Research, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Peter P Zandi
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Faith Dickerson
- Stanley Research Program, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, 21204, USA
| | - Vishwajit Nimgaonkar
- Departments of Psychiatry and Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Paul J Harrison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, United Kingdom
| | - Robert H Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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7
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Xu J, Qin Y, Chang R, Tan H, Wang Q, Su G, Cao Q, Kijlstra A, Yang P. Aqueous cytokine levels in four common uveitis entities. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 78:106021. [PMID: 31776091 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
To investigate aqueous cytokine profiles in acute anterior uveitis (AAU), Fuchs' syndrome, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease and Behcet's disease (BD), we assayed the concentrations of 17 cytokines by multiplex immunoassay in aqueous humor (AqH) collected during cataract surgery from 24 AAU, 29 Fuchs' syndrome, 29 VKH disease, 30 BD and 30 senile cataract control patients. Aqueous cytokine levels were compared between the five groups and analysed by logistic regression. Cytokine levels were then compared between uveitis patients who underwent cataract surgery within 3 months and those who underwent this surgery more than 3 months after complete control of intraocular inflammation. The results showed that aqueous levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in AqH from patients with Fuchs' syndrome were significantly higher than those in the other four groups. Using multivariate analysis, MIP-1β was found to be significantly associated with Fuchs' syndrome. There was no difference in aqueous cytokine levels between cases having cataract surgery within 3 months compared to those after 3 months of complete control of their intraocular inflammation. The current study shows that Chinese patients with Fuchs' syndrome appear to have a specific cytokine profile. MIP-1β is an important chemokine in the intraocular environment of Fuchs' syndrome. Aqueous cytokine profiles support the performance of cataract surgery in uveitis within 3 months after intraocular inflammation control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yang Qin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Rui Chang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Handan Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Qingfeng Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Guannan Su
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Qingfeng Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Aize Kijlstra
- University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht, Limburg, The Netherlands
| | - Peizeng Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing, PR China.
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Rochet E, Appukuttan B, Ma Y, Ashander LM, Smith JR. Expression of Long Non-Coding RNAs by Human Retinal Müller Glial Cells Infected with Clonal and Exotic Virulent Toxoplasma gondii. Noncoding RNA 2019; 5:ncrna5040048. [PMID: 31547203 PMCID: PMC6958423 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna5040048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal infection with Toxoplasma gondii-ocular toxoplasmosis-is a common cause of vision impairment worldwide. Pathology combines parasite-induced retinal cell death and reactive intraocular inflammation. Müller glial cells, which represent the supporting cell population of the retina, are relatively susceptible to infection with T. gondii. We investigated expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with immunologic regulatory activity in Müller cells infected with virulent T. gondii strains-GT1 (haplogroup 1, type I) and GPHT (haplogroup 6). We first confirmed expression of 33 lncRNA in primary cell isolates. MIO-M1 human retinal Müller cell monolayers were infected with T. gondii tachyzoites (multiplicity of infection = 5) and harvested at 4, 12, 24, and 36 h post-infection, with infection being tracked by the expression of parasite surface antigen 1 (SAG1). Significant fold-changes were observed for 31 lncRNAs at one or more time intervals. Similar changes between strains were measured for BANCR, CYTOR, FOXD3-AS1, GAS5, GSTT1-AS1, LINC-ROR, LUCAT1, MALAT1, MIR22HG, MIR143HG, PVT1, RMRP, SNHG15, and SOCS2-AS1. Changes differing between strains were measured for APTR, FIRRE, HOTAIR, HOXD-AS1, KCNQ1OT1, LINC00968, LINC01105, lnc-SGK1, MEG3, MHRT, MIAT, MIR17HG, MIR155HG, NEAT1, NeST, NRON, and PACER. Our findings suggest roles for lncRNAs in regulating retinal Müller cell immune responses to T. gondii, and encourage future studies on lncRNA as biomarkers and/or drug targets in ocular toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Rochet
- Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Binoy Appukuttan
- Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Yuefang Ma
- Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Liam M Ashander
- Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
| | - Justine R Smith
- Flinders University College of Medicine & Public Health, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia.
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9
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Pérez D, Ruiz A, Muñoz M, Molina J, Hermosilla C, López A, Matos L, Ortega L, Martín S, Taubert A. Modulation of the pro-inflammatory molecules E-selectin and TNF-α gene transcription in Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae -infected primary caprine host endothelial cells. Parasitol Int 2015; 64:471-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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10
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Flórez-Vargas O, Bramhall M, Noyes H, Cruickshank S, Stevens R, Brass A. The quality of methods reporting in parasitology experiments. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101131. [PMID: 25076044 PMCID: PMC4116335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing concern both inside and outside the scientific community over the lack of reproducibility of experiments. The depth and detail of reported methods are critical to the reproducibility of findings, but also for making it possible to compare and integrate data from different studies. In this study, we evaluated in detail the methods reporting in a comprehensive set of trypanosomiasis experiments that should enable valid reproduction, integration and comparison of research findings. We evaluated a subset of other parasitic (Leishmania, Toxoplasma, Plasmodium, Trichuris and Schistosoma) and non-parasitic (Mycobacterium) experimental infections in order to compare the quality of method reporting more generally. A systematic review using PubMed (2000-2012) of all publications describing gene expression in cells and animals infected with Trypanosoma spp was undertaken based on PRISMA guidelines; 23 papers were identified and included. We defined a checklist of essential parameters that should be reported and have scored the number of those parameters that are reported for each publication. Bibliometric parameters (impact factor, citations and h-index) were used to look for association between Journal and Author status and the quality of method reporting. Trichuriasis experiments achieved the highest scores and included the only paper to score 100% in all criteria. The mean of scores achieved by Trypanosoma articles through the checklist was 65.5% (range 32-90%). Bibliometric parameters were not correlated with the quality of method reporting (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient <-0.5; p>0.05). Our results indicate that the quality of methods reporting in experimental parasitology is a cause for concern and it has not improved over time, despite there being evidence that most of the assessed parameters do influence the results. We propose that our set of parameters be used as guidelines to improve the quality of the reporting of experimental infection models as a pre-requisite for integrating and comparing sets of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Flórez-Vargas
- Bio-health Informatics Group, School of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Bramhall
- Bio-health Informatics Group, School of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Harry Noyes
- School of Biological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Sheena Cruickshank
- Manchester Immunology Group, Faculty of Life Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Stevens
- Bio-health Informatics Group, School of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Brass
- Bio-health Informatics Group, School of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Manchester Immunology Group, Faculty of Life Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Lahmar I, Pfaff AW, Marcellin L, Sauer A, Moussa A, Babba H, Candolfi E. Müller cell activation and photoreceptor depletion in a mice model of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis. Exp Parasitol 2014; 144:22-6. [PMID: 24929147 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2014.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Müller glial cells are critically involved in retinal inflammatory processes. Here, we investigate the activation of Müller cells in a model of congenital ocular toxoplasmosis (OT). Four weeks after infection, retinal sections were studied immunohistochemically using the markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin. Müller cells showed strong up-regulation of both markers, as well as a deteriorated morphology in all infected retinas. Moreover, cell density and color intensity of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) of photoreceptors were decreased. Our results indicate that the severe retinal damage and loss of vision observed in human OT may be not only directly caused by infection but rather mediated by infection induced reactive gliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtissem Lahmar
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, France; Laboratoire de Parasitologie - Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Département de Biologie Clinique B, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Luc Marcellin
- Département de Pathologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, France
| | - Arnaud Sauer
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Adnane Moussa
- Laboratoire d'Anatomie Pathologique, Hôpital Universitaire Fattouma Bourguiba, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Hamouda Babba
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie - Mycologie Médicale et Moléculaire (code LR12ES08), Département de Biologie Clinique B, Faculté de Pharmacie de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Ermanno Candolfi
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, EA 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationelle, Université de Strasbourg, France
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Mammari N, Vignoles P, Halabi MA, Darde ML, Courtioux B. In vitro infection of human nervous cells by two strains of Toxoplasma gondii: a kinetic analysis of immune mediators and parasite multiplication. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98491. [PMID: 24886982 PMCID: PMC4041771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The severity of toxoplasmic infection depends mainly on the immune status of the host, but also on the Toxoplasma gondii strains, which differ by their virulence profile. The relationship between the human host and T. gondii has not yet been elucidated because few studies have been conducted on human models. The immune mechanisms involved in the persistence of T. gondii in the brains of immunocompetent subjects and during the reactivation of latent infections are still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the kinetics of immune mediators in human nervous cells in vitro, infected with two strains of T. gondii. Human neuroblast cell line (SH SY5Y), microglial (CMH5) and endothelial cells (Hbmec) were infected separately by RH (type I) or PRU (type II) strains for 8 h, 14 h, 24 h and 48 h (ratio 1 cell: 2 tachyzoites). Pro-inflammatory protein expression was different between the two strains and among different human nervous cells. The cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and the chemokines MCP-1 and GROα, and SERPIN E1 were significantly increased in CMH5 and SH SY5Y at 24 h pi. At this point of infection, the parasite burden declined in microglial cells and neurons, but remained high in endothelial cells. This differential effect on the early parasite multiplication may be correlated with a higher production of immune mediators by neurons and microglial cells compared to endothelial cells. Regarding strain differences, PRU strain, but not RH strain, stimulates all cells to produce pro-inflammatory growth factors, G-CSF and GM-CSF. These proteins could increase the inflammatory effect of this type II strain. These results suggest that the different protein expression profiles depend on the parasitic strain and on the human nervous cell type, and that this could be at the origin of diverse brain lesions caused by T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Mammari
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology Institute, Limoges, France; University of Limoges, National Center for Scientific Research France 3503 Institute of Genomic, Environment, Immunity, Health and Therapy, Limoges, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Philippe Vignoles
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology Institute, Limoges, France; University of Limoges, National Center for Scientific Research France 3503 Institute of Genomic, Environment, Immunity, Health and Therapy, Limoges, France
| | - Mohamad Adnan Halabi
- National Center for Scientific Research France 7276, France 3503 Institute of Genomic, Environment, Immunity, Health and Therapy, University of Limoges, Faculty of Pharmacy, Limoges, France
| | - Marie Laure Darde
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology Institute, Limoges, France; University of Limoges, National Center for Scientific Research France 3503 Institute of Genomic, Environment, Immunity, Health and Therapy, Limoges, France
- Universitary Hospital, Department of Parasitology, Biological Resource Centre for Toxoplasma, Limoges, France
| | - Bertrand Courtioux
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research 1094, Tropical Neuroepidemiology Institute, Limoges, France; University of Limoges, National Center for Scientific Research France 3503 Institute of Genomic, Environment, Immunity, Health and Therapy, Limoges, France
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13
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New clinical and experimental insights into Old World and neotropical ocular toxoplasmosis. Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:99-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Jia B, Lu H, Liu Q, Yin J, Jiang N, Chen Q. Genome-wide comparative analysis revealed significant transcriptome changes in mice after Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:161. [PMID: 23734932 PMCID: PMC3679772 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that can modulate host responses and presumably host behavior. Host responses as well as pathogenesis vary depending on the parasite strains that are responsible for infection. In immune competent individuals, T. gondii preferentially infects tissues of the central nervous systems (CNS), which might be an additional factor in certain psychiatric disorders. While in immune-compromised individuals and pregnant women, the parasite can cause life-threatening infections. With the availability of the genome-wide investigation platform, the global responses in gene expression of the host after T. gondii infection can be systematically investigated. METHODS Total RNA of brain tissues and peripheral lymphocytes of BALB/C mice infected with RH and ME 49 strain T. gondii as well as that of healthy mice were purified and converted to cRNA with incorporated Cy5-CTP (experimental samples), or Cy3-CTP (control samples). The labeled cRNA probes were hybridized to the Whole Mouse Genome Microarray. The impact of parasite infection on gene expression in both brain tissues and peripheral lymphocytes were analyzed. Differentially expressed genes were revalidated with real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). RESULTS Data indicated that the genes associated with immunity were up-regulated after infection by the two parasite strains, but significant up-regulation was observed in both brain tissues and peripheral lymphocytes of mice infected with ME49 strain compared to that infected by RH strain. The pathways related to pathogenesis of the nervous system were more significantly up-regulated in mice infected with RH strain. CONCLUSIONS Genetically distinct T. gondii strains showed clear differences in modulation of host pathophysiological and immunological responses in both brain tissue and peripheral lymphocytes. It was likely that some of the host responses to T. gondii infection were universal, but the immune response and CNS reaction were in a strain-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyin Jia
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Xi An Da Lu 5333, Changchun 130062, China.
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15
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Toxoplasma gondii migration within and infection of human retina. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54358. [PMID: 23437042 PMCID: PMC3578837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis is a common blinding retinal infection caused by the parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Basic processes relating to establishment of infection in the human eye by T. gondii tachyzoites have not been investigated. To evaluate the ability of tachyzoites to navigate the human retina, we developed an ex vivo assay, in which a suspension containing 1.5 × 10(7) parasites replaced vitreous in a posterior eyecup. After 8 hours, the retina was formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded, and sections were immunostained to identify tachyzoites. To determine the preference of tachyzoites for human retinal neuronal versus glial populations, we infected dissociated retinal cultures, subsequently characterized by neuron-specific enolase or glial fibrillary acidic protein expression, and retinal cell lines, with YFP-expressing tachyzoites. In migration assays, retinas contained 110-250 live tachyzoites; 64.5-95.2% (mean =79.6%) were localized to the nerve fiber layer, but some were detected in the outer retina. Epifluorescence imaging of dissociated retinal cultures 24 hours after infection indicated preferential infection of glia. This observation was confirmed in growth assays, with significantly higher (p ≤ 0.005) numbers of tachyzoites measured in glial verus neuronal cell lines. Our translational studies indicate that, after entering retina, tachyzoites may navigate multiple tissue layers. Tachyzoites preferentially infect glial cells, which exist throughout the retina. These properties may contribute to the success of T. gondii as a human pathogen.
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Abstract
This article is an attempt to identify the most significant highlights of Toxoplasma research over the last 25 years. It has been a period of enormous progress and the top 25 most significant advances, in the view of this author, are described. These range from the bench to the bedside and represent a tremendous body of work from countless investigators. And, having laid out so much that has been discovered, it is impossible not to also reflect on the challenges that lie ahead. These, too, are briefly discussed. Finally, while every effort has been made to view the field as a whole, the molecular biology background of the author almost certainly will have skewed the relative importance attached to past and future advances. Despite this, it is hoped that the reader will agree with, or at least not disagree too strongly with, most of the choices presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Boothroyd
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305-5124, USA.
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17
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Garweg JG, Candolfi E. Immunopathology in ocular toxoplasmosis: facts and clues. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2009; 104:211-20. [DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762009000200014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2008] [Accepted: 02/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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McGettrick HM, Smith E, Filer A, Kissane S, Salmon M, Buckley CD, Rainger GE, Nash GB. Fibroblasts from different sites may promote or inhibit recruitment of flowing lymphocytes by endothelial cells. Eur J Immunol 2009; 39:113-25. [PMID: 19130557 PMCID: PMC2821685 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200838232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We examined the hypothesis that stromal fibroblasts modulate the ability of endothelial cells (EC) to recruit lymphocytes in a site-specific manner. PBL were perfused over HUVEC that had been cultured with fibroblasts isolated from the inflamed synovium or the skin of patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, or from normal synovium, with or without exposure to the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha+IFN-gamma. Fibroblasts from inflamed synovium, but no others, caused unstimulated HUVEC to bind flowing lymphocytes. This adhesion was supported by alpha(4)beta(1)-VCAM-1 interaction and stabilised by activation of PBL through CXCR4-CXCL12. Antibody neutralisation of IL-6 during co-culture effectively abolished the ability of EC to bind lymphocytes. Cytokine-stimulated EC supported high levels of lymphocyte adhesion, through the presentation of VCAM-1, E-selectin and chemokine(s) acting through CXCR3. Interestingly, co-culture with dermal fibroblasts caused a marked reduction in cytokine-induced adhesion, while synovial fibroblasts had variable effects depending on their source. In the dermal co-cultures, neutralisation of IL-6 or TGF-beta caused partial recovery of cytokine-induced lymphocyte adhesion; this was complete when both were neutralised. Exogenous IL-6 was also found to inhibit response to TNF-alpha+IFN-gamma. Normal stromal fibroblasts appear to regulate the cytokine-sensitivity of vascular endothelium, while fibroblasts associated with chronic inflammation bypass this and develop a directly inflammatory phenotype. Actions of IL-6 might be pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory, depending on the local milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M McGettrick
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, The Medical School, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Wastling JM, Xia D, Sohal A, Chaussepied M, Pain A, Langsley G. Proteomes and transcriptomes of the Apicomplexa--where's the message? Int J Parasitol 2008; 39:135-43. [PMID: 18996390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2008.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2008] [Revised: 10/12/2008] [Accepted: 10/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Apicomplexa have some of the most comprehensive and integrated proteome datasets of all pathogenic micro-organisms. Coverage is currently at a level where these data can be used to help predict the potential biological function of proteins in these parasites, without having to defer to measurement of mRNA levels. Transcriptomic data for the Apicomplexa (microarrays, expressed sequence tag (EST) collections, serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) and massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS) tags) are also copious, enabling us to investigate the extent to which global mRNA levels correlate with proteomic data. Here, we present a proteomic and transcriptomic perspective of gene expression in key apicomplexan parasites, including Plasmodium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium parvum, Neospora caninum and Theileria spp., and discuss the alternative views of gene expression that they provide. Although proteomic evidence does not exist for every gene, many examples of readily detected proteins whose corresponding genes display little or no detectable transcription, are seen across the Apicomplexa. These examples are not easily explained by the "guilt by association", or "stock and go" hypotheses of gene transcription. With the advent of ultra-high-throughput sequencing technologies there will be a quantum shift in transcriptional analysis which, combined with improving quantitative proteome datasets, will provide a core component of a systems-wide approach to studying the Apicomplexa.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Wastling
- Department of Pre-Clinical Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK.
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