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van Strien J, Evers F, Cabrera-Orefice A, Delhez I, Kooij TWA, Huynen MA. Analysis of Complexome Profiles with the Gaussian Interaction Profiler (GIP) Reveals Novel Protein Complexes in Plasmodium falciparum. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 39262370 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Complexome profiling is an experimental approach to identify interactions by integrating native separation of protein complexes and quantitative mass spectrometry. In a typical complexome profile, thousands of proteins are detected across typically ≤100 fractions. This relatively low resolution leads to similar abundance profiles between proteins that are not necessarily interaction partners. To address this challenge, we introduce the Gaussian Interaction Profiler (GIP), a Gaussian mixture modeling-based clustering workflow that assigns protein clusters by modeling the migration profile of each cluster. Uniquely, the GIP offers a way to prioritize actual interactors over spuriously comigrating proteins. Using previously analyzed human fibroblast complexome profiles, we show good performance of the GIP compared to other state-of-the-art tools. We further demonstrate GIP utility by applying it to complexome profiles from the transmissible lifecycle stage of malaria parasites. We unveil promising novel associations for future experimental verification, including an interaction between the vaccine target Pfs47 and the hypothetical protein PF3D7_0417000. Taken together, the GIP provides methodological advances that facilitate more accurate and automated detection of protein complexes, setting the stage for more varied and nuanced analyses in the field of complexome profiling. The complexome profiling data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium with the dataset identifier PXD050751.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joeri van Strien
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Felix Evers
- Medical Microbiology, Radboud Community for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alfredo Cabrera-Orefice
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris Delhez
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Taco W A Kooij
- Medical Microbiology, Radboud Community for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn A Huynen
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Cao Y, Hayashi CTH, Kumar N. A Novel Ex Vivo Assay to Evaluate Functional Effectiveness of Plasmodium vivax Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Using Pvs25 Transgenic Plasmodium berghei. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:1894-1903. [PMID: 38408353 PMCID: PMC11175679 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax account for >90% global malaria burden. Transmission intervention strategies encompassing transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) and drugs represent ideal public health tools to eliminate malaria at the population level. The availability of mature P. falciparum gametocytes through in vitro culture has facilitated development of a standard membrane feeding assay to assess efficacy of transmission interventions against P. falciparum. The lack of in vitro culture for P. vivax has significantly hampered similar progress on P. vivax and limited studies have been possible using blood from infected patients in endemic areas. The ethical and logistical limitations of on-time access to blood from patients have impeded the development of P. vivax TBVs. METHODS Transgenic murine malaria parasites (Plasmodium berghei) expressing TBV candidates offer a promising alternative for evaluation of P. vivax TBVs through in vivo studies in mice, and ex vivo membrane feeding assay (MFA). RESULTS We describe the development of transmission-competent transgenic TgPbvs25 parasites and optimization of parameters to establish an ex vivo MFA to evaluate P. vivax TBV based on Pvs25 antigen. CONCLUSIONS The MFA is expected to expedite Pvs25-based TBV development without dependence on blood from P. vivax-infected patients in endemic areas for evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cao
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Clifford T H Hayashi
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nirbhay Kumar
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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3
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Cai JA, Christophides GK. Immune interactions between mosquitoes and microbes during midgut colonization. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 63:101195. [PMID: 38552792 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes encounter diverse microbes during their lifetime, including symbiotic bacteria, shaping their midgut ecosystem. The organization of the midgut supports microbiota persistence while defending against potential pathogens. The influx of nutrients during blood feeding triggers bacterial proliferation, challenging host homeostasis. Immune responses, aimed at controlling bacterial overgrowth, impact blood-borne pathogens such as malaria parasites. However, parasites deploy evasion strategies against mosquito immunity. Leveraging these mechanisms could help engineer malaria-resistant mosquitoes, offering a transformative tool for malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Cai
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom
| | - George K Christophides
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom.
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Ayele T, Wondale B, Tamiru G, Eligo N, Lindtjørn B, Massebo F. Infectivity of symptomatic Plasmodium vivax cases to different generations of wild-caught and laboratory-adapted Anopheles arabiensis using a membrane feeding assay, Ethiopia. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2023; 4:100137. [PMID: 37637351 PMCID: PMC10457422 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
When measuring human to mosquito transmission of Plasmodium spp., laboratory-adapted (colony) mosquitoes can be utilized. To connect transmission studies to the local epidemiology, it can be important to comprehend the relationship between infectivity in laboratory-adapted (colony) and wild-caught (wild) mosquitoes of the same species. Microscopically confirmed Plasmodium vivax cases were recruited from health facilities in Arba Minch town, and a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was used for subsequent confirmation. We performed paired membrane-feeding assays using colony An. arabiensis and three generations of wild origin An. arabiensis. Anopheles arabiensis aged 3-6 days were fed after being starved for 8-14 h. Microscopically, the oocyst development was evaluated at day 7 after feeding. Circumsporozoite proteins (CSPs) assay was carried out by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In 19 paired feeding experiments, the feeding efficiency was more than doubled in colony (median: 62.5%; interquartile range, IQR: 35-78%) than in wild mosquitoes (median: 28.5%; IQR: 17.5-40%; P < 0.001). Among the 19 P. vivax gametocyte-positive blood samples, 63.2% (n = 12) were infective to wild An. arabiensis and 73.7% (n = 14) were infective to colony An. arabiensis. The median infection rate was twice as high (26%) in the colony than in the wild (13%) An. arabiensis, although the difference was marginally insignificant (P = 0.06). Although the observed difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.19), the median number of oocysts per midgut was more than twice as high (17.8/midgut) in colony than in wild (7.2/midgut) An. arabiensis. The median feeding efficiency was 26.5% (IQR: 18-37%) in F1, 29.3% (IQR: 28-40%) in F2 and 31.2% (IQR: 30-37%) in F3 generations of wild An. arabiensis. Also, no significant difference was observed in oocyst infection rate and load between generations of wild An. arabiensis. CSP rate of P. vivax was 3.1% (3/97; 95% CI: 0.6-8.8%) in wild and 3.6% (3/84; 95% CI: 0.7-10.1%) in colony An. arabiensis. The results of the present study revealed that oocyst infection and load/midgut, and CSP rate were roughly comparable, indicating that colony mosquitoes can be employed for infectivity studies, while larger sample sizes may be necessary in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenaye Ayele
- Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- Department of Biology, Wolaita Sodo University, Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Biniam Wondale
- Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Girum Tamiru
- Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Nigatu Eligo
- Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
| | - Bernt Lindtjørn
- Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Fekadu Massebo
- Department of Biology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
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Escobar LE, Velasco-Villa A, Satheshkumar PS, Nakazawa Y, Van de Vuurst P. Revealing the complexity of vampire bat rabies "spillover transmission". Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:10. [PMID: 36782311 PMCID: PMC9924873 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01062-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The term virus 'spillover' embodies a highly complex phenomenon and is often used to refer to viral transmission from a primary reservoir host to a new, naïve yet susceptible and permissive host species. Spillover transmission can result in a virus becoming pathogenic, causing disease and death to the new host if successful infection and transmission takes place. MAIN TEXT The scientific literature across diverse disciplines has used the terms virus spillover, spillover transmission, cross-species transmission, and host shift almost indistinctly to imply the complex process of establishment of a virus from an original host (source/donor) to a naïve host (recipient), which have close or distant taxonomic or evolutionary ties. Spillover transmission may result in unsuccessful onward transmission, if the virus dies off before propagation. Alternatively, successful viral establishment in the new host can occur if subsequent secondary transmission among individuals of the same novel species and among other sympatric susceptible species occurred. As such, virus spillover transmission is a common yet highly complex phenomenon that encompasses multiple subtle stages that can be deconstructed to be studied separately to better understand the drivers of disease emergence. Rabies virus (RABV) is a well-documented viral pathogen which still inflicts heavy impact on humans, companion animals, wildlife, and livestock throughout Latin America due substantial spatial temporal and ecological-natural and expansional-overlap with several virus reservoir hosts. Thereby, the rabies disease system represents a robust avenue through which the drivers and uncertainties surrounding spillover transmission can be unravel at its different subtle stages to better understand how they may be affected by coarse, medium, and fine scale variables. CONCLUSIONS The continued study of viral spillover transmission necessitates the elucidation of its complexities to better assess the cross-scale impacts of ecological forces linked to the propensity of spillover success. Improving capacities to reconstruct and predict spillover transmission would prevent public health impacts on those most at risk populations across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E. Escobar
- grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Virginia Tech Graduate School, Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Program, Blacksburg, VA USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Global Change Center, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA ,grid.442163.60000 0004 0486 6813Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de La Salle, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andres Velasco-Villa
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Panayampalli S. Satheshkumar
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Yoshinori Nakazawa
- grid.416738.f0000 0001 2163 0069Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30333 USA
| | - Paige Van de Vuurst
- grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Virginia Tech Graduate School, Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Program, Blacksburg, VA USA ,grid.438526.e0000 0001 0694 4940Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA
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Ibrahim A, Manko E, Dombrowski JG, Campos M, Benavente ED, Nolder D, Sutherland CJ, Nosten F, Fernandez D, Vélez-Tobón G, Castaño AT, Aguiar ACC, Pereira DB, da Silva Santos S, Suarez-Mutis M, Di Santi SM, Regina de Souza Baptista A, Dantas Machado RL, Marinho CR, Clark TG, Campino S. Population-based genomic study of Plasmodium vivax malaria in seven Brazilian states and across South America. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 18:100420. [PMID: 36844008 PMCID: PMC9950661 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background Brazil is a unique and understudied setting for malaria, with complex foci of transmission associated with human and environmental conditions. An understanding of the population genomic diversity of P. vivax parasites across Brazil can support malaria control strategies. Methods Through whole genome sequencing of P. vivax isolates across 7 Brazilian states, we use population genomic approaches to compare genetic diversity within country (n = 123), continent (6 countries, n = 315) and globally (26 countries, n = 885). Findings We confirm that South American isolates are distinct, have more ancestral populations than the other global regions, with differentiating mutations in genes under selective pressure linked to antimalarial drugs (pvmdr1, pvdhfr-ts) and mosquito vectors (pvcrmp3, pvP45/48, pvP47). We demonstrate Brazil as a distinct parasite population, with signals of selection including ABC transporter (PvABCI3) and PHIST exported proteins. Interpretation Brazil has a complex population structure, with evidence of P. simium infections and Amazonian parasites separating into multiple clusters. Overall, our work provides the first Brazil-wide analysis of P. vivax population structure and identifies important mutations, which can inform future research and control measures. Funding AI is funded by an MRC LiD PhD studentship. TGC is funded by the Medical Research Council (Grant no. MR/M01360X/1, MR/N010469/1, MR/R025576/1, MR/R020973/1 and MR/X005895/1). SC is funded by Medical Research Council UK grants (MR/M01360X/1, MR/R025576/1, MR/R020973/1 and MR/X005895/1) and Bloomsbury SET (ref. CCF17-7779). FN is funded by The Shloklo Malaria Research Unit - part of the Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, supported by the Wellcome Trust (Grant no. 220211). ARSB is funded by São Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP (Grant no. 2002/09546-1). RLDM is funded by Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development - CNPq (Grant no. 302353/2003-8 and 471605/2011-5); CRFM is funded by FAPESP (Grant no. 2020/06747-4) and CNPq (Grant no. 302917/2019-5 and 408636/2018-1); JGD is funded by FAPESP fellowships (2016/13465-0 and 2019/12068-5) and CNPq (Grant no. 409216/2018-6).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Ibrahim
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emilia Manko
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jamille G. Dombrowski
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University
of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mónica Campos
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ernest Diez Benavente
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Debbie Nolder
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Public Health England Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of
Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Colin J. Sutherland
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Public Health England Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of
Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research
Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak,
Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of
Clinical Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford Old Road Campus,
Oxford, UK
| | - Diana Fernandez
- Grupo Malaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia,
Colombia
| | - Gabriel Vélez-Tobón
- Grupo Malaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia,
Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Simone da Silva Santos
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Institute Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz-
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martha Suarez-Mutis
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Institute Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz-
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea Regina de Souza Baptista
- Centro de Investigação de Microrganismos – CIM, Departamento de
Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense,
Brazil
| | - Ricardo Luiz Dantas Machado
- Centro de Investigação de Microrganismos – CIM, Departamento de
Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense,
Brazil
| | - Claudio R.F. Marinho
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University
of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Taane G. Clark
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health, London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susana Campino
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene
& Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Role of Pfs47 in the dispersal of ancestral Plasmodium falciparum malaria through adaptation to different anopheline vectors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2213626120. [PMID: 36689648 PMCID: PMC9945982 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213626120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum malaria originated when Plasmodium praefalciparum, a gorilla malaria parasite transmitted by African sylvan anopheline mosquitoes, adapted to humans. Pfs47, a protein on the parasite surface mediates P. falciparum evasion of the mosquito immune system by interacting with a midgut receptor and is critical for Plasmodium adaptation to different anopheline species. Genetic analysis of 4,971 Pfs47 gene sequences from different continents revealed that Asia and Papua New Guinea harbor Pfs47 haplotypes more similar to its ortholog in P. praefalciparum at sites that determine vector compatibility, suggesting that ancestral P. falciparum readily adapted to Asian vectors. Consistent with this observation, Pfs47-receptor gene sequences from African sylvan malaria vectors, such as Anopheles moucheti and An. marshallii, were found to share greater similarity with those of Asian vectors than those of vectors of the African An. gambiae complex. Furthermore, experimental infections provide direct evidence that transformed P. falciparum parasites carrying Pfs47 orthologs of P. praefalciparum or P. reichenowi were more effective at evading the immune system of the Asian malaria vector An. dirus than An. gambiae. We propose that high compatibility of ancestral P. falciparum Pfs47 with the receptors of Asian vectors facilitated the early dispersal of human malaria to the Asian continent, without having to first adapt to sub-Saharan vectors of the An. gambiae complex.
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Bai J, Liu F, Yang F, Zhao Y, Jia X, Thongpoon S, Roobsoog W, Sattabongkot J, Zheng L, Cui Z, Zheng W, Cui L, Cao Y. Evaluation of transmission-blocking potential of Pv22 using clinical Plasmodium vivax infections and transgenic Plasmodium berghei. Vaccine 2023; 41:555-563. [PMID: 36503858 PMCID: PMC9812905 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antigens expressed during the sexual development of malaria parasites are transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) targets. Pb22, a protein expressed and localized to the plasma membrane of gametes and ookinetes in Plasmodium berghei, is an excellent TBV candidate. Here, we evaluated the TB potential of the Plasmodium vivax ortholog Pv22 using a transgenic P. berghei parasite line and P. vivax clinical isolates. The full-length recombinant Pv22 (rPv22) protein was produced and used to immunize mice and rabbits to obtain antibodies. We generated a transgenic P. berghei line (TrPv22Pb) by inserting the pv22 gene into the pb22 locus and showed that Pv22 expression completely rescued the defects in male gametogenesis of the pb22 deletion parasite. Since Pv22 in the transgenic parasite showed similar expression and localization patterns to Pb22, we used the TrPv22Pb parasite as a surrogate to evaluate the TB potential of Pv22. In mosquito feeding assays, mosquitoes feeding on rPv22-immunized mice infected with TrPv22Pb parasites showed a 49.3-53.3 % reduction in the oocyst density compared to the control group. In vitro assays showed that the rPv22 immune sera significantly inhibited exflagellation and ookinete formation of the TrPv22Pb parasites. In a direct membrane feeding assay using three clinical P. vivax isolates, the rabbit anti-rPv22 antibodies also significantly decreased the oocyst density by 53.7, 30.2, and 26.2 %, respectively. This study demonstrated the feasibility of using transgenic P. berghei parasites expressing P. vivax antigens as a potential tool to evaluate TBV candidates. However, the much weaker TB activity of Pv22 obtained from two complementary assays suggest that Pv22 may not be a promising TBV candidate for P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Bai
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xitong Jia
- Department of Pathogen Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Sataporn Thongpoon
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Wanlapa Roobsoog
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Jetsumon Sattabongkot
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Li Zheng
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zeshi Cui
- College of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenqi Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolian Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States.
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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9
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Kaczanowski S. Detection of positive selection acting on protein surfaces at the whole-genome scale in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 107:105397. [PMID: 36572055 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The host-parasite evolutionary arms race is a fundamental process with medical implications. During this process, the host develops parasite resistance, and the parasite develops host immune evasion strategies. Thus, this process accelerates relevant protein evolution. This study test hypothesizes that proteins subject to sequence evolution structural constraints play a crucial role and that these constraints hinder the modification of such proteins in this process. These hypotheses were tested using Plasmodium falciparum model and evaluated protein structures predicted for the entire proteome by the AlphaFold method. Based on dN/dS test results and P. falciparum and P. reichenowi comparisons, the presented approach identified proteins subject to purifying selection acting on the whole sequence and buried residues (dN < dS) and positive selection on nonburied residues. Of the 26 proteins, some known antigens (ring-exported protein 3, RAP protein, erythrocyte binding antigen-140, and protein P47) targeted by the host immune system are promising vaccine candidates. The set also contained 11 enzymes, including FIKK kinase, which modifies host proteins. This set was compared with genes for which the dN/dS test suggested that positive selection acts on the whole gene (i.e., dN > dS). The present study found that such genes encode enzymes and antigenic vaccine candidates less frequently than genes for which evolution is not subject to selection constraints and positive selection acts on only exposed residues. The analysis was repeated comparing P. falciparum with P. alderi, which is more distantly related. The study discusses the potential implications of the presented methodology for rational vaccine design and the parasitology and evolutionary biology fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Kaczanowski
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
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10
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Inklaar MR, Barillas-Mury C, Jore MM. Deceiving and escaping complement - the evasive journey of the malaria parasite. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:962-974. [PMID: 36089499 PMCID: PMC9588674 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
During its life cycle, Plasmodium, the malaria parasite, is exposed to the human and mosquito complement systems. Early experiments demonstrated that activation of complement can pose a serious threat to parasites, but recent studies revealed complement-evasion mechanisms important for parasite survival. Blood-stage parasites and gametes recruit regulators to neutralize human complement activation, while ookinetes inhibit mosquito complement by disrupting epithelial nitration in response to midgut invasion. Here we provide an in-depth overview of the evasion mechanisms currently known and speculate on the existence of others not yet identified. Finally, we discuss how these mechanisms could provide novel targets for urgently needed malaria vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboudumc, The Netherlands.
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11
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Kolli SK, Molina-Cruz A, Araki T, Geurten FJA, Ramesar J, Chevalley-Maurel S, Kroeze HJ, Bezemer S, de Korne C, Withers R, Raytselis N, El Hebieshy AF, Kim RQ, Child MA, Kakuta S, Hisaeda H, Kobayashi H, Annoura T, Hensbergen PJ, Franke-Fayard BM, Barillas-Mury C, Scheeren FA, Janse CJ. Malaria parasite evades mosquito immunity by glutaminyl cyclase-mediated posttranslational protein modification. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209729119. [PMID: 35994647 PMCID: PMC9436314 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209729119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) modifies N-terminal glutamine or glutamic acid residues of target proteins into cyclic pyroglutamic acid (pGlu). Here, we report the biochemical and functional analysis of Plasmodium QC. We show that sporozoites of QC-null mutants of rodent and human malaria parasites are recognized by the mosquito immune system and melanized when they reach the hemocoel. Detailed analyses of rodent malaria QC-null mutants showed that sporozoite numbers in salivary glands are reduced in mosquitoes infected with QC-null or QC catalytically dead mutants. This phenotype can be rescued by genetic complementation or by disrupting mosquito melanization or phagocytosis by hemocytes. Mutation of a single QC-target glutamine of the major sporozoite surface protein (circumsporozoite protein; CSP) of the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei also results in melanization of sporozoites. These findings indicate that QC-mediated posttranslational modification of surface proteins underlies evasion of killing of sporozoites by the mosquito immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surendra Kumar Kolli
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Alvaro Molina-Cruz
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Tamasa Araki
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Fiona J. A. Geurten
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Jai Ramesar
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Severine Chevalley-Maurel
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J. Kroeze
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha Bezemer
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Clarize de Korne
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
- Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Roxanne Withers
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Nadia Raytselis
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Angela F. El Hebieshy
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Q. Kim
- Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew A. Child
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Soichiro Kakuta
- Laboratory of Morphology and Image Analysis, Research Support Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Hajime Hisaeda
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Kobayashi
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjukuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Takeshi Annoura
- Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Paul J. Hensbergen
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Blandine M. Franke-Fayard
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852
| | - Ferenc A. Scheeren
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300 RC, The Netherlands
| | - Chris J. Janse
- Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
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12
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de Jong RM, Singh SK, Teelen K, van de Vegte-Bolmer M, van Gemert GJ, Stone WJR, Locke E, Plieskatt J, Theisen M, Bousema T, Jore MM. Heterologous Expression and Evaluation of Novel Plasmodium falciparum Transmission Blocking Vaccine Candidates. Front Immunol 2022; 13:909060. [PMID: 35812379 PMCID: PMC9259988 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.909060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria transmission blocking vaccines (TBV) aim to induce antibodies that can interrupt Plasmodium falciparum development in the mosquito midgut and thereby prevent onward malaria transmission. A limited number of TBV candidates have been identified and only three (Pfs25, Pfs230 and Pfs48/45) have entered clinical testing. While one of these candidates may emerge as a highly potent TBV candidate, it is premature to determine if they will generate sufficiently potent and sustained responses. It is therefore important to explore novel candidate antigens. We recently analyzed sera from naturally exposed individuals and found that the presence and/or intensity of antibodies against 12 novel putative surface expressed gametocyte antigens was associated with transmission reducing activity. In this study, protein fragments of these novel TBV candidates were designed and heterologously expressed in Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells and Lactococcus lactis. Eleven protein fragments, covering seven TBV candidates, were successfully produced. All tested antigens were recognized by antibodies from individuals living in malaria-endemic areas, indicating that native epitopes are present. All antigens induced antigen-specific antibody responses in mice. Two antigens induced antibodies that recognized a native protein in gametocyte extract, and antibodies elicited by four antigens recognized whole gametocytes. In particular, we found that antigen Pf3D7_0305300, a putative transporter, is abundantly expressed on the surface of gametocytes. However, none of the seven novel TBV candidates expressed here induced an antibody response that reduced parasite development in the mosquito midgut as assessed in the standard membrane feeding assay. Altogether, the antigen fragments used in this study did not prove to be promising transmission blocking vaccine constructs, but led to the identification of two gametocyte surface proteins that may provide new leads for studying gametocyte biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos M. de Jong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Susheel K. Singh
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karina Teelen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Geert-Jan van Gemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Will J. R. Stone
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Locke
- PATH‘s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- PATH‘s Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michael Theisen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs M. Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Matthijs M. Jore,
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13
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Onyango SA, Ochwedo KO, Machani MG, Omondi CJ, Debrah I, Ogolla SO, Lee MC, Zhou G, Kokwaro E, Kazura JW, Afrane YA, Githeko AK, Zhong D, Yan G. Genetic diversity and population structure of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum surface protein Pfs47 in isolates from the lowlands in Western Kenya. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260434. [PMID: 34843560 PMCID: PMC8629314 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum parasites have evolved genetic adaptations to overcome immune responses mounted by diverse Anopheles vectors hindering malaria control efforts. Plasmodium falciparum surface protein Pfs47 is critical in the parasite’s survival by manipulating the vector’s immune system hence a promising target for blocking transmission in the mosquito. This study aimed to examine the genetic diversity, haplotype distribution, and population structure of Pfs47 and its implications on malaria infections in endemic lowlands in Western Kenya. Cross-sectional mass blood screening was conducted in malaria endemic regions in the lowlands of Western Kenya: Homa Bay, Kombewa, and Chulaimbo. Dried blood spots and slide smears were simultaneously collected in 2018 and 2019. DNA was extracted using Chelex method from microscopic Plasmodium falciparum positive samples and used to genotype Pfs47 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. Thirteen observed haplotypes of the Pfs47 gene were circulating in Western Kenya. Population-wise, haplotype diversity ranged from 0.69 to 0.77 and the nucleotide diversity 0.10 to 0.12 across all sites. All the study sites displayed negative Tajima’s D values although not significant. However, the negative and significant Fu’s Fs statistical values were observed across all the study sites, suggesting population expansion or positive selection. Overall genetic differentiation index was not significant (FST = -0.00891, P > 0.05) among parasite populations. All Nm values revealed a considerable gene flow in these populations. These results could have important implications for the persistence of high levels of malaria transmission and should be considered when designing potential targeted control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley A. Onyango
- Department of Zoological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Kevin O. Ochwedo
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maxwell G. Machani
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Collince J. Omondi
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaiah Debrah
- Sub-Saharan Africa International Centre of Excellence for Malaria Research, Homa Bay, Kenya
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sidney O. Ogolla
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Guofa Zhou
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Kokwaro
- Department of Zoological Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James W. Kazura
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Yaw A. Afrane
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrew K. Githeko
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DZ); (GY)
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DZ); (GY)
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14
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Keleta Y, Ramelow J, Cui L, Li J. Molecular interactions between parasite and mosquito during midgut invasion as targets to block malaria transmission. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:140. [PMID: 34845210 PMCID: PMC8630063 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00401-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable effort, malaria remains a major public health burden. Malaria is caused by five Plasmodium species and is transmitted to humans via the female Anopheles mosquito. The development of malaria vaccines against the liver and blood stages has been challenging. Therefore, malaria elimination strategies advocate integrated measures, including transmission-blocking approaches. Designing an effective transmission-blocking strategy relies on a sophisticated understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing the interactions between the mosquito midgut molecules and the malaria parasite. Here we review recent advances in the biology of malaria transmission, focusing on molecular interactions between Plasmodium and Anopheles mosquito midgut proteins. We provide an overview of parasite and mosquito proteins that are either targets for drugs currently in clinical trials or candidates of promising transmission-blocking vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacob Keleta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Julian Ramelow
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Liwang Cui
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
- Biomolecular Science Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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15
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Population genomics and evidence of clonal replacement of Plasmodium falciparum in the Peruvian Amazon. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21212. [PMID: 34707204 PMCID: PMC8551272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00806-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that P. falciparum parasites in South America have undergone population bottlenecks resulting in clonal lineages that are differentially distributed and that have been responsible for several outbreaks different endemic regions. In this study, we explored the genomic profile of 18 P. falciparum samples collected in the Peruvian Amazon Basin (Loreto) and 6 from the Peruvian North Coast (Tumbes). Our results showed the presence of three subpopulations that matched previously typed lineages in Peru: Bv1 (n = 17), Clonet D (n = 4) and Acre-Loreto type (n = 3). Gene coverage analysis showed that none of the Bv1 samples presented coverage for pfhrp2 and pfhrp3. Genotyping of drug resistance markers showed a high prevalence of Chloroquine resistance mutations S1034C/N1042D/D1246Y in pfmdr1 (62.5%) and K45T in pfcrt (87.5%). Mutations associated with sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine treatment failure were found on 88.8% of the Bv1 samples which were triple mutants for pfdhfr (50R/51I/108N) and pfdhps (437G/540E/581G). Analysis of the pfS47 gene that allows P. falciparum to evade mosquito immune responses showed that the Bv1 lineage presented one pfS47 haplotype exclusive to Loreto and another haplotype that was present in both Loreto and Tumbes. Furthermore, a possible expansion of Bv1 was detected since 2011 in Loreto. This replacement could be a result of the high prevalence of CQ resistance polymorphisms in Bv1, which could have provided a selective advantage to the indirect selection pressures driven by the use of CQ for P. vivax treatment.
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16
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Molina-Cruz A, Raytselis N, Withers R, Dwivedi A, Crompton PD, Traore B, Carpi G, Silva JC, Barillas-Mury C. A genotyping assay to determine geographic origin and transmission potential of Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1145. [PMID: 34593959 PMCID: PMC8484479 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
As countries work towards malaria elimination, it is important to monitor imported cases to prevent reestablishment of local transmission. The Plasmodium falciparum Pfs47 gene has strong geographic population structure, because only those parasites with Pfs47 haplotypes compatible with the mosquito vector species in a given continent are efficiently transmitted. Analysis of 4,971 world-wide Pfs47 sequences identified two SNPs (at 707 and 725 bp) as sufficient to establish the likely continent of origin of P. falciparum isolates. Pfs47 sequences from Africa, Asia, and the New World presented more that 99% frequency of distinct combinations of the SNPs 707 and 725 genotypes. Interestingly, Papua New Guinea Pfs47 sequences have the highest diversity in SNPs 707 and 725. Accurate and reproducible High-Resolution Melting (HRM) assays were developed to genotype Pfs47 SNPs 707 and 725 in laboratory and field samples, to assess the geographic origin and risk of local transmission of imported P. falciparum malaria cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Molina-Cruz
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
| | - Nadia Raytselis
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Roxanne Withers
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Ankit Dwivedi
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Peter D Crompton
- Malaria Infection Biology and Immunity Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Boubacar Traore
- Mali International Center of Excellence in Research, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Giovanna Carpi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Joana C Silva
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA.
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17
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Adelman ZN, Kojin BB. Malaria-Resistant Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae); The Principle is Proven, But Will the Effectors Be Effective? JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:1997-2005. [PMID: 34018548 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, a substantial number of anti-malarial effector genes have been evaluated for their ability to block parasite infection in the mosquito vector. While many of these approaches have yielded significant effects on either parasite intensity or prevalence of infection, just a few have been able to completely block transmission. Additionally, many approaches, while effective against the parasite, also disrupt or alter important aspects of mosquito physiology, leading to corresponding changes in lifespan, reproduction, and immunity. As the most promising approaches move towards field-based evaluation, questions of effector gene robustness and durability move to the forefront. In this forum piece, we critically evaluate past effector gene approaches with an eye towards developing a deeper pipeline to augment the current best candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zach N Adelman
- Department of Entomology and AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Bianca B Kojin
- Department of Entomology and AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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18
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Naturally Acquired Antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum: Friend or Foe? Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070832. [PMID: 34357982 PMCID: PMC8308493 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are central to acquired immunity against malaria. Plasmodium falciparum elicits antibody responses against many of its protein components, but there is also formation of antibodies against different parts of the red blood cells, in which the parasites spend most of their time. In the absence of a decisive intervention such as a vaccine, people living in malaria endemic regions largely depend on naturally acquired antibodies for protection. However, these antibodies do not confer sterile immunity and the mechanisms of action are still unclear. Most studies have focused on the inhibitory effect of antibodies, but here, we review both the beneficial as well as the potentially harmful roles of naturally acquired antibodies, as well as autoantibodies formed in malaria. We discuss different studies that have sought to understand acquired antibody responses against P. falciparum antigens, and potential problems when different antibodies are combined, such as in naturally acquired immunity.
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19
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Yang Z, Shi Y, Cui H, Yang S, Gao H, Yuan J. A malaria parasite phospholipid flippase safeguards midgut traversal of ookinetes for mosquito transmission. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/30/eabf6015. [PMID: 34301597 PMCID: PMC8302136 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf6015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito midgut epithelium traversal is essential for malaria parasite transmission. Phospholipid flippases are eukaryotic type 4 P-type adenosine triphosphatases (P4-ATPases), which, in association with CDC50, translocate phospholipids across the membrane lipid bilayers. In this study, we investigated the function of a putative P4-ATPase, ATP7, from the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii Disruption of ATP7 blocks the parasite infection of mosquitoes. ATP7 is localized on the ookinete plasma membrane. While ATP7-depleted ookinetes are capable of invading the midgut, they are eliminated within the epithelial cells by a process independent from the mosquito complement-like immunity. ATP7 colocalizes and interacts with the flippase cofactor CDC50C. Depletion of CDC50C phenocopies ATP7 deficiency. ATP7-depleted ookinetes fail to uptake phosphatidylcholine across the plasma membrane. Ookinete microinjection into the mosquito hemocoel reverses the ATP7 deficiency phenotype. Our study identifies Plasmodium flippase as a mechanism of parasite survival in the midgut epithelium that is required for mosquito transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenke Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Huiting Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Shuzhen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Han Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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20
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Benavente ED, Manko E, Phelan J, Campos M, Nolder D, Fernandez D, Velez-Tobon G, Castaño AT, Dombrowski JG, Marinho CRF, Aguiar ACC, Pereira DB, Sriprawat K, Nosten F, Moon R, Sutherland CJ, Campino S, Clark TG. Distinctive genetic structure and selection patterns in Plasmodium vivax from South Asia and East Africa. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3160. [PMID: 34039976 PMCID: PMC8154914 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23422-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high burden of Plasmodium vivax malaria in South Asian countries, the genetic diversity of circulating parasite populations is not well described. Determinants of antimalarial drug susceptibility for P. vivax in the region have not been characterised. Our genomic analysis of global P. vivax (n = 558) establishes South Asian isolates (n = 92) as a distinct subpopulation, which shares ancestry with some East African and South East Asian parasites. Signals of positive selection are linked to drug resistance-associated loci including pvkelch10, pvmrp1, pvdhfr and pvdhps, and two loci linked to P. vivax invasion of reticulocytes, pvrbp1a and pvrbp1b. Significant identity-by-descent was found in extended chromosome regions common to P. vivax from India and Ethiopia, including the pvdbp gene associated with Duffy blood group binding. Our investigation provides new understanding of global P. vivax population structure and genomic diversity, and genetic evidence of recent directional selection in this important human pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Diez Benavente
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emilia Manko
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jody Phelan
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Monica Campos
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Debbie Nolder
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Public Health England Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Diana Fernandez
- Grupo Malaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Gabriel Velez-Tobon
- Grupo Malaria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | | | - Jamille G Dombrowski
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio R F Marinho
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Caroline C Aguiar
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Kanlaya Sriprawat
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford Old Road Campus, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert Moon
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Colin J Sutherland
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Public Health England Malaria Reference Laboratory, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susana Campino
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Taane G Clark
- Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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21
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Nqoro X, Jama S, Morifi E, Aderibigbe BA. 4-Aminosalicylic Acid-based Hybrid Compounds: Synthesis and In vitro Antiplasmodial Evaluation. LETT DRUG DES DISCOV 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1570180817999200802031547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background:
Malaria is a deadly and infectious disease responsible for millions of death
worldwide, mostly in the African region. The malaria parasite has developed resistance to the currently
used antimalarial drugs, and it has urged researchers to develop new strategies to overcome
this challenge by designing different classes of antimalarials.
Objectives:
A class of hybrid compounds containing 4-aminosalicylic acid moiety was prepared via
esterification and amidation reactions and characterized using FTIR, NMR and LC-MS. In vitro antiplasmodial
evaluation was performed against the asexual NF54 strain of P. falciparum parasites.
Methods:
In this research, known 4-aminoquinoline derivatives were hybridized with 4-
aminosalicylic acid to afford hybrid compounds via esterification and amidation reactions. 4-
aminosalicylic acid, a dihydrofolate compound inhibits DNA synthesis in the folate pathway and is
a potential pharmacophore for the development of antimalarials.
Results:
The LC-MS, FTIR, and NMR analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of the compounds.
The compounds were obtained in yields in the range of 63-80%. The hybrid compounds
displayed significant antimalarial activity when compared to 4-aminosalicylic acid, which exhibited
poor antimalarial activity. The IC50 value of the most potent hybrid compound, 9 was 9.54±0.57 nm.
Conclusion:
4-aminosalicylic has different functionalities, which can be used for hybridization with
a wide range of compounds. It is a potential pharmacophore that can be utilized for the design of
potent antimalarial drugs. It was found to be a good potentiating agent when hybridized with 4-
aminoquinoline derivatives suggesting that they can be utilized for the synthesis of a new class of
antimalarials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xhamla Nqoro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus,South Africa
| | - Siphesihle Jama
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fort Hare, Alice Campus,South Africa
| | - Eric Morifi
- School of Chemistry, Mass Spectrometry Division, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Private Bag X3, WITS, 2050,South Africa
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22
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Liu F, Yang F, Wang Y, Hong M, Zheng W, Min H, Li D, Jin Y, Tsuboi T, Cui L, Cao Y. A conserved malaria parasite antigen Pb22 plays a critical role in male gametogenesis in Plasmodium berghei. Cell Microbiol 2020; 23:e13294. [PMID: 33222390 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gametogenesis, the formation of gametes from gametocytes, an essential step for malaria parasite transmission, is targeted by transmission-blocking drugs and vaccines. We identified a conserved protein (PBANKA_0305900) in Plasmodium berghei, which encodes a protein of 22 kDa (thus named Pb22) and is expressed in both asexual stages and gametocytes. Its homologues are present in all Plasmodium species and its closely related, Hepatocystis, but not in other apicomplexans. Pb22 protein was localised in the cytosols of schizonts, as well as male and female gametocytes. During gamete-to-ookinete development, Pb22 became localised on the plasma membranes of gametes and ookinetes. Compared to the wild-type (WT) parasites, P. berghei with pb22 knockout (KO) showed a significant reduction in exflagellation (~89%) of male gametocytes and ookinete number (~97%) during in vitro ookinete culture. Mosquito feeding assays showed that ookinete and oocyst formation of the pb22-KO line in mosquito midguts was almost completely abolished. These defects were rescued in parasites where pb22 was restored. Cross-fertilisation experiments with parasite lines defective in either male or female gametes confirmed that the defects in the pb22-KO line were restricted to the male gametes, whereas female gametes in the pb22-KO line were fertile at the WT level. Detailed analysis of male gametogenesis showed that 30% of the male gametocytes in the pb22-KO line failed to assemble the axonemes, whereas ~48.9% of the male gametocytes formed flagella but failed to egress from the host erythrocyte. To explore its transmission-blocking potential, recombinant Pb22 (rPb22) was expressed and used to immunise mice. in vitro assays showed that the rPb22-antisera significantly inhibited exflagellation by ~64.8% and ookinete formation by ~93.4%. Mosquitoes after feeding on rPb22-immunised mice also showed significant decreases in infection prevalence (83.3-93.3%) and oocyst density (93.5-99.6%). Further studies of the Pb22 orthologues in human malaria parasites are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Liu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yaru Wang
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Minsheng Hong
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenqi Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolian Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hui Min
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Danni Li
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Division of Administration, Liaoning Research Institute of Family Planning, Shenyang, China
| | - Takafumi Tsuboi
- Division of Malaria Research, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Liwang Cui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Yaming Cao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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23
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Singh K, Burkhardt M, Nakuchima S, Herrera R, Muratova O, Gittis AG, Kelnhofer E, Reiter K, Smelkinson M, Veltri D, Swihart BJ, Shimp R, Nguyen V, Zhang B, MacDonald NJ, Duffy PE, Garboczi DN, Narum DL. Structure and function of a malaria transmission blocking vaccine targeting Pfs230 and Pfs230-Pfs48/45 proteins. Commun Biol 2020; 3:395. [PMID: 32709983 PMCID: PMC7381611 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01123-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 are Plasmodium falciparum transmission-blocking (TB) vaccine candidates that form a membrane-bound protein complex on gametes. The biological role of Pfs230 or the Pfs230-Pfs48/45 complex remains poorly understood. Here, we present the crystal structure of recombinant Pfs230 domain 1 (Pfs230D1M), a 6-cysteine domain, in complex with the Fab fragment of a TB monoclonal antibody (mAb) 4F12. We observed the arrangement of Pfs230 on the surface of macrogametes differed from that on microgametes, and that Pfs230, with no known membrane anchor, may exist on the membrane surface in the absence of Pfs48/45. 4F12 appears to sterically interfere with Pfs230 function. Combining mAbs against different epitopes of Pfs230D1 or of Pfs230D1 and Pfs48/45, significantly increased TB activity. These studies elucidate a mechanism of action of the Pfs230D1 vaccine, model the functional activity induced by a polyclonal antibody response and support the development of TB vaccines targeting Pfs230D1 and Pfs230D1-Pfs48/45. With the aim to advance the development of a P. falciparum transmission blocking vaccine, Singh et al. determine the crystal structure of Pfs230D1 in complex with the Fab fragment of TB mAb 4F12. They further study the cellular localization of Pfs230 on the surface of sexual stages of parasites and the effect of combining TB mAbs against Pfs230 and Pfs48/45.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Singh
- Structural Biology Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Martin Burkhardt
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sofia Nakuchima
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Raul Herrera
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Olga Muratova
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Apostolos G Gittis
- Structural Biology Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Emily Kelnhofer
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Karine Reiter
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Margery Smelkinson
- Biological Imaging Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 4 Memorial Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Daniel Veltri
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Bruce J Swihart
- Biostatistics Research Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 5601 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Richard Shimp
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Vu Nguyen
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Baoshan Zhang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Nicholas J MacDonald
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Patrick E Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - David N Garboczi
- Structural Biology Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - David L Narum
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 29 Lincoln Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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24
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Yenkoidiok-Douti L, Canepa GE, Barletta ABF, Barillas-Mury C. In vivo Characterization of Plasmodium berghei P47 (Pbs47) as a Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Target. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1496. [PMID: 32719666 PMCID: PMC7348136 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An effective vaccine to reduce malaria transmission is central to control and ultimately achieve disease eradication. Recently, we demonstrated that antibodies targeting the Plasmodium falciparum surface protein P47 (Pfs47) reduce parasite transmission to Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Here, Plasmodium berghei (Pb) was used as a model to assess the in vivo efficacy of a P47-targeted transmission blocking vaccine (Pbs47). Mice were immunized following a prime/boost regimen and infected with P. berghei. The effect of immunization on infectivity to mosquitoes was evaluated by direct feeding on P. berghei-infected mice. The key region in Pbs47 where antibody binding confers protection was mapped, and the immunogenicity of this protective antigen was enhanced by conjugation to a virus-like particle. Passive immunization with 100 and 50 μg/mL of anti-Pbs47 IgG reduced oocyst density by 77 and 67%, respectively. Furthermore, affinity purified Pbs47-specific IgG significantly reduced oocyst density by 88 and 77%, respectively at doses as low as 10 and 1 μg/mL. These studies suggest that P47 is a promising transmission blocking target and show that antibodies to the same specific region in Pfs47 and Pbs47 confer protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lampouguin Yenkoidiok-Douti
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Gaspar E. Canepa
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Ana Beatriz F. Barletta
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
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25
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Ruiz JL, Gómez-Díaz E. The second life of Plasmodium in the mosquito host: gene regulation on the move. Brief Funct Genomics 2020; 18:313-357. [PMID: 31058281 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elz007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites face dynamically changing environments and strong selective constraints within human and mosquito hosts. To survive such hostile and shifting conditions, Plasmodium switches transcriptional programs during development and has evolved mechanisms to adjust its phenotype through heterogeneous patterns of gene expression. In vitro studies on culture-adapted isolates have served to set the link between chromatin structure and functional gene expression. Yet, experimental evidence is limited to certain stages of the parasite in the vertebrate, i.e. blood, while the precise mechanisms underlying the dynamic regulatory landscapes during development and in the adaptation to within-host conditions remain poorly understood. In this review, we discuss available data on transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in Plasmodium mosquito stages in the context of sporogonic development and phenotypic variation, including both bet-hedging and environmentally triggered direct transcriptional responses. With this, we advocate the mosquito offers an in vivo biological model to investigate the regulatory networks, transcription factors and chromatin-modifying enzymes and their modes of interaction with regulatory sequences, which might be responsible for the plasticity of the Plasmodium genome that dictates stage- and cell type-specific blueprints of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Ruiz
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra (IPBLN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
| | - Elena Gómez-Díaz
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra (IPBLN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Granada, Spain
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26
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PIMMS43 is required for malaria parasite immune evasion and sporogonic development in the mosquito vector. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:7363-7373. [PMID: 32165544 PMCID: PMC7132314 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1919709117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is transmitted among humans through mosquito bites. Here, we characterize a protein found on the surface of mosquito stages of malaria parasites and reveal that it serves to evade the mosquito immune system and ensure disease transmission. Neutralization of PIMMS43 (Plasmodium Infection of the Mosquito Midgut Screen 43), either by eliminating it from the parasite genome or by preincubating parasites with antibodies that bind to the PIMMS43 protein, inhibits mosquito infection with malaria parasites. Differences in PIMMS43 detected between African malaria parasite populations suggest that these populations have adapted for transmission by different mosquito vectors that are also differentially distributed across the continent. We conclude that targeting PIMMS43 can block malaria parasites inside mosquitoes before they can infect humans. After being ingested by a female Anopheles mosquito during a bloodmeal on an infected host, and before they can reach the mosquito salivary glands to be transmitted to a new host, Plasmodium parasites must establish an infection of the mosquito midgut in the form of oocysts. To achieve this, they must first survive a series of robust innate immune responses that take place prior to, during, and immediately after ookinete traversal of the midgut epithelium. Understanding how parasites may evade these responses could highlight new ways to block malaria transmission. We show that an ookinete and sporozoite surface protein designated as PIMMS43 (Plasmodium Infection of the Mosquito Midgut Screen 43) is required for parasite evasion of the Anopheles coluzzii complement-like response. Disruption of PIMMS43 in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei triggers robust complement activation and ookinete elimination upon mosquito midgut traversal. Silencing components of the complement-like system through RNAi largely restores ookinete-to-oocyst transition but oocysts remain small in size and produce a very small number of sporozoites that additionally are not infectious, indicating that PIMMS43 is also essential for sporogonic development in the oocyst. Antibodies that bind PIMMS43 interfere with parasite immune evasion when ingested with the infectious blood meal and significantly reduce the prevalence and intensity of infection. PIMMS43 genetic structure across African Plasmodium falciparum populations indicates allelic adaptation to sympatric vector populations. These data add to our understanding of mosquito–parasite interactions and identify PIMMS43 as a target of malaria transmission blocking.
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27
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Chali W, Ashine T, Hailemeskel E, Gashaw A, Tafesse T, Lanke K, Esayas E, Kedir S, Shumie G, Behaksra SW, Bradley J, Yewhalaw D, Mamo H, Petros B, Drakeley C, Gadisa E, Bousema T, Tadesse FG. Comparison of infectivity of Plasmodium vivax to wild-caught and laboratory-adapted (colonized) Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes in Ethiopia. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:120. [PMID: 32143713 PMCID: PMC7059271 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3998-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito-feeding assays that assess transmission of Plasmodium from man-to-mosquito typically use laboratory mosquito colonies. The microbiome and genetic background of local mosquitoes may be different and influence Plasmodium transmission efficiency. In order to interpret transmission studies to the local epidemiology, it is therefore crucial to understand the relationship between infectivity in laboratory-adapted and local mosquitoes. METHODS We assessed infectivity of Plasmodium vivax-infected patients from Adama, Ethiopia, using laboratory-adapted (colony) and wild-caught (wild) mosquitoes raised from larval collections in paired feeding experiments. Feeding assays used 4-6 day-old female Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes after starvation for 12 h (colony) and 18 h (wild). Oocyst development was assessed microscopically 7 days post-feeding. Wild mosquitoes were identified morphologically and confirmed by genotyping. Asexual parasites and gametocytes were quantified in donor blood by microscopy. RESULTS In 36 paired experiments (25 P. vivax infections and 11 co-infections with P. falciparum), feeding efficiency was higher in colony (median: 62.5%; interquartile range, IQR: 47.0-79.0%) compared to wild mosquitoes (median: 27.8%; IQR: 17.0-38.0%; Z = 5.02; P < 0.001). Plasmodium vivax from infectious individuals (51.6%, 16/31) infected a median of 55.0% (IQR: 6.7-85.7%; range: 5.5-96.7%; n = 14) of the colony and 52.7% (IQR: 20.0-80.0%; range: 3.2-95.0%; n = 14) of the wild mosquitoes. A strong association (ρ(16) = 0.819; P < 0.001) was observed between the proportion of infected wild and colony mosquitoes. A positive association was detected between microscopically detected gametocytes and the proportion of infected colony (ρ(31) = 0.452; P = 0.011) and wild (ρ(31) = 0.386; P = 0.032) mosquitoes. CONCLUSIONS Infectivity assessments with colony and wild mosquitoes yielded similar infection results. This finding supports the use of colony mosquitoes for assessments of the infectious reservoir for malaria in this setting whilst acknowledging the importance of mosquito factors influencing sporogonic development of Plasmodium parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wakweya Chali
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, PO Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Ashine
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, PO Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Elifaged Hailemeskel
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, PO Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Abrham Gashaw
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, PO Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Tafesse
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, PO Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kjerstin Lanke
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Endashaw Esayas
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, PO Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Soriya Kedir
- Oromia Regional Laboratory, Oromia Regional Health Bureau, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Girma Shumie
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, PO Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sinknesh Wolde Behaksra
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, PO Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - John Bradley
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT London, UK
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University, P.O.Box 5195, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Hassen Mamo
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Beyene Petros
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Chris Drakeley
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT London, UK
| | - Endalamaw Gadisa
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, PO Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Teun Bousema
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Immunology and Infection, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, WC1E 7HT London, UK
| | - Fitsum G. Tadesse
- Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Directorate, Armauer Hansen Research Institute, PO Box 1005, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biotechnology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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28
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González-Cerón L, Rodríguez MH, Ovilla-Muñoz MT, Santillán-Valenzuela F, Hernández-Ávila JE, Rodríguez MC, Martínez-Barnetche J, Villarreal-Treviño C. Ookinete-Specific Genes and 18S SSU rRNA Evidenced in Plasmodium vivax Selection and Adaptation by Sympatric Vectors. Front Genet 2020; 10:1362. [PMID: 32153625 PMCID: PMC7047961 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the southern Pacific coast of Chiapas, Mexico (SM), the two most abundant vector species, Nyssorhynchus albimanus and Anopheles pseudopunctipennis, were susceptible to different Plasmodium vivax Pvs25/28 haplotypes. To broaden our understanding of the existing P. vivax in the area, genes encoding proteins relevant for ookinete development and the 18S rRNA were studied. P. vivax infectivity (percentage of infected mosquitoes and oocyst numbers) was evaluated by simultaneously feeding infected blood samples from patients to Ny. albimanus and An. pseudopunctipennis female mosquitoes. Three infectivity patterns were identified: one group of parasites were more infective to An. pseudopunctipennis than to Ny. albimanus, another group was more infective to Ny. albimanus, while a third group infected both vectors similarly. In 29 parasite isolates, the molecular variations of ookinete-specific genes and the 18S rRNA-type S were analyzed. Using concatenated sequences, phylogenetic trees, and Structure analysis, parasite clustering within SM isolates and between these and those from other geographical origins were investigated. A ML phylogenetic tree resolved two parasite lineages: PvSM-A and PvSM-B. They were associated to a different 18S rRNA variant. PvSM-A parasites had 18S rRNA variant rV2 and correspond to parasites causing high oocyst infection in Ny. albimanus. A new ML tree and Structure analysis, both comprising global sequences, showed PvSM-A clustered with Latin American parasites. Meanwhile, all isolates of PvSM-B had 18S rRNA variant rV1 and remained as unique genetic cluster comprising two subgroups: PvSM-Ba, producing high infection in An. pseudopunctipennis, and PvSM-Bb, causing similar oocyst infection in both vector species. PvSM-A parasites were genetically similar to parasites from South America. Meanwhile, PvSM-B were exclusive to southern Mexico and share ancestry with Asian parasites. The results suggest that these lineages evolved separately, likely by geographic and vector restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia González-Cerón
- Regional Center of Research in Public Health, National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Tapachula, Mexico
| | - Mario H Rodríguez
- Vector Borne Diseases, Center for Research on Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Marbella T Ovilla-Muñoz
- Chronic Infections and Cancer, Center for Research on Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Frida Santillán-Valenzuela
- Regional Center of Research in Public Health, National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Tapachula, Mexico
| | - Juan E Hernández-Ávila
- Center of Information for Public Health Decisions, National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Carmen Rodríguez
- Vector Borne Diseases, Center for Research on Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Jesús Martínez-Barnetche
- Chronic Infections and Cancer, Center for Research on Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Cuauhtémoc Villarreal-Treviño
- Regional Center of Research in Public Health, National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Tapachula, Mexico
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Ararat-Sarria M, Prado CC, Camargo M, Ospina LT, Camargo PA, Curtidor H, Patarroyo MA. Sexual forms obtained in a continuous in vitro cultured Colombian strain of Plasmodium falciparum (FCB2). Malar J 2020; 19:57. [PMID: 32014000 PMCID: PMC6998264 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-3142-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epidemiological control of malaria has been hampered by the appearance of parasite resistance to anti-malarial drugs and by the resistance of mosquito vectors to control measures. This has also been associated with weak transmission control, mostly due to poor control of asymptomatic patients associated with host-vector transmission. This highlights the importance of studying the parasite’s sexual forms (gametocytes) which are involved in this phase of the parasite’s life-cycle. Some African and Asian strains of Plasmodium falciparum have been fully characterized regarding sexual forms’ production; however, few Latin-American strains have been so characterized. This study was aimed at characterizing the Colombian FCB2 strain as a gametocyte producer able to infect mosquitoes. Methods Gametocyte production was induced in in vitro cultured P. falciparum FCB2 and 3D7 strains. Pfap2g and Pfs25 gene expression was detected in FCB2 strain gametocyte culture by RT-PCR. Comparative analysis of gametocytes obtained from both strains was made (counts and morphological changes). In vitro zygote formation from FCB2 gametocytes was induced by incubating a gametocyte culture sample at 27 °C for 20 min. A controlled Anopheles albimanus infection was made using an artificial feed system with cultured FCB2 gametocytes (14–15 days old). Mosquito midgut dissection was then carried out for analyzing oocysts. Results The FCB2 strain expressed Pfap2g, Pfs16, Pfg27/25 and Pfs25 sexual differentiation-related genes after in vitro sexual differentiation induction, producing gametocytes that conserved the expected morphological features. The amount of FCB2 gametocytes produced was similar to that from the 3D7 strain. FCB2 gametocytes were differentiated into zygotes and ookinetes after an in vitro low-temperature stimulus and infected An. albimanus mosquitoes, developing to oocyst stage. Conclusions Even with the history of long-term FCB2 strain in vitro culture maintenance, it has retained its sexual differentiation ability. The gametocytes produced here preserved these parasite forms’ usual characteristics and An. albimanus infection capability, thus enabling its use as a tool for studying sexual form biology, An. albimanus infection comparative analysis and anti-malarial drug and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ararat-Sarria
- Receptor-Ligand Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.,PhD Programme in Biomedical and Biological Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Cesar Camilo Prado
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Milena Camargo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura Tatiana Ospina
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paola Andrea Camargo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Hernando Curtidor
- Receptor-Ligand Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia.,Animal Science Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogotá, Colombia. .,School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
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King JG. Developmental and comparative perspectives on mosquito immunity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 103:103458. [PMID: 31377103 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Diseases spread by mosquitoes have killed more people than those spread by any other group of arthropod vectors and remain an important factor in determining global health and economic stability. The mosquito innate immune system can act to either modulate infection with human pathogens or fight off entomopathogens and increase the fitness and longevity of infected mosquitoes. While work remains towards understanding the larval immune system and the development of the mosquito immune system, it has recently become clearer that environmental factors heavily shape the developing mosquito immune system and continue to influence the adult immune system as well. The adult immune system has been well-studied and is known to involve multiple tissues and diverse molecular mechanisms. This review summarizes and synthesizes what is currently understood about the development of the mosquito immune system and includes comparisons of immune components unique to mosquitoes among the blood-feeding arthropods as well as important distinguishing factors between the anopheline and culicine mosquitoes. An explanation is included for how mosquito immunity factors into vector competence and vectorial capacity is presented along with a model for the interrelationships between nutrition, microbiome, pathogen interactions and behavior as they relate to mosquito development, immune status, adult female fitness and ultimately, vectorial capacity. Novel discoveries in the fields of mosquito ecoimmunology, neuroimmunology, and intracellular antiviral responses are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas G King
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, 32 Creelman Street, Dorman 402, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
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de Jong RM, Tebeje SK, Meerstein‐Kessel L, Tadesse FG, Jore MM, Stone W, Bousema T. Immunity against sexual stage Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax parasites. Immunol Rev 2020; 293:190-215. [PMID: 31840844 PMCID: PMC6973022 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The efficient spread of malaria from infected humans to mosquitoes is a major challenge for malaria elimination initiatives. Gametocytes are the only Plasmodium life stage infectious to mosquitoes. Here, we summarize evidence for naturally acquired anti-gametocyte immunity and the current state of transmission blocking vaccines (TBV). Although gametocytes are intra-erythrocytic when present in infected humans, developing Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes may express proteins on the surface of red blood cells that elicit immune responses in naturally exposed individuals. This immune response may reduce the burden of circulating gametocytes. For both P. falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, there is a solid evidence that antibodies against antigens present on the gametocyte surface, when co-ingested with gametocytes, can influence transmission to mosquitoes. Transmission reducing immunity, reducing the burden of infection in mosquitoes, is a well-acknowledged but poorly quantified phenomenon that forms the basis for the development of TBV. Transmission enhancing immunity, increasing the likelihood or intensity of transmission to mosquitoes, is more speculative in nature but is convincingly demonstrated for P. vivax. With the increased interest in malaria elimination, TBV and monoclonal antibodies have moved to the center stage of malaria vaccine development. Methodologies to prioritize and evaluate products are urgently needed.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Blocking/immunology
- Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology
- Host-Parasite Interactions/immunology
- Humans
- Immunity
- Immunomodulation
- Life Cycle Stages
- Malaria Vaccines/immunology
- Malaria, Falciparum/immunology
- Malaria, Falciparum/parasitology
- Malaria, Falciparum/prevention & control
- Malaria, Falciparum/transmission
- Malaria, Vivax/immunology
- Malaria, Vivax/parasitology
- Malaria, Vivax/prevention & control
- Malaria, Vivax/transmission
- Plasmodium falciparum/growth & development
- Plasmodium falciparum/immunology
- Plasmodium vivax/growth & development
- Plasmodium vivax/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Roos M. de Jong
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Lisette Meerstein‐Kessel
- Radboud Institute for Health SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Centre for Molecular and Biomolecular InformaticsRadboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Fitsum G. Tadesse
- Armauer Hansen Research InstituteAddis AbabaEthiopia
- Radboud Institute for Health SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Matthijs M. Jore
- Radboud Institute for Molecular Life SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Will Stone
- Department of Immunology and InfectionLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Teun Bousema
- Radboud Institute for Health SciencesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of Immunology and InfectionLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
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Yenkoidiok-Douti L, Williams AE, Canepa GE, Molina-Cruz A, Barillas-Mury C. Engineering a Virus-Like Particle as an Antigenic Platform for a Pfs47-Targeted Malaria Transmission-Blocking Vaccine. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16833. [PMID: 31727945 PMCID: PMC6856133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53208-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently characterized Pfs47, a protein expressed on the surface of sexual stages and ookinetes of Plasmodium falciparum, as a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) target. Mice immunization induced antibodies that conferred strong transmission-reducing activity (TRA) at a concentration of 200 μg/mL. Here, we sought to optimize the Pfs47 vaccine to elicit higher titers of high-affinity antibodies, capable of inducing strong TRA at a lower concentration. We report the development and evaluation of a Pfs47-based virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine generated by conjugating our 58 amino acid Pfs47 antigen to Acinetobacter phage AP205-VLP using the SpyCatcher:SpyTag adaptor system. AP205-Pfs47 complexes (VLP-P47) formed particles of ~22 nm diameter that reacted with polyclonal anti-Pfs47 antibodies, indicating that the antigen was accessible on the surface of the particle. Mice immunized with VLP-P47 followed by a boost with Pfs47 monomer induced significantly higher antibody titers, with higher binding affinity to Pfs47, than mice that received two immunizations with either VLP-P47 (VLP-P47/VLP-P47) or the Pfs47 monomer (P47/P47). Purified IgG from VLP-P47/P47 mice had strong TRA (83-98%) at concentrations as low as 5 μg/mL. These results indicate that conjugating the Pfs47 antigen to AP205-VLP significantly enhanced antigenicity and confirm the potential of Pfs47 as a TBV candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lampouguin Yenkoidiok-Douti
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD, USA.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Adeline E Williams
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Gaspar E Canepa
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Alvaro Molina-Cruz
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
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Margos G, Fingerle V, Reynolds S. Borrelia bavariensis: Vector Switch, Niche Invasion, and Geographical Spread of a Tick-Borne Bacterial Parasite. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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Abstract
In the progression of the life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum, a small proportion of asexual parasites differentiate into male or female sexual forms called gametocytes. Just like their asexual counterparts, gametocytes are contained within the infected host's erythrocytes (RBCs). However, unlike their asexual partners, they do not exit the RBC until they are taken up in a blood meal by a mosquito. In the mosquito midgut, they are stimulated to emerge from the RBC, undergo fertilization, and ultimately produce tens of thousands of sporozoites that are infectious to humans. This transmission cycle can be blocked by antibodies targeting proteins exposed on the parasite surface in the mosquito midgut, a process that has led to the development of candidate transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV), including some that are in clinical trials. Here we review the leading TBV antigens and highlight the ongoing search for additional gametocyte/gamete surface antigens, as well as antigens on the surfaces of gametocyte-infected erythrocytes, which can potentially become a new group of TBV candidates.
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See-through observation of malaria parasite behaviors in the mosquito vector. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1768. [PMID: 30742010 PMCID: PMC6370880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38529-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although it is known that malaria parasites proliferate in the midgut of mosquito vector, their detailed behaviors, from gamete maturation to formation of next generation sporozoite, have not been fully understood at cellular or molecular level. This is mainly attributed to technical difficulties of dissection and whole-mount observation, of delicate and opaque mosquito body contents. In addition, blood pigment surrounding parasites immediately after blood meal also complicates tracing mosquito-stage parasites. Recent revolutionary studies have overcome such negative factors in tissue observation by clearing organisms. CUBIC reagents succeeded to remove both light scattering and blood pigment from various mouse tissues, and to whole-organ image fluorescence-labeled cell structures. In this study, we utilized the advanced version of CUBIC technology and high sensitivity fluorescent markers for see-through observation of mosquito vector after engulfment of rodent malaria parasites to clarify their behaviors during mosquito stage. As a result, we succeeded to visualize oocysts, sporozoites, female gametes and ookinetes in the mosquito bodies without any dissection.
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Anderson TJC, LoVerde PT, Le Clec'h W, Chevalier FD. Genetic Crosses and Linkage Mapping in Schistosome Parasites. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:982-996. [PMID: 30150002 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Linkage mapping - utilizing experimental genetic crosses to examine cosegregation of phenotypic traits with genetic markers - is now 100 years old. Schistosome parasites are exquisitely well suited to linkage mapping approaches because genetic crosses can be conducted in the laboratory, thousands of progeny are produced, and elegant experimental work over the last 75 years has revealed heritable genetic variation in multiple biomedically important traits such as drug resistance, host specificity, and virulence. Application of this approach is timely because the improved genome assembly for Schistosoma mansoni and developing molecular toolkit for schistosomes increase our ability to link phenotype with genotype. We describe current progress and potential future directions of linkage mapping in schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Winka Le Clec'h
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas 78227, USA
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37
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Canepa GE, Molina-Cruz A, Yenkoidiok-Douti L, Calvo E, Williams AE, Burkhardt M, Peng F, Narum D, Boulanger MJ, Valenzuela JG, Barillas-Mury C. Antibody targeting of a specific region of Pfs47 blocks Plasmodium falciparum malaria transmission. NPJ Vaccines 2018; 3:26. [PMID: 30002917 PMCID: PMC6039440 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-018-0065-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmission-blocking vaccines are based on eliciting antibody responses in the vertebrate host that disrupt parasite development in the mosquito vector and prevent malaria transmission. The surface protein Pfs47 is present in Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes and female gametes. The potential of Pfs47 as a vaccine target was evaluated. Soluble full-length recombinant protein, consisting of three domains, was expressed in E. coli as a thioredoxin fusion (T-Pfs47). The protein was immunogenic, and polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) were obtained, but they did not confer transmission blocking activity (TBA). All fourteen mAb targeted either domains 1 or 3, but not domain 2 (D2), and immune reactivity to D2 was also very low in polyclonal mouse IgG after T-Pfs47 immunization. Disruption of the predicted disulfide bond in D2, by replacing cysteines for alanines (C230A and C260A), allowed expression of recombinant D2 protein in E. coli. A combination of mAbs targeting D2, and deletion proteins from this domain, allowed us to map a central 52 amino acid (aa) region where antibody binding confers strong TBA (78-99%). This 52 aa antigen is immunogenic and well conserved, with only seven haplotypes world-wide that share 96-98% identity. Neither human complement nor the mosquito complement-like system are required for the observed TBA. A dramatic reduction in ookinete numbers and ookinete-specific transcripts was observed, suggesting that the antibodies are interacting with female gametocytes and preventing fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaspar E. Canepa
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Insti6tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Alvaro Molina-Cruz
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Insti6tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Lampouguin Yenkoidiok-Douti
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Insti6tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Eric Calvo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Insti6tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Adeline E. Williams
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Insti6tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Martin Burkhardt
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Fangni Peng
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - David Narum
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Martin J. Boulanger
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Jesus G. Valenzuela
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Insti6tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Insti6tute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
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