1
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Khandibharad S, Singh S. Mechanistic study of inhibitory peptides with SHP-1 in hypertonic environment for infection model. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130670. [PMID: 38996989 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2024.130670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, an infectious disease is globally the most prevalent form of leishmaniasis accounting for approximately 1 million cases every year as per world health organization. Infected individuals develop skin lesion which has been reported to be infiltrated by immune cells and parasite with high sodium accumulation creating hypertonic environment. In our work, we tried to mimic the hypertonic environment in virtual environment to study dynamicity of SHP-1 and NFAT5 along with their interactions through molecular dynamics simulation. We validated the SHP-1 and NFAT5 dynamics in infection and HSD conditions to study the impact of hypertonicity derived NFAT5 mediated response to L.major infection. We also evaluated our therapeutic peptides for their binding to SHP-1 and to form stable complex. Membrane stability with the peptides was analyzed to understand their ability to sustain mammalian membrane. We identified PepA to be a potential candidate to interact with SHP-1. Inhibition of SHP-1 through PepA to discern IL-10 and IL-12 reciprocity may be assessed in future and furnish us with a potential therapeutic molecule. HSD mice exhibited high pro-inflammatory response to L.major infection which resulted in reduced lesion size. Contrary to observations in HSD mice, infection model exhibited low pro-inflammatory response and increased lesion size with high parasite load. Thus, increase in NFAT5 expression and reduced SHP-1 expression may result in disease resolving effect which can be further studied through incorporation of synthetic circuit using PepA to modulate IL-10 and IL-12 reciprocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Khandibharad
- Systems Medicine Laboratory, Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SPPU Campus, Pune 411007, INDIA
| | - Shailza Singh
- Systems Medicine Laboratory, Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council- National Centre for Cell Science, NCCS Complex, Ganeshkhind, SPPU Campus, Pune 411007, INDIA.
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2
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Carvalho Cabral P, Stegeman SK, Olivier M, Cermakian N. Circadian Regulation of Leishmania Parasite Internalisation in Macrophages and Downstream Cellular Events. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13053. [PMID: 38817112 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13053] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Leishmania spp. parasites use macrophages as a host cell during infection. As a result, macrophages have a dual role: clearing the parasite as well as acting as host cells. Recently, studies have shown that macrophages harbour circadian clocks, which affect many of their functions such as phagocytosis, receptor expression and cytokine release. Interestingly, Leishmania major infection in hosts was also shown to be under circadian control. Therefore, we decided to investigate what underlies the rhythms of L. major infection within macrophages. Using a culture model of infection of bone marrow-derived macrophages with L. major promastigotes, we show that the parasites are internalised into macrophages with a 24-h variation dependent on a functional circadian clock in the cells. This was associated with a variation in the number of parasites per macrophage. The cell surface expression of parasite receptors was not controlled by the cells' circadian clock. In contrast, the expression of the components of the endocytic pathway, EEA1 and LC3b, varied according to the time of infection. This was paralleled by variations in parasite-induced ROS production as well as cytokine tumour necrosis factor α. In summary, we have uncovered a time-dependent regulation of the internalisation of L. major promastigotes in macrophages, controlled by the circadian clock in these cells, as well as subsequent cellular events in the endocytic pathway, intracellular signalling and cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophia K Stegeman
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Cermakian
- Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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3
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Na J, Engwerda C. The role of CD4 + T cells in visceral leishmaniasis; new and emerging roles for NKG7 and TGFβ. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1414493. [PMID: 38881737 PMCID: PMC11176485 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1414493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially devastating neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasites Leishmania donovani and L. infantum (chagasi). These parasites reside in tissue macrophages and survive by deploying a number of mechanisms aimed at subverting the host immune response. CD4+ T cells play an important role in controlling Leishmania parasites by providing help in the form of pro-inflammatory cytokines to activate microbiocidal pathways in infected macrophages. However, because these cytokines can also cause tissue damage if over-produced, regulatory immune responses develop, and the balance between pro-inflammatory and regulatory CD4+ T cells responses determines the outcomes of infection. Past studies have identified important roles for pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFNγ and TNF, as well as regulatory co-inhibitory receptors and the potent anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. More recently, other immunoregulatory molecules have been identified that play important roles in CD4+ T cell responses during VL. In this review, we will discuss recent findings about two of these molecules; the NK cell granule protein Nkg7 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine TGFβ, and describe how they impact CD4+ T cell functions and immune responses during visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinrui Na
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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4
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Rossi S, Tudino V, Carullo G, Butini S, Campiani G, Gemma S. Metalloenzyme Inhibitors against Zoonotic Infections: Focus on Leishmania and Schistosoma. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1520-1535. [PMID: 38669567 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The term "zoonosis" denotes diseases transmissible among vertebrate animals and humans. These diseases constitute a significant public health challenge, comprising 61% of human pathogens and causing an estimated 2.7 million deaths annually. Zoonoses not only affect human health but also impact animal welfare and economic stability, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Leishmaniasis and schistosomiasis are two important neglected tropical diseases with a high prevalence in tropical and subtropical areas, imposing significant burdens on affected regions. Schistosomiasis, particularly rampant in sub-Saharan Africa, lacks alternative treatments to praziquantel, prompting concerns regarding parasite resistance. Similarly, leishmaniasis poses challenges with unsatisfactory treatments, urging the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Effective prevention demands a One Health approach, integrating diverse disciplines to enhance diagnostics and develop safer drugs. Metalloenzymes, involved in parasite biology and critical in different biological pathways, emerged in the last few years as useful drug targets for the treatment of human diseases. Herein we have reviewed recent reports on the discovery of inhibitors of metalloenzymes associated with zoonotic diseases like histone deacetylases (HDACs), carbonic anhydrase (CA), arginase, and heme-dependent enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Valeria Tudino
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-7346, Iran
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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5
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Kumar K, Basak R, Rai A, Mukhopadhyay A. GRASP negatively regulates the secretion of the virulence factor gp63 in Leishmania. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:1063-1078. [PMID: 38558112 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15255] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Metalloprotease-gp63 is a virulence factor secreted by Leishmania. However, secretory pathway in Leishmania is not well defined. Here, we cloned and expressed the GRASP homolog from Leishmania. We found that Leishmania expresses one GRASP homolog of 58 kDa protein (LdGRASP) which localizes in LdRab1- and LPG2-positive Golgi compartment in Leishmania. LdGRASP was found to bind with COPII complex, LdARF1, LdRab1 and LdRab11 indicating its role in ER and Golgi transport in Leishmania. To determine the function of LdGRASP, we generated LdGRASP knockout parasites using CRISPR-Cas9. We found fragmentation of Golgi in Ld:GRASPKO parasites. Our results showed enhanced transport of non-GPI-anchored gp63 to the cell surface leading to higher secretion of this form of gp63 in Ld:GRASPKO parasites in comparison to Ld:WT cells. In contrast, we found that transport of GPI-anchored gp63 to the cell surface is blocked in Ld:GRASPKO parasites and thereby inhibits its secretion. The overexpression of dominant-negative mutant of LdRab1 or LdSar1 in Ld:GRASPKO parasites significantly blocked the secretion of non-GPI-anchored gp63. Interestingly, we found that survival of transgenic parasites overexpressing Ld:GRASP-GFP is significantly compromised in macrophages in comparison to Ld:WT and Ld:GRASPKO parasites. These results demonstrated that LdGRASP differentially regulates Ldgp63 secretory pathway in Leishmania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rituparna Basak
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Aakansha Rai
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
| | - Amitabha Mukhopadhyay
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India
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6
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Ansari I, Singh AK, Kapoor A, Mukhopadhyay A. Unconventional role of Rab4 in the secretory pathway in Leishmania. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119687. [PMID: 38342312 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Leishmania donovani is an auxotroph for heme. Parasite acquires heme by clathrin-mediated endocytosis of hemoglobin by specific receptor. However, the regulation of receptor recycling pathway is not known in Leishmania. Here, we have cloned, expressed and characterized the Rab4 homologue from L. donovani. We have found that LdRab4 localizes in both early endosomes and Golgi in L. donovani. To understand the role of LdRab4 in L. donovani, we have generated transgenic parasites overexpressing GFP-LdRab4:WT, GFP-LdRab4:Q67L, and GFP-LdRab4:S22N. Our results have shown that overexpression of GFP-LdRab4:Q67L or GFP-LdRab4:S22N does not alter the cell surface localization of hemoglobin receptor in L. donovani. Surprisingly, we have found that overexpression of GFP-LdRab4:S22N significantly blocks the transport of Ldgp63 to the cell surface whereas the trafficking of Ldgp63 is induced to the cell surface in GFP-LdRab4:WT and GFP-LdRab4:Q67L overexpressing parasites. Consequently, we have found significant inhibition of gp63 secretion by GFP-LdRab4:S22N overexpressing parasites whereas secretion of Ldgp63 is enhanced in GFP-LdRab4:WT and GFP-LdRab4:Q67L overexpressing parasites in comparison to untransfected control parasites. Moreover, we have found that survival of transgenic parasites overexpressing GFP-LdRab4:S22N is severely compromised in macrophages in comparison to GFP-LdRab4:WT and GFP-LdRab4:Q67L expressing parasites. These results demonstrated that LdRab4 unconventionally regulates the secretory pathway in L. donovani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irshad Ansari
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Haus Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Amir Kumar Singh
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Haus Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Anjali Kapoor
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Haus Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Amitabha Mukhopadhyay
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Haus Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
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7
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Mule SN, Saad JS, Sauter IP, Fernandes LR, de Oliveira GS, Quina D, Tano FT, Brandt-Almeida D, Padrón G, Stolf BS, Larsen MR, Cortez M, Palmisano G. The protein map of the protozoan parasite Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum during growth phase transition and temperature stress. J Proteomics 2024; 295:105088. [PMID: 38237666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Leishmania parasites cause a spectrum of diseases termed leishmaniasis, which manifests in two main clinical forms, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. Leishmania promastigotes transit from proliferative exponential to quiescent stationary phases inside the insect vector, a relevant step that recapitulates early molecular events of metacyclogenesis. During the insect blood meal of the mammalian hosts, the released parasites interact initially with the skin, an event marked by temperature changes. Deep knowledge on the molecular events activated during Leishmania-host interactions in each step is crucial to develop better therapies and to understand the pathogenesis. In this study, the proteomes of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (La), Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (Lb), and Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (syn L. L. chagasi) (Lc) were analyzed using quantitative proteomics to uncover the proteome modulation in three different conditions related to growth phases and temperature shifts: 1) exponential phase (Exp); 2) stationary phase (Sta25) and; 3) stationary phase subjected to heat stress (Sta34). Functional validations were performed using orthogonal techniques, focusing on α-tubulin, gp63 and heat shock proteins (HSPs). Species-specific and condition-specific modulation highlights the plasticity of the Leishmania proteome, showing that pathways related to metabolism and cytoskeleton are significantly modulated from exponential to stationary growth phases, while protein folding, unfolded protein binding, signaling and microtubule-based movement were differentially altered during temperature shifts. This study provides an in-depth proteome analysis of three Leishmania spp., and contributes compelling evidence of the molecular alterations of these parasites in conditions mimicking the interaction of the parasites with the insect vector and vertebrate hosts. SIGNIFICANCE: Leishmaniasis disease manifests in two main clinical forms according to the infecting Leishmania species and host immune responses, cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. In Brazil, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is associated with L. braziliensis and L. amazonensis, while visceral leishmaniasis, also called kala-azar, is caused by L. infantum. Leishmania parasites remodel their proteomes during growth phase transition and changes in their mileu imposed by the host, including temperature. In this study, we performed a quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to compare the proteome of three New world Leishmania species, L. amazonensis (La), L. braziliensis (Lb) and L. infantum (syn L. chagasi) (Lc) in three conditions: a) exponential phase at 25 °C (Exp); b) stationary phase at 25 °C (Sta25) and; c) stationary phase subjected to temperature stress at 34 °C (Sta34). This study provides an in-depth proteome analysis of three Leishmania spp. with varying pathophysiological outcomes, and contributes compelling evidence of the molecular alterations of these parasites in conditions mimicking the interaction of the parasites with the insect vector and vertebrate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ngao Mule
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joyce Silva Saad
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ismael Pretto Sauter
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Livia Rosa Fernandes
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Quina
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabia Tomie Tano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Deborah Brandt-Almeida
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Padrón
- Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Beatriz Simonsen Stolf
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martin R Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mauro Cortez
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil; Analytical Glycoimmunology Group, Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia.
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8
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Bharadava K, Upadhyay TK, Kaushal RS, Ahmad I, Alraey Y, Siddiqui S, Saeed M. Genomic Insight of Leishmania Parasite: In-Depth Review of Drug Resistance Mechanisms and Genetic Mutations. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:12500-12514. [PMID: 38524425 PMCID: PMC10955595 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, which is caused by a parasitic protozoan of the genus Leishmania, is still a major threat to global health, impacting millions of individuals worldwide in endemic areas. Chemotherapy has been the principal method for managing leishmaniasis; nevertheless, the evolution of drug resistance offers a significant obstacle to therapeutic success. Drug-resistant behavior in these parasites is a complex phenomenon including both innate and acquired mechanisms. Resistance is frequently related to changes in drug transportation, drug target alterations, and enhanced efflux of the drug from the pathogen. This review has revealed specific genetic mutations in Leishmania parasites that are associated with resistance to commonly used antileishmanial drugs such as pentavalent antimonials, miltefosine, amphotericin B, and paromomycin, resulting in changes in gene expression along with the functioning of various proteins involved in drug uptake, metabolism, and efflux. Understanding the genetic changes linked to drug resistance in Leishmania parasites is essential for creating approaches for tackling and avoiding the spread of drug-resistant variants. Based on which specific treatments focus on mutations and pathways could potentially improve treatment efficacy and help long-term leishmaniasis control. More study is needed to uncover the complete range of genetic changes generating medication resistance and to develop new therapies based on available information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krupanshi Bharadava
- Biophysics
& Structural Biology, Research & Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
- Department
of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences & Research
and Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Radhey Shyam Kaushal
- Biophysics
& Structural Biology, Research & Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
- Department
of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences & Research
and Development Cell, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat 391760, India
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser Alraey
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samra Siddiqui
- Department
of Health Service Management, College of Public Health and Health
Informatics, University of Hail, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department
of Biology, College of Science, University
of Hail, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Valério-Bolas A, Meunier M, Palma-Marques J, Rodrigues A, Santos AM, Nunes T, Ferreira R, Armada A, Alves JC, Antunes W, Cardoso I, Mesquita-Gabriel S, Lobo L, Alexandre-Pires G, Marques L, Pereira da Fonseca I, Santos-Gomes G. Exploiting Leishmania-Primed Dendritic Cells as Potential Immunomodulators of Canine Immune Response. Cells 2024; 13:445. [PMID: 38474410 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) capture pathogens and process antigens, playing a crucial role in activating naïve T cells, bridging the gap between innate and acquired immunity. However, little is known about DC activation when facing Leishmania parasites. Thus, this study investigates in vitro activity of canine peripheral blood-derived DCs (moDCs) exposed to L. infantum and L. amazonensis parasites and their extracellular vesicles (EVs). L. infantum increased toll-like receptor 4 gene expression in synergy with nuclear factor κB activation and the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This parasite also induced the expression of class II molecules of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and upregulated co-stimulatory molecule CD86, which, together with the release of chemokine CXCL16, can attract and help in T lymphocyte activation. In contrast, L. amazonensis induced moDCs to generate a mix of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, indicating that this parasite can establish a different immune relationship with DCs. EVs promoted moDCs to express class I MHC associated with the upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules and the release of CXCL16, suggesting that EVs can modulate moDCs to attract cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Thus, these parasites and their EVs can shape DC activation. A detailed understanding of DC activation may open new avenues for the development of advanced leishmaniasis control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Valério-Bolas
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Meunier
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Palma-Marques
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Armanda Rodrigues
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Santos
- Divisão de Medicina Veterinária, Guarda Nacional Republicana, 1200-771 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Telmo Nunes
- Microscopy Center, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Ferreira
- Banco de Sangue Animal (BSA), 4100-462 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Armada
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Carlos Alves
- Divisão de Medicina Veterinária, Guarda Nacional Republicana, 1200-771 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Wilson Antunes
- Unidade Militar Laboratorial de Defesa Biológica e Química (UMLDBQ), 1849-012 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Cardoso
- Banco de Sangue Animal (BSA), 4100-462 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia Mesquita-Gabriel
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lis Lobo
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Graça Alexandre-Pires
- CIISA, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1200-771 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Luís Marques
- BioSystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon-FCUL-BioISI Ce3CE, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1200-771 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Santos-Gomes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal
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10
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Marcolino LMC, Pinto JG, Ferreira I, Godoi BH, de Azevedo Canevari R, Ferreira-Strixino J. Molecular effects of photodynamic therapy with curcumin on Leishmania major promastigotes. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:146. [PMID: 38418645 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08155-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease mainly affecting low-income populations. Conventional treatment involves several side effects, is expensive, and, in addition, protozoa can develop resistance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative in treating the disease. PDT involves applying light at a specific wavelength to activate a photosensitive compound (photosensitizer, PS), to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Curcumin and its photochemical characteristics make it a good candidate for photodynamic therapy. Studies evaluating gene expression can help to understand the molecular events involved in the cell death caused by PDT. In the present study, RNA was extracted from promastigotes from the control and treated groups after applying PDT. RT-qPCR was performed to verify the expression of the putative ATPase beta subunit (ATPS), ATP synthase subunit A (F0F1), argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS), ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2), glycoprotein 63 (GP63), superoxide dismutase (FeSODA), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) genes (QR). The results suggest that PDT altered the expression of genes that participate in oxidative stress and cell death pathways, such as ATPS, FeSODA, and G6PD. The ATP-F0F1, ASS, and GP63 genes did not have their expression altered. However, it is essential to highlight that other genes may be involved in the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress and, consequently, in the death of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Maria Cortez Marcolino
- Photobiology Applied to Health (PhotoBioS Lab), Universidade Do Vale Do Paraíba, Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José Dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Guerra Pinto
- Photobiology Applied to Health (PhotoBioS Lab), Universidade Do Vale Do Paraíba, Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José Dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Ferreira
- Photobiology Applied to Health (PhotoBioS Lab), Universidade Do Vale Do Paraíba, Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José Dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Henrique Godoi
- Photobiology Applied to Health (PhotoBioS Lab), Universidade Do Vale Do Paraíba, Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José Dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata de Azevedo Canevari
- Cancer Molecular Biology Laboratory, Universidade Do Vale Do Paraíba, Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José Dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Ferreira-Strixino
- Photobiology Applied to Health (PhotoBioS Lab), Universidade Do Vale Do Paraíba, Av. Shishima Hifumi, 2911, Urbanova, São José Dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
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da Silva Lira Filho A, Lafleur A, Marcet-Palacios M, Olivier M. Identification of potential novel proteomic markers of Leishmania spp.-derived exosomes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1354636. [PMID: 38440791 PMCID: PMC10910114 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1354636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogenous cell-derived membrane-bound structures which can be subdivided into three distinct classes according to distinct morphological characteristics, cellular origins, and functions. Small EVs, or exosomes, can be produced by the protozoan parasite Leishmania through the evolutionarily conserved ESCRT pathway, and act as effectors of virulence and drivers of pathogenesis within mammalian hosts. Techniques for the identification of EVs of non-mammalian origin, however, remain inaccurate in comparison to their well-characterized mammalian counterparts. Thus, we still lack reliable and specific markers for Leishmania-derived exosomes, which poses a significant challenge to the field. Methods Herein, we utilized serial differential ultracentrifugation to separate Leishmania-derived EV populations into three distinct fractions. Nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to validate their morphological characteristics, and bioinformatic analysis of LC-MS/MS proteomics corroborated cellular origins and function. Discussion Proteomic data indicated potential novel proteic markers of Leishmania-derived exosomes, including proteins involved in endosomal machinery and the ESCRT pathway, as well as the parasitic phosphatase PRL-1. Further investigation is required to determine the specificity and sensitivity of these markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso da Silva Lira Filho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Andrea Lafleur
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marcelo Marcet-Palacios
- Department of Medicine, Alberta Respiratory Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences Technology, Laboratory Research and Biotechnology, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Kozela E, Meneghetti P, Regev-Rudzki N, Torrecilhas AC, Porat Z. Subcellular particles for characterization of host-parasite interactions. Microbes Infect 2024:105314. [PMID: 38367661 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases remain a major global health problem for humans. Parasites employ a variety of strategies to invade and survive within their hosts and to manipulate host defense mechanisms, always in the pathogen's favor. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound nanospheres carrying a variety of bioactive compounds, were shown to be released by the parasites during all stages of the infection, enabling growth and expansion within the host and adaptation to frequently changing environmental stressors. In this review, we discuss how the use of existing nanotechnologies and high-resolution imaging tools assisted in revealing the role of EVs during parasitic infections, enabling the quantitation, visualization, and detailed characterization of EVs. We discuss here the cases of malaria, Chagas disease and leishmaniasis as examples of parasitic neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Unraveling the EVs' role in the NTD pathogenesis may enormously contribute to their early and reliable diagnostic, effective treatment, and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kozela
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Paula Meneghetti
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Brazil
| | - Neta Regev-Rudzki
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Biochemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ana Claudia Torrecilhas
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Laboratório de Imunologia Celular e Bioquímica de Fungos e Protozoários, Brazil.
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, WIS, Rehovot, Israel.
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Sood C, Verma JK, Basak R, Kapoor A, Gupta S, Mukhopadhyay A. Leishmania highjack host lipid body for its proliferation in macrophages by overexpressing host Rab18 and TRAPPC9 by downregulating miR-1914-3p expression. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012024. [PMID: 38412149 PMCID: PMC10898768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipids stored in lipid-bodies (LBs) in host cells are potential sources of fatty acids for pathogens. However, the mechanism of recruitment of LBs from the host cells by pathogens to acquire fatty acids is not known. Here, we have found that Leishmania specifically upregulates the expression of host Rab18 and its GEF, TRAPPC9 by downregulating the expression of miR-1914-3p by reducing the level of Dicer in macrophages via their metalloprotease gp63. Our results also show that miR-1914-3p negatively regulates the expression of Rab18 and its GEF in cells. Subsequently, Leishmania containing parasitophorous vacuoles (Ld-PVs) recruit and retain host Rab18 and TRAPPC9. Leishmania infection also induces LB biogenesis in host cells and recruits LBs on Ld-PVs and acquires FLC12-labeled fatty acids from LBs. Moreover, overexpression of miR-1914-3p in macrophages significantly inhibits the recruitment of LBs and thereby suppresses the multiplication of parasites in macrophages as parasites are unable to acquire fatty acids. These results demonstrate a novel mechanism how Leishmania acquire fatty acids from LBs for their growth in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandni Sood
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Jitender Kumar Verma
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
| | - Rituparna Basak
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Anjali Kapoor
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Swarnima Gupta
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Amitabha Mukhopadhyay
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
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Reyaz E, Puri N, Selvapandiyan A. Global Remodeling of Host Proteome in Response to Leishmania Infection. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:5-19. [PMID: 38084821 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Leishmania possesses an intrinsic ability to modulate a multitude of pathways in the host, toward aiding its own proliferation. In response, the host reprograms its cellular, immunological, and metabolic machinery to evade the parasite's lethal impact. Besides inducing various antioxidant signaling pathways to counter the elevated stress response proteins like heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Leishmania also attempts to delay host cell apoptosis by promoting anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2. The downstream modulation of apoptotic proteins is regulated by effector pathways, including the PI3K/Akt survival pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway, and STAT phosphorylation. In addition, Leishmania assists in its infection in a time-dependent manner by modulating the level of various proteins of autophagic machinery. Immune effector cells, such as mast cells and neutrophils, entrap and kill the pathogen by secreting various granular proteins. In contrast, the host macrophages exert their leishmanicidal effect by secreting various cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-12, etc. An interplay of various signaling pathways occurs in an organized network that is highly specific to both pathogen and host species. This Review analyzes the modulation of expression of proteins, including the cytokines, providing a realistic approach toward understanding the pathophysiology of disease and predicting some prominent markers for disease intervention and vaccine support strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enam Reyaz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Niti Puri
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
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Yang H, Wang Z, Xiao J, Hu J, Tu X, Gu Z. Integrated morphological and transcriptome profiles reveal a highly-developed extrusome system associated to virulence in the notorious fish parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. Virulence 2023; 14:2242622. [PMID: 37551042 PMCID: PMC10411306 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2242622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ichthyophthirius multifiliis is an obligate parasitic ciliate that causes severe economic damage in aquaculture. The parasite contains numerous extrusive organelles (extrusomes) that assist in its pathogenesis and reproduction. However, the structure of these extrusomes and the molecular profiles involved in exocytosis remain unclear. In the present study, through comparative ultrastructural observations across the life cycle of I. multifiliis, we demonstrated that all three of its life stages (theront, trophont, and tomont) exhibited an abundance of extrusomes. In addition, two different types of extrusomes were identified according to their unique structures. Type I extrusomes (mucocysts) are crystalline, oval-shaped, 0.7-1.4 × 0.6-1.1 μm, and distributed as "rosettes" below the trophont membrane. Type II extrusomes, 2.0-3.0 × 0.2-0.3 μm, are rod-shaped with tubular cores and identified as toxicysts, the aggregation of which in the anterior part of the theront and cortex of the trophont revealed their potential roles in I. multifiliis invasion. This was confirmed by our transcriptome investigations of the three stages of I. multifiliis, which revealed that a set of genes involved in proteolysis and DNA/protein biogenesis was highly expressed in the theront and trophont. Furthermore, to map the molecular mechanisms of extrusome release, we characterized 25 Rab family genes in I. multifiliis and determined their expression profiles across the life cycle, reflecting the distribution patterns of the two extrusomes. Collectively, our data revealed that a highly developed extrusome system could play a potential role in the virulence of I. multifiliis, which facilitates a better understanding of the parasite's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Animal Diseases Para-Reference Laboratory (HZAU), Wuhan, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, China
| | - Jieyin Xiao
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Animal Diseases Para-Reference Laboratory (HZAU), Wuhan, China
| | - Jingbo Hu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Animal Diseases Para-Reference Laboratory (HZAU), Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Tu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Animal Diseases Para-Reference Laboratory (HZAU), Wuhan, China
| | - Zemao Gu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Aquatic Animal Diseases Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
- National Aquatic Animal Diseases Para-Reference Laboratory (HZAU), Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
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Tullume-Vergara PO, Caicedo KYO, Tantalean JFC, Serrano MG, Buck GA, Teixeira MMG, Shaw JJ, Alves JMP. Genomes of Endotrypanum monterogeii from Panama and Zelonia costaricensis from Brazil: Expansion of Multigene Families in Leishmaniinae Parasites That Are Close Relatives of Leishmania spp. Pathogens 2023; 12:1409. [PMID: 38133293 PMCID: PMC10747355 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Leishmaniinae subfamily of the Trypanosomatidae contains both genus Zelonia (monoxenous) and Endotrypanum (dixenous). They are amongst the nearest known relatives of Leishmania, which comprises many human pathogens widespread in the developing world. These closely related lineages are models for the genomic biology of monoxenous and dixenous parasites. Herein, we used comparative genomics to identify the orthologous groups (OGs) shared among 26 Leishmaniinae species to investigate gene family expansion/contraction and applied two phylogenomic approaches to confirm relationships within the subfamily. The Endotrypanum monterogeii and Zelonia costaricensis genomes were assembled, with sizes of 29.9 Mb and 38.0 Mb and 9.711 and 12.201 predicted protein-coding genes, respectively. The genome of E. monterogeii displayed a higher number of multicopy cell surface protein families, including glycoprotein 63 and glycoprotein 46, compared to Leishmania spp. The genome of Z. costaricensis presents expansions of BT1 and amino acid transporters and proteins containing leucine-rich repeat domains, as well as a loss of ABC-type transporters. In total, 415 and 85 lineage-specific OGs were identified in Z. costaricensis and E. monterogeii. The evolutionary relationships within the subfamily were confirmed using the supermatrix (3384 protein-coding genes) and supertree methods. Overall, this study showed new expansions of multigene families in monoxenous and dixenous parasites of the subfamily Leishmaniinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Percy O. Tullume-Vergara
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, Sao Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (P.O.T.-V.); (K.Y.O.C.); (J.F.C.T.); (M.M.G.T.); (J.J.S.)
| | - Kelly Y. O. Caicedo
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, Sao Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (P.O.T.-V.); (K.Y.O.C.); (J.F.C.T.); (M.M.G.T.); (J.J.S.)
| | - Jose F. C. Tantalean
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, Sao Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (P.O.T.-V.); (K.Y.O.C.); (J.F.C.T.); (M.M.G.T.); (J.J.S.)
| | - Myrna G. Serrano
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1101 E Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (M.G.S.); (G.A.B.)
| | - Gregory A. Buck
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 1101 E Marshall St., Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (M.G.S.); (G.A.B.)
| | - Marta M. G. Teixeira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, Sao Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (P.O.T.-V.); (K.Y.O.C.); (J.F.C.T.); (M.M.G.T.); (J.J.S.)
| | - Jeffrey J. Shaw
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, Sao Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (P.O.T.-V.); (K.Y.O.C.); (J.F.C.T.); (M.M.G.T.); (J.J.S.)
| | - Joao M. P. Alves
- Department of Parasitology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1374, Sao Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (P.O.T.-V.); (K.Y.O.C.); (J.F.C.T.); (M.M.G.T.); (J.J.S.)
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Goes WM, Brasil CRF, Reis-Cunha JL, Coqueiro-Dos-Santos A, Grazielle-Silva V, de Souza Reis J, Souto TC, Laranjeira-Silva MF, Bartholomeu DC, Fernandes AP, Teixeira SMR. Complete assembly, annotation of virulence genes and CRISPR editing of the genome of Leishmania amazonensis PH8 strain. Genomics 2023; 115:110661. [PMID: 37263313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We report the sequencing and assembly of the PH8 strain of Leishmania amazonensis one of the etiological agents of leishmaniasis. After combining data from long Pacbio reads, short Illumina reads and synteny with the Leishmania mexicana genome, the sequence of 34 chromosomes with 8317 annotated genes was generated. Multigene families encoding three virulence factors, A2, amastins and the GP63 metalloproteases, were identified and compared to their annotation in other Leishmania species. As they have been recently recognized as virulence factors essential for disease establishment and progression of the infection, we also identified 14 genes encoding proteins involved in parasite iron and heme metabolism and compared to genes from other Trypanosomatids. To follow these studies with a genetic approach to address the role of virulence factors, we tested two CRISPR-Cas9 protocols to generate L. amazonensis knockout cell lines, using the Miltefosine transporter gene as a proof of concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanessa Moreira Goes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Carlos Rodolpho Ferreira Brasil
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - João Luis Reis-Cunha
- Departamento de Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil; Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Anderson Coqueiro-Dos-Santos
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Viviane Grazielle-Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Júlia de Souza Reis
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Cristina Souto
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Laranjeira-Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão 101, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Daniella Castanheira Bartholomeu
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Fernandes
- Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil; Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Rua Professor José Vieira de Mendonça 770, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31.210-360, Brazil
| | - Santuza Maria Ribeiro Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG CEP 31.270-901, Brazil; Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Rua Professor José Vieira de Mendonça 770, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31.210-360, Brazil.
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Costa BF, de Queiroz Filho TN, da Cruz Carneiro AL, Falcão ASC, da Silva Kataoka MS, Pinheiro JDJV, Rodrigues APD. Detection and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania braziliensis promastigotes. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:223. [PMID: 37587436 PMCID: PMC10428646 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02973-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are remarkable zinc-dependent endopeptidases, critical for degrading components of the extracellular matrix, thus actively influencing cell migration. Their impact on intracellular parasites, such as the enigmatic protozoan Leishmania, elicits intriguing queries. This study explores into the untapped territory of MMP-2 and MMP-9 within Leishmania spp. promastigotes. Notably, we successfully detected and quantified these MMPs, while also evaluating their activity in two distinct Leishmania species-L. amazonensis (La) and L. braziliensis (Lb)-at various growth stages and isolated from distinct clinical tegumentar disease forms. The results unveiled the presence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in both species, albeit with distinct localization patterns. Specifically, MMP-9 exhibited significantly higher gelatinolytic activity in La when compared to Lb. Moreover, our data cleverly illustrated the presence and release of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by La and Lb promastigotes, exposing their ability to invade and migrate within a collagen matrix. This pioneering study establishes a compelling correlation between MMP-2 and MMP-9 and their potential role in the dynamics of La and Lb infection. Suggesting their potential as prognostic markers for severe leishmaniasis and promising target molecules for therapeutic interventions, this research opens new avenues for combatting this debilitating parasitic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Furtado Costa
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Section of Hepatology, Evandro Chagas Institute, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Oliveira SSC, Correia CA, Santos VS, da Cunha EFF, de Castro AA, Ramalho TC, Devereux M, McCann M, Branquinha MH, Santos ALS. Silver(I) and Copper(II) 1,10-Phenanthroline-5,6-dione Complexes as Promising Antivirulence Strategy against Leishmania: Focus on Gp63 (Leishmanolysin). Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:348. [PMID: 37505644 PMCID: PMC10384183 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8070348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, encompasses a group of neglected diseases with diverse clinical and epidemiological manifestations that can be fatal if not adequately and promptly managed/treated. The current chemotherapy options for this disease are expensive, require invasive administration and often lead to severe side effects. In this regard, our research group has previously reported the potent anti-Leishmania activity of two coordination compounds (complexes) derived from 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione): [Cu(phendione)3].(ClO4)2.4H2O and [Ag(phendione)2].ClO4. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of these complexes on leishmanolysin (gp63), a virulence factor produced by all Leishmania species that plays multiple functions and is recognized as a potential target for antiparasitic drugs. The results showed that both Ag-phendione (-74.82 kcal/mol) and Cu-phendione (-68.16 kcal/mol) were capable of interacting with the amino acids comprising the active site of the gp63 protein, exhibiting more favorable interaction energies compared to phendione alone (-39.75 kcal/mol) or 1,10-phenanthroline (-45.83 kcal/mol; a classical gp63 inhibitor) as judged by molecular docking assay. The analysis of kinetic parameters using the fluorogenic substrate Z-Phe-Arg-AMC indicated Vmax and apparent Km values of 0.064 µM/s and 14.18 µM, respectively, for the released gp63. The effects of both complexes on gp63 proteolytic activity were consistent with the in silico assay, where Ag-phendione exhibited the highest gp63 inhibition capacity against gp63, with an IC50 value of 2.16 µM and the lowest inhibitory constant value (Ki = 5.13 µM), followed by Cu-phendione (IC50 = 163 µM and Ki = 27.05 µM). Notably, pretreatment of live L. amazonensis promastigotes with the complexes resulted in a significant reduction in the expression of gp63 protein, including the isoforms located on the parasite cell surface. Both complexes markedly decreased the in vitro association indexes between L. amazonensis promastigotes and THP-1 human macrophages; however, this effect was reversed by the addition of soluble gp63 molecules to the interaction medium. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential use of these potent complexes in antivirulence therapy against Leishmania, offering new insights for the development of effective treatments for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone S C Oliveira
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Claudyane A Correia
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Vanessa S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Elaine F F da Cunha
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil
| | - Alexandre A de Castro
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil
| | - Teodorico C Ramalho
- Laboratório de Modelagem Molecular, Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, Brazil
| | - Michael Devereux
- The Centre for Biomimetic & Therapeutic Research, Focas Research Institute, Technological University Dublin, D08 CKP1 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Malachy McCann
- Chemistry Department, Maynooth University, W23 F2H6 Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Marta H Branquinha
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - André L S Santos
- Laboratório de Estudos Avançados de Microrganismos Emergentes e Resistentes (LEAMER), Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes (IMPG), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica (PPGBq), Instituto de Química (IQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil
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20
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Weber JI, Rodrigues AV, Valério-Bolas A, Nunes T, Carvalheiro M, Antunes W, Alexandre-Pires G, da Fonseca IP, Santos-Gomes G. Insights on Host-Parasite Immunomodulation Mediated by Extracellular Vesicles of Cutaneous Leishmania shawi and Leishmania guyanensis. Cells 2023; 12:1101. [PMID: 37190011 PMCID: PMC10137031 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by different species of Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of sand flies vector. Macrophages (MΦ), the target cells of Leishmania parasites, are phagocytes that play a crucial role in the innate immune microbial defense and are antigen-presenting cells driving the activation of the acquired immune response. Exploring parasite-host communication may be key in restraining parasite dissemination in the host. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) constitute a group of heterogenous cell-derived membranous structures, naturally produced by all cells and with immunomodulatory potential over target cells. This study examined the immunogenic potential of EVs shed by L. shawi and L. guyanensis in MΦ activation by analyzing the dynamics of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), innate immune receptors, and cytokine generation. L. shawi and L. guyanensis EVs were incorporated by MΦ and modulated innate immune receptors, indicating that EVs cargo can be recognized by MΦ sensors. Moreover, EVs induced MΦ to generate a mix of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and favored the expression of MHCI molecules, suggesting that EVs antigens can be present to T cells, activating the acquired immune response of the host. Since nano-sized vesicles can be used as vehicles of immune mediators or immunomodulatory drugs, parasitic EVs can be exploited by bioengineering approaches for the development of efficient prophylactic or therapeutic tools for leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Inês Weber
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Armanda Viana Rodrigues
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Valério-Bolas
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Telmo Nunes
- Microscopy Center, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Carvalheiro
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Wilson Antunes
- Unidade Militar Laboratorial de Defesa Biológica e Química (UMLDBQ), 1849-012 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Graça Alexandre-Pires
- CIISA, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 2825-466 Setúbal, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pereira da Fonseca
- CIISA, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 2825-466 Setúbal, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Santos-Gomes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
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21
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Rahmanipour M, Mohebali M, Koosha M, Kazemirad E, Yasami-Khiabani S, Mirjalali H, Hajjaran H. Effect of Leishmania RNA virus 2 on virulence factors and cytokines gene expression in a human macrophage infected with Leishmania major: A preliminary study. Exp Parasitol 2023; 246:108459. [PMID: 36596336 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important infectious parasitic diseases in the world caused by the Leishmania parasite. In recent decades, the presence of a virus from the Totiviridae family has been proven in some Leishmania species. Although the existence of LRV2 in the Old world Leishmania species has been confirmed, almost no studies have been done to determine the potential impact of LRV2 on the immunopathogenicity of the Leishmania parasite. In this preliminary study, we measured the expression of target genes, including Glycoprotein 63 (gp63), Heat Shock Protein 70 (hsp70), Cysteine Protease b (cpb), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), IL8 and IL-12 in LRV2 positive Leishmania major strain (LRV2+L. major) and LRV2 negative L. major strain (LRV2-L. major). We exposed THP-1, a human leukemia monocytic cell line, to promastigotes of both strains. After the initial infection, RNA was extracted at different time points, and the relative gene expression was determined using a real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Findings showed that the presence of LRV2 in L. major was able to increase the expression of gp63, hsp70, and cpb genes; also, we observed lower levels of expression in cytokine genes of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-12 in the presence of LRV2+, which are critical factors in the host's immune response against leishmaniasis. These changes could suggest that the presence of LRV2 in L. major parasite may change the outcome of the disease and increase the probability of Leishmania survival; nevertheless, further studies are needed to confirm our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Rahmanipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mona Koosha
- Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Kazemirad
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hamed Mirjalali
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Hajjaran
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
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22
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Peterkova K, Vorel J, Ilgova J, Ostasov P, Fajtova P, Konecny L, Chanova M, Kasny M, Horn M, Dvorak J. Proteases and their inhibitors involved in Schistosoma mansoni egg-host interaction revealed by comparative transcriptomics with Fasciola hepatica eggs. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:253-263. [PMID: 36754342 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni eggs are the main causative agents of the pathological manifestations of schistosomiasis. The eggs are laid in the host bloodstream, then they migrate through the intestinal wall into the lumen. However, a significant proportion of the eggs become lodged in the liver, where they cause inflammation and fibrosis. In this study, we focus on a specific group of proteins expressed by the egg, namely proteases and their inhibitors. These molecules are often involved in schistosome-host interactions, but are still unexplored in the egg stage. Using RNA-seq and comparative transcriptomics of immature and mature S. mansoni eggs, we mapped the portfolio of proteases and their inhibitors, and determined their gene expression levels. In addition, we compared these data with gene expression of proteases and their inhibitors in Fasciola hepatica eggs. Fasciola hepatica eggs served as a useful comparative model, as they do not migrate through tissues and inflict pathology. We detected transcription of 135 and 117 proteases in S. mansoni and F. hepatica eggs, respectively, with 87 identified as orthologous between the two species. In contrast, we observed only four orthologous inhibitors out of 21 and 16 identified in S. mansoni and F. hepatica eggs, respectively. Among others, we measured high and developmentally regulated levels of expression of metalloproteases in S. mansoni eggs, specifically aminopeptidase N1, endothelin-converting enzyme 1, and several leishmanolysin-like peptidases. We identified highly transcribed protease inhibitors serpin and alpha-2-macroglobulin that are unique to S. mansoni eggs, and antistasin-like inhibitor in F. hepatica eggs. This study provides new insights into the portfolio of proteases and inhibitors expressed by S. mansoni with potential roles in egg tissue migration, stimulation of angiogenesis, and interaction with host blood and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyna Peterkova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia; Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czechia.
| | - Jiri Vorel
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jana Ilgova
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pavel Ostasov
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Czechia
| | - Pavla Fajtova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lukas Konecny
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia; Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marta Chanova
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Czechia
| | - Martin Kasny
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jan Dvorak
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czechia; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia; Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Czechia
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23
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Hambrook JR, Hanington PC. A cercarial invadolysin interferes with the host immune response and facilitates infection establishment of Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1010884. [PMID: 36730464 PMCID: PMC9928134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni employs immune evasion and immunosuppression to overcome immune responses mounted by its snail and human hosts. Myriad immunomodulating factors underlie this process, some of which are proteases. Here, we demonstrate that one protease, an invadolysin we have termed SmCI-1, is released from the acetabular glands of S. mansoni cercaria and is involved in creating an immunological milieu favorable for survival of the parasite. The presence of SmCI-1 in the cercarial stage of S. mansoni is released during transformation into the schistosomula. SmCI-1 functions as a metalloprotease with the capacity to cleave collagen type IV, gelatin and fibrinogen. Additionally, complement component C3b is cleaved by this protease, resulting in inhibition of the classical and alternative complement pathways. Using SmCI-1 knockdown cercariae, we demonstrate that SmCI-1 protects schistosomula from complement-mediated lysis in human plasma. We also assess the effect of SmCI-1 on cytokine release from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, providing compelling evidence that SmCI-1 promotes an anti-inflammatory microenvironment by enhancing production of IL-10 and suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1B and IL-12p70 and those involved in eosinophil recruitment and activation, like Eotaxin-1 and IL-5. Finally, we utilize the SmCI-1 knockdown cercaria in a mouse model of infection, revealing a role for SmCI-1 in S. mansoni survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R. Hambrook
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Patrick C. Hanington
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
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24
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Sharifi F, Sharifi I, Babaei Z, Alahdin S, Afgar A. Bioinformatics evaluation of anticancer properties of GP63 protein-derived peptides on MMP2 protein of melanoma cancer. J Pathol Inform 2023; 14:100190. [PMID: 36700237 PMCID: PMC9867975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpi.2023.100190] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background GP63, also known as Leishmanolysin, is a multifunctional virulence factor abundant on the surface of Leishmania spp. small peptides with anticancer capabilities that are selective and toxic to cancer cells are known as anticancer peptides. We aimed to demonstrate the activity of GP63 and its anticancer properties on melanoma using a range of in silico tools and screening methods to identify predicted and designed anticancer peptides. Methods Various in silico modeling methodologies are used to establish the three-dimensional (3D) structure of GP63. Refinement and re-evaluation of the modeled structures and the built models' quality evaluated using the different docking used to find the interacting amino acids between MMP2 and GP63 and its anticancer peptides. AntiCP2.0 is used for screening anticancer peptides. 2D interaction plots of protein-ligand complexes evaluated by Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler server. It is for the first time that used anticancer peptides of GP63 and the predicted and designed peptides. Results We used 3 peptides of GP63 based on the AntiCP 2.0 server with scores of 0.63, 0.53, and 0.49, and common peptides of GP63/MMP2 (continues peptide: mean the completely selected peptide after docking with non-anticancer effect, predicted with 0.58 score and designed peptides with 0.47 and 0.45 scores by AntiCP 2.0 server). Conclusions The antileishmanial and anticancer peptide research topics exemplify the multidisciplinary nature of peptide research. The advancement of therapeutics targeting cancer and/or Leishmania requires an interconnected research strategy shown in this work.
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Key Words
- ACPs, anticancer peptides
- Anticancer
- CASTp, Computed Atlas of Surface Topography of proteins
- CL, cutaneous leishmaniasis
- GP63, Glycoprotein 63
- In silico
- Leishmania
- Leishmanolysin
- MD, molecular dynamics
- MMPs, matrix metalloproteases
- MSP, major surface protease
- Matrix metalloproteases
- PDB, Protein Data Bank
- PLIP, Protein–Ligand Interaction Profiler
- Peptide
- Protein–Ligand Interaction Profiler
- ROS, reactive oxygen species formation
- SVM, Support Vector Machine
- VL, visceral leishmaniasis
- kNN, k-Nearest Neighbors
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Sharifi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Iraj Sharifi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Babaei
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sodabeh Alahdin
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Afgar
- Research Center for Hydatid Disease in Iran, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran,Corresponding author.
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25
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Nemati Haravani T, Parvizi P, Hejazi SH, Sedaghat MM, Eskandarian A, Nateghi Rostami M. Evaluation of expression variations in virulence-related genes of Leishmania major after several culture passages compared with Phlebotomus papatasi isolated promastigotes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284240. [PMID: 37053214 PMCID: PMC10101501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a prevalent infectious disease with considerable morbidity annually. Here, we aimed to investigate the likely variations in gene expression of glycoprotein63 (gp63), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), histone, arginase, cysteine protease B (CPB), Leishmania homologue of receptors for activated C kinase (LACK), small hydrophilic endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein (SHERP) in metacyclic promastigotes of L. major isolated from Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies and promastigotes excessively cultured in culture medium. The parasites were collected from suspected CL cases in Pasteur Institute of Iran, cultured and inoculated into the female BALB/c mice (2×106 promastigotes). Sand flies were trapped in Qom province, fed with the blood of euthanized infected mice and subsequently dissected in order to isolate the midgut including stomodeal valve. The metacyclic promastigotes were isolated from Ph. papatasi (Pro-Ppap) using peanut agglutinin test (PNA), then continuously cultured in RPMI-1640 medium enriched with fetal bovine serum, penicillin (100 U/ml) and streptomycin (100 mg/ml) to reach stationary phase (Pro-Stat). The gene expression was evaluated in both parasitic stages (Pro-Ppap and Pro-Stat) using qRT-PCR. Out results showed a significant increased gene expression at Pro-Ppap stage for gp63 (P = 0.002), SHERP (P = 0.001) and histone (P = 0.026) genes, in comparison with Pro-Stat stage. Noticeably, significant changes were, also, demonstrated in 10th to 15th passages [gp63 (P = 0.041), arginase (P = 0.016), LACK (P = 0.025)] and in 5th to 20th passage (SHERP) (P = 0.029). In conclusion, the findings of the present study seem to be essential in designing Leishmania studies, in particular regarding host-parasite interaction, immunization and infectivity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taher Nemati Haravani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Parviz Parvizi
- Molecular Systematics Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hejazi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbasali Eskandarian
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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26
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Santiago-Silva KMD, Bortoleti BTDS, Brito TDO, Costa IC, Lima CHDS, Macedo F, Miranda-Sapla MM, Pavanelli WR, Bispo MDLF. Exploring the antileishmanial activity of N1, N2-disubstituted-benzoylguanidines: synthesis and molecular modeling studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 40:11495-11510. [PMID: 34355671 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1959403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In this report, we describe the synthesis and evaluation of nine N1,N2-disubstituted-benzoylguanidines against promastigotes and amastigotes forms of Leishmania amazonensis. The derivatives 2g and 2i showed low IC50 values against promastigote form (90.8 ± 0.05 µM and 68.4 ± 0.03 µM, respectively), low cytotoxicity profile (CC50 396 ± 0.02 µM and 857.9 ± 0.06 µM) for peritoneal macrophages cells and SI of 5.5 and 12.5, respectively. Investigations about the mechanism of action of 2g and 2i showed that both compounds cause mitochondrial depolarization, increase in ROS levels, and generation of autophagic vacuoles on free promastigotes forms. These compounds were also capable of reducing the number of infected macrophages with amastigotes forms (59.5% ± 0.08% and 98.1% ± 0.46%) and the number of amastigotes/macrophages (79.80% ± 0.05% and 96.0% ± 0.16%), through increasing induction of microbicide molecule NO. Additionally, ADMET-Tox in silico predictions showed drug-like features and free of toxicological risks. The molecular docking studies with arginase and gp63 showed that relevant intermolecular interactions could explain the experimental results. Therefore, these results reinforce that benzoylguanidines could be a starting scaffold for the search for new antileishmanial drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaio Maciel de Santiago-Silva
- Laboratório de Síntese de Moléculas Medicinais (LaSMMed), Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Bruna Taciane da Silva Bortoleti
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia das Doenças Negligenciadas e Câncer (LIDNC), Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia, Instituto Carlos Chagas (ICC), Fiocruz, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Tiago de Oliveira Brito
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Moléculas Bioativas (LPMBA), Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Ivete Conchon Costa
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia das Doenças Negligenciadas e Câncer (LIDNC), Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Macedo
- Laboratório de Pesquisa em Moléculas Bioativas (LPMBA), Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Milena Menegazzo Miranda-Sapla
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia das Doenças Negligenciadas e Câncer (LIDNC), Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia das Doenças Negligenciadas e Câncer (LIDNC), Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcelle de Lima Ferreira Bispo
- Laboratório de Síntese de Moléculas Medicinais (LaSMMed), Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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27
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Conde L, Maciel G, de Assis GM, Freire-de-Lima L, Nico D, Vale A, Freire-de-Lima CG, Morrot A. Humoral response in Leishmaniasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1063291. [PMID: 36579347 PMCID: PMC9791258 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1063291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis presents different types of clinical manifestations that can be divided into cutaneous leishmaniasis and visceral leishmaniasis. The host's immune system, associated with genetic and nutritional factors, is strongly involved in the evolution of the disease or parasite escape. Humoral immunity is characterized by the production of antibodies capable of promoting neutralization, opsonization, and activation of the complement system. In this scenario, B lymphocytes produce antibodies that play an important role in Leishmania infection although neglected for a long time. Thus, relevant aspects in the establishment of Leishmania infection will be addressed, highlighting the importance of humoral immunity during the entire process of Leishmania infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Conde
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Maciel
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Meira de Assis
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Freire-de-Lima
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dirlei Nico
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - André Vale
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Morrot
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,*Correspondence: Alexandre Morrot,
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Investigating the Leishmania donovani sacp Gene and Its Role in Macrophage Infection and Survival in Mice. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7110384. [PMID: 36422936 PMCID: PMC9694005 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani is a causative agent of the neglected tropical disease known as visceral leishmaniasis, which can be lethal when untreated. Studying Leishmania viru-lence factors is crucial in determining how the parasite causes disease and identifying new targets for treatment. One potential virulence factor is L. donovani’s abundantly secreted protein: secreted acid phosphatase (SAcP). Whole-genome analysis revealed that the sacp gene was present in three copies in wild type L. donovani. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing; we generated a sacp gene knockout termed LdΔSAcP, which demonstrated a loss of both the SAcP protein and an associated reduction in secreted acid phosphatase activity. Genome sequencing confirmed the precise dele-tion of the sacp gene in LdΔSAcP and identified several changes in the genome. LdΔSAcP demonstrated no significant changes in promastigote proliferation or its ability to infect and survive in macrophages compared to the wildtype strain. LdΔSAcP also demonstrated no change in murine liver infection; however, survival was impaired in the spleen. Taken together these results show that SAcP is not necessary for the survival of promastigotes in culture but may support long-term survival in the spleen. These observations also show that the use of CRISPR gene editing and WGS together are effective to investigate the function and phenotype of complex potential drug targets such as multicopy genes.
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Guay-Vincent MM, Matte C, Berthiaume AM, Olivier M, Jaramillo M, Descoteaux A. Revisiting Leishmania GP63 host cell targets reveals a limited spectrum of substrates. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010640. [PMID: 36191034 PMCID: PMC9560592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Colonization of host phagocytic cells by Leishmania metacyclic promastigotes involves several parasite effectors, including the zinc-dependent metalloprotease GP63. The major mode of action of this virulence factor entails the cleavage/degradation of host cell proteins. Given the potent proteolytic activity of GP63, identification of its substrates requires the adequate preparation of cell lysates to prevent artefactual degradation during cell processing. In the present study, we re-examined the cleavage/degradation of reported GP63 substrates when GP63 activity was efficiently neutralized during the preparation of cell lysates. To this end, we infected bone marrow-derived macrophages with either wild type, Δgp63, and Δgp63+GP63 L. major metacyclic promastigotes for various time points. We prepared cell lysates in the absence or presence of the zinc-metalloprotease inhibitor 1,10-phenanthroline and examined the levels and integrity of ten previously reported host cell GP63 substrates. Inhibition of GP63 activity with 1,10-phenanthroline during the processing of macrophages prevented the cleavage/degradation of several previously described GP63 targets, including PTP-PEST, mTOR, p65RelA, c-Jun, VAMP3, and NLRP3. Conversely, we confirmed that SHP-1, Synaptotagmin XI, VAMP8, and Syntaxin-5 are bona fide GP63 substrates. These results point to the importance of efficiently inhibiting GP63 activity during the preparation of Leishmania-infected host cell lysates. In addition, our results indicate that the role of GP63 in Leishmania pathogenesis must be re-evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Michèle Guay-Vincent
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christine Matte
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Berthiaume
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maritza Jaramillo
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Albert Descoteaux
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Mandell MA, Beatty WL, Beverley SM. Quantitative single-cell analysis of Leishmania major amastigote differentiation demonstrates variably extended expression of the lipophosphoglycan (LPG) virulence factor in different host cell types. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010893. [PMID: 36302046 PMCID: PMC9642900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010893] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Immediately following their deposition into the mammalian host by an infected sand fly vector, Leishmania parasites encounter and are engulfed by a variety of cell types. From there, parasites may transit to other cell types, primarily macrophages or dendritic cells, where they replicate and induce pathology. During this time, Leishmania cells undergo a dramatic transformation from the motile non-replicating metacyclic stage to the non-motile replicative amastigote stage, a differentiative process that can be termed amastigogenesis. To follow this at the single cell level, we identified a suite of experimental 'landmarks' delineating different stages of amastigogenesis qualitatively or quantitatively, including new uses of amastigote-specific markers that showed interesting cellular localizations at the anterior or posterior ends. We compared amastigogenesis in synchronous infections of peritoneal and bone-marrow derived macrophages (PEM, BMM) or dendritic cells (BMDC). Overall, the marker suite expression showed an orderly transition post-infection with similar kinetics between host cell types, with the emergence of several amastigote traits within 12 hours, followed by parasite replication after 24 hours, with parasites in BMM or BMDC initiating DNA replication more slowly. Lipophosphoglycan (LPG) is a Leishmania virulence factor that facilitates metacyclic establishment in host cells but declines in amastigotes. Whereas LPG expression was lost by parasites within PEM by 48 hours, >40% of the parasites infecting BMM or BMDC retained metacyclic-level LPG expression at 72 hr. Thus L. major may prolong LPG expression in different intracellular environments, thereby extending its efficacy in promoting infectivity in situ and during cell-to-cell transfer of parasites expressing this key virulence factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Mandell
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Current address: Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Wandy L. Beatty
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Stephen M. Beverley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
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Tano FT, Barbosa GR, de Rezende E, Souza ROO, Muxel SM, Silber AM, Palmisano G, Stolf BS. Proteome and morphological analysis show unexpected differences between promastigotes of Leishmania amazonensis PH8 and LV79 strains. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271492. [PMID: 35998173 PMCID: PMC9398010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leishmaniases are diseases caused by Leishmania protozoans that affect around 12 million people. Leishmania promastigotes are transmitted to vertebrates by female phlebotomine flies during their blood meal. Parasites attach to phagocytic cells, are phagocytosed and differentiate into amastigotes. We previously showed that PH8 and LV79 strains of Leishmania amazonensis have different virulence in mice and that their amastigotes differ in their proteomes. In this work, we compare promastigotes' infectivity in macrophages, their proteomes and morphologies. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Phagocytosis assays showed that promastigotes adhesion to and phagocytosis by macrophages is higher in PH8 than LV79. To identify proteins that differ between the two strains and that may eventually contribute for these differences we used a label-free proteomic approach to compare promastigote´s membrane-enriched fractions. Proteomic analysis enabled precise discrimination of PH8 and LV79 protein profiles and the identification of several differentially abundant proteins. The proteins more abundant in LV79 promastigotes participate mainly in translation and amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, while the more abundant in PH8 are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, cytoskeleton composition and vesicle/membrane trafficking. Interestingly, although the virulence factor GP63 was more abundant in the less virulent LV79 strain, zymography suggests a higher protease activity in PH8. Enolase, which may be related to virulence, was more abundant in PH8 promastigotes. Unexpectedly, flow cytometry and morphometric analysis indicate higher abundance of metacyclics in LV79. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Proteome comparison of PH8 and LV79 promastigotes generated a list of differential proteins, some of which may be further prospected to affect the infectivity of promastigotes. Although proteomic profile of PH8 includes more proteins characteristic of metacyclics, flow cytometry and morphometric analysis indicate a higher abundance of metacyclics in LV79 cultures. These results shed light to the gaps in our knowledge of metacyclogenesis in L. amazonensis, and to proteins that should be studied in the context of infection by this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabia Tomie Tano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Rolim Barbosa
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eloiza de Rezende
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Marcia Muxel
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ariel Mariano Silber
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Simonsen Stolf
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Moreno CJG, Farias HM, de Lima Medeiros R, de Brito Pinto TK, de Freitas Oliveira JW, de Sousa FL, de Medeiros MJC, Amorim-Carmo B, Santos-Gomes G, de Lima Pontes D, Rocha HAO, Frazão NF, Silva MS. Quantum Biochemistry Screening and In Vitro Evaluation of Leishmania Metalloproteinase Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8553. [PMID: 35955687 PMCID: PMC9368959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmanolysin, also known as major promastigote protease (PSP) or gp63, is the most abundant surface glycoprotein of Leishmania spp., and has been extensively studied and recognized as the main parasite virulence factor. Characterized as a metalloprotease, gp63 can be powerfully inactivated in the presence of a metal chelator. In this study, we first used the structural parameters of a 7-hydroxycoumarin derivative, L1 compound, to evaluate the theoretical-computational experiments against gp63, comparing it with an available metal chelator already described. The methodology followed was (i) analysis of the three-dimensional structure of gp63 as well as its active site, and searching the literature and molecular databases for possible inhibitors; (ii) molecular docking simulations and investigation of the interactions in the generated protein-ligand complexes; and (iii) the individual energy of the gp63 amino acids that interacted most with the ligands of interest was quantified by ab initio calculations using Molecular Fraction with Conjugated Caps (MFCC). MFCC still allowed the final quantum balance calculations of the protein interaction to be obtained with each inhibitor candidate binder. L1 obtained the best energy quantum balance result with -2 eV, followed by DETC (-1.4 eV), doxycycline (-1.3 eV), and 4-terpineol (-0.6 eV), and showed evidence of covalent binding in the enzyme active site. In vitro experiments confirmed L1 as highly effective against L. amazonensis parasites. The compound also exhibited a low cytotoxicity profile against mammalian RAW and 3T3 cells lines, presenting a selective index of 149.19 and 380.64 µM, respectively. L1 induced promastigote forms' death by necrosis and the ultrastructural analysis revealed disruption in membrane integrity. Furthermore, leakage of the contents and destruction of the parasite were confirmed by Spectroscopy Dispersion analysis. These results together suggested L1 has a potential effect against L. amazonensis, the etiologic agent of diffuse leishmaniasis, and the only one that currently does not have a satisfactory treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Jassica Gonçalves Moreno
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (C.J.G.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
| | - Henriqueta Monalisa Farias
- Academic Unit of Physics, Mathematics of the Education and Health Center, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58428-830, Brazil; (H.M.F.); (R.d.L.M.); (N.F.F.)
| | - Rafael de Lima Medeiros
- Academic Unit of Physics, Mathematics of the Education and Health Center, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58428-830, Brazil; (H.M.F.); (R.d.L.M.); (N.F.F.)
| | - Talita Katiane de Brito Pinto
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
| | - Johny Wysllas de Freitas Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (C.J.G.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.)
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
| | - Francimar Lopes de Sousa
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Coordination and Polymers (LQCPol), Institute of Chemistry Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (F.L.d.S.J.); (M.J.C.d.M.); (D.d.L.P.)
| | - Mayara Jane Campos de Medeiros
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Coordination and Polymers (LQCPol), Institute of Chemistry Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (F.L.d.S.J.); (M.J.C.d.M.); (D.d.L.P.)
| | - Bruno Amorim-Carmo
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
| | - Gabriela Santos-Gomes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, IHMT, NOVA University of Lisbon—UNL, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Daniel de Lima Pontes
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Coordination and Polymers (LQCPol), Institute of Chemistry Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (F.L.d.S.J.); (M.J.C.d.M.); (D.d.L.P.)
| | - Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
| | - Nilton Fereira Frazão
- Academic Unit of Physics, Mathematics of the Education and Health Center, Federal University of Campina Grande, Campina Grande 58428-830, Brazil; (H.M.F.); (R.d.L.M.); (N.F.F.)
| | - Marcelo Sousa Silva
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil; (C.J.G.M.); (J.W.d.F.O.)
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
- Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59012-570, Brazil;
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, IHMT, NOVA University of Lisbon—UNL, 1349-008 Lisbon, Portugal;
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Differences in Charge Distribution in Leishmania tarentolae Leishmanolysin Result in a Reduced Enzymatic Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147660. [PMID: 35887004 PMCID: PMC9321319 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania tarentolae is a non-pathogenic trypanosomatid isolated from lizards widely used for heterologous protein expression and extensively studied to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of leishmaniasis. The repertoire of leishmanolysin genes was reported to be expanded in L. tarentolae genome, but no proteolytic activity was detected. Here, we analyzed L. tarentolae leishmanolysin proteins from the genome to the structural levels and evaluated the enzymatic activity of the wild-type and overexpressing mutants of leishmanolysin. A total of 61 leishmanolysin sequences were retrieved from the L. tarentolae genome. Five of them were selected for phylogenetic analysis, and for three of them, we built 3D models based on the crystallographic structure of L. major ortholog. Molecular dynamics simulations of these models disclosed a less negative electrostatic potential compared to the template. Subsequently, L. major LmjF.10.0460 and L. tarentolae LtaP10.0650 leishmanolysins were cloned in a pLEXSY expression system into L. tarentolae. Proteins from the wild-type and the overexpressing parasites were submitted to enzymatic analysis. Our results revealed that L. tarentolae leishmanolysins harbor a weak enzymatic activity about three times less abundant than L. major leishmanolysin. Our findings strongly suggest that the less negative electrostatic potential of L. tarentolae leishmanolysin can be the reason for the reduced proteolytic activity detected in this parasite.
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Singhal J, Madan E, Chaurasiya A, Srivastava P, Singh N, Kaushik S, Kahlon AK, Maurya MK, Marothia M, Joshi P, Ranganathan A, Singh S. Host SUMOylation Pathway Negatively Regulates Protective Immune Responses and Promotes Leishmania donovani Survival. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:878136. [PMID: 35734580 PMCID: PMC9207379 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.878136] [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: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMOylation is one of the post-translational modifications that have recently been described as a key regulator of various cellular, nuclear, metabolic, and immunological processes. The process of SUMOylation involves the modification of one or more lysine residues of target proteins by conjugation of a ubiquitin-like, small polypeptide known as SUMO for their degradation, stability, transcriptional regulation, cellular localization, and transport. Herein, for the first time, we report the involvement of the host SUMOylation pathway in the process of infection of Leishmania donovani, a causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis. Our data revealed that infection of L. donovani to the host macrophages leads to upregulation of SUMOylation pathway genes and downregulation of a deSUMOylating gene, SENP1. Further, to confirm the effect of the host SUMOylation on the growth of Leishmania, the genes associated with the SUMOylation pathway were silenced and parasite load was analyzed. The knockdown of the SUMOylation pathway led to a reduction in parasitic load, suggesting the role of the host SUMOylation pathway in the disease progression and parasite survival. Owing to the effect of the SUMOylation pathway in autophagy, we further investigated the status of host autophagy to gain mechanistic insights into how SUMOylation mediates the regulation of growth of L. donovani. Knockdown of genes of host SUMOylation pathway led to the reduction of the expression levels of host autophagy markers while promoting autophagosome–lysosome fusion, suggesting SUMOylation-mediated autophagy in terms of autophagy initiation and autophagy maturation during parasite survival. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, nitric oxide (NO) production, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were also elevated upon the knockdown of genes of the host SUMOylation pathway during L. donovani infection. This indicates the involvement of the SUMOylation pathway in the modulation of protective immune responses and thus favoring parasite survival. Taken together, the results of this study indicate the hijacking of the host SUMOylation pathway by L. donovani toward the suppression of host immune responses and facilitation of host autophagy to potentially facilitate its survival. Targeting of SUMOylation pathway can provide a starting point for the design and development of novel therapeutic interventions to combat leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhalak Singhal
- *Correspondence: Jhalak Singhal, ; Anand Ranganathan, ; Shailja Singh,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anand Ranganathan
- *Correspondence: Jhalak Singhal, ; Anand Ranganathan, ; Shailja Singh,
| | - Shailja Singh
- *Correspondence: Jhalak Singhal, ; Anand Ranganathan, ; Shailja Singh,
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Mukkala AN, Kariyawasam R, Lau R, Valencia BM, Llanos-Cuentas A, Boggild AK. Elevated baseline expression of seven virulence factor RNA transcripts in visceralizing species of Leishmania: a preliminary quantitative PCR study. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2022; 9:20499361221102665. [PMID: 35663431 PMCID: PMC9158425 DOI: 10.1177/20499361221102665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that manifests as three major disease phenotypes: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral. In this preliminary study, we quantified virulence factor (VF) RNA transcript expression in Leishmania species, stratified by geographic origin and propensity for specific disease phenotypes. Methods: Cultured promastigotes of 19 Leishmania clinical and ATCC isolates were extracted for total cellular RNA, cDNA was reverse transcribed, and qPCR assays were performed to quantify VF RNA transcript expression for hsp23, hsp70, hsp83, hsp100, mpi, cpb, and gp63. Results: Comparison of visceralizing species (Leishmania donovani, Leishmania chagasi, and Leishmania infantum) versus non-visceralizing species [Leishmania (Viannia) spp., Leishmania tropica, Leishmania major, Leishmania mexicana, and Leishmania amazonensis] revealed a significantly greater pooled transcript expression for visceralizing species (p = 0.0032). Similarly, Old World species demonstrated significantly higher VF RNA transcript expression than New World species (p = 0.0015). On a per-gene basis, species with a propensity to visceralize ubiquitously expressed higher levels of gp63 (p = 0.005), cpb (p = 0.0032), mpi (p = 0.0032), hsp23 (p = 0.0039), hsp70 (p = 0.0032), hsp83 (p = 0.0032), and hsp100 (p = 0.0032). Conclusion: Here, we provide quantitative, preliminary evidence of elevated VF RNA transcript expression driven largely by the visceralizing causative species of Leishmania. This work highlights the extensive heterogeneity in pathogenicity mechanisms between Leishmania species, which may partly underpin the fatal progression of visceral leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruwandi Kariyawasam
- Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Alberta Precision Laboratories-Public Health Laboratory (ProvLab), Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Rachel Lau
- Public Health Ontario Laboratory, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Braulio M. Valencia
- Viral Immunology Systems Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Alejandro Llanos-Cuentas
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Facultad de Salud Pública y Administración, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Andrea K. Boggild
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tropical Disease Unit, Toronto General Hospital, Room 13EN-218, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
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de Castro Neto AL, da Silveira JF, Mortara RA. Role of Virulence Factors of Trypanosomatids in the Insect Vector and Putative Genetic Events Involved in Surface Protein Diversity. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:807172. [PMID: 35573777 PMCID: PMC9097677 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.807172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are flagellate protozoans that can infect several invertebrate and vertebrate hosts, including insects and humans. The three most studied species are the human pathogens Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. which are the causative agents of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), Chagas disease and different clinical forms of leishmaniasis, respectively. These parasites possess complex dixenous life cycles, with zoonotic and anthroponotic stages, and are transmitted by hematophagous insects. To colonize this myriad of hosts, they developed mechanisms, mediated by virulence factors, to infect, propagate and survive in different environments. In insects, surface proteins play roles in parasite attachment and survival in the insect gut, whilst in the mammalian host, the parasites have a whole group of proteins and mechanisms that aid them invading the host cells and evading its immune system components. Many studies have been done on the impact of these molecules in the vertebrate host, however it is also essential to notice the importance of these virulence factors in the insect vector during the parasite life cycle. When inside the insect, the parasites, like in humans, also need to survive defense mechanisms components that can inhibit parasite colonization or survival, e.g., midgut peritrophic membrane barrier, digestive enzymes, evasion of excretion alongside the digested blood meal, anatomic structures and physiological mechanisms of the anterior gut. This protection inside the insect is often implemented by the same group of virulence factors that perform roles of immune evasion in the mammalian host with just a few exceptions, in which a specific protein is expressed specifically for the insect vector form of the parasite. This review aims to discuss the roles of the virulence molecules in the insect vectors, showing the differences and similarities of modes of action of the same group of molecules in insect and humans, exclusive insect molecules and discuss possible genetic events that may have generated this protein diversity.
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da Silva Lira Filho A, Fajardo EF, Chang KP, Clément P, Olivier M. Leishmania Exosomes/Extracellular Vesicles Containing GP63 Are Essential for Enhance Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Development Upon Co-Inoculation of Leishmania amazonensis and Its Exosomes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:709258. [PMID: 35186777 PMCID: PMC8851419 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.709258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania are transmitted by the bite of infected sand flies leading to a wide range of diseases called leishmaniasis. Recently, we demonstrated that Leishmania spp.-derived exosomes/extracellular vesicles (EVs/LeishEXO) were released in the lumen of the sand fly midgut and to be co-egested with the parasite during the blood meal and that LeishEXO were found to stimulate an inflammatory response conducting to an exacerbated cutaneous leishmaniasis, also it was shown that these vesicles cargo important virulence factors like GP63. Thus, this study aimed to confirm through morphological and proteomic analysis a novel model specificity utilizing another set of GP63-altered Leishmania amazonensis parasite strains. Consequently, we proposed to further study the impact of different GP63 vesicle expression levels on their ability to modulate innate inflammatory cell responses, and finally to determine the importance of GP63 vesicle content on the exacerbation of the cutaneous Leishmania spp. pathology after their host co-inoculation. Our results revealed that the protein composition of extracted extracellular vesicles were similar to each other and that GP63 was the sole virulence factor changed in the exosomes composition confirming the specificity of the chosen novel model. We further demonstrated that vesicles with different GP63 EVs cargo displayed distinctive macrophage immunomodulatory capabilities at both gene and protein expression in vitro. Finally, we showed their diverse impact on the Leishmania spp. cutaneous pathology in an in vivo setting and confirmed GP63 as a primordial component of the ability of these EVs in augmenting the inflammatory cutaneous response in Leishmania spp. infection. Our findings provide new insight on the immune response happening in cutaneous leishmaniasis, shade light on the mechanism behind the host-pathogen interaction occurring in the initial moments of infection, thus creating the opportunity of using them as the target of new pharmacological treatments and vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alonso da Silva Lira Filho
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Emanuella Francisco Fajardo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Kwang Poo Chang
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Pauline Clément
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Olivier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Martin Olivier,
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Chan A, Ayala JM, Alvarez F, Piccirillo C, Dong G, Langlais D, Olivier M. The role of Leishmania GP63 in the modulation of innate inflammatory response to Leishmania major infection. PLoS One 2022; 16:e0262158. [PMID: 34972189 PMCID: PMC8719666 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania and is known to affect millions of individuals worldwide. In recent years, we have established the critical role played by Leishmania zinc-metalloprotease GP63 in the modulation of host macrophage signalling and functions, favouring its survival and progression within its host. Leishmania major lacking GP63 was reported to cause limited infection in mice, however, it is still unclear how GP63 may influence the innate inflammatory response and parasite survival in an in vivo context. Therefore, we were interested in analyzing the early innate inflammatory events upon Leishmania inoculation within mice and establish whether Leishmania GP63 influences this initial inflammatory response. Experimentally, L. major WT (L. majorWT), L. major GP63 knockout (L. majorKO), or L. major GP63 rescue (L. majorR) were intraperitoneally inoculated in mice and the inflammatory cells recruited were characterized microscopically and by flow cytometry (number and cell type), and their infection determined. Pro-inflammatory markers such as cytokines, chemokines, and extracellular vesicles (EVs, e.g. exosomes) were monitored and proteomic analysis was performed on exosome contents. Data obtained from this study suggest that Leishmania GP63 does not significantly influence the pathogen-induced inflammatory cell recruitment, but rather their activation status and effector function. Concordantly, internalization of promastigotes during early infection could be influenced by GP63 as fewer L. majorKO amastigotes were found within host cells and appear to maintain in host cells over time. Collectively this study provides a clear analysis of innate inflammatory events occurring during L. major infection and further establish the prominent role of the virulence factor GP63 to provide favourable conditions for host cell infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aretha Chan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jose-Mauricio Ayala
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill Genome Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fernando Alvarez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- FOCiS Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ciriaco Piccirillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada
- FOCiS Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - George Dong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Langlais
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill Genome Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada
- * E-mail: (MO); (DL)
| | - Martin Olivier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montreal, QC, Canada
- FOCiS Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology, Montréal, QC, Canada
- * E-mail: (MO); (DL)
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Salas N, Coceres VM, Melo TDS, Pereira-Neves A, Maguire VG, Rodriguez TM, Sabatke B, Ramirez MI, Sha J, Wohlschlegel JA, de Miguel N. VPS32, a member of the ESCRT complex, modulates adherence to host cells in the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis by affecting biogenesis and cargo sorting of released extracellular vesicles. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 79:11. [PMID: 34951683 PMCID: PMC11073171 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is a common sexually transmitted extracellular parasite that adheres to epithelial cells in the human urogenital tract. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been described as important players in the pathogenesis of this parasite as they deliver proteins and RNA into host cells and modulate parasite adherence. EVs are heterogeneous membrane vesicles released from virtually all cell types that collectively represent a new dimension of intercellular communication. The Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery contributes to several key mechanisms in which it reshapes membranes. Based on this, some components of the ESCRT have been implicated in EVs biogenesis in other cells. Here, we demonstrated that VPS32, a member of ESCRTIII complex, contribute to the biogenesis and cargo sorting of extracellular vesicles in the parasite T. vaginalis. Moreover, we observe that parasites overexpressing VPS32 have a striking increase in adherence to host cells compared to control parasites; demonstrating a key role for this protein in mediating host: parasite interactions. These results provide valuable information on the molecular mechanisms involved in extracellular vesicles biogenesis, cargo-sorting, and parasite pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehuén Salas
- Laboratorio de Parásitos Anaerobios, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-UNSAM, Intendente Marino Km 8.2, B7130IWA, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Veronica M Coceres
- Laboratorio de Parásitos Anaerobios, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-UNSAM, Intendente Marino Km 8.2, B7130IWA, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tuanne Dos Santos Melo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Antonio Pereira-Neves
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Vanina G Maguire
- Laboratorio de Parásitos Anaerobios, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-UNSAM, Intendente Marino Km 8.2, B7130IWA, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tania M Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Parásitos Anaerobios, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-UNSAM, Intendente Marino Km 8.2, B7130IWA, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bruna Sabatke
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular e Sistémica de Tripanossomatideos, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fiocruz Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Marcel I Ramirez
- Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular e Sistémica de Tripanossomatideos, Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fiocruz Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Jihui Sha
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1489, USA
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1489, USA
| | - Natalia de Miguel
- Laboratorio de Parásitos Anaerobios, Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), CONICET-UNSAM, Intendente Marino Km 8.2, B7130IWA, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Telleria EL, Azevedo-Brito DA, Kykalová B, Tinoco-Nunes B, Pitaluga AN, Volf P, Traub-Csekö YM. Leishmania infantum Infection Modulates the Jak-STAT Pathway in Lutzomyia longipalpis LL5 Embryonic Cells and Adult Females, and Affects Parasite Growth in the Sand Fly. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.747820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae) belonging to the Lutzomyia genus transmit zoonoses in the New World. Lutzomyia longipalpis is the main vector of Leishmania infantum, which is the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil. To identify key molecular aspects involved in the interaction between vector and pathogens and contribute to developing disease transmission controls, we investigated the sand fly innate immunity mediated by the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (Jak-STAT) pathway in response to L. infantum infection. We used two study models: L. longipalpis LL5 embryonic cells co-cultured with L. infantum and sand fly females artificially infected with the parasite. We used qPCR to follow the L. longipalpis gene expression of molecules involved in the Jak-STAT pathway. Also, we modulated the Jak-STAT mediated immune response to understand its role in Leishmania parasite infection. For that, we used RNAi to silence the pathway regulators, protein inhibitor of activated STATs (PIAS) in LL5 cells, and STAT in adult females. In addition, the pathway suppression effect on parasite development within the vector was assessed by light microscopy in late-phase infection. The silencing of the repressor PIAS in LL5 cells led to a moderate increase in a protein tyrosine phosphatase 61F (PTP61F) expression. It suggests a compensatory regulation between these two repressors. L. infantum co-culture with LL5 cells upregulated repressors PIAS, suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS), and PTP61F. It also downmodulated virus-induced RNA-1 (VIR-1), a pathway effector, indicating that the parasite could repress the Jak-STAT pathway in LL5 cells. In Leishmania-infected L. longipalpis females, STAT and the antimicrobial peptide attacin were downregulated on the third day post-infection, suggesting a correlation that favors the parasite survival at the end of blood digestion in the sand fly. The antibiotic treatment of infected females showed that the reduction of gut bacteria had little effect on the Jak-STAT pathway regulation. STAT gene silencing mediated by RNAi reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and favored Leishmania growth in sand flies on the first day post-infection. These results indicate that STAT participated in the iNOS regulation with subsequent effect on parasite survival.
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Wei FR, Gao CH, Wang JY, Yang YT, Shi F, Zheng B. Label-Free Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Three Strains of Viscerotropic Leishmania Isolated from Patients with Different Epidemiological Types of Visceral Leishmaniasis in China. Acta Parasitol 2021; 66:1366-1386. [PMID: 34019278 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00387-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are three epidemiological types of visceral leishmaniasis in China, which are caused by Leishmania strains belonging to the L. donovani complex. The mechanisms underlying their differences in the population affected, disease latency, and animal host, etc., remain unclear. We investigated the protein abundance differences among Leishmania strains isolated from three types of visceral leishmaniasis endemic areas in China. METHODS Promastigotes of the three Leishmania strains were cultured to the log phase and harvested. The protein tryptic digests were analyzed with liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), followed by label-free quantitative analysis. The MS experiment was performed on a Q Exactive mass spectrometer. Raw spectra were quantitatively analyzed with the MaxQuant software (ver 1.3.0.5) and matched with the reference database. Differentially expressed proteins were analyzed using the bioinformatics method. The MS analysis was repeated three times for each sample. RESULTS A total of 5012 proteins were identified across the KS-2, JIASHI-5 and SC6 strains in at least 2 of the three samples replicate. Of them, 1758 were identified to be differentially expressed at least between 2 strains, including 349 with known names. These differentially expressed proteins with known names are involved in biological functions such as energy and lipid metabolic process, nucleotide acid metabolic process, amino acid metabolic process, response to stress, cell membrane/cytoskeleton, cell cycle and proliferation, biological adhesion and proteolysis, localization and transport, regulation of the biological process, and signal transduction. CONCLUSION The differentially expressed proteins and their related biological functions may shed light on the pathogenicity of Leishmania and targets for the development of vaccines and medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Rong Wei
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chun-Hua Gao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jun-Yun Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Yue-Tao Yang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Feng Shi
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Pissarra J, Pagniez J, Petitdidier E, Séveno M, Vigy O, Bras-Gonçalves R, Lemesre JL, Holzmuller P. Proteomic Analysis of the Promastigote Secretome of Seven Leishmania Species. J Proteome Res 2021; 21:30-48. [PMID: 34806897 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is one of the most impactful parasitic diseases worldwide, endangering the lives of 1 billion people every year. There are 20 different species of Leishmania able to infect humans, causing cutaneous (CL), visceral (VL), and/or mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). Leishmania parasites are known to secrete a plethora of proteins to establish infection and modulate the host's immune system. In this study, we analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry the total protein content of the secretomes produced by promastigote forms from seven Leishmania species grown in serum-free in vitro cultures. The core secretome shared by all seven Leishmania species corresponds to up to one-third of total secreted proteins, suggesting conserved mechanisms of adaptation to the vertebrate host. The relative abundance confirms the importance of known virulence factors and some proteins uniquely present in CL- or VL-causing species and may provide further insight regarding their pathogenesis. Bioinformatic analysis showed that most proteins were secreted via unconventional mechanisms, with an important role for vesicle-based secretion for all species. Gene Ontology annotation and enrichment analyses showed a high level of functional conservation among species. This study contributes to the current knowledge on the biological significance of differently secreted proteins and provides new information on the correlation of Leishmania secretome to clinical outcomes and species-specific pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Pissarra
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Pagniez
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Elodie Petitdidier
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Martial Séveno
- BCM, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Oana Vigy
- IGF, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Rachel Bras-Gonçalves
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Loup Lemesre
- UMR 177 INTERTRYP, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Holzmuller
- UMR ASTRE, CIRAD, INRAE, University of Montpellier (I-MUSE), 34090 Montpellier, France
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Borges AR, Link F, Engstler M, Jones NG. The Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Anchor: A Linchpin for Cell Surface Versatility of Trypanosomatids. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:720536. [PMID: 34790656 PMCID: PMC8591177 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.720536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) to anchor proteins to the cell surface is widespread among eukaryotes. The GPI-anchor is covalently attached to the C-terminus of a protein and mediates the protein’s attachment to the outer leaflet of the lipid bilayer. GPI-anchored proteins have a wide range of functions, including acting as receptors, transporters, and adhesion molecules. In unicellular eukaryotic parasites, abundantly expressed GPI-anchored proteins are major virulence factors, which support infection and survival within distinct host environments. While, for example, the variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) is the major component of the cell surface of the bloodstream form of African trypanosomes, procyclin is the most abundant protein of the procyclic form which is found in the invertebrate host, the tsetse fly vector. Trypanosoma cruzi, on the other hand, expresses a variety of GPI-anchored molecules on their cell surface, such as mucins, that interact with their hosts. The latter is also true for Leishmania, which use GPI anchors to display, amongst others, lipophosphoglycans on their surface. Clearly, GPI-anchoring is a common feature in trypanosomatids and the fact that it has been maintained throughout eukaryote evolution indicates its adaptive value. Here, we explore and discuss GPI anchors as universal evolutionary building blocks that support the great variety of surface molecules of trypanosomatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa R Borges
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Link
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Engstler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicola G Jones
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Clementino LDC, Fernandes GFS, Prokopczyk IM, Laurindo WC, Toyama D, Motta BP, Baviera AM, Henrique-Silva F, dos Santos JL, Graminha MAS. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of N-oxide derivatives with potent in vivo antileishmanial activity. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259008. [PMID: 34723989 PMCID: PMC8559926 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease that affects 12 million people living mainly in developing countries. Herein, 24 new N-oxide-containing compounds were synthesized followed by in vitro and in vivo evaluation of their antileishmanial activity. Compound 4f, a furoxan derivative, was particularly remarkable in this regard, with EC50 value of 3.6 μM against L. infantum amastigote forms and CC50 value superior to 500 μM against murine peritoneal macrophages. In vitro studies suggested that 4f may act by a dual effect, by releasing nitric oxide after biotransformation and by inhibiting cysteine protease CPB (IC50: 4.5 μM). In vivo studies using an acute model of infection showed that compound 4f at 7.7 mg/Kg reduced ~90% of parasite burden in the liver and spleen of L. infantum-infected BALB/c mice. Altogether, these outcomes highlight furoxan 4f as a promising compound for further evaluation as an antileishmanial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro da Costa Clementino
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, Brazil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Felipe Santos Fernandes
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, Brazil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | | | - Wilquer Castro Laurindo
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute of Chemistry, Araraquara, Brazil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Danyelle Toyama
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Bruno Pereira Motta
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Amanda Martins Baviera
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Flávio Henrique-Silva
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
| | - Jean Leandro dos Santos
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JLS); (MASG)
| | - Marcia A. S. Graminha
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Araraquara, Brazil
- * E-mail: (JLS); (MASG)
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Antonia AL, Barnes AB, Martin AT, Wang L, Ko DC. Variation in Leishmania chemokine suppression driven by diversification of the GP63 virulence factor. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009224. [PMID: 34710089 PMCID: PMC8577781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009224] [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: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease with diverse outcomes ranging from self-healing lesions, to progressive non-healing lesions, to metastatic spread and destruction of mucous membranes. Although resolution of cutaneous leishmaniasis is a classic example of type-1 immunity leading to self-healing lesions, an excess of type-1 related inflammation can contribute to immunopathology and metastatic spread. Leishmania genetic diversity can contribute to variation in polarization and robustness of the immune response through differences in both pathogen sensing by the host and immune evasion by the parasite. In this study, we observed a difference in parasite chemokine suppression between the Leishmania (L.) subgenus and the Viannia (V.) subgenus, which is associated with severe immune-mediated pathology such as mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. While Leishmania (L.) subgenus parasites utilize the virulence factor and metalloprotease glycoprotein-63 (gp63) to suppress the type-1 associated host chemokine CXCL10, L. (V.) panamensis did not suppress CXCL10. To understand the molecular basis for the inter-species variation in chemokine suppression, we used in silico modeling to identify a putative CXCL10-binding site on GP63. The putative CXCL10 binding site is in a region of gp63 under significant positive selection, and it varies from the L. major wild-type sequence in all gp63 alleles identified in the L. (V.) panamensis reference genome. Mutating wild-type L. (L.) major gp63 to the L. (V.) panamensis sequence at the putative binding site impaired cleavage of CXCL10 but not a non-specific protease substrate. Notably, Viannia clinical isolates confirmed that L. (V.) panamensis primarily encodes non-CXCL10-cleaving gp63 alleles. In contrast, L. (V.) braziliensis has an intermediate level of activity, consistent with this species having more equal proportions of both alleles. Our results demonstrate how parasite genetic diversity can contribute to variation in immune responses to Leishmania spp. infection that may play critical roles in the outcome of infection. Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Leishmania parasites and spread by the bites of infected sand flies. Most cases of leishmaniasis present as self-healing sores that are resolved by a balanced immune response. Other cases of leishmaniasis involve spread to sites distant from the original bite, including damage of the inner surfaces of the mouth and nose. These cases of leishmaniasis involve an excessive immune response. Leishmania parasites produce virulence factor proteins, such as GP63, to trick the immune system into mounting a weaker response. GP63 specifically degrades signaling proteins that attract and activate certain immune cells. Here, we demonstrate that Leishmania parasite species have evolved to differ in their ability to degrade signaling proteins. In Leishmania species known to cause more immune-mediated tissue damage, the GP63 virulence factor has evolved to not degrade specific immune signaling proteins, thus attracting, and activating more immune cells. Our results demonstrate how diversity among Leishmania parasite species can contribute to variation in immune responses that may play critical roles in the outcome of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro L. Antonia
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alyson B. Barnes
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Amelia T. Martin
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Liuyang Wang
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Dennis C. Ko
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Cysteine proteases as potential targets for anti-trypanosomatid drug discovery. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 46:116365. [PMID: 34419821 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are endemic neglected disease in South America and Africa and considered a significant public health problem, mainly in poor communities. The limitations of the current available therapeutic options, including the lack of specificity, relatively high toxicity, and the drug resistance acquiring, drive the constant search for new targets and therapeutic options. Advances in knowledge of parasite biology have revealed essential enzymes involved in the replication, survival, and pathogenicity of Leishmania and Trypanosoma species. In this scenario, cysteine proteases have drawn the attention of researchers and they are being proposed as promising targets for drug discovery of antiprotozoal drugs. In this systematic review, we will provide an update on drug discovery strategies targeting the cysteine proteases as potential targets for chemotherapy against protozoal neglected diseases.
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A New Model Trypanosomatid, Novymonas esmeraldas: Genomic Perception of Its " Candidatus Pandoraea novymonadis" Endosymbiont. mBio 2021; 12:e0160621. [PMID: 34399629 PMCID: PMC8406214 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01606-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The closest relative of human pathogen Leishmania, the trypanosomatid Novymonas esmeraldas, harbors a bacterial endosymbiont “Candidatus Pandoraea novymonadis.” Based on genomic data, we performed a detailed characterization of the metabolic interactions of both partners. While in many respects the metabolism of N. esmeraldas resembles that of other Leishmaniinae, the endosymbiont provides the trypanosomatid with heme, essential amino acids, purines, some coenzymes, and vitamins. In return, N. esmeraldas shares with the bacterium several nonessential amino acids and phospholipids. Moreover, it complements its carbohydrate metabolism and urea cycle with enzymes missing from the “Ca. Pandoraea novymonadis” genome. The removal of the endosymbiont from N. esmeraldas results in a significant reduction of the overall translation rate, reduced expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial respiratory activity, and downregulation of several aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, enzymes involved in the synthesis of some amino acids, as well as proteins associated with autophagy. At the same time, the genes responsible for protection against reactive oxygen species and DNA repair become significantly upregulated in the aposymbiotic strain of this trypanosomatid. By knocking out a component of its flagellum, we turned N. esmeraldas into a new model trypanosomatid that is amenable to genetic manipulation using both conventional and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated approaches.
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The genome of the thin-necked bladder worm Taenia hydatigena reveals evolutionary strategies for helminth survival. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1004. [PMID: 34429506 PMCID: PMC8384839 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02536-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Taenia hydatigena is a widespread gastrointestinal helminth that causes significant health problems in livestock industry. This parasite can survive in a remarkably wide range of intermediate hosts and affects the transmission dynamics of zoonotic parasites. T. hydatigena is therefore of particular interest to researchers interested in studying zoonotic diseases and the evolutionary strategies of parasites. Herein we report a high-quality draft genome for this tapeworm, characterized by some hallmarks (e.g., expanded genome size, wide integrations of viral-like sequences and extensive alternative splicing during development), and specialized adaptations related to its parasitic fitness (e.g., adaptive evolutions for teguments and lipid metabolism). Importantly, in contrast with the evolutionarily close trematodes, which achieve gene diversification associated with immunosuppression by gene family expansions, in T. hydatigena and other cestodes, this is accomplished by alternative splicing and gene loss. This indicates that these two classes have evolved different mechanisms for survival. In addition, molecular targets for diagnosis and intervention were identified to facilitate the development of control interventions. Overall, this work uncovers new strategies by which helminths evolved to interact with their hosts.
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Anti-Leishmania braziliensis activity of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and its Cu(II) and Ag(I) complexes. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3273-3285. [PMID: 34363115 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07265-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis, included in the priority list of the WHO, remains as a neglected disease caused by parasites of the Leishmania genus. There is no vaccine available for human leishmaniasis, and the current treatment is based on old drugs that cause serious side effects. Herein, we initially studied the cellular distribution of the virulence factor gp63, the major metallopeptidase, in a virulent strain of Leishmania braziliensis, and then we measured the inhibitory effects of 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione (phendione), and its metal complexes, [Cu(phendione)3](ClO4)2.4H2O and [Ag(phendione)2]ClO4, on both cellular and extracellular metallopeptidases produced by promastigotes. The action of the three compounds on parasite viability and on parasite-macrophage interaction was also determined. Gp63 molecules were detected in several parasite compartments, including the cytoplasm, the membrane lining the cell body and flagellum, and in the flagellar pocket, which explains the presence of gp63 in the culture medium. The test compounds inhibited parasite metallopeptidases in a typical dose-dependent manner, and they also caused a significant and irreversible inhibition of parasite motility. Moreover, the pre-treatment of promastigotes with the test compounds induced a decrease in the association index with macrophages. Collectively, phendione and its Cu(II) and Ag(I) complexes are excellent prototypes for the development of new anti-L. braziliensis drugs.
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Hendrickx S, Reis-Cunha JL, Forrester S, Jeffares DC, Caljon G. Experimental Selection of Paromomycin Resistance in Leishmania donovani Amastigotes Induces Variable Genomic Polymorphisms. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081546. [PMID: 34442625 PMCID: PMC8398221 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The relatively high post-treatment relapse rates of paromomycin (PMM) in visceral leishmaniasis treatment and the swift emergence of experimental drug resistance challenge its broad application and urge for rational use and monitoring of resistance. However, no causal molecular mechanisms to Leishmania PMM resistance have been identified so far. To gain insights into potential resistance mechanisms, twelve experimentally selected Leishmania donovani clonal lines and the non-cloned preselection population, with variable degrees of PMM resistance, were subjected to whole genome sequencing. To identify genomic variations potentially associated with resistance, SNPs, Indels, chromosomal somy and gene copy number variations were compared between the different parasite lines. A total of 11 short nucleotide variations and the copy number alterations in 39 genes were correlated to PMM resistance. Some of the identified genes are involved in transcription, translation and protein turn-over (transcription elongation factor-like protein, RNA-binding protein, ribosomal protein L1a, 60S ribosomal protein L6, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-1, proteasome regulatory non-ATP-ase subunit 3), virulence (major surface protease gp63, protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1-like protein), mitochondrial function (ADP/ATP mitochondrial carrier-like protein), signaling (phosphatidylinositol 3-related kinase, protein kinase putative and protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1-like protein) and vesicular trafficking (ras-related protein RAB1). These results indicate that, in Leishmania, the aminoglycoside PMM affects protein translational processes and underlines the complex and probably multifactorial origin of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hendrickx
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - João Luís Reis-Cunha
- Department of Biology and York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO31 5DD, UK; (J.L.R.-C.); (S.F.)
| | - Sarah Forrester
- Department of Biology and York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO31 5DD, UK; (J.L.R.-C.); (S.F.)
| | - Daniel C. Jeffares
- Department of Biology and York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO31 5DD, UK; (J.L.R.-C.); (S.F.)
- Correspondence: (D.C.J.); (G.C.); Tel.: +32-3-265-26-01 (G.C.)
| | - Guy Caljon
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Parasitology and Hygiene (LMPH), University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (D.C.J.); (G.C.); Tel.: +32-3-265-26-01 (G.C.)
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