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Peterková K, Konečný L, Macháček T, Jedličková L, Winkelmann F, Sombetzki M, Dvořák J. Winners vs. losers: Schistosoma mansoni intestinal and liver eggs exhibit striking differences in gene expression and immunogenicity. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012268. [PMID: 38814989 PMCID: PMC11166329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The eggs of the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni are the main cause of the clinical manifestations of chronic schistosomiasis. After laying, the egg "winners" attach to the endothelium of the mesenteric vein and, after a period of development, induce the growth of a small granuloma, which facilitates their passage to the intestinal lumen. Egg "losers" carried by the bloodstream to non-specific tissues also undergo full development and induce large granuloma formation, but their life ends there. Although these trapped eggs represent a dead end in the parasite life cycle, the vast majority of studies attempting to describe the biology of the S. mansoni eggs have studied these liver-trapped "losers" instead of migrating intestinal "winners". This raises the fundamental question of how these eggs differ. With robust comparative transcriptomic analysis performed on S. mansoni eggs isolated 7 weeks post infection, we show that gene expression is critically dependent on tissue localization, both in the early and late stages of development. While mitochondrial genes and venom allergen-like proteins are significantly upregulated in mature intestinal eggs, well-described egg immunomodulators IPSE/alpha-1 and omega-1, together with micro-exon genes, are predominantly expressed in liver eggs. In addition, several proteases and protease inhibitors previously implicated in egg-host interactions display clear tissue-specific gene expression patterns. These major differences in gene expression could be then reflected in the observed different ability of liver and intestinal soluble egg antigens to elicit host immune responses and in the shorter viability of miracidia hatched from liver eggs. Our comparative analysis provides a new perspective on the biology of parasite's eggs in the context of their development and tissue localization. These findings could contribute to a broader and more accurate understanding of parasite eggs interactions with the host, which have historically been often restricted to liver eggs and sometimes inaccurately generalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristýna Peterková
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lukáš Konečný
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Ecology, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Macháček
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lucie Jedličková
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Franziska Winkelmann
- Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Abteilung für Tropenmedizin, Infektionskrankheiten und Sektion Nephrologie, Rostock, Germany
| | - Martina Sombetzki
- Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Abteilung für Tropenmedizin, Infektionskrankheiten und Sektion Nephrologie, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jan Dvořák
- Department of Ecology, Center of Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czechia
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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2
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Shukla R, Soni J, Kumar A, Pandey R. Uncovering the diversity of pathogenic invaders: insights into protozoa, fungi, and worm infections. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1374438. [PMID: 38596382 PMCID: PMC11003270 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1374438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Post COVID-19, there has been renewed interest in understanding the pathogens challenging the human health and evaluate our preparedness towards dealing with health challenges in future. In this endeavour, it is not only the bacteria and the viruses, but a greater community of pathogens. Such pathogenic microorganisms, include protozoa, fungi and worms, which establish a distinct variety of disease-causing agents with the capability to impact the host's well-being as well as the equity of ecosystem. This review summarises the peculiar characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms utilized by these disease-causing organisms. It features their role in causing infection in the concerned host and emphasizes the need for further research. Understanding the layers of pathogenesis encompassing the concerned infectious microbes will help expand targeted inferences with relation to the cause of the infection. This would strengthen and augment benefit to the host's health along with the maintenance of ecosystem network, exhibiting host-pathogen interaction cycle. This would be key to discover the layers underlying differential disease severities in response to similar/same pathogen infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Shukla
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, INGEN-HOPE (INtegrative GENomics of HOst-PathogEn) Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Delhi, India
| | - Jyoti Soni
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, INGEN-HOPE (INtegrative GENomics of HOst-PathogEn) Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, INGEN-HOPE (INtegrative GENomics of HOst-PathogEn) Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Pandey
- Division of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, INGEN-HOPE (INtegrative GENomics of HOst-PathogEn) Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), Delhi, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Quek ZBR, Ng SH. Hybrid-Capture Target Enrichment in Human Pathogens: Identification, Evolution, Biosurveillance, and Genomic Epidemiology. Pathogens 2024; 13:275. [PMID: 38668230 PMCID: PMC11054155 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has revolutionised the field of pathogen genomics, enabling the direct recovery of pathogen genomes from clinical and environmental samples. However, pathogen nucleic acids are often overwhelmed by those of the host, requiring deep metagenomic sequencing to recover sufficient sequences for downstream analyses (e.g., identification and genome characterisation). To circumvent this, hybrid-capture target enrichment (HC) is able to enrich pathogen nucleic acids across multiple scales of divergences and taxa, depending on the panel used. In this review, we outline the applications of HC in human pathogens-bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses-including identification, genomic epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance genotyping, and evolution. Importantly, we explored the applicability of HC to clinical metagenomics, which ultimately requires more work before it is a reliable and accurate tool for clinical diagnosis. Relatedly, the utility of HC was exemplified by COVID-19, which was used as a case study to illustrate the maturity of HC for recovering pathogen sequences. As we unravel the origins of COVID-19, zoonoses remain more relevant than ever. Therefore, the role of HC in biosurveillance studies is also highlighted in this review, which is critical in preparing us for the next pandemic. We also found that while HC is a popular tool to study viruses, it remains underutilised in parasites and fungi and, to a lesser extent, bacteria. Finally, weevaluated the future of HC with respect to bait design in the eukaryotic groups and the prospect of combining HC with long-read HTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z. B. Randolph Quek
- Defence Medical & Environmental Research Institute, DSO National Laboratories, Singapore 117510, Singapore
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Gomides TAR, de Souza MLM, de Figueiredo AB, Lima MR, Silveira AMS, de Assis GFM, Fraga LAO, Silveira-Nunes G, Martucci L, Garcia JD, Afonso LCC, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Leite PM. Expression of SmATPDases 1 and 2 in Schistosoma mansoni eggs favours IL-10 production in infected individuals. Parasite Immunol 2024; 46:e13017. [PMID: 37922505 DOI: 10.1111/pim.13017] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
A role of IL-10 is down-regulating T-cell responses to schistosome antigens. Since SmATPDases can be correlated to modulation of the immune response, we evaluated the expression of enzymes in S. mansoni eggs. Faecal samples were collected from 40 infected individuals to detect coding regions of the SmATPDases. The cytokines were measured in supernatants of PBMC. The analysis was performed by the global median determination and set up high producers (HP) of cytokines. Six individuals expressed SmATPDase1, six expressed SmATPDase2 and six expressed both enzymes. The group who expressed only SmATPDase1 showed a high frequency of IFN-γ, TNF IL-4 HP; individuals who expressed only SmATPDase2 showed a high frequency of IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-4 HP; and individuals who expressed both enzymes showed a high frequency of IL-10 HP. The comparison of the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio presented higher indices in the group who had SmATPDase 2 expression than those who had the expression of both enzymes. The positive correlation between infection intensity and IL-10 levels remained only in the positive SmATPDase group. The IL-10 is the only cytokine induced by the expression of both enzymes. Our data suggest that the expression of both enzymes seems to be a factor that modulates the host immune response by inducing high IL-10 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalisson Artur Ribeiro Gomides
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
- Laboratório de Imunologia da Universidade Vale do Rio Doce, Govenador Valadares, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Braga de Figueiredo
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Alda Maria Soares Silveira
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Avançado de Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | | | - Lúcia Alves Oliveira Fraga
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Avançado de Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Silveira-Nunes
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Avançado de Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Letícia Martucci
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Avançado de Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Jennifer Delgado Garcia
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Avançado de Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
| | - Luís Carlos Crocco Afonso
- Laboratório de Imunoparasitologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Andréa Teixeira-Carvalho
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisas em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Pauline Martins Leite
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora - Campus Avançado de Governador Valadares, Governador Valadares, Brazil
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Parker-Manuel SJ, Wilson RA. An atlas of the germ ball-cercaria-schistosomulum transition in Schistosoma mansoni, using confocal microscopy and in situ hybridisation. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 2:100087. [PMID: 35514673 PMCID: PMC9062357 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomes are complex platyhelminth parasites with a genome comprising ∼12,000 protein-coding genes, three distinct generations, and at least seven distinct phenotypes. We chart here cellular and gene expression changes associated with development of the cercaria, in the intramolluscan daughter sporocyst, and its transformation into the skin stage schistosomulum upon infection of the mammalian host. We describe the morphology of the early daughter sporocyst and the increasing complexity of cellular organisation in germ balls as they rapidly develop into cercariae. We show how individual myocytes differentiate and combine to create the complex musculature of the head capsule and body wall. In situ hybridisation reveals that some transcripts encoding the secretory proteins, released during skin penetration, are expressed in gland-cell precursors very early in germ ball development. However, those for the projected anti-inflammatory protein Sm16-stathmin are widely expressed in germ ball tissues, suggesting the protein has intracellular functions. Transcripts for smkk7 are expressed in six cells of the larval body, while the KK7 protein is present throughout the peripheral nerve net, including sensory nerve bulbs, providing a marker for the nerve net in adult worms. We also note that the cercaria-schistosomulum transformation is accompanied by tissue remodelling without growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Alan Wilson
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK.,York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
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6
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Castro-Borges W, Wilson RA. Schistosome proteomics: updates and clinical implications. Expert Rev Proteomics 2022; 19:247-261. [PMID: 36331139 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2022.2142565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schistosomes are long-lived blood dwelling helminth parasites using intricate mechanisms to invade, mature, and reproduce inside their vertebrate hosts, whilst simultaneously deploying immune evasion strategies. Their multi-tissue organization and solid body plan presents particular problems for the definition of sub-proteomes. AREAS COVERED Here, we focus on the two host-parasite interfaces of the adult worm accessible to the immune system, namely the tegument and the alimentary tract, but also on the secretions of the infective cercaria, the migrating schistosomulum and the mature egg. In parallel, we introduce the concepts of "leakyome' and 'disintegrome' to emphasize the importance of interpreting data in the context of schistosome biology so that misleading conclusions about the distinct proteome compositions are avoided. Lastly, we highlight the possible clinical implications of the reviewed proteomic findings for pathogenesis, vaccine design and diagnostics. EXPERT OPINION Proteomics has provided considerable insights into the biology of schistosomes, most importantly for rational selection of novel vaccine candidates that might confer protective immunity, but also into the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. However, given the increasing sensitivity of mass spectrometric instrumentation, we stress the need for care in data interpretation since schistosomes do not deviate from the fundamental rules of eukaryotic cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Castro-Borges
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brasil
| | - R Alan Wilson
- Department of Biology and York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
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7
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Lu Z, Sankaranarayanan G, Rawlinson KA, Offord V, Brindley PJ, Berriman M, Rinaldi G. The Transcriptome of Schistosoma mansoni Developing Eggs Reveals Key Mediators in Pathogenesis and Life Cycle Propagation. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021; 2:713123. [PMID: 36389622 PMCID: PMC7613829 DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.713123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, the most important helminthic disease of humanity, is caused by infection with parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. The disease is driven by parasite eggs becoming trapped in host tissues, followed by inflammation and granuloma formation. Despite abundant transcriptome data for most developmental stages of the three main human-infective schistosome species—Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium—the transcriptomic profiles of developing eggs remain under unexplored. In this study, we performed RNAseq of S. mansoni eggs laid in vitro during early and late embryogenesis, days 1-3 and 3-6 post-oviposition, respectively. Analysis of the transcriptomes identified hundreds of up-regulated genes during the later stage, including venom allergen-like (VAL) proteins, well-established host immunomodulators, and genes involved in organogenesis of the miracidium larva. In addition, the transcriptomes of the in vitro laid eggs were compared with existing publicly available RNA-seq datasets from S. mansoni eggs collected from the livers of rodent hosts. Analysis of enriched GO terms and pathway annotations revealed cell division and protein synthesis processes associated with early embryogenesis, whereas cellular metabolic processes, microtubule-based movement, and microtubule cytoskeleton organization were enriched in the later developmental time point. This is the first transcriptomic analysis of S. mansoni embryonic development, and will facilitate our understanding of infection pathogenesis, miracidial development and life cycle progression of schistosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Lu
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kate A. Rawlinson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Offord
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J. Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Correspondence: Gabriel Rinaldi,
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Oliveira NF, Silva CLM. Unveiling the Potential of Purinergic Signaling in Schistosomiasis Treatment. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:193-204. [PMID: 32972342 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200924115113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease. It is related to long-lasting granulomatous fibrosis and inflammation of target organs, and current sub-optimal pharmacological treatment creates global public health concerns. Intravascular worms and eggs release antigens and extracellular vesicles that target host endothelial cells, modulate the immune system, and stimulate the release of damageassociated molecular patterns (DAMPs). ATP, one of the most studied DAMPs, triggers a cascade of autocrine and paracrine actions through purinergic P2X and P2Y receptors, which are shaped by ectonucleotidases (CD39). Both P2 receptor families, and in particular P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y12, and P2X7 receptors, have been attracting increasing interest in several inflammatory diseases and drug development. Current data obtained from the murine model unveiled a CD39-ADP-P2Y1/P2Y12 receptors signaling pathway linked to the liver and mesenteric exacerbations of schistosomal inflammation. Therefore, we proposed that members of this purinergic signaling could be putative pharmacological targets to reduce schistosomal morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathália Ferreira Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Claudia Lucia Martins Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular and Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Farias LP, Vitoriano-Souza J, Cardozo LE, Gama LDR, Singh Y, Miyasato PA, Almeida GT, Rodriguez D, Barbosa MMF, Fernandes RS, Barbosa TC, Neto APDS, Nakano E, Ho PL, Verjovski-Almeida S, Nakaya HI, Wilson RA, Leite LCDC. Systems Biology Analysis of the Radiation-Attenuated Schistosome Vaccine Reveals a Role for Growth Factors in Protection and Hemostasis Inhibition in Parasite Survival. Front Immunol 2021; 12:624191. [PMID: 33777004 PMCID: PMC7996093 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.624191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of several decades of research, an effective vaccine against schistosomiasis remains elusive. The radiation-attenuated (RA) cercarial vaccine is still the best model eliciting high protection levels, although the immune mechanisms have not yet been fully characterized. In order to identify genes and pathways underlying protection we investigated patterns of gene expression in PBMC and skin draining Lymph Nodes (LN) from mice using two exposure comparisons: vaccination with 500 attenuated cercariae versus infection with 500 normal cercariae; one versus three doses. Vaccinated mice were challenged with 120 normal parasites. Integration of PBMC and LN data from the infected group revealed early up-regulation of pathways associated with Th2 skewing and polarization of IgG antibody profiles. Additionally, hemostasis pathways were downregulated in infected mice, correlating with platelet reduction, potentially a mechanism to assist parasite migration through capillary beds. Conversely, up regulation of such mechanisms after vaccination may explain parasite blockade in the lungs. In contrast, a single exposure to attenuated parasites revealed early establishment of a Th1 bias (signaling of IL-1, IFN-γ; and Leishmania infection). Genes encoding chemokines and their receptors were more prominent in vaccinated mice, indicating an enhanced capacity for inflammation, potentially augmenting the inhibition of intravascular migration. Increasing the vaccinations from one to three did not dramatically elevate protection, but there was a clear shift towards antibody-mediated effectors. However, elements of the Th1 bias were still evident. Notable features after three vaccinations were markers of cytotoxicity (including IL-6 and NK cells) together with growth factors and their receptors (FGFR/VEGF/EGF) and the apoptosis pathway. Indeed, there is evidence for the development of anergy after three vaccinations, borne out by the limited responses detected in samples after challenge. We infer that persistence of a Th1 response puts a limit on expression of antibody-mediated mechanisms. This feature may explain the failure of multiple doses to drive protection towards sterile immunity. We suggest that the secretions of lung stage parasites would make a novel cohort of antigens for testing in protection experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Paiva Farias
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Inflamação e Biomarcadores, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Youvika Singh
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Giulliana Tessarin Almeida
- Laboratorio de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dunia Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mayra Mara Ferrari Barbosa
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia—USP-Butantan-IPT, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Sachetto Fernandes
- Laboratorio de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia—USP-Butantan-IPT, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Almiro Pires da Silva Neto
- Laboratório de Inflamação e Biomarcadores, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Eliana Nakano
- Laboratorio de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Lee Ho
- Centro BioIndustrial, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sergio Verjovski-Almeida
- Laboratorio de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helder Imoto Nakaya
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robert Alan Wilson
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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10
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Farias LP, Vance GM, Coulson PS, Vitoriano-Souza J, Neto APDS, Wangwiwatsin A, Neves LX, Castro-Borges W, McNicholas S, Wilson KS, Leite LCC, Wilson RA. Epitope Mapping of Exposed Tegument and Alimentary Tract Proteins Identifies Putative Antigenic Targets of the Attenuated Schistosome Vaccine. Front Immunol 2021; 11:624613. [PMID: 33763055 PMCID: PMC7982949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.624613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The radiation-attenuated cercarial vaccine remains the gold standard for the induction of protective immunity against Schistosoma mansoni. Furthermore, the protection can be passively transferred to naïve recipient mice from multiply vaccinated donors, especially IFNgR KO mice. We have used such sera versus day 28 infection serum, to screen peptide arrays and identify likely epitopes that mediate the protection. The arrays encompassed 55 secreted or exposed proteins from the alimentary tract and tegument, the principal interfaces with the host bloodstream. The proteins were printed onto glass slides as overlapping 15mer peptides, reacted with primary and secondary antibodies, and reactive regions detected using an Agilent array scanner. Pep Slide Analyzer software provided a numerical value above background for each peptide from which an aggregate score could be derived for a putative epitope. The reactive regions of 26 proteins were mapped onto crystal structures using the CCP4 molecular graphics, to aid selection of peptides with the greatest accessibility and reactivity, prioritizing vaccine over infection serum. A further eight MEG proteins were mapped to regions conserved between family members. The result is a list of priority peptides from 44 proteins for further investigation in multiepitope vaccine constructs and as targets of monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo P. Farias
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gillian M. Vance
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia S. Coulson
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Almiro Pires da Silva Neto
- Laboratório de Inflamação e Biomarcadores, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Arporn Wangwiwatsin
- Parasite Genomics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro Xavier Neves
- Instituto de Ciẽncias Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - William Castro-Borges
- Instituto de Ciẽncias Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Stuart McNicholas
- York Structural Biology Laboratory, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Keith S. Wilson
- York Structural Biology Laboratory, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Luciana C. C. Leite
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R. Alan Wilson
- York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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11
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Hambrook JR, Hanington PC. Immune Evasion Strategies of Schistosomes. Front Immunol 2021; 11:624178. [PMID: 33613562 PMCID: PMC7889519 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.624178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human schistosomes combat the unique immune systems of two vastly different hosts during their indirect life cycles. In gastropod molluscs, they face a potent innate immune response composed of variable immune recognition molecules and highly phagocytic hemocytes. In humans, a wide variety of innate and adaptive immune processes exist in proximity to these parasites throughout their lifespan. To survive and thrive as the second most common parasitic disease in humans, schistosomes have evolved many techniques to avoid and combat these targeted host responses. Among these techniques are molecular mimicry of host antigens, the utilization of an immune resistant outer tegument, the secretion of several potent proteases, and targeted release of specific immunomodulatory factors affecting immune cell functions. This review seeks to describe these key immune evasion mechanisms, among others, which schistosomes use to survive in both of their hosts. After diving into foundational observational studies of the processes mediating the establishment of schistosome infections, more recent transcriptomic and proteomic studies revealing crucial components of the host/parasite molecular interface are discussed. In order to combat this debilitating and lethal disease, a comprehensive understanding of schistosome immune evasion strategies is necessary for the development of novel therapeutics and treatment plans, necessitating the discussion of the numerous ways in which these parasitic flatworms overcome the immune responses of both hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob R Hambrook
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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King M, Carson J, Stewart MT, Gobert GN. Revisiting the Schistosoma japonicum life cycle transcriptome for new insights into lung schistosomula development. Exp Parasitol 2021; 223:108080. [PMID: 33548219 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2021.108080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schistosome parasites are complex trematode blood flukes responsible for the disease schistosomiasis; a global health concern prevalent in many tropical and sub-tropical countries. While established transcriptomic databases are accessed ad hoc to facilitate studies characterising specific genes or gene families, a more comprehensive systematic updating of gene annotation and survey of the literature to aid in annotation and context is rarely addressed. We have reanalysed an online transcriptomic dataset originally published in 2009, where seven life cycle stages of Schistosoma japonicum were examined. Using the online pathway analysis tool Reactome, we have revisited key data from the original study. A key focus of this study was to improve the interpretation of the gene expression profile of the developmental lung-stage schistosomula, since it is one of the principle targets for worm elimination. Highly enriched transcripts, associated with lung schistosomula, were related to a number of important biological pathways including host immune evasion, energy metabolism and parasitic development. Revisiting large transcriptomic databases should be considered in the context of substantial new literature. This approach could aid in the improved understanding of the molecular basis of parasite biology. This may lead to the identification of new targets for diagnosis and therapies for schistosomes, and other helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meághan King
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Jack Carson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Michael T Stewart
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK.
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Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein 6 (SmVAL6) maintains tegumental barrier function. Int J Parasitol 2020; 51:251-261. [PMID: 33253697 PMCID: PMC7957364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Smval6 is expressed in oral/ventral suckers, oesophageal gland and mesenchymal cells of Schistosoma mansoni. Smval6 knockdown increases surface membrane permeability. SmVAL6 interacts with Sm14 and DLC proteins.
The Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein (SmVAL) superfamily is a collection of at least 29 molecules that have been classified into two distinctive groups (Group 1 and Group 2 SmVALs). The fundamental basis for SmVAL segregation relates to signal peptide and conserved cysteine retention (present in all Group 1 SmVALs, but absent in all Group 2 SmVALs). These structural differences have led to the hypothesis that most Group 1 SmVALs, found as components of schistosome excretory/secretory (E/S) products, predominantly interact with their environment (intermediate or definitive hosts) whereas the Group 2 SmVALs are retained within the schistosome to fulfil parasite-related functions. While experimental evidence to support Group 1 SmVAL/host interactions is growing, similar support for identification of parasite-related Group 2 SmVAL functions is currently lacking. By applying a combination of approaches to the study of SmVAL6, we provide the first known evidence for an essential function of a Group 2 SmVAL in schistosome biology. After whole mount in situ hybridisation (WISH) localised Smval6 to the anterior region of the oesophageal gland (AOG) and cells scattered through the mesenchyme in adult schistosomes, short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of Smval6 was employed to assess loss of function phenotypes. Here, siSmval6-mediated knockdown of transcript and protein levels led to an increase in tegumental permeability as assessed by the quantification of TAMRA-labelled dextran throughout sub-tegumental cells/tissues. Yeast two hybrid screening using SmVAL6 as a bait revealed Sm14 (a fatty acid binding protein) and a dynein light chain (DLC) as directly interacting partners. Interrogation of single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data supported these protein interactions by demonstrating the spatial co-expression of Smval6/dlc/Sm14 in a small proportion of adult cell types (e.g. neurons, tegumental cells and neoblasts). In silico modelling of SmVAL6 with Sm14 and DLC provided evidence that opposing faces of SmVAL6 were likely responsible for these protein/protein interactions. Our results suggest that SmVAL6 participates in oesophageal biology, formation of higher order protein complexes and maintenance of tegumental barrier function. Further studies of other Group 2 SmVALs may reveal additional functions of this enigmatic superfamily.
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Bexkens ML, van Gestel RA, van Breukelen B, Urbanus RT, Brouwers JF, Nieuwland R, Tielens AGM, van Hellemond JJ. Schistosoma mansoni infection affects the proteome and lipidome of circulating extracellular vesicles in the host. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2020; 238:111296. [PMID: 32603736 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2020.111296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Eggs, schistosomula and adult Schistosoma worms are known to release extracellular vesicles (EV) during in vitro incubations and these EVs are postulated to affect the host responses. So far only those EVs released during in vitro incubations of schistosomes have been studied and it is unknown whether in blood of infected hosts the schistosomal EVs can be detected amidst all the circulating EVs of the host itself. In this study we analyzed the protein as well as the phospholipid composition of EVs circulating in blood plasma of S. mansoni infected hamsters and compared those with the EVs circulating in blood of non-infected hamsters. Although neither proteins nor lipids specific for schistosomes could be detected in the circulating EVs of the infected hamsters, the infection with schistosomes had a marked effect on the circulating EVs of the host, as the protein as well as the lipid composition of EVs circulating in infected hamsters were different from the EVs of uninfected hamsters. The observed changes in the EV lipid and protein content suggest that more EVs are released by the diseased liver, the affected erythrocytes and activated immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel L Bexkens
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Renske A van Gestel
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Bas van Breukelen
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rolf T Urbanus
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Center for Circulatory Health, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jos F Brouwers
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rienk Nieuwland
- Laboratory of Experimental Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Vesicle Observation Centre, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aloysius G M Tielens
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap J van Hellemond
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Platt RN, McDew-White M, Le Clec’h W, Chevalier FD, Allan F, Emery AM, Garba A, Hamidou AA, Ame SM, Webster JP, Rollinson D, Webster BL, Anderson TJC. Ancient Hybridization and Adaptive Introgression of an Invadolysin Gene in Schistosome Parasites. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 36:2127-2142. [PMID: 31251352 PMCID: PMC6759076 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introgression among parasite species has the potential to transfer traits of biomedical importance across species boundaries. The parasitic blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium causes urogenital schistosomiasis in humans across sub-Saharan Africa. Hybridization with other schistosome species is assumed to occur commonly, because genetic crosses between S. haematobium and livestock schistosomes, including S. bovis, can be staged in the laboratory, and sequencing of mtDNA and rDNA amplified from microscopic miracidia larvae frequently reveals markers from different species. However, the frequency, direction, age, and genomic consequences of hybridization are unknown. We hatched miracidia from eggs and sequenced the exomes from 96 individual S. haematobium miracidia from infected patients from Niger and the Zanzibar archipelago. These data revealed no evidence for contemporary hybridization between S. bovis and S. haematobium in our samples. However, all Nigerien S. haematobium genomes sampled show hybrid ancestry, with 3.3-8.2% of their nuclear genomes derived from S. bovis, providing evidence of an ancient introgression event that occurred at least 108-613 generations ago. Some S. bovis-derived alleles have spread to high frequency or reached fixation and show strong signatures of directional selection; the strongest signal spans a single gene in the invadolysin gene family (Chr. 4). Our results suggest that S. bovis/S. haematobium hybridization occurs rarely but demonstrate profound consequences of ancient introgression from a livestock parasite into the genome of S. haematobium, the most prevalent schistosome species infecting humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy N Platt
- Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
| | - Marina McDew-White
- Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
| | - Winka Le Clec’h
- Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
| | - Frédéric D Chevalier
- Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
| | - Fiona Allan
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan M Emery
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amadou Garba
- Réseau International Schistosomoses, Environnement, Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL-Niger), Niamey, Niger
| | - Amina A Hamidou
- Réseau International Schistosomoses, Environnement, Aménagement et Lutte (RISEAL-Niger), Niamey, Niger
| | - Shaali M Ame
- Public Health Laboratory - Ivo de Carneri, Pemba, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Joanne P Webster
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Emerging, Endemic and Exotic Diseases, Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Rollinson
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bonnie L Webster
- Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
- London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research (LCNTDR), Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy J C Anderson
- Disease Intervention and Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
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Lapek JD, Fang RH, Wei X, Li P, Wang B, Zhang L, Gonzalez DJ. Biomimetic Virulomics for Capture and Identification of Cell-Type Specific Effector Proteins. ACS NANO 2017; 11:11831-11838. [PMID: 28892626 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b02650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
An unmet challenge in the study of disease is to accurately streamline the identification of important virulence factors. Traditional, genetically driven approaches miss biologically relevant markers due to discordance between the genome and proteome. Here, we developed a nanotechnology-enabled affinity enrichment strategy coupled with multiplexed quantitative proteomics, namely Biomimetic Virulomics, for successful identification of cell-type specific effector proteins of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens. We highlight the power of Biomimetic Virulomics by capturing known virulence factors in a high-throughput, cell-type guided fashion. Additionally, a comprehensive characterization of the membrane protein component of biomimetics utilized in this strategy is provided. Interfacing cell-derived nanomaterials with multiplexed quantitative proteomics allow for a specific targeting strategy of virulence factors that can be utilized for drug discovery against prominent human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pengyang Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University , Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University , Stanford, California 94305, United States
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Schistosome vaccines: problems, pitfalls and prospects. Emerg Top Life Sci 2017; 1:641-650. [PMID: 33525844 DOI: 10.1042/etls20170094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma remains an important public health problem in spite of concerted efforts at control. An effective vaccine would be a useful addition to control strategies that currently rely on chemotherapy, but such a product is not imminent. In this review, likely causes for the lack of progress are first considered. These include the strategies used by worms to evade the immune response, concepts that have misdirected the field, an emphasis on internal antigens, and the use of the laboratory mouse for vaccine testing. On a positive note, recent investigations on self-cure by the rhesus macaque offer the most promising context for vaccine development. The identification of proteins at the parasite-host interface, especially those of the esophageal glands involved in blood processing, has provided an entirely new category of vaccine candidates that merit evaluation.
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Understanding host-parasite relationship: the immune central nervous system microenvironment and its effect on brain infections. Parasitology 2017; 145:988-999. [PMID: 29231805 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182017002189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) has been recognized as an immunologically specialized microenvironment, where immune surveillance takes a distinctive character, and where delicate neuronal networks are sustained by anti-inflammatory factors that maintain local homeostasis. However, when a foreign agent such as a parasite establishes in the CNS, a set of immune defences is mounted and several immune molecules are released to promote an array of responses, which ultimately would control the infection and associated damage. Instead, a host-parasite relationship is established, in the context of which a close biochemical coevolution and communication at all organization levels between two complex organisms have developed. The ability of the parasite to establish in its host is associated with several evasion mechanisms to the immune response and its capacity for exploiting host-derived molecules. In this context, the CNS is deeply involved in modulating immune functions, either protective or pathogenic, and possibly in parasitic activity as well, via interactions with evolutionarily conserved molecules such as growth factors, neuropeptides and hormones. This review presents available evidence on some examples of CNS parasitic infections inducing different morbi-mortality grades in low- or middle-income countries, to illustrate how the CNS microenvironment affect pathogen establishment, growth, survival and reproduction in immunocompetent hosts. A better understanding of the influence of the CNS microenvironment on neuroinfections may provide relevant insights into the mechanisms underlying these pathologies.
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Licochalcone A induces morphological and biochemical alterations in Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 96:64-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Fernandes RS, Barbosa TC, Barbosa MMF, Miyasato PA, Nakano E, Leite LCC, Farias LP. Stage and tissue expression patterns of Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like proteins SmVAL 4, 13, 16 and 24. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:223. [PMID: 28482920 PMCID: PMC5422958 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma mansoni venom allergen-like protein (SmVAL) is a gene family composed of 29 members divided into group 1 encoding proteins potentially secreted, and group 2 encoding intracellular components. Some members were found to be upregulated in the transition of germ ball - cercariae - day 3 schistosomula, suggesting that group 1 SmVAL proteins are associated with the invasion of the human host, although their functions are not completely established. Recently, we have described the localization of SmVAL7 (group 1) and SmVAL6 (group 2) transcripts in the oesophageal gland and in the oral and ventral suckers of adult parasites, respectively. The expression patterns of the two genes suggest that SmVAL7 protein plays a role in the blood-feeding process while SmVAL6 is associated with the parasite attachment and movement in the vasculature. In this way, searching for additional secreted SmVAL proteins that could be involved in key processes from skin penetration to the beginning of blood-feeding, we investigated the tissue localization of SmVAL4, 13, 16 and 24 by whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH). Results We report here the localization of group 1 SmVAL4 and 24 transcripts in the pre-acetabular glands of developing germ balls. Time course experiments of in vitro cultured schistosomula after cercariae transformation demonstrated that SmVAL4 protein is secreted during the first 3 h of in vitro culture, correlating with the emptying of acetabular glands as documented by confocal microscopy. In addition, the localization of SmVAL13 transcripts in adult male anterior oesophageal gland suggests that the respective protein may be involved in the first steps of the blood-feeding process. SmVAL16 was localized close to the neural ganglia and requires further investigation. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that SmVAL proteins have localizations that place them in strategic positions to be considered as potential vaccine candidates as some members are exposed to interaction with the immune system and may participate in key processes of mammalian invasion and parasitism establishment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2144-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Sachetto Fernandes
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mayra Mara Ferrari Barbosa
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Aoki Miyasato
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliana Nakano
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Paiva Farias
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. .,Present Address: Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, BA, Brazil.
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Tekwu EM, Anyan WK, Boamah D, Baffour-Awuah KO, Keyetat Tekwu S, Penlap Beng V, Nyarko AK, Bosompem KM. Mechanically produced schistosomula as a higher-throughput tools for phenotypic pre-screening in drug sensitivity assays: current research and future trends. Biomark Res 2016; 4:21. [PMID: 27895916 PMCID: PMC5120492 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-016-0075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
It is crucial to develop new antischistosomal drugs since there is no vaccine and the whole world is relying on only a single drug for the treatment of schistosomiasis. One of the obstacles to the development of drugs is the absence of the high throughput objective screening methods to assess drug compounds efficacy. Thus for identification of new drug compounds candidates, fast and accurate in vitro assays are unavoidable and more research efforts in the field of drug discovery can target schistosomula. This review presents a substantial overview of the present state of in vitro drug sensitivity assays developed so far for the determination of anti-schistosomula activity of drug compounds, natural products and derivatives using newly transformed schistosomula (NTS). It highlights some of the challenges involved in in vitro compound screening using NTS and the way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Mouafo Tekwu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box LG581 Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Laboratory for Tuberculosis Research and Pharmacology, Biotechnology Centre, Nkolbisson, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - William Kofi Anyan
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box LG581 Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Daniel Boamah
- Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), Akwapim, Mampong, Ghana
| | - Kofi Owusu Baffour-Awuah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box LG581 Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Veronique Penlap Beng
- Laboratory for Tuberculosis Research and Pharmacology, Biotechnology Centre, Nkolbisson, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Kwabena Mante Bosompem
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, PO Box LG581 Legon, Accra, Ghana
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Purinergic signaling in schistosomal infection. Biomed J 2016; 39:316-325. [PMID: 27884378 PMCID: PMC6138794 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by blood fluke worms belonging to the genus Schistosoma. Health metrics indicate that the disease is related to an elevated number of years lost-to-disability and years lost-to-life. Schistosomiasis is an intravascular disease that is related to a Th1 and Th2 immune response polarization, and the degree of polarization affects the outcome of the disease. The purinergic system is composed of adenosine and nucleotides acting as key messenger molecules. Moreover, nucleotide-transforming enzymes and cell-surface purinergic receptors are obligatory partners of this purinergic signaling. In mammalian cells, purinergic signaling modulates innate immune responses and inflammation among other functions; conversely purinergic signaling may also be modulated by inflammatory mediators. Moreover, schistosomes also express some enzymes of the purinergic system, and it is possible that worms modulate host purinergic signaling. Current data obtained in murine models of schistosomiasis support the notion that the host purinergic system is altered by the disease. The dysfunction of adenosine receptors, metabotropic P2Y and ionotropic P2X7 receptors, and NTPDases likely contributes to disease morbidity.
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Molehin AJ, Rojo JU, Siddiqui SZ, Gray SA, Carter D, Siddiqui AA. Development of a schistosomiasis vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 15:619-27. [PMID: 26651503 PMCID: PMC5070536 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2016.1131127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) of public health importance. Despite decades of implementation of mass praziquantel therapy programs and other control measures, schistosomiasis has not been contained and continues to spread to new geographic areas. A schistosomiasis vaccine could play an important role as part of a multifaceted control approach. With regards to vaccine development, many biological bottlenecks still exist: the lack of reliable surrogates of protection in humans; immune interactions in co-infections with other diseases in endemic areas; the potential risk of IgE responses to antigens in endemic populations; and paucity of appropriate vaccine efficacy studies in nonhuman primate models. Research is also needed on the role of modern adjuvants targeting specific parts of the innate immune system to tailor a potent and protective immune response for lead schistosome vaccine candidates with the long-term aim to achieve curative worm reduction. This review summarizes the current status of schistosomiasis vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adebayo J. Molehin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Juan U. Rojo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Sabrina Z. Siddiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | | | - Darrick Carter
- PAI Life Sciences, Washington, USA
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Afzal A. Siddiqui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA
- Center of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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Oliveira SDS, Oliveira NF, Meyer-Fernandes JR, Savio LEB, Ornelas FGI, Ferreira ZS, Coutinho-Silva R, Silva CLM. Increased expression of NTPDases 2 and 3 in mesenteric endothelial cells during schistosomiasis favors leukocyte adhesion through P2Y1 receptors. Vascul Pharmacol 2016; 82:66-72. [PMID: 26924460 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2016.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is caused by an intravascular parasite and linked to phenotypic changes in endothelial cells that favor inflammation. Endothelial cells express P2Y1 receptors (P2Y1R), and their activation by ADP favors leukocyte adhesion to the endothelial monolayer. We aimed to evaluate the influence of schistosomiasis upon endothelial purinergic signaling-mediated leukocyte adhesion. Mesenteric endothelial cells and mononuclear cells from control and Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice were used in co-culture. P2Y1R levels were similar in both groups. Basal leukocyte adhesion was higher in the infected than in the control group; leukocyte adhesion increased after treatment with the P2Y1R agonist 2-MeSATP in both groups, though it only marginally increased in the infected group. Pre-incubation with the selective P2Y1R antagonist MRS2179 (0.3μM) prevented the agonist effect. However, in the infected group it also reduced the basal leukocyte adhesion, suggesting endothelial cell pre-activation. The endothelial expressions of NTPDases 2 and 3 were significantly increased in the infected group, increasing extracellular ATP hydrolysis and ADP formation by endothelial cells. Therefore, mesenteric endothelial cells are primed by schistosomiasis to a pro-inflammatory phenotype characterized by an increased expression of NTPDases 2 and 3, favoring ADP accumulation and mononuclear cell adhesion, possibly contributing to mesenteric inflammation and schistosomiasis morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suellen Darc Santos Oliveira
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Nathália F Oliveira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - José R Meyer-Fernandes
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eduardo Baggio Savio
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Flavia G I Ornelas
- Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Zulma S Ferreira
- Institute of Bioscience, University of São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Robson Coutinho-Silva
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Claudia Lucia Martins Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil.
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Wilson RA, Li XH, MacDonald S, Neves LX, Vitoriano-Souza J, Leite LCC, Farias LP, James S, Ashton PD, DeMarco R, Castro Borges W. The Schistosome Esophagus Is a 'Hotspot' for Microexon and Lysosomal Hydrolase Gene Expression: Implications for Blood Processing. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004272. [PMID: 26642053 PMCID: PMC4671649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The schistosome esophagus is divided into anterior and posterior compartments, each surrounded by a dense cluster of gland cell bodies, the source of distinct secretory vesicles discharged into the lumen to initiate the processing of ingested blood. Erythrocytes are lysed in the lumen, leucocytes are tethered and killed and platelets are eliminated. We know little about the proteins secreted from the two glands that mediate these biological processes. Methodology/Principal Findings We have used subtractive RNA-Seq to characterise the complement of genes that are differentially expressed in a head preparation, compared to matched tissues from worm tails. The expression site of representative highlighted genes was then validated using whole munt in situ hybridisation (WISH). Mapping of transcript reads to the S. mansoni genome assembly using Cufflinks identified ~90 genes that were differentially expressed >fourfold in the head preparation; ~50 novel transcripts were also identified by de novo assembly using Trinity. The largest subset (27) of secreted proteins was encoded by microexon genes (MEGs), the most intense focus identified to date. Expression of three (MEGs 12, 16, 17) was confirmed in the anterior gland and five (MEGs 8.1, 9, 11, 15 and 22) in the posterior gland. The other major subset comprised nine lysosomal hydrolases (aspartyl proteases, phospholipases and palmitoyl thioesterase), again localised to the glands. Conclusions A proportion of the MEG-encoded secretory proteins can be classified by their primary structure. We have suggested testable hypotheses about how they might function, in conjunction with the lysosomal hydrolases, to mediate the biological processes that occur in the esophagus lumen. Antibodies bind to the esophageal secretions in both permissive and self-curing hosts, suggesting that the proteins represent a novel panel of untested vaccine candidates. A second major task is to identify which of them can serve as immune targets. Schistosomes feed on blood and we have previously shown that its processing begins in the esophagus, which does not act simply as a conduit. It comprises anterior and posterior compartments, each surrounded by glands that secrete proteins into the lumen. Erythrocytes are ruptured as they pass through the compartments and leucocytes are tethered and killed but blood fails to clot. We wanted to identify the proteins secreted from these glands by sequencing the transcriptomes of head and tail preparations to pinpoint those messenger RNAs predominantly or exclusively present only in the heads. We found approximately 50 such proteins, the largest group of 27 being encoded by microexon genes. A second group comprised hydrolytic enzymes that operate at an acid pH. We showed by hybridisation experiments that expression of these genes is indeed localised to either the anterior or the posterior gland. We have suggested that this complex mixture of secreted proteins act together to perform the biological processes that occur in the lumen or, in the case of O-glycosylated membrane proteins, form a protective lining coat. We now want to discover which of them can serve as immune targets in infected animal hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Alan Wilson
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Xiao Hong Li
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sandy MacDonald
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Leandro Xavier Neves
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Leonardo P. Farias
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rua Waldemar Falcão, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil
| | - Sally James
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Peter D. Ashton
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ricardo DeMarco
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Carlos, Brasil
| | - William Castro Borges
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
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Sanin DE, Prendergast CT, Mountford AP. IL-10 Production in Macrophages Is Regulated by a TLR-Driven CREB-Mediated Mechanism That Is Linked to Genes Involved in Cell Metabolism. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2015; 195:1218-32. [PMID: 26116503 PMCID: PMC4505959 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
IL-10 is produced by macrophages in diverse immune settings and is critical in limiting immune-mediated pathology. In helminth infections, macrophages are an important source of IL-10; however, the molecular mechanism underpinning production of IL-10 by these cells is poorly characterized. In this study, bone marrow-derived macrophages exposed to excretory/secretory products released by Schistosoma mansoni cercariae rapidly produce IL-10 as a result of MyD88-mediated activation of MEK/ERK/RSK and p38. The phosphorylation of these kinases was triggered by TLR2 and TLR4 and converged on activation of the transcription factor CREB. Following phosphorylation, CREB is recruited to a novel regulatory element in the Il10 promoter and is also responsible for regulating a network of genes involved in metabolic processes, such as glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Moreover, skin-resident tissue macrophages, which encounter S. mansoni excretory/secretory products during infection, are the first monocytes to produce IL-10 in vivo early postinfection with S. mansoni cercariae. The early and rapid release of IL-10 by these cells has the potential to condition the dermal microenvironment encountered by immune cells recruited to this infection site, and we propose a mechanism by which CREB regulates the production of IL-10 by macrophages in the skin, but also has a major effect on their metabolic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Sanin
- Department of Biology, Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Catriona T Prendergast
- Department of Biology, Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian P Mountford
- Department of Biology, Centre for Immunology and Infection, University of York, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
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Kali A. Schistosome infections: an Indian perspective. J Clin Diagn Res 2015; 9:DE01-4. [PMID: 25859459 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2015/10512.5521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is an endemic helminthic disease of human. Schistosomes display considerable biodiversity in habitat, host range, and epidemiology globally. In spite of the noticeable presence of sero-positivity for schistosomal antibody and passage of schistosome eggs in human faeces, Indian subcontinent has always been considered as a low risk region for human schistosomiasis. Several species has been described in India which may have association with human infection and cercarial rash. Although sporadic cases are not uncommon, the status of human schistosomiasis in India is not well investigated. In this review different aspect of schistosomal infection in human in India has been described briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunava Kali
- Assistant Professor, Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute , Pondicherry, India
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28
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Glinz D, Hurrell RF, Righetti AA, Zeder C, Adiossan LG, Tjalsma H, Utzinger J, Zimmermann MB, N'Goran EK, Wegmüller R. In Ivorian school-age children, infection with hookworm does not reduce dietary iron absorption or systemic iron utilization, whereas afebrile Plasmodium falciparum infection reduces iron absorption by half. Am J Clin Nutr 2015; 101:462-70. [PMID: 25733630 DOI: 10.3945/ajcn.114.090175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, parasitic diseases and low bioavailable iron intake are major causes of anemia. Anemia results from inflammation, preventing iron recycling and decreasing dietary iron absorption. Hookworm, Plasmodium, and Schistosoma infections contribute to anemia, but their influence on dietary iron absorption and recycling is unknown. OBJECTIVE The objective was to measure inflammation biomarkers, hepcidin, iron absorption, and utilization pre- and posttreatment in children with afebrile malaria, hookworm, and Schistosoma haematobium infection. DESIGN Ivorian children aged 11-17 y with afebrile Plasmodium falciparum (n = 17), hookworm (n = 16), or S. haematobium infection (n = 8) consumed a syrup containing 3 mg ⁵⁷Fe as ferrous sulfate and received an intravenous infusion of 50 μg ⁵⁸Fe as ferrous citrate. Children were treated for their respective infection, and the iron studies were repeated 4 wk later. Iron and inflammation biomarkers and hepcidin were measured. RESULTS Geometric mean iron absorptions in the afebrile malaria and hookworm groups were 12.9% and 32.2% (P < 0.001) before treatment and 23.6% and 30.0% (P = 0.113) after treatment, respectively. Treatment of afebrile malaria reduced inflammation (P < 0.001) and serum hepcidin (P = 0.004) and improved iron absorption (P = 0.003). Treatment of hookworm infection neither affected inflammation biomarkers nor altered iron absorption. Similarly, there was a lack of treatment effects in the S. haematobium-infected group; however, the small sample size limits conclusions. Geometric mean iron utilization ranged between 79.1% and 88.0% in the afebrile malaria and hookworm groups with no significant differences pre- and posttreatment. CONCLUSIONS In school-age children, hookworm infection does not produce inflammation or increase serum hepcidin, and it does not influence iron absorption or utilization. In contrast, afebrile malaria causes inflammation, increases hepcidin, and reduces iron absorption but not utilization. These findings provide insights into the iron metabolism and the etiology of anemia in parasitic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Glinz
- From the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (DG, RFH, CZ, MBZ, and RW); the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (AAR and JU); Hôpital Général de Taabo, Taabo Cité, Côte d'Ivoire (LGA); the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Hepcidinanalysis.com), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (HT); and Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (EKN)
| | - Richard F Hurrell
- From the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (DG, RFH, CZ, MBZ, and RW); the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (AAR and JU); Hôpital Général de Taabo, Taabo Cité, Côte d'Ivoire (LGA); the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Hepcidinanalysis.com), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (HT); and Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (EKN)
| | - Aurélie A Righetti
- From the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (DG, RFH, CZ, MBZ, and RW); the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (AAR and JU); Hôpital Général de Taabo, Taabo Cité, Côte d'Ivoire (LGA); the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Hepcidinanalysis.com), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (HT); and Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (EKN)
| | - Christophe Zeder
- From the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (DG, RFH, CZ, MBZ, and RW); the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (AAR and JU); Hôpital Général de Taabo, Taabo Cité, Côte d'Ivoire (LGA); the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Hepcidinanalysis.com), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (HT); and Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (EKN)
| | - Lukas G Adiossan
- From the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (DG, RFH, CZ, MBZ, and RW); the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (AAR and JU); Hôpital Général de Taabo, Taabo Cité, Côte d'Ivoire (LGA); the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Hepcidinanalysis.com), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (HT); and Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (EKN)
| | - Harold Tjalsma
- From the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (DG, RFH, CZ, MBZ, and RW); the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (AAR and JU); Hôpital Général de Taabo, Taabo Cité, Côte d'Ivoire (LGA); the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Hepcidinanalysis.com), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (HT); and Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (EKN)
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- From the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (DG, RFH, CZ, MBZ, and RW); the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (AAR and JU); Hôpital Général de Taabo, Taabo Cité, Côte d'Ivoire (LGA); the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Hepcidinanalysis.com), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (HT); and Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (EKN)
| | - Michael B Zimmermann
- From the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (DG, RFH, CZ, MBZ, and RW); the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (AAR and JU); Hôpital Général de Taabo, Taabo Cité, Côte d'Ivoire (LGA); the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Hepcidinanalysis.com), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (HT); and Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (EKN)
| | - Eliézer K N'Goran
- From the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (DG, RFH, CZ, MBZ, and RW); the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (AAR and JU); Hôpital Général de Taabo, Taabo Cité, Côte d'Ivoire (LGA); the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Hepcidinanalysis.com), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (HT); and Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (EKN)
| | - Rita Wegmüller
- From the Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (DG, RFH, CZ, MBZ, and RW); the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland (AAR and JU); Hôpital Général de Taabo, Taabo Cité, Côte d'Ivoire (LGA); the Department of Laboratory Medicine (Hepcidinanalysis.com), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands (HT); and Unité de Formation et de Recherche Biosciences, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, and Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire (EKN)
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Sanin DE, Mountford AP. Sm16, a major component of Schistosoma mansoni cercarial excretory/secretory products, prevents macrophage classical activation and delays antigen processing. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:1. [PMID: 25561160 PMCID: PMC4297449 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0608-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma mansoni cercariae penetrate the skin by releasing excretory/secretory (E/S) products known as 0-3hRP, which are associated with immune modulation through Toll like receptor (TLR) signalling. Furthermore, these secretions contain Sm16, which when given to cells as a recombinant protein inhibits human monocyte derived cytokine responses to TLR4 and TLR3 ligands. Nonetheless, the extent and mechanism(s) of these inhibitory effects remain largely uncharacterized. Methods Murine bone marrow derived macrophages were exposed to different fractions of 0-3hRP, obtained via ultracentrifugation, or recombinant Sm16. These cells were exposed to the parasite molecules in combination with different TLR ligands, or Interferon gamma, and tested for the production of the cytokines IL-10 and IL-12p40, and their ability to process antigen. Results The immunomodulatory function of 0-3hRP is enriched predominantly in the pellet fraction, which contains a greater proportion of Sm16, also corroborating the ability of recombinant Sm16 to inhibit macrophage activation in response to TLR ligands. We further demonstrate that Sm16 blocks classical activation of macrophages to LPS or IFN-γ stimulation in vitro, and that inhibition of macrophage classical activation is independent of TLR2 recognition. Finally we show that Sm16 shares the altered intracellular processing observed for 0-3hRP, and is able to delay antigen processing by macrophages. Conclusions Collectively, our findings show that Sm16 is a major component of S. mansoni cercarial E/S products, and is partly responsible for its immune-regulatory properties. Moreover, we propose that the mechanism employed by Sm16 to exert its inhibitory function is likely to be linked with alteration of endosomal trafficking and is not dependent on particular TLR receptors. Finally, we suggest that accumulation of Sm16 in the skin after percutaneous infection with S. mansoni cercariae could contribute to limiting dermal inflammation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-014-0608-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Sanin
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK.
| | - Adrian P Mountford
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, University of York, York, UK.
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30
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Nunes VS, Vasconcelos EG, Faria-Pinto P, Borges CCH, Capriles PVSZ. Structural Comparative Analysis of Ecto- NTPDase Models from S. Mansoni and H. Sapiens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-19048-8_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
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31
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Clark GF. The role of glycans in immune evasion: the human fetoembryonic defence system hypothesis revisited. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:185-99. [PMID: 24043694 PMCID: PMC3925329 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest that mechanisms to evade the human immune system may be shared by the conceptus, tumour cells, persistent pathogens and viruses. It is therefore timely to revisit the human fetoembryonic defense system (Hu-FEDS) hypothesis that was proposed in two papers in the 1990s. The initial paper suggested that glycoconjugates expressed in the human reproductive system inhibited immune responses directed against gametes and the developing human by employing their carbohydrate sequences as functional groups. These glycoconjugates were proposed to block specific binding interactions and interact with lectins linked to signal transduction pathways that modulated immune cell functions. The second article suggested that aggressive tumour cells and persistent pathogens (HIV, H. pylori, schistosomes) either mimicked or acquired the same carbohydrate functional groups employed in this system to evade immune responses. This subterfuge enabled these pathogens and tumour cells to couple their survival to the human reproductive imperative. The Hu-FEDS model has been repeatedly tested since its inception. Data relevant to this model have also been obtained in other studies. Herein, the Hu-FEDS hypothesis is revisited in the context of these more recent findings. Far more supportive evidence for this model now exists than when it was first proposed, and many of the original predictions have been validated. This type of subterfuge by pathogens and tumour cells likely applies to all sexually reproducing metazoans that must protect their gametes from immune responses. Intervention in these pathological states will likely remain problematic until this system of immune evasion is fully understood and appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary F. Clark
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research and Division of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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Knopp S, Becker SL, Ingram KJ, Keiser J, Utzinger J. Diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis in children in the era of intensified control. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2013; 11:1237-58. [PMID: 24127662 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2013.844066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the current era of intensified and integrated control against schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases, there is a need to carefully rethink and take into consideration disease-specific issues pertaining to the diagnosis, prevention, control and local elimination. Here, we present a comprehensive overview about schistosomiasis including recent trends in the number of people treated with praziquantel and the latest developments in diagnosis and control. Particular emphasis is placed on children. Identified research needs are offered for consideration; namely, expanding our knowledge about schistosomiasis in preschool-aged children, assessing and quantifying the impact of schistosomiasis on infectious and noncommunicable diseases, developing new antischistosomal drugs and child-friendly formulations, designing and implementing setting-specific control packages and developing highly sensitive, but simple diagnostic tools that are able to detect very light infections in young children and in people living in areas targeted for schistosomiasis elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Knopp
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, P.O. Box, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland
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Mutapi F, Billingsley PF, Secor WE. Infection and treatment immunizations for successful parasite vaccines. Trends Parasitol 2013; 29:135-41. [PMID: 23415733 PMCID: PMC3884123 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Since the advent of techniques for the expression of recombinant peptide antigens, the availability of human vaccines for parasitic diseases has been ‘imminent’. Yet vaccines based on recombinant proteins are still largely aspirations, not realities. It is now apparent that vaccine development needs additional knowledge about host protective immune response(s), antigen characteristics, and the delivery required to induce those responses. The most successful immune protection against parasites has been generated by infection and treatment, the induction of protective immunity by truncating the course of an infection with drug treatment. Here, we consider the characteristics of an effective, protective anti-parasite vaccine and propose a conceptual framework to aid parasite vaccine development using malaria and schistosomiasis as examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Mutapi
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research, Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT, UK.
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How to invade, replicate, and escape from host organisms. A challenge in defining virulence factors for parasites. Microbes Infect 2012; 14:1374-6. [PMID: 23092845 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2012.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
During millions of years, parasites have been adapting to different environments and hosts. During this time, they have acquired different molecules and peculiar structures, some absent in other living organisms, in order to successfully invade hosts, resist immune attack, and proliferate in the hosts. Nowadays, several genome sequences and a multitude of new information have been generated for many human and animal parasites, opening new possibilities for understanding in detail how they interact with the host and cause disease. Investigations of these molecules and the associated structures, together with their functional roles, are now emerging, providing key advances in understanding pathology that could be used for developing robust strategies to selectively target the parasites without damaging the host.
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