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Szczotko M, Antunes S, Domingos A, Kubiak K, Dmitryjuk M. Tick-Borne pathogens and defensin genes expression: A closer look at Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 160:105231. [PMID: 39043336 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The immune system of ticks, along with that of other invertebrates, is comparatively simpler than that of vertebrates, relying solely on innate immune responses. Direct antimicrobial defence is provided by the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including defensins. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in defensin genes expression between questing and engorged Ixodes ricinus (def1 and def2) and Dermacentor reticulatus (defDr) ticks, in the presence of selected pathogens: Borrelia spp., Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Neoehrlichia mikurensis in the natural environment. After pathogen screening by PCR/qPCR, the expression of defensin genes in pathogen positive ticks and ticks without any of the tested pathogens, was analysed by reverse transcription qPCR. The results showed an increased expression of defensin genes in I. ricinus ticks after blood feeding and I. ricinus and D. reticulatus ticks during in cases of co-infection. In particular, the expression of defensins genes was higher in questing D. reticulatus than in questing and engorged I. ricinus ticks, when borreliae were detected. This study contributes to uncovering the expression patterns of defensin genes in the presence of several known tick pathogens, the occurrence of these pathogens and possible regulatory mechanisms of defensins in tick vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Szczotko
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, Rua da Junqueira 100, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Katarzyna Kubiak
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Public Health, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 14c, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Dmitryjuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
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Yoon KA, Lee DE, Lee SH, Kim JH. Exploring the potential role of defensins in differential vector competence of body and head lice for Bartonella quintana. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:183. [PMID: 37280715 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05802-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The body and head lice of humans are conspecific, but only the body louse functions as a vector to transmit bacterial pathogens such as Bartonella quintana. Both louse subspecies have only two antimicrobial peptides, defensin 1 and defensin 2. Consequently, any differences in the molecular and functional properties of these two louse subspecies may be responsible for the differential vector competence between them. METHODS To elucidate the molecular basis of vector competence, we compared differences in the structural properties and transcription factor/microRNA binding sites of the two defensins in body and head lice. Antimicrobial activity spectra were also investigated using recombinant louse defensins expressed via baculovirus. RESULTS The full-length amino acid sequences of defensin 1 were identical in both subspecies, whereas the two amino acid residues in defensin 2 were different between the two subspecies. Recombinant louse defensins showed antimicrobial activities only against the representative Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus but not against either Gram-negative Escherichia coli or the yeast Candida albicans. However, they did show considerable activity against B. quintana, with body louse defensin 2 being significantly less potent than head louse defensin 2. Regulatory sequence analysis revealed that the gene units of both defensin 1 and defensin 2 in body lice possess decreased numbers of transcription factor-binding sites but increased numbers of microRNA binding sites, suggesting relatively lower transcription activities of body louse defensins. CONCLUSIONS The significantly lower antibacterial activities of defensin 2 along with the reduced probability of defensin expression in body lice likely contribute to the relaxed immune response to B. quintana proliferation and viability, resulting in higher vector competence of body lice compared to head lice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjae Andrew Yoon
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Eun Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyeock Lee
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyeon Kim
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Scieuzo C, Giglio F, Rinaldi R, Lekka ME, Cozzolino F, Monaco V, Monti M, Salvia R, Falabella P. In Vitro Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of the Peptide Fractions Extracted from the Hemolymph of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14050464. [PMID: 37233092 DOI: 10.3390/insects14050464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a chemically and structurally heterogeneous family of molecules produced by a large variety of living organisms, whose expression is predominant in the sites most exposed to microbial invasion. One of the richest natural sources of AMPs is insects which, over the course of their very long evolutionary history, have adapted to numerous and different habitats by developing a powerful innate immune system that has allowed them to survive but also to assert themselves in the new environment. Recently, due to the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, interest in AMPs has risen. In this work, we detected AMPs in the hemolymph of Hermetia illucens (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) larvae, following infection with Escherichia coli (Gram negative) or Micrococcus flavus (Gram positive) and from uninfected larvae. Peptide component, isolated via organic solvent precipitation, was analyzed by microbiological techniques. Subsequent mass spectrometry analysis allowed us to specifically identify peptides expressed in basal condition and peptides differentially expressed after bacterial challenge. We identified 33 AMPs in all the analyzed samples, of which 13 are specifically stimulated by Gram negative and/or Gram positive bacterial challenge. AMPs mostly expressed after bacterial challenge could be responsible for a more specific activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Fabiana Giglio
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Roberta Rinaldi
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Marilena E Lekka
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Flora Cozzolino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Vittoria Monaco
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Monti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples Federico II, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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Wu J, Zhou X, Chen Q, Chen Z, Zhang J, Yang L, Sun Y, Wang G, Dai J, Feng T. Defensins as a promising class of tick antimicrobial peptides: a scoping review. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:71. [PMID: 35725522 PMCID: PMC9208123 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00996-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are hematophagous parasites that transmit an extensive range of pathogens to their vertebrate hosts. Ticks can destroy invading microorganisms or alleviate infection via their rudimentary but orchestrated innate immune system. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important components of tick innate immunity. Among these humoral effector molecules, defensins are well-studied and widely identified in various species of Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks). This review was aimed at presenting the characterization of tick defensins from structure-based taxonomic status to antimicrobial function. Main text All published papers written in English from 2001 to May 2022 were searched through PubMed and Web of Science databases with the combination of relevant terms on tick defensins. Reports on identification and characterization of tick defensins were included. Of the 329 entries retrieved, 57 articles were finally eligible for our scoping review. Tick defensins mainly belong to the antibacterial ancient invertebrate-type defensins of the cis-defensins superfamily. They are generally small, cationic, and amphipathic, with six cysteine residues forming three intra-molecular disulfide bonds. Tick defensins primarily target membranes of a variety of pathogens, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Since tick defensins have a high degree of variability, we summarize their common biological properties and enumerate representative peptides. Along with the various and potent antimicrobial activities, the role of tick defensins in determining vector competence is discussed. Conclusions Due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, tick defensins are considered novel candidates or targets for controlling infectious diseases. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Wu
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Chen
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lele Yang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Sun
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Jianfeng Dai
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Tingting Feng
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Portelinha J, Duay SS, Yu SI, Heilemann K, Libardo MDJ, Juliano SA, Klassen JL, Angeles-Boza AM. Antimicrobial Peptides and Copper(II) Ions: Novel Therapeutic Opportunities. Chem Rev 2021; 121:2648-2712. [PMID: 33524257 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of new pathogens and multidrug resistant bacteria is an important public health issue that requires the development of novel classes of antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising platform with great potential for the identification of new lead compounds that can combat the aforementioned pathogens due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and relatively low rate of resistance emergence. AMPs of multicellular organisms made their debut four decades ago thanks to ingenious researchers who asked simple questions about the resistance to bacterial infections of insects. Questions such as "Do fruit flies ever get sick?", combined with pioneering studies, have led to an understanding of AMPs as universal weapons of the immune system. This review focuses on a subclass of AMPs that feature a metal binding motif known as the amino terminal copper and nickel (ATCUN) motif. One of the metal-based strategies of hosts facing a pathogen, it includes wielding the inherent toxicity of copper and deliberately trafficking this metal ion into sites of infection. The sudden increase in the concentration of copper ions in the presence of ATCUN-containing AMPs (ATCUN-AMPs) likely results in a synergistic interaction. Herein, we examine common structural features in ATCUN-AMPs that exist across species, and we highlight unique features that deserve additional attention. We also present the current state of knowledge about the molecular mechanisms behind their antimicrobial activity and the methods available to study this promising class of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Portelinha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Searle S Duay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States.,Chemistry Department, Adamson University, 900 San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Seung I Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Kara Heilemann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - M Daben J Libardo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Samuel A Juliano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Jonathan L Klassen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, 91 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Alfredo M Angeles-Boza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States.,Institute of Material Science, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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Use of Metarhizum aniopliae s.l. to control soil-dwelling longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 166:107230. [PMID: 31419401 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The longhorned tick (bush tick),Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodida: Ixodidae), is a serious pest; it transmits the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus to humans and has a wide distribution. The use of chemical control is not favored for environmental and health reasons, so more environmentally sound management methods need to be developed. Herein, we describe the use of an entomopathogenic fungal library to develop a fungus-mediated tick management system. Field-collected nymphs were assayed for their susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi belonging to genera Beauveria, Metarhizium, Cordyceps, and Akanthomyces. Three M. anisopliae s.l. isolates, JEF-214, -279, and -290 showed high virulence in a dose-dependent manner. One Cordyceps isolate was pathogenic but virulence was much lower than the M. anisopliae isolates. Beauveria isolates were not pathogenic to the tick. Because the longhorned tick dwells on the soil surface except for blood-feeding periods, the soil surface was sprayed with conidial suspensions of the isolates after the release of longhorned ticks. The treatments resulted in 60-90% mortality after 30 days. M. anisopliae s.l. isolates were highly virulent against longhorned tick, and the application of fungus-based biopesticides on the soil surface could be an effective control strategy to reduce the tick population for long-term tick management.
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Flores-Ramirez G, Sallay B, Danchenko M, Lakhneko O, Špitalská E, Skultety L. Comparative proteomics of the vector Dermacentor reticulatus revealed differentially regulated proteins associated with pathogen transmission in response to laboratory infection with Rickettsia slovaca. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:318. [PMID: 31234913 PMCID: PMC6591964 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3564-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tick-borne rickettsial diseases are caused by pathogens acquired from hard ticks. In particular, Rickettsia slovaca, a zoonotic infectious bacterium causing tick-borne lymphadenopathy (TIBOLA), is transmitted by the vectors Dermacentor spp. that can be found all over Europe. Although recent studies point out the extreme complexity of bacteria-induced effects in these blood-feeding vectors, the knowledge of individual molecules involved in the preservation and transmission of the pathogen is still limited. System biology tools, including proteomics, may contribute greatly to the understanding of pathogen-tick-host interactions. METHODS Herein, we performed a comparative proteomics study of the tick vector Dermacentor reticulatus that was experimentally infected with the endosymbiotic bacterium R. slovaca. Rickettsia-free ticks, collected in the southern region of Slovakia, were infected with the bacterium by a capillary tube-feeding system, and the dynamics of infection was assessed by quantitative PCR method after 5, 10, 15 and 27 days. RESULTS At the stage of controlled proliferation (at 27 dpi), 33 (from 481 profiled) differentially abundant protein spots were detected on a two-dimensional gel. From the aforementioned protein spots, 21 were successfully identified by tandem mass spectrometry. CONCLUSIONS Although a few discovered proteins were described as having structural or housekeeping functions, the vast majority of the affected proteins were suggested to be essential for tick attachment and feeding on the host, host immune system evasion and defensive response modulation to ensure successful pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Flores-Ramirez
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Balázs Sallay
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Maksym Danchenko
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Olha Lakhneko
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Eva Špitalská
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | - Ludovit Skultety
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovak Republic. .,Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., Videnska 1083, 142 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Manjunathachar HV, Kumar B, Saravanan BC, Choudhary S, Mohanty AK, Nagar G, Chigure G, Ravi Kumar GVPPS, de la Fuente J, Ghosh S. Identification and characterization of vaccine candidates against Hyalomma anatolicum-Vector of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 66:422-434. [PMID: 30300470 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick borne viral disease reported from different parts of the world. The distribution of the CCHF cases are linked with the distribution of the principal vector, Hyalomma anatolicum in the ecosystem. Presently, vector control is mainly dependent on repeated application of acaricides, results in partial efficacy and generated acaricide resistant tick strains. Amongst the different components of integrated management programme, immunization of hosts is considered as one of the sustainable component. To restrict CCHF virus spreading, use of anti-Hyalomma vaccines appears as a viable solution. Accordingly, present study was under taken to characterize and evaluate vaccine potential of two conserved molecules, ferritin2 (FER2) and tropomyosin (TPM). Silencing of the genes conferred a cumulative reduction (rejection + unable to engorge) of 61.3% in FER2 and 70.2% in TPM respectively. Furthermore, 44.2% and 72.7% reduction in engorgement weight, 63.6% and 94.9% reduction in egg masses in FER2 and TPM silenced ticks in comparison to LUC-control group was recorded. The recombinant protein, rHaFER2 was characterized as 35 kDa protein with pI of 5.84 and possesses iron binding domains. While rHaTPM is a 51kDa protein with pI of 4.94 having calcium binding domains. Immunization of cross-bred calves by rHaFER2 conferred 51.7% and 51.2% protection against larvae and adults of H. anatolicum challenge infestations. While rHaTPM conferred 63.7% and 66.4% protection against larvae and adults infestations, respectively. The results were comparable with the data generated by RNAi and it clearly showed the possibility for the development of anti-hyalomma vaccine to manage CCHF virus and Theileria annulata infection in human and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Binod Kumar
- Entomology Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)-Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | | | - Suman Choudhary
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Ashok K Mohanty
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Gaurav Nagar
- Entomology Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)-Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - Gajanan Chigure
- Entomology Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)-Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | | | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Srikant Ghosh
- Entomology Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)-Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
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Yada Y, Talactac MR, Kusakisako K, Hernandez EP, Galay RL, Andoh M, Fujisaki K, Tanaka T. Hemolymph defensin from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis attacks Gram-positive bacteria. J Invertebr Pathol 2018; 156:14-18. [PMID: 30003919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are key vectors of some important diseases of humans and animals. Although they are carriers of disease agents, the viability and development of ticks are not harmed by the infectious agents due to their innate immunity. Antimicrobial peptides directly protect hosts against pathogenic agents such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Among the identified and characterized antimicrobial peptides, defensins have been considerably well studied. Defensins are commonly found among fungi, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. The sequence of the tick hemolymph defensin (HEdefensin) gene from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis was analyzed after identification and cloning from a cDNA library. HEdefensin has a predicted molecular mass of 8.15 kDa including signal peptides and a theoretical isoelectric point of 9.48. Six cysteine residues were also identified in the amino acids. The synthetic HEdefensin peptide only showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Micrococcus luteus. A fluorescence propidium iodide exclusion assay also showed that HEdefensin increased the membrane permeability of M. luteus. Additionally, an indirect fluorescent antibody test showed that HEdefensin binds to M. luteus. These results suggested that HEdefensin strongly affects the innate immunity of ticks against Gram-positive bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Yada
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Melbourne Rio Talactac
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Cavite 4122, Philippines
| | - Kodai Kusakisako
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Emmanuel Pacia Hernandez
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Remil Linggatong Galay
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Masako Andoh
- Laboratory of Public Health, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan.
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Martins LA, Galletti MFBDM, Ribeiro JM, Fujita A, Costa FB, Labruna MB, Daffre S, Fogaça AC. The Distinct Transcriptional Response of the Midgut of Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma aureolatum Ticks to Rickettsia rickettsii Correlates to Their Differences in Susceptibility to Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2017; 7:129. [PMID: 28503490 PMCID: PMC5409265 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2017.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsia rickettsii is a tick-borne obligate intracellular bacterium that causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). In Brazil, two species of ticks in the genus Amblyomma, A. sculptum and A. aureolatum, are incriminated as vectors of this bacterium. Importantly, these two species present remarkable differences in susceptibility to R. rickettsii infection, where A. aureolatum is more susceptible than A. sculptum. In the current study, A. aureolatum and A. sculptum ticks were fed on suitable hosts previously inoculated with R. rickettsii, mimicking a natural infection. As control, ticks were fed on non-infected animals. Both midgut and salivary glands of all positively infected ticks were colonized by R. rickettsii. We did not observe ticks with infection restricted to midgut, suggesting that important factors for controlling rickettsial colonization were produced in this organ. In order to identify such factors, the total RNA extracted from the midgut (MG) was submitted to next generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The majority of the coding sequences (CDSs) of A. sculptum differentially expressed by infection were upregulated, whereas most of modulated CDSs of A. aureolatum were downregulated. The functional categories that comprise upregulated CDSs of A. sculptum, for instance, metabolism, signal transduction, protein modification, extracellular matrix, and immunity also include CDSs of A. aureolatum that were downregulated by infection. This is the first study that reports the effects of an experimental infection with the highly virulent R. rickettsii on the gene expression of two natural tick vectors. The distinct transcriptional profiles of MG of A. sculptum and A. aureolatum upon infection stimulus strongly suggest that molecular factors in this organ are responsible for delineating the susceptibility to R. rickettsii. Functional studies to determine the role played by proteins encoded by differentially expressed CDSs in the acquisition of R. rickettsii are warranted and may be considered as targets for the development of strategies to control the tick-borne pathogens as well as to control the tick vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa A Martins
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria F B de Melo Galletti
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - José M Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesRockville, MD, USA
| | - André Fujita
- Departamento de Ciência da Computação, Instituto de Matemática e Estatística, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco B Costa
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Labruna
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sirlei Daffre
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andréa C Fogaça
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São PauloSão Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Oliva Chávez AS, Shaw DK, Munderloh UG, Pedra JHF. Tick Humoral Responses: Marching to the Beat of a Different Drummer. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:223. [PMID: 28261180 PMCID: PMC5306392 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks transmit a variety of human pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease. Multiple pathogens that are transmitted simultaneously, termed “coinfections,” are of increasing importance and can affect disease outcome in a host. Arthropod immunity is central to pathogen acquisition and transmission by the tick. Pattern recognition receptors recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns and induce humoral responses through the Toll and Immune Deficiency (IMD) pathways. Comparative analyses between insects and ticks reveal that while the Toll pathway is conserved, the IMD network exhibits a high degree of variability. This indicates that major differences in humoral immunity exist between insects and ticks. While many variables can affect immunity, one of the major forces that shape immune outcomes is the microbiota. In light of this, we discuss how the presence of commensal bacteria, symbionts and/or coinfections can lead to altered immune responses in the tick that impact pathogen persistence and subsequent transmission. By investigating non-insect arthropod immunity, we will not only better comprehend tick biology, but also unravel the intricate effects that pathogen coinfections have on vector competence and tick-borne disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela S Oliva Chávez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Dana K Shaw
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
| | | | - Joao H F Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, USA
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12
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Maeda H, Miyata T, Kusakisako K, Galay RL, Talactac MR, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Mochizuki M, Fujisaki K, Tanaka T. A novel C-type lectin with triple carbohydrate recognition domains has critical roles for the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis against Gram-negative bacteria. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 57:38-47. [PMID: 26724379 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CLecs) play an important role in innate immunity against invaders. In this study, a novel CLec was identified from Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks (HlCLec). HlCLec contains a signal peptide and a transmembrane region. Interestingly, HlCLec possesses three dissimilar carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs). Each CRD contains the mutated motif of Ca(2+)-binding site 2. HlCLec mRNA was up-regulated during blood feeding, and had highest expression in the midgut and ovary. HlCLec localization was also confirmed by immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). HlCLec was found on the cell membrane and basal lamina of midgut and ovary. In addition, the recombinant HlCLec and individual CRDs demonstrated direct binding activity to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus; however, no growth inhibition activity was observed. Furthermore, E. coli injection after silencing of HlCLec caused drastic reduction in survival rate of ticks. These results strongly suggest the key role of HlCLec in tick innate immunity against Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Maeda
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Takeshi Miyata
- Division of Molecular Functions of Food, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kodai Kusakisako
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Remil Linggatong Galay
- Department of Veterinary Paraclinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines
| | - Melbourne Rio Talactac
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Masami Mochizuki
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- Zen-noh Institute of Animal Health, Ooja, Sakura, Chiba 285-0043, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan.
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Galay RL, Takechi R, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Talactac MR, Maeda H, Kusakisako K, Mochizuki M, Fujisaki K, Tanaka T. Impaired cellular immune response to injected bacteria after knockdown of ferritin genes in the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. Parasitol Int 2016; 65:251-7. [PMID: 26792075 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Iron is an indispensable element for most microorganisms, including many pathogenic bacteria. Iron-withholding is a known component of the innate immunity, particularly of vertebrate hosts. Ticks are vectors of multiple pathogens and reports have shown that they naturally harbor several bacterial species. Thus, tick innate immunity must be crucial in limiting bacterial population to tolerable level that will not cause adverse effects. We have previously characterized two types of the iron-binding protein ferritin (HlFER) in the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, known to be a vector of some protozoan parasites and rickettsiae, and showed their antioxidant function and importance in blood feeding and reproduction. Here we examined the possible role of HlFERs in tick immunity against bacterial infection. After silencing Hlfer genes, adult ticks were injected with live enhanced green fluorescence protein-expressing Escherichia coli, and then monitored for survival rate. Hemolymph that included hemocytes was collected for microscopic examination to observe cellular immune response, and for E. coli culture to determine bacterial viability after injection in the ticks. The expression of some antimicrobial peptides in whole ticks was also analyzed by RT-PCR. Hlfer-silenced ticks had a significantly lower survival rate than control ticks after E. coli injection. Greater number of bacteria inside and outside the hemocytes and higher bacterial colony counts after culture with hemolymph were also observed in Hlfer-silenced ticks. However, no difference on the expression of antimicrobial peptides was observed. These results suggest that ferritin molecules might be important in the cellular immune response of ticks to some bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remil Linggatong Galay
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Rie Takechi
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Melbourne Rio Talactac
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Clinical and Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Cavite 4122, Philippines
| | - Hiroki Maeda
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kodai Kusakisako
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Masami Mochizuki
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- Zen-noh Institute of Animal Health, 7 Ooja, Sakura, Chiba 285-0043, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
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14
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Wang F, Gong H, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Cao J, Zhou J. Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Differential Expression of miRNAs in Male and Female Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides Ticks. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139241. [PMID: 26430879 PMCID: PMC4592253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates the innate immune response in arthropods. In tick vectors, LPS activates expression of immune genes, including those for antibacterial peptides. miRNAs are 21-24 nt non-coding small RNAs that regulate target mRNAs at the post-transcriptional level. However, our understanding of tick innate immunity is limited to a few cellular immune reactions and some characterized immune molecules. Moreover, there is little information on the regulation of the immune system in ticks by miRNA. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the differential expression of miRNAs in male and female ticks after LPS injection. LPS was injected into male and female Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides ticks to stimulate immune response, with phosphate buffered saline (PBS)-injected ticks as negative controls. miRNAs from each group were sequenced and analyzed. In the PBS- and LPS-injected female ticks, 11.46 and 12.82 million reads of 18-30 nt were obtained respectively. There were 13.92 and 15.29 million reads of 18-30 nt obtained in the PBS- and LPS-injected male ticks, respectively. Expression of miRNAs in male ticks was greater than that in female ticks. There were 955 and 984 conserved miRNA families in the PBS- and LPS-injected female ticks, respectively, and correspondingly 1684 and 1552 conserved miRNA families in male ticks. Nine novel miRNAs were detected as common miRNAs in two or more tested samples. There were 37 known miRNAs up-regulated >10-fold and 33 down-regulated >10-fold in LPS-injected female ticks; and correspondingly 52 and 59 miRNAs in male ticks. Differential expression of miRNAs in PBS- and LPS-injected samples supports their involvement in the regulation of innate immunity. These data provide an important resource for more detailed functional analysis of miRNAs in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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15
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Zhang H, Yang S, Gong H, Cao J, Zhou Y, Zhou J. Functional analysis of a novel cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptide from the salivary glands of the tick Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:3855-63. [PMID: 26152423 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4615-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ticks encounter various microbes while sucking blood from an infected host and carrying these pathogens in themselves. Ticks can then transmit these pathogens to vertebrate hosts. The immune system of ticks can be stimulated to produce many bioactive molecules during feeding and pathogen invasion. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are key effector molecules of a tick's immune response, as they can kill invading pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, we identified a novel cysteine-rich AMP, designated Rhamp1, in the salivary glands of unfed and fed female ticks (Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides). Rhamp1 is encoded by a gene with an open reading frame of 333 bp, which in turn encodes a peptide of 12 kDa with a 22 amino acid residue signal peptide. The Rhamp1 protein had a pI of 8.6 and contained six conserved cysteine residues at the C-terminus. Rhamp1 shared 43% amino acid identity with a secreted cysteine-rich protein of another tick species, Ixodes scapularis. We cloned the Rhamp1 gene and attempted to express a recombinant protein using prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, to determine its biological significance. Recombinant Rhamp1 was successfully expressed in both systems, yielding a glutathione S-transferase (GST)-tagged protein (36 kDa) from the prokaryotic system, and a polyhistidine-tagged Rhamp1 protein (14 kDa) from the eukaryotic system. Rhamp1 inhibited the activities of chymotrypsin (16%) and elastase (22%) and exerted low hemolytic activity. It also inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (49%), Salmonella typhimurium (50%), and Escherichia coli (52%). Our findings suggest that Rhamp1 is a novel AMP in R. haemaphysaloides with the ability to inhibit proteinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houshuang Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200241, China
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16
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Wang J, Bian G, Pan W, Feng T, Dai J. Molecular characterization of a defensin gene from a hard tick, Dermacentor silvarum. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:25. [PMID: 25588982 PMCID: PMC4311433 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-014-0625-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are distributed worldwide and considered as vectors of many human diseases. Tick defensins, a family of antimicrobial peptides, form the first line of defense against pathogens. Findings A defensin-like gene, named Ds-defensin, was identified from a cDNA library of the hard tick Dermacentor silvarum collected from northeast China. The full-length cDNA of Ds-defensin was 225 bp, encoding a 74 amino acid peptide. The nucleotide sequence of Ds-defensin shared 98.2% similarity to putative defensin from Dermacentor marginatus. RT-PCR results suggested that Ds-defensin was extensively expressed in tick salivary gland and midgut, with a higher expression level in midgut. Ds-defensin showed broad antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as the fungus Candida albicans. Conclusions We characterized a functional defensin from D. silvarum of China. Ds-defensin showed bactericidal activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Ds-defensin can be expected to be introduced to the medical field as a new molecule with antibacterial activity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-014-0625-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tingting Feng
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Holocyclotoxin-1, a cystine knot toxin from Ixodes holocyclus. Toxicon 2014; 90:308-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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18
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION As an ecological adaptation venoms have evolved independently in several species of Metazoa. As haematophagous arthropods ticks are mainly considered as ectoparasites due to directly feeding on the skin of animal hosts. Ticks are of major importance since they serve as vectors for several diseases affecting humans and livestock animals. Ticks are rarely considered as venomous animals despite that tick saliva contains several protein families present in venomous taxa and that many Ixodida genera can induce paralysis and other types of toxicoses. Tick saliva was previously proposed as a special kind of venom since tick venom is used for blood feeding that counteracts host defense mechanisms. As a result, the present study provides evidence to reconsider the venomous properties of tick saliva. RESULTS Based on our extensive literature mining and in silico research, we demonstrate that ticks share several similarities with other venomous taxa. Many tick salivary protein families and their previously described functions are homologous to proteins found in scorpion, spider, snake, platypus and bee venoms. This infers that there is a structural and functional convergence between several molecular components in tick saliva and the venoms from other recognized venomous taxa. We also highlight the fact that the immune response against tick saliva and venoms (from recognized venomous taxa) are both dominated by an allergic immunity background. Furthermore, by comparing the major molecular components of human saliva, as an example of a non-venomous animal, with that of ticks we find evidence that ticks resemble more venomous than non-venomous animals. Finally, we introduce our considerations regarding the evolution of venoms in Arachnida. CONCLUSIONS Taking into account the composition of tick saliva, the venomous functions that ticks have while interacting with their hosts, and the distinguishable differences between human (non-venomous) and tick salivary proteins, we consider that ticks should be referred to as venomous ectoparasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019 – CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real 13005, Spain
| | - James J Valdés
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
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Vieira CS, Waniek PJ, Mattos DP, Castro DP, Mello CB, Ratcliffe NA, Garcia ES, Azambuja P. Humoral responses in Rhodnius prolixus: bacterial feeding induces differential patterns of antibacterial activity and enhances mRNA levels of antimicrobial peptides in the midgut. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:232. [PMID: 24885969 PMCID: PMC4032158 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The triatomine, Rhodnius prolixus, is a major vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in Latin America. It has a strictly blood-sucking habit in all life stages, ingesting large amounts of blood from vertebrate hosts from which it can acquire pathogenic microorganisms. In this context, the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the midgut of the insect is vital to control possible infection, and to maintain the microbiota already present in the digestive tract. METHODS In the present work, we studied the antimicrobial activity of the Rhodnius prolixus midgut in vitro against the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. We also analysed the abundance of mRNAs encoding for defensins, prolixicin and lysozymes in the midgut of insects orally infected by these bacteria at 1 and 7 days after feeding. RESULTS Our results showed that the anterior midgut contents contain a higher inducible antibacterial activity than those of the posterior midgut. We observed that the main AMP encoding mRNAs in the anterior midgut, 7 days after a blood meal, were for lysozyme A, B, defensin C and prolixicin while in the posterior midgut lysozyme B and prolixicin transcripts predominated. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that R. prolixus modulates AMP gene expression upon ingestion of bacteria with patterns that are distinct and dependent upon the species of bacteria responsible for infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Norman A Ratcliffe
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Tonk M, Cabezas-Cruz A, Valdés JJ, Rego ROM, Rudenko N, Golovchenko M, Bell-Sakyi L, de la Fuente J, Grubhoffer L. Identification and partial characterisation of new members of the Ixodes ricinus defensin family. Gene 2014; 540:146-52. [PMID: 24607035 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The hard-bodied tick Ixodes ricinus (castor bean tick) is the most common tick species in Europe. I. ricinus is a vector of the causative agents of diseases that affect humans and animals including tick-borne encephalitis, borreliosis, tick-borne fever and babesiosis. The innate immune system provides ticks with quite an efficient defence against some pathogenic microorganisms in the event of their penetration into the tick body or through the blood meal. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute an important feature of the tick immune system. Defensins are a well-known class of AMPs. Members of the defensin family of proteins have been reported in several tick species. So far, only two defensins had been identified from I. ricinus. In this study, we report the identification of six novel putative defensins from I. ricinus at the genomic and transcriptional levels. At the genomic level they show differences with one being intronless, while others contain two introns. The expression pattern of these molecules in the salivary glands, midgut, ovary, Malpighian tubules, haemolymph and the tick cell line IRE/CTVM19 was determined. Some of them are tissue specific while others seem to be ubiquitous. Molecular and phylogenetic analyses show that these novel members of the I. ricinus defensin family differ phylogenetically and structurally; nevertheless, the cysteine pattern is highly conserved among the family members. Finally, antimicrobial-peptide prediction tools were used to predict putative antimicrobial activity of our defensins. They show putative antimicrobial activity mainly against Gram-positive bacteria. This study displays the diversity of the defensin family in the tick I. ricinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miray Tonk
- Biology Centre of the AS CR, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Biology Centre of the AS CR, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - James J Valdés
- Biology Centre of the AS CR, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Ryan O M Rego
- Biology Centre of the AS CR, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Nataliia Rudenko
- Biology Centre of the AS CR, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Maryna Golovchenko
- Biology Centre of the AS CR, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
| | | | - José de la Fuente
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; SaBio, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Libor Grubhoffer
- Biology Centre of the AS CR, Institute of Parasitology, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Science, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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Hajdušek O, Síma R, Ayllón N, Jalovecká M, Perner J, de la Fuente J, Kopáček P. Interaction of the tick immune system with transmitted pathogens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2013; 3:26. [PMID: 23875177 PMCID: PMC3712896 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2013.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous arachnids transmitting a wide variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and protozoans to their vertebrate hosts. The tick vector competence has to be intimately linked to the ability of transmitted pathogens to evade tick defense mechanisms encountered on their route through the tick body comprising midgut, hemolymph, salivary glands or ovaries. Tick innate immunity is, like in other invertebrates, based on an orchestrated action of humoral and cellular immune responses. The direct antimicrobial defense in ticks is accomplished by a variety of small molecules such as defensins, lysozymes or by tick-specific antimicrobial compounds such as microplusin/hebraein or 5.3-kDa family proteins. Phagocytosis of the invading microbes by tick hemocytes is likely mediated by the primordial complement-like system composed of thioester-containing proteins, fibrinogen-related lectins and convertase-like factors. Moreover, an important role in survival of the ingested microbes seems to be played by host proteins and redox balance maintenance in the tick midgut. Here, we summarize recent knowledge about the major components of tick immune system and focus on their interaction with the relevant tick-transmitted pathogens, represented by spirochetes (Borrelia), rickettsiae (Anaplasma), and protozoans (Babesia). Availability of the tick genomic database and feasibility of functional genomics based on RNA interference greatly contribute to the understanding of molecular and cellular interplay at the tick-pathogen interface and may provide new targets for blocking the transmission of tick pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Hajdušek
- Biological Centre ASCR, Institute of Parasitology České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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22
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Bacterial feeding, Leishmania infection and distinct infection routes induce differential defensin expression in Lutzomyia longipalpis. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:12. [PMID: 23311993 PMCID: PMC3573903 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomine insects harbor bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens that can cause diseases of public health importance. Lutzomyia longipalpis is the main vector of visceral leishmaniasis in the New World. Insects can mount a powerful innate immune response to pathogens. Defensin peptides take part in this response and are known to be active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and some parasites. We studied the expression of a defensin gene from Lutzomyia longipalpis to understand its role in sand fly immune response. METHODS We identified, sequenced and evaluated the expression of a L. longipalpis defensin gene by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The gene sequence was compared to other vectors defensins and expression was determined along developmental stages and after exposure of adult female L. longipalpis to bacteria and Leishmania. RESULTS Phylogenetic analysis showed that the L. longipalpis defensin is closely related to a defensin from the Old World sand fly Phlebotomus duboscqi. Expression was high in late L4 larvae and pupae in comparison to early larval stages and newly emerged flies. Defensin expression was modulated by oral infection with bacteria. The Gram-positive Micrococcus luteus induced early high defensin expression, whilst the Gram-negative entomopathogenic Serratia marcescens induced a later response. Bacterial injection also induced defensin expression in adult insects. Female sand flies infected orally with Leishmania mexicana showed no significant difference in defensin expression compared to blood fed insects apart from a lower defensin expression 5 days post Leishmania infection. When Leishmania was introduced into the hemolymph by injection there was no induction of defensin expression until 72 h later. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that L. longipalpis modulates defensin expression upon bacterial and Leishmania infection, with patterns of expression that are distinct among bacterial species and routes of infection.
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23
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Hatta T, Miyoshi T, Matsubayashi M, Islam MK, Alim MA, Anisuzzaman, Yamaji K, Fujisaki K, Tsuji N. Semi-artificial mouse skin membrane feeding technique for adult tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:263. [PMID: 23153119 PMCID: PMC3514109 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An in vitro artificial feeding technique for hard ticks is quite useful for studying the tick-pathogen interactions. Here, we report a novel semi-artificial feeding technique for the adult parthenogenetic tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, using mouse skin membrane. FINDINGS Skin with attached adult ticks was removed from the mouse body at 4 to 5 days post-infestation for the construction of the feeding system. This system supplied with rabbit blood was kept in >95% relative humidity at 30°C during the feeding, and ticks were fully engorged (artificially engorged, AE) within 12 to 48 h. For comparison, ticks were fed to engorgement solely on rabbit or mouse for 5 days as controls (naturally engorged on rabbit, NEr, or mouse, NEm). Blood digestion-related gene expression in the midgut and reproductive fitness were compared. Body weight, egg mass weight, egg conversion ratio, and hatchability of eggs did not show any significant differences. We analyzed transcription profiles of selected genes assayed by quantitative RT-PCR and revealed similar patterns of expression between NEr and AE but some differences between NEm and AE or NEm and NEr. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that this semi-artificial feeding technique mimics natural feeding processes of ticks and can be utilized as a standardized method to inoculate pathogens, especially Babesia protozoa, into H. longicornis and possibly other tick species as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Hatta
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Animal Health, National Agricultural and Food Research Organization, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
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24
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Li Y, Xiang Q, Zhang Q, Huang Y, Su Z. Overview on the recent study of antimicrobial peptides: origins, functions, relative mechanisms and application. Peptides 2012; 37:207-15. [PMID: 22800692 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 316] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Revised: 06/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are produced by several species including insects, other animals, micro-organisms and synthesis, are a critical component of the natural defense system. With the growing problem of pathogenic organisms resistant to conventional antibiotics, especially with the emergence of NDM-1, there is increased interest in the pharmacological application of AMPs. They can protect against a broad array of infectious agents, such as bacteria, fungi, parasite, virus and cancer cells. AMPs have a very good future in the application in pharmaceuticals industry and food additive. This review focuses on the AMPs from different origins in these recent years, and discusses their various functions and relative mechanisms of action. It will provide some detailed files for clinical research of pharmaceuticals industry and food additive in application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmei Li
- Biopharmaceutical Research and Development Center, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
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25
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Zheng H, Zhou L, Yang X, Wang D, Liu J. Cloning and characterization of a male-specific defensin-like antimicrobial peptide from the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 37:207-211. [PMID: 22033149 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A novel gene was identified from a cDNA library of the male accessory glands of Haemaphysalis longicornis. The full-length cDNA of the gene was 349bp, encoding a 79-amino acid defensin-like protein and therefore the protein was named HlMS-defensin. Reverse transcriptase-PCR results suggested that this gene was expressed exclusively in male ticks. The tissue expression pattern and the mRNA levels of HlMS-defensin during blood feeding were determined using real-time PCR. HlMS-defensin was expressed predominately in the male accessory gland and was up-regulated during blood feeding. The antimicrobial activity of a synthetic peptide based on the predicted mature portion of HlMS-defensin was examined against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. It appears that ticks use the antimicrobial peptide to protect their reproductive tracts from microbial infections. The protective role of HlMS-defensin during mating was also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050016, Hebei, China
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26
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Tanaka T, Maeda H, Matsuo T, Boldbattar D, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Kume A, Suzuki H, Xuan X, Tsuji N, Fujisaki K. Parasiticidal activity of Haemaphysalis longicornis longicin P4 peptide against Toxoplasma gondii. Peptides 2012; 34:242-50. [PMID: 21849158 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 07/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The Haemaphysalis longicornis longicin P4 peptide is an active part peptide produced by longicin which displays bactericidal activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and other microorganisms. In the present study, the effect of the longicin P4 peptide on the infectivity of Toxoplasma gondii parasites was examined in vitro. Tachyzoites of T. gondii incubated with longicin P4 had induced aggregation and lost the trypan blue dye exclusion activity and the invasion ability into the mouse embryonal cell line (NIH/3T3). Longicin P4 bound to T. gondii tachyzoites, as demonstrated by fluoresce microscopic analysis. An electron microscopic analysis and a fluorescence propidium iodide exclusion assay of tachyzoites exposed to longicin P4 revealed pore formation in the cellular membrane, membrane disorganization, and hollowing as well as cytoplasmic vacuolization. The number of tachyzoites proliferated in mouse macrophage cell line (J774A.1) was significantly decreased by incubation with longicin P4. These findings suggested that longicin P4 conceivably impaired parasite membranes, leading to the destruction of Toxoplasma parasites in J774A.1 cells. Thus, longicin P4 is an interesting candidate for antitoxoplasmosis drug design that causes severe toxicity to T. gondii and plays an important role in reducing cellular infection. This is the first report showing that longicin P4 causes aggregation and membrane injury of parasites, leading to Toxoplasma tachyzoite destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Tanaka
- Department of Frontier Veterinary Science, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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27
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Wang Y, Zhu S. The defensin gene family expansion in the tick Ixodes scapularis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2011; 35:1128-1134. [PMID: 21540051 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2011.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Ixodid ticks transmit a variety of pathogens by blood feeding. Here, we report computational identification of two multigene families of defensin-like peptides (DLPs) in the Ixodes scapularis genome, one corresponding to scapularisin and the other named scasin. Members in the scapularisin family share high sequence similarity to some antibacterial ancient invertebrate-type defensins (AITDs) isolated from primitive insects, arachnids, bivalvia, and fungi whereas scasins represent a novel family of DLPs identified by their overall acidic molecular surface and low sequence similarity to any known defensins. Codon-substitution models support neutral evolution in scapularisins but strong positive selection signal was found throughout the molecules of scasins. The synthetic γ-core region of scapularisin-20 exhibits a wide-spectrum of antimicrobial activity at micromolar concentrations. The finding of extensive gene expansion of DLPs in a vector arachnida may be valuable in the understanding of its role in pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbing Wang
- Group of Animal Innate Immunity, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects & Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
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28
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Zhang H, Zhang W, Wang X, Zhou Y, Wang N, Zhou J. Identification of a cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptide from salivary glands of the tick Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides. Peptides 2011; 32:441-6. [PMID: 21168461 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The presence of an effective immune response in the hemocoel of ticks is crucial for survival, as it prevents the invasion of pathogens throughout the animal's body. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play an important role in this response by rapidly killing invading microorganisms. In this study, a subtraction hybridization cDNA library was constructed from the salivary glands of the unfed and fed female tick Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, and a novel cysteine-rich AMP designated Rhamp (R. haemaphysaloides antimicrobial peptide) was isolated and identified. The Rhamp was encoded by a gene with an open reading frame of 303 bp which encoded a mature peptide with 8 kDa molecular weight. No identity was found by BLAST search to any database entries. The sequence encoding the Rhamp was subcloned into the pGEX-4T vector and expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein of Rhamp showed chymotrypsin and elastase-inhibitory activity and markedly inhibited the growth of gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, and E. coli. Moreover, the recombinant protein also exerted low hemolytic activity. These results indicate the Rhamp is a novel antimicrobial peptide with proteinase activity from the tick R. haemaphysaloides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houshuang Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 518 Ziyue Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
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29
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Tanaka T, Kawano S, Nakao S, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Rahman MM, Boldbaatar D, Battur B, Liao M, Fujisaki K. The identification and characterization of lysozyme from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2010; 1:178-85. [PMID: 21771526 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2010.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 09/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A full-length cDNA-encoding lysozyme was obtained from cDNA libraries of salivary glands of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis and designated as HlLysozyme. The HlLysozyme sequence represents an open reading frame for a putative signal peptide and the mature protein composed of 121 amino acids. The calculated molecular weight of the protein is 13.7 kDa, and the theoretical isoelectric point is 9.85. HlLysozyme shares 41-79% amino acid sequence identity with the lysozymes of other organisms. The activity of recombinant HlLysozyme expressed in Escherichia coli was confirmed by a lytic zone assay using lyophilized Micrococcus lysodeikticus. The HlLysozyme activity decreased at 70 °C and was demonstrated at acidic side and neutral in a pH range. Elevated gene expression of HlLysozyme was observed when female ticks were challenged with bacteria, suggesting possible roles of lysozyme as an innate immunity of ticks against microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Frontier Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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30
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Baumann T, Kuhn-Nentwig L, Largiadèr CR, Nentwig W. Expression of defensins in non-infected araneomorph spiders. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 67:2643-51. [PMID: 20358249 PMCID: PMC11115936 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0354-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Revised: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Defensins are a major family of antimicrobial peptides found throughout the phylogenetic tree. From the spider species: Cupiennius salei, Phoneutria reidyi, Polybetes pythagoricus, Tegenaria atrica, and Meta menardi, defensins belonging to the 'ancestral' class of invertebrate defensins were cloned and sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences contain the characteristic six cysteines of this class of defensins and reveal precursors of 60 or 61 amino acid residues. The mature peptides consist of 37 amino acid residues, showing up to 70% identities with tick and scorpion defensins. In C. salei, defensin mRNA was found to be constitutively expressed in hemocytes, ovaries, subesophageal nerve mass, hepatopancreas, and muscle tissue. This is the first report presenting and comparing antimicrobial peptides belonging to the family of defensins from spiders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Baumann
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Kuhn-Nentwig
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlo R. Largiadèr
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, INO F, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Nentwig
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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31
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Lu X, Che Q, Lv Y, Wang M, Lu Z, Feng F, Liu J, Yu H. A novel defensin-like peptide from salivary glands of the hard tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Protein Sci 2010; 19:392-7. [PMID: 20027626 DOI: 10.1002/pro.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A novel defensin-like antimicrobial peptide named longicornsin was isolated from the salivary glands of the hard tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, using a 10-kDa cut-off Centriprep filter and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Its amino acid sequence was determined as DFGCGQGMIFMCQRRCMRLYPGSTGFCRGFRCMCDTHIPLRPPFMVG by Edman degradation. The cDNA encoding longicornsin was cloned by cDNA library screening. The predicted protein from the cDNA sequence was composed of 78 amino acids including a mature longicornsin. It showed similarity with defensin-like peptides from other ticks by BLAST search. Different from most other tick defensin-like peptides, longicornsin had a C-terminal extension. Purified longicornsin exerted potent antimicrobial activities against bacteria and fungi. Interestingly, it even showed strong antimicrobial ability against drug-resistant microorganisms and Helicobacter pylori. The results of this study indicated that longicornsin is a potential candidate for novel antimicrobial drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyun Lu
- Key Laboratory of Microbiological Engineering of Agricultural Environment, Life Sciences College of Nanjing Agricultural University, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095 China
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32
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Kopáček P, Hajdušek O, Burešová V, Daffre S. Tick Innate Immunity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8059-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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33
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RAHMAN MM, TSUJI N, BOLDBAATAR D, BATTUR B, LIAO M, UMEMIYA-SHIRAFUJI R, YOU M, TANAKA T, FUJISAKI K. Structural Characterization and Cytolytic Activity of a Potent Antimicrobial Motif in Longicin, a Defensin-Like Peptide in the Tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. J Vet Med Sci 2010; 72:149-56. [DOI: 10.1292/jvms.09-0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Naotoshi TSUJI
- National Institute of Animal Health, National Agricultural Research Organization
| | | | - Banzragch BATTUR
- Department of Frontier Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University
| | - Min LIAO
- Department of Frontier Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University
| | | | - Myungjo YOU
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University
| | - Tetsuya TANAKA
- Department of Frontier Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University
| | - Kozo FUJISAKI
- Department of Frontier Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University
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34
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Chrudimská T, Chrudimský T, Golovchenko M, Rudenko N, Grubhoffer L. New defensins from hard and soft ticks: similarities, differences, and phylogenetic analyses. Vet Parasitol 2009; 167:298-303. [PMID: 19836137 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the importance of ticks as vectors of disease very little is known about their immune system. Antimicrobial peptides, including defensins (phylogenetically ancient antibacterial peptides) are major components of innate immunity in ticks that have been shown to provide protection against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoan parasites. With the aim of studying the evolution of the genes involved in tick defense, we identified the preprodefensin genes from four Ornithodoros tick species (O. papillipes: isoforms A, B, and D; O. tartakovskyi and O. puertoricensis: isoforms A and B; O. rostratus: isoform A) and from two Dermacentor tick species (D. reticulatus and D. marginatus: one isoform) not previously described. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Ornithodoros defensin isoforms (A, B, C, and D) form 4 separate clades, while hard tick defensins are divided into several branches based on particular tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Chrudimská
- University of South Bohemia, Branisovská 31, Ceské Budejovice 37005, Czech Republic.
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35
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Fry BG, Roelants K, Champagne DE, Scheib H, Tyndall JD, King GF, Nevalainen TJ, Norman JA, Lewis RJ, Norton RS, Renjifo C, de la Vega RCR. The Toxicogenomic Multiverse: Convergent Recruitment of Proteins Into Animal Venoms. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2009; 10:483-511. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev.genom.9.081307.164356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 587] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Throughout evolution, numerous proteins have been convergently recruited into the venoms of various animals, including centipedes, cephalopods, cone snails, fish, insects (several independent venom systems), platypus, scorpions, shrews, spiders, toxicoferan reptiles (lizards and snakes), and sea anemones. The protein scaffolds utilized convergently have included AVIT/colipase/prokineticin, CAP, chitinase, cystatin, defensins, hyaluronidase, Kunitz, lectin, lipocalin, natriuretic peptide, peptidase S1, phospholipase A2, sphingomyelinase D, and SPRY. Many of these same venom protein types have also been convergently recruited for use in the hematophagous gland secretions of invertebrates (e.g., fleas, leeches, kissing bugs, mosquitoes, and ticks) and vertebrates (e.g., vampire bats). Here, we discuss a number of overarching structural, functional, and evolutionary generalities of the protein families from which these toxins have been frequently recruited and propose a revised and expanded working definition for venom. Given the large number of striking similarities between the protein compositions of conventional venoms and hematophagous secretions, we argue that the latter should also fall under the same definition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan G. Fry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010 Australia
| | - Kim Roelants
- Unit of Ecology and Systematics, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Donald E. Champagne
- Department of Entomology and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | | | - Joel D.A. Tyndall
- National School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Glenn F. King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - Janette A. Norman
- Sciences Department, Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Raymond S. Norton
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3050, Victoria, Australia
| | - Camila Renjifo
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ricardo C. Rodríguez de la Vega
- Structural and Computational Biology/Gene Expression Units, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
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36
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Saito Y, Konnai S, Yamada S, Imamura S, Nishikado H, Ito T, Onuma M, Ohashi K. Identification and characterization of antimicrobial peptide, defensin, in the taiga tick, Ixodes persulcatus. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 18:531-539. [PMID: 19604312 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2009.00897.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Ixodes persulcatus is the primary vector for human tick-borne diseases in Japan. A cDNA library was constructed from whole body homogenates of fed nymphs of I. persulcatus. From this library, one cDNA encoding defensin-like antimicrobial peptide was identified. The amino-acid sequence showed high similarity to those of the defensins of other ticks and arthropods. I. persulcatus defensin mRNA transcripts were detected at all life cycle stages of fed ticks and found to be predominantly expressed in the midguts of adult female ticks, but not in the salivary glands, a finding corroborated by Western blotting analysis. To investigate the function of I. persulcatus defensin, we examined its antibacterial activity by evaluation of growth of several bacterial strains in the presence of the synthetic peptide. The defensin from I. persulcatus markedly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Corynebacterium renale, but not Gram-negative bacteria except Escherichia coli O157. In conclusion, these results suggest that I. persulcatus defensin may be playing a significant role in the defence against microbes from bloodmeals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Saito
- Department of Disease Control, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
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Esteves E, Fogaça AC, Maldonado R, Silva FD, Manso PPA, Pelajo-Machado M, Valle D, Daffre S. Antimicrobial activity in the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus eggs: Cellular localization and temporal expression of microplusin during oogenesis and embryogenesis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 33:913-919. [PMID: 19454333 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2009.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Revised: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Arthropods display different mechanisms to protect themselves against infections, among which antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play an important role, acting directly against invader pathogens. We have detected several factors with inhibitory activity against Candida albicans and Micrococcus luteus on the surface and in homogenate of eggs of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. One of the anti-M. luteus factors of the egg homogenate was isolated to homogeneity. Analysis by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) revealed that it corresponds to microplusin, an AMP previously isolated from the cell-free hemolymph of R. (B.) microplus. Reverse transcription (RT) quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) showed that the levels of microplusin mRNA gradually increase along ovary development, reaching an impressive highest value three days after the adult females have dropped from the calf and start oviposition. Interestingly, the level of microplusin mRNA is very low in recently laid eggs. An enhance of microplusin gene expression in eggs is observed only nine days after the onset of oviposition, achieving the highest level just before the larva hatching, when the level of expression decreases once again. Fluorescence microscopy analysis using an anti-microplusin serum revealed that microplusin is present among yolk granules of oocytes as well as in the connecting tube of ovaries. These results, together to our previous data, suggest that microplusin may be involved not only in protection of adult female hemocele, but also in protection of the female reproductive tract and embryos, what points this AMP as a considerable target for development of new methods to control R. (B.) microplus as well as the vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Esteves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
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Neira Oviedo M, Ribeiro JMC, Heyland A, VanEkeris L, Moroz T, Linser PJ. The salivary transcriptome of Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae: A microarray-based analysis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2009; 39:382-94. [PMID: 19328852 PMCID: PMC2766661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2009.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2008] [Revised: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
In spite of the many recent developments in the field of vector sialomics, the salivary glands of larval mosquitoes have been largely unexplored. We used whole-transcriptome microarray analysis to create a gene-expression profile of the salivary gland tissue of fourth-instar Anopheles gambiae larvae, and compare it to the gene-expression profile of a matching group of whole larvae. We identified a total of 221 probes with expression values that were (a) significantly enriched in the salivary glands, and (b) sufficiently annotated as to allow the prediction of the presence/absence of signal peptides in their corresponding gene products. Based on available annotation of the protein sequences associated with these probes, we propose that the main roles of larval salivary secretions include: (a) immune response, (b) mouthpart lubrication, (c) nutrient metabolism, and (d) xenobiotic detoxification. Other highlights of the study include the cloning of a transcript encoding a previously unknown salivary defensin (AgDef5), the confirmation of mucus secretion by the larval salivary glands, and the first report of salivary lipocalins in the Culicidae.
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Zhou J, Liao M, Ueda M, Gong H, Xuan X, Fujisaki K. Characterization of an intracellular cystatin homolog from the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. Vet Parasitol 2009; 160:180-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.10.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2008] [Revised: 10/17/2008] [Accepted: 10/17/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Francischetti IMB, Sa-Nunes A, Mans BJ, Santos IM, Ribeiro JMC. The role of saliva in tick feeding. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2009; 14:2051-88. [PMID: 19273185 PMCID: PMC2785505 DOI: 10.2741/3363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 376] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
When attempting to feed on their hosts, ticks face the problem of host hemostasis (the vertebrate mechanisms that prevent blood loss), inflammation (that can produce itching or pain and thus initiate defensive behavior on their hosts) and adaptive immunity (by way of both cellular and humoral responses). Against these barriers, ticks evolved a complex and sophisticated pharmacological armamentarium, consisting of bioactive lipids and proteins, to assist blood feeding. Recent progress in transcriptome research has uncovered that hard ticks have hundreds of different proteins expressed in their salivary glands, the majority of which have no known function, and include many novel protein families (e.g., their primary structure is unique to ticks). This review will address the vertebrate mechanisms of these barriers as a guide to identify the possible targets of these large numbers of known salivary proteins with unknown function. We additionally provide a supplemental Table that catalogues over 3,500 putative salivary proteins from various tick species, which might assist the scientific community in the process of functional identification of these unique proteins. This supplemental file is accessble fromhttp://exon.niaid.nih.gov/transcriptome/tick_review/Sup-Table-1.xls.gz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo M B Francischetti
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda MD, USA
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Tsuji N, Fujisaki K. Longicin plays a crucial role in inhibiting the transmission of Babesia parasites in the vector tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. Future Microbiol 2008; 2:575-8. [PMID: 18041897 DOI: 10.2217/17460913.2.6.575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Mans BJ, Andersen JF, Francischetti IM, Valenzuela JG, Schwan TG, Pham VM, Garfield MK, Hammer CH, Ribeiro JM. Comparative sialomics between hard and soft ticks: implications for the evolution of blood-feeding behavior. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2008; 38:42-58. [PMID: 18070664 PMCID: PMC2211429 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2007.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2007] [Revised: 09/07/2007] [Accepted: 09/18/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Ticks evolved various mechanisms to modulate their host's hemostatic and immune defenses. Differences in the anti-hemostatic repertoires suggest that hard and soft ticks evolved anti-hemostatic mechanisms independently, but raise questions on the conservation of salivary gland proteins in the ancestral tick lineage. To address this issue, the sialome (salivary gland secretory proteome) from the soft tick, Argas monolakensis, was determined by proteomic analysis and cDNA library construction of salivary glands from fed and unfed adult female ticks. The sialome is composed of approximately 130 secretory proteins of which the most abundant protein folds are the lipocalin, BTSP, BPTI and metalloprotease families which also comprise the most abundant proteins found in the salivary glands. Comparative analysis indicates that the major protein families are conserved in hard and soft ticks. Phylogenetic analysis shows, however, that most gene duplications are lineage specific, indicating that the protein families analyzed possibly evolved most of their functions after divergence of the two major tick families. In conclusion, the ancestral tick may have possessed a simple (few members for each family), but diverse (many different protein families) salivary gland protein domain repertoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J. Mans
- Laboratory for Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - John F. Andersen
- Laboratory for Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Ivo M.B. Francischetti
- Laboratory for Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Jesus G. Valenzuela
- Laboratory for Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Tom G. Schwan
- Laboratory of Zoonotic Pathogens, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Van M. Pham
- Laboratory for Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Mark K. Garfield
- Research Technology Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Carl H. Hammer
- Research Technology Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - José M.C. Ribeiro
- Laboratory for Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
- *Corresponding author. Tel.: +1301 496 9389; fax: 1+301 480 2571. E-mail address: (J.M.C. Ribeiro)
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