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Bertuccini L, Boussadia Z, Salzano AM, Vanni I, Passerò I, Nocita E, Scaloni A, Sanchez M, Sargiacomo M, Fiani ML, Tosini F. Unveiling Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoite-derived extracellular vesicles: profiling, origin, and protein composition. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1367359. [PMID: 38660488 PMCID: PMC11039866 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1367359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium parvum is a common cause of a zoonotic disease and a main cause of diarrhea in newborns. Effective drugs or vaccines are still lacking. Oocyst is the infective form of the parasite; after its ingestion, the oocyst excysts and releases four sporozoites into the host intestine that rapidly attack the enterocytes. The membrane protein CpRom1 is a large rhomboid protease that is expressed by sporozoites and recognized as antigen by the host immune system. In this study, we observed the release of CpRom1 with extracellular vesicles (EVs) that was not previously described. To investigate this phenomenon, we isolated and resolved EVs from the excystation medium by differential ultracentrifugation. Fluorescence flow cytometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments identified two types of sporozoite-derived vesicles: large extracellular vesicles (LEVs) and small extracellular vesicles (SEVs). Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) revealed mode diameter of 181 nm for LEVs and 105 nm for SEVs, respectively. Immunodetection experiments proved the presence of CpRom1 and the Golgi protein CpGRASP in LEVs, while immune-electron microscopy trials demonstrated the localization of CpRom1 on the LEVs surface. TEM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that LEVs were generated by means of the budding of the outer membrane of sporozoites; conversely, the origin of SEVs remained uncertain. Distinct protein compositions were observed between LEVs and SEVs as evidenced by their corresponding electrophoretic profiles. Indeed, a dedicated proteomic analysis identified 5 and 16 proteins unique for LEVs and SEVs, respectively. Overall, 60 proteins were identified in the proteome of both types of vesicles and most of these proteins (48 in number) were already identified in the molecular cargo of extracellular vesicles from other organisms. Noteworthy, we identified 12 proteins unique to Cryptosporidium spp. and this last group included the immunodominant parasite antigen glycoprotein GP60, which is one of the most abundant proteins in both LEVs and SEVs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zaira Boussadia
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Salzano
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry laboratory, ISPAAM, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Portici, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vanni
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, SANV, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Passerò
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Nocita
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry laboratory, ISPAAM, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Portici, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Sargiacomo
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Fiani
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Tosini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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2
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Carlson KB, Nguyen C, Wcisel DJ, Yoder JA, Dornburg A. Ancient fish lineages illuminate toll-like receptor diversification in early vertebrate evolution. Immunogenetics 2023; 75:465-478. [PMID: 37555888 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01315-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Since its initial discovery over 50 years ago, understanding the evolution of the vertebrate RAG- mediated adaptive immune response has been a major area of research focus for comparative geneticists. However, how the evolutionary novelty of an adaptive immune response impacted the diversity of receptors associated with the innate immune response has received considerably less attention until recently. Here, we investigate the diversification of vertebrate toll-like receptors (TLRs), one of the most ancient and well conserved innate immune receptor families found across the Tree of Life, integrating genomic data that represent all major vertebrate lineages with new transcriptomic data from Polypteriformes, the earliest diverging ray-finned fish lineage. Our analyses reveal TLR sequences that reflect the 6 major TLR subfamilies, TLR1, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7, and TLR11, and also currently unnamed, yet phylogenetically distinct TLR clades. We additionally recover evidence for a pulse of gene gain coincident with the rise of the RAG-mediated adaptive immune response in jawed vertebrates, followed by a period of rapid gene loss during the Cretaceous. These gene losses are primarily concentrated in marine teleost fish and synchronous with the mid Cretaceous anoxic event, a period of rapid extinction for marine species. Finally, we reveal a mismatch between phylogenetic placement and gene nomenclature for up to 50% of TLRs found in clades such as ray-finned fishes, cyclostomes, amphibians, and elasmobranchs. Collectively, these results provide an unparalleled perspective of TLR diversity and offer a ready framework for testing gene annotations in non-model species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara B Carlson
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Cameron Nguyen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Dustin J Wcisel
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Yoder
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Academy, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Alex Dornburg
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
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Florin-Christensen M, Sojka D, Ganzinelli S, Šnebergerová P, Suarez CE, Schnittger L. Degrade to survive: the intricate world of piroplasmid proteases. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:532-546. [PMID: 37271664 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Piroplasmids of the genera Babesia, Theileria, and Cytauxzoon are tick-transmitted parasites with a high impact on animals and humans. They have complex life cycles in their definitive arthropod and intermediate vertebrate hosts involving numerous processes, including invasion of, and egress from, host cells, parasite growth, transformation, and migration. Like other parasitic protozoa, piroplasmids are equipped with different types of protease to fulfill many of such essential processes. Blockade of some key proteases, using inhibitors or antibodies, hinders piroplasmid growth, highlighting their potential usefulness in drug therapies and vaccine development. A better understanding of the functional significance of these enzymes will contribute to the development of improved control measures for the devastating animal and human diseases caused by these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Florin-Christensen
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), INTA-Castelar, Los Reseros y Nicolas Repetto s/n, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina.
| | - Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 1160/31, CZ-37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Sabrina Ganzinelli
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), INTA-Castelar, Los Reseros y Nicolas Repetto s/n, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
| | - Pavla Šnebergerová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branišovská 1160/31, CZ-37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, CZ-370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Carlos E Suarez
- Washington State University/Animal Disease Research Unit USDA, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), INTA-Castelar, Los Reseros y Nicolas Repetto s/n, Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
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Gallenti R, Hussein HE, Alzan HF, Suarez CE, Ueti M, Asurmendi S, Benitez D, Araujo FR, Rolls P, Sibeko-Matjila K, Schnittger L, Florin-Christensen M. Unraveling the Complexity of the Rhomboid Serine Protease 4 Family of Babesia bovis Using Bioinformatics and Experimental Studies. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030344. [PMID: 35335668 PMCID: PMC8956091 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Babesia bovis, a tick-transmitted apicomplexan protozoon, infects cattle in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In the apicomplexans Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, rhomboid serine protease 4 (ROM4) fulfills an essential role in host cell invasion. We thus investigated B. bovis ROM4 coding genes; their genomic organization; their expression in in vitro cultured asexual (AS) and sexual stages (SS); and strain polymorphisms. B. bovis contains five rom4 paralogous genes in chromosome 2, which we have named rom4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5. There are moderate degrees of sequence identity between them, except for rom4.3 and 4.4, which are almost identical. RT-qPCR analysis showed that rom4.1 and rom4.3/4.4, respectively, display 18-fold and 218-fold significantly higher (p < 0.01) levels of transcription in SS than in AS, suggesting a role in gametogenesis-related processes. In contrast, transcription of rom4.4 and 4.5 differed non-significantly between the stages. ROM4 polymorphisms among geographic isolates were essentially restricted to the number of tandem repeats of a 29-amino acid sequence in ROM4.5. This sequence repeat is highly conserved and predicted as antigenic. B. bovis ROMs likely participate in relevant host−pathogen interactions and are possibly useful targets for the development of new control strategies against this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Gallenti
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVET), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; (R.G.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
| | - Hala E. Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (H.F.A.); (C.E.S.); (M.U.)
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Heba F. Alzan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (H.F.A.); (C.E.S.); (M.U.)
- Tick and Tick-Borne Disease Research Unit, National Research Center, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (H.F.A.); (C.E.S.); (M.U.)
- US Department of Agriculture, Animal Disease Research Unit, (USDA-ARS), Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Massaro Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA; (H.E.H.); (H.F.A.); (C.E.S.); (M.U.)
- US Department of Agriculture, Animal Disease Research Unit, (USDA-ARS), Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Sebastián Asurmendi
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular (IABiMo), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham 1686, Argentina;
| | - Daniel Benitez
- Estación Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA)-Mercedes, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Mercedes 3470, Argentina;
| | | | - Peter Rolls
- Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Tick Fever Centre, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia;
| | - Kgomotso Sibeko-Matjila
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa;
| | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVET), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; (R.G.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
| | - Mónica Florin-Christensen
- Instituto de Patobiología Veterinaria (IPVET), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria—Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (INTA-CONICET), Hurlingham 1686, Argentina; (R.G.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
- Correspondence:
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Gao X, Yin J, Wang D, Li X, Zhang Y, Wang C, Zhang Y, Zhu G. Discovery of New Microneme Proteins in Cryptosporidium parvum and Implication of the Roles of a Rhomboid Membrane Protein (CpROM1) in Host-Parasite Interaction. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:778560. [PMID: 34966810 PMCID: PMC8710574 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.778560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites possess several unique secretory organelles, including rhoptries, micronemes, and dense granules, which play critical roles in the invasion of host cells. The molecular content of these organelles and their biological roles have been well-studied in Toxoplasma and Plasmodium, but are underappreciated in Cryptosporidium, which contains many parasites of medical and veterinary importance. Only four proteins have previously been identified or proposed to be located in micronemes, one of which, GP900, was confirmed using immunogold electron microscopy (IEM) to be present in the micronemes of intracellular merozoites. Here, we report on the discovery of four new microneme proteins (MICs) in the sporozoites of the zoonotic species C. parvum, identified using immunofluorescence assay (IFA). These proteins are encoded by cgd3_980, cgd1_3550, cgd1_3680, and cgd2_1590. The presence of the protein encoded by cgd3_980 in sporozoite micronemes was further confirmed using IEM. Cgd3_980 encodes one of the three C. parvum rhomboid peptidases (ROMs) and is, thus, designated CpROM1. IEM also confirmed the presence of CpROM1 in the micronemes of intracellular merozoites, parasitophorous vacuole membranes (PVM), and feeder organelles (FO). CpROM1 was enriched in the pellicles and concentrated at the host cell–parasite interface during the invasion of sporozoites and its subsequent transformation into trophozoites. CpROM1 transcript levels were also higher in oocysts and excysted sporozoites than in the intracellular parasite stages. These observations indicate that CpROM1, an intramembrane peptidase with membrane proteolytic activity, is involved in host–parasite interactions, including invasion and proteostasis of PVM and FO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jigang Yin
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, The Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, The Institute of Zoonosis, and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Florin-Christensen M, Wieser SN, Suarez CE, Schnittger L. In Silico Survey and Characterization of Babesia microti Functional and Non-Functional Proteases. Pathogens 2021; 10:1457. [PMID: 34832610 PMCID: PMC8621943 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human babesiosis caused by the intraerythrocytic apicomplexan Babesia microti is an expanding tick-borne zoonotic disease that may cause severe symptoms and death in elderly or immunocompromised individuals. In light of an increasing resistance of B. microti to drugs, there is a lack of therapeutic alternatives. Species-specific proteases are essential for parasite survival and possible chemotherapeutic targets. However, the repertoire of proteases in B. microti remains poorly investigated. Herein, we employed several combined bioinformatics tools and strategies to organize and identify genes encoding for the full repertoire of proteases in the B. microti genome. We identified 64 active proteases and 25 nonactive protease homologs. These proteases can be classified into cysteine (n = 28), serine (n = 21), threonine (n = 14), asparagine (n = 7), and metallopeptidases (n = 19), which, in turn, are assigned to a total of 38 peptidase families. Comparative studies between the repertoire of B. bovis and B. microti proteases revealed differences among sensu stricto and sensu lato Babesia parasites that reflect their distinct evolutionary history. Overall, this data may help direct future research towards our understanding of the biology and pathogenicity of Babesia parasites and to explore proteases as targets for developing novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Florin-Christensen
- Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria (IPVET), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham C1033AAE, Argentina; (S.N.W.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
| | - Sarah N. Wieser
- Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria (IPVET), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham C1033AAE, Argentina; (S.N.W.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
| | - Carlos E. Suarez
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Pullman, WA 99163, USA;
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Leonhard Schnittger
- Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria (IPVET), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronomicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham C1033AAE, Argentina; (S.N.W.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1033AAJ, Argentina
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Chen C, Tian D, Su J, Liu X, Shah MAA, Li X, Xu L, Yan R, Song X. Protective Efficacy of Rhomboid-Like Protein 3 as a Candidate Antigen Against Eimeria maxima in Chickens. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:614229. [PMID: 34025594 PMCID: PMC8131851 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.614229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Avian coccidiosis brings tremendous economic loss to the poultry industry worldwide. The third generation vaccine, including subunit and DNA vaccines, exhibited promising developmental prospects. In a previous study, we found rhomboid-like protein 3 of Eimeria maxima (EmROM3) was involved in infections by Eimeria species. However, the protective efficacy of EmROM3 against Eimeria maxima (E. maxima) remains unknown. In this study, chickens were intramuscularly immunized with the recombinant protein EmROM3 (rEmROM3) or pVAX1-EmROM3 to determine the EmROM3-induced immune response. The induced humoral immune response was determined by measuring serum IgG antibody levels in immunized chickens. The induced cellular immune response was detected by measuring the transcription level of immune related cytokines and the proportion of T cell subsets of the immunized chickens. Finally, the protective efficacy of the EmROM3 vaccine against E. maxima was evaluated by immunization-challenge trials. Results revealed that the purified rEmROM3 reacted with chicken anti-E. maxima serum. The recombinant plasmid of pVAX1-EmROM3 was transcribed and translated in the injected muscle from the vaccinated chickens. In experimental groups, the IgG titers, proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and transcription level of splenic cytokines were significantly increased compared with the control groups. The immunization-challenge trial revealed that immunization with rEmROM3 or pVAX1-EmROM3 led to restored weight gain, alleviated enteric lesion, decreased oocyst output as well as the higher anticoccidial index (ACI), indicating partial protection against E. maxima. These results indicate that EmROM3 is an effective candidate antigen for developing novel vaccines against infection by E. maxima.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Tian
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Nanjing Ringpai Vet Hospital Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China
| | - Junzhi Su
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoqian Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muhammad Ali A Shah
- Department of Pathobiology, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Xiangrui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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8
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The repertoire of serine rhomboid proteases of piroplasmids of importance to animal and human health. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:455-462. [PMID: 33610524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Babesia, Theileria and Cytauxzoon are tick-borne apicomplexan protozoans of the order Piroplasmida, notorious for the diseases they cause in livestock, pets and humans. Host cell invasion is their Achilles heel, allowing for the development of drug or vaccine-based therapies. In other apicomplexans, cleavage of the transmembrane domain of adhesins by the serine rhomboid proteinase ROM4 is required for successful completion of invasion. In this study, we record and classify the rhomboid repertoire encoded in the genomes of 10 piroplasmid species pertaining to the lineages Babesia sensu stricto (s.s., Clade VI), Theileria sensu stricto (Clade IV), Theileria equi (Clade IV), Cytauxzoon felis (Clade IIIb) and Babesia microti (Clade I), as defined by Schnittger et al. (2012). Fifty-six piroplasmid rhomboid-like proteins were assigned by phylogenetic analysis and bidirectional best hit to the ROM4, ROM6, ROM7 or ROM8 groups, and their crucial motifs for conformation and function were identified. Forty-four of these rhomboids had either been incorrectly classified or misannotated. Babesia s.s. encode five or three ROM4 proteinase paralogs, whereas the remaining piroplasmids encode two ROM4 paralogs. All piroplasmids encode a single ROM6, ROM7 and ROM8. Thus, an increased paralog number of ROM4 is the only feature distinguishing Babesia s.s. from other piroplasmid lineages. Piroplasmid ROM6 is related to the mammalian mitochondrial rhomboid and, accordingly, N-terminal mitochondrial targeting signal sequences was found in some cases. ROM6 is the only rhomboid encoded by piroplasmids that is ubiquitous in other organisms. ROM8 represents a pseudoproteinase that is highly conserved between studied piroplasmids, suggesting that it is important in regulatory functions. ROM4, ROM6, ROM7 and ROM8 are exclusively present in Aconoidasida, which comprises piroplasmids and Plasmodium, suggesting a relevant functional role in erythrocyte invasion. The correct classification and designation of piroplasmid rhomboids presented in this study facilitates an informed choice for future in-depth study of their functions.
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Rhomboid protein 2 of Eimeria maxima provided partial protection against infection by homologous species. Vet Res 2021; 52:29. [PMID: 33602319 PMCID: PMC7893758 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-020-00886-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhomboid-like proteases (ROMs) are considered as new candidate antigens for developing new-generation vaccines due to their important role involved in the invasion of apicomplexan protozoa. In prior works, we obtained a ROM2 sequence of Eimeria maxima (EmROM2). This study was conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of EmROM2 recombinant protein (rEmROM2) and EmROM2 DNA (pVAX1-EmROM2) against infection by Eimeria maxima (E. maxima). Firstly, Western blot assay was conducted to analyze the immunogenicity of rEmROM2. The result showed that rEmROM2 was recognized by chicken anti-E. maxima serum. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assay revealed apparent transcription and expression of EmROM2 at the injection site. qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR), flow cytometry and indirect ELISA indicated that vaccination with rEmROM2 or EmROM2 DNA significantly upregulated the transcription level of cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, TGF-β and TNF SF15), the proportion of CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes and serum IgG antibody response. Ultimately, a vaccination-challenge trial was performed to evaluate the protective efficacy of rEmROM2 and pVAX1-EmROM2 against E. maxima. The result revealed that vaccination with rEmROM2 or pVAX1-EmROM2 significantly alleviated enteric lesions, weight loss, and reduced oocyst output caused by challenge infection of E. maxima, and provided anticoccidial index (ACI) of more than 160, indicating partial protection against E. maxima. In summary, vaccination with rEmROM2 or pVAX1-EmROM2 activated notable humoral and cell-mediated immunity and provided partial protection against E. maxima. These results demonstrated that EmROM2 protein and DNA are promising vaccine candidates against E. maxima infection.
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10
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Broncel M, Dominicus C, Vigetti L, Nofal SD, Bartlett EJ, Touquet B, Hunt A, Wallbank BA, Federico S, Matthews S, Young JC, Tate EW, Tardieux I, Treeck M. Profiling of myristoylation in Toxoplasma gondii reveals an N-myristoylated protein important for host cell penetration. eLife 2020; 9:e57861. [PMID: 32618271 PMCID: PMC7373427 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
N-myristoylation is a ubiquitous class of protein lipidation across eukaryotes and N-myristoyl transferase (NMT) has been proposed as an attractive drug target in several pathogens. Myristoylation often primes for subsequent palmitoylation and stable membrane attachment, however, growing evidence suggests additional regulatory roles for myristoylation on proteins. Here we describe the myristoylated proteome of Toxoplasma gondii using chemoproteomic methods and show that a small-molecule NMT inhibitor developed against related Plasmodium spp. is also functional in Toxoplasma. We identify myristoylation on a transmembrane protein, the microneme protein 7 (MIC7), which enters the secretory pathway in an unconventional fashion with the myristoylated N-terminus facing the lumen of the micronemes. MIC7 and its myristoylation play a crucial role in the initial steps of invasion, likely during the interaction with and penetration of the host cell. Myristoylation of secreted eukaryotic proteins represents a substantial expansion of the functional repertoire of this co-translational modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Broncel
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Caia Dominicus
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Luis Vigetti
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Membrane Dynamics of Parasite-Host Cell Interactions, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Stephanie D Nofal
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Edward J Bartlett
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City CampusLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Bastien Touquet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Membrane Dynamics of Parasite-Host Cell Interactions, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Alex Hunt
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Bethan A Wallbank
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Stefania Federico
- The Peptide Chemistry STP, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Stephen Matthews
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, South KensingtonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Joanna C Young
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Edward W Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City CampusLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Tardieux
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Membrane Dynamics of Parasite-Host Cell Interactions, CNRS UMR5309, INSERM U1209, Université Grenoble AlpesGrenobleFrance
| | - Moritz Treeck
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
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11
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Foroutan M, Zaki L, Tavakoli S, Soltani S, Taghipour A, Ghaffarifar F. Rhomboid antigens are promising targets in the vaccine development against Toxoplasma gondii. EXCLI JOURNAL 2019; 18:259-272. [PMID: 31337999 PMCID: PMC6635731 DOI: 10.17179/excli2018-1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite with worldwide distribution. It is estimated that near one-third of the people around the globe are latently seropositive for the parasite. Since the current common drugs are incapable in the elimination of parasites within tissue cysts, the development of an effective vaccine has high priority for researchers to limit the infection. During recent years, non-stop efforts of scientists have made great progress in the identification and development of T. gondii candidate vaccines. However, there is a lack of a commercially licensed vaccine for human application yet. Rhomboid proteases (ROMs) are a class of serine proteases that have an important role in the invasion of the parasites that can be considered as a new target for vaccine strategy. They also play critical roles in mitochondrial fusion and growth factor signaling, allowing the parasite to completely enter into the host cell. In the current review, we have summarized the recent progress regarding the development of ROM-based vaccines against acute and chronic T. gondii infection in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Zaki
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sanaz Tavakoli
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Santos HJ, Makiuchi T, Nozaki T. Reinventing an Organelle: The Reduced Mitochondrion in Parasitic Protists. Trends Parasitol 2018; 34:1038-1055. [PMID: 30201278 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria originated from the endosymbiotic event commencing from the engulfment of an ancestral α-proteobacterium by the first eukaryotic ancestor. Establishment of niches has led to various adaptations among eukaryotes. In anaerobic parasitic protists, the mitochondria have undergone modifications by combining features shared from the aerobic mitochondria with lineage-specific components and mechanisms; a diversified class of organelles emerged and are generally called mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs). In this review we summarize and discuss the recent advances in the knowledge of MROs from parasitic protists, particularly the themes such as metabolic functions, contribution to parasitism, dynamics, protein targeting, and novel lineage- specific proteins, with emphasis on the diversity among these organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert J Santos
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takashi Makiuchi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Tomoyoshi Nozaki
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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13
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Boucher MJ, Ghosh S, Zhang L, Lal A, Jang SW, Ju A, Zhang S, Wang X, Ralph SA, Zou J, Elias JE, Yeh E. Integrative proteomics and bioinformatic prediction enable a high-confidence apicoplast proteome in malaria parasites. PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2005895. [PMID: 30212465 PMCID: PMC6155542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2005895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) and related apicomplexan pathogens contain a nonphotosynthetic plastid called the apicoplast. Derived from an unusual secondary eukaryote-eukaryote endosymbiosis, the apicoplast is a fascinating organelle whose function and biogenesis rely on a complex amalgamation of bacterial and algal pathways. Because these pathways are distinct from the human host, the apicoplast is an excellent source of novel antimalarial targets. Despite its biomedical importance and evolutionary significance, the absence of a reliable apicoplast proteome has limited most studies to the handful of pathways identified by homology to bacteria or primary chloroplasts, precluding our ability to study the most novel apicoplast pathways. Here, we combine proximity biotinylation-based proteomics (BioID) and a new machine learning algorithm to generate a high-confidence apicoplast proteome consisting of 346 proteins. Critically, the high accuracy of this proteome significantly outperforms previous prediction-based methods and extends beyond other BioID studies of unique parasite compartments. Half of identified proteins have unknown function, and 77% are predicted to be important for normal blood-stage growth. We validate the apicoplast localization of a subset of novel proteins and show that an ATP-binding cassette protein ABCF1 is essential for blood-stage survival and plays a previously unknown role in apicoplast biogenesis. These findings indicate critical organellar functions for newly discovered apicoplast proteins. The apicoplast proteome will be an important resource for elucidating unique pathways derived from secondary endosymbiosis and prioritizing antimalarial drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Boucher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Sreejoyee Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Lichao Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Avantika Lal
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Se Won Jang
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - An Ju
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Shuying Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Xinzi Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Stuart A. Ralph
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic, Australia
| | - James Zou
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Joshua E. Elias
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Ellen Yeh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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14
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Zhao G, Song X, Kong X, Zhang N, Qu S, Zhu W, Yang Y, Wang Q. Immunization with Toxoplasma gondii aspartic protease 3 increases survival time of infected mice. Acta Trop 2017; 171:17-23. [PMID: 28238685 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Aspartic proteases in the Toxoplasma gondii, called TgASP1, 2, 3, and 5, play essential roles in the life cycle. In a previous study, we have demonstrated that TgASP1 is an antigen that prolongs survival time of infected mice. As an in-depth study, we have investigated the protective immunity of TgSAP3. A bioinformatic analysis was used to predict the linear B-cell epitopes and potential Th-cell epitopes on TgASP3, the results suggested that it has a large number of excellent epitopes. Mice were inoculated with a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector to evaluate the immune protection against an infection with the virulent RH strain of T. gondii. The enhanced immune response and increased survival time (up to 18days) were observed for vaccinated mice, showing that the TgASP3 antigen can provides partial protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Xiaojie Song
- Department of Respiratory, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 255036, China.
| | - Xiangnan Kong
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Ning Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Shaoling Qu
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Wei Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
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15
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Düsterhöft S, Künzel U, Freeman M. Rhomboid proteases in human disease: Mechanisms and future prospects. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2017; 1864:2200-2209. [PMID: 28460881 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Rhomboids are intramembrane serine proteases that cleave the transmembrane helices of substrate proteins, typically releasing luminal/extracellular domains from the membrane. They are conserved in all branches of life and there is a growing recognition of their association with a wide range of human diseases. Human rhomboids, for example, have been implicated in cancer, metabolic disease and neurodegeneration, while rhomboids in apicomplexan parasites appear to contribute to their invasion of host cells. Recent advances in our knowledge of the structure and the enzyme function of rhomboids, and increasing efforts to identify specific inhibitors, are beginning to provide important insight into the prospect of rhomboids becoming future therapeutic targets. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteolysis as a Regulatory Event in Pathophysiology edited by Stefan Rose-John.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Düsterhöft
- Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrike Künzel
- Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Freeman
- Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom.
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16
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Verhelst SHL. Intramembrane proteases as drug targets. FEBS J 2017; 284:1489-1502. [PMID: 27889944 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteases are considered attractive drug targets. Various drugs targeting classical, soluble proteases have been approved for treatment of human disease. Intramembrane proteases (IMPs) are a more recently discovered group of proteolytic enzymes. They are embedded in lipid bilayers and their active sites are located in the plane of a membrane. All four mechanistic families of IMPs have been linked to disease, but currently, no drugs against IMPs have entered the market. In this review, I will outline the function of IMPs with a focus on the ones involved in human disease, which includes Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and infectious diseases by microorganisms. Inhibitors of IMPs are known for all mechanistic classes, but are not yet very potent or selective - aside from those targeting γ-secretase. I will here describe the different features of IMP inhibitors and discuss a list of issues that need attention in the near future in order to improve the drug development for IMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven H L Verhelst
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Belgium.,AG Chemical Proteomics, Leibniz Institute for Analytical Sciences ISAS, Dortmund, Germany
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17
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Liu S, Roellig DM, Guo Y, Li N, Frace MA, Tang K, Zhang L, Feng Y, Xiao L. Evolution of mitosome metabolism and invasion-related proteins in Cryptosporidium. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:1006. [PMID: 27931183 PMCID: PMC5146892 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The switch from photosynthetic or predatory to parasitic life strategies by apicomplexans is accompanied with a reductive evolution of genomes and losses of metabolic capabilities. Cryptosporidium is an extreme example of reductive evolution among apicomplexans, with losses of both the mitosome genome and many metabolic pathways. Previous observations on reductive evolution were largely based on comparative studies of various groups of apicomplexans. In this study, we sequenced two divergent Cryptosporidium species and conducted a comparative genomic analysis to infer the reductive evolution of metabolic pathways and differential evolution of invasion-related proteins within the Cryptosporidium lineage. Results In energy metabolism, Cryptosporidium species differ from each other mostly in mitosome metabolic pathways. Compared with C. parvum and C. hominis, C. andersoni possesses more aerobic metabolism and a conventional electron transport chain, whereas C. ubiquitum has further reductions in ubiquinone and polyisprenoid biosynthesis and has lost both the conventional and alternative electron transport systems. For invasion-associated proteins, similar to C. hominis, a reduction in the number of genes encoding secreted MEDLE and insulinase-like proteins in the subtelomeric regions of chromosomes 5 and 6 was also observed in C. ubiquitum and C. andersoni, whereas mucin-type glycoproteins are highly divergent between the gastric C. andersoni and intestinal Cryptosporidium species. Conclusions Results of the study suggest that rapidly evolving mitosome metabolism and secreted invasion-related proteins could be involved in tissue tropism and host specificity in Cryptosporidium spp. The finding of progressive reduction in mitosome metabolism among Cryptosporidium species improves our knowledge of organelle evolution within apicomplexans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3343-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Dawn M Roellig
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Yaqiong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Na Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.,Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Michael A Frace
- Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Kevin Tang
- Division of Scientific Resources, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Longxian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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18
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Dogga SK, Soldati-Favre D. Biology of rhomboid proteases in infectious diseases. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 60:38-45. [PMID: 27567708 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Rhomboids are a well-conserved class of intramembrane serine proteases found in all kingdoms of life, sharing a conserved core structure of at least six transmembrane (TM) domains that contain the catalytic serine-histidine dyad. The rhomboid proteases, which cleave membrane embedded substrates within their TM domains, are emerging as an important group of enzymes controlling a myriad of biological processes. These enzymes are found in a wide variety of pathogens manifesting important roles in their pathological processes. Accordingly, they have received considerable attention as potential targets for pharmacological intervention over the past few years. This review provides a general update on rhomboid proteases and their roles in pathogenesis of human infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Kumar Dogga
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - Dominique Soldati-Favre
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU, 1 Rue Michel-Servet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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19
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Li M, Zhang X, Gong P, Li J. Cryptosporidium parvum rhomboid1 has an activity in microneme protein CpGP900 cleavage. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:438. [PMID: 27502595 PMCID: PMC4977710 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1728-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Apicomplexan parasites actively release transmembrane (TM) adhesive proteins involved in host cell attachment and invasion. Rhomboids, a family of intramembrane serine proteases, cleave these secreted adhesive proteins within their TM domains as an essential step in completing the invasion process. In Cryptosporidium parvum, the activity of rhomboids in cleaving microneme proteins (MICs) has not been reported. In the present study, the interaction between C. parvum rhomboids (CpROM1 and CpROM4) and C. parvum microneme proteins (CpGP900 and CpTRAP-C1) was investigated using yeast two-hybrid assay and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Results Our study demonstrated that CpROM1 protein could interact with CpGP900 protein in co-transformed AH109 yeasts. Analysis of these proteins in co-transfected mammalian cells showed that the cleavage product of the CpGP900 protein was detected in the co-transfected cells. As control, CpGP900 only was transfected into cells and no cleavage was observed. The results suggested that CpGP900 protein was the substrate of CpROM1. Moreover, CpROM1 and CpROM4 could not cleave CpTRAP-C1 protein, which is the substrate of T. gondii rhomboid 2. Conclusions Our results showed that CpROM1 is an active protease that is involved in microneme protein CpGP900 cleavage, which lay the foundation for further research on the mechanisms of C. parvum invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingying Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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20
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Yang Y, Xue X, Yang Y, Chen X, Du A. Efficacy of a potential DNA vaccine encoding Cryptosporidium baileyi rhomboid protein against homologous challenge in chickens. Vet Parasitol 2016; 225:5-11. [PMID: 27369569 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The parasite Cryptosporidium baileyi can infect the larynx, trachea, bursa and cloaca of poultry, causing high mortality during severe infection and leading to substantial economic losses of the poultry industry. The rhomboid protein is very important in Cryptosporidium infection. In this study, a nucleic acid based vaccine candidate pEGFP-CbROM was constructed. After orally challenging with C. baileyi oocysts, the corresponding immune responses induced were analyzed and the immunoprotective effect evaluated in chickens. Obtained results revealed that this nucleic acid based vaccine could induce antibody responses and peripheral blood T lymphocytes proliferation significantly (P<0.05), while the peripheral blood B lymphocyte proliferation increased significantly (P<0.05) only at a high dose of 100μg of pEGFP-CbROM, compared with the PBS control group. After C. baileyi infection, the duration of oocysts shedding was shortened by 2days in the 100μg pEGFP-CbROM group, and the rate of reduction could reach to around 71.3%. While no significant difference in body weight gain was observed among the immunized groups (P>0.05), the differences between the immunized and the non-immunized groups were found to be significant (P<0.05). Our data provides a useful basis for further work in cryptosporidiosis prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xue Xue
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Aifang Du
- Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Lau JB, Stork S, Moog D, Schulz J, Maier UG. Protein-protein interactions indicate composition of a 480 kDa SELMA complex in the second outermost membrane of diatom complex plastids. Mol Microbiol 2016; 100:76-89. [PMID: 26712034 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.13302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Most secondary plastids of red algal origin are surrounded by four membranes and nucleus-encoded plastid proteins have to traverse these barriers. Translocation across the second outermost plastid membrane, the periplastidal membrane (PPM), is facilitated by a ERAD-(ER-associated degradation) derived machinery termed SELMA (symbiont-specific ERAD-like machinery). In the last years, important subunits of this translocator have been identified, which clearly imply compositional similarities between SELMA and ERAD. Here we investigated, via protein-protein interaction studies, if the composition of SELMA is comparable to the known ERAD complex. As a result, our data suggest that the membrane proteins of SELMA, the derlin proteins, are linked to the soluble sCdc48 complex via the UBX protein sUBX. This is similar to the ERAD machinery whereas the additional SELMA components, sPUB und a second Cdc48 copy might indicate the influence of functional constraints in developing a translocation machinery from ERAD-related factors. In addition, we show for the first time that a rhomboid protease is a central interaction partner of the membrane proteins of the SELMA system in complex plastids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia B Lau
- Laboratory for Cell Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Simone Stork
- Laboratory for Cell Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Moog
- LOEWE Centre for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulz
- Laboratory for Cell Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Uwe G Maier
- Laboratory for Cell Biology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,LOEWE Centre for Synthetic Microbiology (SYNMIKRO), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany
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22
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Wang Y, Yin H. Research advances in microneme protein 3 of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:384. [PMID: 26194005 PMCID: PMC4509771 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. It has extensive host populations and is prevalent globally; T. gondii infection can cause a zoonotic parasitic disease. Microneme protein 3 (MIC3) is a secreted protein that is expressed in all stages of the T. gondii life cycle. It has strong immunoreactivity and plays an important role in the recognition, adhesion and invasion of host cells by T. gondii. This article reviews the molecular structure of MIC3, its role in the invasion of host cells by parasites, its relationship with parasite virulence, and its induction of immune protection to lay a solid foundation for an in-depth study of potential diagnostic agents and vaccines for preventing toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China.
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, China.
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Zhang NZ, Xu Y, Wang M, Petersen E, Chen J, Huang SY, Zhu XQ. Protective efficacy of two novel DNA vaccines expressing Toxoplasma gondii rhomboid 4 and rhomboid 5 proteins against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in mice. Expert Rev Vaccines 2015; 14:1289-97. [PMID: 26111968 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.1061938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the protective efficacy of two novel DNA vaccines expressing Toxoplasma gondii rhomboid 4 (ROM4) and rhomboid 5 (ROM5) proteins against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. METHODS DNA vaccines (pVAX-TgROM5 and pVAX-TgROM4) were constructed and their immunogenicity evaluated in Kunming mice. RESULTS Mice vaccinated with pVAX-TgROM5 or pVAX-TgROM4 elicited strong Th1-type humoral and cellular responses, with higher level of IgG antibody titers (the predominance of IgG2a production), and increased levels of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells and cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12 (p70) and IL-23. Mice vaccinated with pVAX-TgROM5 (11 days) showed a significantly longer survival time compared with controls (8 days) (p < 0.05) after lethal challenge. Brain cyst numbers of mice vaccinated with pVAX-TgROM5 and pVAX-TgROM4 reduced significantly (p < 0.05) (72.04 and 44.08%, respectively) compared with control groups after chronic challenge. CONCLUSION The pVAX-TgROM5 showed a better protective efficacy against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis compared to pVAX-TgROM4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Zhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, PR China
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Ectopic expression of a Neospora caninum Kazal type inhibitor triggers developmental defects in Toxoplasma and Plasmodium. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121379. [PMID: 25803874 PMCID: PMC4372514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated proteolysis is known to control a variety of vital processes in apicomplexan parasites including invasion and egress of host cells. Serine proteases have been proposed as targets for drug development based upon inhibitor studies that show parasite attenuation and transmission blockage. Genetic studies suggest that serine proteases, such as subtilisin and rhomboid proteases, are essential but functional studies have proved challenging as active proteases are difficult to express. Proteinaceous Protease Inhibitors (PPIs) provide an alternative way to address the role of serine proteases in apicomplexan biology. To validate such an approach, a Neospora caninum Kazal inhibitor (NcPI-S) was expressed ectopically in two apicomplexan species, Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and Plasmodium berghei ookinetes, with the aim to disrupt proteolytic processes taking place within the secretory pathway. NcPI-S negatively affected proliferation of Toxoplasma tachyzoites, while it had no effect on invasion and egress. Expression of the inhibitor in P. berghei zygotes blocked their development into mature and invasive ookinetes. Moreover, ultra-structural studies indicated that expression of NcPI-S interfered with normal formation of micronemes, which was also confirmed by the lack of expression of the micronemal protein SOAP in these parasites. Our results suggest that NcPI-S could be a useful tool to investigate the function of proteases in processes fundamental for parasite survival, contributing to the effort to identify targets for parasite attenuation and transmission blockage.
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Neospora caninum Recruits Host Cell Structures to Its Parasitophorous Vacuole and Salvages Lipids from Organelles. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2015; 14:454-73. [PMID: 25750213 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00262-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum, which cause the diseases toxoplasmosis and neosporosis, respectively, are two closely related apicomplexan parasites. They have similar heteroxenous life cycles and conserved genomes and share many metabolic features. Despite these similarities, T. gondii and N. caninum differ in their transmission strategies and zoonotic potential. Comparative analyses of the two parasites are important to identify the unique biological features that underlie the basis of host preference and pathogenicity. T. gondii and N. caninum are obligate intravacuolar parasites; in contrast to T. gondii, events that occur during N. caninum infection remain largely uncharacterized. We examined the capability of N. caninum (Liverpool isolate) to interact with host organelles and scavenge nutrients in comparison to that of T. gondii (RH strain). N. caninum reorganizes the host microtubular cytoskeleton and attracts endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, lysosomes, multivesicular bodies, and Golgi vesicles to its vacuole though with some notable differences from T. gondii. For example, the host ER gathers around the N. caninum parasitophorous vacuole (PV) but does not physically associate with the vacuolar membrane; the host Golgi apparatus surrounds the N. caninum PV but does not fragment into ministacks. N. caninum relies on plasma lipoproteins and scavenges cholesterol from NPC1-containing endocytic organelles. This parasite salvages sphingolipids from host Golgi Rab14 vesicles that it sequesters into its vacuole. Our data highlight a remarkable degree of conservation in the intracellular infection program of N. caninum and T. gondii. The minor differences between the two parasites related to the recruitment and rearrangement of host organelles around their vacuoles likely reflect divergent evolutionary paths.
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Abstract
Host cell invasion by Toxoplasma gondii and other apicomplexan parasites requires transmembrane adhesins that mediate binding to receptors on the substrate and host cell to facilitate motility and invasion. Rhomboid proteases (ROMs) are thought to cleave adhesins within their transmembrane segments, thus allowing the parasite to disengage from receptors and completely enter the host cell. To examine the specific roles of individual ROMs during invasion, we generated single, double, and triple knockouts for the three ROMs expressed in T. gondii tachyzoites. Analysis of these mutants demonstrated that ROM4 is the primary protease involved in adhesin processing and host cell invasion, whereas ROM1 or ROM5 plays negligible roles in these processes. Deletion of ROM4 blocked the shedding of adhesins such as MIC2 (microneme protein 2), causing them to accumulate on the surface of extracellular parasites. Increased surface adhesins led to nonproductive attachment, altered gliding motility, impaired moving junction formation, and reduced invasion efficiency. Despite the importance of ROM4 for efficient invasion, mutants lacking all three ROMs were viable and MIC2 was still efficiently removed from the surface of invaded mutant parasites, implying the existence of ROM-independent mechanisms for adhesin removal during invasion. Collectively, these results suggest that although ROM processing of adhesins is not absolutely essential, it is important for efficient host cell invasion by T. gondii. Apicomplexan parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii express surface proteins that bind host cell receptors to aid invasion. Many of these adhesins are subject to cleavage by rhomboid proteases (ROMs) within their transmembrane segments during invasion. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of adhesin cleavage for parasite invasion and proposed that the ROMs responsible for processing would be essential for parasite survival. In T. gondii, ROM5 was thought to be the critical ROM for adhesin shedding due to its robust protease activity in vitro and posterior localization on the parasite surface. Here, we knocked out all three ROMs in T. gondii tachyzoites and found that ROM4, but not ROM5, was key for adhesin cleavage. However, none of the ROMs individually or in combination was essential for cell entry, further emphasizing that essential pathways such as invasion typically rely on redundant pathways to ensure survival.
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Wang Q, Chen L, Li J, Zheng J, Cai N, Gong P, Li S, Li H, Zhang X. A novel recombinant BCG vaccine encoding eimeria tenella rhomboid and chicken IL-2 induces protective immunity against coccidiosis. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2014; 52:251-6. [PMID: 25031464 PMCID: PMC4096635 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.3.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A novel recombinant Bacille Calmette-Guerin (rBCG) vaccine co-expressed Eimeria tenella rhomboid and cytokine chicken IL-2 (chIL-2) was constructed, and its efficacy against E. tenella challenge was observed. The rhomboid gene of E. tenella and chIL-2 gene were subcloned into integrative expression vector pMV361, producing vaccines rBCG pMV361-rho and pMV361-rho-IL2. Animal experiment via intranasal and subcutaneous route in chickens was carried out to evaluate the immune efficacy of the vaccines. The results indicated that these rBCG vaccines could obviously alleviate cacal lesions and oocyst output. Intranasal immunization with pMV361-rho and pMV361-rho-IL2 elicited better protective immunity against E. tenella than subcutaneous immunization. Splenocytes from chickens immunized with either rBCG pMV361-rho and pMV361-rho-IL2 had increased CD4+ and CD8+ cell production. Our data indicate recombinant BCG is able to impart partial protection against E. tenella challenge and co-expression of cytokine with antigen was an effective strategy to improve vaccine immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Wang
- Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hebei Province, Qinhuangdao 066600, China
| | - Lifeng Chen
- Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine of Hebei Province, Qinhuangdao 066600, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, JiLin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Jun Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, JiLin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Ning Cai
- Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Foreign language institute, Qinhuangdao 066600, China
| | - Pengtao Gong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, JiLin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Shuhong Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, JiLin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - He Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, JiLin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, JiLin University, Changchun 130062, China
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28
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Comparative characterization of microRNA profiles of different genotypes ofToxoplasma gondii. Parasitology 2013; 140:1111-8. [DOI: 10.1017/s003118201300053x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYThe present study compared the miRNA expression profiles of fiveToxoplasma gondiistrains, namely RH (Type I, ToxoDB10), TgXD (Type I, ToxoDB10), PRU (Type II, ToxoDB1), QHO (Type II, ToxoDB1) and TgC7 (ToxoDB9), by Solexa deep sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and real-time quantitative PCR. A total of 7, 15, 10, 12 and 10 miRNAs were found from RH, TgXD, PRU, QHO and TgC7 strains, respectively. Thirteen miRNAs were shared by three genotypes, with only one miRNA shared by all of the 5 strains and others shared by 2 or more strains. A large number of targets ranging from 1 to 185 were identified for commonly shared miRNAs and strain-specific miRNAs with complete or nearly complete complementarity. Functional prediction showed that these targets were mostly focused on catalytic activity (191 targets) and binding activity (183 targets). Nonetheless, the majority of targets and most of the miRNAs are related to the virulence or invasion proteins of different strains ofT. gondii, including ROP and MIC, as well as some other proteins, such as AMA1, GRA and RHO. The present study characterized comparatively the miRNA profiles of 3 different genotypes ofT. gondii, identified genotype-shared miRNAs and strain-specific miRNAs.
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Lin JW, Meireles P, Prudêncio M, Engelmann S, Annoura T, Sajid M, Chevalley-Maurel S, Ramesar J, Nahar C, Avramut CMC, Koster AJ, Matuschewski K, Waters AP, Janse CJ, Mair GR, Khan SM. Loss-of-function analyses defines vital and redundant functions of the Plasmodium rhomboid protease family. Mol Microbiol 2013; 88:318-38. [PMID: 23490234 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.12187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rhomboid-like proteases cleave membrane-anchored proteins within their transmembrane domains. In apicomplexan parasites substrates include molecules that function in parasite motility and host cell invasion. While two Plasmodium rhomboids, ROM1 and ROM4, have been examined, the roles of the remaining six rhomboids during the malaria parasite's life cycle are unknown. We present systematic gene deletion analyses of all eight Plasmodium rhomboid-like proteins as a means to discover stage-specific phenotypes and potential functions in the rodent malaria model, P. berghei. Four rhomboids (ROM4, 6, 7 and 8) are refractory to gene deletion, suggesting an essential role during asexual blood stage development. In contrast ROM1, 3, 9 and 10 were dispensable for blood stage development and exhibited no, subtle or severe defects in mosquito or liver development. Parasites lacking ROM9 and ROM10 showed no major phenotypic defects. Parasites lacking ROM1 presented a delay in blood stage patency following liver infection, but in contrast to a previous study blood stage parasites had similar growth and virulence characteristics as wild type parasites. Parasites lacking ROM3 in mosquitoes readily established oocysts but failed to produce sporozoites. ROM3 is the first apicomplexan rhomboid identified to play a vital role in sporogony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Lin
- Leiden Malaria Research Group (Parasitology), Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Ghoneim AM. Trafficking of Plasmodium falciparum chimeric rhoptry protein with Brefeldin A. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2013; 60:75-8. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2013.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Cai H, Zhou Z, Gu J, Wang Y. Comparative Genomics and Systems Biology of Malaria Parasites Plasmodium.. Curr Bioinform 2012; 7. [PMID: 24298232 DOI: 10.2174/157489312803900965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a serious infectious disease that causes over one million deaths yearly. It is caused by a group of protozoan parasites in the genus Plasmodium. No effective vaccine is currently available and the elevated levels of resistance to drugs in use underscore the pressing need for novel antimalarial targets. In this review, we survey omics centered developments in Plasmodium biology, which have set the stage for a quantum leap in our understanding of the fundamental processes of the parasite life cycle and mechanisms of drug resistance and immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Cai
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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Liu Y, Zheng J, Li J, Gong P, Zhang X. Protective immunity induced by a DNA vaccine encoding Eimeria tenella rhomboid against homologous challenge. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:251-7. [PMID: 23052765 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3132-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rhomboid protein in Apicomplexa was associated with the process of host cell invasion. To evaluate the potential of the protein in eliciting protective immunity against challenge, a DNA vaccine pVAX1-Rho encoding Eimeria tenella rhomboid was constructed. Recombinant protein was expressed in Hela cells and verified by indirect immunofluorescence and western blotting analysis. In vivo experiments, 1-week-old chickens were randomly divided into three groups. Experimental group of chickens were immunized with DNA vaccines while control group of chickens were injected with pVAX1 plasmid alone or sterile water. Two weeks following the booster dose, all chickens were inoculated orally with 5 × 10(4) sporulated oocysts of E. tenella. The host immunity and protective efficacy of this vaccine against E. tenella challenge in broilers were evaluated. Results showed that specific antibody, the levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and the percentages of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocyte cells were significantly increased in the pVAX1-Rho group. Challenge experiments demonstrated that pVAX1-Rho vaccination could reduce oocyst excretion, decrease cecal lesion, increase bodyweight gains and provide chickens with oocysts decrease ratio around 75.8 %. These results suggest that the pVAX1-Rho was able to induce humoral and cellular responses and generate protective immunity against E. tenella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingli Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, 5333 Xi'an Road, Changchun, 130062, People's Republic of China.
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Cai H, Kuang R, Gu J, Wang Y. Proteases in malaria parasites - a phylogenomic perspective. Curr Genomics 2012; 12:417-27. [PMID: 22379395 PMCID: PMC3178910 DOI: 10.2174/138920211797248565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 07/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria continues to be one of the most devastating global health problems due to the high morbidity and mortality it causes in endemic regions. The search for new antimalarial targets is of high priority because of the increasing prevalence of drug resistance in malaria parasites. Malarial proteases constitute a class of promising therapeutic targets as they play important roles in the parasite life cycle and it is possible to design and screen for specific protease inhibitors. In this mini-review, we provide a phylogenomic overview of malarial proteases. An evolutionary perspective on the origin and divergence of these proteases will provide insights into the adaptive mechanisms of parasite growth, development, infection, and pathogenesis.B
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Cai
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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Ejigiri I, Ragheb DRT, Pino P, Coppi A, Bennett BL, Soldati-Favre D, Sinnis P. Shedding of TRAP by a rhomboid protease from the malaria sporozoite surface is essential for gliding motility and sporozoite infectivity. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002725. [PMID: 22911675 PMCID: PMC3406075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium sporozoites, the infective stage of the malaria parasite, move by gliding motility, a unique form of locomotion required for tissue migration and host cell invasion. TRAP, a transmembrane protein with extracellular adhesive domains and a cytoplasmic tail linked to the actomyosin motor, is central to this process. Forward movement is achieved when TRAP, bound to matrix or host cell receptors, is translocated posteriorly. It has been hypothesized that these adhesive interactions must ultimately be disengaged for continuous forward movement to occur. TRAP has a canonical rhomboid-cleavage site within its transmembrane domain and mutations were introduced into this sequence to elucidate the function of TRAP cleavage and determine the nature of the responsible protease. Rhomboid cleavage site mutants were defective in TRAP shedding and displayed slow, staccato motility and reduced infectivity. Moreover, they had a more dramatic reduction in infectivity after intradermal inoculation compared to intravenous inoculation, suggesting that robust gliding is critical for dermal exit. The intermediate phenotype of the rhomboid cleavage site mutants suggested residual, albeit inefficient cleavage by another protease. We therefore generated a mutant in which both the rhomboid-cleavage site and the alternate cleavage site were altered. This mutant was non-motile and non-infectious, demonstrating that TRAP removal from the sporozoite surface functions to break adhesive connections between the parasite and extracellular matrix or host cell receptors, which in turn is essential for motility and invasion. Malaria infection begins with the bite of an infected mosquito which inoculates sporozoites into the skin. Sporozoites then go to the liver where they invade hepatocytes and replicate, ultimately leading to the blood stage of infection. Sporozoites are motile and actively invade hepatocytes using a unique form of motility called gliding motility. The mechanism by which the parasite moves forward is somewhat similar to a treadmill and the sporozoite protein TRAP, is key to this process. Its extracellular portion binds to host proteins while its intracellular portion binds to the parasite's motor. As the motor moves the protein rearwards, the sporozoite moves forward. It follows that the extracellular adhesive interactions of TRAP must ultimately be disengaged for forward movement to occur. We have generated mutant sporozoites that can only partially disengage these parasite-host adhesive interactions and find that these sporozoites have a halting, constipated movement. Following this, we generated a mutant that cannot disengage these interactions at all and these sporozoites are nonmotile and noninfectious. Lastly we found that a parasite rhomboid protease, ROM4, is on the surface of the sporozoite and thus may be responsible for TRAP cleavage and shedding from the sporozoite surface. Overall, our results demonstrate that robust gliding motility requires the disengagement of adhesive interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ijeoma Ejigiri
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. T. Ragheb
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Paco Pino
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alida Coppi
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Brandy Lee Bennett
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Photini Sinnis
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Systems biology aims to integrate multiple biological data types such as genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics across different levels of structure and scale; it represents an emerging paradigm in the scientific process which challenges the reductionism that has dominated biomedical research for hundreds of years. Systems biology will nevertheless only be successful if the technologies on which it is based are able to deliver the required type and quality of data. In this review we discuss how well positioned is proteomics to deliver the data necessary to support meaningful systems modelling in parasite biology. We summarise the current state of identification proteomics in parasites, but argue that a new generation of quantitative proteomics data is now needed to underpin effective systems modelling. We discuss the challenges faced to acquire more complete knowledge of protein post-translational modifications, protein turnover and protein-protein interactions in parasites. Finally we highlight the central role of proteome-informatics in ensuring that proteomics data is readily accessible to the user-community and can be translated and integrated with other relevant data types.
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36
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Li J, Han Q, Gong P, Yang T, Ren B, Li S, Zhang X. Toxoplasma gondii rhomboid protein 1 (TgROM1) is a potential vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. Vet Parasitol 2012; 184:154-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lilburn TG, Cai H, Zhou Z, Wang Y. Protease-associated cellular networks in malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. BMC Genomics 2011; 12 Suppl 5:S9. [PMID: 22369208 PMCID: PMC3287505 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-s5-s9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria continues to be one of the most severe global infectious diseases, responsible for 1-2 million deaths yearly. The rapid evolution and spread of drug resistance in parasites has led to an urgent need for the development of novel antimalarial targets. Proteases are a group of enzymes that play essential roles in parasite growth and invasion. The possibility of designing specific inhibitors for proteases makes them promising drug targets. Previously, combining a comparative genomics approach and a machine learning approach, we identified the complement of proteases (degradome) in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and its sibling species [1-3], providing a catalog of targets for functional characterization and rational inhibitor design. Network analysis represents another route to revealing the role of proteins in the biology of parasites and we use this approach here to expand our understanding of the systems involving the proteases of P. falciparum. Results We investigated the roles of proteases in the parasite life cycle by constructing a network using protein-protein association data from the STRING database [4], and analyzing these data, in conjunction with the data from protein-protein interaction assays using the yeast 2-hybrid (Y2H) system [5], blood stage microarray experiments [6-8], proteomics [9-12], literature text mining, and sequence homology analysis. Seventy-seven (77) out of 124 predicted proteases were associated with at least one other protein, constituting 2,431 protein-protein interactions (PPIs). These proteases appear to play diverse roles in metabolism, cell cycle regulation, invasion and infection. Their degrees of connectivity (i.e., connections to other proteins), range from one to 143. The largest protease-associated sub-network is the ubiquitin-proteasome system which is crucial for protein recycling and stress response. Proteases are also implicated in heat shock response, signal peptide processing, cell cycle progression, transcriptional regulation, and signal transduction networks. Conclusions Our network analysis of proteases from P. falciparum uses a so-called guilt-by-association approach to extract sets of proteins from the proteome that are candidates for further study. Novel protease targets and previously unrecognized members of the protease-associated sub-systems provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying parasitism, pathogenesis and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G Lilburn
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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M Santos J, Graindorge A, Soldati-Favre D. New insights into parasite rhomboid proteases. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2011; 182:27-36. [PMID: 22173057 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2011] [Revised: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The rhomboid-like proteins constitute a large family of intramembrane serine proteases that are present in all branches of life. First studied in Drosophila, these enzymes catalyse the release of the active forms of proteins from the membrane and hence trigger signalling events. In protozoan parasites, a limited number of rhomboid-like proteases have been investigated and some of them are associated to pathogenesis. In Apicomplexans, rhomboid-like protease activity is involved in shedding adhesins from the surface of the zoites during motility and host cell entry. Recently, a Toxoplasma gondii rhomboid was also implicated in an intracellular signalling mechanism leading to parasite proliferation. In Entamoeba histolytica, the capacity to adhere to host cells and to phagocytose cells is potentiated by a rhomboid-like protease. Survey of a small number of protozoan parasite genomes has uncovered species-specific rhomboid-like protease genes, many of which are predicted to encode inactive enzymes. Functional investigation of the rhomboid-like proteases in other protozoan parasites will likely uncover novel and unexpected implications for this family of proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana M Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 Rue-Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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Vera IM, Beatty WL, Sinnis P, Kim K. Plasmodium protease ROM1 is important for proper formation of the parasitophorous vacuole. PLoS Pathog 2011; 7:e1002197. [PMID: 21909259 PMCID: PMC3164628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2010] [Accepted: 06/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexans are obligate intracellular parasites that invade host cells by an active process leading to the formation of a non-fusogenic parasitophorous vacuole (PV) where the parasite replicates within the host cell. The rhomboid family of proteases cleaves substrates within their transmembrane domains and has been implicated in the invasion process. Although its exact function is unknown, Plasmodium ROM1 is hypothesized to play a role during invasion based on its microneme localization and its ability to cleave essential invasion adhesins. Using the rodent malaria model, Plasmodium yoelii, we carried out detailed quantitative analysis of pyrom1 deficient parasites during the Plasmodium lifecycle. Pyrom1(-) parasites are attenuated during erythrocytic and hepatic stages but progress normally through the mosquito vector with normal counts of oocyst and salivary gland sporozoites. Pyrom1 steady state mRNA levels are upregulated 20-fold in salivary gland sporozoites compared to blood stages. We show that pyrom1(-) sporozoites are capable of gliding motility and traversing host cells normally. Wildtype and pyrom1(-) sporozoites do not differ in the rate of entry into Hepa1–6 hepatocytes. Within the first twelve hours of hepatic development, however, only 50% pyrom1(-) parasites have developed into exoerythrocytic forms. Immunofluorescence microscopy using the PVM marker UIS4 and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the PV of a significant fraction of pyrom1(-) parasites are morphologically aberrant shortly after invasion. We propose a novel function for PyROM1 as a protease that promotes proper PV modification to allow parasite development and replication in a suitable environment within the mammalian host. Plasmodium parasites are obligate intracellular organisms that invade cells by an active mechanism mediated by the secretion of contents from specialized secretory organelles, the micronemes and rhoptries. Invaded parasites reside and replicate within a membrane-bound compartment called the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). PV formation is exclusive to development within mammalian specific host cells, the erythrocytes and hepatocytes. Proper modification of the PV is important to protect the parasite from host defenses and to serve as a gateway for nutrient acquisition and communication with the environment. The rhomboid proteins, a class of intramembrane serine proteases, are implicated in the invasion process. We studied the microneme rhomboid protease, ROM1 in the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium yoelii. We find that pyROM1 is not important for efficient invasion into host cells and instead is important for survival within the host cells. Analysis of parasites developing within hepatocytes reveals a defect in PV development. We propose that pyROM1 provides a fitness advantage to parasites developing within host cells by promoting the proper modification of the PV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iset Medina Vera
- Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Wandy L. Beatty
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Photini Sinnis
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Langone School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kami Kim
- Departments of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ramakrishnan C, Dessens JT, Armson R, Pinto SB, Talman AM, Blagborough AM, Sinden RE. Vital functions of the malarial ookinete protein, CTRP, reside in the A domains. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:1029-39. [PMID: 21729699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The transformation of malaria ookinetes into oocysts occurs in the mosquito midgut and is a major bottleneck for parasite transmission. The secreted ookinete surface protein, circumsporozoite- and thrombospondin-related adhesive protein (TRAP)-related protein (CTRP), is essential for this transition and hence constitutes a potential target for malaria transmission blockade. CTRP is a modular multidomain protein containing six tandem von Willebrand factor A-like (A) domains and seven tandem thrombospondin type I repeat-like (TS) domains. Here we present, to our knowledge, the first structure-function analysis of CTRP using genetically modified Plasmodium berghei parasites expressing mutant versions of the ctrp gene. Our data show that the A domains of CTRP are critical for ookinete gliding motility and oocyst formation whilst, unexpectedly, its TS domains are fully redundant. These results may have important implications for the design of CTRP-based transmission blocking strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Ramakrishnan
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW72AZ, UK.
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Abstract
Intracellular parasitism has arisen only a few times during the long ancestry of protozoan parasites including in diverse groups such as microsporidians, kinetoplastids, and apicomplexans. Strategies used to gain entry differ widely from injection (e.g. microsporidians), active penetration of the host cell (e.g. Toxoplasma), recruitment of lysosomes to a plasma membrane wound (e.g. Trypanosoma cruzi), to host cell-mediated phagocytosis (e.g. Leishmania). The resulting range of intracellular niches is equally diverse ranging from cytosolic (e.g. T. cruzi) to residing within a non-fusigenic vacuole (e.g. Toxoplasma, Encephalitozoon) or a modified phagolysosome (e.g. Leishmania). These lifestyle choices influence access to nutrients, interaction with host cell signaling pathways, and detection by pathogen recognition systems. As such, intracellular life requires a repertoire of adaptations to assure entry-exit from the cell, as well as to thwart innate immune mechanisms and prevent clearance. Elucidating these pathways at the cellular and molecular level may identify key steps that can be targeted to reduce parasite survival or augment immunologic responses and thereby prevent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63100, USA.
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Patarroyo ME, Bermúdez A, Patarroyo MA. Structural and Immunological Principles Leading to Chemically Synthesized, Multiantigenic, Multistage, Minimal Subunit-Based Vaccine Development. Chem Rev 2011; 111:3459-507. [DOI: 10.1021/cr100223m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Elkin Patarroyo
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50, No. 26-00, Bogotá, Colombia
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia
| | - Adriana Bermúdez
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50, No. 26-00, Bogotá, Colombia
- Universidad del Rosario
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50, No. 26-00, Bogotá, Colombia
- Universidad del Rosario
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Santos JM, Soldati-Favre D. Invasion factors are coupled to key signalling events leading to the establishment of infection in apicomplexan parasites. Cell Microbiol 2011; 13:787-96. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2011.01585.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Santos JM, Ferguson DJP, Blackman MJ, Soldati-Favre D. Intramembrane cleavage of AMA1 triggers Toxoplasma to switch from an invasive to a replicative mode. Science 2010; 331:473-7. [PMID: 21205639 DOI: 10.1126/science.1199284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites invade host cells and immediately initiate cell division. The extracellular parasite discharges transmembrane proteins onto its surface to mediate motility and invasion. These are shed by intramembrane cleavage, a process associated with invasion but otherwise poorly understood. Functional analysis of Toxoplasma rhomboid 4, a surface intramembrane protease, by conditional overexpression of a catalytically inactive form produced a profound block in replication. This was completely rescued by expression of the cleaved cytoplasmic tail of Toxoplasma or Plasmodium apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1). These results reveal an unexpected function for AMA1 in parasite replication and suggest that invasion proteins help to promote parasite switch from an invasive to a replicative mode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana M Santos
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 rue-Michel Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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Kateete DP, Okee M, Katabazi FA, Okeng A, Asiimwe J, Boom HW, Eisenach KD, Joloba ML. Rhomboid homologs in mycobacteria: insights from phylogeny and genomic analysis. BMC Microbiol 2010; 10:272. [PMID: 21029479 PMCID: PMC2989971 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-10-272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhomboids are ubiquitous proteins with diverse functions in all life kingdoms, and are emerging as important factors in the biology of some pathogenic apicomplexa and Providencia stuartii. Although prokaryotic genomes contain one rhomboid, actinobacteria can have two or more copies whose sequences have not been analyzed for the presence putative rhomboid catalytic signatures. We report detailed phylogenetic and genomic analyses devoted to prokaryotic rhomboids of an important genus, Mycobacterium. RESULTS Many mycobacterial genomes contained two phylogenetically distinct active rhomboids orthologous to Rv0110 (rhomboid protease 1) and Rv1337 (rhomboid protease 2) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, which were acquired independently. There was a genome-wide conservation and organization of the orthologs of Rv1337 arranged in proximity with glutamate racemase (mur1), while the orthologs of Rv0110 appeared evolutionary unstable and were lost in Mycobacterium leprae and the Mycobacterium avium complex. The orthologs of Rv0110 clustered with eukaryotic rhomboids and contained eukaryotic motifs, suggesting a possible common lineage. A novel nonsense mutation at the Trp73 codon split the rhomboid of Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis into two hypothetical proteins (MAP2425c and MAP2426c) that are identical to MAV_1554 of Mycobacterium avium. Mycobacterial rhomboids contain putative rhomboid catalytic signatures, with the protease active site stabilized by Phenylalanine. The topology and transmembrane helices of the Rv0110 orthologs were similar to those of eukaryotic secretase rhomboids, while those of Rv1337 orthologs were unique. Transcription assays indicated that both mycobacterial rhomboids are possibly expressed. CONCLUSIONS Mycobacterial rhomboids are active rhomboid proteases with different evolutionary history. The Rv0110 (rhomboid protease 1) orthologs represent prokaryotic rhomboids whose progenitor may be the ancestors of eukaryotic rhomboids. The Rv1337 (rhomboid protease 2) orthologs appear more stable and are conserved nearly in all mycobacteria, possibly alluding to their importance in mycobacteria. MAP2425c and MAP2426c provide the first evidence for a split homologous rhomboid, contrasting whole orthologs of genetically related species. Although valuable insights to the roles of rhomboids are provided, the data herein only lays a foundation for future investigations for the roles of rhomboids in mycobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Kateete
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Okee
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred A Katabazi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alfred Okeng
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jeniffer Asiimwe
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology & Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Henry W Boom
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kathleen D Eisenach
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Moses L Joloba
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Sequence analysis and verification of Eimeria tenella rhomboid bait plasmid suitability for CytoTrap yeast two-hybrid system. Parasitol Res 2010; 108:253-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2076-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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da Silva-López RE, dos Santos TR, Morgado-Díaz JA, Tanaka MN, de Simone SG. Serine protease activities in Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi promastigotes. Parasitol Res 2010; 107:1151-62. [PMID: 20668879 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1983-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The present work reports the isolation, biochemical characterization, and subcellular location of serine proteases from aqueous, detergent soluble, and culture supernatant of Leishmania chagasi promastigote extracts, respectively, LCSII, LCSI, and LCSIII. The active enzyme molecular masses of LCSII were about 105, 66, and 60 kDa; of LCSI, 60 and 58 kDa; and of LCSIII, approximately 76 and 68 kDa. Optimal pH for the enzymes was 7.0 for LCSI and LCSIII and 8.5 for LCSII, and the optimal temperature for all enzymes was 37°C, using α-N-ρ-tosyl-L: -arginine methyl ester as substrate. Assay of thermal stability indicated that LCSIII is the more stable enzyme. Hemoglobin, bovine serum albumin, and ovalbumin were hydrolyzed by LCSII and LCSI but not by LCSIII. Inhibition studies suggested that enzymes belong to the serine protease class modulated by divalent cations. Rabbit antiserum against 56-kDa serine protease of Leishmania amazonensis identified proteins in all extracts of L. chagasi. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry demonstrated that serine proteases are located in flagellar pocket region and cytoplasmic vesicles of L. chagasi promastigotes. These findings indicate that L. chagasi serine proteases differ from L. amazonensis proteases and all known flagellate proteases, but display some similarities with serine proteases from other Leishmania species, suggesting a conservation of this enzymatic activity in the genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Elisa da Silva-López
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Sibley LD. How apicomplexan parasites move in and out of cells. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2010; 21:592-8. [PMID: 20580218 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2010.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Revised: 05/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites utilize a unique form of 'gliding motility' to traverse across substrates, migrate through tissues, and invade into and finally egress from their vertebrate host cells. Parasite gliding relies on the treadmilling of surface adhesins linked to short actin filaments that are translocated rearward by stationary small myosin motors. New details reveal mechanistic insight into the coordinated release and processing of adhesins, the complexity of adhesin-substrate interactions, the regulation of the actin-myosin motor complex, and the formation of a novel junction at the host-parasite interface. These activities are carefully orchestrated to provide an efficient process for motility that is essential for parasite survival. The parasite-specific nature of many of these steps reveals several essential points that may be targeted for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Buguliskis JS, Brossier F, Shuman J, Sibley LD. Rhomboid 4 (ROM4) affects the processing of surface adhesins and facilitates host cell invasion by Toxoplasma gondii. PLoS Pathog 2010; 6:e1000858. [PMID: 20421941 PMCID: PMC2858701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1000858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Host cell attachment by Toxoplasma gondii is dependent on polarized secretion of apical adhesins released from the micronemes. Subsequent translocation of these adhesive complexes by an actin-myosin motor powers motility and host cell invasion. Invasion and motility are also accompanied by shedding of surface adhesins by intramembrane proteolysis. Several previous studies have implicated rhomboid proteases in this step; however, their precise roles in vivo have not been elucidated. Using a conditional knockout strategy, we demonstrate that TgROM4 participates in processing of surface adhesins including MIC2, AMA1, and MIC3. Suppression of TgROM4 led to decreased release of the adhesin MIC2 into the supernatant and concomitantly increased the surface expression of this and a subset of other adhesins. Suppression of TgROM4 resulted in disruption of normal gliding, with the majority of parasites twirling on their posterior ends. Parasites lacking TgROM4 bound better to host cells, but lost the ability to apically orient and consequently most failed to generate a moving junction; hence, invasion was severely impaired. Our findings indicate that TgROM4 is involved in shedding of micronemal proteins from the cell surface. Down regulation of TgROM4 disrupts the normal apical-posterior gradient of adhesins that is important for efficient cell motility and invasion of host cells by T. gondii. Apicomplexan parasites invade host cells using a multi-step process that depends on regulated secretion of adhesins, attachment to the cell, and active penetration. Coordinating these activities requires control of proper timing and release of surface proteins that mediate adhesion. Parasites like Toxoplasma gondii attach directionally to their host cells due to the selective discharge of adhesive proteins at their apical end. The resulting complexes are then translocated along the long axis of the parasite, thus propelling the parasite into the cell. Completion of cell invasion also requires that these interactions ultimately be severed to allow detachment. Shedding is accomplished by proteolytic cleavage of the adhesive proteins at the point where they span the parasite outer membrane. By disrupting the expression of the intramembrane protease rhomboid 4 (ROM4), we demonstrate that it is important for shedding of adhesins. In the absence of ROM4, a subset of surface adhesive proteins was over-expressed on the parasite cell surface. Although ROM4 knockdown parasites bound better to host cells, they lost their ability to do so directionally, and hence were impaired in cell entry. Our findings demonstrate that host cell invasion by apicomplexan parasites relies on constitutive shedding of surface adhesins for efficient infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S. Buguliskis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Fabien Brossier
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Joel Shuman
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tufet-Bayona M, Janse CJ, Khan SM, Waters AP, Sinden RE, Franke-Fayard B. Localisation and timing of expression of putative Plasmodium berghei rhoptry proteins in merozoites and sporozoites. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2009; 166:22-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2009.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2008] [Revised: 01/22/2009] [Accepted: 02/17/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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