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Gallego-López GM, Contreras Guzman E, Desa DE, Knoll LJ, Skala MC. Metabolic changes in Toxoplasma gondii-infected host cells measured by autofluorescence imaging. mBio 2024; 15:e0072724. [PMID: 38975793 PMCID: PMC11323734 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00727-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects warm-blooded vertebrates across the world. In humans, seropositivity rates of T. gondii range from 10% to 90% across communities. Despite its prevalence, few studies address how T. gondii infection changes the metabolism of host cells. In this study, we investigate how T. gondii manipulates the host cell metabolic environment by monitoring the metabolic response over time using noninvasive autofluorescence lifetime imaging of single cells, metabolite analysis, extracellular flux analysis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Autofluorescence lifetime imaging indicates that infected host cells become more oxidized and have an increased proportion of bound NAD(P)H compared to uninfected controls. Over time, infected cells also show decreases in levels of intracellular glucose and lactate, increases in oxygen consumption, and variability in ROS production. We further examined changes associated with the pre-invasion "kiss and spit" process using autofluorescence lifetime imaging, which also showed a more oxidized host cell with an increased proportion of bound NAD(P)H over 48 hours compared to uninfected controls, suggesting that metabolic changes in host cells are induced by T. gondii kiss and spit even without invasion.IMPORTANCEThis study sheds light on previously unexplored changes in host cell metabolism induced by T. gondii infection using noninvasive, label-free autofluorescence imaging. In this study, we use optical metabolic imaging (OMI) to measure the optical redox ratio (ORR) in conjunction with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to noninvasively monitor single host cell response to T. gondii infection over 48 hours. Collectively, our results affirm the value of using autofluorescence lifetime imaging to noninvasively monitor metabolic changes in host cells over the time course of a microbial infection. Understanding this metabolic relationship between the host cell and the parasite could uncover new treatment and prevention options for T. gondii infections worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M. Gallego-López
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | - Laura J. Knoll
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Melissa C. Skala
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Dámek F, Basso W, Joeres M, Thoumire S, Swart A, Silva AD, Gassama I, Škorič M, Smola J, Schares G, Blaga R, Koudela B. Infection dynamics following experimental challenge of pigs orally dosed with different stages of two archetypal genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii. Vet Parasitol 2024; 330:110222. [PMID: 38878463 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2024.110222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a food-borne zoonotic parasite widespread in a variety of hosts, including humans. With a majority of infections in Europe estimated to be meat-borne, pork, as one of the most consumed meats worldwide, represents a potential risk for consumers. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the progress of T. gondii infection and tissue tropism in experimentally infected pigs, using different T. gondii isolates and infectious stages, i.e. tissue cysts or oocysts. Twenty-four pigs were allocated to treatment in four groups of six, with each group inoculated orally with an estimated low dose of either 400 oocysts or 10 tissue cysts of two European T. gondii isolates, a type II and a type III isolate. The majority of pigs seroconverted two weeks post-inoculation. Pigs infected with the type III isolate had significantly higher levels of anti-T. gondii antibodies compared to those infected with the type II isolate. Histopathological exams revealed reactive hyperplasia of the lymphatic tissue of all pigs. Additionally, a selected set of nine tissues was collected during necropsy at 50 dpi from each of the remaining 22 pigs for T. gondii DNA detection by quantitative real-time PCR. A positive result was obtained in 29.8 % (59/139) of tested tissues. The brain was identified as the most frequently positive tissue in 63.6 % (14/22) of the animals. In contrast, liver samples tested negative in all animals. The highest mean parasite load, calculated by interpolating the average Cq values on the standard curve made of ten-fold serial dilutions of the genomic DNA, corresponding to 100 to 104 tachyzoites/µL, was observed in shoulder musculature with an estimated concentration of 84.4 [0.0-442.5] parasites per gram of tissue. The study highlights the variability in clinical signs and tissue distribution of T. gondii in pigs based on the combination of parasite stages and strains, with type III isolates, particularly oocysts, causing a stronger antibody response and higher tissue parasite burden. These findings suggest the need for further investigation of type III isolates to better understand their potential risks to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Dámek
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, 22 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Maisons-Alfort Cedex 94701, France.
| | - Walter Basso
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse-Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - Maike Joeres
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, Greifswald, Insel Riems 17493, Germany
| | - Sandra Thoumire
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, 22 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Maisons-Alfort Cedex 94701, France
| | - Arno Swart
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control-Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, P.O. Box 1, Bilthoven 3720 BA, the Netherlands
| | - Anaëlle da Silva
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, 22 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Maisons-Alfort Cedex 94701, France
| | - Inés Gassama
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, 22 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Maisons-Alfort Cedex 94701, France
| | - Miša Škorič
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno 612 42, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Smola
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno 612 42, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary Sciences, Palackého tř. 1, Brno 612 42, Czech Republic
| | - Gereon Schares
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, Greifswald, Insel Riems 17493, Germany
| | - Radu Blaga
- Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, BIPAR, 22 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Maisons-Alfort Cedex 94701, France; University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Calea Mănăştur Street, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania
| | - Břetislav Koudela
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno Palackého tř. 1946/1, Brno 612 42, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), University of Veterinary Sciences, Palackého tř. 1, Brno 612 42, Czech Republic
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Diniz DG, de Oliveira JHP, Guerreiro LCF, de Menezes GC, de Assis ACL, Duarte TQ, dos Santos IBD, Maciel FD, Soares GLDS, Araújo SC, Franco FTDC, do Carmo EL, Morais RDAB, de Lima CM, Brites D, Anthony DC, Diniz JAP, Diniz CWP. Contrasting Disease Progression, Microglia Reactivity, Tolerance, and Resistance to Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Two Mouse Strains. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1420. [PMID: 39061995 PMCID: PMC11274029 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Our study investigated the innate immune response to Toxoplasma gondii infection by assessing microglial phenotypic changes and sickness behavior as inflammatory response markers post-ocular tachyzoite instillation. Disease progression in Swiss albino mice was compared with the previously documented outcomes in BALB/c mice using an identical ocular route and parasite burden (2 × 105 tachyzoites), with saline as the control. Contrary to expectations, the Swiss albino mice displayed rapid, lethal disease progression, marked by pronounced sickness behaviors and mortality within 11-12 days post-infection, while the survivors exhibited no apparent signs of infection. Comparative analysis revealed the T. gondii-infected BALB/c mice exhibited reduced avoidance of feline odors, while the infected Swiss albino mice showed enhanced avoidance responses. There was an important increase in microglial cells in the dentate gyrus molecular layer of the infected Swiss albino mice compared to the BALB/c mice and their respective controls. Hierarchical cluster and discriminant analyses identified three microglial morphological clusters, differentially affected by T. gondii infection across strains. The BALB/c mice exhibited increased microglial branching and complexity, while the Swiss albino mice showed reduced shrunken microglial arbors, diminishing their morphological complexity. These findings highlight strain-specific differences in disease progression and inflammatory regulation, indicating lineage-specific mechanisms in inflammatory responses, tolerance, and resistance. Understanding these elements is critical in devising control measures for toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (F.T.d.C.F.); (J.A.P.D.)
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Oncologia, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jhonnathan H. P. de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Luma C. F. Guerreiro
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal do Pará, Campus Bragança, Bragança 68600-000, Pará, Brazil
| | - Gabriel C. de Menezes
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Alexa C. L. de Assis
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Tainá Q. Duarte
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Izabelly B. D. dos Santos
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Flávia D. Maciel
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Gabrielly L. da S. Soares
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
| | - Sanderson C. Araújo
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (F.T.d.C.F.); (J.A.P.D.)
| | - Felipe T. de C. Franco
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (F.T.d.C.F.); (J.A.P.D.)
| | - Ediclei L. do Carmo
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 67030-000, Pará, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (R.d.A.B.M.)
| | - Rafaela dos A. B. Morais
- Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 67030-000, Pará, Brazil; (E.L.d.C.); (R.d.A.B.M.)
| | - Camila M. de Lima
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (F.T.d.C.F.); (J.A.P.D.)
| | - Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniel C. Anthony
- Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK;
| | - José A. P. Diniz
- Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém 66077-830, Pará, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (F.T.d.C.F.); (J.A.P.D.)
| | - Cristovam W. P. Diniz
- Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66073-005, Pará, Brazil; (D.G.D.); (J.H.P.d.O.); (L.C.F.G.); (G.C.d.M.); (A.C.L.d.A.); (T.Q.D.); (I.B.D.d.S.); (F.D.M.); (G.L.d.S.S.); (C.M.d.L.)
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Nayeri T, Sarvi S, Daryani A. Effective factors in the pathogenesis of Toxoplasmagondii. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31558. [PMID: 38818168 PMCID: PMC11137575 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31558] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite in humans and animals. It infects about 30 % of the human population worldwide and causes potentially fatal diseases in immunocompromised hosts and neonates. For this study, five English-language databases (ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) and the internet search engine Google Scholar were searched. This review was accomplished to draw a global perspective of what is known about the pathogenesis of T. gondii and various factors affecting it. Virulence and immune responses can influence the mechanisms of parasite pathogenesis and these factors are in turn influenced by other factors. In addition to the host's genetic background, the type of Toxoplasma strain, the routes of transmission of infection, the number of passages, and different phases of parasite life affect virulence. The identification of virulence factors of the parasite could provide promising insights into the pathogenesis of this parasite. The results of this study can be an incentive to conduct more intensive research to design and develop new anti-Toxoplasma agents (drugs and vaccines) to treat or prevent this infection. In addition, further studies are needed to better understand the key agents in the pathogenesis of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tooran Nayeri
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Ye H, Zhou X, Zhu B, Xiong T, Huang W, He F, Li H, Chen L, Tang L, Ren Z. Toxoplasma gondii suppresses proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells by regulating their transcriptome. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:144. [PMID: 38654350 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03333-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has shown anticancer activity in breast cancer mouse models, and exerted beneficial effect on the survival of breast cancer patients, but the mechanism was unclear. METHODS The effect of tachyzoites of T. gondii (RH and ME49 strains) on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells) proliferation and migration was assessed using cell growth curve and wound healing assays. Dual RNA-seq was performed for T. gondii-infected and non-infected cells to determine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Protein-Protein Interaction Networks analysis (PPI) were performed to explore the related signaling pathway and hub genes. Hub genes were validated using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database, and Pathogen Host Interaction (PHI-base) database. The results were verified by qRT-PCR. RESULTS The tachyzoites of T. gondii decreased the expression of Ki67 and increased the expression of E-cadherin, resulting in suppressing the proliferation and migration of infected human breast cancer cells. The inhibitory effect of T. gondii on breast cancer cells showed a significant dose-response relationship. Compared with the control group, 2321 genes were transcriptionally regulated in MCF-7 cells infected with T. gondii, while 169 genes were transcriptionally regulated in infected MDA-MB-231 cells. Among these genes, 698 genes in infected MCF-7 cells and 67 genes in infected MDA-MB-231 cells were validated by the publicly available database. GO and KEGG analyses suggested that several pathways were involved in anticancer function of T. gondii, such as ribosome, interleukin-17 signaling, coronavirus disease pathway, and breast cancer pathway. BRCA1, MYC and IL-6 were identified as the top three hub genes in infected-breast cancer cells based on the connectivity of PPI analysis. In addition, after interacting with breast cancer cells, the expression of ROP16 and ROP18 in T. gondii increased, while the expression of crt, TgIST, GRA15, GRA24 and MIC13 decreased. CONCLUSIONS T. gondii transcriptionally regulates several signaling pathways by altering the hub genes such as BRCA1, MYC and IL-6, which can inhibit the breast tumor growth and migration, hinting at a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengming Ye
- The School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangzhou, China
- Public Health Service Center of Bao'an District, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Xiaotao Zhou
- Public Health Service Center of Bao'an District, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Bike Zhu
- Public Health Service Center of Bao'an District, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Tiantian Xiong
- Public Health Service Center of Bao'an District, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Weile Huang
- Public Health Service Center of Bao'an District, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Feng He
- Public Health Service Center of Bao'an District, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Hui Li
- Public Health Service Center of Bao'an District, Shenzhen, 518102, China
| | - Lihua Chen
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen, 518034, China
| | - Luying Tang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zefang Ren
- The School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangzhou, China.
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Abdoli A, Ghaffarifar F, Sharifi Z, Taghipour A. Toxoplasma gondii infection and testosterone alteration: A systematic review and meta-analyses. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297362. [PMID: 38568993 PMCID: PMC10990213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a worldwide distributed protozoan parasite which has infected a wide range of warm-blooded animals and humans. The most common form of T. gondii infection is asymptomatic (latent); nevertheless, latent toxoplasmosis can induce various alterations of sex hormones, especially testosterone, in infected humans and animals. On the other hand, testosterone is involved in behavioral traits and reproductive functions in both sexes. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the available evidence regarding the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration. METHODS In the setting of a systematic review, an electronic search (any date to 10 January 2023) without language restrictions was performed using Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Following the initial search, a total of 12,306 titles and abstracts were screened initially; 12,281 were excluded due to the lack of eligibility criteria or duplication. Finally, 24 articles met the included criteria. A mean±standard deviation (SD) was calculated to assess the difference of testosterone between T. gondii positive and T. gondii negative humans. The possibility of publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS This systematic review identified 24 articles (18 studies in humans and six studies in animals). Most human studies (13 out of 19) reported an increased level of testosterone following latent toxoplasmosis in males, while three studies reported decreased levels and two studies reported an insignificant change. Eleven articles (seven datasets in males and seven datasets in females) were eligible to be included in the data synthesis. Based on the random-effects model, the pooled mean± SD of testosterone in T. gondii positive than T. gondii negative was increased by 0.73 and 0.55 units in males and females, respectively. The Egger's regression did not detect a statistically significant publication bias in males and females (p = value = 0.95 and 0.71), respectively. Three studies in male animals (rats, mice, and spotted hyenas) and two studies in female animals (mice and spotted hyenas) reported a decline in testosterone in infected compared with non-infected animals. While, one study in female rats reported no significant changes of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals. Moreover, two studies in male rats reported an increased level of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights about the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration and identifies relevant data gaps that can inform and encourage further studies. The consequence of increased testosterone levels following T. gondii infection could partly be associated with increased sexual behavior and sexual transmission of the parasite. On the other hand, declining testosterone levels following T. gondii infection may be associated with male reproductive impairments, which were observed in T. gondii-infected humans and animals. Furthermore, these findings suggest the great need for more epidemiological and experimental investigations in depth to understand the relationship between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration alongside with future consequences of testosterone alteration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Sharifi
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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Merritt EF, Kochanowsky JA, Hervé P, Watson AA, Koshy AA. Toxoplasma type II effector GRA15 has limited influence in vivo. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300764. [PMID: 38551902 PMCID: PMC10980211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that establishes a long-term infection in the brain of many warm-blooded hosts, including humans and rodents. Like all obligate intracellular microbes, Toxoplasma uses many effector proteins to manipulate the host cell to ensure parasite survival. While some of these effector proteins are universal to all Toxoplasma strains, some are polymorphic between Toxoplasma strains. One such polymorphic effector is GRA15. The gra15 allele carried by type II strains activates host NF-κB signaling, leading to the release of cytokines such as IL-12, TNF, and IL-1β from immune cells infected with type II parasites. Prior work also suggested that GRA15 promotes early host control of parasites in vivo, but the effect of GRA15 on parasite persistence in the brain and the peripheral immune response has not been well defined. For this reason, we sought to address this gap by generating a new IIΔgra15 strain and comparing outcomes at 3 weeks post infection between WT and IIΔgra15 infected mice. We found that the brain parasite burden and the number of macrophages/microglia and T cells in the brain did not differ between WT and IIΔgra15 infected mice. In addition, while IIΔgra15 infected mice had a lower number and frequency of splenic M1-like macrophages and frequency of PD-1+ CTLA-4+ CD4+ T cells and NK cells compared to WT infected mice, the IFN-γ+ CD4 and CD8 T cell populations were equivalent. In summary, our results suggest that in vivo GRA15 may have a subtle effect on the peripheral immune response, but this effect is not strong enough to alter brain parasite burden or parenchymal immune cell number at 3 weeks post infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F. Merritt
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Joshua A. Kochanowsky
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Perrine Hervé
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS UMR 5234, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alison A. Watson
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Anita A. Koshy
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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8
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Elmallawany MA, Abdel-Aal AA, Abu Eleinen KG, Nadar AH, El-Adawy AI, El-Dardiry MA, Abddel-Hafez YN, Kotb AA, Saif ATS, Shaheen HAA, Sayed A, Samir O, Alatyar AA, Sheble MA, Elnakib M, Badr MS, Nahnoush RK. Metagenomic analysis of the ocular toxoplasmosis in children uveitis from Fayoum governorate, Egypt. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 118:105551. [PMID: 38216107 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Granulomatous anterior uveitis with single or numerous gelatinous nodules was found in children living in rural Egypt. All ocular diseases were originally thought to be water-born and related to digenic flukes. The current study sought to learn more about the causes of anterior granulomatous uveitis in Egyptian youngsters who used to swim in rural water canals. 50 children with eye lesions that had not responded to medical treatment were recruited. Four samples were surgically extracted and examined using real-time PCR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and shotgun metagenomic sequencing (SMS). Toxoplasma gondii was detected free within the syncytium's distal section, while the proximal part exhibited active synthesis of a presumably extra-polymeric material, possibly released by the microbial population. Toxoplasma gondii was found in 30 samples. Serologically, distinct anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were not found in 91.6% of patients. SMS showed that the T. gondii ME 49 strain had the greatest percentage (29-25%) in all samples within an Acinetobacter-containing microbial community. These findings suggested that these bacteria entered the body via the exterior route rather than the circulatory route. The lack of genetic evidence for subsequent parasite stages invalidates the prior findings about the assumed trematode stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa A Elmallawany
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo University, 11796 Giza, Egypt
| | - Amany A Abdel-Aal
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo University, 11796 Giza, Egypt; Postgraduate Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine (AFCM), 11774 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled G Abu Eleinen
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo University, 11796 Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Azza I El-Adawy
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo University, 11796 Giza, Egypt; Medical Parasitology Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine (AFCM), 11774 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa A El-Dardiry
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, 63511 Fayoum, Egypt.
| | - Yosra N Abddel-Hafez
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, 63511 Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Kotb
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, 63511 Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Ahmed T S Saif
- Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum University, 63511 Fayoum, Egypt
| | - Hoda A A Shaheen
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Girl's Campus, Al-Azhar University, 11682 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Sayed
- Basic Research Unit, Genomics/Epigenomics Program, Children's Cancer Hospital 57357, 11562 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omar Samir
- Basic Research Unit, Genomics/Epigenomics Program, Children's Cancer Hospital 57357, 11562 Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Mostafa Elnakib
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Military Medical Academy, Cairo 11711, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Badr
- Department of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham K Nahnoush
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine Kasr Al-Ainy, Cairo University, 11796 Giza, Egypt; Medical Parasitology Department, Armed Forces College of Medicine (AFCM), 11774 Cairo, Egypt
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9
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Cudjoe O, Afful R, Hagan TA. Toxoplasma-host endoplasmic reticulum interaction: How T. gondii activates unfolded protein response and modulates immune response. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2024; 6:100223. [PMID: 38352129 PMCID: PMC10861954 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100223] [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] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a neurotropic single-celled zoonotic parasite that can infect human beings and animals. Infection with T. gondii is usually asymptomatic in immune-competent individual, however, it can cause symptomatic and life-threatening conditions in immunocompromised individuals and in developing foetuses. Although the mechanisms that allow T. gondii to persist in host cells are poorly understood, studies in animal models have greatly improved our understanding of Toxoplasma-host cell interaction and how this interaction modulates parasite proliferation and development, host immune response and virulence of the parasite. T. gondii is capable of recruiting the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER), suggesting it may influence the host ER function. Herein, we provide an overview of T. gondii infection and the role of host ER during stressed conditions. Furthermore, we highlight studies that explore T. gondii's interaction with the host ER. We delve into how this interaction activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER stress-mediated apoptosis. Additionally, we examine how T. gondii exploits these pathways to its advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Obed Cudjoe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences, DTD TDC Plot 30A, Klagon, Tema, Ghana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Roger Afful
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Klintaps College of Health and Allied Sciences, DTD TDC Plot 30A, Klagon, Tema, Ghana
| | - Tonny Abraham Hagan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China
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10
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Sarhan MH, Felemban SG, Alelwani W, Sharaf HM, Abd El-Latif YA, Elgazzar E, Kandil AM, Tellez-Isaias G, Mohamed AA. Zinc Oxide and Magnesium-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Ameliorate Murine Chronic Toxoplasmosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:113. [PMID: 38256946 PMCID: PMC10819917 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii causes a global parasitic disease. Therapeutic options for eradicating toxoplasmosis are limited. In this study, ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs were prepared, and their structural and morphological chrematistics were investigated. The XRD pattern revealed that Mg-doped ZnO NPs have weak crystallinity and a small crystallite size. FTIR and XPS analyses confirmed the integration of Mg ions into the ZnO framework, producing the high-purity Mg-doped ZnO nanocomposite. TEM micrographs determined the particle size of un-doped ZnO in the range of 29 nm, reduced to 23 nm with Mg2+ replacements. ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs significantly decreased the number of brain cysts (p < 0.05) by 29.30% and 35.08%, respectively, compared to the infected untreated group. The administration of ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs revealed a marked histopathological improvement in the brain, liver, and spleen. Furthermore, ZnO and Mg-doped ZnO NPs reduced P53 expression in the cerebral tissue while inducing CD31 expression, which indicated a protective effect against the infection-induced apoptosis and the restoration of balance between free radicals and antioxidant defense activity. In conclusion, the study proved these nanoparticles have antiparasitic, antiapoptotic, and angiogenetic effects. Being nontoxic compounds, these nanoparticles could be promising adjuvants in treating chronic toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed H. Sarhan
- Microbiology Section, Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Shatha G. Felemban
- Medical Laboratory Science Department, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah 21461, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Walla Alelwani
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23890, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hesham M. Sharaf
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.M.S.); (Y.A.A.E.-L.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Yasmin A. Abd El-Latif
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.M.S.); (Y.A.A.E.-L.); (A.A.M.)
| | - Elsayed Elgazzar
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Ahmad M. Kandil
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
| | - Guillermo Tellez-Isaias
- Department of Poultry Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Aya A. Mohamed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt; (H.M.S.); (Y.A.A.E.-L.); (A.A.M.)
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11
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Lu JM, Xu X, Aosai F, Zhang MY, Zhou LL, Piao LX. Protective effect of arctiin against Toxoplasma gondii HSP70-induced allergic acute liver injury by disrupting the TLR4-mediated activation of cytosolic phospholipase A 2 and platelet-activating factor. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111254. [PMID: 37995571 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111254] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)-derived heat shock protein 70 (T.g.HSP70) is a toxic protein that downregulates host defense responses against T. gondii infection. T.g.HSP70 was proven to induce fatal anaphylaxis in T. gondii infected mice through cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) activated-platelet-activating factor (PAF) production via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated signaling. In this study, we investigated the effect of arctiin (ARC; a major lignan compound of Fructus arctii) on allergic liver injury using T.g.HSP70-stimulated murine liver cell line (NCTC 1469) and a mouse model of T. gondii infection. Localized surface plasmon resonance, ELISA, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of action of ARC on T. gondii-induced allergic acute liver injury. The results showed that ARC suppressed the T.g.HSP70-induced allergic liver injury in a dose-dependent manner. ARC could directly bind to T.g.HSP70 or TLR4, interfering with the interaction between these two factors, and inhibiting activation of the TLR4/mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling, thereby inhibiting the overproduction of cPLA2, PAF, and interferon-γ. This result suggested that ARC ameliorates T.g.HSP70-induced allergic acute liver injury by disrupting the TLR4-mediated activation of inflammatory mediators, providing a theoretical basis for ARC therapy to improve T.g.HSP70-induced allergic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Mei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Fumie Aosai
- Department of Infection and Host Defense, Graduate School of Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ming-Yue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Lu-Lu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China
| | - Lian-Xun Piao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, China.
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12
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Brito RMDM, de Lima Bessa G, Bastilho AL, Dantas-Torres F, de Andrade-Neto VF, Bueno LL, Fujiwara RT, Magalhães LMD. Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in South America: occurrence, immunity, and fate of infection. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:461. [PMID: 38115102 PMCID: PMC10729521 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite with a worldwide distribution. Toxoplasma gondii infections are of great concern for public health, and their impact is usually most severe in pregnant women and their foetuses, and in immunocompromised individuals. Displaying considerable genetic diversity, T. gondii strains differ widely according to geographical location, with archetypal strains predominantly found in the Northern Hemisphere and non-archetypal (atypical) strains, with highly diverse genotypes, found mainly in South America. In this review, we present an overview of the identification and distribution of non-archetypal strains of T. gondii. Special attention is paid to the strains that have been isolated in Brazil, their interaction with the host immunological response, and their impact on disease outcomes. The genetic differences among the strains are pivotal to the distinct immunological responses that they elicit. These differences arise from polymorphisms of key proteins released by the parasite, which represent important virulence factors. Infection with divergent non-archetypal strains can lead to unusual manifestations of the disease, even in immunocompetent individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramayana Morais de Medeiros Brito
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Lazoski Bastilho
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Valter Ferreira de Andrade-Neto
- Laboratory of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Biology, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Biosciences Centre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Lilian Lacerda Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toshio Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Luisa M D Magalhães
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Control of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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13
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Wang C, Xie L, Xing Y, Liu M, Yang J, Gao N, Cai Y. Iron-overload-induced ferroptosis in mouse cerebral toxoplasmosis promotes brain injury and could be inhibited by Deferiprone. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011607. [PMID: 37651502 PMCID: PMC10508604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron is a trace metal element that is essential for the survival of cells and parasites. The role of iron in cerebral toxoplasmosis (CT) is still unclear. Deferiprone (DFP) is the orally active iron chelator that binds iron in a molar ratio of 3:1 (ligand:iron) and promotes urinary iron excretion to remove excess iron from the body. The aims of this experiment were to observe the alterations in iron in brains with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) acute infections and to investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis in CT using DFP. We established a cerebral toxoplasmosis model in vivo using TgCtwh3, the dominant strains of which are prevalent in China, and treated the mice with DFP at a dose of 75 mg/kg/d. Meanwhile, we treated the HT-22 cells with 100 μM DFP for half an hour and then infected cells with TgCtwh3 in vitro. A qRT-PCR assay of TgSAG1 levels showed a response to the T. gondii burden. We used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, an iron ion assay kit, Western blot analysis, glutathione and glutathione disulfide assay kits, a malonaldehyde assay kit, and immunofluorescence to detect the ferroptosis-related indexes in the mouse hippocampus and HT-22 cells. The inflammatory factors interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, and arginase 1 in the hippocampus and cells were detected using the Western blot assay. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, and the Morris water maze experiment were used to evaluate the brain injuries of the mice. The results showed that TgCtwh3 infection is followed by the activation of ferroptosis-related signaling pathways and hippocampal pathological damage in mice. The use of DFP led to ferroptosis resistance and attenuated pathological changes, inflammatory reactions and T. gondii burden of the mice, prolonging their survival time. The HT-22 cells with TgCtwh3 activated the ferroptosis pathway and was inhibit by DFP in vitro. In TgCtwh3-infected cells, inflammatory response and mitochondrial damage were severe, but these effects could be reduced by DFP. Our study elucidates the mechanism by which T. gondii interferes with the host's iron metabolism and activates ferroptosis, complementing the pathogenic mechanism of CT and further demonstrating the potential value of DFP for the treatment of CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Wang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Linding Xie
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yien Xing
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Nannan Gao
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yihong Cai
- Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, and Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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14
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Li TT, Zhao DY, Liang QL, Elsheikha HM, Wang M, Sun LX, Zhang ZW, Chen XQ, Zhu XQ, Wang JL. The antioxidant protein glutaredoxin 1 is essential for oxidative stress response and pathogenicity of Toxoplasma gondii. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22932. [PMID: 37115746 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201275r] [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: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Glutaredoxins (Grxs) are ubiquitous antioxidant proteins involved in many molecular processes to protect cells against oxidative damage. Here, we study the roles of Grxs in the pathogenicity of Toxoplasma gondii. We show that Grxs are localized in the mitochondria (Grx1), cytoplasm (Grx2), and apicoplast (Grx3, Grx4), while Grx5 had an undetectable level of expression. We generated Δgrx1-5 mutants of T. gondii type I RH and type II Pru strains using CRISPR-Cas9 system. No significant differences in the infectivity were detected between four Δgrx (grx2-grx5) strains and their respective wild-type (WT) strains in vitro or in vivo. Additionally, no differences were detected in the production of reactive oxygen species, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, and sensitivity to external oxidative stimuli. Interestingly, RHΔgrx1 or PruΔgrx1 exhibited significant differences in all the investigated aspects compared to the other grx2-grx5 mutant and WT strains. Transcriptome analysis suggests that deletion of grx1 altered the expression of genes involved in transport and metabolic pathways, signal transduction, translation, and obsolete oxidation-reduction process. The data support the conclusion that grx1 supports T. gondii resistance to oxidative killing and is essential for the parasite growth in cultured cells and pathogenicity in mice and that the active site CGFS motif was necessary for Grx1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin-Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qing Chen
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Animal Health, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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15
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AlGabbani Q. Nanotechnology: A promising strategy for the control of parasitic infections. Exp Parasitol 2023:108548. [PMID: 37196702 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Annually 3.5 billion people are affected by the parasitic infections that results around 200,000 deaths per annum. Major diseases occur due to the neglected tropical parasites. Variety of methods have been used to treat the parasitic infections but now these methods have become ineffective due to the development of resistance in the parasites and some other side effects of traditional treatment methods. Previous methods include use of chemotherapeutic agents and ethnobotanicals for the treatment of parasites. Parasites have developed resistance against the chemotherapeutic agents. A major problem related to Ethnobotanicals is the unequal availability of drug at the target site which is responsible for the low efficacy of drug. Nanotechnology technology involves the manipulation of matter on a nanoscale level and has the potential to enhance the efficacy and safety of existing drugs, develop new treatments, and improve diagnostic methods for parasitic infections. Nanoparticles can be designed to selectively target parasites while minimizing toxicity to the host, and they can also be used to improve drug delivery and increase drug stability. Some important nanotechnology-based tools for parasitic control include nanoparticle-based drug delivery, nanoparticle diagnostics, nanoparticle vaccines, nanoparticle insecticides. Nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the field of parasitic control by providing new methods for detection, prevention and treatment of parasitic infections. This review discusses the current state of nanotechnology-based approaches for controlling parasitic infections and highlights their potential to revolutionize the field of parasitology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qwait AlGabbani
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
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16
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Kochanowsky JA, Chandrasekaran S, Sanchez JR, Thomas KK, Koshy AA. ROP16-mediated activation of STAT6 enhances cyst development of type III Toxoplasma gondii in neurons. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011347. [PMID: 37068104 PMCID: PMC10138205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii establishes a long-lived latent infection in the central nervous system (CNS) of its hosts. Reactivation in immunocompromised individuals can lead to life threatening disease. Latent infection is driven by the ability of the parasite to convert from the acute-stage tachyzoite to the latent-stage bradyzoite which resides in long-lived intracellular cysts. While much work has focused on the parasitic factors that drive cyst development, the host factors that influence encystment are not well defined. Here we show that a polymorphic secreted parasite kinase (ROP16), that phosphorylates host cell proteins, mediates efficient encystment of T. gondii in a stress-induced model of encystment and primary neuronal cell cultures (PNCs) in a strain-specific manner. Using short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdowns in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and PNCs from transgenic mice, we determined that ROP16's cyst enhancing abilities are mediated, in part, by phosphorylation-and therefore activation-of the host cell transcription factor STAT6. To test the role of STAT6 in vivo, we infected wild-type (WT) and STAT6KO mice, finding that, compared to WT mice, STAT6KO mice have a decrease in CNS cyst burden but not overall parasite burden or dissemination to the CNS. Finally, we found a similar ROP16-dependent encystment defect in human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. Together, these findings identify a host cell factor (STAT6) that T. gondii manipulates in a strain-specific manner to generate a favorable encystment environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A. Kochanowsky
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | | | - Jacqueline R. Sanchez
- Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Kaitlin K. Thomas
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Anita A. Koshy
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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17
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Overview of Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Inflammatory Processes in Toxoplasma gondii Infected Cells. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020253. [PMID: 36839525 PMCID: PMC9966443 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular parasite. During the parasitic invasion, T. gondii creates a parasitophorous vacuole, which enables the modulation of cell functions, allowing its replication and host infection. It has effective strategies to escape the immune response and reach privileged immune sites and remain inactive in a controlled environment in tissue cysts. This current review presents the factors that affect host cells and the parasite, as well as changes in the immune system during host cell infection. The secretory organelles of T. gondii (dense granules, micronemes, and rhoptries) are responsible for these processes. They are involved with proteins secreted by micronemes and rhoptries (MIC, AMA, and RONs) that mediate the recognition and entry into host cells. Effector proteins (ROP and GRA) that modify the STAT signal or GTPases in immune cells determine their toxicity. Interference byhost autonomous cells during parasitic infection, gene expression, and production of microbicidal molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), result in the regulation of cell death. The high level of complexity in host cell mechanisms prevents cell death in its various pathways. Many of these abilities play an important role in escaping host immune responses, particularly by manipulating the expression of genes involved in apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Here we present recent works that define the mechanisms by which T. gondii interacts with these processes in infected host cells.
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18
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Hosseini SA, Sharif M, Sarvi S, Mirzaei N, Abediankenari S, Arefkhah N, Amouei A, Gholami S, Anvari D, Ahmadpour E, Javidnia J, Jafar-Ramaji T, Daryani A. Identification and multilocus genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from congenital infection in north of Iran. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:177-184. [PMID: 36369362 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07714-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Congenital toxoplasmosis can cause severe consequences in the fetus, such as spontaneous abortion which is affected by parasite strain. Also, recent studies revealed the high genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii. This study aims to investigate the serological status of T. gondii in pregnant women, multilocus genotyping in aborted fetuses' tissue, and archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded placenta. This study was performed on 100 pregnant women with spontaneous abortion and their aborted fetuses, and 250 of the archived placentae in Iran. The blood and tissue were examined for seroprevalence and genotype determination of T. gondii using ELISA and multilocus nested-PCR-RFLP, respectively. Anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM were detected in 68 samples (68%) and 1 (1%) out of 100 serums. Toxoplasma DNA was identified in 1 (1%) aborted fetuses' tissue and 32 (12.8%) placenta samples. Overall, ten positive DNA samples were successfully genotyped, and five genotypes were recognized (ToxoDB#1, #2, #10, #27, and #48). The obtained results indicated congenital toxoplasmosis is a severe risk in this region. As type I is highly pathogen and can lead to severe complications, the prevention of the infection should be considered in seronegative pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sharif
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran
| | - Nazanin Mirzaei
- Tonekabon Shahid Rajaei Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Saeid Abediankenari
- Immunogenetics Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Nasir Arefkhah
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Amouei
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran.,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran
| | - Sara Gholami
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javad Javidnia
- Department of Mycology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran
| | - Tahereh Jafar-Ramaji
- Tonekabon Shahid Rajaei Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran. .,Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Mazandaran, Sari, Iran.
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19
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Zhang Y, Li D, Lu S, Zheng B. Toxoplasmosis vaccines: what we have and where to go? NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:131. [PMID: 36310233 PMCID: PMC9618413 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00563-0] [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: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent major advances in developing effective vaccines against toxoplasmosis, finding new protective vaccination strategies remains a challenging and elusive goal as it is critical to prevent the disease. Over the past few years, various experimental approaches have shown that developing an effective vaccine against T. gondii is achievable. However, more remains unknown due to its complicated life cycle, difficulties in clinical translation, and lack of a standardized platform. This minireview summarizes the recent advances in the development of T. gondii vaccines and the main obstacles to developing a safe, effective and durable T. gondii vaccine. The successes and failures in developing and testing vaccine candidates for the T. gondii vaccine are also discussed, which may facilitate the future development of T. gondii vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhuo Zhang
- grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Li
- grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaohong Lu
- grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China ,grid.506977.a0000 0004 1757 7957Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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20
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Guimarães Gois PS, Franco PS, Cota Teixeira S, Guirelli PM, de Araújo TE, da Fonseca Batistão DW, de Oliveira FC, Lícia Santos Ferreira G, de Oliveira Gomes A, Favoreto S, Mineo JR, de Freitas Barbosa B, Ferro EAV. Polarisation of human macrophages towards an M1 subtype triggered by an atypical Brazilian strain of Toxoplasma gondii results in a reduction in parasite burden. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2022; 69. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2022.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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21
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Live-attenuated ME49Δcdpk3 strain of Toxoplasma gondii protects against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:98. [PMID: 35986017 PMCID: PMC9391373 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00518-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a common parasitic disease, is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which infects approximately 30% of the world’s population. This obligate intracellular protozoan causes significant economic losses and poses serious public health challenges worldwide. However, the development of an effective toxoplasmosis vaccine in humans remains a challenge to date. In this study, we observed that the knockout of calcium-dependent protein kinase 3 (CDPK3) in the type II ME49 strain greatly attenuated virulence in mice and significantly reduced cyst formation. Hence, we evaluated the protective immunity of ME49Δcdpk3 as a live attenuated vaccine against toxoplasmosis. Our results showed that ME49Δcdpk3 vaccination triggered a strong immune response marked by significantly elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels, such as IFN-γ, IL-12, and TNF-α, and increased the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes. The high level of Toxoplasma-specific IgG was maintained, with mixed IgG1/IgG2a levels. Mice vaccinated with ME49Δcdpk3 were efficiently protected against the tachyzoites of a variety of wild-type strains, including type I RH, type II ME49, Chinese 1 WH3 and Chinese 1 WH6, as well as the cysts of wild-type strains ME49 and WH6. These data demonstrated that ME49Δcdpk3 inoculation induced effective cellular and humoral immune responses against acute and chronic Toxoplasma infections with various strains and was a potential candidate to develop a vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
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22
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Xiao J, Savonenko A, Yolken RH. Strain-specific pre-existing immunity: A key to understanding the role of chronic Toxoplasma infection in cognition and Alzheimer's diseases? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 137:104660. [PMID: 35405182 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma exposure can elicit cellular and humoral immune responses. In the case of chronic Toxoplasma infection, these immune responses are long-lasting. Some studies suggest that pre-existing immunity from Toxoplasma infection can shape immune responses and resistance to other pathogens and brain insults later in life. Much evidence has been generated suggesting Toxoplasma infection may contribute to cognitive impairment in the elderly. However, there have also been studies that disagree with the conclusion. Toxoplasma has many strain types, with virulence being the most notable difference. There is also considerable variation in the outcomes following Toxoplasma exposure ranging from resolved to persistent infection. Therefore, the brain microenvironment, particularly cellular constituents, differs based on the infecting strain (virulent versus hypovirulent) and infection stage (resolved versus persistent). Such difference might play a critical role in determining the outcome of the host on subsequent challengings to the brain. The ability of Toxoplasma strains to set up distinct stages for neurodegenerative pathology through varying degrees of virulence provides unique experimental tools for characterizing these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianchun Xiao
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Alena Savonenko
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Robert H Yolken
- Stanley Division of Developmental Neurovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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23
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Bajwa HUR, Khan MK, Abbas Z, Riaz R, Rehman TU, Abbas RZ, Aleem MT, Abbas A, Almutairi MM, Alshammari FA, Alraey Y, Alouffi A. Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Their Role as Potential Drug Candidates for the Treatment of Parasitic Diseases. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050750. [PMID: 35629416 PMCID: PMC9145985 DOI: 10.3390/life12050750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Protozoa, helminths and ectoparasites are the major groups of parasites distributed worldwide. Currently, these parasites are treated with chemotherapeutic antiprotozoal drugs, anti-helminthic and anti-ectoparasitic agents, but, with the passage of time, resistance to these drugs has developed due to overuse. In this scenario, nanoparticles are proving to be a major breakthrough in the treatment and control of parasitic diseases. In the last decade, there has been enormous development in the field of nanomedicine for parasitic control. Gold and silver nanoparticles have shown promising results in the treatments of various types of parasitic infections. These nanoparticles are synthesized through the use of various conventional and molecular technologies and have shown great efficacy. They work in different ways, that include damaging the parasite membrane, DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) disruption, protein synthesis inhibition and free-radical formation. These agents are effective against intracellular parasites as well. Other nanoparticles, such as iron, nickel, zinc and platinum, have also shown good results in the treatment and control of parasitic infections. It is hoped that this research subject will become the future of modern drug development. This review summarizes the methods that are used to synthesize nanoparticles and their possible mechanisms of action against parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Kasib Khan
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (M.K.K.); (Z.A.); (R.Z.A.)
| | - Zaheer Abbas
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (M.K.K.); (Z.A.); (R.Z.A.)
| | - Roshan Riaz
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Diseases, Ankara University, Ankara 06100, Turkey;
| | - Tauseef ur Rehman
- Department of Parasitology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (T.u.R.); (A.A.)
| | - Rao Zahid Abbas
- Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; (M.K.K.); (Z.A.); (R.Z.A.)
| | - Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Asghar Abbas
- Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, MNS-University of Agriculture Multan, Multan 60650, Pakistan;
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Fahdah Ayed Alshammari
- College of Sciences and Literature Microbiology, Arar Northern Border University, Arar 73211, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Yasser Alraey
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Central Research Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 62217, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (T.u.R.); (A.A.)
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24
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Galeh TM, Sarvi S, Hosseini SA, Daryani A. Genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from rodents in the world: A systematic review. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:943-957. [PMID: 33825346 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is one of the most frequent food-borne infections in humans caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Rodents, as intermediate and reservoir hosts, play key role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis; because they are the main source of infection for the Felidae family members and establish the parasite life cycle. Hence, the infectious isolates of T. gondii in rodents may be the main genotypes infecting the environment, humans and animals. Our review aimed to present the population structure of T. gondii in these mammals. To access the relevant studies, six English language databases were systematically searched from 1990 to 2019. Finally, 3,395 samples of rodents were analysed for the genotyping data and 118 isolates were separated from the samples. The results of the present study showed that atypical genotypes were dominant with a frequency of 65.2% of the total isolates (77 out of 118). Clonal Types II, III and I had less frequency, respectively. Type I clonal isolates were identified only from Asia. The examination of genotypes circulating in rodents around the world revealed that ToxoDB #1 or #3 (Type II) were the most common, followed by ToxoDB #9 and #2, respectively. Overall, our data showed low genetic diversity of T. gondii with circulating clonal strains in rodents compare to the isolates from Europe, North America and Africa, while non-clonal parasites with high genetic diversity were dominant in South America and Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mikaeili Galeh
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Student of Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Sarvi
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Seyed Abdollah Hosseini
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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25
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Eid RK, Arafa MF, Ashour DS, Essa EA, Zoghroban HS, Issa YA, Nomeir HM, Abo Safia HS, El Maghraby GM. Eudragit coated microemulsion for enhanced efficacy of spiramycin against toxoplasmic encephalitis. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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Sana M, Rashid M, Rashid I, Akbar H, Gomez-Marin JE, Dimier-Poisson I. Immune response against toxoplasmosis-some recent updates RH: Toxoplasma gondii immune response. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2022; 36:3946320221078436. [PMID: 35227108 PMCID: PMC8891885 DOI: 10.1177/03946320221078436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cytokines, soluble mediators of immunity, are key factors of the innate and adaptive immune system. They are secreted from and interact with various types of immune cells to manipulate host body's immune cell physiology for a counter-attack on the foreign body. A study was designed to explore the mechanism of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) resistance from host immune response. METHODS AND RESULTS The published data on aspect of host (murine and human) immune response against T. gondii was taken from Google scholar and PubMed. Most relevant literature was included in this study. The basic mechanism of immune response starts from the interactions of antigens with host immune cells to trigger the production of cytokines (pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory) which then act by forming a cytokinome (network of cytokine). Their secretory equilibrium is essential for endowing resistance to the host against infectious diseases, particularly toxoplasmosis. A narrow balance lying between Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines (as demonstrated until now) is essential for the development of resistance against T. gondii as well as for the survival of host. Excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to tissue damage resulting in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines which enhances the proliferation of Toxoplasma. Stress and other infectious diseases (human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)) that weaken the host immunity particularly the cellular component, make the host susceptible to toxoplasmosis especially in pregnant women. CONCLUSION The current review findings state that in vitro harvesting of IL12 from DCs, Np and MΦ upon exposure with T. gondii might be a source for therapeutic use in toxoplasmosis. Current review also suggests that therapeutic interventions leading to up-regulation/supplementation of SOCS-3, IL12, and IFNγ to the infected host could be a solution to sterile immunity against T. gondii infection. This would be of interest particularly in patients passing through immunosuppression owing to any reason like the ones receiving anti-cancer therapy, the ones undergoing immunosuppressive therapy for graft/transplantation, the ones suffering from immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or having AIDS. Another imortant suggestion is to launch the efforts for a vaccine based on GRA6Nt or other similar antigens of T. gondii as a probable tool to destroy tissue cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Sana
- Department of Parasitology, 66920University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 66920The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | - Imran Rashid
- Department of Parasitology, 66920University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Haroon Akbar
- Department of Parasitology, 66920University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Jorge E Gomez-Marin
- Grupo Gepamol, Centro de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad del Quindio, Armenia, CO, South America
| | - Isabelle Dimier-Poisson
- Université de Tours, Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (INRAE), Unité mixte de recherche 1282 (UMR1282), Infectiologie et santé publique (ISP), Tours, France
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27
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Guedes PEB, Veloso JF, Lacerda LC, Santana JO, Mora-Ocampo IY, Pirovani CP, Cruz RDS, Munhoz AD, Carlos RSA. Protein expression of the tear film of domestic cats before and after inoculation with Toxoplasma gondii. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:386. [PMID: 34906132 PMCID: PMC8670102 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tear film (TF) helps maintain and protect ocular function against damage to the ocular surface. Proteins are one of its main constituents, whose expression pattern can be used as a biomarker of ocular changes and systemic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of proteins in the TF of domestic cats before and after infection with Toxoplasma gondii, in the phases of acute infection and chronicity. Twelve healthy cats received orally homogenized brain matter obtained from mice inoculated with T. gondii oocysts, strain ME49. Cat feces were collected daily from the third day after infection to assess the release of oocysts. TF samples were obtained from cats, by Schirmer's Tear Test 1, on day 0 (before infection), day 5 after infection (acute phase of infection, with maximum peak release of oocysts in feces) and on day 21 after infection (start of chronic phase, 7 days after total absence of oocyst release in feces). Tear samples were also submitted to proteomic analysis in a Q-Tof-Premier mass spectrometer. RESULTS A total of 37 proteins with scores equal to or greater than 100 were identified on D0, followed by 36 on D5 and 42 on D21. Of these, 27 were common to D0 and D5, 33 to D0 and D21, 27 to D5 and D21, and 26 were common to the three groups, totaling 54 proteins. The most abundant proteins were lipocalin allergen Fel d, serum albumin, aldehyde dehydrogenase, lactoperoxidase and lactotransferrin. There was no significant difference in the abundance of proteins found on D0 and D5, but there was a statistical difference between D0 and D21 for ACT1_AEDAE, CERU_HUMAN and GELS_HUMAN. Regarding D5 and D21, there were significant differences for KV1_CANLF, LAC_PIG, TRFL_PIG, ACT1_AEDAE, CERU_HUMAN, GELS_HUMAN and OVOS2_HUMAN. CONCLUSIONS The main proteins identified in the TF of domestic cats are similar to those found in humans and other animal species. Most are part of the ocular surface defense system against injuries. The most expressed proteins in animals in the chronic phase of T. gondii infection are associated with the immune response to the parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jéssica Fontes Veloso
- Federal University of Western Bahia, Av. 23 de Agosto, S/N, Assunção, Bahia Barra, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexandre Dias Munhoz
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Santa Cruz State University, Ilhéus, Brazil
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Global phosphoproteome analysis reveals significant differences between sporulated oocysts of virulent and avirulent strains of Toxoplasma gondii. Microb Pathog 2021; 161:105240. [PMID: 34655729 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the differences in the phosphoproteomic landscape of sporulated oocysts between virulent and avirulent strains of Toxoplasma gondii were examined using a global phosphoproteomics approach. Phosphopeptides from sporulated oocysts of the virulent PYS strain (Chinese ToxoDB#9) and the avirulent PRU strain (type II) were enriched by titanium dioxide (TiO2) affinity chromatography and quantified using IBT approach. A total of 10,645 unique phosphopeptides, 8181 nonredundant phosphorylation sites and 2792 phosphoproteins were identified. We also detected 4129 differentially expressed phosphopeptides (DEPs) between sporulated oocysts of PYS strain and PRU strain (|log1.5 fold change| > 1 and p < 0.05), including 2485 upregulated and 1644 downregulated phosphopeptides. Motif analysis identified 24 motifs from the upregulated phosphorylated peptides including 22 serine motifs and two threonine motifs (TPE and TP), and 15 motifs from the downregulated phosphorylated peptides including 12 serine motifs and three threonine motifs (TP, RxxT and KxxT) in PYS strain when comparing PYS strain to PRU strain. Several kinases were consistent with motifs of overrepresented phosphopeptides, such as PKA, PKG, CKII, IKK, MAPK, EGFR, INSR, Jak, Syk, Src, Ab1. GO enrichment, KEGG pathway analysis and STRING analysis revealed DEPs significantly enriched in many biological processes and pathways. Kinase related network analysis showed that AGC kinase was the most connected kinase peptide. Our findings reveal significant difference in phosphopeptide profiles of sporulated oocysts between virulent and avirulent T. gondii strains, providing new resources for further elucidation of the mechanisms underpinning the virulence of T. gondii.
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Ekawasti F, Cahyaningsih U, Dharmayanti NLPI, Sa'diah S, Subekti DT, Azmi Z, Desem MI. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of genes of virulent strain isolate of Toxoplasma gondii using enzyme DdeI. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.14202/ijoh.2021.196-203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Toxoplasma gondii is a unicellular coccidian parasite distributed globally and is an important zoonotic pathogen. Approximately 30% of the human population worldwide is chronically infected with T. gondii. The pathogenicity of this species depends on the type originating from the clonal population. Techniques for more accurately determining the type of T. gondii have recently been developed using genetic markers. Specifically, T. gondii has been typed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). This study aimed to identify sets of PCR-RFLP markers that have high power to discriminate genotyping of T. gondii and are easy to use and are easy to use. The objective of this study was to characterize virulent strain isolates of T. gondii by PCR-RFLP using 10 markers with DdeI.
Materials and Methods: T. gondii tachyzoites (RH virulent strain) were derived from culture cells at the Indonesian Research Center for Veterinary Sciences. Genotyping was performed on T. gondii DNA extracted from cell cultured tachyzoites using 10 genetic markers of PCR-RFLP, namely, B1#1, B1#2, B1#3, SAG1#1, SAG1#2, P30, BAG1, ROP1, GRA1, and GRA7, with digestion using the restriction enzyme DdeI.
Results: The 10 genes were amplified by PCR. Among them, three genetic markers, B1#3, ROP1, and GRA1, were genotyped by the PCR-RFLP using restriction enzyme DdeI. Overall, the findings showed that the specific RFLP profile of digestion of gene regions by DdeI could be used as a specific marker for the virulent biotype causative of toxoplasmosis. In addition, virulent strains of T. gondii can be easily detected by these markers.
Conclusion: Three pairs of primers (B1#3, ROP1, and GRA1) with DdeI have proven useful for the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis (virulent strain biotype I). This proposed method is relatively simple, rapid, cheap, and can be performed in most laboratories, providing a practical approach for the routine analysis of T. gondii strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fitrine Ekawasti
- Indonesian Research Center for Veterinary Sciences, Indonesia Agency Agriculture Research and Development, Agricultural of Ministry, Bogor, 16167, Indonesia; Department of Animal Infectious Diseases and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Umi Cahyaningsih
- Department of Animal Infectious Diseases and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - N. L. P. Indi Dharmayanti
- Indonesian Research Center for Veterinary Sciences, Indonesia Agency Agriculture Research and Development, Agricultural of Ministry, Bogor, 16167, Indonesia
| | - Siti Sa'diah
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University, Bogor, 16680, Indonesia
| | - Didik Tulus Subekti
- Indonesian Research Center for Veterinary Sciences, Indonesia Agency Agriculture Research and Development, Agricultural of Ministry, Bogor, 16167, Indonesia
| | - Zul Azmi
- Indonesian Research Center for Veterinary Sciences, Indonesia Agency Agriculture Research and Development, Agricultural of Ministry, Bogor, 16167, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim Desem
- Indonesian Research Center for Veterinary Sciences, Indonesia Agency Agriculture Research and Development, Agricultural of Ministry, Bogor, 16167, Indonesia
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da Silva M, Teixeira C, Gomes P, Borges M. Promising Drug Targets and Compounds with Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Activity. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1960. [PMID: 34576854 PMCID: PMC8471693 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9091960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the globally distributed protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which infects around one-third of the world population. This disease may result in serious complications for fetuses, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals. Current treatment options are old, limited, and possess toxic side effects. Long treatment durations are required since the current therapeutic system lacks efficiency against T. gondii tissue cysts, promoting the establishment of latent infection. This review highlights the most promising drug targets involved in anti-T. gondii drug discovery, including the mitochondrial electron transport chain, microneme secretion pathway, type II fatty acid synthesis, DNA synthesis and replication and, DNA expression as well as others. A description of some of the most promising compounds demonstrating antiparasitic activity, developed over the last decade through drug discovery and drug repurposing, is provided as a means of giving new perspectives for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco da Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Cátia Teixeira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (C.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (C.T.); (P.G.)
| | - Margarida Borges
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Bahreini MS, Nohtani M, Salemi AM, Mirzaeipour M, Dastan N, Bajelan S, Asgari Q. Introduction of protocols for mass production of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites of the genotype II PRU strain. Animal Model Exp Med 2021; 4:278-282. [PMID: 34557654 PMCID: PMC8446697 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few investigations of genotype II of Toxoplasma gondii, the most prevalent form of the Toxoplasma parasite in humans, have been carried out on due to the rapid conversion of tachyzoites to bradyzoites in its life cycle. The current study aimed to create animal and in vitro models for production of the tachyzoites of the Prugniaud (PRU) genotype II strain. Methods To develop an immunocompromised model and obtain tachyzoites of the PRU strain, BALB/c mice were orally treated with dexamethasone (10 mg/kg), cyclophosphamide (36 mg/kg), and cyclosporine (18 mg/kg) from 5 days prior to inoculation. Then, 10-15 tissue cysts of PRU strain were inoculated intraperitoneally into the mice. The tachyzoites obtained from mice were then cultivated in a HeLa cell culture. The resulting yield of tachyzoites was cryopreserved in 92% fetal calf serum, 8% dimethyl sulfoxide. The infectivity of these tachyzoites was evaluated using in vivo and in vitro examinations. Results Numerous tachyzoites were observed in the peritoneal fluid of the immunosuppressed mice within 10-15 days after inoculation, and many tachyzoites were harvested from the HeLa cell culture. Trypan Blue staining showed 80% viability of the tachyzoites recovered from cryopreservation and this was confirmed by HeLa cell culture. In addition, mice infected intraperitoneally with the recovered tachyzoites presented with cysts in the brain after 2 months. Conclusion We have developed an animal model for mass production of T. gondii tachyzoites of the PRU strain. This method can provide fresh viable tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii for use as and when required in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Saleh Bahreini
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Mohammad Nohtani
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Amir Masoud Salemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Mehdi Mirzaeipour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Naghmeh Dastan
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Sara Bajelan
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Qasem Asgari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and MycologySchool of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
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32
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Costa WLGD, Barbosa IMFN, Prado DPGD, Domann N, Rezende HHA. A systematic review of Toxoplasma gondii genotypes in Gallus gallus domesticus worldwide: The focus is Brazil. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:2440-2450. [PMID: 34227255 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii was initially classified in three main lineages related to its virulence: Types I, II, and III. The recombination of genes during sexual cycle in felids gut led to more than 200 genotypes, found in ToxoDB database, using 11 RFLP markers. Free-range chickens are good bioindicators of soil contamination with T. gondii oocysts. In this sense, there are systematic reviews regarding data of genetic characterization of this parasite in felines and ruminants, but not in chickens heretofore, what makes this work necessary. A systematic review of the literature was performed with papers published prior to September 21, 2020. The main inclusion criteria were the presence of T. gondii genotypes, isolated strictly from free-range chickens, in experimental works. Initially, a total of 1,343 studies related to the terms were identified on databases and 30 studies were selected to be systematically reviewed. A total of 561 isolates of T. gondii from 6,356 free-range chickens were analyzed for genotyping, revealing 190 genotypes. ToxoDB #59 and #2 were the most frequent in America, #1 was the most frequent in Africa and three atypical isolates from genotype ToxoDB #9 were found in Asia. There is no data from Europe and Oceania. The majority of studies were Brazilian (16/30). A total of 68 RFLP genotypes were recognized among the 561 isolates' DNAs analyzed from the 30 studies. Some studies showed new genotypes never described before, which reinforces the idea that in some years even more new genotypes will be identified, due to gradual genetic recombination. A large number of undefined genotypes makes it necessary to perform Nested PCR technique when genotyping. Moreover, the lack of data in Continents such as Europe, Asia, and Oceania makes it necessary to perform new isolating and genotyping studies in these places.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Natália Domann
- Academic Unit of Health Sciences, Biomedicine Department, Federal University of Jatai (UFJ), Jatai, Goias, Brazil
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Wang Y, Han C, Zhou R, Zhu J, Zhang F, Li J, Luo Q, Du J, Chu D, Cai Y, Shen J, Yu L. Differential expression of TgMIC1 in isolates of Chinese 1 Toxoplasma with different virulence. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:253. [PMID: 33985552 PMCID: PMC8117571 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04752-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The predominant genotype of Toxoplasma in China is the Chinese 1 (ToxoDB#9) lineage. TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6 are two representative strains of Chinese 1, exhibiting high and low virulence to mice, respectively. Little is known regarding the virulence mechanism of this non-classical genotype. Our previous RNA sequencing data revealed differential mRNA levels of TgMIC1 in TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6. We aim to further confirm the differential expression of TgMIC1 and its significance in this atypical genotype. METHODS Quantitative real-time PCR was used to verify the RNA sequencing data; then, polyclonal antibodies against TgMIC1 were prepared and identified. Moreover, the invasion and proliferation of the parasite in HFF cells were observed after treatment with TgMIC1 polyclonal antibody or not. RESULTS The data showed that the protein level of TgMIC1 was significantly higher in high-virulence strain TgCtwh3 than in low-virulence strain TgCtwh6 and that the invasion and proliferation of TgCtwh3 were inhibited by TgMIC1 polyclonal antibody. CONCLUSION Differential expression of TgMIC1 in TgCtwh3 and TgCtwh6 may explain, at least partly, the virulence mechanism of this atypical genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjian Han
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.,The Clinical Laboratory of the Third People's Hospital of Heifei, Hefei, China
| | - Rongsheng Zhou
- The Clinical Laboratory of the Third People's Hospital of Heifei, Hefei, China
| | - Jinjin Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Famin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyang Li
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.,The Clinical Laboratory of the Third People's Hospital of Heifei, Hefei, China
| | - Qingli Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Deyong Chu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yihong Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Health Inspection and Quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology; Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
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Xia J, Venkat A, Bainbridge RE, Reese ML, Le Roch KG, Ay F, Boyle JP. Third-generation sequencing revises the molecular karyotype for Toxoplasma gondii and identifies emerging copy number variants in sexual recombinants. Genome Res 2021; 31:834-851. [PMID: 33906962 PMCID: PMC8092015 DOI: 10.1101/gr.262816.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a useful model for intracellular parasitism given its ease of culture in the laboratory and genomic resources. However, as for many other eukaryotes, the T. gondii genome contains hundreds of sequence gaps owing to repetitive and/or unclonable sequences that disrupt the assembly process. Here, we use the Oxford Nanopore Minion platform to generate near-complete de novo genome assemblies for multiple strains of T. gondii and its near relative, N. caninum. We significantly improved T. gondii genome contiguity (average N50 of ∼6.6 Mb) and added ∼2 Mb of newly assembled sequence. For all of the T. gondii strains that we sequenced (RH, ME49, CTG, II×III progeny clones CL13, S27, S21, S26, and D3X1), the largest contig ranged in size between 11.9 and 12.1 Mb in size, which is larger than any previously reported T. gondii chromosome, and found to be due to a consistent fusion of Chromosomes VIIb and VIII. These data were validated by mapping existing T. gondii ME49 Hi-C data to our assembly, providing parallel lines of evidence that the T. gondii karyotype consists of 13, rather than 14, chromosomes. By using this technology, we also resolved hundreds of tandem repeats of varying lengths, including in well-known host-targeting effector loci like rhoptry protein 5 (ROP5) and ROP38. Finally, when we compared T. gondii with N. caninum, we found that although the 13-chromosome karyotype was conserved, extensive, previously unappreciated chromosome-scale rearrangements had occurred in T. gondii and N. caninum since their most recent common ancestry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
| | - Aarthi Venkat
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.,La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | - Rachel E Bainbridge
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
| | | | - Karine G Le Roch
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, USA
| | - Ferhat Ay
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.,School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Jon P Boyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
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Ihara F, Nishikawa Y. Toxoplasma gondii manipulates host cell signaling pathways via its secreted effector molecules. Parasitol Int 2021; 83:102368. [PMID: 33905814 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii secretes a vast variety of effector molecules from organelles known as rhoptries (ROPs) and dense granules (GRAs). ROP proteins are released into the cytosol of the host cell where they are directed to the cell nucleus or to the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) membrane. ROPs secrete proteins that enable host cell penetration and vacuole formation by the parasites, as well as hijacking host-immune responses. After invading host cells, T. gondii multiplies within a PV that is maintained by the parasite proteins secreted from GRAs. Most GRA proteins remain within the PV, but some are known to access the host cytosol across the PV membrane, and a few are able to traffic into the host-cell nucleus. These effectors bind to host cell proteins and affect host cell signaling pathways to favor the parasite. Studies on host-pathogen interactions have identified many infection-altered host signal transductions. Notably, the relationship between individual parasite effector molecules and the specific targeting of host-signaling pathways is being elucidated through the advent of forward and reverse genetic strategies. Understanding the complex nature of the host-pathogen interactions underlying how the host-signaling pathway is manipulated by parasite effectors may lead to new molecular biological knowledge and novel therapeutic methods for toxoplasmosis. In this review, we discuss how T. gondii modulates cell signaling pathways in the host to favor its survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Ihara
- Molecular Parasitology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.
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Chiebao DP, Bartley PM, Chianini F, Black LE, Burrells A, Pena HFJ, Soares RM, Innes EA, Katzer F. Early immune responses and parasite tissue distribution in mice experimentally infected with oocysts of either archetypal or non-archetypal genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitology 2021; 148:464-476. [PMID: 33315001 PMCID: PMC11010124 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020002346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In most of the world Toxoplasma gondii is comprised of archetypal types (types I, II and III); however, South America displays several non-archetypal strains. This study used an experimental mouse model to characterize the immune response and parasite kinetics following infection with different parasite genotypes. An oral inoculation of 50 oocysts per mouse from T. gondii M4 type II (archetypal, avirulent), BrI or BrIII (non-archetypal, virulent and intermediate virulent, respectively) for groups (G)2, G3 and G4, respectively was used. The levels of mRNA expression of cytokines, immune compounds, cell surface markers and receptor adapters [interferon gamma (IFNγ), interleukin (IL)-12, CD8, CD4, CD25, CXCR3 and MyD88] were quantified by SYBR green reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Lesions were characterized by histology and detection by immunohistochemistry established distribution of parasites. Infection in G2 mice was mild and characterized by an early MyD88-dependent pathway. In G3, there were high levels of expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFNγ and IL-12 in the mice showing severe clinical symptoms at 8–11 days post infection (dpi), combined with the upregulation of CD25, abundant tachyzoites and tissue lesions in livers, lungs and intestines. Significant longer expression of IFNγ and IL-12 genes, with other Th1-balanced immune responses, such as increased levels of CXCR3 and MyD88 in G4, resulted in survival of mice and chronic toxoplasmosis, with the occurrence of tissue cysts in brain and lungs, at 14 and 21 dpi. Different immune responses and kinetics of gene expression appear to be elicited by the different strains and non-archetypal parasites demonstrated higher virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela P. Chiebao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science – FMVZ, University of Sao Paulo, 87 Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 05508-270São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paul M. Bartley
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, EdinburghEH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Francesca Chianini
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, EdinburghEH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Lauren E. Black
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, EdinburghEH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Alison Burrells
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, EdinburghEH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Hilda F. J. Pena
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science – FMVZ, University of Sao Paulo, 87 Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 05508-270São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M. Soares
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science – FMVZ, University of Sao Paulo, 87 Professor Doutor Orlando Marques de Paiva Avenue, 05508-270São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth A. Innes
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, EdinburghEH26 0PZ, UK
| | - Frank Katzer
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, EdinburghEH26 0PZ, UK
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Yu Z, Chen S, Aleem M, He S, Yang Y, Zhou T, Liu J, Luo J, Yan R, Xu L, Song X, Li X. Histone deacetylase SIR2 in Toxoplasma gondii modulates functions of murine macrophages in vitro and protects mice against acute toxoplasmosis in vivo. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104835. [PMID: 33731306 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Silent information regulator 2 (SIR2) in histone deacetylase (HDAC) is particularly conserved and widely expressed in all eukaryotic cells. HDAC is a crucial post-translational modification protein regulating gene expression. In the present study, a Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) silent information regulator 2 (TgSIR2) gene in HDAC was cloned and the modulation effects of recombinant TgSIR2 (rTgSIR2) on murine Ana-1 macrophages were characterized in vitro. The results indicated that rTgSIR2 had a good capacity to eliminate T. gondii by promoting proliferation, apoptosis, and phagocytosis, and modulating the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In in vivo experiments, animals were immunized with recombinant TgSIR2, followed by a lethal dose of T. gondii RH strain challenge 14 days after the second immunization. As compared to the blank and control group, the animals immunized with rTgSIR2 could generate specific humoral responses, as demonstrated by the significantly high titers of total IgG and subclasses IgG1 and IgG2a. Significant increases of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 were seen, while no significant changes were detected in IL-17. The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in animals immunized with rTgSIR2 significantly increased. A significantly long survival time was also observed in animals vaccinated with rTgSIR2 14 days after the last immunization. All these results clearly indicate that rTgSIR2 played an essential role in modulating host macrophages and offered the potential to develop a therapeutic strategy against T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhengQing Yu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - SiYing Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - MuhammadTahir Aleem
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - SuHui He
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Yang Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - TianYuan Zhou
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - JunLong Liu
- 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, PR China.
| | - JianXun Luo
- 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, PR China.
| | - RuoFeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - LiXin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - XiaoKai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - XiangRui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
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38
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Azimpour-Ardakan T, Fotouhi-Ardakani R, Hoghooghi-Rad N, Rokni N, Motallebi A. Designing and developing of high-resolution melting technique for separating different types of Toxoplasma gondii by analysis of B1 and ROP8 gene regions. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 184:106188. [PMID: 33713726 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determination of Toxoplasma gondii genotypes plays an important role in the health management and epidemiology of toxoplasmosis. We developed HRM analysis to differentiate genotypes of T. gondii using the B1 and ROP8 genes, through comparing the sensitivity and specificity of both genes and methods used for the detection of T. gondii. METHODS A total of 96 DNA samples of muscle tissue of livestock and poultry brain tissue with three standard strains RH (type I), PRU (type II) and VEG (type III) were prepared and analyzed. Three methods of nested PCR, PCR-PCR and nested-qPCR-HRM were used. Specific new primers were designed and synthesized for developing HRM. Thirty positive samples obtained from nested-qPCR-HRM were sequenced (18 B1 and 12 ROP8). RESULTS Overall, 87 infected samples were identified using both genes. Through the B1 gene, we could separate type I (Tm = 84.8 °C) from II/III types (Tm = 84.6 °C). Also, the ROP8 gene could separate type II (Tm = 84.5 °C) from I/III types (Tm = 84.12 °C). Highest sensitivity (100%) and specificity (78.72%) were observed by nested-qPCR-HRM assays of the B1 and ROP8 genes than by other methods, respectively. Thus, the B1 gene can be used to most accurately detect T. gondii, while the ROP8 gene was more appropriate for T. gondii genotyping. PCR-sequencing results were consistent with HRM results in most selected samples. CONCLUSION HRM analysis is a powerful diagnostic tool for rapid detection and determination of main clonal lineages, and even unusual T. gondii genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Fotouhi-Ardakani
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Nasser Hoghooghi-Rad
- Parasitology Department, School of Specialized Science of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nourdehr Rokni
- Department of Hygiene, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbasali Motallebi
- Department of Hygiene, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Damasceno-Sá JC, de Souza FS, Dos Santos TAT, de Oliveira FC, da Silva MDFS, Dias RRF, de Souza W, Arnholdt ACV, Seabra SH, DaMatta RA. Inhibition of nitric oxide production of activated mice peritoneal macrophages is independent of the Toxoplasma gondii strain. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2021; 116:e200417. [PMID: 33729328 PMCID: PMC7949196 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis and is controlled by activated macrophages. However, infection of macrophages by tachyzoites induces TGF-β signaling (TGF-s) inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production. NO inhibition may be a general escape mechanism of distinct T. gondii strains. OBJECTIVES To evaluate in activated macrophages the capacity of T. gondii strains of different virulence and genetics (RH, type I; ME-49, type II; VEG, type III; P-Br, recombinant) to evade the NO microbicidal defense system and determine LC3 loading to the parasitophorous vacuole. METHODS Activated peritoneal macrophages were infected with the different T. gondii strains, NO-production was evaluated by the Griess reagent, and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, TGF-s, and LC3 localisation assayed by immunofluorescence. FINDINGS Only RH persisted in macrophages, while VEG was more resistant than P-Br and ME-49. All strains induced TGF-s, degradation of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and NO-production inhibition from 2 to 24 h of infection, but only RH sustained these alterations for 48 h. By 24 h of infection, TGF-s lowered in macrophages infected by ME-49, and P-Br, and NO-production recovered, while VEG sustained TGF-s and NO-production inhibition longer. LC3 loading to parasitophorous vacuole was strain-dependent: higher for ME-49, P-Br and VEG, lower for RH. All strains inhibited NO-production, but only RH sustained this effect probably because it persisted in macrophages due to additional evasive mechanisms as lower LC3 loading to parasitophorous vacuole. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These results support that T. gondii can escape the NO microbicidal defense system at the initial phase of the infection, but only the virulent strain sustain this evasion mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Cláudio Damasceno-Sá
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Silva de Souza
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Thiago Alves Teixeira Dos Santos
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil.,Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Tecnologia em Bioquímica e Microscopia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Fábio Conceição de Oliveira
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Maria de Fátima Sarro da Silva
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Raul Ramos Furtado Dias
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Wanderley de Souza
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Andrea Cristina Veto Arnholdt
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - Sergio Henrique Seabra
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil.,Centro Universitário Estadual da Zona Oeste, Colegiado de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Tecnologia em Bioquímica e Microscopia, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Renato Augusto DaMatta
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
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40
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Kochanowsky JA, Thomas KK, Koshy AA. ROP16-Mediated Activation of STAT6 Suppresses Host Cell Reactive Oxygen Species Production, Facilitating Type III Toxoplasma gondii Growth and Survival. mBio 2021; 12:e03305-20. [PMID: 33653884 PMCID: PMC8092286 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03305-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymorphic effector proteins determine the susceptibility of Toxoplasma gondii strains to IFN-γ-mediated clearance mechanisms deployed by murine host cells. However, less is known about the influence of these polymorphic effector proteins on IFN-γ-independent clearance mechanisms. Here, we show that deletion of one such polymorphic effector protein, ROP16, from a type III background leads to a defect in parasite growth and survival in unstimulated human fibroblasts and murine macrophages. Rescue of these defects requires a ROP16 with a functional kinase domain and the ability to activate a specific family of host cell transcription factors (STAT3, 5a, and 6). The growth and survival defects correlate with an accumulation of host cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are prevented by treatment with an ROS inhibitor. Exogenous activation of STAT3 and 6 suppresses host cell ROS production during infection with ROP16-deficient parasites and depletion of STAT6, but not STAT3 or 5a, causes an accumulation of ROS in cells infected with wild-type parasites. Pharmacological inhibition of NOX2 and mitochondrially derived ROS also rescues growth and survival of ROP16-deficient parasites. Collectively, these findings reveal an IFN-γ-independent mechanism of parasite restriction in human cells that is subverted by injection of ROP16 by type III parasites.IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects up to one-third of the world's population. Control of the parasite is largely accomplished by IFN-γ-dependent mechanisms that stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Parasite suppression of IFN-γ-stimulated responses has been linked to proteins that the parasite secretes into its host cell. These secreted proteins vary by T. gondii strain and determine strain-specific lethality in mice. How these strain-specific polymorphic effector proteins affect IFN-γ-independent parasite control mechanisms in human and murine cells is not well known. This study shows that one such secreted protein, ROP16, enables efficient parasite growth and survival by suppressing IFN-γ-independent production of ROS by human and mouse cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anita A Koshy
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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41
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Tong WH, Pavey C, O'Handley R, Vyas A. Behavioral biology of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:77. [PMID: 33494777 PMCID: PMC7831251 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with a complex life cycle and a cosmopolitan host range. The asexual part of its life cycle can be perpetually sustained in a variety of intermediate hosts through a combination of carnivory and vertical transmission. However, T. gondii produces gametes only in felids after the predation of infected intermediate hosts. The parasite changes the behavior of its intermediate hosts by reducing their innate fear to cat odors and thereby plausibly increasing the probability that the definitive host will devour the infected host. Here, we provide a short description of such parasitic behavioral manipulation in laboratory rodents infected with T. gondii, along with a bird's eye view of underpinning biological changes in the host. We also summarize critical gaps and opportunities for future research in this exciting research area with broad implications in the transdisciplinary study of host-parasite relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Chris Pavey
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Land and Water, Darwin, Australia
| | - Ryan O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, Australia
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (SBS-NTU), 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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42
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Pastor-Fernández I, Collantes-Fernández E, Jiménez-Pelayo L, Ortega-Mora LM, Horcajo P. Modeling the Ruminant Placenta-Pathogen Interactions in Apicomplexan Parasites: Current and Future Perspectives. Front Vet Sci 2021; 7:634458. [PMID: 33553293 PMCID: PMC7859336 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.634458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are one of the main concerns of the livestock sector as they cause important economic losses in ruminants due to the reproductive failure. It is well-known that the interaction of these parasites with the placenta determines the course of infection, leading to fetal death or parasite transmission to the offspring. However, to advance the development of effective vaccines and treatments, there are still important gaps on knowledge on the placental host-parasite interactions that need to be addressed. Ruminant animal models are still an indispensable tool for providing a global view of the pathogenesis, lesions, and immune responses, but their utilization embraces important economic and ethics restrictions. Alternative in vitro systems based on caruncular and trophoblast cells, the key cellular components of placentomes, have emerged in the last years, but their use can only offer a partial view of the processes triggered after infection as they cannot mimic the complex placental architecture and neglect the activity of resident immune cells. These drawbacks could be solved using placental explants, broadly employed in human medicine, and able to preserve its cellular architecture and function. Despite the availability of such materials is constrained by their short shelf-life, the development of adequate cryopreservation protocols could expand their use for research purposes. Herein, we review and discuss existing (and potential) in vivo, in vitro, and ex vivo ruminant placental models that have proven useful to unravel the pathogenic mechanisms and the host immune responses responsible for fetal death (or protection) caused by neosporosis and toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pilar Horcajo
- Animal Health and Zoonoses (SALUVET) Group, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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43
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In Vivo and In Vitro Virulence Analysis of Four Genetically Distinct Toxoplasma gondii Lineage III Isolates. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111702. [PMID: 33142663 PMCID: PMC7693757 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii archetypes II and III are mildly virulent, yet virulence of variant strains is largely unknown. While lineage II dominates in humans in Europe, lineage III strains are present in various intermediate hosts. In Serbia, lineage III represents 24% of the population structure and occurs most frequently in domestic animals, implying a significant presence in the human food web. In this study, the virulence of four genetically distinct lineage III variants was assessed in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, two strains were shown to be intermediately virulent and two mildly virulent, with cumulative mortalities of 69.4%, 38.8%, 10.7%, and 6.8%, respectively. The strain with the highest mortality has previously been isolated in Europe and may be endemic; the strain with the lowest mortality matches ToxoDB#54, while the remaining two represent novel genotypes. Identical alleles were detected at ROP5, ROP16, ROP18, and GRA15. A set of in vitro analyses revealed proliferation and plaque formation as virulence factors. Higher levels of expression of ENO2 in intermediately virulent strains point to enhanced metabolism as the underlying mechanism. The results suggest that metabolic attenuation, and possibly stage conversion, may be delayed in virulent strains.
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44
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Chen L, Christian DA, Kochanowsky JA, Phan AT, Clark JT, Wang S, Berry C, Oh J, Chen X, Roos DS, Beiting DP, Koshy AA, Hunter CA. The Toxoplasma gondii virulence factor ROP16 acts in cis and trans, and suppresses T cell responses. J Exp Med 2020; 217:133618. [PMID: 31961916 PMCID: PMC7062521 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20181757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of Toxoplasma gondii to inject the rhoptry kinase ROP16 into host cells results in the activation of the transcription factors STAT3 and STAT6, but it is unclear how these events impact infection. Here, parasites that inject Cre-recombinase with rhoptry proteins were used to distinguish infected macrophages from those only injected with parasite proteins. Transcriptional profiling revealed that injection of rhoptry proteins alone was sufficient to induce an M2 phenotype that is dependent on STAT3 and STAT6, but only infected cells displayed reduced expression of genes associated with antimicrobial activity and protective immunity. In vivo, the absence of STAT3 or STAT6 improved parasite control, while the loss of ROP16 resulted in a marked reduction in parasite numbers and heightened parasite-specific T cell responses. Thus, ROP16 is a virulence factor that can act in cis and trans to promote M2 programs and which limits the magnitude of parasite-specific T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David A Christian
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Joshua A Kochanowsky
- Department of Neurology and Department of Immunobiology, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Anthony T Phan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Joseph T Clark
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Corbett Berry
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jung Oh
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - David S Roos
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Daniel P Beiting
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Anita A Koshy
- Department of Neurology and Department of Immunobiology, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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45
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Mukhopadhyay D, Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ. Influence of the Host and Parasite Strain on the Immune Response During Toxoplasma Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:580425. [PMID: 33178630 PMCID: PMC7593385 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.580425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an exceptionally successful parasite that infects a very broad host range, including humans, across the globe. The outcome of infection differs remarkably between hosts, ranging from acute death to sterile infection. These differential disease patterns are strongly influenced by both host- and parasite-specific genetic factors. In this review, we discuss how the clinical outcome of toxoplasmosis varies between hosts and the role of different immune genes and parasite virulence factors, with a special emphasis on Toxoplasma-induced ileitis and encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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46
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Song Y, Song L, Wan X, Shen B, Fang R, Hu M, Zhao J, Zhou Y. A Comparison of Transcriptional Diversity of Swine Macrophages Infected With TgHB1 Strain of Toxoplasma gondii Isolated in China. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:526876. [PMID: 33102248 PMCID: PMC7546811 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.526876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite infecting human and animals, causing huge public health concerns and economic losses. Swine alveolar macrophage plays an important role in controlling T. gondii infection. However, the mechanism by which macrophages infected with T. gondii function in the immunity to the infection is unclear, especially for local isolates such as TgHB1 isolated in China. RNA-seq as a valuable tool was applied to simultaneously analyze transcriptional changes of pig alveolar macrophages infected with TgRH (typeI), TgME49 (typeII) or TgHB1 at different time points post infection (6, 12, and 24 h). Paired-end clean reads were aligned to the Sscrofa10.2 pig genome and T. gondii ME49 genome. The differentially expressed genes of macrophages and T. gondii were enriched through Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, respectively. Compared to the TgRH and TgME49 infection groups, 307 down-regulated macrophage genes (mainly enriched for development and metabolism) and 419 up-regulated genes (mainly enriched for immune pathways) were uniquely expressed in the TgHB1 infection group. Additionally, 557 down-regulated and 674 up-regulated T. gondii genes (mainly enriched in metabolism and biosynthesis) were uniquely expressed in the TgHB1 infection group. For validation purposes, some of the differentially expressed genes of macrophages involved in immune-related signaling pathways were used for further analysis via real time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase-chain reaction (qRT-PCR). This work provides important insights into the temporal immune responses of swine alveolar macrophages to infection by the strain TgHB1 isolated from China, and is helpful for better understanding of the T. gondii genotype-associated activation of macrophages during early phase of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongle Song
- Key Laboratory Preventive Veterinary of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lindong Song
- Key Laboratory Preventive Veterinary of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoting Wan
- Key Laboratory Preventive Veterinary of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bang Shen
- Key Laboratory Preventive Veterinary of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Hu
- Key Laboratory Preventive Veterinary of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- Key Laboratory Preventive Veterinary of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanqin Zhou
- Key Laboratory Preventive Veterinary of Hubei Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Saki J, Sabaghan M, Arjmand R, Teimoori A, Rashno M, Saki G, Shojaee S. Spermatogonia apoptosis induction as a possible mechanism of Toxoplasma gondii-induced male infertility. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2020; 23:1164-1171. [PMID: 32963738 PMCID: PMC7491504 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2020.43535.10224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Objective(s): The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii as an intracellular protozoan is widely prevalent in humans and animals. Infection generally occurs through consuming food contaminated with oocysts and tissue cysts from undercooked meat. The parasite is carried in sexual fluids like semen but there is little information about the effect of T. gondii on the male reproductive system. In this study, we examined the effect of T. gondii tachyzoites on apoptosis induction in type B spermatogonia (GC-1) cells. Materials and Methods: Fresh tachyzoites taken of infected BALB/c mice, GC-1 spg cells were infected with increasing concentrations of tachyzoites of T. gondii, then apoptotic cells were identified and quantified by flow cytometry. The genes associated with apoptosis were evaluated by RT2 Profiler PCR Array. Results: PCR array analysis of 84 apoptosis-related genes demonstrated that 12 genes were up-regulated at least 4-fold and that one gene was down-regulated at least 2-fold in the T. gondii infection group compared with levels in the control group. The number of genes whose expression had increased during the period of infection with T. gondii was significantly higher than those whose expressions had decreased (18 versus 1) and Tnfrsf11b had the highest rate of gene expression. Conclusion: T. gondii induce in vitro apoptosis of GC-1 spg cells. This effect shows a trend of concentration-dependent increase so that with an increase in the ratio of parasite burden to spermatogonial cells, in addition to an increase in the number of genes whose expression has changed, the fold of these changes has increased as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasem Saki
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohamad Sabaghan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Reza Arjmand
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Virology Department, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rashno
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Saki
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Physiology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeedeh Shojaee
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Salman D, Mahmoud ME, Pumidonming W, Mairamkul T, Oohashi E, Igarashi M. Characterization of a spontaneous cyst-forming strain of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from Tokachi subprefecture in Japan. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102199. [PMID: 32961305 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has three distinct clonal lineages: high, medium and low virulent strains, type I, II and III, respectively. T. gondii avoids the immune response by transforming from fast multiplying tachyzoite to slow multiplying bradyzoite, and establishing a chronic infection. In the present study, we isolated a new strain of T. gondii from cat feces in the Tokachi subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan and named it as TgCatJpObi1 (Obi1) strain. Genotyping analysis of 12 loci revealed atypical characters close to type II, genotype 4 according to ToxoDB classification. Phenotypically, Obi1 strain shows slow growth rate and the ability of spontaneous cyst formation in both human foreskin fibroblast (HFFs) and mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro without bradyzoite induction. Parasite virulence was assessed by means of mouse survival upon infection with either Obi1 or ME49 strains. Obi1 strain displayed no mortalities in comparison to type II clonal lineage, ME49 at LD50 to LD100 range (1 × 103-106 tachyzoites). Although virulence of Obi1 strain is significantly lower than that of ME49, nucleotide sequences analyses revealed that genes of virulence factors such as Gra15, Rop5, 16, 17, and 18 in Obi1 strain were 100% identical to those in the type II strain. Thus, characterization of a newly isolated strain, Obi1, is crucial to clarify the development of toxoplasmosis in both humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Salman
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Motamed E Mahmoud
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Animal Behavior and Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
| | - Wilawan Pumidonming
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Tolubaeva Mairamkul
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Laboratory of Virology and Biotechnology, Kyrgyz Research Institute named after A. Duysheev, 60 Togolok Moldo Str., Bishkek 720033, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Eiji Oohashi
- Akashiya Animal Hospital, Makubetsu, Hokkaido 089-0535, Japan
| | - Makoto Igarashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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Transcriptional Profiling Suggests T Cells Cluster around Neurons Injected with Toxoplasma gondii Proteins. mSphere 2020; 5:5/5/e00538-20. [PMID: 32878927 PMCID: PMC7471001 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00538-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Like other persistent intracellular pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, has evolved to evade the immune system and establish a chronic infection in specific cells and organs, including neurons in the CNS. Understanding T. gondii’s persistence in neurons holds the potential to identify novel, curative drug targets. The work presented here offers new insights into the neuron-T. gondii interaction in vivo. By transcriptionally profiling neurons manipulated by T. gondii, we unexpectedly revealed that immune cells, and specifically CD8+ T cells, appear to cluster around these neurons, suggesting that CD8+ T cells specifically recognize parasite-manipulated neurons. Such a possibility supports evidence from other labs that questions the long-standing dogma that neurons are often persistently infected because they are not directly recognized by immune cells such as CD8+ T cells. Collectively, these data suggest we reconsider the broader role of neurons in the context of infection and neuroinflammation. Toxoplasma gondii’s tropism for and persistence in the central nervous system (CNS) underlies the symptomatic disease that T. gondii causes in humans. Our recent work has shown that neurons are the primary CNS cell with which Toxoplasma interacts and which it infects in vivo. This predilection for neurons suggests that T. gondii’s persistence in the CNS depends specifically upon parasite manipulation of the host neurons. Yet, most work on T. gondii-host cell interactions has been done in vitro and in nonneuronal cells. We address this gap by utilizing our T. gondii-Cre system that allows permanent marking and tracking of neurons injected with parasite effector proteins in vivo. Using laser capture microdissection (LCM) and RNA sequencing using RNA-seq, we isolated and transcriptionally profiled T. gondii-injected neurons (TINs), Bystander neurons (nearby non-T. gondii-injected neurons), and neurons from uninfected mice (controls). These profiles show that TIN transcriptomes significantly differ from the transcriptomes of Bystander and control neurons and that much of this difference is driven by increased levels of transcripts from immune cells, especially CD8+ T cells and monocytes. These data suggest that when we used LCM to isolate neurons from infected mice, we also picked up fragments of CD8+ T cells and monocytes clustering in extreme proximity around TINs and, to a lesser extent, Bystander neurons. In addition, we found that T. gondii transcripts were primarily found in the TIN transcriptome, not in the Bystander transcriptome. Collectively, these data suggest that, contrary to common perception, neurons that directly interact with or harbor parasites can be recognized by CD8+ T cells. IMPORTANCE Like other persistent intracellular pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite, has evolved to evade the immune system and establish a chronic infection in specific cells and organs, including neurons in the CNS. Understanding T. gondii’s persistence in neurons holds the potential to identify novel, curative drug targets. The work presented here offers new insights into the neuron-T. gondii interaction in vivo. By transcriptionally profiling neurons manipulated by T. gondii, we unexpectedly revealed that immune cells, and specifically CD8+ T cells, appear to cluster around these neurons, suggesting that CD8+ T cells specifically recognize parasite-manipulated neurons. Such a possibility supports evidence from other labs that questions the long-standing dogma that neurons are often persistently infected because they are not directly recognized by immune cells such as CD8+ T cells. Collectively, these data suggest we reconsider the broader role of neurons in the context of infection and neuroinflammation.
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50
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Giorgio S, Gallo-Francisco PH, Roque GAS, Flóro E Silva M. Granulomas in parasitic diseases: the good and the bad. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:3165-3180. [PMID: 32789534 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06841-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases affect more than one billion people worldwide, and most of them are chronic conditions in which the treatment and prevention are difficult. The appearance of granulomas, defined as organized and compact structures of macrophages and other immune cells, during various parasitic diseases is frequent, since these structures will only form when individual immune cells do not control the invading agent. Th2-typering various parasitic diseases are frequent, since these structures will only form when individual immune cells do not control the invading agent. The characterization of granulomas in different parasitic diseases, as well as recent findings in this field, is discussed in this review, in order to understand the significance of the granuloma and its modulation in the host-parasite interaction and in the immune, pathological, and parasitological aspects of this interaction. The parasitic granulomatous diseases granulomatous amebic encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, neurocysticercosis, and schistosomiasis mansoni are discussed as well as the mechanistic and dynamical aspects of the infectious granulomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Giorgio
- Department of Animal Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, 13083-865, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Marina Flóro E Silva
- Department of Animal Biology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, 13083-865, Brazil
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