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Khullar P, Hon JD, Sethi S, Kim J, Iqbal M, Chavez MR. Placental Infections. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2024:00003081-990000000-00194. [PMID: 39690484 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review examines the effects of various infections on pregnancy, focusing on maternal symptoms, fetal outcomes, diagnostic methods, and placental pathology. The paper covers bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, their mechanisms of transmission, clinical presentations, and histopathologic findings in the placenta. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis due to often asymptomatic presentations. The review also discusses the placenta's role as a protective barrier and its immune defense mechanisms against pathogens. Overall, this paper serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the complex interplay between maternal infections, placental pathology, and fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Khullar
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York University Langone Hospital Long Island
| | - Jane Date Hon
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York University Langone Hospital Long Island
| | - Shalini Sethi
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York University Langone Hospital Long Island
| | - Julia Kim
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York University Langone Hospital Long Island
| | - Momin Iqbal
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York University Langone Hospital Long Island
| | - Martin R Chavez
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York University Langone Hospital Long Island
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2
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Kamiyama N, Ueno M, Sasaki Y, Chalalai T, Sachi N, Ozaka S, Soga Y, Kagoshima Y, Ekronarongchai S, Okamoto M, Yamamoto M, Kobayashi T. CCR2-dependent placental migration of inflammatory monocytes suppresses abnormal pregnancies caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection. Int Immunol 2024; 37:39-52. [PMID: 39051675 PMCID: PMC11587896 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxae046] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that causes congenital toxoplasmosis, including fetal death, abortion, stillbirth, morphological abnormalities, and premature birth. Primary T. gondii infection in pregnant women results in congenital toxoplasmosis. C-C chemokine receptor (CCR) 2 is reportedly a critical host defense factor against T. gondii infection. However, details of the role of CCR2 in the host immune response to T. gondii in congenital toxoplasmosis remain unclear. Here, we infected pregnant CCR2-deficient mice with T. gondii, resulting in stillbirth, embryonic resorption, fetal morphological abnormalities, and preterm delivery at significantly higher rates than those in pregnant wild-type (WT) mice. Consistent with the severity of abnormal pregnancy, a large area of placental hemorrhage and a large number of T. gondii infections around the hemorrhagic area were observed in the placentas of CCR2-deficient mice. In addition, the accumulation of inflammatory monocytes in the placenta was reduced in CCR2-deficient mice during infection. We further confirmed that the adoptive transfer of inflammatory monocytes collected from WT mice into T. gondii-infected pregnant CCR2-deficient mice effectively suppressed placental damage and abnormal pregnancy. Collectively, CCR2 contributes to pregnancy maintenance by regulating the migration of inflammatory monocytes into the placenta of T. gondii-infected pregnant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naganori Kamiyama
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Mai Ueno
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Yuma Sasaki
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Thanyakorn Chalalai
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Nozomi Sachi
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Sotaro Ozaka
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Soga
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Yomei Kagoshima
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Supanuch Ekronarongchai
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
| | - Masaaki Okamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Immunoparasitology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takashi Kobayashi
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
- Research Center for GLOBAL and LOCAL Infectious Diseases, Oita University, Oita 879-5593, Japan
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3
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Moghaddami R, Mahdipour M, Ahmadpour E. Inflammatory pathways of Toxoplasmagondii infection in pregnancy. Travel Med Infect Dis 2024; 62:102760. [PMID: 39293589 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2024.102760] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an obligate intracellular parasite, is considered as an opportunistic infection and causes toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. Congenital toxoplasmosis can influence pregnancy and cause mild to severe consequences for the fetal and neonatal. During early T. gondii infection, neutrophils as the most abundant white blood cells provide a front line of defense mechanism against infection. The activated dendritic cells are then responsible for initiating an inflammatory response via T-helper 1 (Th1) cells. As part of its robust immune response, the infected host cells produce interferon (IFN-γ). IFN-γ inhibits T. gondii replication and promotes its transformation from an active form to tissue cysts. Although anti- T. gondii antibodies play an important role in infection control, T-helper 2 (Th2) immune response, can facilitate the growth and proliferation of T. gondii in the host cell. In pregnant women infected with T. gondii, the expression of cytokines may vary and in response diverse outcomes are expected. Cytokine profiles serve as valuable indicators for estimating the patho-immunological effects of T. gondii infection. This demonstrates the intricate relationship between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as their influence on the various pregnancy outcomes in T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Moghaddami
- Department of Plant, Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahdipour
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Wang Q, Cao Y, Ye S, Ding M, Ge W, Liang Y, Chen J. Trem2/Syk/PI3K axis contributes to the host protection against Toxoplasma gondii-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes via modulating decidual macrophages. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012543. [PMID: 39250507 PMCID: PMC11412541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012543] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 09/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Decidual macrophages residing at the maternal-fetal interface have been recognized as pivotal factors for maintaining normal pregnancy; however, they are also key target cells of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in the pathology of T. gondii-induced adverse pregnancy. Trem2, as a functional receptor on macrophage surface, recognizes and binds various kinds of pathogens. The role and underlying mechanism of Trem2 in T. gondii infection remain elusive. In the present study, we found that T. gondii infection downregulated Trem2 expression and that Trem2-/- mice exhibited more severe adverse pregnancy outcomes than wildtype mice. We also demonstrated that T. gondii infection resulted in increased decidual macrophages, which were significantly reduced in the Trem2-/- pregnant mouse model as compared to wildtype control animals. We further described the inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion functions of trophoblast cell by T. gondii antigens through macrophages as an "intermediate bridge", while this inhibition can be rescued by Trem2 agonist HSP60. Concurrently, Trem2 deficiency in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) heightened the inhibitory effect of TgAg on the migration and invasion of trophoblast cells, accompanied by higher pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) but a lower chemokine (CXCL1) in T. gondii antigens-treated BMDMs. Furthermore, compelling evidence from animal models and in vitro cell experiments suggests that T. gondii inhibits the Trem2-Syk-PI3K signaling pathway, leading to impaired function of decidual macrophages. Therefore, our findings highlight Trem2 signaling as an essential pathway by which decidual macrophages respond to T. gondii infection, suggesting Trem2 as a crucial sensor of decidual macrophages and potential therapeutic target in the pathology of T. gondii-induced adverse pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yining Cao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Songyi Ye
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Maoyuan Ding
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenliang Ge
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuejin Liang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jinling Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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Wang X, Qu L, Chen J, Hu K, Zhou Z, Zhang J, An Y, Zheng J. Rhoptry proteins affect the placental barrier in the context of Toxoplasma gondii infection: Signaling pathways and functions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 280:116567. [PMID: 38850700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116567] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic and pathogenic obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that is widespread worldwide and can infect most warm-blooded animals, seriously endangering human health and affecting livestock production. Toxoplasmosis caused by T. gondii infection has different clinical manifestations, which are mainly determined by the virulence of T. gondii and host differences. Among the manifestations of this condition, abortion, stillbirth, and fetal malformation can occur if a woman is infected with T. gondii in early pregnancy. Here, we discuss how the T. gondii rhoptry protein affects host pregnancy outcomes and speculate on the related signaling pathways involved. The effects of rhoptry proteins of T. gondii on the placental barrier are complex. Rhoptry proteins not only regulate interferon-regulated genes (IRGs) to ensure the survival of parasites in activated cells but also promote the spread of worms in tissues and the invasive ability of the parasites. The functions of these rhoptry proteins and the associated signaling pathways highlight relevant mechanisms by which Toxoplasma crosses the placental barrier and influences fetal development and will guide future studies to uncover the complexity of the host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lai Qu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kaisong Hu
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhengjie Zhou
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yiming An
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingtong Zheng
- Department of Pathogenobiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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6
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Nguyen MN, Yeo SJ, Park H. Identification of novel biomarkers for anti- Toxoplasma gondii IgM detection and the potential application in rapid diagnostic fluorescent tests. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1385582. [PMID: 38894968 PMCID: PMC11184589 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1385582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, while often asymptomatic and prevalent as a foodborne disease, poses a considerable mortality risk for immunocompromised individuals during pregnancy. Point-of-care serological tests that detect specific IgG and IgM in patient sera are critical for disease management under limited resources. Despite many efforts to replace the T. gondii total lysate antigens (TLAs) by recombinant antigens (rAgs) in commercial kits, while IgG detection provides significant specificity and sensitivity, IgM detection remains comparatively low in sensitivity. In this study, we attempted to identify novel antigens targeting IgM in early infection, thereby establishing an IgM on-site detection kit. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and mouse serum immunoblotting, three novel antigens, including EF1γ, PGKI, and GAP50, were indicated to target T. gondii IgM. However, rAg EF1γ was undetectable by IgM of mice sera in Western blotting verification experiments, and ELISA coated with PGKI did not eliminate cross-reactivity, in contrast to GAP50. Subsequently, the lateral flow reaction employing a strip coated with 0.3 mg/mL purified rAg GAP50 and exhibited remarkable sensitivity compared with the conventional ELISA based on tachyzoite TLA, which successfully identified IgM in mouse sera infected with tachyzoites, ranging from 103 to 104 at 5 dpi and 104 at 7 dpi, respectively. Furthermore, by using standard T. gondii-infected human sera from WHO, the limit of detection (LOD) for the rapid fluorescence immunochromatographic test (FICT) using GAP50 was observed at 0.65 IU (international unit). These findings underline the particular immunoreactivity of GAP50, suggesting its potential as a specific biomarker for increasing the sensitivity of the FICT in IgM detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh-Ngoc Nguyen
- Department of Infection Biology, School of Medicine, Zoonosis Research Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Ju Yeo
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Medical Research Center, Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Park
- Department of Infection Biology, School of Medicine, Zoonosis Research Center, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
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Wang Y, Zhao X, Li Z, Wang W, Jiang Y, Zhang H, Liu X, Ren Y, Xu X, Hu X. Decidual natural killer cells dysfunction is caused by IDO downregulation in dMDSCs with Toxoplasma gondii infection. Commun Biol 2024; 7:669. [PMID: 38822095 PMCID: PMC11143278 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06365-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a crucial role in maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance by expressing some immune-suppressive molecules, such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection can break the immune microenvironment of maternal-fetal interface, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, whether T. gondii affects IDO expression in dMDSCs and the molecular mechanism of its effect are still unclear. Here we show, the mRNA level of IDO is increased but the protein level decreased in infected dMDSCs. Mechanistically, the upregulation of transcriptional levels of IDO in dMDSCs is regulated through STAT3/p52-RelB pathway and the decrease of IDO expression is due to its degradation caused by increased SOCS3 after T. gondii infection. In vivo, the adverse pregnancy outcomes of IDO-/- infected mice are more severe than those of wide-type infected mice and obviously improved after exogenous kynurenine treatment. Also, the reduction of IDO in dMDSCs induced by T. gondii infection results in the downregulation of TGF-β and IL-10 expression in dNK cells regulated through Kyn/AhR/SP1 signal pathway, eventually leading to the dysfunction of dNK cells and contributing the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study reveals a novel molecular mechanism in adverse pregnancy outcome induced by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yantai Affiliated hospital of Binzhou Medial University, Yantai, 264100, Shandong, PR China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Wenxiao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, PR China.
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Hoo R, Ruiz-Morales ER, Kelava I, Rawat M, Mazzeo CI, Tuck E, Sancho-Serra C, Chelaghma S, Predeus AV, Murray S, Fernandez-Antoran D, Waller RF, Álvarez-Errico D, Lee MCS, Vento-Tormo R. Acute response to pathogens in the early human placenta at single-cell resolution. Cell Syst 2024; 15:425-444.e9. [PMID: 38703772 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The placenta is a selective maternal-fetal barrier that provides nourishment and protection from infections. However, certain pathogens can attach to and even cross the placenta, causing pregnancy complications with potential lifelong impacts on the child's health. Here, we profiled at the single-cell level the placental responses to three pathogens associated with intrauterine complications-Plasmodium falciparum, Listeria monocytogenes, and Toxoplasma gondii. We found that upon exposure to the pathogens, all placental lineages trigger inflammatory responses that may compromise placental function. Additionally, we characterized the responses of fetal macrophages known as Hofbauer cells (HBCs) to each pathogen and propose that they are the probable niche for T. gondii. Finally, we revealed how P. falciparum adapts to the placental microenvironment by modulating protein export into the host erythrocyte and nutrient uptake pathways. Altogether, we have defined the cellular networks and signaling pathways mediating acute placental inflammatory responses that could contribute to pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hoo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Iva Kelava
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mukul Rawat
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sara Chelaghma
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - David Fernandez-Antoran
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ross F Waller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marcus C S Lee
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
| | - Roser Vento-Tormo
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Fu T, Wang X, Zhao X, Jiang Y, Liu X, Zhang H, Ren Y, Li Z, Hu X. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of decidual immune cell landscape in the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by Toxoplasma gondii infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:213. [PMID: 38730500 PMCID: PMC11088043 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06266-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in early pregnancy. Previous studies have illustrated the landscape of decidual immune cells. However, the landscape of decidual immune cells in the maternal-fetal microenvironment during T. gondii infection remains unknown. METHODS In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the changes in human decidual immune cells following T. gondii infection. The results of scRNA-seq were further validated with flow cytometry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Our results showed that the proportion of 17 decidual immune cell clusters and the expression levels of 21 genes were changed after T. gondii infection. Differential gene analysis demonstrated that T. gondii infection induced the differential expression of 279, 312, and 380 genes in decidual NK cells (dNK), decidual macrophages (dMφ), and decidual T cells (dT), respectively. Our results revealed for the first time that several previously unknown molecules in decidual immune cells changed following infection. This result revealed that the function of maternal-fetal immune tolerance declined, whereas the killing ability of decidual immune cells enhanced, eventually contributing to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study provides valuable resource for uncovering several novel molecules that play an important role in the occurrence of abnormal pregnancy outcomes induced by T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Fu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medial University, Yantai, 264100, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuzhu Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Sena F, Cancela S, Bollati-Fogolín M, Pagotto R, Francia ME. Exploring Toxoplasma gondii´s Biology within the Intestinal Epithelium: intestinal-derived models to unravel sexual differentiation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1134471. [PMID: 37313339 PMCID: PMC10258352 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1134471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of intestinal-derived culture systems have been developed to mimic in vivo cell behavior and organization, incorporating different tissue and microenvironmental elements. Great insight into the biology of the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii, has been attained by using diverse in vitro cellular models. Nonetheless, there are still processes key to its transmission and persistence which remain to be elucidated, such as the mechanisms underlying its systemic dissemination and sexual differentiation both of which occur at the intestinal level. Because this event occurs in a complex and specific cellular environment (the intestine upon ingestion of infective forms, and the feline intestine, respectively), traditional reductionist in vitro cellular models fail to recreate conditions resembling in vivo physiology. The development of new biomaterials and the advances in cell culture knowledge have opened the door to a next generation of more physiologically relevant cellular models. Among them, organoids have become a valuable tool for unmasking the underlying mechanism involved in T. gondii sexual differentiation. Murine-derived intestinal organoids mimicking the biochemistry of the feline intestine have allowed the generation of pre-sexual and sexual stages of T. gondii for the first time in vitro, opening a window of opportunity to tackling these stages by "felinizing" a wide variety of animal cell cultures. Here, we reviewed intestinal in vitro and ex vivo models and discussed their strengths and limitations in the context of a quest for faithful models to in vitro emulate the biology of the enteric stages of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Sena
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica, Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Saira Cancela
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Molecular, Cellular, and Animal Technology Program (ProTeMCA), Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mariela Bollati-Fogolín
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Molecular, Cellular, and Animal Technology Program (ProTeMCA), Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Pagotto
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María E. Francia
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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11
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Faral-Tello P, Pagotto R, Bollati-Fogolín M, Francia ME. Modeling the human placental barrier to understand Toxoplasma gondii´s vertical transmission. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1130901. [PMID: 36968102 PMCID: PMC10034043 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1130901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous apicomplexan parasite that can infect virtually any warm-blooded animal. Acquired infection during pregnancy and the placental breach, is at the core of the most devastating consequences of toxoplasmosis. T. gondii can severely impact the pregnancy’s outcome causing miscarriages, stillbirths, premature births, babies with hydrocephalus, microcephaly or intellectual disability, and other later onset neurological, ophthalmological or auditory diseases. To tackle T. gondii’s vertical transmission, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying host-parasite interactions at the maternal-fetal interface. Nonetheless, the complexity of the human placenta and the ethical concerns associated with its study, have narrowed the modeling of parasite vertical transmission to animal models, encompassing several unavoidable experimental limitations. Some of these difficulties have been overcome by the development of different human cell lines and a variety of primary cultures obtained from human placentas. These cellular models, though extremely valuable, have limited ability to recreate what happens in vivo. During the last decades, the development of new biomaterials and the increase in stem cell knowledge have led to the generation of more physiologically relevant in vitro models. These cell cultures incorporate new dimensions and cellular diversity, emerging as promising tools for unraveling the poorly understood T. gondii´s infection mechanisms during pregnancy. Herein, we review the state of the art of 2D and 3D cultures to approach the biology of T. gondii pertaining to vertical transmission, highlighting the challenges and experimental opportunities of these up-and-coming experimental platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Faral-Tello
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romina Pagotto
- Cell Biology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Maria E. Francia
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Biology, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Departamento de Parasitología y Micología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Maria E. Francia,
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12
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Late Embryogenesis Abundant Proteins Contribute to the Resistance of Toxoplasma gondii Oocysts against Environmental Stresses. mBio 2023; 14:e0286822. [PMID: 36809045 PMCID: PMC10128015 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02868-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii oocysts, which are shed in large quantities in the feces from infected felines, are very stable in the environment, resistant to most inactivation procedures, and highly infectious. The oocyst wall provides an important physical barrier for sporozoites contained inside oocysts, protecting them from many chemical and physical stressors, including most inactivation procedures. Furthermore, sporozoites can withstand large temperature changes, even freeze-thawing, as well as desiccation, high salinity, and other environmental insults; however, the genetic basis for this environmental resistance is unknown. Here, we show that a cluster of four genes encoding Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA)-related proteins are required to provide Toxoplasma sporozoites resistance to environmental stresses. Toxoplasma LEA-like genes (TgLEAs) exhibit the characteristic features of intrinsically disordered proteins, explaining some of their properties. Our in vitro biochemical experiments using recombinant TgLEA proteins show that they have cryoprotective effects on the oocyst-resident lactate dehydrogenase enzyme and that induced expression in E. coli of two of them leads to better survival after cold stress. Oocysts from a strain in which the four LEA genes were knocked out en bloc were significantly more susceptible to high salinity, freezing, and desiccation compared to wild-type oocysts. We discuss the evolutionary acquisition of LEA-like genes in Toxoplasma and other oocyst-producing apicomplexan parasites of the Sarcocystidae family and discuss how this has likely contributed to the ability of sporozoites within oocysts to survive outside the host for extended periods. Collectively, our data provide a first molecular detailed view on a mechanism that contributes to the remarkable resilience of oocysts against environmental stresses. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii oocysts are highly infectious and may survive in the environment for years. Their resistance against disinfectants and irradiation has been attributed to the oocyst and sporocyst walls by acting as physical and permeability barriers. However, the genetic basis for their resistance against stressors like changes in temperature, salinity, or humidity, is unknown. We show that a cluster of four genes encoding Toxoplasma Late Embryogenesis Abundant (TgLEA)-related proteins are important for this resistance to environmental stresses. TgLEAs have features of intrinsically disordered proteins, explaining some of their properties. Recombinant TgLEA proteins show cryoprotective effects on the parasite's lactate dehydrogenase, an abundant enzyme in oocysts, and expression in E. coli of two TgLEAs has a beneficial effect on growth after cold stress. Moreover, oocysts from a strain lacking all four TgLEA genes were more susceptible to high salinity, freezing, and desiccation compared to wild-type oocysts, highlighting the importance of the four TgLEAs for oocyst resilience.
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13
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Du Y, Hu Z, Luo Y, Wang HY, Yu X, Wang RF. Function and regulation of cGAS-STING signaling in infectious diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1130423. [PMID: 36825026 PMCID: PMC9941744 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacious detection of pathogens and prompt induction of innate immune signaling serve as a crucial component of immune defense against infectious pathogens. Over the past decade, DNA-sensing receptor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and its downstream signaling adaptor stimulator of interferon genes (STING) have emerged as key mediators of type I interferon (IFN) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) responses in health and infection diseases. Moreover, both cGAS-STING pathway and pathogens have developed delicate strategies to resist each other for their survival. The mechanistic and functional comprehension of the interplay between cGAS-STING pathway and pathogens is opening the way for the development and application of pharmacological agonists and antagonists in the treatment of infectious diseases. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge of DNA sensing through the cGAS-STING pathway, and emphatically highlight the potent undertaking of cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the host against infectious pathogenic organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Du
- Department of Medicine, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Research Center of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiqiang Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yien Luo
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong Neuroscience Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Helen Y. Wang
- Department of Medicine, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Single Cell Technology and Application, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rong-Fu Wang
- Department of Medicine, and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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14
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Abdelbaky HH, Mitsuhashi S, Watanabe K, Ushio N, Miyakawa M, Furuoka H, Nishikawa Y. Involvement of chemokine receptor CXCR3 in the defense mechanism against Neospora caninum infection in C57BL/6 mice. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1045106. [PMID: 36704563 PMCID: PMC9873264 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1045106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) is an important receptor controlling the migration of leukocytes, although there is no report regarding its role in Neospora caninum infection. Herein, we investigated the relevance of CXCR3 in the resistance mechanism to N. caninum infection in mice. Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and CXCR3-knockout (CXCR3KO) mice were used in all experiments. WT mice displayed a high survival rate (100%), while 80% of CXCR3KO mice succumbed to N. caninum infection within 50 days. Compared with WT mice, CXCR3KO mice exhibited significantly lower body weights and higher clinical scores at the subacute stage of infection. Flow cytometric analysis revealed CXCR3KO mice as having significantly increased proportions and numbers of CD11c-positive cells compared with WT mice at 5 days post infection (dpi). However, levels of interleukin-6 and interferon-γ in serum and ascites were similar in all groups at 5 dpi. Furthermore, no differences in parasite load were detected in brain, spleen, lungs or liver tissue of CXCR3KO and WT mice at 5 and 21 dpi. mRNA analysis of brain tissue collected from infected mice at 30 dpi revealed no changes in expression levels of inflammatory response genes. Nevertheless, the brain tissue of infected CXCR3KO mice displayed significant necrosis and microglial activation compared with that of WT mice at 21 dpi. Interestingly, the brain tissue of CXCR3KO mice displayed significantly lower numbers of FoxP3+ cells compared with the brain tissue of WT mice at 30 dpi. Accordingly, our study suggests that the lack of active regulatory T cells in brain tissue of infected CXCR3KO mice is the main cause of these mice having severe necrosis and lower survival compared with WT mice. Thus, CXCR3+ regulatory T cells may play a crucial role in control of neosporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan H. Abdelbaky
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shuichiro Mitsuhashi
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kenichi Watanabe
- Division of Pathobiological Science, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Nanako Ushio
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Miku Miyakawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Furuoka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan,*Correspondence: Yoshifumi Nishikawa, ✉
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15
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Zhang Z, Yu Y, Yang B, Huang W, Zhang Y, Luo Y, Bloom MS, Qian Z, Arnold LD, Boyd R, Wu Q, Liu R, Dong G, Yin C. Association between Pet Ownership and Threatened Abortion in Pregnant Women: The China Birth Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16374. [PMID: 36498445 PMCID: PMC9739756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to assess the association between pet ownership and threatened abortion (TA) in pregnant Chinese women. Materials and Methods: We enrolled pregnant women from 18 provinces and autonomous regions across China between November 2017 and December 2020. Participants were grouped based on the presence or absence of pet ownership. Pet owners were further sub-grouped based on the presence or absence of close contact with their pets. Pet species included cats, dogs, and both. Generalised linear mixed models, with province as a random effect, were used to estimate the associations between pet ownership and TA. Results: Pet ownership, whether or not one had close contact with pets, was associated with greater odds of TA (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.40). Keeping pet cats (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.40), dogs (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.41), or both cats and dogs (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.68) during pregnancy were all risk factors for TA. We observed significant group differences (p for difference < 0.05) in pre-pregnancy body mass index, education levels, and annual household income. Conclusions: Cat or dog ownership during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of TA, especially among overweight, less educated, or lower-income participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Boyi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenzhong Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Yunting Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yana Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Michael S. Bloom
- Department of Global and Community Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Zhengmin Qian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Lauren D. Arnold
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Rienna Boyd
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Qingqing Wu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Ruixia Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Guanghui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Chenghong Yin
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
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16
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Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ. New Avenues to Design Toxoplasma Vaccines Based on Oocysts and Cysts. Front Immunol 2022; 13:910961. [PMID: 35734184 PMCID: PMC9207213 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide disease affecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Vaccination strategies aimed at inducing an efficient immune response while preventing transmission have been attempted in the past. While many different approaches can partially protect immunized animals against subsequent infections, full and lasting protection is rarely attained and only with live-attenuated vaccines. In addition, vaccines based on mutant strains that are deficient in forming the chronic phase of the parasite (such as Toxovax™) cannot be extensively used due to their zoonotic potential and the possibility of reversion to virulent phenotypes. An increasing number of studies using emerging genetic-engineering tools have been conducted to design novel vaccines based on recombinant proteins, DNA or delivery systems such as nanoparticles. However, these are usually less efficient due to their antigenic simplicity. In this perspective article we discuss potential target genes and novel strategies to generate live-attenuated long-lasting vaccines based on tissue cysts and oocysts, which are the environmentally resistant chronic forms of Toxoplasma. By selectively disrupting genes important for parasite dissemination, cyst formation and/or sporozoite invasion, alone or in combination, a vaccine based on a live-attenuated strain that elicits a protective immune response while preventing the transmission of Toxoplasma could be created. Finally, further improvements of protocols to generate Toxoplasma sexual stages in vitro might lead to the production of oocysts from such a strain without the need for using mice or cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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17
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Gao X, Zhong Y, Li K, Miao A, Chen N, Ding R, Xu Y, Chen J. Toxoplasma gondii promotes microRNA-34a to inhibit Foxp3 expression in adverse outcomes of pregnancy in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 107:108648. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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18
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Hakimi MA. Epigenetic Reprogramming in Host-Parasite Coevolution: The Toxoplasma Paradigm. Annu Rev Microbiol 2022; 76:135-155. [PMID: 35587934 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-041320-011520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Like many intracellular pathogens, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has evolved sophisticated mechanisms to promote its transmission and persistence in a variety of hosts by injecting effector proteins that manipulate many processes in the cells it invades. Specifically, the parasite diverts host epigenetic modulators and modifiers from their native functions to rewire host gene expression to counteract the innate immune response and to limit its strength. The arms race between the parasite and its hosts has led to accelerated adaptive evolution of effector proteins and the unconventional secretion routes they use. This review provides an up-to-date overview of how T. gondii effectors, through the evolution of intrinsically disordered domains, the formation of supramolecular complexes, and the use of molecular mimicry, target host transcription factors that act as coordinating nodes, as well as chromatin-modifying enzymes, to control the fate of infected cells and ultimately the outcome of infection. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 76 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France;
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19
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Bonifácio LG, Melo M, Ayo CM, Assoni LCP, Olímpio LM, Nogueira MR, Spegiorin LCJF, Barbosa DMU, de Mattos LC, Pereira-Chioccola VL, Brandão CC. TNFα rs1799964 TT genotype may be a susceptibility factor for vertical transmission of Toxoplasma gondii and clinical signs in newborns from pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4759-4768. [PMID: 35332413 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07327-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the main impacts of Toxoplasma gondii infection occurs during pregnancy and is related to the vertical transmission of the parasite (congenital toxoplasmosis), which can cause severe clinical outcomes and fetal death. During acute infection, in order to control the rapid replication of tachyzoites, different host immune response genes are activated, and these include cytokine-encoding genes. Considering that polymorphisms in cytokine genes may increase susceptibility to vertical transmission of T. gondii by determining the immune status of the pregnant woman, this study evaluated the influence of polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) rs1799964 (- 1031) and interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) rs16944 (- 511) genes on gestational toxoplasmosis and on the vertical transmission of the parasite and verified the allele and genotype frequency of these polymorphisms in pregnant patients whose respective newborn did or did not present clinical abnormalities suggestive of congenital toxoplasmosis. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 204 pregnant patients with (n = 114) or without (n = 90) infection by T. gondii were enrolled. No associations were found involving the polymorphisms rs1799964 (- 1031) of the TNFα gene and rs16944 (- 511) of the IL1β gene with the increased chance of T. gondii infection during pregnancy. However, it was observed that the maternal TT genotype referring to the polymorphism of the TNFα gene seems to influence the vertical transmission of the parasite (P = 0.01; χ2 = 6.05) and the presence of clinical manifestation in newborns from pregnancies with acute toxoplasmosis (P = 0.007; χ2 = 9.68). CONCLUSION The TNFα rs1799964 TT genotype may act as a susceptibility factor for the vertical transmission of parasite and for the presence of clinical signs in newborns from pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Gonzalez Bonifácio
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Mirele Melo
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Christiane Maria Ayo
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Letícia Carolina Paraboli Assoni
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Larissa Martins Olímpio
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Mariana Reis Nogueira
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Lígia Cosentino Junqueira Franco Spegiorin
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil.,High Risk Pregnancy Outpatient Clinic of Hospital de Base, Regional Medical Faculty Foundation of São José do Rio Preto (HB-FUNFARME), São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Deusenia Machado Ulisses Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil.,Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of Hospital de Base, Regional Medical Faculty Foundation of São José do Rio Preto (HB-FUNFARME), São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz Carlos de Mattos
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil
| | | | - Cinara Cássia Brandão
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine of São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), Avenida Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 5416, São José do Rio Preto, SP, 15090-000, Brazil.
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20
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Rojas-Pirela M, Medina L, Rojas MV, Liempi AI, Castillo C, Pérez-Pérez E, Guerrero-Muñoz J, Araneda S, Kemmerling U. Congenital Transmission of Apicomplexan Parasites: A Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:751648. [PMID: 34659187 PMCID: PMC8519608 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.751648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexans are a group of pathogenic protists that cause various diseases in humans and animals that cause economic losses worldwide. These unicellular eukaryotes are characterized by having a complex life cycle and the ability to evade the immune system of their host organism. Infections caused by some of these parasites affect millions of pregnant women worldwide, leading to various adverse maternal and fetal/placental effects. Unfortunately, the exact pathogenesis of congenital apicomplexan diseases is far from being understood, including the mechanisms of how they cross the placental barrier. In this review, we highlight important aspects of the diseases caused by species of Plasmodium, Babesia, Toxoplasma, and Neospora, their infection during pregnancy, emphasizing the possible role played by the placenta in the host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Rojas-Pirela
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.,Facultad de Farmacia y Bioanálisis, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Lisvaneth Medina
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maria Verónica Rojas
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Ana Isabel Liempi
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Castillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Jesús Guerrero-Muñoz
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastian Araneda
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Salud y Odontología, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ulrike Kemmerling
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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21
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The Role and Function of Regulatory T Cells in Toxoplasma gondii-Induced Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:8782672. [PMID: 34458378 PMCID: PMC8390175 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8782672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) during the pregnant period and its potentially miserable outcomes for the fetus, newborn, and even adult offspring continuously occur worldwide. People acquire infection through the consumption of infected and undercooked meat or contaminated food or water. T. gondii infection in pregnant women primarily during the gestation causes microcephaly, mental and psychomotor retardation, or death. Abnormal pregnancy outcomes are mainly associated with regulatory T cell (Treg) dysfunction. Tregs, a special subpopulation of T cells, function as a vital regulator in maintaining immune homeostasis. Tregs exert a critical effect on forming and maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance and promoting fetal development during the pregnancy period. Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), a significant functional factor of Tregs, determines the status of Tregs. In this review, we summarize the effects of T. gondii infection on host Tregs and its critical transcriptional factor, Foxp3.
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