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Vance GM, Khouri MI, Neto APDS, James S, Leite LCC, Farias LP, Wilson RA. Antigenic epitope targets of rhesus macaques self-curing from Schistosoma mansoni infection. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1269336. [PMID: 38464672 PMCID: PMC10921417 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The self-cure of rhesus macaques from a schistosome infection and their subsequent strong immunity to a cercarial challenge should provide novel insights into the way these parasites can be eliminated by immunological attack. High-density arrays comprising overlapping 15-mer peptides from target proteins printed on glass slides can be used to screen sera from host species to determine antibody reactivity at the single epitope level. Careful selection of proteins, based on compositional studies, is crucial to encompass only those exposed on or secreted from the intra-mammalian stages and is intended to focus the analysis solely on targets mediating protection. We report the results of this approach using two pools of sera from hi- and lo-responder macaques undergoing self-cure, to screen arrays comprising tegument, esophageal gland, and gastrodermis proteins. We show that, overall, the target epitopes are the same in both groups, but the intensity of response is twice as strong in the high responders. In addition, apart from Sm25, tegument proteins elicit much weaker responses than those originating in the alimentary tract, as was apparent in IFNγR KO mice. We also highlight the most reactive epitopes in key proteins. Armed with this knowledge, we intend to use multi-epitope constructs in vaccination experiments, which seek to emulate the self-cure process in experimental animals and potentially in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana I. Khouri
- Laboratório de Inflamação e Biomarcadores, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Almiro Pires da Silva Neto
- Laboratório de Inflamação e Biomarcadores, Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Sally James
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Luciana C. C. Leite
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Paiva Farias
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - R. Alan Wilson
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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2
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Li J, Zhang Y, Li H, Jiang J, Guo C, Zhou Z, Luo Y, Zhou C, Ming Y. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a peripheral landscape of immune cells in Schistosomiasis japonica. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:356. [PMID: 37817226 PMCID: PMC10563327 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05975-y] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a devastating parasitic disease. This progressive and debilitating helminth disease is often associated with poverty and can lead to chronic poor health. Despite ongoing research, there is currently no effective vaccine for schistosomiasis, and praziquantel remains the only available treatment option. According to the progression of schistosomiasis, infections caused by schistosomes are classified into three distinct clinical phases: acute, chronic and advanced schistosomiasis. However, the underlying immune mechanism involved in the progression of schistosomiasis remains poorly understood. METHODS We employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to profile the immune landscape of Schistosomiasis japonica infection based on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a healthy control group (n = 4), chronic schistosomiasis group (n = 4) and advanced schistosomiasis group (n = 2). RESULTS Of 89,896 cells, 24 major cell clusters were ultimately included in our analysis. Neutrophils and NK/T cells accounted for the major proportion in the chronic group and the healthy group, and monocytes dominated in the advanced group. A preliminary study showed that NKT cells were increased in patients with schistosomiasis and that CXCR2 + NKT cells were proinflammatory cells. Plasma cells also accounted for a large proportion of B cells in the advanced group. MHC molecules in monocytes were notably lower in the advanced group than in the chronic group or the healthy control group. However, monocytes in the advanced group exhibited high expression of FOLR3 and CCR2. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the immune mechanisms involved in schistosomiasis. It provides a transcriptional atlas of peripheral immune cells that may contribute to elimination of the disease. This preliminary study suggests that the increased presence of CCR2 + monocyte and CXCR2 + NKT cells might participate in the progression of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Li
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Li
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoqin Zhou
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yulin Luo
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingzi Ming
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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3
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Shakir EMN, Rinaldi G, Kirk RS, Walker AJ. Schistosoma mansoni excretory-secretory products induce protein kinase signalling, hyperkinesia, and stem cell proliferation in the opposite sex. Commun Biol 2023; 6:985. [PMID: 37752334 PMCID: PMC10522684 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05333-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult male and female schistosomes in copula dwell within human blood vessels and lay eggs that cause the major Neglected Tropical Disease human schistosomiasis. How males and females communicate to each other is poorly understood; however, male-female physical interaction is known to be important. Here, we investigate whether excretory-secretory products (ESPs), released into the external milieu by mature Schistosoma mansoni, might induce responses in the opposite sex. We demonstrate that ESPs adhere to the surface of opposite sex worms inducing the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathways, particularly in the parasite tegument. Furthermore, we show that mature worms stimulated signalling in juvenile worms. Strikingly, we demonstrate that ESPs from the opposite sex promote stem cell proliferation, in an ERK- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner, in the tegument and within the testes of males, and the ovaries and vitellaria of females. Hyperkinesia also occurs following opposite sex ESP exposure. Our findings support the hypothesis that male and female schistosomes may communicate over distance to modulate key processes underlying worm development and disease progression, opening unique avenues for schistosomiasis control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman M N Shakir
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Gabriel Rinaldi
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Edward Llwyd Building, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA, UK
| | - Ruth S Kirk
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Anthony J Walker
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2EE, UK.
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4
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Azevedo CM, Meira CS, da Silva JW, Moura DMN, de Oliveira SA, da Costa CJ, Santos EDS, Soares MBP. Therapeutic Potential of Natural Products in the Treatment of Schistosomiasis. Molecules 2023; 28:6807. [PMID: 37836650 PMCID: PMC10574020 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that 250 million people worldwide are affected by schistosomiasis. Disease transmission is related to the poor sanitation and hygiene habits that affect residents of impoverished regions in tropical and subtropical countries. The main species responsible for causing disease in humans are Schistosoma Mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium, each with different geographic distributions. Praziquantel is the drug predominantly used to treat this disease, which offers low effectiveness against immature and juvenile parasite forms. In addition, reports of drug resistance prompt the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Natural products represent an important source of new compounds, especially those obtained from plant sources. This review compiles data from several in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating various compounds and essential oils derived from plants with cercaricidal and molluscicidal activities against both juvenile and adult forms of the parasite. Finally, this review provides an important discussion on recent advances in molecular and computational tools deemed fundamental for more rapid and effective screening of new compounds, allowing for the optimization of time and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine Machado Azevedo
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil; (C.M.A.); (C.S.M.)
| | - Cássio Santana Meira
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil; (C.M.A.); (C.S.M.)
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (J.W.d.S.); (E.d.S.S.)
| | - Jaqueline Wang da Silva
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (J.W.d.S.); (E.d.S.S.)
| | - Danielle Maria Nascimento Moura
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM-FIOCRUZ/PE), Recife 50740-465, Brazil; (D.M.N.M.); (S.A.d.O.); (C.J.d.C.)
| | - Sheilla Andrade de Oliveira
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM-FIOCRUZ/PE), Recife 50740-465, Brazil; (D.M.N.M.); (S.A.d.O.); (C.J.d.C.)
| | - Cícero Jádson da Costa
- Aggeu Magalhães Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IAM-FIOCRUZ/PE), Recife 50740-465, Brazil; (D.M.N.M.); (S.A.d.O.); (C.J.d.C.)
| | - Emanuelle de Souza Santos
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (J.W.d.S.); (E.d.S.S.)
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil; (C.M.A.); (C.S.M.)
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (J.W.d.S.); (E.d.S.S.)
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Alwan SN, Taylor AB, Rhodes J, Tidwell M, McHardy SF, LoVerde PT. Oxamniquine derivatives overcome Praziquantel treatment limitations for Schistosomiasis. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011018. [PMID: 37428793 PMCID: PMC10359000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma mansoni, S. haematobium, and S. japonicum. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the method of choice for treatment. Due to constant selection pressure, there is an urgent need for new therapies for schistosomiasis. Previous treatment of S. mansoni included the use of oxamniquine (OXA), a drug that is activated by a schistosome sulfotransferase (SULT). Guided by data from X-ray crystallography and Schistosoma killing assays more than 350 OXA derivatives were designed, synthesized, and tested. We were able to identify CIDD-0150610 and CIDD-0150303 as potent derivatives in vitro that kill (100%) of all three Schistosoma species at a final concentration of 71.5 μM. We evaluated the efficacy of the best OXA derivates in an in vivo model after treatment with a single dose of 100 mg/kg by oral gavage. The highest rate of worm burden reduction was achieved by CIDD -150303 (81.8%) against S. mansoni, CIDD-0149830 (80.2%) against S. haematobium and CIDD-066790 (86.7%) against S. japonicum. We have also evaluated the ability of the derivatives to kill immature stages since PZQ does not kill immature schistosomes. CIDD-0150303 demonstrated (100%) killing for all life stages at a final concentration of 143 μM in vitro and effective reduction in worm burden in vivo against S. mansoni. To understand how OXA derivatives fit in the SULT binding pocket, X-ray crystal structures of CIDD-0150303 and CIDD-0150610 demonstrate that the SULT active site will accommodate further modifications to our most active compounds as we fine tune them to increase favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Treatment with a single dose of 100 mg/kg by oral gavage with co-dose of PZQ + CIDD-0150303 reduced the worm burden of PZQ resistant parasites in an animal model by 90.8%. Therefore, we conclude that CIDD-0150303, CIDD-0149830 and CIDD-066790 are novel drugs that overcome some of PZQ limitations, and CIDD-0150303 can be used with PZQ in combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevan N. Alwan
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health at San Antonio; San Antonio, Texas, Unites States of America
| | - Alexander B. Taylor
- Biology Core Facilities, University of Texas Health at San Antonio; San Antonio, Texas, Unites States of America
| | - Jayce Rhodes
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio, Texas, Unites States of America
| | - Michael Tidwell
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio, Texas, Unites States of America
| | - Stanton F. McHardy
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio; San Antonio, Texas, Unites States of America
| | - Philip T. LoVerde
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health at San Antonio; San Antonio, Texas, Unites States of America
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6
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Skelly PJ, Da'dara AA. A novel, non-neuronal acetylcholinesterase of schistosome parasites is essential for definitive host infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1056469. [PMID: 36798133 PMCID: PMC9927205 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1056469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes are long-lived parasitic worms that infect >200 million people globally. The intravascular life stages are known to display acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity internally as well as, somewhat surprisingly, on external tegumental membranes. Originally it was hypothesized that a single gene (SmAChE1 in Schistosoma mansoni) encoded both forms of the enzyme. Here, we demonstrate that a second gene, designated "S. mansoni tegumental acetylcholinesterase, SmTAChE", is responsible for surface, non-neuronal AChE activity. The SmTAChE protein is GPI-anchored and contains all essential amino acids necessary for function. AChE surface activity is significantly diminished following SmTAChE gene suppression using RNAi, but not following SmAChE1 gene suppression. Suppressing SmTAChE significantly impairs the ability of parasites to establish infection in mice, showing that SmTAChE performs an essential function for the worms in vivo. Living S. haematobium and S. japonicum parasites also display strong surface AChE activity, and we have cloned SmTAChE homologs from these two species. This work helps to clarify longstanding confusion regarding schistosome AChEs and paves the way for novel therapeutics for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Skelly
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
| | - Akram A Da'dara
- Molecular Helminthology Laboratory, Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA, United States
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7
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Wang X, Cheng S, Chen X, Zhang W, Xie Y, Liu W, You Y, Yi C, Zhu B, Gu M, Xu B, Lu Y, Wang J, Hu W. A metabotropic glutamate receptor affects the growth and development of Schistosoma japonicum. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1045490. [PMID: 36532433 PMCID: PMC9750798 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1045490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by schistosome infection that severely threatens human health. Therapy relies mainly on single drug treatment with praziquantel. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternative medicines. The glutamate neurotransmitter in helminths is involved in many physiological functions by interacting with various cell-surface receptors. However, the roles and detailed regulatory mechanisms of the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) in the growth and development of Schistosoma japonicum remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified two putative mGluRs in S. japonicum and named them SjGRM7 (Sjc_001309, similar to GRM7) and SjGRM (Sjc_001163, similar to mGluR). Further validation using a calcium mobilization assay showed that SjGRM7 and SjGRM are glutamate-specific. The results of in situ hybridization showed that SjGRM is mainly located in the nerves of both males and gonads of females, and SjGRM7 is principally found in the nerves and gonads of males and females. In a RNA interference experiment, the results showed that SjGRM7 knockdown by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in S. japonicum caused edema, chassis detachment, and separation of paired worms in vitro. Furthermore, dsRNA interference of SjGRM7 could significantly affect the development and egg production of male and female worms in vivo and alleviate the host liver granulomas and fibrosis. Finally, we examined the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory function of mGluR using RNA sequencing. The data suggest that SjGRM7 propagates its signals through the G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway to promote nervous system development in S. japonicum. In conclusion, SjGRM7 is a potential target for anti-schistosomiasis. This study enables future research on the mechanisms of action of Schistosomiasis japonica drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyun Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxiang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanling Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanmin You
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cun Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingkuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjie Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jipeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Department of Microbiology and Microbial Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
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8
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Wheeler NJ, Hallem EA, Zamanian M. Making sense of sensory behaviors in vector-borne helminths. Trends Parasitol 2022; 38:841-853. [PMID: 35931639 PMCID: PMC9481669 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Migrations performed by helminths are impressive and diverse, and accumulating evidence shows that many are controlled by sophisticated sensory programs. The migrations of vector-borne helminths are particularly complex, requiring precise, stage-specific regulation. We review the contrasting states of knowledge on snail-borne schistosomes and mosquito-borne filarial nematodes. Rich observational data exist for the chemosensory behaviors of schistosomes, while the molecular sensory pathways in nematodes are well described. Recent investigations on the molecular mechanisms of sensation in schistosomes and filarial nematodes have revealed some features conserved within their respective phyla, but adaptations correlated with parasitism are pronounced. Technological developments are likely to extend these advances, and we forecast how these technologies may be applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J Wheeler
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elissa A Hallem
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Wendt GR, Shiroor DA, Adler CE, Collins JJ. Convergent evolution of a genotoxic stress response in a parasite-specific p53 homolog. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2205201119. [PMID: 36067283 PMCID: PMC9478680 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2205201119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
P53 is a widely studied tumor suppressor that plays important roles in cell-cycle regulation, cell death, and DNA damage repair. P53 is found throughout metazoans, even in invertebrates that do not develop malignancies. The prevailing theory for why these invertebrates possess a tumor suppressor is that P53 originally evolved to protect the germline of early metazoans from genotoxic stress such as ultraviolet radiation. This theory is largely based upon functional data from only three invertebrates, omitting important groups of animals including flatworms. Previous studies in the freshwater planarian flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea suggested that flatworm P53 plays an important role in stem cell maintenance and skin production, but these studies did not directly test for any tumor suppressor functions. To better understand the function of P53 homologs across diverse flatworms, we examined the function of two different P53 homologs in the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. The first P53 homolog (p53-1) is orthologous to S. mediterranea P53(Smed-p53) and human TP53 and regulates flatworm stem cell maintenance and skin production. The second P53 homolog (p53-2) is a parasite-specific paralog that is conserved across parasitic flatworms and is required for the normal response to genotoxic stress in S. mansoni. We then found that Smed-p53 does not seem to play any role in the planarian response to genotoxic stress. The existence of this parasite-specific paralog that bears a tumor suppressor-like function in parasitic flatworms implies that the ability to respond to genotoxic stress in parasitic flatworms may have arisen from convergent evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- George R. Wendt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235
| | - Divya A. Shiroor
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Carolyn E. Adler
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - James J. Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75235
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Guzman MA, Rugel A, Alwan SN, Tarpley R, Taylor AB, Chevalier FD, Wendt GR, Collins JJ, Anderson TJC, McHardy SF, LoVerde PT. Schistosome Sulfotransferases: Mode of Action, Expression and Localization. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:1416. [PMID: 35890311 PMCID: PMC9323829 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxamniquine (OXA) is a prodrug activated by a sulfotransferase (SULT) that was only active against Schistosoma mansoni. We have reengineered OXA to be effective against S. haematobium and S. japonicum. Three derivatives stand out, CIDD-0066790, CIDD-0072229, and CIDD-0149830 as they kill all three major human schistosome species. However, questions remain. Is the OXA mode of action conserved in derivatives? RNA-interference experiments demonstrate that knockdown of the SmSULT, ShSULT, and SjSULT results in resistance to CIDD-0066790. Confirming that the OXA-derivative mode of action is conserved. Next is the level of expression of the schistosome SULTs in each species, as well as changes in SULT expression throughout development in S. mansoni. Using multiple tools, our data show that SmSULT has higher expression compared to ShSULT and SjSULT. Third, is the localization of SULT in the adult, multicellular eucaryotic schistosome species. We utilized fluorescence in situ hybridization and uptake of radiolabeled OXA to determine that multiple cell types throughout the adult schistosome worm express SULT. Thus, we hypothesize the ability of many cells to express the sulfotransferase accounts for the ability of the OXA derivatives to kill adult worms. Our studies demonstrate that the OXA derivatives are able to kill all three human schistosome species and thus will be a useful complement to PZQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A. Guzman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.A.G.); (A.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (S.N.A.); (A.B.T.)
| | - Anastasia Rugel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.A.G.); (A.R.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (S.N.A.); (A.B.T.)
| | - Sevan N. Alwan
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (S.N.A.); (A.B.T.)
| | - Reid Tarpley
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (R.T.); (S.F.M.)
| | - Alexander B. Taylor
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (S.N.A.); (A.B.T.)
| | - Frédéric D. Chevalier
- Host Pathogen Interactions Program, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA;
| | - George R. Wendt
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (G.R.W.); (J.J.C.III)
| | - James J. Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (G.R.W.); (J.J.C.III)
| | - Timothy J. C. Anderson
- Disease Intervention & Prevention, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78227, USA;
| | - Stanton F. McHardy
- Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA; (R.T.); (S.F.M.)
| | - Philip T. LoVerde
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (S.N.A.); (A.B.T.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Du X, McManus DP, Fogarty CE, Jones MK, You H. Schistosoma mansoni Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor A Orchestrates Multiple Functions in Schistosome Biology and in the Host-Parasite Interplay. Front Immunol 2022; 13:868077. [PMID: 35812433 PMCID: PMC9257043 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.868077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells play significant roles in driving the complex life cycle of Schistosoma mansoni. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor A (SmFGFRA) is essential for maintaining the integrity of schistosome stem cells. Using immunolocalization, we demonstrated that SmFGFRA was distributed abundantly in germinal/stem cells of different S. mansoni life stages including eggs, miracidia, cercariae, schistosomula and adult worms. Indeed, SmFGFRA was also localized amply in embryonic cells and in the perinuclear region of immature eggs; von Lichtenberg's layer and the neural mass of mature eggs; the ciliated surface and neural mass of miracidia; the tegument cytosol of cercariae, schistosomula and adult worms; and was present in abundance in the testis and vitellaria of adult worms of S. mansoni. The distribution pattern of SmFGFRA illustrates the importance of this molecule in maintaining stem cells, development of the nervous and reproductive system of schistosomes, and in the host-parasite interplay. We showed SmFGFRA can bind human FGFs, activating the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway of adult worms in vitro. Inhibition of FGF signaling by the specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor BIBF 1120 significantly reduced egg hatching ability and affected the behavior of miracidia hatched from the treated eggs, emphasizing the importance of FGF signaling in driving the life cycle of S. mansoni. Our findings provide increased understanding of the complex schistosome life cycle and host-parasite interactions, indicating components of the FGF signaling pathway may represent promising targets for developing new interventions against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Du
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Conor E. Fogarty
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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12
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Parker-Manuel SJ, Wilson RA. An atlas of the germ ball-cercaria-schistosomulum transition in Schistosoma mansoni, using confocal microscopy and in situ hybridisation. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2022; 2:100087. [PMID: 35514673 PMCID: PMC9062357 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2022.100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomes are complex platyhelminth parasites with a genome comprising ∼12,000 protein-coding genes, three distinct generations, and at least seven distinct phenotypes. We chart here cellular and gene expression changes associated with development of the cercaria, in the intramolluscan daughter sporocyst, and its transformation into the skin stage schistosomulum upon infection of the mammalian host. We describe the morphology of the early daughter sporocyst and the increasing complexity of cellular organisation in germ balls as they rapidly develop into cercariae. We show how individual myocytes differentiate and combine to create the complex musculature of the head capsule and body wall. In situ hybridisation reveals that some transcripts encoding the secretory proteins, released during skin penetration, are expressed in gland-cell precursors very early in germ ball development. However, those for the projected anti-inflammatory protein Sm16-stathmin are widely expressed in germ ball tissues, suggesting the protein has intracellular functions. Transcripts for smkk7 are expressed in six cells of the larval body, while the KK7 protein is present throughout the peripheral nerve net, including sensory nerve bulbs, providing a marker for the nerve net in adult worms. We also note that the cercaria-schistosomulum transformation is accompanied by tissue remodelling without growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Alan Wilson
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK.,York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
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13
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schistosomes are long-lived blood dwelling helminth parasites using intricate mechanisms to invade, mature, and reproduce inside their vertebrate hosts, whilst simultaneously deploying immune evasion strategies. Their multi-tissue organization and solid body plan presents particular problems for the definition of sub-proteomes. AREAS COVERED Here, we focus on the two host-parasite interfaces of the adult worm accessible to the immune system, namely the tegument and the alimentary tract, but also on the secretions of the infective cercaria, the migrating schistosomulum and the mature egg. In parallel, we introduce the concepts of "leakyome' and 'disintegrome' to emphasize the importance of interpreting data in the context of schistosome biology so that misleading conclusions about the distinct proteome compositions are avoided. Lastly, we highlight the possible clinical implications of the reviewed proteomic findings for pathogenesis, vaccine design and diagnostics. EXPERT OPINION Proteomics has provided considerable insights into the biology of schistosomes, most importantly for rational selection of novel vaccine candidates that might confer protective immunity, but also into the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. However, given the increasing sensitivity of mass spectrometric instrumentation, we stress the need for care in data interpretation since schistosomes do not deviate from the fundamental rules of eukaryotic cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Castro-Borges
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brasil
| | - R Alan Wilson
- Department of Biology and York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
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Fifty years of the schistosome tegument: discoveries, controversies, and outstanding questions. Int J Parasitol 2021; 51:1213-1232. [PMID: 34767805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The unique multilaminate appearance of the tegument surface of schistosomes was first described in 1973, in one of the earliest volumes of the International Journal for Parasitology. The present review, published almost 50 years later, traces the development of our knowledge of the tegument, starting with those earliest cytological advances, particularly the surface plasma membrane-membranocalyx complex, through an era of protein discovery to the modern age of protein characterization, aided by proteomics. More recently, analysis of single cell transcriptomes of schistosomes is providing insight into the organisation of the cell bodies that support the surface syncytium. Our understanding of the tegument, notably the nature of the proteins present within the plasma membrane and membranocalyx, has provided insights into how the schistosomes interact with their hosts but many aspects of how the tegument functions remain unanswered. Among the unresolved aspects are those concerned with maintenance and renewal of the surface membrane complex, and whether surface proteins and membrane components are recycled. Current controversies arising from investigations about whether the tegument is a source of extracellular vesicles during parasitism, and if it is covered with glycolytic enzymes, are evaluated in the light of cytological and proteomic knowledge of the layer.
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Alwan SN, LoVerde PT. The effect of fs800 on female egg production in Schistosoma mansoni. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2021; 245:111412. [PMID: 34492240 PMCID: PMC10838108 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2021.111412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
During schistosomiasis, the paired Schistosoma mansoni female produces about 300 eggs each day. These eggs are responsible for the clinical picture and the transmission of the disease. During female development and egg production, fs800 is expressed only in female vitelline cells. Blast search of fs800 did not show similarities with any published sequences by NCBI. We hypothesize that the product of this gene plays a role in S. mansoni egg production. By using RNA interference to knockdown fs800 and quantitative PCR to measure the gene expression in the female schistosomes, we were able to demonstrate that fs800 product is crucial for viable egg production, it has no effect on worm health or male-female pairing. Our data suggest fs800 inhibition as a potential target to prevent transmission and pathology of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevan N Alwan
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, UT Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Philip T LoVerde
- Departments of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, UT Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UT Health at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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