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Li Q, Li X, Kan S, Zhu TJ, Li C, Du XY, Wang X, Yan HB, Wu CY, Chen GJ, Qian MB, Yan M, Wang ZJ. Clonorchis sinensis calcium-binding protein Cs16 causes acute hepatic injury possibly by reprogramming the metabolic pathway of bone marrow-derived monocytes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1280358. [PMID: 37920448 PMCID: PMC10619745 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1280358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clonorchis sinensis infection results in various complications in the liver and biliary systems and is a neglected tropical disease in Eastern Asia. In this study, we report that C. sinensis calcium-binding protein Cs16 activates host immune cells and induces immunopathology in liver. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization of Cs16 in C. sinensis adult worms. ELISA was used to detect the serum levels of anti-Cs16 IgG antibody in infected humans and mice. Bile duct injection model was used to figure out the role of Cs16 in vivo. RT-qPCR and ELISA were used to detect the cytokine production from Cs16-treated BMMs in vitro. Seahorse assay was used to detect the metabolic pathway of Cs16-treated BMMs in vitro. Result Cs16 localizes in the tegument and gut of C. sinensis. Humans and mice with C. sinensis infection exhibited increased levels of anti-Cs16-specific antibody. Using the bile duct injection technique, we found that Cs16 induced obvious inflammation and hepatic necrosis in vivo. Cs16 treatment caused the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines in innate immune cells. Moreover, Cs16-treated monocytes relied more on the glycolytic metabolic pathway. Discussion Our findings suggest that Cs16 is a potential pathogenic factor derived from C. sinensis adult worm. By reprogramming the metabolic pathway of innate immune cells, Cs16 triggers pro-inflammatory responses in the liver, and therefore, Cs16 is a potential target for the prevention and treatment of clonorchiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Shuo Kan
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting-Jun Zhu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xin-Yue Du
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hui-Bo Yan
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Yun Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang-Jie Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Men-Bao Qian
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology; National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhao-Jun Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Das KC, Konhar R, Biswal DK. Fasciola gigantica vaccine construct: an in silico approach towards identification and design of a multi-epitope subunit vaccine using calcium binding EF-hand proteins. BMC Immunol 2023; 24:1. [PMID: 36604615 PMCID: PMC9813462 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-022-00535-y] [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: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous attempts have been made to pinpoint candidate vaccine molecules and evaluate their effectiveness in order to commercialise such vaccines for the treatment of tropical fascioliasis in livestock. The pathophysiology of fascioliasis can be related to liver damage brought on by immature flukes that migrate and feed, as well as immunological reactions to chemicals produced by the parasites and alarm signals brought on by tissue damage. Future research should, in our opinion, concentrate on the biology of invasive parasites and the resulting immune responses, particularly in the early stages of infection. The goal of the current study was to use the calcium-binding proteins from F. gigantica to create a multi-epitope subunit vaccine. The adjuvant, B-cell epitopes, CTL epitopes, and HTL epitopes that make up the vaccine construct are all connected by certain linkers. The antigenicity, allergenicity, and physiochemical properties of the vaccine construct were examined. The vaccine construct was docked with toll-like receptor 2, and simulations of the molecular dynamics of the complex's stability, interaction, and dynamics were run. After performing in silico cloning and immunosimulation, it was discovered that the construct was suitable for further investigation. New vaccination technologies and adjuvant development are advancing our food safety procedures since vaccines are seen as safe and are accepted by the user community. This research is also applicable to the F. hepatica system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanhu Charan Das
- grid.412227.00000 0001 2173 057XBioinformatics Centre, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya India
| | - Ruchishree Konhar
- grid.412227.00000 0001 2173 057XBioinformatics Centre, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya India ,grid.417639.eInformatics and Big Data, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | - Devendra Kumar Biswal
- grid.412227.00000 0001 2173 057XBioinformatics Centre, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya India
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Fasciola gigantica tegumental calcium-binding EF-hand protein 4 exerts immunomodulatory effects on goat monocytes. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:276. [PMID: 34022913 PMCID: PMC8141160 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04784-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The liver fluke Fasciola gigantica secretes excretory-secretory proteins during infection to mediate its interaction with the host. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of a recombinant tegumental calcium-binding EF-hand protein 4 of F. gigantica (rFg-CaBP4) on goat monocytes. Methods The rFg-CaBP4 protein was induced and purified by affinity chromatography. The immunogenic reaction of rFg-CaBP4 against specific antibodies was detected through western blot analysis. The binding of rFg-CaBP4 on surface of goat monocytes was visualized by immunofluorescence assay. The localization of CaBP4 within adult fluke structure was detected by immunohistochemical analysis. The cytokine transcription levels in response to rFg-CaBP4 were examined using ABI 7500 real-time PCR system. The expression of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-II molecule (MHC-II) in response to rFg-CaBP4 protein was analyzed using Flow cytometry. Results The isopropyl-ß-D-thiogalactopyranoside-induced rFg-CaBP4 protein reacted with rat sera containing anti-rFg-CaBP4 polyclonal antibodies in a western blot analysis. The adhesion of rFg-CaBP4 to monocytes was visualized by immunofluorescence and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Immunohistochemical analysis localized native CaBP4 to the oral sucker, pharynx, genital pore, acetabulum and tegument of adult F. gigantica. Co-incubation of rFg-CaBP4 with concanavalin A-stimulated monocytes increased the transcription levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, interferon gamma and transforming growth factor-β. However, a reduction in the expression of IL-10 and no change in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α were detected. Additionally, rFg-CaBP4-treated monocytes exhibited a marked increase in the expression of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-II molecule (MHC-II) and a decrease in MHC-I expression, in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions These findings provide additional evidence that calcium-binding EF-hand proteins play roles in host-parasite interaction. Further characterization of the immunomodulatory role of rFg-CaBP4 should expand our understanding of the strategies used by F. gigantica to evade the host immune responses. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04784-5.
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Schistosoma mansoni alter transcription of immunomodulatory gene products following in vivo praziquantel exposure. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009200. [PMID: 33657133 PMCID: PMC7959349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of the neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis relies almost entirely on praziquantel (PZQ) monotherapy. How PZQ clears parasite infections remains poorly understood. Many studies have examined the effects of PZQ on worms cultured in vitro, observing outcomes such as muscle contraction. However, conditions worms are exposed to in vivo may vary considerably from in vitro experiments given the short half-life of PZQ and the importance of host immune system engagement for drug efficacy in animal models. Here, we investigated the effects of in vivo PZQ exposure on Schistosoma mansoni. Measurement of pro-apoptotic caspase activation revealed that worm death occurs only after parasites shift from the mesenteric vasculature to the liver, peaking 24 hours after drug treatment. This indicates that PZQ is not directly schistocidal, since PZQ’s half-life is ~2 hours in humans and ~30 minutes in mice, and focuses attention on parasite interactions with the host immune system following the shift of worms to the liver. RNA-Seq of worms harvested from mouse livers following sub-lethal PZQ treatment revealed drug-evoked changes in the expression of putative immunomodulatory and anticoagulant gene products. Several of these gene products localized to the schistosome esophagus and may be secreted into the host circulation. These include several Kunitz-type protease inhibitors, which are also found in the secretomes of other blood feeding animals. These transcriptional changes may reflect mechanisms of parasite immune-evasion in response to chemotherapy, given the role of complement-mediated attack and the host innate/humoral immune response in parasite elimination. One of these isoforms, SmKI-1, has been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-coagulant properties. These data provide insight into the effect of in vivo PZQ exposure on S. mansoni, and the transcriptional response of parasites to the stress of chemotherapy. The disease schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic worms that live within the circulatory system. While this disease infects over 200 million people worldwide, treatment relies almost entirely on one drug, praziquantel, whose mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the effects of praziquantel treatment on the gene expression of parasites harvested from mice treated with praziquantel chemotherapy. Despite the rapid action of the drug on worms in vitro, we found that key outcomes in vivo (measurement of cell death and changes in gene expression) occurred relatively late (12+ hours after drug administration). We found that worms increased the expression of immunomodulatory gene products in response to praziquantel, including a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor that localized to the worm esophagus and may be secreted to the external host environment. These are an intriguing class of proteins, because they display anti-coagulant and immunomodulatory properties. Up-regulation of these gene products may reflect a parasite mechanism of immune-evasion in response to chemotherapy. This research provides insight into the mechanism of praziquantel by observing the effect of this drug on worms within the context of the host immune system.
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Thomas CM, Timson DJ. The Mechanism of Action of Praziquantel: Can New Drugs Exploit Similar Mechanisms? Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:676-696. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180926145537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) is the drug of choice for treating infection with worms from the
genus Schistosoma. The drug is effective, cheap and has few side effects. However, despite its
use in millions of patients for over 40 years its molecular mechanism of action remains elusive.
Early studies demonstrated that PZQ disrupts calcium ion homeostasis in the worm and
the current consensus is that it antagonises voltage-gated calcium channels. It is hypothesised
that disruption of these channels results in uncontrolled calcium ion influx leading to uncontrolled
muscle contraction and paralysis. However, other experimental studies have suggested
a role for myosin regulatory light chains and adenosine uptake in the drug’s mechanism of
action. Assuming voltage-gated calcium channels do represent the main molecular target of
PZQ, the precise binding site for the drug remains to be identified. Unlike other commonly
used anti-parasitic drugs, there are few definitive reports of resistance to PZQ in the literature.
The lack of knowledge about PZQ’s molecular mechanism(s) undermines our ability to predict
how resistance might arise and also hinder our attempts to develop alternative antischistosomal
drugs which exploit the same target(s). Some PZQ derivatives have been identified
which also kill or paralyse schistosomes in culture. However, none of these are in widespread
clinical use. There is a pressing need for fundamental research into the molecular mechanism(
s) of action of PZQ. Such research would enable new avenues for antischsistosomal
drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M. Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Timson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
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Rezende CMF, Coitinho JB, Costa M, Silva MR, Giusta M, Oliveira-Prado R, Corrêa-Oliveira R, Nagem R, Goes AM. Biochemical analysis and identification of linear B-cell epitopes from recombinant Sm21.7 antigen from Schistosoma mansoni. Mol Immunol 2018; 101:29-37. [PMID: 29857222 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni tegument is a dynamic host-interactive layer that is an essential source of parasite antigens and a relevant field for schistosome vaccine research. Sm21.7 is a cytoskeleton antigen found in S. mansoni tegument that engenders protection in experimental challenge infection. Because of its crucial role in the parasite tegument and its promising protective capability, Sm21.7 is an exciting target for the development of therapeutic strategies. The present study describes Sm21.7 structural and biophysical features using circular dichroism spectroscopy and identifies linear B-cell epitopes of Sm21.7 using in-silico methods and immunoassay. The Sm21.7 gene was cloned into the pETDEST42 vector, and the recombinant protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli DE3. The soluble protein was purified by affinity chromatography followed by ion-exchange chromatography. Purified recombinant Sm21.7 was analyzed by circular dichroism spectroscopy which demonstrated that the rSm21.7 structure was comprised of approximately 38% α-helices and its conformation remains stable at temperatures of up to 60 °C. Prediction of rSm21.7 B-cell epitopes was based on amino acid physicochemical properties. Sixteen peptides corresponding to predicted epitopes were synthesized and immunoreactivity assessed by spot peptide array using pooled rSm21.7-immunized mice sera or patients' sera with different clinical forms of S. mansoni infection. Immunoassays revealed that sera from rSm21.7-immunized mice reacted predominantly with peptides located in the dynein-light chain domain (DLC) at the C-terminal region of rSm21.7. Comparative analysis of the antibody response of acute, intestinal and hepatosplenic patients' sera to the Sm21.7 peptides showed that a differential recognition pattern of Sm21.7-derived peptides by intestinal patients' sera might contribute to down-regulate the immune response in chronic intestinal patients. Together, the results may help the development of S. mansoni vaccine strategies based on the rSm21.7 antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cíntia M F Rezende
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil.
| | - Juliana B Coitinho
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Mariana Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Marina Rodrigues Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Mário Giusta
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Roberta Oliveira-Prado
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Corrêa-Oliveira
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Nagem
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
| | - Alfredo M Goes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
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Carson J, Thomas CM, McGinty A, Takata G, Timson DJ. The tegumental allergen-like proteins of Schistosoma mansoni: A biochemical study of SmTAL4-TAL13. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2018; 221:14-22. [PMID: 29453993 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni, like other trematodes, expresses a number of unusual calcium binding proteins which consist of an EF-hand domain joined to a dynein light chain-like (DLC-like) domain by a flexible linker. These proteins have been implicated in host immune responses and drug binding. Three members of this protein family from S. mansoni (SmTAL1, SmTAL2 and SmTAL3) have been well characterised biochemically. Here we characterise the remaining family members from this species (SmTAL4-13). All of these proteins form homodimers and all except SmTAL5 bind to calcium and manganese ions. SmTAL9, 10 and 11 also bind to magnesium ions. The antischistosomal drug, praziquantel interacts with SmTAL4, 5 and 8. Some family members also bind to calmodulin antagonists such as chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine. Molecular modelling suggests that all ten proteins adopt similar overall folds with the EF-hand and DLC-like domains folding discretely. Bioinformatics analyses suggest that the proteins may fall into two main categories: (i) those which bind calcium ions reversibly at the second EF-hand and may play a role in signalling (SmTAL1, 2, 8 and 12) and (ii) those which bind calcium ions at the first EF-hand and may play either signalling or structural roles (SmTAL7, 9, 10 and 13). The remaining proteins include those which do not bind calcium ions (SmTAL3 and 5) and three other proteins (SmTAL4, 6 and 11). The roles of these proteins are less clear, but they may also have structural roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Carson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Charlotte M Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, 18-30 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5BN, UK
| | - Aaron McGinty
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Whitla Medical Building, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Gustavo Takata
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - David J Timson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK.
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A mysterious family of calcium-binding proteins from parasitic worms. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 44:1005-10. [PMID: 27528745 DOI: 10.1042/bst20150270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There is a family of proteins from parasitic worms which combine N-terminal EF-hand domains with C-terminal dynein light chain-like domains. Data are accumulating on the biochemistry and cell biology of these proteins. However, little is known about their functions in vivo Schistosoma mansoni expresses 13 family members (SmTAL1-SmTAL13). Three of these (SmTAL1, SmTAL2 and SmTAL3) have been subjected to biochemical analysis which demonstrated that they have different molecular properties. Although their overall folds are predicted to be similar, small changes in the EF-hand domains result in differences in their ion binding properties. Whereas SmTAL1 and SmTAL2 are able to bind calcium (and some other) ions, SmTAL3 appears to be unable to bind any divalent cations. Similar biochemical diversity has been seen in the CaBP proteins from Fasciola hepatica Four family members are known (FhCaBP1-4). All of these bind to calcium ions. However, FhCaBP4 dimerizes in the presence of calcium ions, FhCaBP3 dimerizes in the absence of calcium ions and FhCaBP2 dimerizes regardless of the prevailing calcium ion concentration. In both the SmTAL and FhCaBP families, the proteins also differ in their ability to bind calmodulin antagonists and related drugs. Interestingly, SmTAL1 interacts with praziquantel (the drug of choice for treating schistosomiasis). The pharmacological significance (if any) of this finding is unknown.
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Gao Y, Zhou X, Wang H, Liu R, Ye Q, Zhao Q, Ming Z, Dong H. Immunization with recombinant schistosome adenylate kinase 1 partially protects mice against Schistosoma japonicum infection. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1665-1674. [PMID: 28455627 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5441-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Highly effective and safe prophylactic vaccines are urgently needed to sustainably control schistosomiasis, one of the most serious endemic zoonoses in China. In this study, we characterized adenylate kinase 1 from Schistosoma japonicum (SjAK1), a phosphotransferase that regulates cellular energy and metabolism, and evaluated its potential as a recombinant vaccine. Based on real-time quantitative PCR, western blot, and immunolocalization, SjAK1 is active throughout the life of the worm, although its expression is higher in 21-day-old schistosomula, adult worms, and eggs deposited in the host liver. Further, the enzyme accumulates in the eggshell, intestinal epithelium, integument of adult worms and in the vitellaria tissue in female worms. A 594-bp full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding SjAK1 was synthesized from total RNA of 3-day-old schistosomes, and immunization with recombinant SjAK1 reduced worm burden by 50%, decreased the density of eggs deposited in the host liver by 40%, and reduced the area of granulomas in the host liver by 56%. ELISA results showed that recombinant SjAK1 also stimulated Th1 cytokines such as IL-2 and IFN-γ, but not IL-5 and IL-4. Collectively, a recombinant form of the enzyme SjAK1 elicits partial protective immunity against Schistosoma japonicum infection and the induction of Th1 cytokines. Thus, the enzyme has potential as a component of a multivalent vaccine against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Gao
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, China.,Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei Province, 437000, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhou
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, China
| | - Qing Ye
- Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430000, China
| | - Qinping Zhao
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, China
| | - Zhenping Ming
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, China
| | - Huifen Dong
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Parasitology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, China.
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Li Y, Yin M, Wu Q, McManus DP, Blair D, Li H, Xu B, Mo X, Feng Z, Hu W. Genetic diversity and selection of three nuclear genes in Schistosoma japonicum populations. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:87. [PMID: 28212676 PMCID: PMC5316221 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood fluke, Schistosoma japonicum still causes severe disease in China, the Philippines and Indonesia. Although there have been some studies the molecular epidemiology of this persistent and harmful parasite, few have explored the possibility and implications of selection in S. japonicum populations. METHODS We analyzed diversity and looked for evidence of selection at three nuclear genes (SjIpp2, SjFabp and SjT22.6) in 13 S. japonicum populations. RESULTS SjT22.6 was found to exhibit high nucleotide diversity and was under positive selection in the mountainous region of mainland China. As a tegumental protein, its secondary and tertiary structure differed between S. japonicum strains from the mountainous and lakes regions. In contrast, SjIpp2 and SjFabp had relatively low levels of nucleotide diversity and did not show significant departure from neutrality. CONCLUSIONS As a tegument-associated antigen-encoding gene of S. japonicum, SjT22.6 has high nucleotide diversity and appears to be under positive selection in the mountainous region of mainland China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Li
- School of Life Science, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingbo Yin
- School of Life Science, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, China
- MOE Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, China
| | - Qunfeng Wu
- School of Life Science, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, China
| | - Donald P. McManus
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Brisbane, QLD 4029 Australia
| | - David Blair
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Hongyan Li
- School of Life Science, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 207 Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xiaojin Mo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 207 Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Zheng Feng
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 207 Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Wei Hu
- School of Life Science, Fudan University, Songhu Road 2005, Shanghai, China
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 207 Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025 China
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11
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Cheung S, Thomas CM, Timson DJ. FhCaBP1 (FH22): A Fasciola hepatica calcium-binding protein with EF-hand and dynein light chain domains. Exp Parasitol 2016; 170:109-115. [PMID: 27693219 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
FH22 has been previously identified as a calcium-binding protein from the common liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica. It is part of a family of at least four proteins in this organism which combine an EF-hand containing N-terminal domain with a C-terminal dynein light chain-like domain. Here we report further biochemical properties of FH22, which we propose should be renamed FhCaBP1 for consistency with other family members. Molecular modelling predicted that the two domains are linked by a flexible region and that the second EF-hand in the N-terminal domain is most likely the calcium ion binding site. Native gel electrophoresis demonstrated that the protein binds both calcium and manganese ions, but not cadmium, magnesium, strontium, barium, cobalt, copper(II), iron (II), nickel, zinc, lead or potassium ions. Calcium ion binding alters the conformation of the protein and increases its stability towards thermal denaturation. FhCaBP1 is a dimer in solution and calcium ions have no detectable effect on the protein's ability to dimerise. FhCaBP1 binds to the calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine and chlorpromazine. Overall, the FhCaBP1's biochemical properties are most similar to FhCaBP2 a fact consistent with the close sequence and predicted structural similarity between the two proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cheung
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Charlotte M Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK; Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, 18-30 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5BN, UK
| | - David J Timson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Huxley Building, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ, UK.
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Fasciola hepatica calcium-binding protein FhCaBP2: structure of the dynein light chain-like domain. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2879-86. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5046-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Vaccination of Gerbils with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 Concurrently or as a Fusion Protein Confers Consistent and Improved Protection against Brugia malayi Infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004586. [PMID: 27045170 PMCID: PMC4821550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Brugia malayi Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 proteins are orthologous to Onchocerca volvulus Ov-103 and Ov-RAL-2, and which were selected as the best candidates for the development of an O. volvulus vaccine. The B. malayi gerbil model was used to confirm the efficacy of these Ov vaccine candidates on adult worms and to determine whether their combination is more efficacious. Methodology and Principle Findings Vaccine efficacy of recombinant Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 administered individually, concurrently or as a fusion protein were tested in gerbils using alum as adjuvant. Vaccination with Bm-103 resulted in worm reductions of 39%, 34% and 22% on 42, 120 and 150 days post infection (dpi), respectively, and vaccination with Bm-RAL-2 resulted in worm reductions of 42%, 22% and 46% on 42, 120 and 150 dpi, respectively. Vaccination with a fusion protein comprised of Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 resulted in improved efficacy with significant reduction of worm burden of 51% and 49% at 90 dpi, as did the concurrent vaccination with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2, with worm reduction of 61% and 56% at 90 dpi. Vaccination with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 as a fusion protein or concurrently not only induced a significant worm reduction of 61% and 42%, respectively, at 150 dpi, but also significantly reduced the fecundity of female worms as determined by embryograms. Elevated levels of antigen-specific IgG were observed in all vaccinated gerbils. Serum from gerbils vaccinated with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 individually, concurrently or as a fusion protein killed third stage larvae in vitro when combined with peritoneal exudate cells. Conclusion Although vaccination with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 individually conferred protection against B. malayi infection in gerbils, a more consistent and enhanced protection was induced by vaccination with Bm-103 and Bm-RAL-2 fusion protein and when they were used concurrently. Further characterization and optimization of these filarial vaccines are warranted. Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic filariasis (LF) are debilitating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Practical challenges in implementation of mass drug administration (MDA) such as prolonged treatment regime requirements and the possible emergence of drug resistance will likely impede the elimination of these NTDs. Hence, the availability of an efficacious prophylactic vaccine would be an invaluable tool. The objective of the present studies was to use the B. malayi-gerbil model of filariasis as a surrogate system to test the efficacy of filarial molecules as vaccine targets for an onchocerciasis vaccine. The vaccine efficacy of Onchocerca volvulus recombinant proteins Ov-RAL-2 and Ov-103 was recently demonstrated using a mouse diffusion chamber model. In this communication, we provide encouraging results on the vaccine efficacy of Bm-RAL-2 and Bm-103, individually or in combination. Our data demonstrate that vaccination with Bm-RAL-2 and Bm-103 concurrently and as a fusion protein confers not only a consistent and significant protection against B. malayi infection in gerbils, but also reduces the fecundity of female worms as demonstrated in embryogram analyses. Our results support the contention that Ov-RAL-2 and Ov-103 are excellent onchocerciasis vaccine candidates and that further investigations leading to their development as a vaccine are warranted.
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FhCaBP2: a Fasciola hepatica calcium-binding protein with EF-hand and dynein light chain domains. Parasitology 2015; 142:1375-86. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182015000736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYFhCaBP2 is a Fasciola hepatica protein which belongs to a family of helminth calcium-binding proteins which combine an N-terminal domain containing two EF-hand motifs and a C-terminal dynein light chain-like (DLC-like) domain. Its predicted structure showed two globular domains joined by a flexible linker. Recombinant FhCaBP2 interacted reversibly with calcium and manganese ions, but not with magnesium, barium, strontium, copper (II), colbalt (II), iron (II), nickel, lead or potassium ions. Cadmium (II) ions appeared to bind non-site-specifically and destabilize the protein. Interaction with either calcium or magnesium ions results in a conformational change in which the protein's surface becomes more hydrophobic. The EF-hand domain alone was able to interact with calcium and manganese ions; the DLC-like domain was not. Alteration of a residue (Asp-58 to Ala) in the second EF-hand motif in this domain abolished ion-binding activity. This suggests that the second EF-hand is the one responsible for ion-binding. FhCaBP2 homodimerizes and the extent of dimerization was not affected by calcium ions or by the aspartate to alanine substitution in the second EF-hand. The isolated EF-hand and DLC-like domains are both capable of homodimerization. FhCaBP2 interacted with the calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine, thiamylal and W7. Interestingly, while chlorpromazine and thiamylal interacted with the EF-hand domain (as expected), trifluoperazine and W7 bound to the DLC-like domain. Overall, FhCaBP2 has distinct biochemical properties compared with other members of this protein family from Fasciola hepatica, a fact which supports the hypothesis that these proteins have different physiological roles.
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Bah GS, Tanya VN, Makepeace BL. Immunotherapy with mutated onchocystatin fails to enhance the efficacy of a sub-lethal oxytetracycline regimen against Onchocerca ochengi. Vet Parasitol 2015; 212:25-34. [PMID: 26100152 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human onchocerciasis (river blindness), caused by the filarial nematode Onchocerca volvulus, has been successfully controlled by a single drug, ivermectin, for over 25 years. Ivermectin prevents the disease symptoms of severe itching and visual impairment by killing the microfilarial stage, but does not eliminate the adult parasites, necessitating repeated annual treatments. Mass drug administration with ivermectin does not always break transmission in forest zones and is contraindicated in individuals heavily co-infected with Loa loa, while reports of reduced drug efficacy in Ghana and Cameroon may signal the development of resistance. An alternative treatment for onchocerciasis involves targeting the essential Wolbachia symbiont with tetracycline or its derivatives, which are adulticidal. However, implementation of antibiotic therapy has not occurred on a wide scale due to the prolonged treatment regimen required (several weeks). In the bovine Onchocerca ochengi system, it has been shown previously that prolonged oxytetracycline therapy increases eosinophil counts in intradermal nodules, which kill the adult worms by degranulating on their surface. Here, in an "immunochemotherapeutic" approach, we sought to enhance the efficacy of a short, sub-lethal antibiotic regimen against O. ochengi by prior immunotherapy targeting onchocystatin, an immunomodulatory protein located in the adult female worm cuticle. A key asparagine residue in onchocystatin was mutated to ablate immunomodulatory activity, which has been demonstrated previously to markedly improve the protective efficacy of this vaccine candidate when used as an immunoprophylactic. The immunochemotherapeutic regimen was compared with sub-lethal oxytetracycline therapy alone; onchocystatin immunotherapy alone; a gold-standard prolonged, intermittent oxytetracycline regimen; and no treatment (negative control) in naturally infected Cameroonian cattle. Readouts were collected over one year and comprised adult worm viability, dermal microfilarial density, anti-onchocystatin IgG in sera, and eosinophil counts in nodules. Only the gold-standard antibiotic regimen achieved significant killing of adult worms, a profound reduction in microfilarial load, and a sustained increase in local tissue eosinophilia. A small but statistically significant elevation in anti-onchocystatin IgG was observed for several weeks after immunisation in the immunotherapy-only group, but the antibody response in the immunochemotherapy group was more variable. At 12 weeks post-treatment, only a transient and non-significant increase in eosinophil counts was apparent in the immunochemotherapy group. We conclude that the addition of onchocystatin immunotherapy to a sub-lethal antibiotic regimen is insufficient to induce adulticidal activity, although with booster immunisations or the targeting of additional filarial immunomodulatory proteins, the efficacy of this strategy could be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germanus S Bah
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool Science Park IC2, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK; Institut de Recherche Agricole pour le Développement, Regional Centre of Wakwa, BP 65 Ngaoundéré, Adamawa Region, Cameroon
| | - Vincent N Tanya
- Institut de Recherche Agricole pour le Développement, Regional Centre of Wakwa, BP 65 Ngaoundéré, Adamawa Region, Cameroon; Cameroon Academy of Sciences, BP 1457 Yaoundé, Centre Region, Cameroon
| | - Benjamin L Makepeace
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool Science Park IC2, Liverpool L3 5RF, UK.
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Thomas CM, Fitzsimmons CM, Dunne DW, Timson DJ. Comparative biochemical analysis of three members of the Schistosoma mansoni TAL family: Differences in ion and drug binding properties. Biochimie 2015; 108:40-7. [PMID: 25447146 PMCID: PMC4300400 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2014.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The tegumental allergen-like (TAL) proteins from Schistosoma mansoni are part of a family of calcium binding proteins found only in parasitic flatworms. These proteins have attracted interest as potential drug or vaccine targets, yet comparatively little is known about their biochemistry. Here, we compared the biochemical properties of three members of this family: SmTAL1 (Sm22.6), SmTAL2 (Sm21.7) and SmTAL3 (Sm20.8). Molecular modelling suggested that, despite similarities in domain organisation, there are differences in the three proteins' structures. SmTAL1 was predicted to have two functional calcium binding sites and SmTAL2 was predicted to have one. Despite the presence of two EF-hand-like structures in SmTAL3, neither was predicted to be functional. These predictions were confirmed by native gel electrophoresis, intrinsic fluorescence and differential scanning fluorimetry: both SmTAL1 and SmTAL2 are able to bind calcium ions reversibly, but SmTAL3 is not. SmTAL1 is also able to interact with manganese, strontium, iron(II) and nickel ions. SmTAL2 has a different ion binding profile interacting with cadmium, manganese, magnesium, strontium and barium ions in addition to calcium. All three proteins form dimers and, in contrast to some Fasciola hepatica proteins from the same family; dimerization is not affected by calcium ions. SmTAL1 interacts with the anti-schistosomal drug praziquantel and the calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine and W7. SmTAL2 interacts only with W7. SmTAL3 interacts with the aforementioned calmodulin antagonists and thiamylal, but not praziquantel. Overall, these data suggest that the proteins have different biochemical properties and thus, most likely, different in vivo functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK; Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, 18-30 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5BN, UK
| | | | - David W Dunne
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK
| | - David J Timson
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK; Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, 18-30 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5BN, UK.
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Diniz PP, Nakajima E, Miyasato PA, Nakano E, de Oliveira Rocha M, Martins EAL. Two SmDLC antigens as potential vaccines against schistosomiasis. Acta Trop 2014; 140:193-201. [PMID: 25240208 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The Schistosoma mansoni transcriptome revealed new members of the dynein light chain family (DLC/LC8). The antigenicity and immunogenicity of these proteins, and their potential as vaccine candidates were investigated. Two DLC genes (DLC12_JI392413.1 and DLC13_JI387686.1) were cloned and the recombinant proteins produced in E. coli. The immunization of mice with the rDLCs, using alhydrogel as adjuvant, resulted in high titers of antibodies, indicated that these proteins are highly immunogenic. The anti-DLCs antibodies presented cross reactivity with both recombinant antigens and also recognized proteins from S. mansoni adult worm extracts. The DLC12 and DLC13 immunized animals were challenged by infection with cercariae and a protective profile was observed in three different assays, with a significant decreased in worm burden, of 43% and 51% respectively, when compared to the non-vaccinated group. The granulomas formation due to egg retention in the hepatic tissues was evaluated 45 days after infection. Smaller granulomas were observed in the liver of DLC immunized animals, up to 70% reduction in comparison to the granulomas size in the non-vaccinated animals. Fifty-five days after infection, the average size of the hepatic granulomas was still 25-35% smaller in the DLCs vaccinated groups. The interference of DLC immunization on the hepatic granuloma formation may reflect the lower worm burden and consequent decrease on the number of eggs retained in the liver, resulting in lower pro-inflammatory level in the tissue. The protective effect of DLCs immunization, decreasing the worm burden and delaying the rate of granuloma formation, suggests that these antigens should be further studied as potential vaccine candidates.
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Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent, insidious and serious of the tropical parasitic diseases. Although the effective anthelmintic drug, praziquantel, is widely available and cheap, it does not protect against re-infection, drug-resistant schistosome may evolve and mass drug administration programmes based around praziquantel are probably unsustainable long term. Whereas protective anti-schistosome vaccines are not yet available, the zoonotic nature of Schistosoma japonicum provides a novel approach for developing a transmission-blocking veterinary vaccine in domestic animals, especially bovines, which are major reservoir hosts, being responsible for up to 90% of environmental egg contamination in China and the Philippines. However, a greater knowledge of schistosome immunology is required to understand the processes associated with anti-schistosome protective immunity and to reinforce the rationale for vaccine development against schistosomiasis japonica. Importantly as well, improved diagnostic tests, with high specificity and sensitivity, which are simple, rapid and able to diagnose light S. japonicum infections, are required to determine the extent of transmission interruption and the complete elimination of schistosomiasis following control efforts. This article discusses aspects of the host immune response in schistosomiasis, the current status of vaccine development against S. japonicum and reviews approaches for diagnosing and detecting schistosome infections in mammalian hosts.
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Chen JH, Zhang T, Ju C, Xu B, Lu Y, Mo XJ, Chen SB, Fan YT, Hu W, Zhou XN. An integrated immunoproteomics and bioinformatics approach for the analysis of Schistosoma japonicum tegument proteins. J Proteomics 2014; 98:289-99. [PMID: 24448400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Schistosomiasis remains one of the major neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) causing morbidity of humans residing in the tropical countries. Much effort has been devoted to the development of vaccines, since it is recognized that vaccines can be served as an important supplementary component alongside chemotherapy for the future control and elimination of schistosomiasis. To accelerate digging new potential target antigens, it is essential to extensively and intensively search immunogenic proteins in a high-throughput manner using proteomics-microarray techniques. In the present study, an integrated immunoproteomics and bioinformatics approach was used to profile the tegument of the human blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum. Results showed that the full-length tegument proteins were high-throughput cloned and expressed and screened with sera from S. japonicum-infected patients and normal subjects using protein arrays. Here, thirty highly immunoreactive tegument proteins and 10 antigens with an AUC value greater than 0.90 were identified at first time. In particularly, STIP1, the highest immunoreactive tegument protein has been shown good antigenicity and immunogenicity, and thus makes it to be a potential target for designing anti-parasite drug or vaccine. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE The schistosome tegument plays a crucial role in host-parasite interactions and there are several tegument proteins that proved to be potential vaccine candidates. However, vaccines are not yet available, thus it is important to identify new target antigens from schistosome tegument proteome. Herein, we demonstrate that the S. japonicum tegument proteins were analyzed by an integrated immunoproteomics and bioinformatics approach. We found that thirty highly immunoreactive tegument proteins and 10 antigens with an AUC value greater than 0.90 were identified for the first time. In particularly, we found 17 of tegument immunoproteomes having putative interaction networks with other proteins of S. japonicum. The results will provide clues of potential target molecules for vaccine development and biomarkers for diagnostics of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hu Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ting Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Ju
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Xu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Lu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jin Mo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Shen-Bo Chen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ting Fan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiao-Nong Zhou
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, Shanghai 200025, People's Republic of China.
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Schistosoma japonicum tegumental protein 20.8, role in reproduction through its calcium binding ability. Parasitol Res 2013; 113:491-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3678-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Chung EJ, Kim TY, Hong SJ, Yong TS. An EF-handed Ca(2+)-binding protein of Chinese liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:4121-8. [PMID: 24018708 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A cDNA clone encoding 8 kDa protein was retrieved from an EST pool of Chinese liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis. A deduced polypeptide of the cDNA clone was similar to 8 kDa Ca(2+)-binding proteins from other parasitic trematodes, and, thus, named as CsCa8, containing two EF-hand Ca(2+)-binding sites. Homology models predicted CsCa8 to be a single globular structure having four helices and molecular folds similar to Ca(2+)-binding state of other small Ca(2+)-binding proteins. Recombinant CsCa8 protein showed specific Ca(2+)-binding affinity and shifting in native gel mobility assay. Mouse immune sera raised against recombinant CsCa8 protein recognized native CsCa8 from adult C. sinensis worm extract. CsCa8 was localized in oral and ventral suckers, vitelline follicles and subtegumental tissues. These findings suggest that CsCa8 might be involved in cellular Ca(2+) signal transduction for muscle contraction and egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Joo Chung
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology and Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea
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22
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Rofatto HK, Araujo-Montoya BO, Miyasato PA, Levano-Garcia J, Rodriguez D, Nakano E, Verjovski-Almeida S, Farias LP, Leite LC. Immunization with tegument nucleotidases associated with a subcurative praziquantel treatment reduces worm burden following Schistosoma mansoni challenge. PeerJ 2013; 1:e58. [PMID: 23638396 PMCID: PMC3628383 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a debilitating disease caused by flatworm parasites of the Schistosoma genus and remains a high public health impact disease around the world, although effective treatment with Praziquantel (PZQ) has been available since the 1970s. Control of this disease would be greatly improved by the development of a vaccine, which could be combined with chemotherapy. The sequencing of the Schistosoma mansoni transcriptome and genome identified a range of potential vaccine antigens. Among these, three nucleotidases from the tegument of the parasite, presumably involved in purinergic signaling and nucleotide metabolism, were proposed as promising vaccine candidates: an alkaline phosphatase (SmAP), a phosphodiesterase (SmNPP-5) and a diphosphohydrolase (SmNTPDase). Herein, we evaluate the potential of these enzymes as vaccine antigens, with or without subcurative PZQ treatment. Immunization of mice with the recombinant proteins alone or in combination demonstrated that SmAP is the most immunogenic of the three. It induced the highest antibody levels, particularly IgG1, associated with an inflammatory cellular immune response characterized by high TNF-α and a Th17 response, with high IL-17 expression levels. Despite the specific immune response induced, immunization with the isolated or combined proteins did not reduce the worm burden of challenged mice. Nonetheless, immunization with SmAP alone or with the three proteins combined, together with subcurative PZQ chemotherapy was able to reduce the worm burden by around 40%. The immunogenicity and relative exposure of SmAP to the host immune system are discussed, as key factors involved in the apparently synergistic effect of SmAP immunization and subcurative PZQ treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique K. Rofatto
- Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bogar O. Araujo-Montoya
- Pós-Graduação Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Julio Levano-Garcia
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dunia Rodriguez
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliana Nakano
- Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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