1
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Murillo DFB, Campbell EJ, Moorhead AR, Wang C. Evaluation of diagnostic techniques for early detection of heartworm in experimentally infected dogs: identification of Dirofilaria immitis-derived microRNA in the initial 28 weeks post-inoculation. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:258. [PMID: 38872227 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06337-y] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilaria immitis, commonly known as heartworm (HW), is a parasitic nematode transmitted by various mosquito species, leading to heartworm disease (HWD) in dogs. Diagnosis of HW typically involves antigen or microfilariae detection, or visualization of adult worms through imaging or post mortem examination. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and micro RNA (miRNA) detection have been explored for HW diagnosis. METHODS Three dogs, previously experimentally infected with HW, underwent blood sampling every 4 weeks for 7 months. Samples were assessed for antigen presence after heat treatment, PCR amplification, and microfilaria examination using Giemsa-stained thick smears. Additionally, whole blood aliquots underwent miRNA deep sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS Heartworm antigen was detectable after heat treatment at 20 weeks post-inoculation and via PCR at 24 weeks, with microfilariae observed in peripheral blood smears at 28 weeks. However, deep miRNA sequencing revealed that the miRNA candidate sequences are not consistently expressed before 28 weeks of infection. CONCLUSIONS While ancillary molecular methods such as PCR and miRNA sequencing may be less effective than antigen detection for detecting immature larval stages in an early stage of infection, our experimental findings demonstrate that circulating miRNAs can still be detected in 28 weeks post-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elyssa J Campbell
- Department of Infectious Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Andrew R Moorhead
- Department of Infectious Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Chengming Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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2
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Geary TG. New paradigms in research on Dirofilaria immitis. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:247. [PMID: 37480077 PMCID: PMC10362759 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the advent of ivermectin (along with melarsomine and doxycycline), heartworm has come to be viewed as a solved problem in veterinary medicine, diminishing investment into non-clinical research on Dirofilaria immitis. However, heartworm infections continue to pose problems for practitioners and their patients and seem to be increasing in frequency and geographic distribution. Resistance to preventative therapies (macrocyclic lactones) complicates the picture. The use of chemotherapy for other kinds of pathogens has benefitted enormously from research into the basic biology of the pathogen and on the host-pathogen interface. A lack of basic information on heartworms as parasites and how they interact with permissive and non-permissive hosts greatly limits the ability to discover new ways to prevent and treat heartworm disease. Recent advances in technical platforms will help overcome the intrinsic barriers that hamper research on D. immitis, most notably, the need for experimentally infected dogs to maintain the life cycle and provide material for experiments. Impressive achievements in the development of laboratory animal models for D. immitis will enhance efforts to discover new drugs for prevention or treatment, to characterize new diagnostic biomarkers and to identify key parasite-derived molecules that are essential for survival in permissive hosts, providing a rational basis for vaccine discovery. A 'genomics toolbox' for D. immitis could enable unprecedented insight into the negotiations between host and parasite that enable survival in a permissive host. The more we know about the pathogen and how it manipulates its host, the better able we will be to protect companion animals far into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G Geary
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University-Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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3
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Loghry HJ, Kwon H, Smith RC, Sondjaja NA, Minkler SJ, Young S, Wheeler NJ, Zamanian M, Bartholomay LC, Kimber MJ. Extracellular vesicles secreted by Brugia malayi microfilariae modulate the melanization pathway in the mosquito host. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8778. [PMID: 37258694 PMCID: PMC10232515 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35940-9] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne, filarial nematode diseases cause significant disease burdens in humans and domestic animals worldwide. Although there is strong direct evidence of parasite-driven immunomodulation of mammalian host responses, there is less evidence of parasite immunomodulation of the vector host. We have previously reported that all life stages of Brugia malayi, a filarial nematode and causative agent of Lymphatic filariasis, secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here we investigate the immunomodulatory effects of microfilariae-derived EVs on the vector host Aedes aegypti. RNA-seq analysis of an Ae. aegypti cell line treated with B. malayi microfilariae EVs showed differential expression of both mRNAs and miRNAs. AAEL002590, an Ae. aegypti gene encoding a serine protease, was shown to be downregulated when cells were treated with biologically relevant EV concentrations in vitro. Injection of adult female mosquitoes with biologically relevant concentrations of EVs validated these results in vivo, recapitulating the downregulation of AAEL002590 transcript. This gene was predicted to be involved in the mosquito phenoloxidase (PO) cascade leading to the canonical melanization response and correspondingly, both suppression of this gene using RNAi and parasite EV treatment reduced PO activity in vivo. Our data indicate that parasite-derived EVs interfere with critical immune responses in the vector host, including melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Loghry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Hyeogsun Kwon
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ryan C Smith
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Noelle A Sondjaja
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Sarah J Minkler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Sophie Young
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Nicolas J Wheeler
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, USA
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lyric C Bartholomay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael J Kimber
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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4
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Loghry HJ, Sondjaja NA, Minkler SJ, Kimber MJ. Secreted filarial nematode galectins modulate host immune cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:952104. [PMID: 36032131 PMCID: PMC9402972 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.952104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a mosquito-borne disease caused by filarial nematodes including Brugia malayi. Over 860 million people worldwide are infected or at risk of infection in 72 endemic countries. The absence of a protective vaccine means that current control strategies rely on mass drug administration programs that utilize inadequate drugs that cannot effectively kill adult parasites, thus established infections are incurable. Progress to address deficiencies in the approach to LF control is hindered by a poor mechanistic understanding of host-parasite interactions, including mechanisms of host immunomodulation by the parasite, a critical adaptation for establishing and maintaining infections. The canonical type 2 host response to helminth infection characterized by anti-inflammatory and regulatory immune phenotypes is modified by filarial nematodes during chronic LF. Current efforts at identifying parasite-derived factors driving this modification focus on parasite excretory-secretory products (ESP), including extracellular vesicles (EVs). We have previously profiled the cargo of B. malayi EVs and identified B. malayi galectin-1 and galectin-2 as among the most abundant EV proteins. In this study we further investigated the function of these proteins. Sequence analysis of the parasite galectins revealed highest homology to mammalian galectin-9 and functional characterization identified similar substrate affinities consistent with this designation. Immunological assays showed that Bma-LEC-2 is a bioactive protein that can polarize macrophages to an alternatively activated phenotype and selectively induce apoptosis in Th1 cells. Our data shows that an abundantly secreted parasite galectin is immunomodulatory and induces phenotypes consistent with the modified type 2 response characteristic of chronic LF infection.
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5
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Alizadeh Z, Mahami-Oskouei M, Spotin A, Ahmadpour E, Cai P, Sandoghchian Shotorbani S, Pashazadeh F, Ansari F, Mohammadi H. MicroRNAs in helminth parasites: a systematic review. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:779-808. [PMID: 34749620 DOI: 10.2174/1566524021666211108114009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are about 22-nucleotide, small, non-coding RNAs that control gene expression post-transcriptionally. Helminth parasites usually express a unique repertoire of genes, including miRNAs, across different developmental stages with subtle regulatory mechanisms. OBJECTIVE There is a necessity to investigate the involvement of miRNAs in the development of parasites, host-parasite interaction, immune evasion and their abilities to govern infection in hosts. miRNAs present in helminth parasites have been summarized in the current systematic review (SR). METHODS Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Embase, and Google Scholar search engine, were searched to identify helminth miRNA studies published from February 1993 till December 2019. Only the published articles in English were included in the study. RESULTS A total of 1769 articles were preliminarily recorded. Following the strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 105 studies were included in this SR. Most of these studies focused on the identification of miRNAs in helminth parasites and/or probing of differentially expressed host miRNA profiles in specific relevant tissues, while 12 studies aimed to detect parasite-derived miRNAs in host circulating system and 15 studies characterized extracellular vesicles (EV)-derived miRNAs secreted by parasites. CONCLUSION In the current SR, information regarding all miRNAs expressed in helminth parasites has been comprehensively provided and the utility of helminth parasites-derived miRNAs in diagnosis and control of parasitic infections has been discussed. Furthermore, functional studies on helminth-derived miRNAs have also been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alizadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | | | - Adel Spotin
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane. Australia
| | | | - Fariba Pashazadeh
- Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Fereshteh Ansari
- Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz. Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj. Iran
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6
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Mining nematode protein secretomes to explain lifestyle and host specificity. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009828. [PMID: 34587193 PMCID: PMC8504978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes are highly successful pathogens, inflicting disease on humans, animals and plants. Despite great differences in their life cycles, host preference and transmission modes, these parasites share a common capacity to manipulate their host's immune system. This is at least partly achieved through the release of excretory/secretory proteins, the most well-characterized component of nematode secretomes, that are comprised of functionally diverse molecules. In this work, we analyzed published protein secretomes of parasitic nematodes to identify common patterns as well as species-specific traits. The 20 selected organisms span 4 nematode clades, including plant pathogens, animal parasites, and the free-living species Caenorhabditis elegans. Transthyretin-like proteins were the only component common to all adult secretomes; many other protein classes overlapped across multiple datasets. The glycolytic enzymes aldolase and enolase were present in all parasitic species, but missing from C. elegans. Secretomes from larval stages showed less overlap between species. Although comparison of secretome composition across species and life-cycle stages is challenged by the use of different methods and depths of sequencing among studies, our workflow enabled the identification of conserved protein families and pinpointed elements that may have evolved as to enable parasitism. This strategy, extended to more secretomes, may be exploited to prioritize therapeutic targets in the future.
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7
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Drurey C, Maizels RM. Helminth extracellular vesicles: Interactions with the host immune system. Mol Immunol 2021; 137:124-133. [PMID: 34246032 PMCID: PMC8636279 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
As long-lived parasites, helminths depend upon immunomodulation of their hosts for survival. The release of excretory-secretory (ES) products, including proteins, lipids and RNAs is how successful host manipulation is achieved. It has recently been discovered that the ES products of helminths contain extracellular vesicles (EVs), with every species investigated found to secrete these lipid-bound structures. EVs are perfect for packaging and delivering immune modulators to target cell types. This review outlines the research carried out on helminth EVs and their constituents thus far, as well as their interaction with components of the mammalian immune system. We discuss how targeting EVs will aid treatment of helminth infection and consider how EVs and their immunomodulatory cargo could be used as therapeutics as we progress through this exciting era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Drurey
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Rick M Maizels
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK.
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8
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Tritten L, Burkman EJ, Clark T, Verocai GG. Secretory microRNA Profiles of Third- and Fourth-Stage Dirofilaria immitis Larvae with Different Macrocyclic Lactone Susceptibility: In Search of Biomarkers for Early Detection of Infection. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10070786. [PMID: 34206439 PMCID: PMC8308655 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10070786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, is among the most important parasites of dogs in the United States and worldwide, and may cause severe and potentially fatal disease. Current diagnostic recommendations rely on serological detection of an adult female antigen, and visualization of microfilariae in the blood. Therefore, a reliable diagnosis can be only performed approximately six months post-infection. There is a growing need to characterize novel diagnostic markers that are capable of detecting the early stages of heartworm infection, in special markers associated with third-stage larvae (L3) and fourth-stage larvae (L4). The early detection of infection would guide medical interventions that could impede the development of patent infections and further parasite transmission. We cultured D. immitis L3 and L4 of two laboratorial strains with different susceptibility statuses to macrocyclic lactone drugs in vitro. Excretory/secretory microRNAs were sequenced and analyzed. We identified two miRNA novel candidates secreted abundantly by both L3 and L4 of both strains. These candidates were previously detected in the secretions of other D. immitis stages and one of them was found in the blood of D. immitis-infected dogs. These miRNAs have not been found in the secretions of other nematodes and could be D. immitis-specific diagnostic biomarkers, which could allow for the early detection of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucienne Tritten
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence: (L.T.); (G.G.V.); Tel.: +41-44-635-8501 (L.T.); +1-979-862-4999 (G.G.V.)
| | - Erica J. Burkman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Tobias Clark
- Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Zoetis Inc., 333 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, USA;
| | - Guilherme G. Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Correspondence: (L.T.); (G.G.V.); Tel.: +41-44-635-8501 (L.T.); +1-979-862-4999 (G.G.V.)
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9
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Evans CC, Day KM, Chu Y, Garner B, Sakamoto K, Moorhead AR. A rapid, parasite-dependent cellular response to Dirofilaria immitis in the Mongolian jird (Meriones unguiculatus). Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:25. [PMID: 33413609 PMCID: PMC7788973 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04455-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mongolian jird (Meriones unguiculatus) has long been recognized as a permissive host for the filarial parasite Brugia malayi; however, it is nonpermissive to another filarial parasite, canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis). By elucidating differences in the early response to infection, we sought to identify mechanisms involved in the species-specific clearance of these parasites. We hypothesized that the early clearance of D. immitis in intraperitoneal infection of the jird is immune mediated and parasite species dependent. METHODS Jird peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) were isolated and their attachment to parasite larvae assessed in vitro under various conditions: D. immitis and B. malayi cultured separately, co-culture of both parasites, incubation before addition of cells, culture of heat-killed parasites, and culture with PECs isolated from jirds with mature B. malayi infection. The cells attaching to larvae were identified by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS In vitro cell attachment to live D. immitis was high (mean = 99.6%) while much lower for B. malayi (mean = 5.56%). This species-specific attachment was also observed when both filarial species were co-cultured, with no significant change from controls (U(9, 14) = 58.5, p = 0.999). When we replicated these experiments with PECs derived from jirds subcutaneously infected with B. malayi, the results were similar (99.4% and 4.72% of D. immitis and B. malayi, respectively, exhibited cell attachment). Heat-killing the parasites significantly reduced cell attachment to D. immitis (mean = 71.9%; U(11, 14) = 7.5, p < 0.001) while increasing attachment to B. malayi (mean = 16.7%; U(9, 15) = 20, p = 0.002). Cell attachment to both species was reduced when larvae were allowed a 24-h pre-incubation period prior to the addition of cells. The attaching cells were identified as macrophages by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a strongly species-dependent response from which B. malayi could not confer protection by proxy in co-culture. The changes in cell attachment following heat-killing and pre-incubation suggest a role for excretory/secretory products in host immune evasion and/or antigenicity. The nature of this attachment is the subject of ongoing study and may provide insight into filarial host specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Evans
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Katherine M Day
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Yi Chu
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Bridget Garner
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Kaori Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Andrew R Moorhead
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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10
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Loghry HJ, Yuan W, Zamanian M, Wheeler NJ, Day TA, Kimber MJ. Ivermectin inhibits extracellular vesicle secretion from parasitic nematodes. J Extracell Vesicles 2020; 10:e12036. [PMID: 33318780 PMCID: PMC7726798 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a disease caused by parasitic filarial nematodes that is endemic in 49 countries of the world and affects or threatens over 890 million people. Strategies to control LF rely heavily on mass administration of anthelmintic drugs including ivermectin (IVM), a macrocyclic lactone drug considered an Essential Medicine by the WHO. However, despite its widespread use the therapeutic mode of action of IVM against filarial nematodes is not clear. We have previously reported that filarial nematodes secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) and that their cargo has immunomodulatory properties. Here we investigate the effects of IVM and other anti-filarial drugs on parasitic nematode EV secretion, motility, and protein secretion. We show that inhibition of EV secretion was a specific property of IVM, which had consistent and significant inhibitory effects across nematode life stages and species, with the exception of male parasites. IVM inhibited EV secretion, but not parasite motility, at therapeutically relevant concentrations. Protein secretion was inhibited by IVM in the microfilariae stage, but not in any other stage tested. Our data provides evidence that inhibiting the secretion of immunomodulatory EVs by parasitic nematodes could explain, at least in part, IVM mode of action and provides a phenotype for novel drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. Loghry
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Wang Yuan
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological SciencesUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Nicolas J. Wheeler
- Department of Pathobiological SciencesUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Timothy A. Day
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
| | - Michael J. Kimber
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineIowa State UniversityAmesIowaUSA
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11
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D’Amelio S, Lombardo F, Pizzarelli A, Bellini I, Cavallero S. Advances in Omic Studies Drive Discoveries in the Biology of Anisakid Nematodes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E801. [PMID: 32679891 PMCID: PMC7397233 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in technologies employed in high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods are supporting the spread of studies that, combined with advances in computational biology and bioinformatics, have greatly accelerated discoveries within basic and biomedical research for many parasitic diseases. Here, we review the most updated "omic" studies performed on anisakid nematodes, a family of marine parasites that are causative agents of the fish-borne zoonosis known as anisakiasis or anisakidosis. Few deposited data on Anisakis genomes are so far available, and this still hinders the deep and highly accurate characterization of biological aspects of interest, even as several transcriptomic and proteomic studies are becoming available. These have been aimed at discovering and characterizing molecules specific to peculiar developmental parasitic stages or tissues, as well as transcripts with pathogenic potential as toxins and allergens, with a broad relevance for a better understanding of host-pathogen relationships and for the development of reliable diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Serena Cavallero
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.D.); (F.L.); (A.P.); (I.B.)
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12
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Duguet TB, Soichot J, Kuzyakiv R, Malmström L, Tritten L. Extracellular Vesicle-Contained microRNA of C. elegans as a Tool to Decipher the Molecular Basis of Nematode Parasitism. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:217. [PMID: 32523895 PMCID: PMC7261840 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the fundamental biological processes affected by microRNAs, small regulators of gene expression, a potential role in host-parasite communication is intriguing. We compared the miRNA complement of extracellular vesicles released by the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in culture to that of other adult parasitic nematodes. Expecting convergent functional roles for secreted miRNAs due to the common parasitic lifestyle of the organisms under investigation, we performed a miRNA sequence analysis as well as target search and pathway enrichment for potential mRNA targets within host immune functions. We found that the parasite miRNA seed sequences were more often identical to those of C. elegans, rather than to those of their hosts. However, we observed that the nematode-secreted miRNA fractions shared more often seed sequences with host miRNAs than those that are not found in the extracellular environment. Development and proliferation of immune cells was predicted to be affected several-fold by nematode miRNA release. In addition, we identified the AGE-RAGE signaling as a convergent targeted pathway by species-specific miRNAs from several parasitic species. We propose a multi-species comparative approach to differentiate those miRNAs that may have critical functions in host modulation, from those that may not. With our simple analysis, we put forward a workflow to study traits of parasitism at the miRNA level. This work will find even more resonance and significance, as an increasing amount of parasite miRNA collections are expected to be produced in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Duguet
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Julien Soichot
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rostyslav Kuzyakiv
- S3IT, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lars Malmström
- S3IT, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Institute for Computational Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lucienne Tritten
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Soichot J, Endriss Y, Marti H, Tritten L. Secreted microRNA data from the parasitic filarial nematode Acanthocheilonema viteae. Data Brief 2020; 29:105334. [PMID: 32181299 PMCID: PMC7063170 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.105334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of non-coding RNA species with important regulatory roles in gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. The helminth Acanthocheilonema viteae serves as model organism for research on parasitic filarial nematodes. Total RNA secreted or excreted in vitro by 1500 adult female and male A. viteae over 3 weeks was isolated from culture media previously processed by differential ultracentrifugation. miRNA sequencing revealed the presence of 360 unique miRNA candidates released by adult A. viteae in vitro. Among them, 74 high-confidence unique miRNAs, as well as several potential novel miRNA candidates were discovered. A large proportion of the sequenced miRNA candidates appeared differentially expressed between the male and female samples based on normalized copy count. The presence of extracellular vesicles, often rich in miRNAs, could not be confirmed unambiguously by transmission electron microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Soichot
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yvette Endriss
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hanspeter Marti
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucienne Tritten
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 266a, CH-8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Corresponding author.
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Quintana JF, Kumar S, Ivens A, Chow FWN, Hoy AM, Fulton A, Dickinson P, Martin C, Taylor M, Babayan SA, Buck AH. Comparative analysis of small RNAs released by the filarial nematode Litomosoides sigmodontis in vitro and in vivo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007811. [PMID: 31770367 PMCID: PMC6903752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The release of small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) has been reported in parasitic nematodes, trematodes and cestodes of medical and veterinary importance. However, little is known regarding the diversity and composition of sRNAs released by different lifecycle stages and the portion of sRNAs that persist in host tissues during filarial infection. This information is relevant to understanding potential roles of sRNAs in parasite-to-host communication, as well as to inform on the location within the host and time point at which they can be detected. Methodology and principal findings We have used small RNA (sRNA) sequencing analysis to identify sRNAs in replicate samples of the excretory-secretory (ES) products of developmental stages of the filarial nematode Litomosoides sigmodontis in vitro and compare this to the parasite-derived sRNA detected in host tissues. We show that all L. sigmodontis developmental stages release RNAs in vitro, including ribosomal RNA fragments, 5’-derived tRNA fragments (5’-tRFs) and, to a lesser extent, microRNAs (miRNAs). The gravid adult females (gAF) produce the largest diversity and abundance of miRNAs in the ES compared to the adult males or microfilariae. Analysis of sRNAs detected in serum and macrophages from infected animals reveals that parasite miRNAs are preferentially detected in vivo, compared to their low levels in the ES products, and identifies miR-92-3p and miR-71-5p as L. sigmodontis miRNAs that are stably detected in host cells in vivo. Conclusions Our results suggest that gravid adult female worms secrete the largest diversity of extracellular sRNAs compared to adult males or microfilariae. We further show differences in the parasite sRNA biotype distribution detected in vitro versus in vivo. We identify macrophages as one reservoir for parasite sRNA during infection, and confirm the presence of parasite miRNAs and tRNAs in host serum during patent infection. Lymphatic and visceral filariasis, as well as loiasis and onchocerciasis, are parasitic infections caused by filarial nematodes that can cause extensive and diverse clinical manifestations, including edemas of the lower limbs and visual impairment. These parasites successfully maintain a crosstalk with the immune system of their host and one potential mediator of this communication is extracellular small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) released by the parasite. However, little is known of the mechanisms of sRNA export, how the exported sRNAs differ between lifecycle stages, and how the parasite microenvironment (e.g. in vitro vs. in vivo) contributes to the composition of sRNAs that can be detected. In this report, we show that all the developmental stages of the filarial parasite Litomosoides sigmodontis release sRNAs, which include tRNA fragments and miRNAs, in vitro. A subset of the miRNAs are differentially represented in the ES products between adult stages (males and gravid females) and larval stages (microfilariae) in vitro, however all of the miRNAs detected in serum or macrophages in vivo are present in the ES from all life stages. We show that the parasite-derived miRNAs are protected from degradation in vitro and are stable in vivo, as they are readily detectable in the serum of infected jirds. Several parasite miRNAs are also detected within macrophages purified from infected hosts, consistent with parasite RNAs having a yet unidentified functional role in host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F. Quintana
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sujai Kumar
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alasdair Ivens
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Franklin W. N. Chow
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M. Hoy
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Fulton
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Dickinson
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Coralie Martin
- Unite Molecules de Communication et Adaptation des Microorganismes (MCAM, UMR 7245), Sorbonne Universites, Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, CNRS, CP52, Paris, France
| | - Matthew Taylor
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Simon A. Babayan
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Amy H. Buck
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection & Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Rojas A, Baneth G. Secretome of the carcinogenic helminth Spirocerca lupi reveals specific parasite proteins associated with its different life stages. Vet Parasitol 2019; 275:108935. [PMID: 31704657 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2019.108935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Spirocerca lupi is a parasitic and carcinogenic nematode of canids distributed in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The excretion-secretion proteins (PES) of S. lupi have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of its infection. We aimed to identify the PES of different stages of S. lupi and search for proteins that would be useful for diagnostic, therapeutic and vaccination purposes as well as understand their functions. A nano-UPLC mass spectrometry de novo analysis was performed on proteins collected from cultures of S. lupi L3 larvae, L4 females, adult females and adult males from naturally infected hosts. A total of 211 proteins were identified in all cultures. Accordingly, 117, 130, 99 and 116 proteins were detected in L3 larva, L4 females, adult females and adult males, respectively, with a strong correlation in the biological replicates (Pearson coefficients > 0.73). Fourty-four proteins were detected in all developmental stages, 64 were stage-specific and 49 were exclusively identified in L4 females. Cell compartment enrichment analysis revealed that proteins common to all stages were cytoplasmatic (p < 9.x10-6), whereas L4 unique proteins were in collagen trimers, and macromolecular complexes (p < 0.00001). Functional enrichment analysis of proteins showed significant enrichment in lipid metabolism in L3-unique proteins (p<0.00005), in mannose metabolism and protein de-glycosylation for L4-unique proteins (p < 0.00004), and in phosphorus metabolism in proteins shared by all stages (p < 2.1 x10-9). Interestingly, annexin 6, associated with cancer in humans, was detected in all life stages, but in a larger abundance in L4 females and adults. These findings indicate that S. lupi establishes complex interactions with its hosts by an arsenal of proteins expressed in different patterns in each life stage which influence the pathogenesis and oncogenesis of S. lupi and may be used as potential targets for diagnostic assays, drug targets or vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rojas
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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16
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Liang P, Mao L, Zhang S, Guo X, Liu G, Wang L, Hou J, Zheng Y, Luo X. Identification and molecular characterization of exosome-like vesicles derived from the Taenia asiatica adult worm. Acta Trop 2019; 198:105036. [PMID: 31125559 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Taenia asiatica is an important food-borne parasite that poses a threat to food-safety and animal husbandry hygine, yet little is known about its specific infection and immune escape mechanisms. Exosome-like vesicles have recently emerged as a regulator in the interactions between parasites and hosts, providing a new direction for research on infection of T. asiatica. In this experiment, exosome-like vesicles were collected from the excretory/secretory products of cultured T. asiatica and isolated by differential centrifugation. The purified vesicles, ranging from 30 to 150 nm in size, were identified as exosome-like vesicles by transmission electron microscope and Nanoparticle tracking analysis. Proteomics analysis identified 455 proteins in the exosome-like vesicles. Of these proteins, enzymes involved in metabolic processes were identified, including glyceraldehyde 3 phosphate dehydrogenase, fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate aldolase, cytosolic malate dehydrogenase, and enolase. The two most abundant proteins from proteomic analysis, 14-3-3 and enolase, were shown to be present in the exosome-like vesicles by immunogold labeling. High-throughput RNA sequencing yielded twenty known miRNAs present in exosome-like vesicle sRNA libraries. Nine of the miRNAs, including six known miRNAs (tas-miR-71, tas-miR-1, tas-miR-7, tas-miR-9, tas-miR-10, and tas-let-7) and three newly discovered miRNAs (tas-m0022-3p, tas-m0816-3p, tas-m0082-5p), were confirmed by RT-qPCR as present in T. asiatica adult worm extracts and secreted exosome-like vesicles in T. asiatica. Additionally, we demonstrated that exosome-like vesicles experimentally labeled with PKH67 were internalized by LoVo cells in vitro. These findings provide new insights into the interaction between tapeworms and hosts mediated by exosome-like vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panhong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Li Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Xiaola Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Guangxue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou, 730046, China; College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Lijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Junling Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Yadong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Xuenong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS, Lanzhou, 730046, China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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17
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Liu L, Gu T, Bao X, Zheng S, Zhao J, Zhang L. Microarray Profiling of Circular RNA Identifies hsa_circ_0126991 as a Potential Risk Factor for Essential Hypertension. Cytogenet Genome Res 2019; 157:203-212. [PMID: 31108493 DOI: 10.1159/000500063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential hypertension (EH), a major cause of cardiovascular diseases, is an important public health issue. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in EH remain unknown. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel promising biomarker for the disease. The purpose of the present study was to determine the expression of circRNAs in the blood of EH patients and to evaluate the performance of circRNA for early diagnosis of EH. A total of 178 subjects were recruited in the case-control study. Initial screening was done by using the Agilent human circRNA microarray followed by qRT-PCR validation. Finally, miRNAs were combined with circRNAs to create a new early prediction model for EH. The expression level of hsa_circ_0126991 in EH patients was significantly higher in comparison with healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Using the interaction of miR-10a-5p in combination with hsa_circ_0126991 led to a sensitivity of 0.708, a specificity of 0.764, and combined area under the curve of 0.774 (95% CI: 0.705-0.843) for early diagnosis of EH. In summary, the present study uncovered a novel perspective that hyperexpression of hsa_circ_0126991 is correlated with the risk of EH and may serve as a stable biomarker for early diagnosis of EH.
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18
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Martini F, Eckmair B, Štefanić S, Jin C, Garg M, Yan S, Jiménez-Castells C, Hykollari A, Neupert C, Venco L, Varón Silva D, Wilson IBH, Paschinger K. Highly modified and immunoactive N-glycans of the canine heartworm. Nat Commun 2019; 10:75. [PMID: 30622255 PMCID: PMC6325117 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07948-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a mosquito-borne parasitic nematode whose range is extending due to climate change. In a four-dimensional analysis involving HPLC, MALDI-TOF–MS and MS/MS in combination with chemical and enzymatic digestions, we here reveal an N-glycome of unprecedented complexity. We detect N-glycans of up to 7000 Da, which contain long fucosylated HexNAc-based repeats, as well as glucuronylated structures. While some modifications including LacdiNAc, chitobiose, α1,3-fucose and phosphorylcholine are familiar, anionic N-glycans have previously not been reported in nematodes. Glycan array data show that the neutral glycans are preferentially recognised by IgM in dog sera or by mannose binding lectin when antennal fucose and phosphorylcholine residues are removed; this pattern of reactivity is reversed for mammalian C-reactive protein, which can in turn be bound by the complement component C1q. Thereby, the N-glycans of D. immitis contain features which may either mediate immunomodulation of the host or confer the ability to avoid immune surveillance. The glycome of parasites can have immunomodulatory properties or help to avoid immune surveillance, but details are unknown. Here, Martini et al. characterize the N-glycome of the canine heartworm, reveal an unprecedented complexity, particularly in anionic N-glycans, and determine recognition by components of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Eckmair
- Department für Chemie, Universität für Bodenkultur, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria
| | - Saša Štefanić
- Institute of Parasitology, Universität Zürich, Winterthurerstraße 266a, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Chunsheng Jin
- Institutionen för Biomedicin, Göteborgs Universitet, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Monika Garg
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflächenforschung, Biomolekulare Systeme, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Shi Yan
- Department für Chemie, Universität für Bodenkultur, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria.,Institut für Parasitologie, Veterinärmedizinische Universität, 1210, Wien, Austria
| | | | - Alba Hykollari
- Department für Chemie, Universität für Bodenkultur, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria
| | | | - Luigi Venco
- Clinica Veterinaria Lago Maggiore, Arona, 28040, Italy
| | - Daniel Varón Silva
- Max-Planck-Institut für Kolloid- und Grenzflächenforschung, Biomolekulare Systeme, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Iain B H Wilson
- Department für Chemie, Universität für Bodenkultur, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria.
| | - Katharina Paschinger
- Department für Chemie, Universität für Bodenkultur, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria
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19
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Tritten L, Geary TG. Helminth extracellular vesicles in host–parasite interactions. Curr Opin Microbiol 2018; 46:73-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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20
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Braman A, Weber PS, Tritten L, Geary T, Long M, Beachboard S, Mackenzie C. Further Characterization of Molecular Markers in Canine Dirofilaria immitis Infection. J Parasitol 2018; 104:697-701. [PMID: 30148419 DOI: 10.1645/18-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is a common filarial parasite found in dogs and cats in the Americas, with the pathophysiological consequences of the infection differing somewhat between these 2 host species. Recent research efforts have been focused on determining if the microRNAs (miRNAs) released from adult Dirofilariae have a role as markers for distinguishing the intensity of adult worm infection, as well as determining the presence of new infections. This study expands previous work on 2 nematode miRNAs, miR34 and miR-71, by addressing their ability to discriminate between low and high D. immitis adult worm intensities in dogs. Serum samples were collected from 13 dogs, 8 of which carried known numbers of adult D. immitis at autopsy in their hearts and pulmonary vessels. Three groups of canine sera were created based on D. immitis burden: "control" (0 worms; 5 animals), "low intensity" (10-18 worms; mean ± SD = 12.3 ± 4.4; 4 animals), and "high intensity" (41-72 worms; mean 62.5 ± 15.1; 4 animals) groups. A qPCR analysis was performed on each sample to measure plasma levels of miR-34 and miR-71; however, no significant differences were observed between these groups in terms of levels of miRNAs, so the low- and high-intensity samples were then combined into a single "infected" category and compared to the "non-infected" controls. Copy numbers of both miR-34 and miR-71 were significantly higher in infected compared to uninfected animals ( P = 0.015 and P = 0.027, respectively). The Ct values of expression compared with the adult worm intensity for each miRNA revealed that both miR-34 and miR-71 significantly discriminate between the infected and non-infected groups ( P value < 0.0001 for both). These findings support the contention that miRNA 34 and miRNA 71, which are filarial-specific miRNAs, can both serve as biomarkers for the presence of D. immitis infection in dogs, but at this point they do not appear to reflect the actual intensity of adult parasites present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Braman
- 1 Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Patty Sue Weber
- 1 Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Lucienne Tritten
- 2 The Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 0G4
| | - Timothy Geary
- 2 The Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 0G4
| | - Maureen Long
- 3 Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Sarah Beachboard
- 3 Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Charles Mackenzie
- 1 Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
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21
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Eichenberger RM, Sotillo J, Loukas A. Immunobiology of parasitic worm extracellular vesicles. Immunol Cell Biol 2018; 96:704-713. [PMID: 29808496 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Helminth parasites (worms) have evolved a vast array of strategies to manipulate their vertebrate hosts. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by all helminth species investigated thus far, and their salient roles in parasite-host interactions are being revealed. Parasite EVs directly interact with various cell types from their hosts, including immune cells, and roles for their molecular cargo in both regulation and promotion of inflammation in the host have been reported. Despite the growing body of literature on helminth EVs, limited availability of genetic manipulation tools for helminth research has precluded detailed investigation of specific molecular interactions between parasite EVs and host target cells. Here, we review the current state of the field and discuss innovative strategies targeting helminth EVs for the discovery and development of new therapeutic strategies, placing particular emphasis on both anti-helminth vaccines and EV small RNAs for treating noninfectious inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon M Eichenberger
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- ParaGen Bio Laboratories, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
- ParaGen Bio Laboratories, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4878, Australia
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22
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Harischandra H, Yuan W, Loghry HJ, Zamanian M, Kimber MJ. Profiling extracellular vesicle release by the filarial nematode Brugia malayi reveals sex-specific differences in cargo and a sensitivity to ivermectin. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006438. [PMID: 29659599 PMCID: PMC5919703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The filarial nematode Brugia malayi is an etiological agent of Lymphatic Filariasis. The capability of B. malayi and other parasitic nematodes to modulate host biology is recognized but the mechanisms by which such manipulation occurs are obscure. An emerging paradigm is the release of parasite-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) containing bioactive proteins and small RNA species that allow secretion of parasite effector molecules and their potential trafficking to host tissues. We have previously described EV release from the infectious L3 stage B. malayi and here we profile vesicle release across all intra-mammalian life cycle stages (microfilariae, L3, L4, adult male and female worms). Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis was used to quantify and size EVs revealing discrete vesicle populations and indicating a secretory process that is conserved across the life cycle. Brugia EVs are internalized by murine macrophages with no preference for life stage suggesting a uniform mechanism for effector molecule trafficking. Further, the use of chemical uptake inhibitors suggests all life stage EVs are internalized by phagocytosis. Proteomic profiling of adult male and female EVs using nano-scale LC-MS/MS described quantitative and qualitative differences in the adult EV proteome, helping define the biogenesis of Brugia EVs and revealing sexual dimorphic characteristics in immunomodulatory cargo. Finally, ivermectin was found to rapidly inhibit EV release by all Brugia life stages. Further this drug effect was also observed in the related filarial nematode, the canine heartworm Dirofilaria immitis but not in an ivermectin-unresponsive field isolate of that parasite, highlighting a potential mechanism of action for this drug and suggesting new screening platforms for anti-filarial drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiruni Harischandra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Wang Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Hannah J. Loghry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Kimber
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
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Vesicle-based secretion in schistosomes: Analysis of protein and microRNA (miRNA) content of exosome-like vesicles derived from Schistosoma mansoni. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3286. [PMID: 29459722 PMCID: PMC5818524 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small vesicles of endocytic origin, which are released into the extracellular environment and mediate a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Here we show that Schistosoma mansoni releases exosome-like vesicles in vitro. Vesicles were purified from culture medium by sucrose gradient fractionation and fractions containing vesicles verified by western blot analyses and electron microscopy. Proteomic analyses of exosomal contents unveiled 130 schistosome proteins. Among these proteins are common exosomal markers such as heat shock proteins, energy-generating enzymes, cytoskeletal proteins, and others. In addition, the schistosome extracellular vesicles contain proteins of potential importance for host-parasite interaction, notably peptidases, signaling proteins, cell adhesion proteins (e.g., integrins) and previously described vaccine candidates, including glutathione-S-transferase (GST), tetraspanin (TSP-2) and calpain. S. mansoni exosomes also contain 143 microRNAs (miRNA), of which 25 are present at high levels, including miRNAs detected in sera of infected hosts. Quantitative PCR analysis confirmed the presence of schistosome-derived miRNAs in exosomes purified from infected mouse sera. The results provide evidence of vesicle-mediated secretion in these parasites and suggest that schistosome-derived exosomes could play important roles in host-parasite interactions and could be a useful tool in the development of vaccines and therapeutics.
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Eichenberger RM, Talukder MH, Field MA, Wangchuk P, Giacomin P, Loukas A, Sotillo J. Characterization of Trichuris muris secreted proteins and extracellular vesicles provides new insights into host-parasite communication. J Extracell Vesicles 2018; 7:1428004. [PMID: 29410780 PMCID: PMC5795766 DOI: 10.1080/20013078.2018.1428004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Whipworms are parasitic nematodes that live in the gut of more than 500 million people worldwide. Owing to the difficulty in obtaining parasite material, the mouse whipworm Trichuris muris has been extensively used as a model to study human whipworm infections. These nematodes secrete a multitude of compounds that interact with host tissues where they orchestrate a parasitic existence. Herein we provide the first comprehensive characterization of the excretory/secretory products of T. muris. We identify 148 proteins secreted by T. muris and show for the first time that the mouse whipworm secretes exosome-like extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can interact with host cells. We use an Optiprep® gradient to purify the EVs, highlighting the suitability of this method for purifying EVs secreted by a parasitic nematode. We also characterize the proteomic and genomic content of the EVs, identifying >350 proteins, 56 miRNAs (22 novel) and 475 full-length mRNA transcripts mapping to T. muris gene models. Many of the miRNAs putatively mapped to mouse genes are involved in regulation of inflammation, implying a role in parasite-driven immunomodulation. In addition, for the first time to our knowledge, colonic organoids have been used to demonstrate the internalization of parasite EVs by host cells. Understanding how parasites interact with their host is crucial to develop new control measures. This first characterization of the proteins and EVs secreted by T. muris provides important information on whipworm-host communication and forms the basis for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon M. Eichenberger
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Matthew A. Field
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul Giacomin
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Javier Sotillo
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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