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Multivariate chemogenomic screening prioritizes new macrofilaricidal leads. Commun Biol 2023; 6:44. [PMID: 36639423 PMCID: PMC9839782 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04435-8] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of direct acting macrofilaricides for the treatment of human filariases is hampered by limitations in screening throughput imposed by the parasite life cycle. In vitro adult screens typically assess single phenotypes without prior enrichment for chemicals with antifilarial potential. We developed a multivariate screen that identified dozens of compounds with submicromolar macrofilaricidal activity, achieving a hit rate of >50% by leveraging abundantly accessible microfilariae. Adult assays were multiplexed to thoroughly characterize compound activity across relevant parasite fitness traits, including neuromuscular control, fecundity, metabolism, and viability. Seventeen compounds from a diverse chemogenomic library elicited strong effects on at least one adult trait, with differential potency against microfilariae and adults. Our screen identified five compounds with high potency against adults but low potency or slow-acting microfilaricidal effects, at least one of which acts through a novel mechanism. We show that the use of microfilariae in a primary screen outperforms model nematode developmental assays and virtual screening of protein structures inferred with deep learning. These data provide new leads for drug development, and the high-content and multiplex assays set a new foundation for antifilarial discovery.
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Bhoj P, Togre N, Khatri V, Goswami K. Harnessing Immune Evasion Strategy of Lymphatic Filariae: A Therapeutic Approach against Inflammatory and Infective Pathology. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081235. [PMID: 36016123 PMCID: PMC9415972 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human lymphatic filariae have evolved numerous immune evasion strategies to secure their long-term survival in a host. These strategies include regulation of pattern recognition receptors, mimicry with host glycans and immune molecules, manipulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, induction of apoptosis in effector immune cells, and neutralization of free radicals. This creates an anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory milieu in the host: a modified Th2 immune response. Therefore, targeting filarial immunomodulators and manipulating the filariae-driven immune system against the filariae can be a potential therapeutic and prophylactic strategy. Filariae-derived immunosuppression can also be exploited to treat other inflammatory diseases and immunopathologic states of parasitic diseases, such as cerebral malaria, and to prevent leishmaniasis. This paper reviews immunomodulatory mechanisms acquired by these filariae for their own survival and their potential application in the development of novel therapeutic approaches against parasitic and inflammatory diseases. Insight into the intricate network of host immune-parasite interactions would aid in the development of effective immune-therapeutic options for both infectious and immune-pathological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Namdev Togre
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
- Correspondence: (N.T.); (K.G.)
| | | | - Kalyan Goswami
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Saguna, Kalyani 741245, India
- Correspondence: (N.T.); (K.G.)
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Airs PM, Vaccaro K, Gallo KJ, Dinguirard N, Heimark ZW, Wheeler NJ, He J, Weiss KR, Schroeder NE, Huisken J, Zamanian M. Spatial transcriptomics reveals antiparasitic targets associated with essential behaviors in the human parasite Brugia malayi. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010399. [PMID: 35390105 PMCID: PMC9017939 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a chronic debilitating neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by mosquito-transmitted nematodes that afflicts over 60 million people. Control of LF relies on routine mass drug administration with antiparasitics that clear circulating larval parasites but are ineffective against adults. The development of effective adulticides is hampered by a poor understanding of the processes and tissues driving parasite survival in the host. The adult filariae head region contains essential tissues that control parasite feeding, sensory, secretory, and reproductive behaviors, which express promising molecular substrates for the development of antifilarial drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics. We have adapted spatial transcriptomic approaches to map gene expression patterns across these prioritized but historically intractable head tissues. Spatial and tissue-resolved data reveal distinct biases in the origins of known drug targets and secreted antigens. These data were used to identify potential new drug and vaccine targets, including putative hidden antigens expressed in the alimentary canal, and to spatially associate receptor subunits belonging to druggable families. Spatial transcriptomic approaches provide a powerful resource to aid gene function inference and seed antiparasitic discovery pipelines across helminths of relevance to human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Airs
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kathy Vaccaro
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kendra J. Gallo
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nathalie Dinguirard
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Zachary W. Heimark
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nicolas J. Wheeler
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jiaye He
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Kurt R. Weiss
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Nathan E. Schroeder
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jan Huisken
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Dorkenoo MA, Tchankoni MK, Yehadji D, Yakpa K, Tchalim M, Sossou E, Bronzan R, Ekouevi DK. Monitoring migrant groups as a post-validation surveillance approach to contain the potential reemergence of lymphatic filariasis in Togo. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:134. [PMID: 33653393 PMCID: PMC7923304 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04644-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2017, Togo was declared the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem, but post-validation surveillance has been lacking. In some areas of the country, migrant groups from neighboring countries that are still endemic for LF pose a risk of reintroduction of LF to Togo. The objective of this study was to identify the risk posed by migrant groups by measuring their prevalence of LF infection and investigating any positive case using Togo's case investigation algorithm to prevent resurgence of LF and sustain Togo's elimination success. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 in the northernmost region of the country. Three migrant populations were identified: (i) nomadic Peuhls, (ii) Togolese members of local communities who migrate annually to neighboring countries for seasonal labor, and (iii) refugees from Ghana who came to Togo because of a communal conflict in Ghana. A questionnaire was designed to collect data on demographics and history of LF and MDA; all participants were tested for circulating filariasis antigen (CFA) using the filariasis test strip (FTS). Any CFA-positive case was confirmed with nocturnal microfilaremia. RESULTS Refugees, seasonal economic migrants and nomadic Peuhls represented 42.1%, 31.4% and 26.5% of the study participants, respectively. The overall prevalence of CFA was 4.2% (58/1391) with the highest prevalence in the nomadic Peuhl group (11.9%), but only one of them (0.07%) was confirmed positive with nocturnal microfilaremia. Using the case investigation algorithm, no other positive case was identified in the positive case's surroundings. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that nomadic Peuhls, with a CFA prevalence of 11.9%, pose a potential risk for reintroduction of LF into Togo while Ghanaian refugees and seasonal economic migrants do not appear to pose a significant risk. Periodic monitoring of migrants, especially the nomadic Peuhl population, is a potential post-validation surveillance approach that could be used to promptly detect any LF cluster that may arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Ameyo Dorkenoo
- Université de Lomé, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, BP 1515 Lomé, Togo
- Programme National d’Elimination de la Filariose Lymphatique, Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiène Publique, BP 336 Lomé, Togo
- Division des Laboratoires, Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiène Publique, 374 avenue Georges Pompidou, BP 1161 Lomé, Togo
| | | | - Degninou Yehadji
- Division des Laboratoires, Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiène Publique, 374 avenue Georges Pompidou, BP 1161 Lomé, Togo
| | - Kossi Yakpa
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Programme National de Lutte contre le Paludisme, Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiène Publique, Rue Adamé, Quartier administratif BP 518, Lomé, Togo
| | - Mawèké Tchalim
- Programme National d’Elimination de la Filariose Lymphatique, Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiène Publique, BP 336 Lomé, Togo
| | - Efoe Sossou
- Division des Laboratoires, Ministère de la Santé et de l’Hygiène Publique, 374 avenue Georges Pompidou, BP 1161 Lomé, Togo
| | - Rachel Bronzan
- Health and Development International (HDI), Newburyport, MA USA
| | - Didier Koumavi Ekouevi
- Université de Lomé, Faculté des Sciences de la Santé, BP 1515 Lomé, Togo
- Centre Africain de Recherche en Epidémiologie et en Santé Publique (CARESP), Lomé, Togo
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Yokoly FN, Zahouli JBZ, Méite A, Opoku M, Kouassi BL, de Souza DK, Bockarie M, Koudou BG. Low transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti in cross-border districts of Côte d'Ivoire: A great step towards lymphatic filariasis elimination in West Africa. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231541. [PMID: 32282840 PMCID: PMC7153895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is widely endemic in Côte d'Ivoire, and elimination as public health problem (EPHP) is based on annual mass drug administration (MDA) using ivermectin and albendazole. To guide EPHP efforts, we evaluated Wuchereria bancrofti infection indices among humans, and mosquito vectors after four rounds of MDA in four cross-border health districts of Côte d'Ivoire. METHODOLOGY We monitored people and mosquitoes for W. bancrofti infections in the cross-border health districts of Aboisso, Bloléquin, Odienné and Ouangolodougou, Côte d'Ivoire. W. bancrofti circulating filarial antigen (CFA) was identified using filariasis test strips, and antigen-positive individuals were screened for microfilaremia. Moreover, filarial mosquito vectors were sampled using window exit traps and pyrethrum sprays, and identified morphologically at species level. Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Culex quinquefasciatus females were analyzed for W. bancrofti infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Overall, we found a substantial decline in W. bancrofti infection indices after four rounds of MDA compared to pre-MDA baseline data. CFA prevalence fell from 3.38-5.50% during pre-MDA to 0.00-1.53% after MDA interventions. No subjects had detectable levels of CFA in Ouangolodougou. Moreover, post-MDA CFA prevalence was very low, and below the 1% elimination threshold in Aboisso (0.19%) and Odienné (0.49%). Conversely, CFA prevalence remained above 1% in Bloléquin (1.53%). W. bancrofti microfilariae (Mf) were not found in Aboisso, Bloléquin, and Ouangolodougou, except for Odienné with low prevalence (0.16%; n = 613) and microfilaremia of 32.0 Mf/mL. No An. gambiae s.l. and Cx. quinquefasciatus pools were infected with W. bancrofti in Bloléquin and Ouangolodougou, while they exhibited low infection rates in Aboisso (1% and 0.07%), and Odienné (0.08% and 0.08%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS In cross-border areas of Côte d'Ivoire, LF infection indices in humans and mosquito vectors substantially declined after four rounds of MDA. CFA prevalence fell under the World Health Organization (WHO)-established threshold (1%) in Aboisso, Ouangolodougou and Odienné. Moreover, W. bancrofti prevalence in mosquitoes was lower than WHO-established threshold (2%) in all areas. This might suggest the interruption of W. bancrofti transmission, and possible MDA cessation. However, a formal transmission assessment survey (TAS) and molecular xenomonitoring in mosquito vectors should be implemented before eventual MDA cessation. However, MDA should pursue in Bloléquin where W. bancrofti infection prevalence remained above 1%. Our results provided important ramifications for LF control efforts towards EPHP in Côte d'Ivoire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firmain N. Yokoly
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences de la Nature, Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Julien B. Z. Zahouli
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Centre d’Entomologie Médicale et Vétérinaire, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Aboulaye Méite
- Programme National de Lutte contre les Maladies Tropicales Négligées à Chimiothérapie Préventive, Ministère de la Santé, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Millicent Opoku
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bernard L. Kouassi
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Dziedzom K. de Souza
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Moses Bockarie
- European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Benjamin G. Koudou
- Unité de Formation et de Recherche Sciences de la Nature, Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
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