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Smith-Ávila S, Ibarra-Cerdeña CN, Barranco-Florido JE, Vidal-Martínez VM. Heterorhabditis indica (Nematoda: Rhabditida) a possible new biological control agent against the vector of Chagas disease. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107262. [PMID: 38801912 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107262] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Chagas disease is a zoonosis caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted through the feces of triatomines, mainly in Latin America. Since the 1950s, chemical insecticides have been the primary method for controlling these triatomines, yet resistance has emerged, prompting the exploration of alternative approaches. The objective of this research was to test the capacity of the entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis indica and its symbiotic bacteria Photorhabdus luminescens, to produce mortality of Triatoma dimidiata a key vector of T. cruzi in Mexico under laboratory conditions. Two bioassays were conducted. In the first bioassay, the experimental unit was a 250 ml plastic jar with 100 g of sterile soil and three adult T. dimidiata. Three nematode quantities were tested: 2250, 4500, and 9000 nematodes per 100 g of sterile soil (n/100 g) per jar, with 3 replicates for each concentration and 1 control per concentration (1 jar with 100 g of sterile soil and 3 T. dimidiata without nematodes). The experimental unit of the second bioassay was a 500 ml plastic jar with 100 g of sterile soil and 4 adult T. dimidiata. This bioassay included 5, 50, 500, and 5000 n/100 g of sterile soil per jar, with 3 replicates of each quantity and 1 control per quantity. Data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meyer survival analysis. Electron microscopy was used to assess the presence of nematodes and tissue damage in T. dimidiata. The results of the first bioassay demonstrated that the nematode induced an accumulated average mortality ranging from 55.5 % (2250 n/100 g) to 100 % (4500 and 9000 n/100 g) within 144 h. In the second bioassay, the 5000 n/100 g concentration yielded 87.5 % mortality at 86 h, but a concentration as small as 500 n/100 g caused 75 % mortality from 84 h onwards. Survival analysis indicated higher T. dimidiata mortality with increased nematode quantities, with significant differences between the 4500, 5000, and 9000 n/100 g and controls. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of nematodes and its presumably symbiotic bacteria in the digestive system of T. dimidiata. Based on these analyses, we assert that the H. indica and P. luminescens complex causes mortality in adult T. dimidiata under laboratory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Smith-Ávila
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Carlos N Ibarra-Cerdeña
- Departamento de Ecología Humana Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav), Carretera Mérida - Progreso, Loma Bonita, Mérida, Yucatán 97205, México
| | - Juan Esteban Barranco-Florido
- Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Coapa, Villa Quietud, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México (CDMX) 04960, México
| | - Víctor Manuel Vidal-Martínez
- Departamento Recursos del Mar Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav), Carretera Mérida - Progreso, Loma Bonita, Mérida, Yucatán 97205, México.
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2
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Genç TT, Kaya S, Günay M, Çakaloğlu Ç. Humoral immune response of Galleria mellonella after mono- and co-injection with Hypericum perforatum extract and Candida albicans. APMIS 2024; 132:358-370. [PMID: 38344892 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Galleria mellonella is used as a model organism to study the innate immune response of insects. In this study, the humoral immune response was assessed by examining phenoloxidase activity, fungal burden, and the expression of phenoloxidase and antimicrobial peptide genes at different time point following separate and combined injections of Hypericum perforatum extract and a nonlethal dose of Candida albicans. The administration of a plant extract at low doses increased phenoloxidase activity, while higher doses had no effect. Similarly, co-injection of a low dose of the extract with the pathogen allowed half of the yeast cells to survive after 24 h. Co-injection of plant extract with the pathogen decreased the phenoloxidase activity at the end of 4 h compared to C. albicans mono-injection. The phenoloxidase gene expressions was reduced in all experimental conditions with respect to the control. When plant extracts and the pathogen were administered together, gallerimycin and hemolin gene expressions were considerably higher compared to mono-injections of plant extracts and the pathogen. The results of this study reveal that gene activation and regulatory mechanisms may change for each immune gene, and that recognition and signaling pathways may differ depending on the involved immunoregulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tülay Turgut Genç
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Serhat Kaya
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Melih Günay
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Çağla Çakaloğlu
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
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3
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Schaub GA. Interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi, Triatomines and the Microbiota of the Vectors-A Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:855. [PMID: 38792688 PMCID: PMC11123833 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, its vectors, triatomines, and the diverse intestinal microbiota of triatomines, which includes mutualistic symbionts, and highlights open questions. T. cruzi strains show great biological heterogeneity in their development and their interactions. Triatomines differ from other important vectors of diseases in their ontogeny and the enzymes used to digest blood. Many different bacteria colonize the intestinal tract of triatomines, but only Actinomycetales have been identified as mutualistic symbionts. Effects of the vector on T. cruzi are indicated by differences in the ability of T. cruzi to establish in the triatomines and in colonization peculiarities, i.e., proliferation mainly in the posterior midgut and rectum and preferential transformation into infectious metacyclic trypomastigotes in the rectum. In addition, certain forms of T. cruzi develop after feeding and during starvation of triatomines. Negative effects of T. cruzi on the triatomine vectors appear to be particularly evident when the triatomines are stressed and depend on the T. cruzi strain. Effects on the intestinal immunity of the triatomines are induced by ingested blood-stage trypomastigotes of T. cruzi and affect the populations of many non-symbiotic intestinal bacteria, but not all and not the mutualistic symbionts. After the knockdown of antimicrobial peptides, the number of non-symbiotic bacteria increases and the number of T. cruzi decreases. Presumably, in long-term infections, intestinal immunity is suppressed, which supports the growth of specific bacteria, depending on the strain of T. cruzi. These interactions may provide an approach to disrupt T. cruzi transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter A Schaub
- Zoology/Parasitology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
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Labropoulou V, Wang L, Magkrioti C, Smagghe G, Swevers L. Single domain von Willebrand factor type C "cytokines" and the regulation of the stress/immune response in insects. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22071. [PMID: 38288483 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The single domain von Willebrand factor type C (SVWC) appears in small secreted peptides that are arthropod-specific and are produced following environmental stress or pathogen exposure. Most research has focused on proteins with SVWC domain that are induced after virus infection and are hypothesized to function as "cytokines" to regulate the innate immune response. The expansion of SVWC genes in insect species indicates that many other functions remain to be discovered. Research in shrimp has elucidated the adaptability of Vago-like peptides in the innate immune response against bacteria, fungi and viruses after activation by Jak-STAT and/or Toll/Imd pathways in which they can act as pathogen-recognition receptors or cytokine-like signaling molecules. SVWC factors also appear in scorpion venoms and tick saliva, underlining their versatility to acquire new functions. This review discusses the discovery and function of SVWC peptides from insects to crustaceans and chelicerates and reveals the enormous gaps in knowledge that remain to be filled to understand this enigmatic group of secreted peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassiliki Labropoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, Athens, Greece
| | - Luoluo Wang
- Red Imported Fire Ant Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Christiana Magkrioti
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, Athens, Greece
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guizhou, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, Athens, Greece
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Reynoso-Ducoing OA, González-Rete B, Díaz E, Candelas-Otero FN, López-Aviña JA, Cabrera-Bravo M, Bucio-Torres MI, Torres-Gutiérrez E, Salazar-Schettino PM. Expression of Proteins, Glycoproteins, and Transcripts in the Guts of Fasting, Fed, and Trypanosoma cruzi-Infected Triatomines: A Systematic Review. Pathogens 2023; 12:1124. [PMID: 37764932 PMCID: PMC10534304 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is caused by the hemoflagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. The main transmission mechanism for the parasite in endemic areas is contact with the feces of an infected triatomine bug. Part of the life cycle of T. cruzi occurs in the digestive tract of triatomines, where vector and parasite engage in a close interaction at a proteomic-molecular level. This interaction triggers replication and differentiation processes in the parasite that can affect its infectivity for the vertebrate host. With the aim of compiling and analyzing information from indexed publications on transcripts, proteins, and glycoproteins in the guts of fasting, fed, and T. cruzi-infected triatomines in the period 2000-2022, a systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Fifty-five original research articles retrieved from PubMed and ScienceDirect were selected; forty-four papers reported 1-26,946 transcripts, and twenty-one studies described 1-2603 peptides/proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elia Torres-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, México City 04510, Mexico; (O.A.R.-D.); (B.G.-R.); (E.D.); (F.N.C.-O.); (J.A.L.-A.); (M.C.-B.); (M.I.B.-T.)
| | - Paz María Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, México City 04510, Mexico; (O.A.R.-D.); (B.G.-R.); (E.D.); (F.N.C.-O.); (J.A.L.-A.); (M.C.-B.); (M.I.B.-T.)
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Meiser CK, Klenner L, Balczun C, Schaub GA. Bacteriolytic activity in saliva of the hematophagous Triatoma infestans (Reduviidae) and novel characterization and expression site of a third lysozyme. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 113:e22013. [PMID: 36973856 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Saliva of hematophagous insects contains many different compounds, mainly acting as anticoagulants. Investigating the bacteriolytic compounds of the saliva of the bloodsucking Triatoma infestans photometrically between pH 3 and pH 10 using unfed fifth instars and nymphs up to 15 days after feeding, we found bacteriolytic activity against lyophilized Micrococcus luteus was stronger at pH 4 and pH 6. After feeding, the activity level at pH 4 was unchanged, but at pH 6 more than doubled between 3 and 7 days after feeding. In zymographs of the saliva and after incubation at pH 4, bacteriolytic activity against Micrococcus luteus was present at eight lysis zones between 14.1 and 38.5 kDa, showing the strongest activity at 24.5 kDa. After incubation at pH 6, lysis zones only appeared at 15.3, 17, and 31.4 kDa. Comparing zymographs of the saliva of unfed and fed nymphs, bacteriolytic activity at 17 kDa increased after feeding. In total nine lysis bands appeared, also at >30 kDa, so far unreported in the saliva of triatomines. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotides based on the previously described lysozyme gene of T. infestans, TiLys1, verified expression of genes encoding TiLys1 and TiLys2 in the salivary glands, but also of an undescribed third lysozyme, TiLys3, of which the cloned cDNA shares characteristics with other c-type lysozymes of insects. While TiLys1 was expressed in the tissue of all three salivary glands, transcripts of TiLys2 and of TiLys3 seem to be present only in the gland G1 and G3, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Klenner
- Zoology/Parasitology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carsten Balczun
- Zoology/Parasitology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
| | - Günter A Schaub
- Zoology/Parasitology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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7
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Resisting an invasion: A review of the triatomine vector (Kissing bug) defense strategies against a Trypanosoma sp infection. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106745. [PMID: 36375520 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Triatomines are an important group of insects in the Americas. They serve as transmission vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent responsible for the deadly Chagas disease in humans. The digenetic parasite has a complex life cycle, alternating between mammalian and insect hosts, facing different environments. In the insect vector, the metacyclic trypomastigote (non-replicative) and epimastigote (replicative) stages face a set of insect-mediated environmental changes, such as intestinal pH, body temperature, nutrient availability, and vector immune response. These insects have the ability to differentiate between self and non-self-particles using their innate immune system. This immune system comprises physical barriers, cellular responses (phagocytosis, nodules and encapsulation), humoral factors, including effector mechanisms (antimicrobial peptides and prophenoloxidase cascade) and the intestinal microbiota. Here, we consolidate and synthesize the available literature to describe the defense mechanisms deployed by the triatomine vector against the parasite, as documented in recent years, the possible mechanisms developed by the parasite to protect against the insect's specific microenvironment and innate immune responses, and future perspectives on the Triatomine-Trypanosome interaction.
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8
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Yoon C, Ham YS, Gil WJ, Yang CS. The strategies of NLRP3 inflammasome to combat Toxoplasma gondii. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1002387. [PMID: 36341349 PMCID: PMC9626524 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1002387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) results in the activation of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat containing receptors (NLRs), which in turn leads to inflammasome assembly and the subsequent activation of caspase-1, secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and pyroptotic cell death. Several recent studies have addressed the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in T. gondii infection without reaching a consensus on its roles. Moreover, the mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in different cell types remain unknown. Here we review current research on the activation and specific role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanjin Yoon
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Yu Seong Ham
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Woo Jin Gil
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, South Korea
| | - Chul-Su Yang
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University, Ansan, South Korea
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Ansan, South Korea
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Menezes-Silva L, Catarino JDS, de Faria LC, Pizzolante BC, Andrade-Silva LE, da Silva MV, Rodrigues V, Sales-Campos H, Oliveira CJF. Hemolymph of triatomines presents fungistatic activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and improves macrophage function through MCP-I/TNF-α increase. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210124. [PMID: 35910486 PMCID: PMC9302513 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0124] [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: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Triatomines are blood-feeding arthropods belonging to the subfamily Triatominae
(Hemiptera; Reduviidae), capable of producing immunomodulatory and water-soluble
molecules in their hemolymph, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this
work, we evaluated the antifungal and immunomodulatory activity of the hemolymph
of Meccus pallidipennis (MPH) and Rhodnius
prolixus (RPH) against Cryptococcus neoformans.
Methods: We assessed the activity of the hemolymph of both
insects on fungal growth by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay.
Further, RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultivated with hemolymph and challenged
with C. neoformans. Then, their phagocytic and killing
activities were assessed. The cytokines MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, and
IL-6 were measured in culture supernatants 4- and 48-hours post-infection.
Results: Both hemolymph samples directly affected the growth
rate of the fungus in a dose-dependent manner. Either MPH or RPH was capable of
inhibiting fungal growth by at least 70%, using the lowest dilution (1:20).
Treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with hemolymph of both insects was capable of
increasing the production of MCP-I and TNF-α. In addition, when these cells were
stimulated with hemolymph in the presence of C. neoformans, a
2- and a 4-fold increase in phagocytic rate was observed with MPH and RPH,
respectively, when compared to untreated cells. For the macrophage killing
activity, MPH decreased in approximately 30% the number of viable yeasts inside
the cells compared to untreated control; however, treatment with RPH could not
reduce the total number of viable yeasts. MPH was also capable of increasing
MHC-II expression on macrophages. Regarding the cytokine production, MCP-I and
TNF-α, were increased in the supernatant of macrophages treated with both
hemolymphs, 4 and 48 hours after stimulation. Conclusion: These
results suggested that hemolymph of triatomines may represent a source of
molecules capable of presenting antifungal and immunomodulatory activity in
macrophages during fungal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Menezes-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jonatas da Silva Catarino
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Laura Caroline de Faria
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Cristina Pizzolante
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Eurípedes Andrade-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Virmondes Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Helioswilton Sales-Campos
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Carlo José Freire Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
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Alejandro AD, Lilia JP, Jesús MB, Henry RM. The IMD and Toll canonical immune pathways of Triatoma pallidipennis are preferentially activated by Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively, but cross-activation also occurs. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:256. [PMID: 35821152 PMCID: PMC9277830 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05363-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) participate in the humoral immune response of insects eliminating invasive microorganisms. The immune deficiency pathway (IMD) and Toll are the main pathways by which the synthesis of these molecules is regulated in response to Gram-negative (IMD pathway) or Gram-positive (Toll pathway) bacteria. Various pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) participate in the recognition of microorganisms, such as pgrp-lc and toll, which trigger signaling cascades and activate NF-κB family transcription factors, such as relish, that translocate to the cell nucleus, mainly in the fat body, inducing AMP gene transcription. METHODS T. pallidipennis inhibited in Tppgrp-lc, Tptoll, and Tprelish were challenged with E. coli and M. luteus to analyze the expression of AMPs transcripts in the fat body and to execute survival assays. RESULTS In this work we investigated the participation of the pgrp-lc and toll receptor genes and the relish transcription factor (designated as Tppgrp-lc, Tptoll, and Tprelish), in the transcriptional regulation of defensin B, prolixicin, and lysozyme B in Triatoma pallidipennis, one of the main vectors of Chagas disease. AMP transcript abundance was higher in the fat body of blood-fed than non-fed bugs. Challenge with Escherichia coli or Micrococcus luteus induced differential increases in AMP transcripts. Additionally, silencing of Tppgrp-lc, Tptoll, and Tprelish resulted in reduced AMP transcription and survival of bugs after a bacterial challenge. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that the IMD and Toll pathways in T. pallidipennis preferentially respond to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively, by increasing the expression of AMP transcripts, but cross-induction also occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvarado-Delgado Alejandro
- grid.415771.10000 0004 1773 4764Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos México
| | - Juárez-Palma Lilia
- grid.415771.10000 0004 1773 4764Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos México
| | - Maritinez-Bartneche Jesús
- grid.415771.10000 0004 1773 4764Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos México
| | - Rodriguez Mario Henry
- grid.415771.10000 0004 1773 4764Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Av. Universidad 655, CP 62100 Cuernavaca, Morelos México
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11
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Ouali R, Vieira LR, Salmon D, Bousbata S. Rhodnius prolixus Hemolymph Immuno-Physiology: Deciphering the Systemic Immune Response Triggered by Trypanosoma cruzi Establishment in the Vector Using Quantitative Proteomics. Cells 2022; 11:1449. [PMID: 35563760 PMCID: PMC9104911 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the development of Trypanosoma cruzi within the triatomine vector at the molecular level should provide novel targets for interrupting parasitic life cycle and affect vectorial competence. The aim of the current study is to provide new insights into triatomines immunology through the characterization of the hemolymph proteome of Rhodnius prolixus, a major Chagas disease vector, in order to gain an overview of its immune physiology. Surprisingly, proteomics investigation of the immunomodulation of T. cruzi-infected blood reveals that the parasite triggers an early systemic response in the hemolymph. The analysis of the expression profiles of hemolymph proteins from 6 h to 24 h allowed the identification of a broad range of immune proteins expressed already in the early hours post-blood-feeding regardless of the presence of the parasite, ready to mount a rapid response exemplified by the significant phenol oxidase activation. Nevertheless, we have also observed a remarkable induction of the immune response triggered by an rpPGRP-LC and the overexpression of defensins 6 h post-T. cruzi infection. Moreover, we have identified novel proteins with immune properties such as the putative c1q-like protein and the immunoglobulin I-set domain-containing protein, which have never been described in triatomines and could play a role in T. cruzi recognition. Twelve proteins with unknown function are modulated by the presence of T. cruzi in the hemolymph. Determining the function of these parasite-induced proteins represents an exciting challenge for increasing our knowledge about the diversity of the immune response from the universal one studied in holometabolous insects. This will provide us with clear answers for misunderstood mechanisms in host-parasite interaction, leading to the development of new generation strategies to control vector populations and pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radouane Ouali
- Proteomic Plateform, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Larissa Rezende Vieira
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências e da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Didier Salmon
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências e da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (L.R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Sabrina Bousbata
- Proteomic Plateform, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
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Cardoso MA, Brito TFD, Brito IADA, Berni MA, Coelho VL, Pane A. The Neglected Virome of Triatomine Insects. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.828712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Triatominae subfamily (Reduviidae) harbors some hematophagous insect species that have been firmly connected to the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Triatomines not only host and transmit trypanosomatids, but also coexist with a variety of symbiotic microorganisms that generally reside in the insect’s intestinal flora. The microbiome has profound effects on the physiology, immunity, fitness and survival of animals and plants. The interaction between triatomines and bacteria has been investigated to some extent and has revealed important bacteria symbionts. In contrast, the range of viral species that can infect triatomine insects is almost completely unknown. In some cases, genomic and metatranscriptomic approaches have uncovered sequences related to possible viral genomes, but, to date, only eight positive single-strand RNA viruses, namely Triatoma virus and Rhodnius prolixus viruses 1 - 7 have been investigated in more detail. Here, we review the literature available on triatomine viruses and the viruses-insect host relationship. The lack of broader metagenomic and metatranscriptomic studies in these medically relevant insects underscores the importance of expanding our knowledge of the triatomine virome both for surveillance purposes as well as to possibly harness their potential for insect vector population control strategies.
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Schaub GA. An Update on the Knowledge of Parasite-Vector Interactions of Chagas Disease. Res Rep Trop Med 2021; 12:63-76. [PMID: 34093053 PMCID: PMC8169816 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s274681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focusses on the interactions between the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, and its triatomine vector. The flagellate mainly colonizes the intestinal tract of the insect. The effect of triatomines on trypanosomes is indicated by susceptibility and refractoriness phenomena that vary according to the combination of the strains. Other effects are apparent in the different regions of the gut. In the stomach, the majority of ingested blood trypomastigotes are killed while the remaining transform to round stages. In the small intestine, these develop into epimastigotes, the main replicative stage. In the rectum, the population density is the highest and is where the infectious stage develops, the metacyclic trypomastigote. In all regions of the gut, starvation and feeding of the triatomine affect T. cruzi. In the small intestine and rectum, starvation reduces the population density and more spheromastigotes develop. In the rectum, feeding after short-term starvation induces metacyclogenesis and after long-term starvation the development of specific cells, containing several nuclei, kinetoplasts and flagella. When considering the effects of T. cruzi on triatomines, the flagellate seems to be of low pathogenicity. However, during stressful periods, which are normal in natural populations, effects occur often on the behaviour, eg, in readiness to approach the host, the period of time before defecation, dispersal and aggregation. In nymphs, the duration of the different instars and the mortality rates increase, but this seems to be induced by repeated infections or blood quality by the feeding on infected hosts. Starvation resistance is often reduced by infection. Longevity and reproduction of adults is reduced, but only after infection with some strains of T. cruzi. Only components of the surface coat of blood trypomastigotes induce an immune reaction. However, this seems to act against gut bacteria and favours the development of T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter A Schaub
- Zoology/Parasitology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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14
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Ouali R, Vieira LR, Salmon D, Bousbata S. Early Post-Prandial Regulation of Protein Expression in the Midgut of Chagas Disease Vector Rhodnius prolixus Highlights New Potential Targets for Vector Control Strategy. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9040804. [PMID: 33920371 PMCID: PMC8069306 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9040804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease is a vector-borne parasitic disease caused by the flagellated protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted to humans by a large group of bloodsucking triatomine bugs. Triatomine insects, such as Rhodnius prolixus, ingest a huge amount of blood in a single meal. Their midgut represents an important interface for triatomine–trypanosome interactions. Furthermore, the development of parasites and their vectorial transmission are closely linked to the blood feeding and digestion; thus, an understanding of their physiology is essential for the development of new strategies to control triatomines. In this study, we used label-free quantitative proteomics to identify and analyze the early effect of blood feeding on protein expression in the midgut of Rhodnius prolixus. We both identified and quantified 124 proteins in the anterior midgut (AM) and 40 in the posterior midgut (PM), which vary significantly 6 h after feeding. The detailed analysis of these proteins revealed their predominant involvement in the primary function of hematophagy, including proteases, proteases inhibitors, amino acids metabolism, primary metabolites processing, and protein folding. Interestingly, our proteomics data show a potential role of the AM in protein digestion. Moreover, proteins related to detoxification processes and innate immunity, which are largely accepted to be triggered by blood ingestion, were mildly modulated. Surprisingly, one third of blood-regulated proteins in the AM have unknown function. This work contributes to the improvement of knowledge on the digestive physiology of triatomines in the early hours post-feeding. It provides key information for selecting new putative targets for the development of triatomine control tools and their potential role in the vector competence, which could be applied to other vector species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radouane Ouali
- Proteomic Plateform, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
- Correspondence: (R.O.); (S.B.)
| | - Larissa Rezende Vieira
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Trypanosomatids, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941-902, Brazil; (L.R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Didier Salmon
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Trypanosomatids, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro RJ 21941-902, Brazil; (L.R.V.); (D.S.)
| | - Sabrina Bousbata
- Proteomic Plateform, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Molecular Biology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 6041 Gosselies, Belgium
- Correspondence: (R.O.); (S.B.)
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15
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Ramos LFC, Rangel JHDO, Andrade GC, Lixa C, de Castilho LVA, Nogueira FCS, Pinheiro AS, Gomes FM, AnoBom CD, Almeida RV, de Oliveira DMP. Identification and recombinant expression of an antimicrobial peptide (cecropin B-like) from soybean pest Anticarsia gemmatalis. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20200127. [PMID: 33796137 PMCID: PMC7970720 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0127] [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: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Insects can be found in numerous diverse environments, being exposed to pathogenic organisms like fungi and bacteria. Once these pathogens cross insect physical barriers, the innate immune system operates through cellular and humoral responses. Antimicrobial peptides are small molecules produced by immune signaling cascades that develop an important and generalist role in insect defenses against a variety of microorganisms. In the present work, a cecropin B-like peptide (AgCecropB) sequence was identified in the velvetbean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis and cloned in a bacterial plasmid vector for further heterologous expression and antimicrobial tests. METHODS AgCecropB sequence (without the signal peptide) was cloned in the plasmid vector pET-M30-MBP and expressed in the Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) expression host. Expression was induced with IPTG and a recombinant peptide was purified using two affinity chromatography steps with Histrap column. The purified peptide was submitted to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and structural analyses. Antimicrobial tests were performed using gram-positive (Bacillus thuringiensis) and gram-negative (Burkholderia kururiensis and E. coli) bacteria. RESULTS AgCecropB was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) at 28°C with IPTG 0.5 mM. The recombinant peptide was purified and enriched after purification steps. HRMS confirmed AgCrecropB molecular mass (4.6 kDa) and circular dichroism assay showed α-helix structure in the presence of SDS. AgCrecropB inhibited almost 50% of gram-positive B. thuringiensis bacteria growth. CONCLUSIONS The first cecropin B-like peptide was described in A. gemmatalis and a recombinant peptide was expressed using a bacterial platform. Data confirmed tertiary structure as predicted for the cecropin peptide family. AgCecropB was capable to inhibit B. thuringiensis growth in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Felipe Costa Ramos
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Henrique de Oliveira Rangel
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Caldas Andrade
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carolina Lixa
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Livia Vieira Araujo de Castilho
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute of Graduate Studies and Research (COPPE), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fábio César Sousa Nogueira
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Anderson S Pinheiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fabio Mendonça Gomes
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Dinis AnoBom
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Volcan Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Danielle Maria Perpétua de Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Center of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Hu Y, Xie H, Gao M, Huang P, Zhou H, Ma Y, Zhou M, Liang J, Yang J, Lv Z. Dynamic of Composition and Diversity of Gut Microbiota in Triatoma rubrofasciata in Different Developmental Stages and Environmental Conditions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:587708. [PMID: 33224899 PMCID: PMC7667259 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.587708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Triatoma rubrofasciata (T. rubrofasciata), one kind of triatomine insects, is the vector of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), which lead to American trypanosomiasis. Although the gut microbiome may play an essential role in the development and susceptibility of triatomine, there is limited research on the gut microbiota of T. rubrofasciata. To elucidate the effect of the vector's developmental stages and environmental conditions on the gut microbiome, we employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to profile the gut bacterial community diversity and composition of T. rubrofasciata. Significant shifts were observed in the overall gut microbe diversity and composition across the development of T. rubrofasciata and specific bacteria were detected in different stages. Serratia and Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia were dominant in the 1st nymphal stage, while the abundance of Staphylococcus was low in the 1st nymphal stage. Oceanicaulis were undetectable in the adult stage and Odoribacter peaked in the 2nd nymphal stage. Moreover, Staphylococcus was correlated negatively with Serratia. Likewise, the total gut microbiota diversity and composition of T. rubrofasciata differentiated significantly by environmental conditions. The ingestion of a bloodmeal increased alpha diversity of gut bacterial communities, and Staphylococcus was more abundant in laboratory-reared bugs whereas Enterococcus enriched in wild-caught bugs. Furthermore, Pantoea was negatively correlated with Staphylococcus, and positively related to Bacillus only. The phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) algorithm showed obvious metagenomic functional differences by environmental conditions, and Chagas disease relevant pathway was enriched in wild-caught T. rubrofasciata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Joint Program of Pathobiology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanguo Xie
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Fujian Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fuzhou, China
| | - Minzhao Gao
- Joint Program of Pathobiology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Huang
- Joint Program of Pathobiology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongli Zhou
- Joint Program of Pathobiology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yubin Ma
- Joint Program of Pathobiology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minyu Zhou
- Joint Program of Pathobiology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinying Liang
- Joint Program of Pathobiology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Zhiyue Lv
- Joint Program of Pathobiology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Evaluation of Actin-1 Expression in Wild Caught Wuchereria bancrofti-Infected Mosquito Vectors. J Pathog 2020; 2020:7912042. [PMID: 33062336 PMCID: PMC7547363 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7912042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wuchereria bancrofti is the major cause of lymphatic filariasis transmitted by mosquito vectors. In the vector-parasite interaction and among other proteins, actin-1 has been implicated for successful transmission of the pathogen in laboratory-controlled experiments. However, validation of this finding from the pathogen's natural environment is required. Objective This study is aimed at evaluating actin-1 expression upon Wuchereria bancrofti infection in mosquito vectors collected during an epidemiology study in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria. Methods Mosquitoes were collected and identified using morphological keys, which include length of maxillary palps, pale spots on the wings, and scale patterns on the abdomen. This was followed by detection of the 188 bp SspI marker of Wuchereria bancrofti infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mRNA levels of the actin-1 gene were evaluated in the infected Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus and their controls, which were adult reared from the larvae in the study area. Results The mosquitoes were identified to be Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus, while infection by Wuchereria bancrofti was confirmed by amplification of the 188 bp SspI marker. A 4.85 and 4.09 relative fold increase in actin-1 gene expression in Wuchereria bancrofti-infected Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus was observed. Thus, for the first time we reported that the actin-1 gene in wild caught mosquito vectors (Anopheles gambiae sl and Culex quinquefasciatus) infected with Wuchereria bancrofti is upregulated. Conclusion The actin-1 gene is upregulated and similarly expressed during W. bancrofti infection in mosquito vectors in the study area and this may likely serve as a biomarker and viable strategy for the control of parasite transmission in endemic areas.
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18
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Batista KKDS, Vieira CS, Florentino EB, Caruso KFB, Teixeira PTP, Moraes CDS, Genta FA, de Azambuja P, de Castro DP. Nitric oxide effects on Rhodnius prolixus's immune responses, gut microbiota and Trypanosoma cruzi development. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 126:104100. [PMID: 32822690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2020.104100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The immune system of Rhodnius prolixus comprehends the synthesis of different effectors that modulate the intestinal microbiota population and the life cycle of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi inside the vector midgut. One of these immune responses is the production of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) derived by the action of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Therefore, we investigated the effects of L-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide (NO) production and Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME), an inhibitor of NOS, added in the insect blood meal. We analyzed the impact of these treatments on the immune responses and development of intestinal bacteria and parasites on R. prolixus nymphs. The L-arginine treatment in R. prolixus nymphs induced a higher NOS gene expression in the fat body and increased NO production, but reduced catalase and antimicrobial activities in the midgut. As expected, L-NAME treatment reduced NOS gene expression in the fat body. In addition, L-NAME treatment diminished catalase activity in the hemolymph and posterior midgut reduced phenoloxidase activity in the anterior midgut and increased the antimicrobial activity in the hemolymph. Both treatments caused a reduction in the cultivatable intestinal microbiota, especially in insects treated with L-NAME. However, T. cruzi development in the insect's digestive tract was suppressed after L-arginine treatment and the opposite was observed with L-NAME, which resulted in higher parasite counts. Therefore, we conclude that induction and inhibition of NOS and NO production are associated with other R. prolixus humoral immune responses, such as catalase, phenoloxidase, and antibacterial activities in different insect organs. These alterations reflect on intestinal microbiota and T. cruzi development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cecília Stahl Vieira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Karina Francine Bravo Caruso
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Caroline da Silva Moraes
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernando Ariel Genta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia de Azambuja
- Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniele Pereira de Castro
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (IOC/Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Entomologia Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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19
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Laura Flores-Villegas A, Cabrera-Bravo M, De Fuentes-Vicente JA, Guillermo Jiménez-Cortés J, Salazar-Schettino PM, Bucio-Torres MI, Córdoba-Aguilar A. Coinfection by Trypanosoma cruzi and a fungal pathogen increases survival of Chagasic bugs: advice against a fungal control strategy. BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2020; 110:363-369. [PMID: 31690355 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485319000713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Triatomine bugs carry the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease. It is known that both the parasite and entomopathogenic fungi can decrease bug survival, but the combined effect of both pathogens is not known, which is relevant for biological control purposes. Herein, the survival of the triatomine Meccus pallidipennis (Stal, 1872) was compared when it was coinfected with the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) and T. cruzi, and when both pathogens acted separately. The immune response of the insect was also studied, using phenoloxidase activity in the bug gut and hemolymph, to understand our survival results. Contrary to expectations, triatomine survival was higher in multiple than in single challenges, even though the immune response was lower in cases of multiple infection. We postulate that T. cruzi exerts a protective effect and/or that the insect reduced the resources allocated to defend itself against both pathogens. Based on the present results, the use of M. anisopliae as a control agent should be re-considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Laura Flores-Villegas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Margarita Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José A De Fuentes-Vicente
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Libramiento Norte Poniente 1150, CP 29029. Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - J Guillermo Jiménez-Cortés
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paz María Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martha Irene Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
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20
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Shaik HA, Mishra A, Sehadová H, Kodrík D. Responses of sericotropin to toxic and pathogenic challenges: possible role in defense of the wax moth Galleria mellonella. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 227:108633. [PMID: 31644954 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.108633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study describes defense functions of the insect neuropeptide sericotropin, which is recognized as an agent that stimulates silk production in some lepidopteran larvae. Sericotropin, expressed in brain tissue of the wax moth Galleria mellonella in all developmental stages, is not expressed in silk glands, indicating its tissue specificity. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the presence of sericotropin in the brain-subesophageal complex being predominantly and densely distributed under the plasmatic membrane and in axonal parts of neurons. Injection of venom from Habrobracon hebetor and topical application of the entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema carpocapsae with symbiotic bacteria Xenorhabdus spp. into or onto G. mellonella larvae resulted in upregulation of the sericotropin gene and peptide, suggesting a role for sericotropin in defense and immunity. Accordingly, two synthetic fragments of sericotropin killed entomotoxic Xenorhabdus spp. bacteria in a disc diffusion antimicrobial test. Further, total metabolism, monitored by carbon dioxide production, significantly decreased after application of either venom or EPN, probably because of muscle impairment by the venom and serious cell damage caused by EPN, especially in the midgut. Both venom and EPN upregulated expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides gallerimycin and galiomicin in Galleria brain; however, they downregulated prophenoloxidase and phenoloxidase activity in hemolymph. These results suggest that sericotropin is a multifunctional peptide that plays an important role in G. mellonella defense and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haq Abdul Shaik
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Archana Mishra
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Plants, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Sehadová
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Dalibor Kodrík
- Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, CAS, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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Mesías AC, Garg NJ, Zago MP. Redox Balance Keepers and Possible Cell Functions Managed by Redox Homeostasis in Trypanosoma cruzi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:435. [PMID: 31921709 PMCID: PMC6932984 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxicity of oxygen and nitrogen reactive species appears to be merely the tip of the iceberg in the world of redox homeostasis. Now, oxidative stress can be seen as a two-sided process; at high concentrations, it causes damage to biomolecules, and thus, trypanosomes have evolved a strong antioxidant defense system to cope with these stressors. At low concentrations, oxidants are essential for cell signaling, and in fact, the oxidants/antioxidants balance may be able to trigger different cell fates. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the current knowledge of the oxidant environment experienced by T. cruzi along the different phases of its life cycle, and the molecular tools exploited by this pathogen to deal with oxidative stress, for better or worse. Further, we discuss the possible redox-regulated processes that could be governed by this oxidative context. Most of the current research has addressed the importance of the trypanosomes' antioxidant network based on its detox activity of harmful species; however, new efforts are necessary to highlight other functions of this network and the mechanisms underlying the fine regulation of the defense machinery, as this represents a master key to hinder crucial pathogen functions. Understanding the relevance of this balance keeper program in parasite biology will give us new perspectives to delineate improved treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Mesías
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
| | - Nisha J Garg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - M Paola Zago
- Instituto de Patología Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) - Universidad Nacional de Salta, Salta, Argentina
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22
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Zhang J, Li Q, Wei G, Wang L, Qian C, Sun Y, Tian J, Zhu B, Liu C. Identification and function of a lebocin-like gene from the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 166:107207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Salcedo-Porras N, Lowenberger C. The innate immune system of kissing bugs, vectors of chagas disease. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 98:119-128. [PMID: 31014953 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Kissing bugs have long served as models to study many aspects of insect physiology. They also serve as vectors for the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that causes Chagas disease in humans. The overall success of insects is due, in part, to their ability to recognize parasites and pathogens as non-self and to eliminate them using their innate immune system. This immune system comprises physical barriers, cellular responses (phagocytosis, nodulation and encapsulation), and humoral factors (antimicrobial peptides and the prophenoloxidase cascade). Trypanosoma cruzi survives solely in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the vector; if it migrates to the hemocoel it is eliminated. Kissing bugs may not mount a vigorous immune response in the GI tract to avoid eliminating obligate symbiotic microbes on which they rely for survival. Here we describe the current knowledge of innate immunity in kissing bugs and new opportunities using genomic and transcriptomic approaches to study the complex triatomine-trypanosome-microbiome interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Salcedo-Porras
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, V5A 1S6, BC, Canada.
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González-Rete B, Salazar-Schettino PM, Bucio-Torres MI, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Cabrera-Bravo M. Activity of the prophenoloxidase system and survival of triatomines infected with different Trypanosoma cruzi strains under different temperatures: understanding Chagas disease in the face of climate change. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:219. [PMID: 31068226 PMCID: PMC6507061 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about how human disease vectors will modify their life history patterns and survival capacity as a result of climate change. One case is that of Chagas disease, which has triatomine bugs and Trypanosoma cruzi as vectors and parasite, respectively. This work aimed to determine: (i) the activity of the prophenoloxidase system (prophenoloxidase and phenoloxidase activity, two indicators of immune ability) in three intestine regions (anterior midgut, posterior midgutand rectum) of the triatomine bug Meccus pallidipennis under three temperature conditions (20 °C, 30 °C and 34 °C) against two T. cruzi strains [ITRI/MX/14/CHIL (Chilpancingo) and ITRI/MX/12/MOR (Morelos)], and (ii) whether vector survival varies under these three temperatures after infection by these T. cruzi strains. RESULTS Our results indicate that prophenoloxidase activity was lower at higher temperatures, that the level of prophenoloxidase activity elicited by each strain was different (higher in Chilpancingo than in Morelos strains), and that prophenoloxidase activity was more intense in the anterior midgut than in the posterior midgut or rectum. Survival rates were lower in insects maintained at higher temperatures and infected by Chilpancingo strains. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that climate change could lead to lower prophenoloxidase activity and survival rates in triatomines when infected with different T. cruzi strains, which could reduce the vector capacity of M. pallidipennis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paz María Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Martha I Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Margarita Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Salcedo-Porras N, Guarneri A, Oliveira PL, Lowenberger C. Rhodnius prolixus: Identification of missing components of the IMD immune signaling pathway and functional characterization of its role in eliminating bacteria. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214794. [PMID: 30943246 PMCID: PMC6447187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system in insects is regulated by specific signalling pathways. Most immune related pathways were identified and characterized in holometabolous insects such as Drosophila melanogaster, and it was assumed they would be highly conserved in all insects. The hemimetabolous insect, Rhodnius prolixus, has served as a model to study basic insect physiology, but also is a major vector of the human parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, that causes 10,000 deaths annually. The publication of the R. prolixus genome revealed that one of the main immune pathways, the Immune-deficiency pathway (IMD), was incomplete and probably non-functional, an observation shared with other hemimetabolous insects including the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and the bedbug (Cimex lectularius). It was proposed that the IMD pathway is inactive in R. prolixus as an adaptation to prevent eliminating beneficial symbiont gut bacteria. We used bioinformatic analyses based on reciprocal BLAST and HMM-profile searches to find orthologs for most of the "missing" elements of the IMD pathway and provide data that these are regulated in response to infection with Gram-negative bacteria. We used RNAi strategies to demonstrate the role of the IMD pathway in regulating the expression of specific antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the fat body of R. prolixus. The data indicate that the IMD pathway is present and active in R. prolixus, which opens up new avenues of research on R. prolixus-T. cruzi interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Salcedo-Porras
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development, and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alessandra Guarneri
- Instituto René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pedro L. Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CCS, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development, and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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26
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Diniz LCL, Miranda A, da Silva PI. Human Antimicrobial Peptide Isolated From Triatoma infestans Haemolymph, Trypanosoma cruzi-Transmitting Vector. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:354. [PMID: 30425969 PMCID: PMC6218679 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in relation to the survival of invertebrates is well known. The source and the mode of action on the insects' immune system of these molecules have been described from different perspectives. Insects produce their own AMPs as well as obtain these molecules from various sources, for example by absorption through the intestinal tract, as previously described for Boophilus microplus. Blood-sucking barber bug Triatoma infestans attracts social, economic and medical interest owing to its role in the transmission of Chagas disease. Despite new studies, descriptions of AMPs from this insect have remained elusive. Thus, the aims of this work were to characterize the antimicrobial potential of human fibrinopeptide A (FbPA) obtained from the T. infestans haemolymph and identify its natural source. Therefore, FbPA was isolated from the T. infestans haemolymph through liquid chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry. This peptide exhibited antimicrobial activity against Micrococcus luteus. Native FbPA from human blood and the synthetic FbPA also exhibited antimicrobial activity. The synthetic FbPA was conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate and offered to the insects. The haemolymph collected after 72 h exhibited fluorescence at the same wavelength as fluorescein isothiocyanate. Our experiments show that beyond intrinsic AMP production, T. infestans is able to co-opt molecules via internalization and may use them as AMPs for protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cristina Lima Diniz
- Special Laboratory of Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program Interunits in Biotechnology, USP/IPT/IBU, São Paulo, Brazil
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27
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Jiménez-Cortés JG, García-Contreras R, Bucio-Torres MI, Cabrera-Bravo M, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Benelli G, Salazar-Schettino PM. Bacterial symbionts in human blood-feeding arthropods: Patterns, general mechanisms and effects of global ecological changes. Acta Trop 2018; 186:69-101. [PMID: 30003907 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to their high impact on public health, human blood-feeding arthropods are one of the most relevant animal groups. Bacterial symbionts have been long known to play a role in the metabolism, and reproduction of these arthropod vectors. Nowadays, we have a more complete picture of their functions, acknowledging the wide influence of bacterial symbionts on processes ranging from the immune response of the arthropod host to the possible establishment of pathogens and parasites. One or two primary symbiont species have been found to co-evolve along with their host in each taxon (being ticks an exception), leading to various kinds of symbiosis, mostly mutualistic in nature. Moreover, several secondary symbiont species are shared by all arthropod groups. With respect to gut microbiota, several bacterial symbionts genera are hosted in common, indicating that these bacterial groups are prone to invade several hematophagous arthropod species feeding on humans. The main mechanisms underlying bacterium-arthropod symbiosis are discussed, highlighting that even primary symbionts elicit an immune response from the host. Bacterial groups in the gut microbiota play a key role in immune homeostasis, and in some cases symbiont bacteria could be competing directly or indirectly with pathogens and parasites. Finally, the effects climate change, great human migrations, and the increasingly frequent interactions of wild and domestic animal species are analyzed, along with their implications on microbiota alteration and their possible impacts on public health and the control of pathogens and parasites harbored in arthropod vectors of human parasites and pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Guillermo Jiménez-Cortés
- Laboratorio de Biología de Parásitos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.
| | - Rodolfo García-Contreras
- Laboratorio de Bacteriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
| | - Martha I Bucio-Torres
- Laboratorio de Biología de Parásitos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
| | - Margarita Cabrera-Bravo
- Laboratorio de Biología de Parásitos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
| | - Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Ecología de la Conducta de Artrópodos, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy; The BioRobotics Institute, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paz M Salazar-Schettino
- Laboratorio de Biología de Parásitos, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.
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Favila-Ruiz G, Jiménez-Cortés JG, Córdoba-Aguilar A, Salazar-Schettino PM, Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE, Pérez-Torres A, De Fuentes-Vicente JA, Vences-Blanco MO, Bucio-Torres MI, Flores-Villegas AL, Cabrera-Bravo M. Effects of Trypanosoma cruzi on the phenoloxidase and prophenoloxidase activity in the vector Meccus pallidipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:434. [PMID: 30053904 PMCID: PMC6062883 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3016-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triatomine insects are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease. The insect-parasite interaction has been studied in relation to the transmission and prevalence of this disease. For most triatomines, however, several crucial aspects of the insect immune response are still unknown. For example, only for Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans has the activity of phenoloxidase (PO) and its zymogen prophenoloxidase (proPO) been reported in relation to the hemolymph and anterior midgut (AM). The aim of this study was to gain insight into the immune response to T. cruzi infection of an important triatomine in Mexico, Meccus pallidipennis. Methods Parasites were quantified in the rectal contents of infected M. pallidipennis groups. We examined some key factors in disease transmission, including the systemic (hemolymph) and local (gut) immune response. Results Parasites were present in the rectal contents at 4 days post-infection (pi) and reached their maximum density on day 7 pi. At 7 and 9 days pi mainly metacyclic trypomastigotes occurred. Compared to the control, the infected insects exhibited diminished PO activity in the hemolymph on days 9, 16 and 20 pi, and in the AM only on day 9. Additionally, infected insects displayed lower proPO activity in the hemolymph on day 1, but greater activity in the AM on day 28. Conclusions The parasite strain originating from M. pallidipennis rapidly colonized the rectum of nymphs of this triatomine and developed high numbers of metacyclic trypomastigotes. Neither the changes of concentrations of PO and proPO in the hemolymph nor in the AM correlated with the changes in the population of T. cruzi. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3016-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Favila-Ruiz
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J Guillermo Jiménez-Cortés
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, 04510, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Paz María Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ana E Gutiérrez-Cabrera
- CONACYT-Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Avenida Universidad 655, Col. Santa María Ahuacatitlán, Cerrada Los Pinos y Caminera, CP 62100, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Armando Pérez-Torres
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Tisular; Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, 04510, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Mauro O Vences-Blanco
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, 04510, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Martha I Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Laura Flores-Villegas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.
| | - Margarita Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México.
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de Fuentes-Vicente JA, Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE, Flores-Villegas AL, Lowenberger C, Benelli G, Salazar-Schettino PM, Córdoba-Aguilar A. What makes an effective Chagas disease vector? Factors underlying Trypanosoma cruzi-triatomine interactions. Acta Trop 2018; 183:23-31. [PMID: 29625091 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which infect blood-feeding triatomine bugs to finally reach mammal hosts. Chagas disease is endemic in Latin America, and is ranked among the 13 neglected tropical diseases worldwide. Currently, an estimate of 7 million people is infected by T. cruzi, leading to about 22 000 deaths per year throughout the Americas. As occurs with other vectors, a major question towards control programs is what makes a susceptible bug. In this review, we focus on findings linked to insect gut structure and microbiota, immunity, genetics, blood sources, abiotic factors (with special reference to ambient temperature and altitude) to understand the interactions occurring between T. cruzi and triatomine bugs, under a co-evolutionary scenario. These factors lead to varying fitness benefits and costs for bugs, explaining why infection in the insect takes place and how it varies in time and space. Our analysis highlights that major factors are gut components and microbiota, blood sources and temperature. Although their close interaction has never been clarified, knowledge reviewed here may help to boost the success of triatomine control programs, reducing the use of insecticides.
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Zumaya-Estrada FA, Martínez-Barnetche J, Lavore A, Rivera-Pomar R, Rodríguez MH. Comparative genomics analysis of triatomines reveals common first line and inducible immunity-related genes and the absence of Imd canonical components among hemimetabolous arthropods. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:48. [PMID: 29357911 PMCID: PMC5778769 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2561-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insects operate complex humoral and cellular immune strategies to fend against invading microorganisms. The majority of these have been characterized in Drosophila and other dipterans. Information on hemipterans, including Triatominae vectors of Chagas disease remains incomplete and fractionated. Results We identified putative immune-related homologs of three Triatominae vectors of Chagas disease, Triatoma pallidipennis, T. dimidiata and T. infestans (TTTs), using comparative transcriptomics based on established immune response gene references, in conjunction with the predicted proteomes of Rhodnius prolixus, Cimex lecticularis and Acyrthosiphon pisum hemimetabolous. We present a compressive description of the humoral and cellular innate immune components of these TTTs and extend the immune information of other related hemipterans. Key homologs of the constitutive and induced immunity genes were identified in all the studied hemipterans. Conclusions Our results in the TTTs extend previous observations in other hemipterans lacking several components of the Imd signaling pathway. Comparison with other hexapods, using published data, revealed that the absence of various Imd canonical components is common in several hemimetabolous species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-017-2561-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesús Martínez-Barnetche
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas (CISEI), Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Andrés Lavore
- Centro de Bioinvestigaciones (CeBio) and Centro de Investigación y Transferencia del Noroeste de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Rolando Rivera-Pomar
- Centro de Bioinvestigaciones (CeBio) and Centro de Investigación y Transferencia del Noroeste de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pergamino, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Genética y Genómica Funcional. Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Mario Henry Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas (CISEI), Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, México.
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DE Fuentes-Vicente JA, Cabrera-Bravo M, Enríquez-Vara JN, Bucio-Torres MI, Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE, Vidal-López DG, Martínez-Ibarra JA, Salazar-Schettino PM, Córdoba-Aguilar A. Relationships between altitude, triatomine (Triatoma dimidiata) immune response and virulence of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas' disease. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 31:63-71. [PMID: 27753118 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about how the virulence of a human pathogen varies in the environment it shares with its vector. This study focused on whether the virulence of Trypanosoma cruzi (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae), the causal agent of Chagas' disease, is related to altitude. Accordingly, Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) specimens were collected at three different altitudes (300, 700 and 1400 m a.s.l.) in Chiapas, Mexico. The parasite was then isolated to infect uninfected T. dimidiata from the same altitudes, as well as female CD-1 mice. The response variables were phenoloxidase (PO) activity, a key insect immune response, parasitaemia in mice, and amastigote numbers in the heart, oesophagus, gastrocnemius and brain of the rodents. The highest levels of PO activity, parasitaemia and amastigotes were found for Tryp. cruzi isolates sourced from 700 m a.s.l., particularly in the mouse brain. A polymerase chain reaction-based analysis indicated that all Tryp. cruzi isolates belonged to a Tryp. cruzi I lineage. Thus, Tryp. cruzi from 700 m a.s.l. may be more dangerous than sources at other altitudes. At this altitude, T. dimidiata is more common, apparently because the conditions are more beneficial to its development. Control strategies should focus activity at altitudes around 700 m a.s.l., at least in relation to the region of the present study sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A DE Fuentes-Vicente
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J N Enríquez-Vara
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M I Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A E Gutiérrez-Cabrera
- CONACYT-Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - D G Vidal-López
- Laboratorio Experimental y Bioterio, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Mapastepec, Mexico
| | - J A Martínez-Ibarra
- Departamento de Desarrollo Regional, Centro Universitario del Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - P M Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Fang SL, Wang L, Fang Q, Chen C, Zhao XS, Qian C, Wei GQ, Zhu BJ, Liu CL. Characterization and functional study of a Cecropin-like peptide from the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 94:e21368. [PMID: 28008655 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In present study, a Cecropin-like peptide from Antheraea pernyi (ApCec) was cloned and characterized. The full-length ApCec cDNA encoded a protein with 64 amino acids including a putative 22-amino-acid signal peptide, a 4-amino-acid propeptide, and a 38-amino-acid mature peptide. ApCec gene was highly expressed in Malpighian tubules of A. pernyi after induction for 24 h by Escherichia coli in PBS. Pro-ApCec (including propeptide and mature peptide) and M-ApCec (just mature peptide) were synthesized chemically and analyzed by HPLC and mass spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of M-ApCec is more potent than pro-ApCec against E. coli K12 or B. subtilus in both minimum inhibitory concentration and inhibition zone assays. Hemolytic assay results showed M-ApCec possessed a low cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. The secondary structure of M-ApCec forms α-helical structure, shown by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy analysis suggested that M-ApCec killed bacteria by disrupting bacterial cell membrane integrity. Our results indicate ApCec may play an important role in defending from pathogenic bacteria in A. pernyi, and it may be as a potential candidate for applications in antibacterial drug development and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Liang Fang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Chen
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-San Zhao
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Cen Qian
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guo-Qing Wei
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Bao-Jian Zhu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chao-Liang Liu
- College of Life Science, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Fruttero LL, Moyetta NR, Uberti AF, Grahl MVC, Lopes FC, Broll V, Feder D, Carlini CR. Humoral and cellular immune responses induced by the urease-derived peptide Jaburetox in the model organism Rhodnius prolixus. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:412. [PMID: 27455853 PMCID: PMC4960889 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1710-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the entomotoxicity of plant ureases has been reported almost 20 years ago, their insecticidal mechanism of action is still not well understood. Jaburetox is a recombinant peptide derived from one of the isoforms of Canavalia ensiformis (Jack Bean) urease that presents biotechnological interest since it is toxic to insects of different orders. Previous studies of our group using the Chagas disease vector and model insect Rhodnius prolixus showed that the treatment with Jack Bean Urease (JBU) led to hemocyte aggregation and hemolymph darkening, among other effects. In this work, we employed cell biology and biochemical approaches to investigate whether Jaburetox would induce not only cellular but also humoral immune responses in this species. RESULTS The findings indicated that nanomolar doses of Jaburetox triggered cation-dependent, in vitro aggregation of hemocytes of fifth-instar nymphs and adults. The use of specific eicosanoid synthesis inhibitors revealed that the cellular immune response required cyclooxygenase products since indomethacin prevented the Jaburetox-dependent aggregation whereas baicalein and esculetin (inhibitors of the lipoxygenases pathway) did not. Cultured hemocytes incubated with Jaburetox for 24 h showed cytoskeleton disorganization, chromatin condensation and were positive for activated caspase 3, an apoptosis marker, although their phagocytic activity remained unchanged. Finally, in vivo treatments by injection of Jaburetox induced both a cellular response, as observed by hemocyte aggregation, and a humoral response, as seen by the increase of spontaneous phenoloxidase activity, a key enzyme involved in melanization and defense. On the other hand, the humoral response elicited by Jaburetox injections did not lead to an increment of antibacterial or lysozyme activities. Jaburetox injections also impaired the clearance of the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus from the hemolymph leading to increased mortality, indicating a possible immunosuppression induced by treatment with the peptide. CONCLUSIONS In our experimental conditions and as part of its toxic action, Jaburetox activates some responses of the immune system of R. prolixus both in vivo and in vitro, although this induction does not protect the insects against posterior bacterial infections. Taken together, these findings contribute to the general knowledge of insect immunity and shed light on Jaburetox's mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo L Fruttero
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. .,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. .,Instituto do Cérebro (InsCer) - Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Ipiranga 6690, prédio 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Natalia R Moyetta
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Augusto F Uberti
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus V Coste Grahl
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C Lopes
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Valquiria Broll
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Denise Feder
- Department of General Biology l, Insect Biology Laboratory, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, RJ, Brazil
| | - Celia R Carlini
- Brain Institute (INSCER) and Graduate Program in Medicine and Health Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Biophysics, Biosciences Institute (IB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Wu G, Xu L, Yi Y. Galleria mellonella larvae are capable of sensing the extent of priming agent and mounting proportionatal cellular and humoral immune responses. Immunol Lett 2016; 174:45-52. [PMID: 27107784 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2016.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Larvae of Galleria mellonella are useful models for studying the innate immunity of invertebrates or for evaluating the virulence of microbial pathogens. In this work, we demonstrated that prior exposure of G. mellonella larvae to high doses (1×10(4), 1×10(5) or 1×10(6) cells/larva) of heat-killed Photorhabdus luminescens TT01 increases the resistance of larvae to a lethal dose (50 cells/larva) of viable P. luminescens TT01 infection administered 48h later. We also found that the changes in immune protection level were highly correlated to the changes in levels of cellular and humoral immune parameters when priming the larvae with different doses of heat-killed P. luminescens TT01. Priming the larvae with high doses of heat-killed P. luminescens TT01 resulted in significant increases in the hemocytes activities of phagocytosis and encapsulation. High doses of heat-killed P. luminescens TT01 also induced an increase in total hemocyte count and a reduction in bacterial density within the larval hemocoel. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that genes coding for cecropin and gallerimycin and galiomycin increased in expression after priming G. mellonella with heat-killed P. luminescens TT01. All the immune parameters changed in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that the insect immune system is capable of sensing the extent of priming agent and mounting a proportionate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongqing Wu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China; Guangdong Cosmetics Engineering & Technology Research Center, China
| | - Li Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China
| | - Yunhong Yi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Zhongshan 528458, China.
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Flores-Villegas AL, Cabrera-Bravo M, Toriello C, Bucio-Torres MI, Salazar-Schettino PM, Córdoba-Aguilar A. Survival and immune response of the Chagas vector Meccus pallidipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) against two entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae and Isaria fumosorosea. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:176. [PMID: 27012246 PMCID: PMC4806461 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1453-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is a key health problem in Latin America and is caused and transmitted by Trypanosoma cruzi and triatomine bugs, respectively. Control of triatomines has largely relied on the use pyrethroids, which has proved to be ineffective in the long term. Alternatively, the use of entomopathogenic fungi has been implemented to control triatomine bugs. These fungi are highly efficient as they induce a reduction in immune response on insects. Meccus pallidipennis is the main triatomine vector of Chagas disease in Mexico. In this work we investigated the effects of two entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae and Isaria fumosorosea, on M. pallidipennis nymphs in terms of insect survival and immune response. METHODS We had an infected and a control group for each fungal species and assessed: a) insect survival during 30 days; and, b) phenoloxidase (PO) and prophenoloxidase (proPO; two key traits in insect immune response) at 24, 48, 96 and 144 h. For survival we used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis while for immune response we used factorial, repeated-measures ANOVA for each fungal species. RESULTS Animals treated with M. anisopliae died sooner than animals treated with I. fumosorosea. Infected animals showed lower PO and proPO values than sham individuals, with a clear decrease in these parameters at 24 h with no further changes after this time. CONCLUSIONS Our study widens the possibility of entomopathogenic fungi being used for triatomine control. The negative effect on PO and proPO seems mediated by a down-regulation of the triatomine immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Laura Flores-Villegas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, DF, Mexico
| | - Margarita Cabrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, DF, Mexico
| | - Conchita Toriello
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, DF, Mexico
| | - Martha I Bucio-Torres
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, DF, Mexico
| | - Paz María Salazar-Schettino
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, DF, Mexico.
| | - Alex Córdoba-Aguilar
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. P. 70-275, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Coyoacán, Distrito Federal, Mexico.
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