1
|
Nguyen YTM, Sibley L, Przanowski P, Zhao XY, Kovacs M, Wang S, Jones MK, Cowan M, Liu W, Merchak AR, Gaultier A, Janes K, Zang C, Harris T, Ewald SE, Zong H. Toxoplasma gondii infection supports the infiltration of T cells into brain tumors. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 393:578402. [PMID: 38996717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578402] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Few T cells infiltrate into primary brain tumors, fundamentally hampering the effectiveness of immunotherapy. We hypothesized that Toxoplasma gondii, a microorganism that naturally elicits a Th1 response in the brain, can promote T cell infiltration into brain tumors despite their immune suppressive microenvironment. Using a mouse genetic model for medulloblastoma, we found that T. gondii infection induced the infiltration of activatable T cells into the tumor mass and led to myeloid cell reprogramming toward a T cell-supportive state, without causing severe health issues in mice. The study provides a concrete foundation for future studies to take advantage of the immune modulatory capacity of T. gondii to facilitate brain tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yen T M Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lydia Sibley
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Piotr Przanowski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Xiao-Yu Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Michael Kovacs
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Shengyuan Wang
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Marieke K Jones
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Maureen Cowan
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Wenjie Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Andrea R Merchak
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Alban Gaultier
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kevin Janes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Chongzhi Zang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Tajie Harris
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sarah E Ewald
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Hui Zong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology at the Carter Immunology Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Aljieli M, Rivière C, Lantier L, Moiré N, Lakhrif Z, Boussemart AF, Cnudde T, Lajoie L, Aubrey N, Ahmed EM, Dimier-Poisson I, Di-Tommaso A, Mévélec MN. Specific Cell Targeting by Toxoplasma gondii Displaying Functional Single-Chain Variable Fragment as a Novel Strategy; A Proof of Principle. Cells 2024; 13:975. [PMID: 38891106 PMCID: PMC11172386 DOI: 10.3390/cells13110975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii holds significant therapeutic potential; however, its nonspecific invasiveness results in off-target effects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether T. gondii specificity can be improved by surface display of scFv directed against dendritic cells' endocytic receptor, DEC205, and immune checkpoint PD-L1. Anti-DEC205 scFv was anchored to the T. gondii surface either directly via glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) or by fusion with the SAG1 protein. Both constructs were successfully expressed, but the binding results suggested that the anti-DEC-SAG1 scFv had more reliable functionality towards recombinant DEC protein and DEC205-expressing MutuDC cells. Two anti-PD-L1 scFv constructs were developed that differed in the localization of the HA tag. Both constructs were adequately expressed, but the localization of the HA tag determined the functionality by binding to PD-L1 protein. Co-incubation of T. gondii displaying anti-PD-L1 scFv with tumor cells expressing/displaying different levels of PD-L1 showed strong binding depending on the level of available biomarker. Neutralization assays confirmed that binding was due to the specific interaction between anti-PD-L1 scFv and its ligand. A mixed-cell assay showed that T. gondii expressing anti-PD-L1 scFv predominately targets the PD-L1-positive cells, with negligible off-target binding. The recombinant RH-PD-L1-C strain showed increased killing ability on PD-L1+ tumor cell lines compared to the parental strain. Moreover, a co-culture assay of target tumor cells and effector CD8+ T cells showed that our model could inhibit PD1/PD-L1 interaction and potentiate T-cell immune response. These findings highlight surface display of antibody fragments as a promising strategy of targeting replicative T. gondii strains while minimizing nonspecific binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muna Aljieli
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Wad Madani 21111, Sudan
| | - Clément Rivière
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| | - Louis Lantier
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| | - Nathalie Moiré
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| | - Zineb Lakhrif
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| | - Anne-France Boussemart
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| | - Thomas Cnudde
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| | - Laurie Lajoie
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| | - Nicolas Aubrey
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| | - Elhadi M. Ahmed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, Wad Madani 21111, Sudan
| | - Isabelle Dimier-Poisson
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| | - Anne Di-Tommaso
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| | - Marie-Noëlle Mévélec
- BioMAP, UMR ISP 1282 INRAE, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France; (M.A.); (C.R.); (L.L.); (N.M.); (Z.L.); (A.-F.B.); (L.L.); (N.A.); (I.D.-P.); (M.-N.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo X, Ji N, Guo Q, Wang M, Du H, Pan J, Xiao L, Gupta N, Feng Y, Xia N. Metabolic plasticity, essentiality and therapeutic potential of ribose-5-phosphate synthesis in Toxoplasma gondii. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2999. [PMID: 38589375 PMCID: PMC11001932 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47097-8] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Ribose-5-phosphate (R5P) is a precursor for nucleic acid biogenesis; however, the importance and homeostasis of R5P in the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii remain enigmatic. Here, we show that the cytoplasmic sedoheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase (SBPase) is dispensable. Still, its co-deletion with transaldolase (TAL) impairs the double mutant's growth and increases 13C-glucose-derived flux into pentose sugars via the transketolase (TKT) enzyme. Deletion of the latter protein affects the parasite's fitness but is not lethal and is correlated with an increased carbon flux via the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. Further, loss of TKT leads to a decline in 13C incorporation into glycolysis and the TCA cycle, resulting in a decrease in ATP levels and the inability of phosphoribosyl-pyrophosphate synthetase (PRPS) to convert R5P into 5'-phosphoribosyl-pyrophosphate and thereby contribute to the production of AMP and IMP. Likewise, PRPS is essential for the lytic cycle. Not least, we show that RuPE-mediated metabolic compensation is imperative for the survival of the ΔsbpaseΔtal strain. In conclusion, we demonstrate that multiple routes can flexibly supply R5P to enable parasite growth and identify catalysis by TKT and PRPS as critical enzymatic steps. Our work provides novel biological and therapeutic insights into the network design principles of intracellular parasitism in a clinically-relevant pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefang Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nuo Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengting Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiyu Du
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajia Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nishith Gupta
- Intracellular Parasite Education and Research Labs (iPEARL), Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS-P), Hyderabad, India.
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ningbo Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Houngue R, Sangaré LO, Alayi TD, Dieng A, Bitard-Feildel T, Boulogne C, Slomianny C, Atindehou CM, Fanou LA, Hathout Y, Callebaut I, Tomavo S. Toxoplasma membrane inositol phospholipid binding protein TgREMIND is essential for secretory organelle function and host infection. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113601. [PMID: 38157297 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113601] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites possess specialized secretory organelles called rhoptries, micronemes, and dense granules that play a vital role in host infection. In this study, we demonstrate that TgREMIND, a protein found in Toxoplasma gondii, is necessary for the biogenesis of rhoptries and dense granules. TgREMIND contains a Fes-CIP4 homology-Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (F-BAR) domain, which binds to membrane phospholipids, as well as a novel uncharacterized domain that we have named REMIND (regulator of membrane-interacting domain). Both the F-BAR domain and the REMIND are crucial for TgREMIND functions. When TgREMIND is depleted, there is a significant decrease in the abundance of dense granules and abnormal transparency of rhoptries, leading to a reduction in protein secretion from these organelles. The absence of TgREMIND inhibits host invasion and parasite dissemination, demonstrating that TgREMIND is essential for the proper function of critical secretory organelles required for successful infection by Toxoplasma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigue Houngue
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Lamba Omar Sangaré
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Tchilabalo Dilezitoko Alayi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University-SUNY, Johnson City, NY 13790, USA
| | - Aissatou Dieng
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Tristan Bitard-Feildel
- Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR CNRS 7590, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Claire Boulogne
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France; Plateforme Imagerie-Gif, Institut de Biologie Intégrative de la Cellule (I2BC), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Christian Slomianny
- University of Lille, Laboratory of Cell Physiology, INSERM U 1003, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
| | - Cynthia Menonve Atindehou
- Université d'Abomey Calavi, Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Lucie Ayi Fanou
- Université d'Abomey Calavi, Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Yetrib Hathout
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University-SUNY, Johnson City, NY 13790, USA
| | - Isabelle Callebaut
- Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, UMR CNRS 7590, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Stanislas Tomavo
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91190 Gif sur Yvette, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zheng Z, Lu X, Zhou D, Deng XF, Liu QX, Liu XB, Zhang J, Li YQ, Zheng H, Dai JG. A novel enemy of cancer: recent investigations into protozoan anti-tumor properties. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 13:1325144. [PMID: 38274735 PMCID: PMC10808745 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1325144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a significant global health issue, despite advances in screening and treatment. While existing tumor treatment protocols such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have proven effective in enhancing the prognosis for some patients, these treatments do not benefit all patients. Consequently, certain types of cancer continue to exhibit a relatively low 5-year survival rate. Therefore, the pursuit of novel tumor intervention strategies may help improve the current effectiveness of tumor treatment. Over the past few decades, numerous species of protozoa and their components have exhibited anti-tumor potential via immune and non-immune mechanisms. This discovery introduces a new research direction for the development of new and effective cancer treatments. Through in vitro experiments and studies involving tumor-bearing mice, the anti-tumor ability of Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other protozoa have unveiled diverse mechanisms by which protozoa combat cancer, demonstrating encouraging prospects for their application. In this review, we summarize the anti-tumor ability and anti-tumor mechanisms of various protozoa and explore the potential for their clinical development and application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army (Third Military) Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji-gang Dai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army (Third Military) Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pan M, Ge CC, Niu SZ, Duan YY, Fan YM, Jin QW, Chen X, Tao JP, Huang SY. Functional analyses of Toxoplasma gondii dihydroorotase reveal a promising anti-parasitic target. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23397. [PMID: 38149908 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301493r] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii relies heavily on the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway for fueling the high uridine-5'-monophosphate (UMP) demand during parasite growth. The third step of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis is catalyzed by dihydroorotase (DHO), a metalloenzyme that catalyzes the reversible condensation of carbamoyl aspartate to dihydroorotate. Here, functional analyses of TgDHO reveal that tachyzoites lacking DHO are impaired in overall growth due to decreased levels of UMP, and the noticeably growth restriction could be partially rescued after supplementation with uracil or high concentrations of L-dihydroorotate in vitro. When pyrimidine salvage pathway is disrupted, both DHOH35A and DHOD284E mutant strains proliferated much slower than DHO-expressing parasites, suggesting an essential role of both TgDHO His35 and Asp284 residues in parasite growth. Additionally, DHO deletion causes the limitation of bradyzoite growth under the condition of uracil supplementation or uracil deprivation. During the infection in mice, the DHO-deficient parasites are avirulent, despite the generation of smaller tissue cysts. The results reveal that TgDHO contributes to parasite growth both in vitro and in vivo. The significantly differences between TgDHO and mammalian DHO reflect that DHO can be exploited to produce specific inhibitors targeting apicomplexan parasites. Moreover, potential DHO inhibitors exert beneficial effects on enzymatic activity of TgDHO and T. gondii growth in vitro. In conclusion, these data highlight the important role of TgDHO in parasite growth and reveal that it is a promising anti-parasitic target for future control of toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Pan
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Ceng-Ceng Ge
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Shui-Zhu Niu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Yin-Yan Duan
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Yi-Min Fan
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Qi-Wang Jin
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Jian-Ping Tao
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Elati HAA, Goerner AL, Martorelli Di Genova B, Sheiner L, de Koning HP. Pyrimidine salvage in Toxoplasma gondii as a target for new treatment. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1320160. [PMID: 38162577 PMCID: PMC10755004 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1320160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a common protozoan infection that can have severe outcomes in the immunocompromised and during pregnancy, but treatment options are limited. Recently, nucleotide metabolism has received much attention as a target for new antiprotozoal agents and here we focus on pyrimidine salvage by Toxoplasma gondii as a drug target. Whereas uptake of [3H]-cytidine and particularly [3H]-thymidine was at most marginal, [3H]-uracil and [3H]-uridine were readily taken up. Kinetic analysis of uridine uptake was consistent with a single transporter with a Km of 3.3 ± 0.8 µM, which was inhibited by uracil with high affinity (Ki = 1.15 ± 0.07 µM) but not by thymidine or 5-methyluridine, showing that the 5-Me group is incompatible with uptake by T. gondii. Conversely, [3H]-uracil transport displayed a Km of 2.05 ± 0.40 µM, not significantly different from the uracil Ki on uridine transport, and was inhibited by uridine with a Ki of 2.44 ± 0.59 µM, also not significantly different from the experimental uridine Km. The reciprocal, complete inhibition, displaying Hill slopes of approximately -1, strongly suggest that uridine and uracil share a single transporter with similarly high affinity for both, and we designate it uridine/uracil transporter 1 (TgUUT1). While TgUUT1 excludes 5-methyl substitutions, the smaller 5F substitution was tolerated, as 5F-uracil inhibited uptake of [3H]-uracil with a Ki of 6.80 ± 2.12 µM (P > 0.05 compared to uracil Km). Indeed, we found that 5F-Uridine, 5F-uracil and 5F,2'-deoxyuridine were all potent antimetabolites against T. gondii with EC50 values well below that of the current first line treatment, sulfadiazine. In vivo evaluation also showed that 5F-uracil and 5F,2'-deoxyuridine were similarly effective as sulfadiazine against acute toxoplasmosis. Our preliminary conclusion is that TgUUT1 mediates potential new anti-toxoplasmosis drugs with activity superior to the current treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamza A. A. Elati
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, University of Elmergib, Al Khums, Libya
| | - Amber L. Goerner
- Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Bruno Martorelli Di Genova
- Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Lilach Sheiner
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Harry P. de Koning
- School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Namasivayam S, Sun C, Bah AB, Oberstaller J, Pierre-Louis E, Etheridge RD, Feschotte C, Pritham EJ, Kissinger JC. Massive invasion of organellar DNA drives nuclear genome evolution in Toxoplasma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308569120. [PMID: 37917792 PMCID: PMC10636329 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308569120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protist pathogen that infects up to one third of the human population. This apicomplexan parasite contains three genome sequences: nuclear (65 Mb); plastid organellar, ptDNA (35 kb); and mitochondrial organellar, mtDNA (5.9 kb of non-repetitive sequence). We find that the nuclear genome contains a significant amount of NUMTs (nuclear integrants of mitochondrial DNA) and NUPTs (nuclear integrants of plastid DNA) that are continuously acquired and represent a significant source of intraspecific genetic variation. NUOT (nuclear DNA of organellar origin) accretion has generated 1.6% of the extant T. gondii ME49 nuclear genome-the highest fraction ever reported in any organism. NUOTs are primarily found in organisms that retain the non-homologous end-joining repair pathway. Significant movement of organellar DNA was experimentally captured via amplicon sequencing of a CRISPR-induced double-strand break in non-homologous end-joining repair competent, but not ku80 mutant, Toxoplasma parasites. Comparisons with Neospora caninum, a species that diverged from Toxoplasma ~28 mya, revealed that the movement and fixation of five NUMTs predates the split of the two genera. This unexpected level of NUMT conservation suggests evolutionary constraint for cellular function. Most NUMT insertions reside within (60%) or nearby genes (23% within 1.5 kb), and reporter assays indicate that some NUMTs have the ability to function as cis-regulatory elements modulating gene expression. Together, these findings portray a role for organellar sequence insertion in dynamically shaping the genomic architecture and likely contributing to adaptation and phenotypic changes in this important human pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheng Sun
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX76019
| | - Assiatu B. Bah
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX76019
| | | | - Edwin Pierre-Louis
- Department of Cellular Biology, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
| | - Ronald Drew Etheridge
- Department of Cellular Biology, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
| | - Cedric Feschotte
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX76019
| | - Ellen J. Pritham
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX76019
| | - Jessica C. Kissinger
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Bioinformatics, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA30602
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guo Q, Guo X, Ji N, Shen B, Zhong X, Xiao L, Feng Y, Xia N. Role of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase enzyme 1 in growth and virulence of Toxoplasma gondii and development of attenuated live vaccine. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:1957-1970. [PMID: 37556171 PMCID: PMC10527188 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous pathogen that infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans, causing substantial socioeconomic and healthcare burdens. However, there is no ideal vaccine for toxoplasmosis. As metabolism is important in the growth and virulence of Toxoplasma, some key pathways are promising antiparasitic targets. Here, we identified 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase 1 (Tg6PGDH1) in the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway as a cytoplasmic protein that is dispensable for tachyzoite growth of T. gondii in vitro but critical for virulence and cyst formation in vivo. The depletion of Tg6PGDH1 causes decreased gene transcription involved in signal transduction, transcriptional regulation and virulence. Furthermore, we analysed the protective effect of the ME49Δ6pgdh1 mutant as an attenuated vaccine and found that ME49Δ6pgdh1 immunization stimulated strong protective immunity against lethal challenges and blocked cyst formation caused by reinfection. Furthermore, we showed that ME49Δ6pgdh1 immunization stimulated increased levels of interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies. These data highlight the role of Tg6PGDH1 in the growth and virulence of T. gondii and its potential as a target for the development of a live-attenuated vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xuefang Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Nuo Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xinhua Zhong
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Materials and EnergySouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lihua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ningbo Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lamb IM, Okoye IC, Mather MW, Vaidya AB. Unique Properties of Apicomplexan Mitochondria. Annu Rev Microbiol 2023; 77:541-560. [PMID: 37406344 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-032421-120540] [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] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Apicomplexan parasites constitute more than 6,000 species infecting a wide range of hosts. These include important pathogens such as those causing malaria and toxoplasmosis. Their evolutionary emergence coincided with the dawn of animals. Mitochondrial genomes of apicomplexan parasites have undergone dramatic reduction in their coding capacity, with genes for only three proteins and ribosomal RNA genes present in scrambled fragments originating from both strands. Different branches of the apicomplexans have undergone rearrangements of these genes, with Toxoplasma having massive variations in gene arrangements spread over multiple copies. The vast evolutionary distance between the parasite and the host mitochondria has been exploited for the development of antiparasitic drugs, especially those used to treat malaria, wherein inhibition of the parasite mitochondrial respiratory chain is selectively targeted with little toxicity to the host mitochondria. We describe additional unique characteristics of the parasite mitochondria that are being investigated and provide greater insights into these deep-branching eukaryotic pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Lamb
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Ijeoma C Okoye
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Michael W Mather
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| | - Akhil B Vaidya
- Center for Molecular Parasitology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
S Subauste C, Hubal A. Animal Models for Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e871. [PMID: 37695167 PMCID: PMC10621533 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.871] [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] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that commonly infects mammals and birds throughout the world. This protocol describes murine models of acute T. gondii infection, toxoplasmic encephalitis and toxoplasma retinochoroiditis. T. gondii infection in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, deficient in T and B cells, has allowed for the study of T cell-independent mechanisms of defense against intracellular organisms, as described here. The uracil auxotroph strain cps1-1 and temperature-sensitive mutant strains of T. gondii induce protection against challenge with virulent strains of the parasite. They have allowed studies of immunization and adoptive-transfer experiments. A protocol is provided for infection with these mutant strains. The EGS strain of T. gondii has the unique feature of spontaneously forming tissue cysts in cell culture. Dual fluorescent reporter stains of this strain have allowed the study of tachyzoite to bradyzoite transitions in vitro and in vivo. A protocol for in vitro and in vivo growth of this strain and tissue cyst isolation is provided. Genetic manipulation of T. gondii and mice has led to the development of parasites that express fluorescent proteins as well as mice with fluorescently labeled leukocytes. This together with the use of T. gondii that express model antigens and transgenic mice that express the appropriate T cell receptor have facilitated the in vivo study of parasite host-interaction. In addition, parasites that express bioluminescent markers have made it possible to study the dynamics of infection in real time using bioluminescence imaging. Support protocols present methodology for evaluation of progression of infection and immune response to the parasite that includes these newer methodologies. In addition, support protocols address the maintenance of T. gondii tissue cysts and tachyzoites, as well as preparation of T. gondii lysate antigens. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Induction of acute T. gondii infection in mice Basic Protocol 2: Model of toxoplasmic encephalitis and toxoplasma retinochoroiditis in chronically infected mice Basic Protocol 3: Assessment of T. gondii invasion into neural tissue Basic Protocol 4: T. gondii infection in scid/scid (SCID) mice Basic Protocol 5: Infection with the uracil auxotroph strain CPS1-1 or the temperature-sensitive TS-4 strain of T. gondii Basic Protocol 6: In vivo and in vitro maintenance of the EGS strain of T. gondii Support Protocol 1: Assessment of progression of infection and immune response to T. gondii Support Protocol 2: Maintenance of a bank of T. gondii cysts of the ME49 strain Support Protocol 3: Maintenance of T. gondii tachyzoites using human foreskin fibroblasts Support Protocol 4: Maintenance of T. gondii tachyzoites in mice Support Protocol 5: Preparation of T. gondii lysate antigens Support Protocol 6: Isolation of T. gondii tissue cysts from brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos S Subauste
- Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Alyssa Hubal
- Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Alberti M, Sainas S, Ronchi E, Lolli ML, Boschi D, Rizzi M, Ferraris DM, Miggiano R. Biochemical characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and identification of a selective inhibitor. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2119-2132. [PMID: 37278160 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the etiologic agent of tuberculosis (TB), an ancient disease which causes 1.5 million deaths worldwide. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a key enzyme of the MTB de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway, and it is essential for MTB growth in vitro, hence representing a promising drug target. We present: (i) the biochemical characterization of the full-length MTB DHODH, including the analysis of the kinetic parameters, and (ii) the previously unreleased crystal structure of the protein that allowed us to rationally screen our in-house chemical library and identify the first selective inhibitor of mycobacterial DHODH. The inhibitor has fluorescence properties, potentially instrumental to in cellulo imaging studies, and exhibits an IC50 value of 43 μm, paving the way to hit-to-lead process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Alberti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Stefano Sainas
- Department of Sciences and Drug Technology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Erika Ronchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Marco L Lolli
- Department of Sciences and Drug Technology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Donatella Boschi
- Department of Sciences and Drug Technology, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Menico Rizzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Davide M Ferraris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Miggiano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yousefi M, Akbari M, Hadipour M, Dehkordi AB, Farahbakhsh Z, Darani HY. Parasites as potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:8027-8038. [PMID: 36949175 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04694-2] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Parasites and cancers have some common antigens. Much scientific evidence in the human population, animal models, and in vitro experiments exhibit that parasites have significant anti-cancer effects. The larval stage of the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzy, Plasmodium's, and Trichinella spiralis are among the parasites that have been subjects of anti-cancer research in the last decades. Anti-tumor effects of parasites may be due to the direct impact of the parasites per se or indirectly due to the immune response raised against common antigens between malignant cells and parasites. This manuscript reviews the anti-cancer effects of parasites and possible mechanisms of these effects. Options for using parasites or their antigens for cancer treatment in the future have been discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Yousefi
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadesmail Akbari
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahboubeh Hadipour
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azar Balouti Dehkordi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Zohreh Farahbakhsh
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hossein Yousofi Darani
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shen Y, Zheng B, Sun H, Wu S, Fan J, Ding J, Gao M, Kong Q, Lou D, Ding H, Zhuo X, Lu S. A live attenuated RHΔompdcΔuprt mutant of Toxoplasma gondii induces strong protective immunity against toxoplasmosis in mice and cats. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:60. [PMID: 37322556 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01109-9] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite and is responsible for zoonotic toxoplasmosis. It is essential to develop an effective anti-T. gondii vaccine for the control of toxoplasmosis, and this study is to explore the immunoprotective effects of a live attenuated vaccine in mice and cats. METHODS First, the ompdc and uprt genes of T. gondii were deleted through the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Then, the intracellular proliferation and virulence of this mutant strain were evaluated. Subsequently, the immune responses induced by this mutant in mice and cats were detected, including antibody titers, cytokine levels, and subsets of T lymphocytes. Finally, the immunoprotective effects were evaluated by challenge with tachyzoites of different strains in mice or cysts of the ME49 strain in cats. Furthermore, to discover the effective immune element against toxoplasmosis, passive immunizations were carried out. GraphPad Prism software was used to conduct the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test, Student's t test and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS The RHΔompdcΔuprt were constructed by the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Compared with the wild-type strain, the mutant notably reduced proliferation (P < 0.05). In addition, the mutant exhibited virulence attenuation in both murine (BALB/c and BALB/c-nu) and cat models. Notably, limited pathological changes were found in tissues from RHΔompdcΔuprt-injected mice. Furthermore, compared with nonimmunized group, high levels of IgG (IgG1 and IgG2a) antibodies and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-12) in mice were detected by the mutant (P < 0.05). Remarkably, all RHΔompdcΔuprt-vaccinated mice survived a lethal challenge with RHΔku80 and ME49 and WH6 strains. The immunized sera and splenocytes, especially CD8+ T cells, could significantly extend (P < 0.05) the survival time of mice challenged with the RHΔku80 strain compared with naïve mice. In addition, compared with nonimmunized cats, cats immunized with the mutant produced high levels of antibodies and cytokines (P < 0.05), and notably decreased the shedding numbers of oocysts in feces (95.3%). CONCLUSIONS The avirulent RHΔompdcΔuprt strain can provide strong anti-T. gondii immune responses, and is a promising candidate for developing a safe and effective live attenuated vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Songrui Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiyuan Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianzu Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingming Kong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Lou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xunhui Zhuo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shaohong Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Namasivayam S, Sun C, Bah AB, Oberstaller J, Pierre-Louis E, Etheridge RD, Feschotte C, Pritham EJ, Kissinger JC. Massive invasion of organellar DNA drives nuclear genome evolution in Toxoplasma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.22.539837. [PMID: 37293002 PMCID: PMC10245829 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.22.539837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic protist pathogen that infects up to 1/3 of the human population. This apicomplexan parasite contains three genome sequences: nuclear (63 Mb); plastid organellar, ptDNA (35 kb); and mitochondrial organellar, mtDNA (5.9 kb of non-repetitive sequence). We find that the nuclear genome contains a significant amount of NUMTs (nuclear DNA of mitochondrial origin) and NUPTs (nuclear DNA of plastid origin) that are continuously acquired and represent a significant source of intraspecific genetic variation. NUOT (nuclear DNA of organellar origin) accretion has generated 1.6% of the extant T. gondii ME49 nuclear genome; the highest fraction ever reported in any organism. NUOTs are primarily found in organisms that retain the non-homologous end-joining repair pathway. Significant movement of organellar DNA was experimentally captured via amplicon sequencing of a CRISPR-induced double-strand break in non-homologous end-joining repair competent, but not ku80 mutant, Toxoplasma parasites. Comparisons with Neospora caninum, a species that diverged from Toxoplasma ~28 MY ago, revealed that the movement and fixation of 5 NUMTs predates the split of the two genera. This unexpected level of NUMT conservation suggests evolutionary constraint for cellular function. Most NUMT insertions reside within (60%) or nearby genes (23% within 1.5 kb) and reporter assays indicate that some NUMTs have the ability to function as cis-regulatory elements modulating gene expression. Together these findings portray a role for organellar sequence insertion in dynamically shaping the genomic architecture and likely contributing to adaptation and phenotypic changes in this important human pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sivaranjani Namasivayam
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Present address: Clinical Microbiome Unit, Laboratory of Host Immunity and Microbiome, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cheng Sun
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; Present address: College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Assiatu B Bah
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019
| | - Jenna Oberstaller
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Present address: Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Edwin Pierre-Louis
- Department of Cellular Biology, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ronald Drew Etheridge
- Department of Cellular Biology, Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Cedric Feschotte
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019; Present address: Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703, USA
| | - Ellen J. Pritham
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019
| | - Jessica C. Kissinger
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Bioinformatics, and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pritchard GH, Phan AT, Christian DA, Blain TJ, Fang Q, Johnson J, Roy NH, Shallberg L, Kedl RM, Hunter CA. Early T-bet promotes LFA1 upregulation required for CD8+ effector and memory T cell development. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20191287. [PMID: 36445307 PMCID: PMC9712775 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The T-box transcription factor T-bet is regarded as a "master regulator" of CD4+ Th1 differentiation and IFN-γ production. However, in multiple models of infection, T-bet appears less critical for CD8+ T cell expansion and effector function. Here, we show that following vaccination with a replication-deficient strain of Toxoplasma gondii, CD8+ T cell expression of T-bet is required for optimal expansion of parasite-specific effector CD8+ T cells. Analysis of the early events associated with T cell activation reveals that the α chain of LFA1, CD11a, is a target of T-bet, and T-bet is necessary for CD8+ T cell upregulation of this integrin, which influences the initial priming of CD8+ effector T cells. We propose that the early expression of T-bet represents a T cell-intrinsic factor that optimizes T-DC interactions necessary to generate effector responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Harms Pritchard
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Anthony T. Phan
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David A. Christian
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Trevor J. Blain
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO
| | - Qun Fang
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - John Johnson
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nathan H. Roy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Lindsey Shallberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ross M. Kedl
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO
| | - Christopher A. Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kumar S, Rao NNS, Reddy KSSVP, Padole MC, Deshpande PA. Enzyme-substrate interactions in orotate-mimetic OPRT inhibitor complexes: a QM/MM analysis. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 25:3472-3484. [PMID: 36637052 DOI: 10.1039/d2cp05406j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Orotate phosphoribosyltransferase (OPRT) catalyses the reversible phosphoribosyl transfer from α-D-5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) to orotic acid (OA) to yield orotidine 5'-monophosphate (OMP) during the de novo synthesis of nucleotides. Numerous studies have reported the inhibition of this reaction as a strategy to check diseases like tuberculosis, malaria and cancer. Insight into the inhibition of this reaction is, therefore, of urgent interest. In this study, we implemented a QM/MM framework on OPRT derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to obtain insights into the competitive binding of OA and OA-mimetic inhibitors by quantifying their interactions with OPRT. 4-Hydroxy-6-methylpyridin-2(1H) one showed the best inhibiting activity among the structurally similar OA-mimetic inhibitors, as quantified from the binding energetics. Our analysis of protein-ligand interactions unveiled the association of this inhibitory ligand with a strong network of hydrogen bonds, a large contribution of hydrophobic contacts, and bridging water molecules in the binding site. The ortho-substituted CH3 group in the compound resulted in a large population of π-electrons in the aromatic ring of this inhibitor, supporting the ligand binding further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shashi Kumar
- Quantum and Molecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
| | - N N Subrahmanyeswara Rao
- Quantum and Molecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
| | - K S S V Prasad Reddy
- Quantum and Molecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
| | - Manjusha C Padole
- Quantum and Molecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
| | - Parag A Deshpande
- Quantum and Molecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang X, Yuan H, Mahmmod YS, Yang Z, Zhao M, Song Y, Luo S, Zhang XX, Yuan ZG. Insight into the current Toxoplasma gondii DNA vaccine: a review article. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:66-89. [PMID: 36508550 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2157818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is a widespread protozoan with significant economic losses and public health importance. But so far, the protective effect of reported DNA-based vaccines fluctuates widely, and no study has demonstrated complete protection. AREAS COVERED This review provides an inclusive summary of T. gondii DNA vaccine antigens, adjuvants, and some other parameters. A total of 140 articles from 2000 to 2021 were collected from five databases. By contrasting the outcomes of acute and chronic challenges, we aimed to investigate and identify viable immunological strategies for optimum protection. Furthermore, we evaluated and discussed the impact of several parameters on challenge outcomes in the hopes of developing some recommendations to assist better future horizontal comparisons among research. EXPERT OPINION In the coming five years of research, the exploration of vaccine cocktails combining invasion antigens and metabolic antigens with genetic adjuvants or novel DNA delivery methods may offer us desirable protection against this multiple stage of life parasite. In addition to finding a better immune strategy, developing better in silico prediction methods, solving problems posed by variables in practical applications, and gaining a more profound knowledge of T.gondii-host molecular interaction is also crucial towards a successful vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xirui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Hao Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yasser S Mahmmod
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, 17155, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zipeng Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mengpo Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yining Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shengjun Luo
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiu-Xiang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zi-Guo Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Honfozo A, Houngue R, Vandeputte A, Dechavanne S, Nouatin O, Atindehou MC, Fanou LA, Massougbodji A, Dechavanne C, Brodin P, Tomavo S. An image-based high-content screening for compounds targeting Toxoplasma gondii repurposed inhibitors effective against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1102551. [PMID: 36936758 PMCID: PMC10020723 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1102551] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexa phylum includes numerous obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that are life threatening for humans and animals. In this context, Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii are of particular interest, as they are responsible for malaria and toxoplasmosis, respectively, for which efficient vaccines are presently lacking and therapies need to be improved. Apicomplexan parasites have a highly polarized morphology, with their apical end containing specific secretory organelles named rhoptries and micronemes, which depend on the unique receptor and transporter sortilin TgSORT for their biogenesis. In the present study, we took advantage of the subcellular polarity of the parasite to engineer a clonal transgenic Toxoplasma line that expresses simultaneously the green fluorescent protein TgSORT-GFP in the post-Golgi-endosome-like compartment and the red fluorescent protein rhoptry ROP1-mCherry near the apical end. We utilized this fluorescent transgenic T. gondii to develop a miniaturized image-based phenotype assay coupled to an automated image analysis. By applying this methodology to 1,120 compounds, we identified 12 that are capable of disrupting the T. gondii morphology and inhibiting intracellular replication. Analysis of the selected compounds confirmed that all 12 are kinase inhibitors and intramembrane pumps, with some exhibiting potent activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Our findings highlight the advantage of comparative and targeted phenotypic analysis involving two related parasite species as a means of identifying molecules with a conserved mode of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Honfozo
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Rodrigue Houngue
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Alexandre Vandeputte
- Université de Lille, CNRS UMR 9017, INSERM U 1019, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41 − UAR 2014 − PLBS, CIIL − Center for Immunity and Infection of Lille, Lille, France
| | | | - Odilon Nouatin
- Institut de Recherche Clinique du Bénin, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | | | - Lucie Ayi Fanou
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, FAST/UAC, Cotonou, Benin
| | | | - Célia Dechavanne
- Université de Paris Cité, IRD, MERIT, Paris, France
- CERPAGE, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Priscille Brodin
- Université de Lille, CNRS UMR 9017, INSERM U 1019, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41 − UAR 2014 − PLBS, CIIL − Center for Immunity and Infection of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Stanislas Tomavo
- Université Paris Saclay, CNRS UMR 9198-CEA, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif sur Yvette, France
- *Correspondence: Stanislas Tomavo,
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Toxoplasma Shelph, a Phosphatase Located in the Parasite Endoplasmic Reticulum, Is Required for Parasite Virulence. mSphere 2022; 7:e0035022. [PMID: 36326242 PMCID: PMC9769683 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00350-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasitic eukaryote that evolved to successfully propagate in any nucleated cell. As with any other eukaryote, its life cycle is regulated by signaling pathways controlled by kinases and phosphatases. T. gondii encodes an atypical bacterial-like phosphatase absent from mammalian genomes, named Shelph, after its first identification in the psychrophilic bacterium Schewanella sp. Here, we demonstrate that Toxoplasma Shelph is an active phosphatase localized in the parasite endoplasmic reticulum. The phenotyping of a shelph knockout (KO) line showed a minor impairment in invasion on human fibroblasts, while the other steps of the parasite lytic cycle were not affected. In contrast with Plasmodium ortholog Shelph1, this invasion deficiency was not correlated with any default in the biogenesis of secretory organelles. However, Shelph-KO parasites displayed a much-pronounced defect in virulence in vivo. These phenotypes could be rescued by genetic complementation, thus supporting an important function for Shelph in the context of a natural infection. IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii belongs to the Apicomplexa phylum, which comprises more than 5,000 species, among which is Plasmodium falciparum, the notorious agent of human malaria. Intriguingly, the Apicomplexa genomes encode at least one phosphatase closely related to the bacterial Schewanella phosphatase, or Shelph. To better understand the importance of these atypical bacterial enzymes in eukaryotic parasites, we undertook the functional characterization of T. gondii Shelph. Our results uncovered its subcellular localization and its enzymatic activity, revealed its subtle involvement during the tachyzoite invasion step of the lytic cycle, and more importantly, highlighted a critical requirement of this phosphatase for parasite propagation in mice. Overall, this study revealed an unexpected role for T. gondii Shelph in the maintenance of parasite virulence in vivo.
Collapse
|
21
|
Desiatkina O, Mösching M, Anghel N, Boubaker G, Amdouni Y, Hemphill A, Furrer J, Păunescu E. New Nucleic Base-Tethered Trithiolato-Bridged Dinuclear Ruthenium(II)-Arene Compounds: Synthesis and Antiparasitic Activity. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238173. [PMID: 36500266 PMCID: PMC9738179 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aiming toward compounds with improved anti-Toxoplasma activity by exploiting the parasite auxotrophies, a library of nucleobase-tethered trithiolato-bridged dinuclear ruthenium(II)-arene conjugates was synthesized and evaluated. Structural features such as the type of nucleobase and linking unit were progressively modified. For comparison, diruthenium hybrids with other type of molecules were also synthesized and assessed. A total of 37 compounds (diruthenium conjugates and intermediates) were evaluated in a primary screening for in vitro activity against transgenic Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites constitutively expressing β-galactosidase (T. gondii β-gal) at 0.1 and 1 µM. In parallel, the cytotoxicity in non-infected host cells (human foreskin fibroblasts, HFF) was determined by alamarBlue assay. Twenty compounds strongly impairing parasite proliferation with little effect on HFF viability were subjected to T. gondii β-gal half maximal inhibitory concentration determination (IC50) and their toxicity for HFF was assessed at 2.5 µM. Two promising compounds were identified: 14, ester conjugate with 9-(2-oxyethyl)adenine, and 36, a click conjugate bearing a 2-(4-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)methyl substituent, with IC50 values of 0.059 and 0.111 µM respectively, significantly lower compared to pyrimethamine standard (IC50 = 0.326 µM). Both 14 and 36 exhibited low toxicity against HFF when applied at 2.5 µM and are candidates for potential treatment options in a suitable in vivo model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Desiatkina
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Mösching
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicoleta Anghel
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, Université de la Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggass-Strasse 122, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julien Furrer
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emilia Păunescu
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Freiestrasse 3, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pan M, Ge CC, Fan YM, Jin QW, Shen B, Huang SY. The determinants regulating Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoite development. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1027073. [PMID: 36439853 PMCID: PMC9691885 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1027073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular zoonotic pathogen capable of infecting almost all cells of warm-blooded vertebrates. In intermediate hosts, this parasite reproduces asexually in two forms, the tachyzoite form during acute infection that proliferates rapidly and the bradyzoite form during chronic infection that grows slowly. Depending on the growth condition, the two forms can interconvert. The conversion of tachyzoites to bradyzoites is critical for T. gondii transmission, and the reactivation of persistent bradyzoites in intermediate hosts may lead to symptomatic toxoplasmosis. However, the mechanisms that control bradyzoite differentiation have not been well studied. Here, we review recent advances in the study of bradyzoite biology and stage conversion, aiming to highlight the determinants associated with bradyzoite development and provide insights to design better strategies for controlling toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Pan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ceng-Ceng Ge
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Min Fan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Wang Jin
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sung K, Park M, Chon J, Kweon O, Khan SA, Shen A, Paredes A. Concentration-Dependent Global Quantitative Proteome Response of Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A Biofilms to Subinhibitory Tigecycline. Cells 2022; 11:3488. [PMID: 36359886 PMCID: PMC9655631 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a leading cause of biofilm-associated infections on implanted medical devices. During the treatment of an infection, bacterial cells inside biofilms may be exposed to sublethal concentrations of the antimicrobial agents. In the present study, the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of tigecycline (TC) on biofilms formed by S. epidermidis strain RP62A was investigated using a quantitative global proteomic technique. Sublethal concentrations of TC [1/8 (T1) and 1/4 minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (T2)] promoted biofilm production in strain RP62A, but 1/2 MIC TC (T3) significantly inhibited biofilm production. Overall, 413, 429, and 518 proteins were differentially expressed in biofilms grown with 1/8 (T1), 1/4 (T2), and 1/2 (T3) MIC of TC, respectively. As the TC concentration increased, the number of induced proteins in each Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway increased. The TC concentration dependence of the proteome response highlights the diverse mechanisms of adaptive responses in strain RP62A biofilms. In both COG and KEGG functional analyses, most upregulated proteins belong to the metabolism pathway, suggesting that it may play an important role in the defense of strain RP62A biofilm cells against TC stress. Sub-MIC TC treatment of strain RP62A biofilms led to significant changes of protein expression related to biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, virulence, quorum sensing, ABC transporters, protein export, purine/pyrimidine biosynthesis, ribosomes, and essential proteins. Interestingly, in addition to tetracycline resistance, proteins involved in resistance of various antibiotics, including aminoglycosides, antimicrobial peptides, β-lactams, erythromycin, fluoroquinolones, fusidic acid, glycopeptides, lipopeptides, mupirocin, rifampicin and trimethoprim were differentially expressed. Our study demonstrates that global protein expression profiling of biofilm cells to antibiotic pressure may improve our understanding of the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kidon Sung
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Miseon Park
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Jungwhan Chon
- Companion Animal Health, Inje University, Gimhae 50834, Korea
| | - Ohgew Kweon
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Saeed A. Khan
- Division of Microbiology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Andrew Shen
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, US FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Angel Paredes
- Office of Scientific Coordination, National Center for Toxicological Research, US FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Alday PH, Nilsen A, Doggett JS. Structure-activity relationships of Toxoplasma gondii cytochrome bc1 inhibitors. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:997-1011. [PMID: 35772172 PMCID: PMC9561756 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2096588] [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: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii is a prolific apicomplexan parasite that infects human and nonhuman animals worldwide and can cause severe brain and eye disease. Safer, more effective therapies for toxoplasmosis are needed. Cytochrome bc1 inhibitors are remarkably effective against toxoplasmosis and other apicomplexan-caused diseases. AREAS COVERED This work reviews T. gondii cytochrome bc1 inhibitors. Emphasis is placed on the structure-activity relationships of these inhibitors with regard to efficacy, pharmacokinetics, selectivity of T. gondii cytochrome bc1 over host, safety, and potential therapeutic strategies. EXPERT OPINION Cytochrome bc1 inhibitors are highly promising compounds for toxoplasmosis that have been effective in clinical and preclinical studies. Clinical experience with atovaquone previously validated cytochrome bc1 as a tractable drug target and, over the past decade, optimization of cytochrome bc1 inhibitors has resulted in improved bioavailability, metabolic stability, potency, blood-brain barrier penetration, and selectivity for the T. gondii cytochrome bc1 over the mammalian bc1. Recent studies have demonstrated preclinical safety, identified novel therapeutic strategies for toxoplasmosis using synergistic combinations or long-acting administration and provided insight into their role in chronic infection. This research has identified drug candidates that are more effective than clinically used drugs in preclinical measures of efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phil Holland Alday
- Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Aaron Nilsen
- Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhai B, He JJ, Xie SC, Qiu Y, Miao Z, Liu Y, Zhu XQ, Zhang J. Metabolomics study of cat small intestine during the early stage of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst formation identifies potential biomarkers. Vet Parasitol 2022; 309:109764. [PMID: 35870221 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109764] [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: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a zoonotic intracellular protozoan parasite that can invade, replicate and survive in almost all cells of warm-blooded animals. T. gondii infection threatens the life of the fetus or can cause morbidity in the infant. As the only definitive host of T. gondii, felids spread the pathogen mainly by forming oocysts in the small intestines and discharging the oocysts into the ambient environment, consequently polluting water, vegetables, and meat products. In this study, we used untargeted metabolomics technology to study the changes in metabolites that occurred during the early stage of oocyst formation in the cat small intestine following T. gondii infection and attempted to identify metabolic biomarkers that could potentially be used as diagnostic molecular markers in the future. Domestic cats (Felis catus) were infected with T. gondii Pru tissue cysts, and samples of their small intestinal epithelium were collected at 2 and 4 days post-infection (DPI) for metabolic analysis. LC-MS/MS and multivariate statistical analysis were employed to detect metabolomic signatures that discriminated between the infected and control groups. A total of 1673 ions and 1201 ions were obtained in the positive and negative modes, respectively. Of these ions, 175 were up-regulated and 127 were down-regulated in the positive ion mode; whereas, 123 were up-regulated and 81 were down-regulated in the negative ion mode. Three commonly altered ions (0.74_313.0414 m/z, 8.82_615.2621 m/z and 8.16_325.2362 m/z) were determined to have potential research value. Seventy common metabolic pathways were enriched at two time points, with arginine biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis being the three most significant pathways related to T. gondii. The area under the curve (AUC) of differential metabolites combined with relevant literature analysis showed that N-Methylpelletierine and 3,3-Difluoro-17-methyl-5alpha-androstan-17beta-ol have higher predictability and better potential application value than other metabolites. Our analysis of metabolic markers during the early stage of T. gondii oocyst formation in the small intestine of the definitive host (cat) provided novel insight for understanding oocyst development and a theoretical basis for the application of potential biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bintao Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730050, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Chen Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, People's Republic of China; Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan Province 410128, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhua Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730050, People's Republic of China
| | - Zengqiang Miao
- Medical College of Qinghai University, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai Province 810016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Life Science, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan Province 650201, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730050, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Quach EV, Cao B, Babacarkhial E, Ho D, Sharma J, Guiton PS. Phosphoglucomutase 1 contributes to optimal cyst development in Toxoplasma gondii. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:188. [PMID: 35597992 PMCID: PMC9123713 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06073-5] [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: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous parasite of medical and veterinary importance; however, there exists no cure for chronic toxoplasmosis. Metabolic enzymes required for the production and maintenance of tissue cysts represent promising targets for novel therapies. Here, we use reverse genetics to investigate the role of Toxoplasma phosphoglucomutase 1, PGM1, in Toxoplasma growth and cystogenesis. RESULTS We found that disruption of pgm1 did not significantly affect Toxoplasma intracellular growth and the lytic cycle. pgm1-defective parasites could differentiate into bradyzoites and produced cysts containing amylopectin in vitro. However, cysts produced in the absence of pgm1 were significantly smaller than wildtype. Together, our findings suggest that PGM1 is dispensable for in vitro growth but contributes to optimal Toxoplasma cyst development in vitro, thereby necessitating further investigation into the function of this enzyme in Toxoplasma persistence in its host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily V Quach
- Department of Biology, Laney College, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Binh Cao
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Edres Babacarkhial
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Ho
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Janak Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA
| | - Pascale S Guiton
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University East Bay, Hayward, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Asghari A, Nourmohammadi H, Majidiani H, Shariatzadeh SA, Anvari D, Shamsinia S, Ghasemi E, Shams M, Basati G. Promising effects of parasite-derived compounds on tumor regression: a systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:32383-32396. [PMID: 35146610 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The parasites are repeatedly confronting their host to take advantage of nutrients for multiplication and survival. In this sense, a wide spectrum of molecules is released from both sides, with immune-regulatory activity, accompanying this biological battle. Such parasites and their valuable molecules can be directed toward microbial-based cancer therapy. Herein, we contrived a systematic review to gather information on the antitumor activity of parasite-derived compounds. Following systematic search in Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest and Embase until 31 December 2019, a total number of 51 articles (54 datasets) were finally included in this review. Thirteen parasitic agents were found to possess possible antitumor activity, comprising protozoan species Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trichomonas vaginalis, Acanthamoeba castellanii, Besnoitia jellisoni, Leishmania major, Plasmodium yoelii, and Plasmodium lophurae, as well as parasitic helminths Toxocara canis, Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia crassiceps, Trichinella spiralis, and Schistosoma mansoni. Most experiments were done based on antigenic preparations from T. gondii (16 studies), E. granulosus (10 studies), T. spiralis (8 studies), and T. cruzi (6 studies). Possible antitumor properties of the selected parasites were revealed in this review. However, precise molecular basis of anticancer activity for each parasite remains to be elucidated in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Asghari
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hassan Nourmohammadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Seyyed Ali Shariatzadeh
- Department of Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Davood Anvari
- Department of Parasitology, Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- School of Medicine, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Sadegh Shamsinia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ezatollah Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Parasitology, School of Medicine, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
| | - Morteza Shams
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| | - Gholam Basati
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Christiansen C, Maus D, Hoppenz E, Murillo-León M, Hoffmann T, Scholz J, Melerowicz F, Steinfeldt T, Seeber F, Blume M. In vitro maturation of Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites in human myotubes and their metabolomic characterization. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1168. [PMID: 35246532 PMCID: PMC8897399 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28730-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii forms bradyzoite-containing tissue cysts that cause chronic and drug-tolerant infections. However, current in vitro models do not allow long-term culture of these cysts to maturity. Here, we developed a human myotube-based in vitro culture model of functionally mature tissue cysts that are orally infectious to mice and tolerate exposure to a range of antibiotics and temperature stresses. Metabolomic characterization of purified cysts reveals global changes that comprise increased levels of amino acids and decreased abundance of nucleobase- and tricarboxylic acid cycle-associated metabolites. In contrast to fast replicating tachyzoite forms of T. gondii these tissue cysts tolerate exposure to the aconitase inhibitor sodium fluoroacetate. Direct access to persistent stages of T. gondii under defined cell culture conditions will be essential for the dissection of functionally important host-parasite interactions and drug evasion mechanisms. It will also facilitate the identification of new strategies for therapeutic intervention. Bradyzoites are a quiescent form of Toxoplasma gondii enclosed in cysts during chronic infections. Here, Christiansen et al. develop a human myotube-based in vitro culture model of cysts that are infectious to mice and characterize their metabolism in comparison to fast replicating tachyzoites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Christiansen
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Deborah Maus
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ellen Hoppenz
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mateo Murillo-León
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Hoffmann
- ZBS 4: Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 4, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Scholz
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Melerowicz
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Steinfeldt
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frank Seeber
- FG 16: Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Blume
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Usey MM, Huet D. Parasite powerhouse: A review of the Toxoplasma gondii mitochondrion. J Eukaryot Microbiol 2022; 69:e12906. [PMID: 35315174 PMCID: PMC9490983 DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a member of the apicomplexan phylum, a group of single-celled eukaryotic parasites that cause significant human morbidity and mortality around the world. T. gondii harbors two organelles of endosymbiotic origin: a non-photosynthetic plastid, known as the apicoplast, and a single mitochondrion derived from the ancient engulfment of an α-proteobacterium. Due to excitement surrounding the novelty of the apicoplast, the T. gondii mitochondrion was, to a certain extent, overlooked for about two decades. However, recent work has illustrated that the mitochondrion is an essential hub of apicomplexan-specific biology. Development of novel techniques, such as cryo-electron microscopy, complexome profiling, and next-generation sequencing have led to a renaissance in mitochondrial studies. This review will cover what is currently known about key features of the T. gondii mitochondrion, ranging from its genome to protein import machinery and biochemical pathways. Particular focus will be given to mitochondrial features that diverge significantly from the mammalian host, along with discussion of this important organelle as a drug target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madelaine M. Usey
- Department of Cellular BiologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA,Center for Tropical and Emerging Global DiseasesUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| | - Diego Huet
- Center for Tropical and Emerging Global DiseasesUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA,Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGeorgiaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Xu LQ, Yao LJ, Jiang D, Zhou LJ, Chen M, Liao WZ, Zou WH, Peng HJ. A uracil auxotroph Toxoplasma gondii exerting immunomodulation to inhibit breast cancer growth and metastasis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:601. [PMID: 34895326 PMCID: PMC8665513 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05032-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death among women, and prognosis is especially poor for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC); therefore, there is an urgent need for new effective therapies. Recent studies have demonstrated that the uracil auxotroph Toxoplasma gondii vaccine displays anti-tumor effects. Here, we examined the immunotherapy effects of an attenuated uracil auxotroph strain of T. gondii against 4T1 murine breast cancer. METHODS We constructed a uracil auxotroph T. gondii RH strain via orotidine 5'-monophosphate decarboxylase gene deletion (RH-Δompdc) with CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The strain's virulence in the T. gondii-infected mice was determined in vitro and in vivo by parasite replication assay, plaque assay, parasite burden detection in mice peritoneal fluids and survival analysis. The immunomodulation ability of the strain was evaluated by cytokine detection. Its anti-tumor effect was evaluated after its in situ inoculation into 4T1 tumors in a mouse model; the tumor volume was measured, and the 4T1 lung metastasis was detected by hematoxylin and eosin and Ki67 antibody staining, and the cytokine levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The RH-Δompdc strain proliferated normally when supplemented with uracil, but it was unable to propagate without the addition of uracil and in vivo, which suggested that it was avirulent to the hosts. This mutant showed vaccine characteristics that could induce intense immune responses both in vitro and in vivo by significantly boosting the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Inoculation of RH-Δompdc in situ into the 4T1 tumor inhibited tumor growth, reduced lung metastasis, promoted the survival of the tumor-bearing mice and increased the secretion of Th1 cytokines, including interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-γ (INF-δ), in both the serum and tumor microenvironment (TME). CONCLUSION Inoculation of the uracil auxotroph RH-Δompdc directly into the 4T1 tumor stimulated anti-infection and anti-tumor immunity in mice, and resulted in inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis, promotion of the survival of the tumor-bearing mice and increased secretion of IL-12 and IFN-γ in both the serum and TME. Our findings suggest that the immunomodulation caused by RH-Δompdc could be a potential anti-tumor strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Qing Xu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Jie Yao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Jiang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Juan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Zhong Liao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Hao Zou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Juan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Olivera GC, Ross EC, Peuckert C, Barragan A. Blood-brain barrier-restricted translocation of Toxoplasma gondii from cortical capillaries. eLife 2021; 10:69182. [PMID: 34877929 PMCID: PMC8700292 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular barriers of the central nervous system proficiently protect the brain parenchyma from infectious insults. Yet, the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii commonly causes latent cerebral infection in humans and other vertebrates. Here, we addressed the role of the cerebral vasculature in the passage of T. gondii to the brain parenchyma. Shortly after inoculation in mice, parasites mainly localized to cortical capillaries, in preference over post-capillary venules, cortical arterioles or meningeal and choroidal vessels. Early invasion to the parenchyma (days 1-5) occurred in absence of a measurable increase in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, perivascular leukocyte cuffs or hemorrhage. However, sparse focalized permeability elevations were detected adjacently to replicative parasite foci. Further, T. gondii triggered inflammatory responses in cortical microvessels and endothelium. Pro- and anti-inflammatory treatments of mice with LPS and hydrocortisone, respectively, impacted BBB permeability and parasite loads in the brain parenchyma. Finally, pharmacological inhibition or Cre/loxP conditional knockout of endothelial focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a BBB intercellular junction regulator, facilitated parasite translocation to the brain parenchyma. The data reveal that the initial passage of T. gondii to the central nervous system occurs principally across cortical capillaries. The integrity of the microvascular BBB restricts parasite transit, which conversely is exacerbated by the inflammatory response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela C Olivera
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emily C Ross
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christiane Peuckert
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li Y, Zhang Y, Xia N, Zhou T, Shen B. Antitumor effects of a Toxoplasma mutant lacking lactate dehydrogenases. Parasitol Res 2021; 120:3335-3339. [PMID: 34405281 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07283-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
"Bug as drug" is a concept recognized over a century ago and has gained significant research attention recently for fighting diseases such as immune disorders and others. Bacteria and viruses are constantly studied for this purpose, but the use of parasitic organisms is still rare. Recently, we found that Toxoplasma gondii mutants lacking two lactate dehydrogenases (ME49 Δldh1-Δldh2) were avirulent in mice but able to stimulate high levels of Th1 immunity. This outcome prompted us to determine whether Δldh mutants also displayed antitumor activities. Using a mouse melanoma model, we showed that intratumoral administration of Δldh1-Δldh2 repressed the growth of established tumors and helped to inhibit lethal tumor development in the mice. The sera of parasite-treated mice had high levels of TNF-α and INF-γ, which likely contributed to the tumor-repressing activity. We also found that chronic Toxoplasma infection, which is common in animals and humans, also led to antitumor activity. In addition, pre-existing chronic infections did not affect the antitumor efficiency of the Δldh1-Δldh2 mutant. Together, these results suggest that the attenuated T. gondii mutant Δldh1-Δldh2 has the potential to be a good antitumor therapy and provide new insights into the development of novel tumor therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ningbo Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Taifang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine in Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Biochemical Studies of Mitochondrial Malate: Quinone Oxidoreductase from Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157830. [PMID: 34360597 PMCID: PMC8345934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis and infects almost one-third of the global human population. A lack of effective drugs and vaccines and the emergence of drug resistant parasites highlight the need for the development of new drugs. The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is an essential pathway for energy metabolism and the survival of T. gondii. In apicomplexan parasites, malate:quinone oxidoreductase (MQO) is a monotopic membrane protein belonging to the ETC and a key member of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and has recently been suggested to play a role in the fumarate cycle, which is required for the cytosolic purine salvage pathway. In T. gondii, a putative MQO (TgMQO) is expressed in tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages and is considered to be a potential drug target since its orthologue is not conserved in mammalian hosts. As a first step towards the evaluation of TgMQO as a drug target candidate, in this study, we developed a new expression system for TgMQO in FN102(DE3)TAO, a strain deficient in respiratory cytochromes and dependent on an alternative oxidase. This system allowed, for the first time, the expression and purification of a mitochondrial MQO family enzyme, which was used for steady-state kinetics and substrate specificity analyses. Ferulenol, the only known MQO inhibitor, also inhibited TgMQO at IC50 of 0.822 μM, and displayed different inhibition kinetics compared to Plasmodium falciparum MQO. Furthermore, our analysis indicated the presence of a third binding site for ferulenol that is distinct from the ubiquinone and malate sites.
Collapse
|
34
|
Alday PH, McConnell EV, Boitz Zarella JM, Dodean RA, Kancharla P, Kelly JX, Doggett JS. Acridones Are Highly Potent Inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1877-1884. [PMID: 33723998 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acridone derivatives, which have been shown to have in vitro and in vivo activity against Plasmodium spp, inhibit Toxoplasma gondii proliferation at picomolar concentrations. Using enzymatic assays, we show that acridones inhibit both T. gondii cytochrome bc1 and dihydroorotate dehydrogenase and identify acridones that bind preferentially to the Qi site of cytochrome bc1. We identify acridones that have efficacy in a murine model of systemic toxoplasmosis. Acridones have potent activity against T. gondii and represent a promising new class of preclinical compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. Holland Alday
- Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Erin V. McConnell
- Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Jan M. Boitz Zarella
- Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Rozalia A. Dodean
- Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| | - Papireddy Kancharla
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - Jane X. Kelly
- Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97201, United States
| | - J. Stone Doggett
- Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, Oregon 97239, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Clark JT, Christian DA, Gullicksrud JA, Perry JA, Park J, Jacquet M, Tarrant JC, Radaelli E, Silver J, Hunter CA. IL-33 promotes innate lymphoid cell-dependent IFN-γ production required for innate immunity to Toxoplasma gondii. eLife 2021; 10:e65614. [PMID: 33929319 PMCID: PMC8121546 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-33 is an alarmin required for resistance to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, but its role in innate resistance to this organism is unclear. Infection with T. gondii promotes increased stromal cell expression of IL-33, and levels of parasite replication correlate with release of IL-33 in affected tissues. In response to infection, a subset of innate lymphoid cells (ILC) emerges composed of IL-33R+ NK cells and ILC1s. In Rag1-/-mice, where NK cells and ILC1 production of IFN-γ mediate innate resistance to T. gondii, the loss of the IL-33R resulted in reduced ILC responses and increased parasite replication. Furthermore, administration of IL-33 to Rag1-/- mice resulted in a marked decrease in parasite burden, increased production of IFN-γ, and the recruitment and expansion of inflammatory monocytes associated with parasite control. These protective effects of exogenous IL-33 were dependent on endogenous IL-12p40 and the ability of IL-33 to enhance ILC production of IFN-γ. These results highlight that IL-33 synergizes with IL-12 to promote ILC-mediated resistance to T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Clark
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - David A Christian
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Jodi A Gullicksrud
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Joseph A Perry
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Jeongho Park
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
- Kangwon National University College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary ScienceChuncheonRepublic of Korea
| | - Maxime Jacquet
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
- Liver Immunology, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital of Basel and University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - James C Tarrant
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Enrico Radaelli
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Jonathan Silver
- Department of Respiratory Inflammation and Autoimmunity, AstraZenecaGaithersburgUnited States
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
The carB Gene of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) is Associated with Nematicidal Activity against the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne javanica. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020222. [PMID: 33670696 PMCID: PMC7923116 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020222] [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: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological nematicides have been widely used to lower the losses generated by phytoparasitic nematodes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nematicidal effects of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) against Meloidogyne javanica and to identify nematicide-related genes. Culture filtrates of BL21(DE3) caused juvenile mortality and inhibited egg hatching in a dose-dependent manner. In the greenhouse, treatment of tomato seedlings with BL21(DE3) culture filtrates at 50 and 100% concentrations not only reduced the amount of M. javanica egg masses and galls, but improved plant root and shoot fresh weight. Culture filtrate analysis indicated that the nematicidal active ingredients of strain BL21(DE3) were non-proteinaceous, heat and cold resistant, sensitive to pH and volatile. To identify the genes associated with nematicidal activity, a BL21(DE3) library of 5000 mutants was produced using Tn5 transposase insertion. The culture filtrate of the MB12 mutant showed no nematicidal activity after 72 h of treatment and thermal asymmetrical interlaced PCR demonstrated that the carB gene was disrupted. Nematicidal activity was restored when the pH of the MB12 culture filtrate was adjusted to the original pH value (4.15) or following MB12 complementation with the carB gene, confirming a role for carB in mediating pH value and nematicidal activity. The outcomes of this pilot study indicate that BL21(DE3) is a potential microorganism for the continuable biological control of root-knot nematode in tomato and that carB affects the nematicidal activity of BL21(DE3) by modulating the pH environment.
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhuo X, Du K, Ding H, Lou D, Zheng B, Lu S. A Carbamoyl Phosphate Synthetase II (CPSII) Deletion Mutant of Toxoplasma gondii Induces Partial Protective Immunity in Mice. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:616688. [PMID: 33519775 PMCID: PMC7840960 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.616688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. T. gondii primarily infection in pregnant women may result in fetal abortion, and infection in immunosuppressed population may result in toxoplasmosis. Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase II (CPSII) is a key enzyme in the de novo pyrimidine-biosynthesis pathway, and has a crucial role in parasite replication. We generated a mutant with complete deletion of CPSII via clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/cas9 in type-1 RH strain of T. gondii. We tested the intracellular proliferation of this mutant and found that it showed significantly reduced replication in vitro, though CPSII deletion did not completely stop the parasite growth. The immune responses induced by the infection of RHΔCPSII tachyzoites in mice were evaluated. During infection in mice, the RHΔCPSII mutant displayed notable defects in replication and virulence, and significantly enhanced the survival of mice compared with survival of RH-infected mice. We tracked parasite propagation from ascitic fluid in mice infected with the RHΔCPSII mutant, and few tachyzoites were observed at early infection. We also observed that the RHΔCPSII mutant induced greater accumulation of neutrophils. The mutant induced a higher level of T-helper type-1 cytokines [interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12]. The mRNA levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription cellular transcription factor 1 and IFN regulatory factor 8 were significantly higher in the RHΔCPSII mutant-infected group. Together, these data suggest that CPSII is crucial for parasite growth, and that strains lack the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway and salvage pathway may become a promising live attenuated vaccine to prevent infection with T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xunhui Zhuo
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaige Du
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Lou
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaohong Lu
- Department of Immunity and Biochemistry, Institute of Parasitic Disease, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mévélec MN, Lakhrif Z, Dimier-Poisson I. Key Limitations and New Insights Into the Toxoplasma gondii Parasite Stage Switching for Future Vaccine Development in Human, Livestock, and Cats. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:607198. [PMID: 33324583 PMCID: PMC7724089 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.607198] [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: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease affecting human, livestock and cat. Prophylactic strategies would be ideal to prevent infection. In a One Health vaccination approach, the objectives would be the prevention of congenital disease in both women and livestock, prevention/reduction of T. gondii tissue cysts in food-producing animals; and oocyst shedding in cats. Over the last few years, an explosion of strategies for vaccine development, especially due to the development of genetic-engineering technologies has emerged. The field of vaccinology has been exploring safer vaccines by the generation of recombinant immunogenic proteins, naked DNA vaccines, and viral/bacterial recombinants vectors. These strategies based on single- or few antigens, are less efficacious than recombinant live-attenuated, mostly tachyzoite T. gondii vaccine candidates. Reflections on the development of an anti-Toxoplasma vaccine must focus not only on the appropriate route of administration, capable of inducing efficient immune response, but also on the choice of the antigen (s) of interest and the associated delivery systems. To answer these questions, the choice of the animal model is essential. If mice helped in understanding the protection mechanisms, the data obtained cannot be directly transposed to humans, livestock and cats. Moreover, effectiveness vaccines should elicit strong and protective humoral and cellular immune responses at both local and systemic levels against the different stages of the parasite. Finally, challenge protocols should use the oral route, major natural route of infection, either by feeding tissue cysts or oocysts from different T. gondii strains. Effective Toxoplasma vaccines depend on our understanding of the (1) protective host immune response during T. gondii invasion and infection in the different hosts, (2) manipulation and modulation of host immune response to ensure survival of the parasites able to evade and subvert host immunity, (3) molecular mechanisms that define specific stage development. This review presents an overview of the key limitations for the development of an effective vaccine and highlights the contributions made by recent studies on the mechanisms behind stage switching to offer interesting perspectives for vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zineb Lakhrif
- Team BioMAP, Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lantier L, Poupée-Beaugé A, di Tommaso A, Ducournau C, Epardaud M, Lakhrif Z, Germon S, Debierre-Grockiego F, Mévélec MN, Battistoni A, Coënon L, Deluce-Kakwata-Nkor N, Velge-Roussel F, Beauvillain C, Baranek T, Lee GS, Kervarrec T, Touzé A, Moiré N, Dimier-Poisson I. Neospora caninum: a new class of biopharmaceuticals in the therapeutic arsenal against cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:e001242. [PMID: 33257408 PMCID: PMC7705568 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microorganisms that can be used for their lytic activity against tumor cells as well as inducing or reactivating antitumor immune responses are a relevant part of the available immunotherapy strategies. Viruses, bacteria and even protozoa have been largely explored with success as effective human antitumor agents. To date, only one oncolytic virus-T-VEC-has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in biological cancer therapy in clinical trials. The goal of our study is to evaluate the potential of a livestock pathogen, the protozoan Neospora caninum, non-pathogenic in humans, as an effective and safe antitumorous agent. METHODS/RESULTS We demonstrated that the treatment of murine thymoma EG7 by subcutaneous injection of N. caninum tachyzoites either in or remotely from the tumor strongly inhibits tumor development, and often causes their complete eradication. Analysis of immune responses showed that N. caninum had the ability to 1) lyze infected cancer cells, 2) reactivate the immunosuppressed immune cells and 3) activate the systemic immune system by generating a protective antitumor response dependent on natural killer cells, CD8-T cells and associated with a strong interferon (IFN)-γ secretion in the tumor microenvironment. Most importantly, we observed a total clearance of the injected agent in the treated animals: N. caninum exhibited strong anticancer effects without persisting in the organism of treated mice. We also established in vitro and an in vivo non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse model that N. caninum infected and induced a strong regression of human Merkel cell carcinoma. Finally, we engineered a N. caninum strain to secrete human interleukin (IL)-15, associated with the alpha-subunit of the IL-15 receptor thus strengthening the immuno-stimulatory properties of N. caninum. Indeed, this NC1-IL15hRec strain induced both proliferation of and IFN-γ secretion by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as well as improved efficacy in vivo in the EG7 tumor model. CONCLUSION These results highlight N. caninum as a potential, extremely effective and non-toxic anticancer agent, capable of being engineered to either express at its surface or to secrete biodrugs. Our work has identified the broad clinical possibilities of using N. caninum as an oncolytic protozoan in human medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Lantier
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Tours, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Zineb Lakhrif
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Tours, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Loïs Coënon
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Tours, France
| | - Nora Deluce-Kakwata-Nkor
- EA 4245 Cellules Dendritiques, Immuno-Modulation et Greffes, F-37000, Universite de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Florence Velge-Roussel
- EA 4245 Cellules Dendritiques, Immuno-Modulation et Greffes, F-37000, Universite de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Céline Beauvillain
- Inserm U1232, Faculté des Sciences, CRCINA, CHU d'Angers, Université Angers, Angers, France
| | - Thomas Baranek
- INSERM, Centre d'Etude des Pathologies Respiratoires (CEPR), UMR, 1100, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Thibault Kervarrec
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Tours, France
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Antoine Touzé
- Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, F-37000, Tours, France
| | - Nathalie Moiré
- INRAE, Université de Tours, ISP, F-37380, Nouzilly, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
In Vivo and In Vitro Virulence Analysis of Four Genetically Distinct Toxoplasma gondii Lineage III Isolates. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8111702. [PMID: 33142663 PMCID: PMC7693757 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii archetypes II and III are mildly virulent, yet virulence of variant strains is largely unknown. While lineage II dominates in humans in Europe, lineage III strains are present in various intermediate hosts. In Serbia, lineage III represents 24% of the population structure and occurs most frequently in domestic animals, implying a significant presence in the human food web. In this study, the virulence of four genetically distinct lineage III variants was assessed in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, two strains were shown to be intermediately virulent and two mildly virulent, with cumulative mortalities of 69.4%, 38.8%, 10.7%, and 6.8%, respectively. The strain with the highest mortality has previously been isolated in Europe and may be endemic; the strain with the lowest mortality matches ToxoDB#54, while the remaining two represent novel genotypes. Identical alleles were detected at ROP5, ROP16, ROP18, and GRA15. A set of in vitro analyses revealed proliferation and plaque formation as virulence factors. Higher levels of expression of ENO2 in intermediately virulent strains point to enhanced metabolism as the underlying mechanism. The results suggest that metabolic attenuation, and possibly stage conversion, may be delayed in virulent strains.
Collapse
|
41
|
Khalifa M, Few LL, See Too WC. ChoK-ing the Pathogenic Bacteria: Potential of Human Choline Kinase Inhibitors as Antimicrobial Agents. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:1823485. [PMID: 32695809 PMCID: PMC7368946 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1823485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Novel antimicrobial agents are crucial to combat antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria. Choline kinase (ChoK) in bacteria catalyzes the synthesis of phosphorylcholine, which is subsequently incorporated into the cell wall or outer membrane. In certain species of bacteria, phosphorylcholine is also used to synthesize membrane phosphatidylcholine. Numerous human ChoK inhibitors (ChoKIs) have been synthesized and tested for anticancer properties. Inhibition of S. pneumoniae ChoK by human ChoKIs showed a promising effect by distorting the cell wall and retarded the growth of this pathogen. Comparison of amino acid sequences at the catalytic sites of putative choline kinases from pathogenic bacteria and human enzymes revealed striking sequence conservation that supports the potential application of currently available ChoKIs for inhibiting bacterial enzymes. We also propose the combined use of ChoKIs and nanoparticles for targeted delivery to the pathogen while shielding the human host from any possible side effects of the inhibitors. More research should focus on the verification of putative bacterial ChoK activities and the characterization of ChoKIs with active enzymes. In conclusion, the presence of ChoK in a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and the distinct function of this enzyme has made it an attractive drug target. This review highlighted the possibility of "choking" bacterial ChoKs by using human ChoKIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moad Khalifa
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ling Ling Few
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Wei Cun See Too
- School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kloehn J, Harding CR, Soldati-Favre D. Supply and demand-heme synthesis, salvage and utilization by Apicomplexa. FEBS J 2020; 288:382-404. [PMID: 32530125 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The Apicomplexa phylum groups important human and animal pathogens that cause severe diseases, encompassing malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. In common with most organisms, apicomplexans rely on heme as cofactor for several enzymes, including cytochromes of the electron transport chain. This heme derives from de novo synthesis and/or the development of uptake mechanisms to scavenge heme from their host. Recent studies have revealed that heme synthesis is essential for Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites, as well as for the mosquito and liver stages of Plasmodium spp. In contrast, the erythrocytic stages of the malaria parasites rely on scavenging heme from the host red blood cell. The unusual heme synthesis pathway in Apicomplexa spans three cellular compartments and comprises enzymes of distinct ancestral origin, providing promising drug targets. Remarkably given the requirement for heme, T. gondii can tolerate the loss of several heme synthesis enzymes at a high fitness cost, while the ferrochelatase is essential for survival. These findings indicate that T. gondii is capable of salvaging heme precursors from its host. Furthermore, heme is implicated in the activation of the key antimalarial drug artemisinin. Recent findings established that a reduction in heme availability corresponds to decreased sensitivity to artemisinin in T. gondii and Plasmodium falciparum, providing insights into the possible development of combination therapies to tackle apicomplexan parasites. This review describes the microeconomics of heme in Apicomplexa, from supply, either from de novo synthesis or scavenging, to demand by metabolic pathways, including the electron transport chain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Kloehn
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, CMU, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Clare R Harding
- Wellcome Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Campagnaro GD, de Koning HP. Purine and pyrimidine transporters of pathogenic protozoa - conduits for therapeutic agents. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1679-1714. [PMID: 32144812 DOI: 10.1002/med.21667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purines and pyrimidines are essential nutrients for any cell. Most organisms are able to synthesize their own purines and pyrimidines, but this ability was lost in protozoans that adapted to parasitism, leading to a great diversification in transporter activities in these organisms, especially for the acquisition of amino acids and nucleosides from their hosts throughout their life cycles. Many of these transporters have been shown to have sufficiently different substrate affinities from mammalian transporters, making them good carriers for therapeutic agents. In this review, we summarize the knowledge obtained on purine and pyrimidine activities identified in protozoan parasites to date and discuss their importance for the survival of these parasites and as drug carriers, as well as the perspectives of developments in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo D Campagnaro
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, UK
| | - Harry P de Koning
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 120 University Place, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ivanova DL, Mundhenke TM, Gigley JP. The IL-12- and IL-23-Dependent NK Cell Response Is Essential for Protective Immunity against Secondary Toxoplasma gondii Infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:2944-2958. [PMID: 31604804 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
NK cells can develop cell-intrinsic memory-like characteristics. Whether they develop these characteristics during Toxoplasma gondii infection is unknown. We addressed this question and dissected the mechanisms involved in secondary NK cell responses using a vaccine-challenge mouse model of T. gondii infection. NK cells were required for control of and survival after secondary T. gondii infection. NK cells increased in number at the reinfection site and produced IFN-γ. To test if these T. gondii experienced NK cells were intrinsically different from naive NK cells, we performed NK cell adoptive transfer into RAG2/cγ-chain-/- mice, NK cell fate mapping, and RAG1-/- mice vaccine-challenge experiments. Although NK cells contributed to immunity after reinfection, they did not develop cell-intrinsic memory-like characteristics after T. gondii vaccination. The mechanisms required for generating these secondary NK cell responses were investigated. Secondary NK cell responses were CD4+ or CD8+ T cell independent. Although IL-12 alone is required for NK cell IFN-γ production during primary T. gondii infection, in the absence of IL-12 using IL-12p35-/- mice or anti-IL-12p70, secondary NK cell responses were only partially reduced after reinfection. IL-23 depletion with anti-IL-23p19 in vivo also significantly reduced the secondary NK cell response. IL-12 and IL-23 blockade with anti-IL-12p40 treatment completely eliminated secondary NK cell responses. Importantly, blockade of IL-12, IL-23, or both significantly reduced control of parasite reinfection and increased parasite burden. Our results define a previously unknown protective role for NK cells during secondary T. gondii infection that is dependent on IL-12 and IL-23.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daria L Ivanova
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071
| | | | - Jason P Gigley
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang JL, Li TT, Elsheikha HM, Chen K, Cong W, Yang WB, Bai MJ, Huang SY, Zhu XQ. Live Attenuated Pru:Δcdpk2 Strain of Toxoplasma gondii Protects Against Acute, Chronic, and Congenital Toxoplasmosis. J Infect Dis 2019; 218:768-777. [PMID: 29669003 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The threat of Toxoplasma gondii infection in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women necessitates the development of a safe and effective vaccine. Here, we examined the immune protection conferred by a live attenuated strain of T. gondii. Methods We tested the efficacy of intraperitoneal vaccination using 500 Ca2+-dependent protein kinase 2 (cdpk2)-deficient tachyzoites of T. gondii Pru strain against acute, chronic, and congenital toxoplasmosis in mice. The kinetics of antibody response, cytokines, and other quantifiable correlates of protection against T. gondii infection were determined. Results Vaccination with Pru:Δcdpk2 induced a high level of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G titer, type 1 T-helper (Th1) response at 28 days postvaccination, and a mixed Th1/type 2 T-helper response at 70 days postvaccination. All vaccinated mice survived a heterologous challenge with 1000 tachyzoites of RH or ToxoDB#9 (PYS or TgC7) strains. Also, vaccination protected against homologous infection with 20 T. gondii Pru cysts, and improved pregnancy outcome by reducing parasite cyst load in the brain, maintaining litter size and body weight of pups born to vaccinated dams challenged with 10 Pru cysts compared to pups born to unvaccinated dams. Conclusions The use of T. gondii Pru:Δcdpk2 mutant strain represents a promising approach to protection against acute, chronic, and congenital toxoplasmosis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Cong
- College of Marine Science, Shandong University at Weihai, Weihai, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Jie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rommereim LM, Fox BA, Butler KL, Cantillana V, Taylor GA, Bzik DJ. Rhoptry and Dense Granule Secreted Effectors Regulate CD8 + T Cell Recognition of Toxoplasma gondii Infected Host Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2104. [PMID: 31555296 PMCID: PMC6742963 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii secretes rhoptry (ROP) and dense granule (GRA) effector proteins to evade host immune clearance mediated by interferon gamma (IFN-γ), immunity-related GTPase (IRG) effectors, and CD8+ T cells. Here, we investigated the role of parasite-secreted effectors in regulating host access to parasitophorous vacuole (PV) localized parasite antigens and their presentation to CD8+ T cells by the major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) pathway. Antigen presentation of PV localized parasite antigens by MHC-I was significantly increased in macrophages and/or dendritic cells infected with mutant parasites that lacked expression of secreted GRA (GRA2, GRA3, GRA4, GRA5, GRA7, GRA12) or ROP (ROP5, ROP18) effectors. The ability of various secreted GRA or ROP effectors to suppress antigen presentation by MHC-I was dependent on cell type, expression of IFN-γ, or host IRG effectors. The suppression of antigen presentation by ROP5, ROP18, and GRA7 correlated with a role for these molecules in preventing PV disruption by IFN-γ-activated host IRG effectors. However, GRA2 mediated suppression of antigen presentation was not correlated with PV disruption. In addition, the GRA2 antigen presentation phenotypes were strictly co-dependent on the expression of the GRA6 protein. These results show that MHC-I antigen presentation of PV localized parasite antigens was controlled by mechanisms that were dependent or independent of IRG effector mediated PV disruption. Our findings suggest that the GRA6 protein underpins an important mechanism that enhances CD8+ T cell recognition of parasite-infected cells with damaged or ruptured PV membranes. However, in intact PVs, parasite secreted effector proteins that associate with the PV membrane or the intravacuolar network membranes play important roles to actively suppress antigen presentation by MHC-I to reduce CD8+ T cell recognition and clearance of Toxoplasma gondii infected host cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Rommereim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Barbara A Fox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Kiah L Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Viviana Cantillana
- Division of Geriatrics, Departments of Medicine, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Immunology, Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Gregory A Taylor
- Division of Geriatrics, Departments of Medicine, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Immunology, Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - David J Bzik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Lipowska J, Miks CD, Kwon K, Shuvalova L, Zheng H, Lewiński K, Cooper DR, Shabalin IG, Minor W. Pyrimidine biosynthesis in pathogens - Structures and analysis of dihydroorotases from Yersinia pestis and Vibrio cholerae. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 136:1176-1187. [PMID: 31207330 PMCID: PMC6686667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.05.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway is essential for the proliferation of many pathogens. One of the pathway enzymes, dihydroorotase (DHO), catalyzes the reversible interconversion of N-carbamoyl-l-aspartate to 4,5-dihydroorotate. The substantial difference between bacterial and mammalian DHOs makes it a promising drug target for disrupting bacterial growth and thus an important candidate to evaluate as a response to antimicrobial resistance on a molecular level. Here, we present two novel three-dimensional structures of DHOs from Yersinia pestis (YpDHO), the plague-causing pathogen, and Vibrio cholerae (VcDHO), the causative agent of cholera. The evaluations of these two structures led to an analysis of all available DHO structures and their classification into known DHO types. Comparison of all the DHO active sites containing ligands that are listed in DrugBank was facilitated by a new interactive, structure-comparison and presentation platform. In addition, we examined the genetic context of characterized DHOs, which revealed characteristic patterns for different types of DHOs. We also generated a homology model for DHO from Plasmodium falciparum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Lipowska
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases (CSGID), Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Charles Dylan Miks
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Keehwan Kwon
- Infectious Diseases Group, J. Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Ludmilla Shuvalova
- Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases (CSGID), Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Heping Zheng
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases (CSGID), Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | | | - David R Cooper
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases (CSGID), Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Ivan G Shabalin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases (CSGID), Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Wladek Minor
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Center for Structural Genomics of Infectious Diseases (CSGID), Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Park E, Patel S, Wang Q, Andhey P, Zaitsev K, Porter S, Hershey M, Bern M, Plougastel-Douglas B, Collins P, Colonna M, Murphy KM, Oltz E, Artyomov M, Sibley LD, Yokoyama WM. Toxoplasma gondii infection drives conversion of NK cells into ILC1-like cells. eLife 2019; 8:47605. [PMID: 31393266 PMCID: PMC6703900 DOI: 10.7554/elife.47605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) were originally classified based on their cytokine profiles, placing natural killer (NK) cells and ILC1s together, but recent studies support their separation into different lineages at steady-state. However, tumors may induce NK cell conversion into ILC1-like cells that are limited to the tumor microenvironment and whether this conversion occurs beyond this environment remains unknown. Here, we describe Toxoplasma gondii infection converts NK cells into ILC1-like cells that are distinct from both steady-state NK cells and ILC1s in uninfected mice. These cells were Eomes-dependent, indicating that NK cells can give rise to Eomes- Tbet-dependent ILC1-like cells that circulate widely and persist independent of ongoing infection. Moreover, these changes appear permanent, as supported by epigenetic analyses. Thus, these studies markedly expand current concepts of NK cells, ILCs, and their potential conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Park
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Swapneel Patel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Qiuling Wang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Prabhakar Andhey
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Konstantin Zaitsev
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States.,Computer Technologies Department, ITMO University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sophia Porter
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Maxwell Hershey
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Michael Bern
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Beatrice Plougastel-Douglas
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Patrick Collins
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Marco Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Kenneth M Murphy
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Eugene Oltz
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States.,Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Ohio State University Wexner School of Medicine, Columbus, United States
| | - Maxim Artyomov
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| | - Wayne M Yokoyama
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Fox BA, Guevara RB, Rommereim LM, Falla A, Bellini V, Pètre G, Rak C, Cantillana V, Dubremetz JF, Cesbron-Delauw MF, Taylor GA, Mercier C, Bzik DJ. Toxoplasma gondii Parasitophorous Vacuole Membrane-Associated Dense Granule Proteins Orchestrate Chronic Infection and GRA12 Underpins Resistance to Host Gamma Interferon. mBio 2019; 10:e00589-19. [PMID: 31266861 PMCID: PMC6606796 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00589-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii evades host immunity to establish a chronic infection. Here, we assessed the role of parasitophorous vacuole (PV) membrane (PVM)- and intravacuolar network (IVN) membrane-localized dense granule (GRA) proteins in the development of acute and chronic Toxoplasma infection. Deletion of PVM-associated GRA3, GRA7, GRA8, and GRA14 or IVN membrane-associated GRA2, GRA9, and GRA12 in the low-virulence type II Prugniaud (Pru) strain induced severe defects in the development of chronic-stage cysts in vivo without affecting the parasite growth rate or the ability to differentiate into cysts in vitro Acute virulence of the PruΔgra2, PruΔgra3, and PruΔgra4 mutants was reduced but not abolished. In contrast, the PruΔgra12 mutant was avirulent in mice and PruΔgra12 parasites failed to establish a chronic infection. High-virulence type I strain RHΔgra12 parasites also exhibited a major defect in acute virulence. In gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-activated macrophages, type I RHΔgra12 and type II PruΔgra12 parasites resisted the coating of the PVM with host immunity-related GTPases as effectively as the parental type I RHΔku80 and type II PruΔku80 strains, respectively. Despite this resistance, Δgra12 PVs ultimately succumbed to IFN-γ-activated host cell innate immunity. Our findings uncover a key role for GRA12 in mediating resistance to host IFN-γ and reveal that many other IVN membrane-associated GRA proteins, as well as PVM-localized GRA proteins, play important roles in establishing chronic infection.IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii cysts reactivate during immune deficiency and cause fatal encephalitis. Parasite molecules that coordinate the development of acute and chronic infection are poorly characterized. Here, we show that many intravacuolar network membrane and parasitophorous vacuole membrane-associated dense granule (GRA) proteins orchestrate the development of chronic cysts in vivo A subset of these GRA proteins also modulate acute virulence, and one protein that associates with the intravacuolar network membranes, namely GRA12, was identified as a major virulence factor required for parasite resistance to host gamma interferon (IFN-γ). Our results revealed that many parasitophorous vacuole membrane and intravacuolar network membrane-associated GRA proteins are essential for successful chronic infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Fox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Rebekah B Guevara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Leah M Rommereim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Alejandra Falla
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Valeria Bellini
- Laboratoire Techniques de l'Ingénierie Médicale et de la Complexité-Informatique, Mathématiques, Applications, Grenoble (TIMC-IMAG), Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5525, Grenoble, France
| | - Graciane Pètre
- Laboratoire Techniques de l'Ingénierie Médicale et de la Complexité-Informatique, Mathématiques, Applications, Grenoble (TIMC-IMAG), Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5525, Grenoble, France
| | - Camille Rak
- Laboratoire Techniques de l'Ingénierie Médicale et de la Complexité-Informatique, Mathématiques, Applications, Grenoble (TIMC-IMAG), Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5525, Grenoble, France
| | - Viviana Cantillana
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jean-François Dubremetz
- Université Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5235, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-France Cesbron-Delauw
- Laboratoire Techniques de l'Ingénierie Médicale et de la Complexité-Informatique, Mathématiques, Applications, Grenoble (TIMC-IMAG), Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5525, Grenoble, France
| | - Gregory A Taylor
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Geriatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Corinne Mercier
- Laboratoire Techniques de l'Ingénierie Médicale et de la Complexité-Informatique, Mathématiques, Applications, Grenoble (TIMC-IMAG), Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5525, Grenoble, France
| | - David J Bzik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tanabe T, Fukuzawa H, Amatatsu Y, Matsui K, Ohtsuka H, Maeda Y, Sato H. Identification of an antilymphocyte transformation substance from Pasteurella multocida. Microbiol Immunol 2019; 63:261-268. [PMID: 31209918 PMCID: PMC7168365 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pasteurella multocida is one of the most important bacteria responsible for diseases of animals. Crude extracts from sonicated P. multocida strain Dainai-1, which is serotype A isolated from bovine pneumonia, were found to inhibit proliferation of mouse spleen cells stimulated with Con A. The crude extract was purified by cation and anion exchange chromatography and hydroxyapatite chromatography. Its molecular weight was 27 kDa by SDS-PAGE and it was named PM27. PM27 was found to inhibit proliferation of mouse spleen cells stimulated with Con A as effectively as did the crude extract; however, its activity was lost after heating to 100°C for 20 min. PM27 did not directly inhibit proliferation of HT-2 cells, which are an IL-2-dependent T cell line, nor did it modify IL-2 production by Con A-stimulated mouse spleen cells. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of PM27 was determined and BLAST analysis revealed its identity to uridine phosphorylase (UPase) from P. multocida. UPase gene from P. multocida Dainai-1 was cloned into expression vector pQE-60 in Escherichia coli XL-1 Blue. Recombinant UPase (rUPase) tagged with His at the C-terminal amino acid was purified with Ni affinity chromatography. rUPase was found to inhibit proliferation of mouse spleen cells stimulated with Con A; however, as was true for PM27, its activity was lost after heating to 100°C for 20 min. Thus, PM27/UPase purified from P. multocida has significant antiproliferative activity against Con A-stimulated mouse spleen cells and may be a virulence factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taishi Tanabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Hiroki Fukuzawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Yuki Amatatsu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Keigo Matsui
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Ohtsuka
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
| | - Yousuke Maeda
- Laboratory of Clinical Veterinary Medicine for Large Animal, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Hisaaki Sato
- Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| |
Collapse
|