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Co-Treatment with Human Leukocyte Extract and Albendazole Stimulates Drug's Efficacy and Th1 Biased Immune Response in Mesocestoides vogae (Cestoda) Infection via Modulation of Transcription Factors, Macrophage Polarization, and Cytokine Profiles. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020541. [PMID: 36839863 PMCID: PMC9962889 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The model flatworm Mesocestoides vogae proliferating stage of infection elicits immunosuppression in the host. It was used to investigate the effects of human leukocyte extract (DLE) alone and in combination with anthelmintic albendazole (ABZ) on the reduction in peritoneal infection, peritoneal exudate cells (PECs), their adherent counterparts, and peritoneal exudates after the termination of therapy. Balb/c mice were infected with the larvae of M. vogae. PECs and adherent macrophages were studied via flow cytometry, mRNA transcript levels, and immunofluorescence. The cytokine levels were measured via ELISA and larvae were counted. ABZ significantly reduced larval counts (581.2 ± 65, p < 0.001), but the highest reduction was observed after combined treatment with ABZ and DLE (389.2 ± 119, p < 0.001) in comparison with the control. Compared to an infected group, the proportions of CD11b+CD19- myeloid cells with suppressive ability decreased after albendazole (ABZ) in combination with DLE, which was the most effective in the elevation of B cells and CD11b+F4/80mid/highMHCIIhigh macrophages/monocytes (22.2 ± 5.4%). Transcripts of the M2 macrophage markers (arginase 1, FIZZ-1, and Ym-1) were downregulated after DLE and combined therapy but not after ABZ, and the opposite trend was seen for iNOS. This contrasts with reduced ex vivo NO production by LPS-stimulated PECs from DLE and ABZ+DLE groups, where adherent macrophages/monocytes had elevated transcripts of the INF-γ receptor and STAT1 and reduced expression of STAT3, STAT6, and IL-10. Each therapy differentially modulated transcription profiles and concentrations of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12p40, IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-β cytokines. DLE strongly ameliorated ABZ-induced suppression of INF-γ and IL-12 and preserved downregulation for IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β. Epigenetic study on adherent macrophages from infected mice showed that ABZ, ABZ-sulfoxide, and DLE could interact with the mRNA of examined markers in a dose-dependent pattern. Co-administration of DLE with ABZ seemed to augment the drug's larvicidal effect via modulation of immunity. In comparison with ABZ, combined therapy was the most effective in alleviating parasite-induced Th2/Treg/STAT3/STA6 directed immunosuppression by stimulating the Th1 cytokines, M1 macrophage polarization, and activation of the IFNγ/STAT1 signaling pathway.
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Primary Infection by E. multilocularis Induces Distinct Patterns of Cross Talk between Hepatic Natural Killer T Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Mice. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0017422. [PMID: 35862712 PMCID: PMC9387288 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00174-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The larval stage of the helminthic cestode Echinococcus multilocularis can inflict tumor-like hepatic lesions that cause the parasitic disease alveolar echinococcosis in humans, with high mortality in untreated patients. Opportunistic properties of the disease have been established based on the increased incidence in immunocompromised patients and mouse models, indicating that an appropriate adaptive immune response is required for the control of the disease. However, cellular interactions and the kinetics of the local hepatic immune responses during the different stages of infection with E. multilocularis remain unknown. In a mouse model of oral infection that mimics the normal infection route in human patients, the networks of the hepatic immune response were assessed using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of isolated hepatic CD3+ T cells at different infection stages. We observed an early and sustained significant increase in natural killer T (NKT) cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Early tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- and integrin-dependent interactions between these two cell types promote the formation of hepatic lesions. At late time points, downregulation of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (ENTPD1)-dependent signaling suppress the resolution of parasite-induced pathology. The obtained data provide fresh insight into the adaptive immune responses and local regulatory pathways at different infection stages of E. multilocularis in mice.
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Gene expression in human liver fibrosis associated with Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2177-2187. [PMID: 32377911 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06700-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a dynamic process that occurs in response to chronic liver disease resulting from factors such as chronic infections, autoimmune reactions, allergic responses, toxins, radiation, and infectious agents. Among the infectious agents, multicellular parasites cause chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Twenty-five patients with different stages of cystic echinococcosis (CE) were enrolled in the study. The expression of ACTA2, COL3A1, IFN-γ, MMP2, MMP9, TGF-β1, and TNF-α genes was determined by qRT-PCR in healthy and fibrotic liver tissue of the CE patients. TGF-β1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and histology was conducted to assess the development of liver fibrosis. Expression of MMP9, ACTA2, COL3A1, and MMP2 was found significantly higher in the fibrotic tissue compared to healthy tissue. We observed a significant correlation between TGF-β1 and TNF-α gene expressions and liver fibrosis. The mRNA level of IFN-γ was lower in the fibrotic than in the healthy hepatic tissue. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed TGF-β1 upregulation in the fibrotic tissue. Histology showed inflammation and fibrosis to be significantly higher in the fibrotic tissue. The findings of this study suggest that Echinococcus granulosussensu lato can promotes fibrosis through the overexpression of TGF-β1, MMP9, ACTA2, COL3A1, and MMP2. The downregulation of IFN-γ mRNA in fibrotic samples is probably due to the increased production of TGF-β1 and the suppression of potential anti-fibrotic role of IFN-γ during advanced liver injury caused by E. granulosussensu lato.
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Zhang C, Lin R, Li Z, Yang S, Bi X, Wang H, Aini A, Zhang N, Abulizi A, Sun C, Li L, Zhao Z, Qin R, Li X, Li L, Aji T, Shao Y, Vuitton DA, Tian Z, Wen H. Immune Exhaustion of T Cells in Alveolar Echinococcosis Patients and Its Reversal by Blocking Checkpoint Receptor TIGIT in a Murine Model. Hepatology 2020; 71:1297-1315. [PMID: 31410870 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The cestode Echinococcus multilocularis infection, a serious health problem worldwide, causes alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a tumor-like disease predominantly located in the liver and able to spread to any organs. Until now, there have been few studies that explore how T-cell exhaustion contributes to the parasite's escape from immune attack and how it might be reversed. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this study, we found that liver T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT) expression was significantly enhanced and positively correlated with lesion activity in AE patients. High TIGIT expression in both liver-infiltrating and blood T cells was associated with their functional exhaustion, and its ligand CD155 was highly expressed by hepatocytes surrounding the infiltrating lymphocytes. In co-culture experiments using human blood T cells and hepatic cell line HL-7702, CD155 induced functional impairment of TIGIT+ T cells, and in vitro blockade with TIGIT antibody restored the function of AE patients' T cells. Similar TIGIT-related functional exhaustion of hepatic T cells and an abundant CD155 expression on hepatocytes were observed in E. multilocularis-infected mice. Importantly, in vivo blocking TIGIT prevented T-cell exhaustion and inhibited disease progression in E. multilocularis-infected mice. Mechanistically, CD4+ T cells were totally and CD8+ T cells partially required for anti-TIGIT-induced regression of parasite growth in mice. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that E. multilocularis can induce T-cell exhaustion through inhibitory receptor TIGIT, and that blocking this checkpoint may reverse the functional impairment of T cells and represent a possible approach to immunotherapy against AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Renyong Lin
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, WHO Collaborating Centre on Prevention and Case Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhide Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Shuting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaojuan Bi
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, WHO Collaborating Centre on Prevention and Case Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, WHO Collaborating Centre on Prevention and Case Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Abudusalamu Aini
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Abuduaini Abulizi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Liang Li
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhibin Zhao
- Chronic Disease Laboratory, Institutes for Life Sciences and School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongde Qin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Liang Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, WHO Collaborating Centre on Prevention and Case Management of Echinococcosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Tuerganaili Aji
- Department of Hepatic Hydatid and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Digestive and Vascular Surgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yingmei Shao
- Department of Hepatic Hydatid and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Digestive and Vascular Surgery Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Dominique A Vuitton
- WHO-Collaborating Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, Department of Parasitology, University Hospital, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Diseases, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Xinjiang Medical University, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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Niu F, Chong S, Qin M, Li S, Wei R, Zhao Y. Mechanism of Fibrosis Induced by Echinococcus spp. Diseases 2019; 7:diseases7030051. [PMID: 31409055 PMCID: PMC6787674 DOI: 10.3390/diseases7030051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Echinococcus spp. causes fibrosis in various vital organs, including the liver and lungs. Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological feature of Echinococcus infection that destroys normal liver tissue, leading to jaundice, cholecystitis, portal hypertension, etc. Severe Echinococcus multilocularis infections lead to liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy. The formation of peripheral fiberboards around the metacestode is a major reason as to why antiparasitic drugs fail to be effectively transported to the lesion site. Studies on the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis caused by Echinococcus are important for treatment in patients. Recent studies have focused on miRNA and TGF-β. More recent findings have focused on the generation of collagen fibers around the metacestode. In this review paper we focus on the mechanism by which the Echinococcus parasite induces fibrosis in liver and some other organs in intermediate hosts—animals as well as human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiu Niu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Shigui Chong
- School of Stomatology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Mingqun Qin
- School of Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Shenmei Li
- School of Stomatology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi 541004, China
| | - Riming Wei
- Department of Nursing teaching and Research, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi 541004, China.
| | - Yumin Zhao
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi 541004, China.
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Foxp3 + T Regulatory Cells as a Potential Target for Immunotherapy against Primary Infection with Echinococcus multilocularis Eggs. Infect Immun 2018; 86:IAI.00542-18. [PMID: 30037796 PMCID: PMC6204723 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00542-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a lethal disease caused by infection with the metacestode stage of the helminth Echinococcus multilocularis, which develops into a tumorlike mass in susceptible intermediate hosts. The growth potential of this parasite stage is directly linked to the nature of the surrounding periparasitic immune-mediated processes. In a first step (experiment 1), mice were orally infected with E. multilocularis eggs, to be used for assessing the hepatic expression profiles of 15 selected cytokine and chemokine genes related to acquired immunity from 21 to 120 days postinfection. The early stage of infection in immunocompetent animals was marked by a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response, as characterized by the concomitant presence of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) and their related chemokines. At the late stage of AE, the profile extended to a combined tolerogenic mode including Foxp3, IL-10, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) as key components. In a second step (experiment 2), the effect of T regulatory cell (Treg) deficiency on metacestode growth was assessed in E. multilocularis-infected DEREG (depletion of regulatory T cells) mice upon induction of Treg deficiency with diphtheria toxin (DT). The parasite lesions were significantly smaller in the livers of treated mice than in corresponding control groups. Foxp3+ Tregs appear to be one of the key players in immune-regulatory processes favoring metacestode survival by affecting antigen presentation and suppressing Th1-type immune responses. For these reasons, we suggest that affecting Foxp3+ Tregs could offer an attractive target in the development of an immunotherapy against AE.
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Díaz Á, Sagasti C, Casaravilla C. Granulomatous responses in larval taeniid infections. Parasite Immunol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/pim.12523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Á. Díaz
- Área/Cátedra de Inmunología; Departamento de Biociencias (Facultad de Química) e Instituto de Química Biológica (Facultad de Ciencias); Universidad de la República; Montevideo Uruguay
| | - C. Sagasti
- Área/Cátedra de Inmunología; Departamento de Biociencias (Facultad de Química) e Instituto de Química Biológica (Facultad de Ciencias); Universidad de la República; Montevideo Uruguay
| | - C. Casaravilla
- Área/Cátedra de Inmunología; Departamento de Biociencias (Facultad de Química) e Instituto de Química Biológica (Facultad de Ciencias); Universidad de la República; Montevideo Uruguay
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Brehm K, Koziol U. Echinococcus-Host Interactions at Cellular and Molecular Levels. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2017; 95:147-212. [PMID: 28131363 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The potentially lethal zoonotic diseases alveolar and cystic echinococcosis are caused by the metacestode larval stages of the tapeworms Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus, respectively. In both cases, metacestode growth and proliferation occurs within the inner organs of mammalian hosts, which is associated with complex molecular host-parasite interactions that regulate nutrient uptake by the parasite as well as metacestode persistence and development. Using in vitro cultivation systems for parasite larvae, and informed by recently released, comprehensive genome and transcriptome data for both parasites, these molecular host-parasite interactions have been subject to significant research during recent years. In this review, we discuss progress in this field, with emphasis on parasite development and proliferation. We review host-parasite interaction mechanisms that occur early during an infection, when the invading oncosphere stage undergoes a metamorphosis towards the metacestode, and outline the decisive role of parasite stem cells during this process. We also discuss special features of metacestode morphology, and how this parasite stage takes up nutrients from the host, utilizing newly evolved or expanded gene families. We comprehensively review mechanisms of host-parasite cross-communication via evolutionarily conserved signalling systems and how the parasite signalling systems might be exploited for the development of novel chemotherapeutics. Finally, we point to an urgent need for the development of functional genomic techniques in this parasite, which will be imperative for hypothesis-driven analyses into Echinococcus stem cell biology, developmental mechanisms and immunomodulatory activities, which are all highly relevant for the development of anti-infective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - U Koziol
- University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Wang J, Gottstein B. Immunoregulation in larval Echinococcus multilocularis infection. Parasite Immunol 2016; 38:182-92. [PMID: 26536823 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a clinically very severe zoonotic helminthic disease, characterized by a chronic progressive hepatic damage caused by the continuous proliferation of the larval stage (metacestode) of Echinococcus multilocularis. The proliferative potential of the parasite metacestode tissue is dependent on the nature/function of the periparasitic immune-mediated processes of the host. Immune tolerance and/or down-regulation of immunity are a marked characteristic increasingly observed when disease develops towards its chronic (late) stage of infection. In this context, explorative studies have clearly shown that T regulatory (Treg) cells play an important role in modulating and orchestrating inflammatory/immune reactions in AE, yielding a largely Th2-biased response, and finally allowing thus long-term parasite survival, proliferation and maturation. AE is fatal if not treated appropriately, but the current benzimidazole chemotherapy is far from optimal, and novel options for control are needed. Future research should focus on the elucidation of the crucial immunological events that lead to anergy in AE, and focus on providing a scientific basis for the development of novel and more effective immunotherapeutical options to support cure AE by abrogating anergy, anticipating also that a combination of immuno- and chemotherapy could provide a synergistic therapeutical effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - B Gottstein
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Abstract
Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis are severe chronic helminthic diseases caused by the cystic growth or the intrahepatic tumour-like growth of the metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus or Echinococcus multilocularis, respectively. Both parasites have evolved sophisticated strategies to escape host immune responses, mainly by manipulating and directing this immune response towards anergy and/or tolerance. Recent research studies have revealed a number of respective immunoregulatory mechanisms related to macrophages and dendritic cell as well as T cell activities (regulatory T cells, Tregs). A better understanding of this complex parasite-host relationship, and the elucidation of specific crucial events that lead to disease, represents targets towards the development of novel treatment strategies and options.
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Zhang C, Wang L, Ali T, Li L, Bi X, Wang J, Lü G, Shao Y, Vuitton DA, Wen H, Lin R. Hydatid cyst fluid promotes peri-cystic fibrosis in cystic echinococcosis by suppressing miR-19 expression. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:278. [PMID: 27177776 PMCID: PMC4866024 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1562-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Echinococcus granulosus infection causes cystic echinococcosis (CE); the generation of liver fibrosis around the parasitic larval cyst (metacestode) may play a major role in the spontaneous limitation of the parasitic growth; however, fibrogenesis has received little attention in CE. It has been reported that miR-19b plays a role in various diseases, including infectious diseases, by regulating fibrogenesis. However, its function in the development of liver fibrosis in E. granulosus infection is unknown. Methods The expression of miR-19b and genes that are involved in liver fibrosis were analysed in E. granulosus-infected human livers using qRT-PCR. The role of miR-19b on hepatic stellate cells (LX-2 cells in vitro) treated with hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) was then analysed by 3-(4, 5-dimet-hylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 4-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, qRT-PCR, Western blot and flow cytometry. Results The results showed that the expression of miR-19 was significantly reduced in the pericystic collagen-rich liver tissue of CE patients, compared to normal liver. Incubation of LX-2 cells (in vitro) with HCF induced a decreased proliferation of these cells and a reduced expression of miR-19, inversely correlated with the expression of collagen 1A1 and TGF-β receptor II (TβRII). Conversely, overexpression of miR-19 by LX-2 cells inhibited the proliferation of these cells and led to decreased TβRII expression. Conclusions Our study provides new evidence for the intervention of miRNAs in the regulation of fibrosis in infectious diseases; it suggests that E. granulosus can inhibit miR-19 liver expression and promote fibrosis through the increase in TβRII, the activation of hepatic stellate cells and extracellular matrix production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanshan Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Limin Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Tuergan Ali
- State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research (2010DS890298), The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Liang Li
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaojuan Bi
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Junhua Wang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Guodong Lü
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yingmei Shao
- State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research (2010DS890298), The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dominique A Vuitton
- WHO-Collaborating Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, Department of Parasitology, University of Franche-Comté (EA 3181) and University Hospital, Besançon, France
| | - Hao Wen
- State Key Laboratory Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research (2010DS890298), The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Renyong Lin
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medicine Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.
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Woolsey ID, Jensen PM, Deplazes P, Kapel CMO. Establishment and development of Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes in the common vole ( Microtus arvalis ) after oral inoculation with parasite eggs. Parasitol Int 2015; 64:571-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Gottstein B, Wang J, Boubaker G, Marinova I, Spiliotis M, Müller N, Hemphill A. Susceptibility versus resistance in alveolar echinococcosis (larval infection with Echinococcus multilocularis). Vet Parasitol 2015; 213:103-9. [PMID: 26260407 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2015.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the majority of human individuals exposed to infection with Echinococcus spp. eggs exhibit resistance to disease as shown by either seroconversion to parasite--specific antigens, and/or the presence of 'dying out' or 'aborted' metacestodes, not including hereby those individuals who putatively got infected but did not seroconvert and who subsequently allowed no development of the pathogen. For those individuals where infection leads to disease, the developing parasite is partially controlled by host immunity. In infected humans, the type of immune response developed by the host accounts for the subsequent trichotomy concerning the parasite development: (i) seroconversion proving infection, but lack of any hepatic lesion indicating the failure of the parasite to establish and further develop within the liver; or resistance as shown by the presence of fully calcified lesions; (ii) controlled susceptibility as found in the "conventional" alveolar echinococcosis (AE) patients who experience clinical signs and symptoms approximately 5-15 years after infection, and (iii) uncontrolled hyperproliferation of the metacestode due to an impaired immune response (AIDS or other immunodeficiencies). Immunomodulation of host immunity toward anergy seems to be triggered by parasite metabolites. Beside immunomodulating IL-10, TGFβ-driven regulatory T cells have been shown to play a crucial role in the parasite-modulated progressive course of AE. A novel CD4+CD25+ Treg effector molecule FGL2 recently yielded new insight into the tolerance process in Echinococcus multilocularis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Gottstein
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Junhua Wang
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irina Marinova
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Spiliotis
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Echinococcus multilocularis infection in the field vole (Microtus agrestis): an ecological model for studies on transmission dynamics. Parasitol Res 2015; 114:1703-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4355-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Wang J, Lin R, Zhang W, Li L, Gottstein B, Blagosklonov O, Lü G, Zhang C, Lu X, Vuitton DA, Wen H. Transcriptional profiles of cytokine/chemokine factors of immune cell-homing to the parasitic lesions: a comprehensive one-year course study in the liver of E. multilocularis-infected mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91638. [PMID: 24637903 PMCID: PMC3956718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenesis of chronically developing alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is characterized by a continuous, granulomatous, periparasitic infiltration of immune cells surrounding the metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis (E.multilocularis) in the affected liver. A detailed cytokine and chemokine profile analysis of the periparasitic infiltrate in the liver has, however, not yet been carried out in a comprehensive way all along the whole course of infection in E. multilocularis intermediate hosts. We thus assessed the hepatic gene expression profiles of 18 selected cytokine and chemokine genes using qRT-PCR in the periparasitic immune reaction and the subsequent adjacent, not directly affected, liver tissue of mice from day 2 to day 360 post intra-hepatic injection of metacestode. DNA microarray analysis was also used to get a more complete picture of the transcriptional changes occurring in the liver surrounding the parasitic lesions. Profiles of mRNA expression levels in the hepatic parasitic lesions showed that a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response, characterized by the concomitant presence of IL-12α, IFN-γ and IL-4, was established very early in the development of E. multilocularis. Subsequently, the profile extended to a combined tolerogenic profile associating IL-5, IL-10 and TGF-β. IL-17 was permanently expressed in the liver, mostly in the periparasitic infiltrate; this was confirmed by the increased mRNA expression of both IL-17A and IL-17F from a very early stage, with a subsequent decrease of IL-17A after this first initial rise. All measured chemokines were significantly expressed at a given stage of infection; their expression paralleled that of the corresponding Th1, Th2 or Th17 cytokines. In addition to giving a comprehensive insight in the time course of cytokines and chemokines in E. multilocularis lesion, this study contributes to identify new targets for possible immune therapy to minimize E. multilocularis-related pathology and to complement the only parasitostatic effect of benzimidazoles in AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Wang
- State Key Lab Incubation Base for Xinjiang Major Diseases Research and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Franche-Comté and Jean Minjoz University Hospital, Besançon, Franche-Comté, France
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Renyong Lin
- State Key Lab Incubation Base for Xinjiang Major Diseases Research and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Wenbao Zhang
- State Key Lab Incubation Base for Xinjiang Major Diseases Research and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Liang Li
- State Key Lab Incubation Base for Xinjiang Major Diseases Research and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Bruno Gottstein
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Guodong Lü
- State Key Lab Incubation Base for Xinjiang Major Diseases Research and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chuangshan Zhang
- State Key Lab Incubation Base for Xinjiang Major Diseases Research and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaomei Lu
- State Key Lab Incubation Base for Xinjiang Major Diseases Research and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dominique A. Vuitton
- WHO-Collaborating Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, University of Franche-Comté and University Hospital, Besançon, Franche-Comté, France
- * E-mail: (HW); (DV)
| | - Hao Wen
- State Key Lab Incubation Base for Xinjiang Major Diseases Research and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- * E-mail: (HW); (DV)
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Wang J, Zhang C, Wei X, Blagosklonov O, Lv G, Lu X, Mantion G, Vuitton DA, Wen H, Lin R. TGF-β and TGF-β/Smad signaling in the interactions between Echinococcus multilocularis and its hosts. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55379. [PMID: 23405141 PMCID: PMC3566151 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is characterized by the development of irreversible fibrosis and of immune tolerance towards Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis). Very little is known on the presence of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and other components of TGF-β/Smad pathway in the liver, and on their possible influence on fibrosis, over the various stages of infection. Using Western Blot, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, we measured the levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β receptors, and down-stream Smads activation, as well as fibrosis marker expression in both a murine AE model from day 2 to 360 post-infection (p.i.) and in AE patients. TGF-β1, its receptors, and down-stream Smads were markedly expressed in the periparasitic infiltrate and also in the hepatocytes, close to and distant from AE lesions. Fibrosis was significant at 180 days p.i. in the periparasitic infiltrate and was also present in the liver parenchyma, even distant from the lesions. Over the time course after infection TGF-β1 expression was correlated with CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio long described as a hallmark of AE severity. The time course of the various actors of the TGF-β/Smad system in the in vivo mouse model as well as down-regulation of Smad7 in liver areas close to the lesions in human cases highly suggest that TGF-β plays an important role in AE both in immune tolerance against the parasite and in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Wang
- State Key Lab Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research (2010DS890294) and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Franche-Comté and Jean Minjoz University Hospital, Besançon, Franche-Comté, France
| | - Chuanshan Zhang
- State Key Lab Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research (2010DS890294) and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xufa Wei
- State Key Lab Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research (2010DS890294) and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Oleg Blagosklonov
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Franche-Comté and Jean Minjoz University Hospital, Besançon, Franche-Comté, France
- WHO-Collaborating Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, University of Franche-Comté and University Hospital, Besançon, Franche-Comté, France
| | - Guodong Lv
- State Key Lab Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research (2010DS890294) and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaomei Lu
- State Key Lab Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research (2010DS890294) and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Georges Mantion
- WHO-Collaborating Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, University of Franche-Comté and University Hospital, Besançon, Franche-Comté, France
| | - Dominique A. Vuitton
- WHO-Collaborating Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, University of Franche-Comté and University Hospital, Besançon, Franche-Comté, France
| | - Hao Wen
- State Key Lab Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research (2010DS890294) and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- * E-mail: (RL); (HW)
| | - Renyong Lin
- State Key Lab Incubation Base of Xinjiang Major Diseases Research (2010DS890294) and Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
- * E-mail: (RL); (HW)
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Margos M, Gottstein B. Gerbu adjuvant modulates the immune response and thus the course of infection in C56BL/6 mice immunised with Echinococcus multilocularis rec14-3-3 protein. Parasitol Res 2010; 107:623-9. [PMID: 20490547 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-1907-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination with Echinococcus multilocularis 14-3-3 protein can protect mice against primary E. multilocularis infection. The present study investigated the efficacy and efficiency of the adjuvant muramyl dipeptide Gerbu, alone or together with recombinant 14-3-3 protein, to modulate the course of secondary E. multilocularis infection in C56BL/6 mice. The application of Gerbu alone already resulted in a parasite weight reduction when compared with infected control mice, while rec14-3-3 did not add to this effect. Immunological parameters were concurrently assessed with a mixed cell reaction including bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) together with lymph node cells from mice with or without immunisation and/or infection. While mice having received Gerbu adjuvant were found to highly proliferate in response to co-cultivation with 14-3-3-stimulated bone marrow dendritic cells, a sensitisation of BMDCs with vesicle fluid (VF) antigen lead to a striking decrease of the lymphoproliferative response in comparison to that of control mice, raising the hypothesis that immunosuppressive components may be part of this VF-antigen. Anti-14-3-3 antibody production was only found in those mice that had been previously 14-3-3-immunised, whereas all other only-infected mice failed to produce such antibodies. Conclusively, Gerbu adjuvant appears to directly generate a non-specific immune response that contributes to the control of the metacestode growth, putatively in association with a BMDC activity suppressed by components of the VF-antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxi Margos
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, Länggass-Strasse 122, Bern, Switzerland
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Gottstein B, Wittwer M, Schild M, Merli M, Leib SL, Müller N, Müller J, Jaggi R. Hepatic gene expression profile in mice perorally infected with Echinococcus multilocularis eggs. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9779. [PMID: 20368974 PMCID: PMC2848562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2010] [Accepted: 02/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe chronic hepatic parasitic disease currently emerging in central and eastern Europe. Untreated AE presents a high mortality (>90%) due to a severe hepatic destruction as a result of parasitic metacestode proliferation which behaves like a malignant tumor. Despite this severe course and outcome of disease, the genetic program that regulates the host response leading to organ damage as a consequence of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is largely unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings We used a mouse model of AE to assess gene expression profiles in the liver after establishment of a chronic disease status as a result of a primary peroral infection with eggs of the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Among 38 genes differentially regulated (false discovery rate adjusted p≤0.05), 35 genes were assigned to the functional gene ontology group <immune response>, while 3 associated with the functional group <intermediary metabolism>. Upregulated genes associated with <immune response> could be clustered into functional subgroups including <macrophages>, <APCs>, <lymphocytes, chemokines and regulation>, <B-cells> and <eosinophils>. Two downregulated genes related to <lymphocytes, chemokines and regulation> and <intermediary metabolism>, respectively. The <immune response> genes either associated with an <immunosupression> or an <immunostimulation> pathway. From the overexpressed genes, 18 genes were subsequently processed with a Custom Array microfluidic card system in order to assess respective expression status at the mRNA level relative to 5 reference genes (Gapdh, Est1, Rlp3, Mdh-1, Rpl37) selected upon a constitutive and stable expression level. The results generated by the two independent tools used for the assessment of gene expression, i.e., microarray and microfluidic card system, exhibited a high level of congruency (Spearman correlation rho = 0.81, p = 7.87e-5) and thus validated the applied methods. Conclusions/Significance Based on this set of biomarkers, new diagnostic targets have been made available to predict disease status and progression. These biomarkers may also offer new targets for immuno-therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Gottstein
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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Echinococcus multilocularis and its intermediate host: a model of parasite-host interplay. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:923193. [PMID: 20339517 PMCID: PMC2842905 DOI: 10.1155/2010/923193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Host-parasite interactions in the E. multilocularis-intermediate host model depend on a subtle balance between cellular immunity, which is responsible for host's resistance towards the metacestode, the larval stage of the parasite, and tolerance induction and maintenance. The pathological features of alveolar echinococcosis. the disease caused by E. multilocularis, are related both to parasitic growth and to host's immune response, leading to fibrosis and necrosis, The disease spectrum is clearly dependent on the genetic background of the host as well as on acquired disturbances of Th1-related immunity. The laminated layer of the metacestode, and especially its carbohydrate components, plays a major role in tolerance induction. Th2-type and anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and TGF-β, as well as nitric oxide, are involved in the maintenance of tolerance and partial inhibition of cytotoxic mechanisms. Results of studies in the experimental mouse model and in patients suggest that immune modulation with cytokines, such as interferon-α, or with specific antigens could be used in the future to treat patients with alveolar echinococcosis and/or to prevent this very severe parasitic disease.
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20
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Triggering and modulation of the host-parasite interplay byEchinococcus multilocularis: a review. Parasitology 2009; 137:557-68. [DOI: 10.1017/s0031182009991533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYAs more facts emerge regarding the ways in whichE. multilocularis-derived molecules trigger the host immune response and modulate the host-parasite interplay, it becomes possible to envisage how the parasite can survive and proliferate in its intermediate host, while in other hosts it dies out. Through effects on cells of both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune response,E. multiloculariscan orchestrate a range of outcomes that are beneficial not only to the parasite, in terms of facilitating its intrahepatic proliferation and maturation, and thus life cycle over all, but also to its intermediate host, in limiting pathology. The present review deals with the role of metacestode surface molecules as well as excretory/secretory (E/S) metabolic products of the parasite in the modulation of the host responses such as to optimize its own survival.
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Dynamics of hepatic stellate cells, collagen types I and III synthesis and gene expression of selected cytokines during hepatic fibrogenesis following Mesocestoides vogae (Cestoda) infection in mice. Int J Parasitol 2009; 40:163-74. [PMID: 19631650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2009] [Revised: 06/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the relationship between progression of Mesocestoides vogae infection in the liver of mice, the accumulation rate of collagen types I and III, gene expression of fibrogenic factors and cytokines was examined within 6weeks p.i. Due to asexual multiplication, the total number of larvae in the liver increased considerably and 63.4% were found in collagen capsules on day 42 p.i. Intense staining for both collagens was recorded in the activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) throughout the period of this study in the inflammatory lesions. With progressing infection, cellular expression of both collagens was confined to the flat cells, myofibroblasts, which were scattered among collagen fibres in parenchymal lesions and capsules. Collagen-positive areas mirrored immunostaining of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in HSCs and myofibroblasts. Gene expression of both collagens increased rapidly within 14days p.i. and their expression pattern resembled that for pro-fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and alpha-SMA protein. IL-10 cytokine expression was up-regulated following day 14 p.i. and that of IL-13 was up-regulated early p.i., then transcription elevated gradually mirroring the activity of other pro-fibrotic markers. In contrast, transcription activity of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma was elevated shortly after infection, followed by the partial down-regulation of gene expression, indicating the lack of larval killing, enhanced granulomatous inflammation and the perpetuation of hepatic fibrosis. Histomorphometric analysis of the parenchymal fibrous lesions, surface areas of larvae surrounded with the inflammatory infiltrates and surface areas of developing or mature larva-containing granulomas, correlated with the proportion of free and encapsulated larvae, immunostaining and gene expression patterns of collagens and pro-fibrotic markers. At a later stage of infection (day 28 p.i. onwards) collagen I-positive areas occupied a greater surface area and formed mature larval capsules and scars in the liver. In contrast, collagen III was less abundant and was localised mainly in the fibrous lesions in damaged parenchyma, suggesting their specific up-regulation as the part of host-protecting and tissue-healing responses.
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22
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Gottstein B, Hemphill A. Echinococcus multilocularis: the parasite-host interplay. Exp Parasitol 2008; 119:447-452. [PMID: 18410929 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2008.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Revised: 02/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a severe chronic helminthic disease caused by the intrahepatic tumor-like growth of the metacestode of Echinococcus multilocularis. Metacestodes are fluid-filled, asexually proliferating vesicles, which are entirely covered by the laminated layer, an acellular carbohydrate-rich surface structure that protects the parasite from immunological and physiological reactions on part of the host. The E. multilocularis metacestode has acquired specific means of manipulating and using the immunological host response to its own advantage. These include the expression of distinct immunoregulatory parasite molecules that manipulate and interfere in the functional activity of macrophages and T cells. Recent research findings have led to a better understanding of the protein- and glycoprotein composition of the laminated layer and the E/S fraction of the metacestode, including Em2- and Em492-antigens, two metacestode antigen fractions that exhibit immunosuppressive or -modulatory properties. Understanding of the events taking place at the host-parasite interface is the key for development of novel immuno-therapeutical and/or chemotherapeutical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Gottstein
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Laenggassstrasse 122, CH-3001 Bern, Switzerland.
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Moyron-Quiroz J, Rangel-Moreno J, Carragher DM, Randall TD. The function of local lymphoid tissues in pulmonary immune responses. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2007; 590:55-68. [PMID: 17191377 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-34814-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Hübner MP, Manfras BJ, Margos MC, Eiffler D, Hoffmann WH, Schulz-Key H, Kern P, Soboslay PT. Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes modulate cellular cytokine and chemokine release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in alveolar echinococcosis patients. Clin Exp Immunol 2006; 145:243-51. [PMID: 16879243 PMCID: PMC1809686 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2006.03142.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis causes human alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a life-threatening disease affecting primarily the liver. Despite the severity of AE, clinical symptoms often develop only many years after infection, which suggests that E. multilocularis has developed mechanisms which depress anti-parasite immune response, thus favouring immune evasion. In this study we examined the production of cytokines, chemokines and the expression of CD molecules on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from AE patients and healthy controls in response to E. multilocularis metacestode culture supernatant, viable E. multilocularis vesicles and E. multilocularis vesicle fluid antigen in vitro. After 48 h of co-culture, E. multilocularis metacestode culture supernatant and E. multilocularis vesicles depressed the release of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-12 by PBMC. This effect was dose-dependent and a suppression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-12 was observed even when PBMC were activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Comparing proinflammatory cytokine release by AE patients and controls showed that the release of IL-12 and TNF-alpha was reduced in AE patients, which was accompanied by an increased number of CD4+ CD25+ cells and a reduced release of the Th2 type chemokine CCL17 (thymus and activation regulated chemokine, TARC), suggesting an anti-inflammatory response to E. multilocularis metacestode in AE patients. Instead the production of interferon (IFN)-gamma and the expression of CD28 on CD4+ T cells were increased in PBMC from AE patients when compared to controls. This was accompanied by a higher release of the Th2-type chemokine CCL22 (macrophage derived chemokine, MDC) supporting that E. multilocularis also generates proinflammatory immune responses. These results indicate that E. multilocularis antigens modulated both regulatory and inflammatory Th1 and Th2 cytokines and chemokines. Such a mixed profile might be required for limiting parasite growth but also for reducing periparasitic tissue and organ damage in the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Hübner
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstrasse 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Kanan JHC, Chain BM. Modulation of dendritic cell differentiation and cytokine secretion by the hydatid cyst fluid of Echinococcus granulosus. Immunology 2006; 118:271-8. [PMID: 16771863 PMCID: PMC1782286 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2006.02375.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection by Echinococcus granulosus results in establishment of fluid-filled cysts (hydatid cysts) in liver or lungs of infected hosts, which can escape destruction by the host immune system for long periods. This study explores the modulation by hydatid cyst fluid of the in vitro human monocyte to dendritic cell (DC) transition induced by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Addition of the fluid to adherent peripheral blood monocytes cultured in GM-CSF/IL-4 stimulates release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and IL-6. Exposure of differentiating DC to the fluid during the 7-day culture in GM-CSF/IL-4 impairs their subsequent ability to secrete IL-12, IL-6 or PGE2 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. This inhibition is not dependent on the initial release of PGE2. The presence of hydatid cyst fluid also modulates the phenotype of the cells generated during culture, resulting in increased CD14 expression and decreased expression of CD1a. Finally, hydatid fluid can stimulate predifferentiated DC to mature, as evidenced by release of IL-12 and IL-6, and by up-regulation of class II major histocompatibility complex and CD86. The possible role of dendritic cell modulation in regulating the host immune response to hydatid cysts is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- João H C Kanan
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Hrckova G, Velebný S, Daxnerová Z, Solár P. Praziquantel and liposomized glucan-treatment modulated liver fibrogenesis and mastocytosis in mice infected with Mesocestoides vogae (M. corti, Cestoda) tetrathyridia. Parasitology 2006; 132:581-94. [PMID: 16556345 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182005009364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2005] [Revised: 07/22/2005] [Accepted: 09/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Beta-glucans are immunomodulators able to activate innate immunity and to potentiate acquired immune reactions. We investigated the impact of co-administration of liposomized beta-glucan on the larvicidal effect of the anthelmintic praziquantel (PZQ) in the livers and peritoneal cavities in mice infected with Mesocestoides vogae (M. corti). Also, within 2 weeks following therapy (up to day 29 p.i.) we examined collagen synthesis in the livers of mice by means of biochemical determination of hydroxyproline concentration, total mast cell counts and cell proliferative capacity using immunohistochemical and radiometrical methods. After co-administration of liposomized glucan (LG) and PZQ efficacy (%) was significantly higher than after treatment with either compound alone, particularly in the peritoneal cavity compared to the liver. In comparison with the control, more intense collagenesis was found in the B-liver parts (high intensity of infection) and lowering of collagen content in the A-parts (very weak infection). This effect was strongest after LG treatment and co-administration of PZQ abolished the pro-fibrotic effect of LG. In all groups, mast cell counts were higher in the B-liver parts than in the A-parts and the dynamics of mastocytosis was profoundly modulated following therapy. Whereas the effect of PZQ was only moderate, early and very strong onset was seen after LG treatment. Administration of PZQ suppressed LG induced-elevation of mast cells counts in both liver parts. Using DNA S-phase markers (BrdU and 3H-thymidine) the proliferative capacity was shown to be associated with several kinds of liver cells. Therapy significantly stimulated [3H]-thymidine incorporation (cell proliferation) only in the A-parts over that in control, the most after LG administration. In summary (i) the anthelmintic effect of PZQ could be enhanced after simultaneous administration of the immunomodulator beta-glucan entrapped in a liposomal carrier, (ii) intense mastocytosis seen after treatment with LG seems to have a direct role in the glucan's pro-fibrotic activity and can be abolished after co-administration of PZQ in a time-dependent manner, (iii) the pattern of cell proliferation indicates that in the case of PZQ treatment, the reparative processes of liver parenchyma are enhanced in an inverse correlation with the intensity of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Hrckova
- Parasitological Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 04001 Kosice, Slovak Republic.
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Zhang S, Penfornis A, Harraga S, Chabod J, Beurton I, Bresson-Hadni S, Tiberghien P, Kern P, Vuitton DA. Polymorphisms of the TAP1 and TAP2 genes in human alveolar echinococcosis. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOGENETICS : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE BRITISH SOCIETY FOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY AND IMMUNOGENETICS 2003; 30:133-9. [PMID: 12648282 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2370.2003.00375.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We postulated that TAP genes may influence the susceptibility of some individuals to Echinococcus multilocularis infection. Six coding region variants (codons 333 and 637 in TAP1, and 379, 565, 651 and 665 in TAP2) were typed in 94 patients and 100 controls. Thr/Thr homozygosity at TAP2/665 was more prevalent in patients than in controls [64% vs. 45%, respectively; odds ratio (OR) = 2.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1; 2.7)] and Thr/Ala heterozygozity was less prevalent (32% vs. 50%, respectively) (P = 0.014). Of the 38 patients with progressive lesions, 76% were Thr/Thr, as compared with 55% of patients without progressive lesions and 45% of controls (P = 0.058 and 0.02, respectively), independent of HLA status. To determine whether this association is functionally relevant, functional analyses and/or confirmation in distinct populations of patients with alveolar echinococcosis would be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zhang
- WHO Collaborating Center for Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, Health and Rural Enviroment, University of Franche-Comté EA2276, Besançon, France
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28
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Abstract
In Echinococcus infection, at the metacestode stage, studies of the immune responses in the experimental murine model as well as in humans have shown that (1) cellular immunity induced by a Th1-type cytokine secretion was able to successfully kill the metacestode at the initial stages of development; (2) antigenic proteins and carbohydrates (and perhaps non-antigenic, mitogenic components) of the oncosphere/metacestode were able to interfere with antigen presentation and cell activation so that host lymphocytes and other immune cells could produce cytokines (especially IL-10) and other mediators able to inhibit the effector phase of cellular immune reaction; and (3) immunogenetic characteristics of the host were essential to this parasite-induced deviation of the immune response. In E. multilocularis infection, a combined Th1 and Th2 cytokine profile appears crucial for prolonged metacestode growth and survival. It may be hypothesized that Th1 cytokines promote the initial cell recruitment around the metacestode and are involved in the chronicity of the cell infiltrate leading to a fully organized periparasitic granuloma and its consequences, fibrosis and necrosis. The Th2 cytokines, on the other hand, could be responsible for the inhibition of a successful parasite killing especially because of the 'anti-inflammatory' potency of IL-10. This combination of various arms of the immune response results in a partial protection of both Echinococcus metacestode and host. However, it may also be considered responsible for several complications of the disease. The Th2-related IgE synthesis and mast cell activation, well known to be responsible for anaphylactic reactions in cystic echinococcosis, are more rarely involved in 'allergic' complications in alveolar echinococcosis (AE). However, the partial but chronic effects of the efficient Th1-related cellular immune response are responsible for cytotoxic events which both help metacestode growth and dissemination and lead to the central necrosis of the lesions and clinical complications of AE. Moreover, the Th-1 response is responsible for the major and irreversible fibrosis which leads to bile duct and vessel obstruction. In addition, the peri-parasitic fibrosis may be one of the reasons for the relative lack of efficacy of antiparasitic drugs. Modulation of the host immune response, by using Interferon alpha for instance, may be a new tool to generate an effective immune response against the parasite and to prevent AE and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Angèle Vuitton
- 'Health and Rural Environnement' Research Unit (EA 2276), University Laboratory of Immunology, Université de Franche-Comté and University Hospital, F-25030, Besançon, France.
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Siles-Lucas M, Merli M, Mackenstedt U, Gottstein B. The Echinococcus multilocularis 14-3-3 protein protects mice against primary but not secondary alveolar echinococcosis. Vaccine 2003; 21:431-9. [PMID: 12531641 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(02)00517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by the larval stage (metacestode) of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis, exhibits very similar disease characteristics in humans and rodents. Recently, it has been shown that an over-expression of the parasite 14-3-3 protein could be associated to the proliferative growth of the E. multilocularis metacestode. We now demonstrate the expression of this protein at the E. multilocularis oncospheral stage as well. A recombinant E. multilocularis 14-3-3 protein (E14t) was used to vaccinate mice against either primary or secondary experimental E. multilocularis infection in BALB/c mice. Conversely to non-vaccinated but control infected mice, which developed a very weak anti-E14t response during infection, the response elicited in the E14t-vaccinated and subsequently infected animals exhibited a strong reactivity against the parasite 14-3-3 protein. Major differences became apparent between secondarily and primarily infected animals: whereas no protection against secondary infection was achieved by vaccination, vaccinated animals were protected by 97% against challenge primary infection with 2000 E. multilocularis eggs. Consequently, the parasite 14-3-3 molecule appears crucially involved in the early stage of the host-parasite interplay and exhibits potential to be used as target molecule for the development of protective tools against AE.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Siles-Lucas
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Bern, Länggass Strasse 122, CH-3001, Bern, Switzerland
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Dai WJ, Hemphill A, Waldvogel A, Ingold K, Deplazes P, Mossmann H, Gottstein B. Major carbohydrate antigen of Echinococcus multilocularis induces an immunoglobulin G response independent of alphabeta+ CD4+ T cells. Infect Immun 2001; 69:6074-83. [PMID: 11553545 PMCID: PMC98736 DOI: 10.1128/iai.69.10.6074-6083.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinococcus multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis, one of the most lethal helminthic (accidental) infections in humans, as the life cycle predominantly includes wildlife rodents as intermediate hosts. The physical barrier between the proliferating parasitic metacestode and the host tissue is the acellular laminated layer (LL), which is characterized by its rich high-molecular-weight polysaccharide composition. Conversely to a crude protein-rich vesicular fluid antigen, a major carbohydrate antigen of the LL--the Em2(G11) antigen--did not stimulate murine T-cell proliferation in vitro. In fact, the persistent metacestode growth and antigenic stimulation induced a Th2 shift in vivo following conventional infection by intraperitoneal inoculation of 100 metacestode vesicles into C57/BL6 mice. Concurrently, the expression of Th1 cytokines (interleukin-2 and gamma interferon) remained persistently low until the late stage of chronic infection. In comparison to a recombinant proteinic II/3 antigen, the specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) response against the Em2(G11) antigen (including all IgG isotypes) maintained persistently low avidity. Furthermore, the Em2(G11) antigen induced a specific IgM and IgG response in T-cell-deficient athymic nude, TCRbeta(-/-), major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII)(-/-)(CD4-deficient), and CD40(-/-) mice. The Em2(G11)-specific IgG synthesized in nude TCRbeta(-/-) and MHCII(-/-) mice was predominantly of the IgG3 and IgG2a isotypes and of the IgG3 and IgG2b isotypes in CD40(-/-) mice. This finding suggested that in vivo, the IgG response to major carbohydrate antigen Em2(G11) of E. multilocularis could take place independently of alphabeta+ CD4+ T cells and in the absence of CD40-CD40 ligand interactions; thus, the Em2(G11) antigen of the acellular LL represents a T-cell-independent antigen. Functionally, the encapsulating LL, and especially its major carbohydrate antigen, Em2(G11), seems to be one of the key factors in the parasite's survival strategy and acts by modulating the host immune response by virtue of its T-cell-independent nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Dai
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Berne, CH-3001 Berne, Switzerland.
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Godot V, Harraga S, Beurton I, Tiberghien P, Sarciron E, Gottstein B, Vuitton DA. Resistance/susceptibility to Echinococcus multilocularis infection and cytokine profile in humans. II. Influence of the HLA B8, DR3, DQ2 haplotype. Clin Exp Immunol 2000; 121:491-8. [PMID: 10971516 PMCID: PMC1905739 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2249.2000.01309.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences have been shown between HLA characteristics of patients with different courses of alveolar echinococcosis (AE). Notably the HLA B8, DR3, DQ2 haplotype was associated with more severe forms of this granulomatous parasitic disease. We compared IL-10, IL-5, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from eight HLA-DR3+, DQ2+, B8+ AE patients and from 10 HLA-DR3-, DQ2-, B8- patients after non-specific mitogenic and specific Echinococcus multilocularis antigenic in vitro stimulation. PBMC from seven HLA-DR3+, DQ2+, B8+ healthy subjects and nine HLA-DR3-, DQ2-, B8- subjects were also studied as controls. PBMC from AE patients with HLA DR3+, DQ2+ haplotype secreted higher levels of IL-10 without any stimulation and after specific antigenic stimulation than did patients without this haplotype. Higher levels of IL-5 and IFN-gamma were also produced by these patients' PBMC after stimulation with non-purified parasitic antigenic preparations; however, the specific alkaline phosphatase antigen extracted from E. multilocularis induced only Th2-type cytokine secretion. A spontaneous secretion of TNF by HLA DR3+, DQ2+ B8+ AE patients was also found. These results suggest that HLA characteristics of the host can influence immune-mediated mechanisms, and thus the course of AE in humans; specific antigenic components of E. multilocularis could contribute to the preferential Th2-type cytokine production favoured by the genetic background of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Godot
- WHO Collaborating Centre on Prevention and Treatment of Human Echinococcosis, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, Besançon Cedex, France
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