1
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Kepple D, Ford CT, Williams J, Abagero B, Li S, Popovici J, Yewhalaw D, Lo E. Comparative transcriptomics reveal differential gene expression among Plasmodium vivax geographical isolates and implications on erythrocyte invasion mechanisms. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0011926. [PMID: 38285730 PMCID: PMC10901308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011926] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The documentation of Plasmodium vivax malaria across Africa especially in regions where Duffy negatives are dominant suggests possibly alternative erythrocyte invasion mechanisms. While the transcriptomes of the Southeast Asian and South American P. vivax are well documented, the gene expression profile of P. vivax in Africa is unclear. In this study, we examined the expression of 4,404 gene transcripts belong to 12 functional groups and 43 erythrocyte binding gene candidates in Ethiopian isolates and compared them with the Cambodian and Brazilian P. vivax transcriptomes. Overall, there were 10-26% differences in the gene expression profile amongst geographical isolates, with the Ethiopian and Cambodian P. vivax being most similar. Majority of the gene transcripts involved in protein transportation, housekeeping, and host interaction were highly transcribed in the Ethiopian isolates. Members of the reticulocyte binding protein PvRBP2a and PvRBP3 expressed six-fold higher than Duffy binding protein PvDBP1 and 60-fold higher than PvEBP/DBP2 in the Ethiopian isolates. Other genes including PvMSP3.8, PvMSP3.9, PvTRAG2, PvTRAG14, and PvTRAG22 also showed relatively high expression. Differential expression patterns were observed among geographical isolates, e.g., PvDBP1 and PvEBP/DBP2 were highly expressed in the Cambodian but not the Brazilian and Ethiopian isolates, whereas PvRBP2a and PvRBP2b showed higher expression in the Ethiopian and Cambodian than the Brazilian isolates. Compared to Pvs25, gametocyte genes including PvAP2-G, PvGAP (female gametocytes), and Pvs47 (male gametocytes) were highly expressed across geographical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kepple
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Colby T. Ford
- Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
- School of Data Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Williams
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Beka Abagero
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Shaoyu Li
- Mathematics and Statistics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jean Popovici
- Malaria Research Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Eugenia Lo
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States of America
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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2
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Bouyssou I, El Hoss S, Doderer-Lang C, Schoenhals M, Rasoloharimanana LT, Vigan-Womas I, Ratsimbasoa A, Abate A, Golassa L, Mabilotte S, Kessler P, Guillotte-Blisnick M, Martinez FJ, Chitnis CE, Strouboulis J, Ménard D. Unveiling P. vivax invasion pathways in Duffy-negative individuals. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:2080-2092.e5. [PMID: 38056460 PMCID: PMC10727064 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Vivax malaria has long been thought to be absent from sub-Saharan Africa owing to the high proportion of individuals lacking the Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) in their erythrocytes. The interaction between P. vivax Duffy-binding protein (PvDBP) and DARC is assumed to be the main pathway used by merozoites to invade reticulocytes. However, the increasing number of reports of vivax malaria cases in genotypically Duffy-negative (DN) individuals has raised questions regarding the P. vivax invasion pathway(s). Here, we show that a subset of DN erythroblasts transiently express DARC during terminal erythroid differentiation and that P. vivax merozoites, irrespective of their origin, can invade DARC+ DN erythroblasts. These findings reveal that a large number of DN individuals may represent a silent reservoir of deep P. vivax infections at the sites of active erythropoiesis with low or no parasitemia, and it may represent an underestimated biological problem with potential clinical consequences in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Bouyssou
- Malaria Genetics and Resistance Unit, INSERM U1201, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France; École Doctorale ED515 "Complexité du Vivant", Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France; Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sara El Hoss
- Red Cell Haematology Laboratory, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK.
| | - Cécile Doderer-Lang
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, UR7292 Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Matthieu Schoenhals
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagasca
| | | | | | - Arsène Ratsimbasoa
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Fianarantsoa, Fianarantsoa 301, Madagascar
| | - Andargie Abate
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Solenne Mabilotte
- Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, UR7292 Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Pascal Kessler
- Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Francisco J Martinez
- Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Chetan E Chitnis
- Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France
| | - John Strouboulis
- Red Cell Haematology Laboratory, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London SE5 9NU, UK.
| | - Didier Ménard
- Malaria Genetics and Resistance Unit, INSERM U1201, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France; Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, 75015 Paris, France; Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, UR7292 Dynamics of Host-Pathogen Interactions, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Laboratory of Parasitology and Medical Mycology, CHU Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
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3
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Ferraboli JW, Soares da Veiga GT, Albrecht L. Plasmodium vivax transcriptomics: What is new? Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:1645-1656. [PMID: 37786955 PMCID: PMC10723030 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231198070] [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: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the leading human parasitosis and is transmitted through the bite of anopheline mosquitoes infected with parasites of the genus Plasmodium spp. Among the seven species that cause malaria in humans, Plasmodium vivax is the most prevalent species in Latin America. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of reports of clinical complications caused by P. vivax infections, which were previously neglected and underestimated. P. vivax biology remains with large gaps. The emergence of next-generation sequencing technology has ensured a breakthrough in species knowledge. Coupled with this, the deposition of the P. vivax Sal-1 reference genome allowed an increase in transcriptomics projects by accessing messenger RNA. Thus, the regulation of differential gene expression according to the parasite life stage was verified, and several expressed genes were linked to different biological functions. Today, with the progress associated with RNA sequencing technologies, it is possible to detect nuances and obtain robust results. Discoveries provided by transcriptomic studies allow us to understand topics such as RNA expression and regulation and proteins and metabolic pathways involved during different stages of the parasite life cycle. The information obtained enables a better comprehension of immune system evasion mechanisms; invasion and adhesion strategies used by the parasite; as well as new vaccine targets, potential molecular markers, and others therapeutic targets. In this review, we provide new insights into P. vivax biology by summarizing recent findings in transcriptomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Weber Ferraboli
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Gisele Tatiane Soares da Veiga
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil
| | - Letusa Albrecht
- Laboratory of Apicomplexan Parasites Research, Carlos Chagas Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Curitiba 81310-020, Brazil
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Kundu P, Naskar D, McKie SJ, Dass S, Kanjee U, Introini V, Ferreira MU, Cicuta P, Duraisingh M, Deane JE, Rayner JC. The structure of a Plasmodium vivax Tryptophan Rich Antigen domain suggests a lipid binding function for a pan-Plasmodium multi-gene family. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5703. [PMID: 37709739 PMCID: PMC10502043 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40885-8] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan Rich Antigens (TRAgs) are encoded by a multi-gene family found in all Plasmodium species, but are significantly expanded in P. vivax and closely related parasites. We show that multiple P. vivax TRAgs are expressed on the merozoite surface and that one, PVP01_0000100 binds red blood cells with a strong preference for reticulocytes. Using X-ray crystallography, we solved the structure of the PVP01_0000100 C-terminal tryptophan rich domain, which defines the TRAg family, revealing a three-helical bundle that is conserved across Plasmodium and has structural homology with lipid-binding BAR domains involved in membrane remodelling. Biochemical assays confirm that the PVP01_0000100 C-terminal domain has lipid binding activity with preference for sulfatide, a glycosphingolipid present in the outer leaflet of plasma membranes. Deletion of the putative orthologue in P. knowlesi, PKNH_1300500, impacts invasion in reticulocytes, suggesting a role during this essential process. Together, this work defines an emerging molecular function for the Plasmodium TRAg family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasun Kundu
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Deboki Naskar
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shannon J McKie
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sheena Dass
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Usheer Kanjee
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Viola Introini
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marcelo U Ferreira
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pietro Cicuta
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Manoj Duraisingh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Janet E Deane
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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Kepple D, Ford CT, Williams J, Abagero B, Li S, Popovici J, Yewhalaw D, Lo E. Comparative transcriptomics reveal differential gene expression in Plasmodium vivax geographical isolates and implications on erythrocyte invasion mechanisms. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.16.528793. [PMID: 36824754 PMCID: PMC9949051 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.16.528793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax uses Duffy binding protein (PvDBP1) to bind to the Duffy Antigen-Chemokine Receptor (DARC) to invade human erythrocytes. Individuals who lack DARC expression (Duffy-negative) are thought to be resistance to P. vivax. In recent years, P. vivax malaria is becoming more prevalent in Africa with a portion of these cases detected in Duffy-negatives. Apart from DBP1, members of the reticulocyte binding protein (RBP) and tryptophan-rich antigen (TRAg) families may also play a role in erythrocyte invasion. While the transcriptomes of the Southeast Asian and South American P. vivax are well documented, the gene expression profile of P. vivax in Africa and more specifically the expression level of several erythrocyte binding gene candidates as compared to DBP1 are largely unknown. This paper characterized the first P. vivax transcriptome in Africa and compared with those from the Southeast Asian and South American isolates. The expression of 4,404 gene transcripts belong to 12 functional groups including 43 specific erythrocyte binding gene candidates were examined. Overall, there were 10-26% differences in the gene expression profile amongst the geographical isolates, with the Ethiopian and Cambodian P. vivax being most similar. Majority of the gene transcripts involved in protein transportation, housekeeping, and host interaction were highly transcribed in the Ethiopian P. vivax. Erythrocyte binding genes including PvRBP2a and PvRBP3 expressed six-fold higher than PvDBP1and 60-fold higher than PvEBP/DBP2. Other genes including PvRBP1a, PvMSP3.8, PvMSP3.9, PvTRAG2, PvTRAG14, and PvTRAG22 also showed relatively high expression. Differential expression was observed among geographical isolates, e.g., PvDBP1 and PvEBP/DBP2 were highly expressed in the Cambodian but not the Brazilian and Ethiopian isolates, whereas PvRBP2a and PvRBP2b showed higher expression in the Ethiopian and Cambodian than the Brazilian isolates. Compared to Pvs25, the standard biomarker for detecting female gametocytes, PvAP2-G (PVP01_1440800), GAP (PVP01_1403000), and Pvs47 (PVP01_1208000) were highly expressed across geographical samples. These findings provide an important baseline for future comparisons of P. vivax transcriptomes from Duffy-negative infections and highlight potential biomarkers for improved gametocyte detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kepple
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Colby T. Ford
- Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- School of Data Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Jonathan Williams
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Beka Abagero
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Shaoyu Li
- Mathematics and Statistics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
| | - Jean Popovici
- Malaria Research Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Eugenia Lo
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
- School of Data Science, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
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6
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Lee SK, Low LM, Andersen JF, Yeoh LM, Valenzuela Leon PC, Drew DR, Doehl JSP, Calvo E, Miller LH, Beeson JG, Gunalan K. The direct binding of Plasmodium vivax AMA1 to erythrocytes defines a RON2-independent invasion pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2215003120. [PMID: 36577076 PMCID: PMC9910450 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2215003120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We used a transgenic parasite in which Plasmodium falciparum parasites were genetically modified to express Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen 1 (PvAMA1) protein in place of PfAMA1 to study PvAMA1-mediated invasion. In P. falciparum, AMA1 interaction with rhoptry neck protein 2 (RON2) is known to be crucial for invasion, and PfRON2 peptides (PfRON2p) blocked the invasion of PfAMA1 wild-type parasites. However, PfRON2p has no effect on the invasion of transgenic parasites expressing PvAMA1 indicating that PfRON2 had no role in the invasion of PvAMA1 transgenic parasites. Interestingly, PvRON2p blocked the invasion of PvAMA1 transgenic parasites in a dose-dependent manner. We found that recombinant PvAMA1 domains 1 and 2 (rPvAMA1) bound to reticulocytes and normocytes indicating that PvAMA1 directly interacts with erythrocytes during the invasion, and invasion blocking of PvRON2p may result from it interfering with PvAMA1 binding to erythrocytes. It was previously shown that the peptide containing Loop1a of PvAMA1 (PvAMA1 Loop1a) is also bound to reticulocytes. We found that the Loop1a peptide blocked the binding of PvAMA1 to erythrocytes. PvAMA1 Loop1a has no polymorphisms in contrast to other PvAMA1 loops and may be an attractive vaccine target. We thus present the evidence that PvAMA1 binds to erythrocytes in addition to interacting with PvRON2 suggesting that the P. vivax merozoites may exploit complex pathways during the invasion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Kyun Lee
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD20852
| | - Leanne M. Low
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD20852
| | - John F. Andersen
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD20852
| | - Lee M. Yeoh
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC3004, Australia
| | - Paola Carolina Valenzuela Leon
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD20852
| | | | - Johannes S. P. Doehl
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD20852
| | - Eric Calvo
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD20852
| | - Louis H. Miller
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD20852
| | - James G. Beeson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC3004, Australia
- Central Clinical School and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, VIC3004, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, VIC3010, Australia
| | - Karthigayan Gunalan
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, MD20852
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7
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De Meulenaere K, Prajapati SK, Villasis E, Cuypers B, Kattenberg JH, Kasian B, Laman M, Robinson LJ, Gamboa D, Laukens K, Rosanas-Urgell A. Band 3-mediated Plasmodium vivax invasion is associated with transcriptional variation in PvTRAg genes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1011692. [PMID: 36250048 PMCID: PMC9563252 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1011692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte invasion process is still poorly understood, with only a few receptor-ligand interactions identified to date. Individuals with the Southeast Asian ovalocytosis (SAO) phenotype have a deletion in the band 3 protein on the surface of erythrocytes, and are reported to have a lower incidence of clinical P. vivax malaria. Based on this observation, band 3 has been put forward as a receptor for P. vivax invasion, although direct proof is still lacking. In this study, we combined functional ex vivo invasion assays and transcriptome sequencing to uncover a band 3-mediated invasion pathway in P. vivax and potential band 3 ligands. Invasion by P. vivax field isolates was 67%-71% lower in SAO reticulocytes compared with non-SAO reticulocytes. Reticulocyte invasion was decreased by 40% and 27%-31% when blocking with an anti-band 3 polyclonal antibody and a PvTRAg38 peptide, respectively. To identify new band 3 receptor candidates, we mRNA-sequenced schizont-stage isolates used in the invasion assays, and observed high transcriptional variability in multigene and invasion-related families. Transcriptomes of isolates with low or high dependency on band 3 for invasion were compared by differential expression analysis, which produced a list of band 3 ligand candidates with high representation of PvTRAg genes. Our ex vivo invasion assays have demonstrated that band 3 is a P. vivax invasion receptor and confirm previous in vitro studies showing binding between PvTRAg38 and band 3, although the lower and variable inhibition levels observed suggest the involvement of other ligands. By coupling transcriptomes and invasion phenotypes from the same isolates, we identified a list of band 3 ligand candidates, of which the overrepresented PvTRAg genes are the most promising for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katlijn De Meulenaere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Surendra Kumar Prajapati
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Elizabeth Villasis
- Laboratorio de Malaria, Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Bart Cuypers
- Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Bernadine Kasian
- Vector-borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Moses Laman
- Vector-borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
| | - Leanne J. Robinson
- Vector-borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research, Madang, Papua New Guinea
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Health Security and Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dionicia Gamboa
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Departamento de Ciencias Celulares y Moleculares, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Kris Laukens
- Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anna Rosanas-Urgell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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8
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Abstract
"The Primate Malarias" book has been a uniquely important resource for multiple generations of scientists, since its debut in 1971, and remains pertinent to the present day. Indeed, nonhuman primates (NHPs) have been instrumental for major breakthroughs in basic and pre-clinical research on malaria for over 50 years. Research involving NHPs have provided critical insights and data that have been essential for malaria research on many parasite species, drugs, vaccines, pathogenesis, and transmission, leading to improved clinical care and advancing research goals for malaria control, elimination, and eradication. Whilst most malaria scientists over the decades have been studying Plasmodium falciparum, with NHP infections, in clinical studies with humans, or using in vitro culture or rodent model systems, others have been dedicated to advancing research on Plasmodium vivax, as well as on phylogenetically related simian species, including Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium coatneyi, and Plasmodium knowlesi. In-depth study of these four phylogenetically related species over the years has spawned the design of NHP longitudinal infection strategies for gathering information about ongoing infections, which can be related to human infections. These Plasmodium-NHP infection model systems are reviewed here, with emphasis on modern systems biological approaches to studying longitudinal infections, pathogenesis, immunity, and vaccines. Recent discoveries capitalizing on NHP longitudinal infections include an advanced understanding of chronic infections, relapses, anaemia, and immune memory. With quickly emerging new technological advances, more in-depth research and mechanistic discoveries can be anticipated on these and additional critical topics, including hypnozoite biology, antigenic variation, gametocyte transmission, bone marrow dysfunction, and loss of uninfected RBCs. New strategies and insights published by the Malaria Host-Pathogen Interaction Center (MaHPIC) are recapped here along with a vision that stresses the importance of educating future experts well trained in utilizing NHP infection model systems for the pursuit of innovative, effective interventions against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary R Galinski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Emory National Primate Research Center (Yerkes National Primate Research Center), Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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9
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McCaffery JN, Munyaneza T, Uwimana A, Nace D, Lucchi N, Halsey ES, Rogier E. Symptomatic Plasmodium vivax Infection in Rwanda. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac025. [PMID: 35187194 PMCID: PMC8849279 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We report a Plasmodium vivax infection in a Rwandan child misdiagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum and administered artemether-lumefantrine. Antigen detection revealed an absence of P falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) and presence of Plasmodium vivax lactate dehydrogenase. Nested and real-time polymerase chain reactions verified that the sample only contained P vivax deoxyribonucleic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N McCaffery
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Aline Uwimana
- Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Doug Nace
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Naomi Lucchi
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Eric S Halsey
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric Rogier
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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10
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Voinson M, Nunn CL, Goldberg A. Primate malarias as a model for cross-species parasite transmission. eLife 2022; 11:e69628. [PMID: 35086643 PMCID: PMC8798051 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasites regularly switch into new host species, representing a disease burden and conservation risk to the hosts. The distribution of these parasites also gives insight into characteristics of ecological networks and genetic mechanisms of host-parasite interactions. Some parasites are shared across many species, whereas others tend to be restricted to hosts from a single species. Understanding the mechanisms producing this distribution of host specificity can enable more effective interventions and potentially identify genetic targets for vaccines or therapies. As ecological connections between human and local animal populations increase, the risk to human and wildlife health from novel parasites also increases. Which of these parasites will fizzle out and which have the potential to become widespread in humans? We consider the case of primate malarias, caused by Plasmodium parasites, to investigate the interacting ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that put human and nonhuman primates at risk for infection. Plasmodium host switching from nonhuman primates to humans led to ancient introductions of the most common malaria-causing agents in humans today, and new parasite switching is a growing threat, especially in Asia and South America. Based on a wild host-Plasmodium occurrence database, we highlight geographic areas of concern and potential areas to target further sampling. We also discuss methodological developments that will facilitate clinical and field-based interventions to improve human and wildlife health based on this eco-evolutionary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Voinson
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Charles L Nunn
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
- Duke Global Health, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
| | - Amy Goldberg
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke UniversityDurhamUnited States
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11
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Bantuchai S, Imad H, Nguitragool W. Plasmodium vivax gametocytes and transmission. Parasitol Int 2021; 87:102497. [PMID: 34748969 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Malaria elimination means cessation of parasite transmission. At present, the declining malaria incidence in many countries has made elimination a feasible goal. Transmission control has thus been placed at the center of the national malaria control programs. The efficient transmission of Plasmodium vivax from humans to mosquitoes is a key factor that helps perpetuate malaria in endemic areas. A better understanding of transmission is crucial to the success of elimination efforts. Biological delineation of the parasite transmission process is important for identifying and prioritizing new targets of intervention. Identification of the infectious parasite reservoir in the community is key to devising an effective elimination strategy. Here we describe the fundamental characteristics of P. vivax gametocytes - the dynamics of their production, longevity, and the relationship with the total parasitemia - as well as recent advances in the molecular understanding of parasite sexual development. In relation to malaria elimination, factors influencing the human infectivity and the current evidence for a role of asymptomatic carriers in transmission are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirasate Bantuchai
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Hisham Imad
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Wang Nguitragool
- Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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12
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Lo E, Russo G, Pestana K, Kepple D, Abagero BR, Dongho GBD, Gunalan K, Miller LH, Hamid MMA, Yewhalaw D, Paganotti GM. Contrasting epidemiology and genetic variation of Plasmodium vivax infecting Duffy-negative individuals across Africa. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 108:63-71. [PMID: 33991680 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Plasmodium vivax malaria was thought to be rare in Africans who lack the Duffy blood group antigen expression. However, recent studies indicate that P. vivax can infect Duffy-negative individuals and has spread into areas of high Duffy negativity across Africa. Our study compared epidemiological and genetic features of P. vivax between African regions. METHODS A standardized approach was used to identify and quantify P. vivax from Botswana, Ethiopia, and Sudan, where Duffy-positive and Duffy-negative individuals coexist. The study involved sequencing the Duffy binding protein (DBP) gene and inferring genetic relationships among P. vivax populations across Africa. RESULTS Among 1215 febrile patients, the proportions of Duffy negativity ranged from 20-36% in East Africa to 84% in southern Africa. Average P. vivax prevalence among Duffy-negative populations ranged from 9.2% in Sudan to 86% in Botswana. Parasite density in Duffy-negative infections was significantly lower than in Duffy-positive infections. P. vivax in Duffy-negative populations were not monophyletic, with P. vivax in Duffy-negative and Duffy-positive populations sharing similar DBP haplotypes and occurring in multiple, well-supported clades. CONCLUSIONS Duffy-negative Africans are not resistant to P. vivax, and the public health significance of this should not be neglected. Our study highlights the need for a standardized approach and more resources/training directed towards the diagnosis of vivax malaria in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Lo
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA.
| | - Gianluca Russo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Kareen Pestana
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA
| | - Daniel Kepple
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, USA
| | - Beka Raya Abagero
- Tropical Infectious Disease Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Ghyslaine Bruna Djeunang Dongho
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; Evangelical University of Cameroon, Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | | | - Louis H Miller
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Muzamil Mahdi Abdel Hamid
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- Tropical Infectious Disease Research Center, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Giacomo Maria Paganotti
- Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
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13
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Bourgard C, Lopes SCP, Lacerda MVG, Albrecht L, Costa FTM. A suitable RNA preparation methodology for whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing harvested from Plasmodium vivax-infected patients. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5089. [PMID: 33658571 PMCID: PMC7930272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84607-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax is a world-threatening human malaria parasite, whose biology remains elusive. The unavailability of in vitro culture, and the difficulties in getting a high number of pure parasites makes RNA isolation in quantity and quality a challenge. Here, a methodological outline for RNA-seq from P. vivax isolates with low parasitemia is presented, combining parasite maturation and enrichment with efficient RNA extraction, yielding ~ 100 pg.µL−1 of RNA, suitable for SMART-Seq Ultra-Low Input RNA library and Illumina sequencing. Unbiased coding transcriptome of ~ 4 M reads was achieved for four patient isolates with ~ 51% of transcripts mapped to the P. vivax P01 reference genome, presenting heterogeneous profiles of expression among individual isolates. Amongst the most transcribed genes in all isolates, a parasite-staged mixed repertoire of conserved parasite metabolic, membrane and exported proteins was observed. Still, a quarter of transcribed genes remain functionally uncharacterized. In parallel, a P. falciparum Brazilian isolate was also analyzed and 57% of its transcripts mapped against IT genome. Comparison of transcriptomes of the two species revealed a common trophozoite-staged expression profile, with several homologous genes being expressed. Collectively, these results will positively impact vivax research improving knowledge of P. vivax biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Bourgard
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Stefanie C P Lopes
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Manaus, AM, Brazil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado-FMT-HVD, Gerência de Malária, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Marcus V G Lacerda
- Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Manaus, AM, Brazil.,Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado-FMT-HVD, Gerência de Malária, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Letusa Albrecht
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil. .,Instituto Carlos Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Fabio T M Costa
- Laboratory of Tropical Diseases, Prof. Dr. Luiz Jacintho da Silva, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
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14
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Pasini EM, Kocken CHM. Parasite-Host Interaction and Pathophysiology Studies of the Human Relapsing Malarias Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale Infections in Non-Human Primates. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:614122. [PMID: 33680982 PMCID: PMC7925837 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.614122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria remains a serious health concern across the globe. Historically neglected, non-Falciparum human malarias were put back on the agenda by a paradigm shift in the fight against malaria from malaria control to malaria eradication. Here, we review the modeling of the relapsing parasites Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) and Plasmodium ovale (P. ovale) in non-human primates with a specific focus on the contribution of these models to our current understanding of the factors that govern parasite-host interactions in P. vivax and P. ovale parasite biology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Pasini
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Center, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Clemens H M Kocken
- Department of Parasitology, Biomedical Primate Research Center, Rijswijk, Netherlands
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15
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Kepple D, Pestana K, Tomida J, Abebe A, Golassa L, Lo E. Alternative Invasion Mechanisms and Host Immune Response to Plasmodium vivax Malaria: Trends and Future Directions. Microorganisms 2020; 9:E15. [PMID: 33374596 PMCID: PMC7822457 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax malaria is a neglected tropical disease, despite being more geographically widespread than any other form of malaria. The documentation of P. vivax infections in different parts of Africa where Duffy-negative individuals are predominant suggested that there are alternative pathways for P. vivax to invade human erythrocytes. Duffy-negative individuals may be just as fit as Duffy-positive individuals and are no longer resistant to P.vivax malaria. In this review, we describe the complexity of P. vivax malaria, characterize pathogenesis and candidate invasion genes of P. vivax, and host immune responses to P. vivax infections. We provide a comprehensive review on parasite ligands in several Plasmodium species that further justify candidate genes in P. vivax. We also summarize previous genomic and transcriptomic studies related to the identification of ligand and receptor proteins in P. vivax erythrocyte invasion. Finally, we identify topics that remain unclear and propose future studies that will greatly contribute to our knowledge of P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kepple
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (K.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Kareen Pestana
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (K.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Junya Tomida
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (K.P.); (J.T.)
| | - Abnet Abebe
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia;
| | - Lemu Golassa
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia;
| | - Eugenia Lo
- Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA; (K.P.); (J.T.)
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16
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Ford A, Kepple D, Abagero BR, Connors J, Pearson R, Auburn S, Getachew S, Ford C, Gunalan K, Miller LH, Janies DA, Rayner JC, Yan G, Yewhalaw D, Lo E. Whole genome sequencing of Plasmodium vivax isolates reveals frequent sequence and structural polymorphisms in erythrocyte binding genes. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008234. [PMID: 33044985 PMCID: PMC7581005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax malaria is much less common in Africa than the rest of the world because the parasite relies primarily on the Duffy antigen/chemokine receptor (DARC) to invade human erythrocytes, and the majority of Africans are Duffy negative. Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the reporting of P. vivax cases in Africa, with a high number of them being in Duffy negative individuals, potentially indicating P. vivax has evolved an alternative invasion mechanism that can overcome Duffy negativity. Here, we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and copy number variation (CNV) in Whole Genome Sequence (WGS) data from 44 P. vivax samples isolated from symptomatic malaria patients in southwestern Ethiopia, where both Duffy positive and Duffy negative individuals are found. A total of 123,711 SNPs were detected, of which 22.7% were nonsynonymous and 77.3% were synonymous mutations. The largest number of SNPs were detected on chromosomes 9 (24,007 SNPs; 19.4% of total) and 10 (16,852 SNPs, 13.6% of total). There were particularly high levels of polymorphism in erythrocyte binding gene candidates including merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) and merozoite surface protein 3 (MSP3.5, MSP3.85 and MSP3.9). Two genes, MAEBL and MSP3.8 related to immunogenicity and erythrocyte binding function were detected with significant signals of positive selection. Variation in gene copy number was also concentrated in genes involved in host-parasite interactions, including the expansion of the Duffy binding protein gene (PvDBP) on chromosome 6 and MSP3.11 on chromosome 10. Based on the phylogeny constructed from the whole genome sequences, the expansion of these genes was an independent process among the P. vivax lineages in Ethiopia. We further inferred transmission patterns of P. vivax infections among study sites and showed various levels of gene flow at a small geographical scale. The genomic features of P. vivax provided baseline data for future comparison with those in Duffy-negative individuals and allowed us to develop a panel of informative Single Nucleotide Polymorphic markers diagnostic at a micro-geographical scale. Plasmodium vivax is the most geographically widespread parasite species that causes malaria in humans. Although it occurs in Africa as a member of a mix of Plasmodium species, P. vivax is dominant in other parts of the world outside of Africa (e.g., Brazil). It was previously thought that most African populations were immune to P. vivax infections due to the absence of Duffy antigen chemokine receptor (DARC) gene expression required for erythrocyte invasion. However, several recent reports have indicated the emergence and potential spread of P. vivax across human populations in Africa. Compared to Southeast Asia and South America where P. vivax is highly endemic, data on polymorphisms in erythrocyte binding gene candidates of P. vivax from Africa is limited. Filling this knowlege gap is critical for identifying functional genes in erythrocyte invasion, biomarkers for tracking the P. vivax isolates from Africa, as well as potential gene targets for vaccine development. This paper examined the level of genetic polymorphisms in a panel of 43 potential erythrocyte binding protein genes based on whole genome sequences and described transmission patterns of P. vivax infections from different study sites in Ethiopia based on the genetic variants. Our analyses showed that chromosomes 9 and 10 of the P. vivax genomes isolated in Ethiopia had the most high-quality genetic polymorphisms. Among all erythrocyte binding protein gene candidates, the merozoite surface proteins 1 and merozoite surface protein 3 showed high levels of polymorphism. MAEBL and MSP3.8 related to immunogenicity and erythrocyte binding function were detected with significant signals of positive selection. The expansion of the Duffy binding protein and merozoite surface protein 3 gene copies was an independent process among the P. vivax lineages in Ethiopia. Various levels of gene flow were observed even at a smaller geographical scale. Our study provided baseline data for future comparison with P. vivax in Duffy negative individuals and help develop a panel of genetic markers that are informative at a micro-geographical scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Ford
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AF); (GY); (EL)
| | - Daniel Kepple
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States of America
| | - Beka Raya Abagero
- Tropical Infectious Disease Research Center, Jimma University, Ethiopia
| | - Jordan Connors
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States of America
| | - Richard Pearson
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United States of America
| | - Sarah Auburn
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Sisay Getachew
- College of Natural Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Colby Ford
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States of America
| | - Karthigayan Gunalan
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Louis H. Miller
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID/NIH, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Daniel A. Janies
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States of America
| | - Julian C. Rayner
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 OXY, United Kingdom
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AF); (GY); (EL)
| | | | - Eugenia Lo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States of America
- * E-mail: (AF); (GY); (EL)
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17
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Siegel SV, Chappell L, Hostetler JB, Amaratunga C, Suon S, Böhme U, Berriman M, Fairhurst RM, Rayner JC. Analysis of Plasmodium vivax schizont transcriptomes from field isolates reveals heterogeneity of expression of genes involved in host-parasite interactions. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16667. [PMID: 33028892 PMCID: PMC7541449 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73562-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax gene regulation remains difficult to study due to the lack of a robust in vitro culture method, low parasite densities in peripheral circulation and asynchronous parasite development. We adapted an RNA-seq protocol “DAFT-seq” to sequence the transcriptome of four P. vivax field isolates that were cultured for a short period ex vivo before using a density gradient for schizont enrichment. Transcription was detected from 78% of the PvP01 reference genome, despite being schizont-enriched samples. This extensive data was used to define thousands of 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions, some of which overlapped with neighbouring transcripts, and to improve the gene models of 352 genes, including identifying 20 novel gene transcripts. This dataset has also significantly increased the known amount of heterogeneity between P. vivax schizont transcriptomes from individual patients. The majority of genes found to be differentially expressed between the isolates lack Plasmodium falciparum homologs and are predicted to be involved in host-parasite interactions, with an enrichment in reticulocyte binding proteins, merozoite surface proteins and exported proteins with unknown function. An improved understanding of the diversity within P. vivax transcriptomes will be essential for the prioritisation of novel vaccine targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha V Siegel
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Lia Chappell
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Jessica B Hostetler
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK.,Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Chanaki Amaratunga
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bankgok, Thailand.,Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Seila Suon
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Ulrike Böhme
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Matthew Berriman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Rick M Fairhurst
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.,AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, USA
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK. .,Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK.
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18
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Liew KJ, Bruce NC, Sani RK, Chong CS, Yaakop AS, Shamsir MS, Goh KM. Global Transcriptomic Responses of Roseithermus sacchariphilus Strain RA in Media Supplemented with Beechwood Xylan. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E976. [PMID: 32610703 PMCID: PMC7409140 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8070976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of the members in order Rhodothermales are underexplored prokaryotic extremophiles. Roseithermus, a new genus within Rhodothermales, was first described in 2019. Roseithermus sacchariphilus is the only species in this genus. The current report aims to evaluate the transcriptomic responses of R. sacchariphilus strain RA when cultivated on beechwood xylan. Strain RA doubled its growth in Marine Broth (MB) containing xylan compared to Marine Broth (MB) alone. Strain RA harbors 54 potential glycosyl hydrolases (GHs) that are affiliated with 30 families, including cellulases (families GH 3, 5, 9, and 44) and hemicellulases (GH 2, 10, 16, 29, 31,43, 51, 53, 67, 78, 92, 106, 113, 130, and 154). The majority of these GHs were upregulated when the cells were grown in MB containing xylan medium and enzymatic activities for xylanase, endoglucanase, β-xylosidase, and β-glucosidase were elevated. Interestingly, with the introduction of xylan, five out of six cellulolytic genes were upregulated. Furthermore, approximately 1122 genes equivalent to one-third of the total genes for strain RA were upregulated. These upregulated genes were mostly involved in transportation, chemotaxis, and membrane components synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kok Jun Liew
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor 81310, Malaysia; (K.J.L.); (C.S.C.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Neil C. Bruce
- Centre for Novel Agricultural Products, Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York YO10 5DD, UK;
| | - Rajesh Kumar Sani
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA;
| | - Chun Shiong Chong
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor 81310, Malaysia; (K.J.L.); (C.S.C.); (M.S.S.)
| | - Amira Suriaty Yaakop
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang 11800, Malaysia;
| | - Mohd Shahir Shamsir
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor 81310, Malaysia; (K.J.L.); (C.S.C.); (M.S.S.)
- Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Higher Education Hub, Johor 84600, Malaysia
| | - Kian Mau Goh
- Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor 81310, Malaysia; (K.J.L.); (C.S.C.); (M.S.S.)
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19
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Sà JM, Cannon MV, Caleon RL, Wellems TE, Serre D. Single-cell transcription analysis of Plasmodium vivax blood-stage parasites identifies stage- and species-specific profiles of expression. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000711. [PMID: 32365102 PMCID: PMC7224573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum, the parasites responsible for most human malaria worldwide, exhibit striking biological differences, which have important clinical consequences. Unfortunately, P. vivax, unlike P. falciparum, cannot be cultivated continuously in vitro, which limits our understanding of its biology and, consequently, our ability to effectively control vivax malaria. Here, we describe single-cell gene expression profiles of 9,215 P. vivax parasites from bloodstream infections of Aotus and Saimiri monkeys. Our results show that transcription of most P. vivax genes occurs during short periods of the intraerythrocytic cycle and that this pattern of gene expression is conserved in other Plasmodium species. However, we also identify a strikingly high proportion of species-specific transcripts in late schizonts, possibly associated with the specificity of erythrocyte invasion. Our findings provide new and robust markers of blood-stage parasites, including some that are specific to the elusive P. vivax male gametocytes, and will be useful for analyzing gene expression data from laboratory and field samples. Analysis of individual Plasmodium vivax parasites reveals the tight control of the expression of most genes during the intra-erythrocytic cycle and the differentiation of male and female gametocytes, and highlights differences between the development of P. vivax and P. falciparum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana M. Sà
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Matthew V. Cannon
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ramoncito L. Caleon
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thomas E. Wellems
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David Serre
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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A Way Forward for Culturing Plasmodium vivax. Trends Parasitol 2020; 36:512-519. [PMID: 32360314 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.04.002] [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: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Trager and Jensen established a method for culturing Plasmodium falciparum, a breakthrough for malaria research worldwide. Since then, multiple attempts to establish Plasmodium vivax in continuous culture have failed. Unlike P. falciparum, which can invade all aged erythrocytes, P. vivax is restricted to reticulocytes. Thus, a constant supply of reticulocytes is considered critical for continuous P. vivax growth in vitro. A critical question remains why P. vivax selectively invades reticulocytes? What do reticulocytes offer to P. vivax that is not present in mature erythrocytes? One possibility is protection from oxidative stress by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Here, we also suggest supplements to the media and procedures that may reduce oxidative stress and, as a result, establish a system for the continuous culture of P. vivax.
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Popovici J, Roesch C, Rougeron V. The enigmatic mechanisms by which Plasmodium vivax infects Duffy-negative individuals. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008258. [PMID: 32078643 PMCID: PMC7032691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of the Duffy protein at the surface of erythrocytes was considered for decades to confer full protection against Plasmodium vivax as this blood group is the receptor for the key parasite ligand P. vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBP). However, it is now clear that the parasite is able to break through this protection and induce clinical malaria in Duffy-negative people, although the underlying mechanisms are still not understood. Here, we briefly review the evidence of Duffy-negative infections by P. vivax and summarize the current hypothesis at the basis of this invasion process. We discuss those in the perspective of malaria-elimination challenges, notably in African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Popovici
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh Cambodia
- Malaria Translational Research Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris & Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Camille Roesch
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh Cambodia
- Malaria Translational Research Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris & Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Virginie Rougeron
- Laboratoire MIVEGEC (Université de Montpellier-CNRS-IRD), Montpellier, France
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Lee SK, Han JH, Park JH, Ha KS, Park WS, Hong SH, Na S, Cheng Y, Han ET. Evaluation of antibody responses to the early transcribed membrane protein family in Plasmodium vivax. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:594. [PMID: 31856917 PMCID: PMC6921578 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3846-4] [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: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria parasites form intracellular membranes that separate the parasite from the internal space of erythrocytes, and membrane proteins from the parasites are exported to the host via the membrane. In our previous study, Plasmodium vivax early transcribed membrane protein (PvETRAMP) 11.2, an intracellular membrane protein that is highly expressed in blood-stage parasites, was characterized as a highly immunogenic protein in P. vivax malaria patients. However, the other PvETRAMP family proteins have not yet been investigated. In this study, PvETRAMPs were expressed and evaluated to determine their immunological profiles. Methods The protein structure and amino acid alignment were carried out using bioinformatics analysis software. A total of six PvETRAMP family proteins were successfully expressed and purified using a wheat germ cell free protein expression system and the purified proteins were used for protein microarray and immunization of mice. The localization of the protein was determined with serum against PvETRAMP4. IgG subclasses were assessed from the immunized mice. Results In silico analysis showed that P. vivax exhibits nine genes encoding the ETRAMP family. The ETRAMP family proteins are relatively small molecules with conserved structural features. A total of 6 recombinant ETRAMP proteins were successfully expressed and purified. The serum positivity of P. vivax malaria patients and healthy individuals was evaluated using a protein microarray method. Among the PvETRAMPs, ETRAMP4 showed the highest positivity rate of 62%, comparable to that of PvETRAMP11.2, which served as the positive control, and a typical export pattern of PvETRAMP4 was observed in the P. vivax parasite. The assessment of IgG subclasses in mice immunized with PvETRAMP4 showed high levels of IgG1 and IgG2b. PvETRAMP family proteins were identified and characterized as serological markers. Conclusions The relatively high antibody responses to PvETRAMP4 as well as the specific IgG subclasses observed in immunized mice suggest that the ETRAMP family is immunogenic in pathogens and can be used as a protein marker and for vaccine development.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Kyun Lee
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Park
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwon-Soo Ha
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sun Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Ho Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghun Na
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Yang Cheng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Laboratory of Pathogen Infection and Immunity, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Eun-Taek Han
- Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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