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Ahmad I, Xuan T, Wang Q, Zhang S, Wang L, Gu J, Qi F, Luan W. Bacterial Lipoteichoic Acid Induces Capsular Contracture by Activating Innate Immune Response. Plast Reconstr Surg 2024; 154:333-342. [PMID: 37699551 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000011054] [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] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Capsular contracture is attributed to an exaggerated fibrosis response within the capsule and is partly associated with bacterial contamination in situ. However, the cellular mechanisms that initiate this response are unclear. METHODS The authors developed a mouse model of capsular contracture by repeated injection of 10 μg/mL lipoteichoic acid (LTA). The histological changes in the capsule tissue were measured by hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining. The expression of cytokines was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The authors also used pharmacological methods to verify the roles of macrophages and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling in this pathological process. RESULTS The authors discovered that repeated LTA injection, at a low concentration, could induce thickening of the capsule tissue. Macrophage infiltration and TLR2/nuclear factor-κB signaling activated in this process could be suppressed by macrophage depletion or TLR2 receptor inhibition. CONCLUSION As TLR2 signal activation was found to cause capsular contracture by inducing macrophage infiltration as a consequence of trace amounts of LTA contamination in situ, this target is helpful for understanding that chronic or repeated subclinical infection can activate capsular contracture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT This finding is of significant importance for understanding that chronic or repeated subclinical infection could activate a persistent immune response and capsular contracture, and provides novel strategies to interfere with the formation of capsular contracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikram Ahmad
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Tianfan Xuan
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
- Treatment Center of Burn and Trauma, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Jiangnan University
| | - Qiang Wang
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Simin Zhang
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Lu Wang
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Jianying Gu
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Fazhi Qi
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
| | - Wenjie Luan
- From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University
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Mousavi Shafi ZS, Firouz ZM, Pirahmadi S. Gene expression analysis of Anopheles Meigen, 1818 (Diptera: Culicidae) innate immunity after Plasmodium Marchiafava & Celli, 1885 (Apicomplexa) infection: Toward developing new malaria control strategies. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 123:105650. [PMID: 39089500 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite the critical role of the Anopheles innate immune system in defending against Plasmodium infection, there is still limited information about the key immune mechanisms in Anopheles. This review assesses recent findings on the expression characteristics of immune-related genes in Anopheles following exposure to Plasmodium. A literature review, unrestricted by publication date, was conducted to evaluate immune-related gene expression in different organs of Anopheles after Plasmodium infection. Mosquito immune responses in the midgut are essential for reducing parasite populations. Additionally, innate immune responses in the salivary glands and hemocytes circulating in the hemocoel play key roles in defense against the parasite. Transcriptomic analysis of the mosquito's innate immune response to Plasmodium infection provides valuable insights into key immune mechanisms in mosquito defense. A deeper understanding of immune mechanisms in different organs of Anopheles following Plasmodium infection will aid in discovering critical targets for designing novel control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sadat Mousavi Shafi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Mohammadi Firouz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sakineh Pirahmadi
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Rolandelli A, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Bogale HN, Singh N, Samaddar S, O'Neal AJ, Ferraz CR, Butnaru M, Mameli E, Xia B, Mendes MT, Butler LR, Marnin L, Cabrera Paz FE, Valencia LM, Rana VS, Skerry C, Pal U, Mohr SE, Perrimon N, Serre D, Pedra JHF. Tick hemocytes have a pleiotropic role in microbial infection and arthropod fitness. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2117. [PMID: 38459063 PMCID: PMC10923820 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46494-3] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Uncovering the complexity of systems in non-model organisms is critical for understanding arthropod immunology. Prior efforts have mostly focused on Dipteran insects, which only account for a subset of existing arthropod species in nature. Here we use and develop advanced techniques to describe immune cells (hemocytes) from the clinically relevant tick Ixodes scapularis at a single-cell resolution. We observe molecular alterations in hemocytes upon feeding and infection with either the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi or the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We reveal hemocyte clusters exhibiting defined signatures related to immunity, metabolism, and proliferation. Depletion of phagocytic hemocytes affects hemocytin and astakine levels, two I. scapularis hemocyte markers, impacting blood-feeding, molting behavior, and bacterial acquisition. Mechanistically, astakine alters hemocyte proliferation, whereas hemocytin affects the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in I. scapularis. Altogether, we discover a role for tick hemocytes in immunophysiology and provide a valuable resource for comparative biology in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hanna J Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haikel N Bogale
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Rancho BioSciences, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Energy Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University; Knowledge Corridor, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anya J O'Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Camila R Ferraz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew Butnaru
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Enzo Mameli
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Baolong Xia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Tays Mendes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - L Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Francy E Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luisa M Valencia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vipin S Rana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ciaran Skerry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie E Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - David Serre
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joao H F Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Zmarlak NM, Lavazec C, Brito-Fravallo E, Genève C, Aliprandini E, Aguirre-Botero MC, Vernick KD, Mitri C. The Anopheles leucine-rich repeat protein APL1C is a pathogen binding factor recognizing Plasmodium ookinetes and sporozoites. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012008. [PMID: 38354186 PMCID: PMC10898737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012008] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat (LRR) proteins are commonly involved in innate immunity of animals and plants, including for pattern recognition of pathogen-derived elicitors. The Anopheles secreted LRR proteins APL1C and LRIM1 are required for malaria ookinete killing in conjunction with the complement-like TEP1 protein. However, the mechanism of parasite immune recognition by the mosquito remains unclear, although it is known that TEP1 lacks inherent binding specificity. Here, we find that APL1C and LRIM1 bind specifically to Plasmodium berghei ookinetes, even after depletion of TEP1 transcript and protein, consistent with a role for the LRR proteins in pathogen recognition. Moreover, APL1C does not bind to ookinetes of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, and is not required for killing of this parasite, which correlates LRR binding specificity and immune protection. Most of the live P. berghei ookinetes that migrated into the extracellular space exposed to mosquito hemolymph, and almost all dead ookinetes, are bound by APL1C, thus associating LRR protein binding with parasite killing. We also find that APL1C binds to the surface of P. berghei sporozoites released from oocysts into the mosquito hemocoel and forms a potent barrier limiting salivary gland invasion and mosquito infectivity. Pathogen binding by APL1C provides the first functional explanation for the long-known requirement of APL1C for P. berghei ookinete killing in the mosquito midgut. We propose that secreted mosquito LRR proteins are required for pathogen discrimination and orientation of immune effector activity, potentially as functional counterparts of the immunoglobulin-based receptors used by vertebrates for antigen recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Marta Zmarlak
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR2000, Unit of Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
- Graduate School of Life Sciences ED515, Sorbonne Universities, UPMC Paris VI, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Lavazec
- Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Emma Brito-Fravallo
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR2000, Unit of Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Genève
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR2000, Unit of Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
| | - Eduardo Aliprandini
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Unit of Malaria Infection & Immunity, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
| | - Manuela Camille Aguirre-Botero
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Unit of Malaria Infection & Immunity, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
| | - Kenneth D. Vernick
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR2000, Unit of Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
- Graduate School of Life Sciences ED515, Sorbonne Universities, UPMC Paris VI, Paris, France
| | - Christian Mitri
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR2000, Unit of Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Paris, France
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Jin Q, Wang Y, Hu Y, He Y, Xiong C, Jiang H. Serine protease homolog pairs CLIPA4-A6, A4-A7Δ, and A4-A12 act as cofactors for proteolytic activation of prophenoloxidase-2 and -7 in Anopheles gambiae. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 164:104048. [PMID: 38056530 PMCID: PMC10872527 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Phenoloxidase (PO) catalyzed melanization and other insect immune responses are mediated by serine proteases (SPs) and their noncatalytic homologs (SPHs). Many of these SP-like proteins have a regulatory clip domain and are called CLIPs. In most insects studied so far, PO precursors are activated by a PAP (i.e., PPO activating protease) and its cofactor of clip-domain SPHs. Although melanotic encapsulation is a well-known refractory mechanism of mosquitoes against malaria parasites, it is unclear if a cofactor is required for PPO activation. In Anopheles gambiae, CLIPA4 is 1:1 orthologous to Manduca sexta SPH2; CLIPs A5-7, A12-14, A26, A31, A32, E6, and E7 are 11:4 orthologous to M. sexta SPH1a, 1b, 4, and 101, SPH2 partners in the cofactors. Here we produced proCLIPs A4, A6, A7Δ, A12, and activated them with CLIPB9 or M. sexta PAP3. A. gambiae PPO2 and PPO7 were expressed in Escherichia coli for use as PAP substrates. CLIPB9 was mutated to CLIPB9Xa by including a Factor Xa cleavage site. CLIPA7Δ was a deletion mutant with a low complexity region removed. After PAP3 or CLIPB9Xa processing, CLIPA4 formed a high Mr complex with CLIPA6, A7Δ or A12, which assisted PPO2 and PPO7 activation. High levels of specific PO activity (55-85 U/μg for PO2 and 1131-1630 U/μg for PO7) were detected in vitro, indicating that cofactor-assisted PPO activation also occurs in this species. The cleavage sites and mechanisms for complex formation and cofactor function are like those reported in M. sexta and Drosophila melanogaster. In conclusion, these data suggest that the three (and perhaps more) SPHI-II pairs may form cofactors for CLIPB9-mediated activation of PPOs for melanotic encapsulation in A. gambiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Jin
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yingxia Hu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yan He
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Chao Xiong
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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Adegoke A, Hanson J, Smith RC, Karim S. Ehrlichia chaffeensis Co-Opts Phagocytic Hemocytes for Systemic Dissemination in the Lone Star Tick, Amblyomma americanum. J Innate Immun 2023; 16:66-79. [PMID: 38142680 PMCID: PMC10794049 DOI: 10.1159/000535986] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hematophagous arthropods can acquire and transmit several pathogens of medical importance. In ticks, the innate immune system is crucial in the outcome between vector-pathogen interaction and overall vector competence. However, the specific immune response(s) elicited by the immune cells known as hemocytes remains largely undefined in Ehrlichia chaffeensis and its competent tick vector, Amblyomma americanum. METHODS We utilized injection of clodronate liposome to deplete tick granulocytes combined with infection with E. chaffeensis to demonstrate their essential role in microbial infection. RESULTS Here, we show that granulocytes, professional phagocytic cells, are integral in eliciting immune responses against commensal and pathogen infection. The chemical depletion of granulocytes led to decreased phagocytic efficiency of tissue-associated hemocytes. We demonstrate that E. chaffeensis can infect circulating hemocytes, and both cell-free plasma and hemocytes from E. chaffeensis-infected ticks can establish Ehrlichia infection in recipient ticks. Lastly, we provide evidence to show that granulocytes play a dual role in E. chaffeensis infection. Depleting granulocytic hemocytes increased Ehrlichia load in the salivary gland and midgut tissues. In contrast, granulocyte depletion led to a reduced systemic load of Ehrlichia. CONCLUSION This study has identified multiple roles for granulocytic hemocytes in the control and systemic dissemination of E. chaffeensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulsalam Adegoke
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Julia Hanson
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Ryan C. Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Shahid Karim
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
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Rolandelli A, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Bogale HN, Singh N, Samaddar S, O’Neal AJ, Ferraz CR, Butnaru M, Mameli E, Xia B, Mendes MT, Butler LR, Marnin L, Cabrera Paz FE, Valencia LM, Rana VS, Skerry C, Pal U, Mohr SE, Perrimon N, Serre D, Pedra JH. Tick hemocytes have pleiotropic roles in microbial infection and arthropod fitness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.31.555785. [PMID: 37693411 PMCID: PMC10491215 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.31.555785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Uncovering the complexity of systems in non-model organisms is critical for understanding arthropod immunology. Prior efforts have mostly focused on Dipteran insects, which only account for a subset of existing arthropod species in nature. Here, we describe immune cells or hemocytes from the clinically relevant tick Ixodes scapularis using bulk and single cell RNA sequencing combined with depletion via clodronate liposomes, RNA interference, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats activation (CRISPRa) and RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We observe molecular alterations in hemocytes upon tick infestation of mammals and infection with either the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi or the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We predict distinct hemocyte lineages and reveal clusters exhibiting defined signatures for immunity, metabolism, and proliferation during hematophagy. Furthermore, we perform a mechanistic characterization of two I. scapularis hemocyte markers: hemocytin and astakine. Depletion of phagocytic hemocytes affects hemocytin and astakine levels, which impacts blood feeding and molting behavior of ticks. Hemocytin specifically affects the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, whereas astakine alters hemocyte proliferation in I. scapularis. Altogether, we uncover the heterogeneity and pleiotropic roles of hemocytes in ticks and provide a valuable resource for comparative biology in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanna J. Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Haikel N. Bogale
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anya J. O’Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Camila R. Ferraz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Butnaru
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Enzo Mameli
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Baolong Xia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - M. Tays Mendes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L. Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Francy E. Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luisa M. Valencia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vipin S. Rana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ciaran Skerry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie E. Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - David Serre
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joao H.F. Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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8
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Adegoke A, Hanson J, Smith R, Karim S. Ehrlichia chaffeensis co-opts phagocytic hemocytes for systemic dissemination in the Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.17.553720. [PMID: 37645829 PMCID: PMC10462121 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.17.553720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Hematophagous arthropods can acquire and transmit several pathogens of medical importance. In ticks, the innate immune system is crucial in the outcome between vector-pathogen interaction and overall vector competence. However, the specific immune response(s) elicited by the immune cells known as hemocytes remains largely undefined in Ehrlichi a chaffeensis and its competent tick vector, Amblyomma americanum . Here, we show that granulocytes, professional phagocytic cells, are integral in eliciting immune responses against commensal and pathogen infection. The chemical depletion of granulocytes led to decreased phagocytic efficiency of tissues-associated hemocytes. We demonstrate E. chaffeensis can infect circulating hemocytes, and both cell-free plasma and hemocytes from E. chaffeensis- infected ticks can establish Ehrlichia infection in recipient ticks. Lastly, we provide evidence to show granulocytes play a dual role in E. chaffeensis infection. Depleting granulocytic hemocytes increased Ehrlichia load in the salivary gland and midgut tissues. In contrast, granulocyte depletion led to a reduced systemic load of Ehrlichia . This study has identified multiple roles for granulocytic hemocytes in the control and systemic dissemination of E. chaffeensis infection.
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9
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Bergamini G, Sacchi S, Ferri A, Franchi N, Montanari M, Ahmad M, Losi C, Nasi M, Cocchi M, Malagoli D. Clodronate Liposome-Mediated Phagocytic Hemocyte Depletion Affects the Regeneration of the Cephalic Tentacle of the Invasive Snail, Pomacea canaliculata. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:992. [PMID: 37508422 PMCID: PMC10376890 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
After amputation, granular hemocytes infiltrate the blastema of regenerating cephalic tentacles of the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata. Here, the circulating phagocytic hemocytes were chemically depleted by injecting the snails with clodronate liposomes, and the effects on the cephalic tentacle regeneration onset and on Pc-Hemocyanin, Pc-transglutaminase (Pc-TG) and Pc-Allograft Inflammatory Factor-1 (Pc-AIF-1) gene expressions were investigated. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that clodronate liposomes targeted large circulating hemocytes, resulting in a transient decrease in their number. Corresponding with the phagocyte depletion, tentacle regeneration onset was halted, and it resumed at the expected pace when clodronate liposome effects were no longer visible. In addition to the regeneration progress, the expressions of Pc-Hemocyanin, Pc-TG, and Pc-AIF-1, which are markers of hemocyte-mediated functions like oxygen transport and immunity, clotting, and inflammation, were modified. After the injection of clodronate liposomes, a specific computer-assisted image analysis protocol still evidenced the presence of granular hemocytes in the tentacle blastema. This is consistent with reports indicating the large and agranular hemocyte population as the most represented among the professional phagocytes of P. canaliculata and with the hypothesis that different hemocyte morphologies could exert diverse biological functions, as it has been observed in other invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bergamini
- Department Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Zoological Station "Anton Dohrn", 80121 Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Sacchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Anita Ferri
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Nicola Franchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Montanari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Mohamad Ahmad
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- LASIRE, Université de Lille, Cité Scientifique, 59650 Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France
| | - Chiara Losi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Milena Nasi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Marina Cocchi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Davide Malagoli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
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10
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Loghry HJ, Kwon H, Smith RC, Sondjaja NA, Minkler SJ, Young S, Wheeler NJ, Zamanian M, Bartholomay LC, Kimber MJ. Extracellular vesicles secreted by Brugia malayi microfilariae modulate the melanization pathway in the mosquito host. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8778. [PMID: 37258694 PMCID: PMC10232515 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35940-9] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne, filarial nematode diseases cause significant disease burdens in humans and domestic animals worldwide. Although there is strong direct evidence of parasite-driven immunomodulation of mammalian host responses, there is less evidence of parasite immunomodulation of the vector host. We have previously reported that all life stages of Brugia malayi, a filarial nematode and causative agent of Lymphatic filariasis, secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs). Here we investigate the immunomodulatory effects of microfilariae-derived EVs on the vector host Aedes aegypti. RNA-seq analysis of an Ae. aegypti cell line treated with B. malayi microfilariae EVs showed differential expression of both mRNAs and miRNAs. AAEL002590, an Ae. aegypti gene encoding a serine protease, was shown to be downregulated when cells were treated with biologically relevant EV concentrations in vitro. Injection of adult female mosquitoes with biologically relevant concentrations of EVs validated these results in vivo, recapitulating the downregulation of AAEL002590 transcript. This gene was predicted to be involved in the mosquito phenoloxidase (PO) cascade leading to the canonical melanization response and correspondingly, both suppression of this gene using RNAi and parasite EV treatment reduced PO activity in vivo. Our data indicate that parasite-derived EVs interfere with critical immune responses in the vector host, including melanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Loghry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Hyeogsun Kwon
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Ryan C Smith
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Noelle A Sondjaja
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Sarah J Minkler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Sophie Young
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Nicolas J Wheeler
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, USA
| | - Mostafa Zamanian
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lyric C Bartholomay
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael J Kimber
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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11
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Klug D, Blandin SA. Activation of complement-like antiparasitic responses in Anopheles mosquitoes. Curr Opin Microbiol 2023; 72:102280. [PMID: 36841199 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2023.102280] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
During their development in mosquitoes, malaria parasites undergo massive losses that are in part due to a potent antiparasitic response mounted by the vector. The most efficient and best-characterized response relies on a complement-like system particularly effective against parasites as they cross the mosquito midgut epithelium. While our vision of the molecular and cellular events that lead to parasite elimination is still partial, our understanding of the steps triggering complement activation at the surface of invading parasites has considerably progressed, not only through the identification of novel contributing genes, but also with the recent in-depth characterization of the different mosquito blood cell types, and the ability to track them in live mosquitoes. Here, we propose a simple model based on the time of invasion to explain how parasites may escape complement-like responses during midgut infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Klug
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, UPR9022/U1257, Mosquito Immune Responses (MIR), F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Stephanie A Blandin
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Inserm, UPR9022/U1257, Mosquito Immune Responses (MIR), F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
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12
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Adegoke A, Ribeiro JMC, Brown S, Smith RC, Karim S. Rickettsia parkeri hijacks tick hemocytes to manipulate cellular and humoral transcriptional responses. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1094326. [PMID: 36845157 PMCID: PMC9950277 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1094326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Blood-feeding arthropods rely on robust cellular and humoral immunity to control pathogen invasion and replication. Tick hemocytes produce factors that can facilitate or suppress microbial infection and pathogenesis. Despite the importance of hemocytes in regulating microbial infection, understanding of their basic biology and molecular mechanisms remains limited. Methods Here we combined histomorphology and functional analysis to identify five distinct phagocytic and non-phagocytic hemocyte populations circulating within the Gulf Coast tick Amblyomma maculatum. Results and discussion Depletion of phagocytic hemocytes using clodronate liposomes revealed their function in eliminating bacterial infection. We provide the first direct evidence that an intracellular tick-borne pathogen, Rickettsia parkeri, infects phagocytic hemocytes in Am. maculatum to modify tick cellular immune responses. A hemocyte-specific RNA-seq dataset generated from hemocytes isolated from uninfected and R. parkeri-infected partially blood-fed ticks generated ~40,000 differentially regulated transcripts, >11,000 of which were immune genes. Silencing two differentially regulated phagocytic immune marker genes (nimrod B2 and eater-two Drosophila homologs), significantly reduced hemocyte phagocytosis. Conclusion Together, these findings represent a significant step forward in understanding how hemocytes regulate microbial homeostasis and vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulsalam Adegoke
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Jose M. C. Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Sidney Brown
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Ryan C. Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Shahid Karim
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
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13
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Adegoke A, Kumar D, Budachetri K, Karim S. Hematophagy and tick-borne Rickettsial pathogen shape the microbial community structure and predicted functions within the tick vector, Amblyomma maculatum. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1037387. [PMID: 36478675 PMCID: PMC9719966 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1037387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ticks are the primary vectors of emerging and resurging pathogens of public health significance worldwide. Analyzing tick bacterial composition, diversity, and functionality across developmental stages and tissues is crucial for designing new strategies to control ticks and prevent tick-borne diseases. Materials and methods Here, we explored the microbial communities across the developmental timeline and in different tissues of the Gulf-Coast ticks (Amblyomma maculatum). Using a high-throughput sequencing approach, the influence of blood meal and Rickettsia parkeri, a spotted fever group rickettsiae infection in driving changes in microbiome composition, diversity, and functionality was determined. Results This study shows that the core microbiome of Am. maculatum comprises ten core bacterial genera. The genus Rickettsia, Francisella, and Candidatus_Midichloria are the key players, with positive interactions within each developmental stage and adult tick organ tested. Blood meal and Rickettsia parkeri led to an increase in the bacterial abundance in the tissues. According to functional analysis, the increase in bacterial numbers is positively correlated to highly abundant energy metabolism orthologs with blood meal. Correlation analysis identified an increase in OTUs identified as Candidatus Midichloria and a subsequent decrease in Francisella OTUs in Rickettsia parkeri infected tick stages and tissues. Results demonstrate the abundance of Rickettsia and Francisella predominate in the core microbiome of Am. maculatum, whereas Candidatus_Midichloria and Cutibacterium prevalence increase with R. parkeri-infection. Network analysis and functional annotation suggest that R. parkeri interacts positively with Candidatus_Midichloria and negatively with Francisella. Conclusion We conclude that tick-transmitted pathogens, such as R. parkeri establishes infection by interacting with the core microbiome of the tick vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulsalam Adegoke
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Deepak Kumar
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Khemraj Budachetri
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Shahid Karim
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
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14
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Mishra R, Hua G, Bagal UR, Champagne DE, Adang MJ. Anopheles gambiae strain (Ag55) cultured cells originated from Anopheles coluzzii and are phagocytic with hemocyte-like gene expression. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1346-1360. [PMID: 35358364 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii are closely related species that are predominant vectors of malaria in Africa. Recently, A. gambiae form M was renamed A. coluzzii and we now conclude on the basis of a diagnostic PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay that Ag55 cells were derived from A. coluzzii. We established an Ag55 cell transcriptome, and KEGG pathway analysis showed that Ag55 cells are enriched in phagosome pathway transcripts. The Ag55 transcriptome has an abundance of specific transcripts characteristic of mosquito hemocytes. Functional E. coli bioparticle uptake experiments visualized by fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy and quantified by flow cytometry establish the phagocytic competence of Ag55 cells. Results from this investigation of Ag55 cell properties will guide researchers in the use and engineering of the Ag55 cell line to better enable investigations of Plasmodium, other microbes, and insecticidal toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchir Mishra
- Department of Entomology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Gang Hua
- Department of Entomology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Ujwal R Bagal
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Donald E Champagne
- Department of Entomology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael J Adang
- Department of Entomology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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15
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Cardoso-Jaime V, Tikhe CV, Dong S, Dimopoulos G. The Role of Mosquito Hemocytes in Viral Infections. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102088. [PMID: 36298644 PMCID: PMC9608948 DOI: 10.3390/v14102088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect hemocytes are the only immune cells that can mount a humoral and cellular immune response. Despite the critical involvement of hemocytes in immune responses against bacteria, fungi, and parasites in mosquitoes, our understanding of their antiviral potential is still limited. It has been shown that hemocytes express humoral factors such as TEP1, PPO, and certain antimicrobial peptides that are known to restrict viral infections. Insect hemocytes also harbor the major immune pathways, such as JAK/STAT, TOLL, IMD, and RNAi, which are critical for the control of viral infection. Recent research has indicated a role for hemocytes in the regulation of viral infection through RNA interference and autophagy; however, the specific mechanism by which this regulation occurs remains uncharacterized. Conversely, some studies have suggested that hemocytes act as agonists of arboviral infection because they lack basal lamina and circulate throughout the whole mosquito, likely facilitating viral dissemination to other tissues such as salivary glands. In addition, hemocytes produce arbovirus agonist factors such as lectins, which enhance viral infection. Here, we summarize our current understanding of hemocytes’ involvement in viral infections.
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16
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Yan Y, Sigle LT, Rinker DC, Estévez-Lao TY, Capra JA, Hillyer JF. The immune deficiency and c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathways drive the functional integration of the immune and circulatory systems of mosquitoes. Open Biol 2022; 12:220111. [PMID: 36069078 PMCID: PMC9449813 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune and circulatory systems of animals are functionally integrated. In mammals, the spleen and lymph nodes filter and destroy microbes circulating in the blood and lymph, respectively. In insects, immune cells that surround the heart valves (ostia), called periostial haemocytes, destroy pathogens in the areas of the body that experience the swiftest haemolymph (blood) flow. An infection recruits additional periostial haemocytes, amplifying heart-associated immune responses. Although the structural mechanics of periostial haemocyte aggregation have been defined, the genetic factors that regulate this process remain less understood. Here, we conducted RNA sequencing in the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, and discovered that an infection upregulates multiple components of the immune deficiency (IMD) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways in the heart with periostial haemocytes. This upregulation is greater in the heart with periostial haemocytes than in the circulating haemocytes or the entire abdomen. RNA interference-based knockdown then showed that the IMD and JNK pathways drive periostial haemocyte aggregation and alter phagocytosis and melanization on the heart, thereby demonstrating that these pathways regulate the functional integration between the immune and circulatory systems. Understanding how insects fight infection lays the foundation for novel strategies that could protect beneficial insects and harm detrimental ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Leah T. Sigle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David C. Rinker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - John A. Capra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA,Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julián F. Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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17
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Wang Q, Yin M, Yuan C, Liu X, Jiang H, Wang M, Zou Z, Hu Z. The Micrococcus luteus infection activates a novel melanization pathway of cSP10, cSP4, and cSP8 in Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 147:103775. [PMID: 35504546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Melanization is a key immune response mediated by serine protease (SP) cascade in insects. Multiple SP pathways exist in different species and it is unclear how conserved these cascades are. The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera is a major worldwide agricultural pest. We reported a conserved melanization pathway in this species, which consists of SP41, cSP1, and cSP6. In this study, we attempted to identify an insect pathogen that elicits the cascade and test whether or not there are other SP cascades in H. armigera. After Micrococcus luteus, Enterobacter cloacae, Beauveria bassiana, or Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus were injected into larvae, pathogen-induced hemolymph samples were collected for in vitro biochemical assays, which failed to detect proSP41 or procSP1 activation. In contrast, we found that procSP4, a protein proposed to participate in H. armigera melanization, was activated in M. luteus infected hemolymph. We further revealed that cSP8 was a prophenoloxidase (PPO) activating protease downstream of cSP4, and cSP4 was activated by cSP10. The pathway of cSP10-cSP4-cSP8 activated PPO in vitro. Efficiently cleaved procSPH11 and procSPH50 by cSP8 substantially enhanced phenoloxidase activity, suggesting they work together as a cofactor for cSP8 mediated PPO activation. Hemolymph from larvae challenged with M. luteus or its peptidoglycan effectively activated procSP10. Collectively, these results revealed a new PPO activation cascade specifically triggered by the bacterium. In addition, we found that the PPO activation cascades in H. armigera and Manduca sexta are conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mengyi Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China; Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chuanfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xijia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Manli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Zhihong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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18
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Malaria oocysts require circumsporozoite protein to evade mosquito immunity. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3208. [PMID: 35680915 PMCID: PMC9184642 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites are less vulnerable to mosquito immune responses once ookinetes transform into oocysts, facilitating parasite development in the mosquito. However, the underlying mechanisms of oocyst resistance to mosquito defenses remain unclear. Here, we show that circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is required for rodent malaria oocysts to avoid mosquito defenses. Mosquito infection with CSPmut parasites (mutation in the CSP pexel I/II domains) induces nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 5 (NOX5)-mediated hemocyte nitration, thus activating Toll pathway and melanization of mature oocysts, upregulating hemocyte TEP1 expression, and causing defects in the release of sporozoites from oocysts. The pre-infection of mosquitoes with the CSPmut parasites reduces the burden of infection when re-challenged with CSPwt parasites by inducing hemocyte nitration. Thus, we demonstrate why oocysts are invisible to mosquito immunity and reveal an unknown role of CSP in the immune evasion of oocysts, indicating it as a potential target to block malaria transmission. Circumsporozoite protein (CSP), the major surface protein of Plasmodium sporozoites, is important for parasite targeting to mosquito salivary glands and the mammalian liver. Here, Zhu et al. show that CSP is required for rodent malaria oocysts to evade mosquito immunity by inducing hemocyte nitration and causing subsequent defects in sporozoite-release from oocysts.
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19
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Bando T, Okumura M, Bando Y, Hagiwara M, Hamada Y, Ishimaru Y, Mito T, Kawaguchi E, Inoue T, Agata K, Noji S, Ohuchi H. Toll signalling promotes blastema cell proliferation during cricket leg regeneration via insect macrophages. Development 2022; 149:272415. [PMID: 34622924 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hemimetabolous insects, such as the two-spotted cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, can recover lost tissues, in contrast to the limited regenerative abilities of human tissues. Following cricket leg amputation, the wound surface is covered by the wound epidermis, and plasmatocytes, which are insect macrophages, accumulate in the wound region. Here, we studied the function of Toll-related molecules identified by comparative RNA sequencing during leg regeneration. Of the 11 Toll genes in the Gryllus genome, expression of Toll2-1, Toll2-2 and Toll2-5 was upregulated during regeneration. RNA interference (RNAi) of Toll, Toll2-1, Toll2-2, Toll2-3 or Toll2-4 produced regeneration defects in more than 50% of crickets. RNAi of Toll2-2 led to a decrease in the ratio of S- and M-phase cells, reduced expression of JAK/STAT signalling genes, and reduced accumulation of plasmatocytes in the blastema. Depletion of plasmatocytes in crickets using clodronate also produced regeneration defects, as well as fewer proliferating cells in the regenerating legs. Plasmatocyte depletion also downregulated the expression of Toll and JAK/STAT signalling genes in the regenerating legs. These results suggest that Spz-Toll-related signalling in plasmatocytes promotes leg regeneration through blastema cell proliferation by regulating the Upd-JAK/STAT signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Bando
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Misa Okumura
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Bando
- Faculty of Medicine, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Marou Hagiwara
- Faculty of Medicine, Okayama University Medical School, 2-5-1, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Hamada
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yoshiyasu Ishimaru
- Division of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima-cho, Tokushima City, Tokushima 770-8513, Japan
| | - Taro Mito
- Division of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima-cho, Tokushima City, Tokushima 770-8513, Japan
| | - Eri Kawaguchi
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Takeshi Inoue
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kiyokazu Agata
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Sumihare Noji
- Division of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minami-Josanjima-cho, Tokushima City, Tokushima 770-8513, Japan
| | - Hideyo Ohuchi
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama city, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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20
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Kwon H, Smith R. Anopheles gambiae Actively Metabolizes Uric Acid Following Plasmodium Infection to Limit Malaria Parasite Survival. Front Physiol 2022; 12:821869. [PMID: 35140633 PMCID: PMC8818946 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.821869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the physiological changes that accompany malaria parasite infection of the mosquito host is crucial to our understanding of vectorial capacity in Anopheles mosquitoes, yet has not fully been explored. In this study, we examine the role of uric acid metabolism in the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, following malaria parasite infection. We demonstrate that levels of uric acid are significantly decreased in the excreta and the mosquito at 24 and 48 h post-Plasmodium infection when compared to controls fed on naïve mouse blood. When we examine the expression of well-known enzymes responsible for uric acid metabolism, we see a significant increase in both urate oxidase (UO) and allatoicase (ALLC) expression following Plasmodium infection. Targeting the essential first step in uric acid metabolism by silencing UO resulted in elevated levels of uric acid, enhancing malaria parasite survival. With implications from other insect systems that bacteria can modulate UO expression, we examined the possibility that the mosquito microbiota and its expansion following blood-feeding may contribute to increased UO levels. However, there was no difference in uric acid metabolism between septic and aseptic mosquitoes, indicating that the mosquito microbiome is not associated with the manipulation of UO expression. Together, our study provides new evidence that Plasmodium infection causes the mosquito host to actively metabolize uric acid by increasing UO expression to limit Plasmodium oocyst survival, suggesting that nitrogen metabolism is an essential pathway in defining mosquito vector competence.
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21
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Gul I, Kausar S, You Q, Sun W, Li Z, Abbas MN, Cui H. Identification and the immunological role of two Nimrod family genes in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 193:154-165. [PMID: 34688681 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In animals, immune signaling pathways and effector molecules participate in attenuating microbial infection. Recent work has shown that the Nimrod family proteins can directly bind to bacteria, and this binding leads to bacterial phagocytosis. Although the Nimrod gene family has been reported in many non-drosophilids, their functions remain unexplored in most insect species. Here, we report two members (Nimrod-B and Draper) of the Nimrod gene family from Bombyx mori and analyzed their role in immunity. The two genes were ubiquitously expressed in the tested tissues; but, they transcribed preferentially in immune tissues. The developmental profiles showed that BmNimrod-B and BmDraper transcription levels were highest in the pupal stages. Challenge with microbial pathogens induced the transcription levels of all two genes at different time points. Knockdown of BmDraper decreased the bacterial clearance and increased their replication relative to the control group, whereas, BmNimrod-B suppression had a non-significant effect on them. Furthermore, the mortality rate was increased after BmDraper silencing. The knockdown of these genes did not significantly affect the production of antimicrobial peptides following E. coli infection. Taken together, the Nimrod family genes play a crucial role in host defense by positively regulating the antibacterial immune response in silkworm B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isma Gul
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Saima Kausar
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qiuxiang You
- Neurological Disease Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 401120, China
| | - Wei Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Zekun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Southwest University, China; Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China.
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22
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Zhou H, Zhao W, Zheng Z, Aweya JJ, Zhang Y, Zhu J, Zhao Y, Chen X, Yao D. The Notch receptor-ligand Delta is involved in the immune response of Penaeus vannamei. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 125:104147. [PMID: 34111502 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In the Notch signaling pathway in vertebrates and invertebrates, the ligand Delta plays crucial roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, and immunity. Although the Notch signaling pathway has recently been implicated in the immune defense of Penaeus vannamei, the association of Delta with this immune response remains unclear. Here, we cloned and characterized the Delta homolog in P. vannamei (designated as PvDelta). PvDelta has a 2493 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a putative protein of 830 amino acids. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that PvDelta contains an N-terminal signal peptide, a conserved Notch ligand (MNNL) domain, a Delta/Serrate/Lag-2 segment, 9 epidermal growth factors segments, a transmembrane domain, and shares high homology with other Delta family members. Transcripts of PvDelta were detected in all shrimp tissues tested and were induced by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), indicating its involvement in shrimp immune response. Moreover, after PvDelta knockdown followed by LPS stimulation, the expression of Notch signaling pathway genes (i.e., PvNotch, PvCSL, and PvHey) was downregulated. Finally, shrimp depleted of PvDelta showed a lower survival rate in response to V. parahaemolyticus challenge. In sum, our data reveal that PvDelta is involved in the innate immunity of shrimp by positively modulating the Notch signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- Department of Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Weiling Zhao
- Department of Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Zhihong Zheng
- Department of Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Jude Juventus Aweya
- Department of Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Yueling Zhang
- Department of Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Jinghua Zhu
- Department of Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Yongzhen Zhao
- Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiuli Chen
- Guangxi Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genetic Breeding and Healthy Aquaculture, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Defu Yao
- Department of Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China.
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23
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Dijokaite A, Humbert MV, Borkowski E, La Ragione RM, Christodoulides M. Establishing an invertebrate Galleria mellonella greater wax moth larval model of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. Virulence 2021; 12:1900-1920. [PMID: 34304706 PMCID: PMC8312596 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1950269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) causes the human sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea. Studying gonococcal pathogenesis and developing new vaccines and therapies to combat the increasing prevalence of multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria has made use of many ex vivo models based on human cells and tissues, and in vivo vertebrate models, for example, rodent, pig and human. The focus of the current study was to examine the utility of the invertebrate greater wax moth Galleria mellonella as an in vivo model of gonococcal infection. We observed that a threshold of ~106 - 107 gonococci/larva was required to kill >50% of larvae (P < 0.05), and increased toxicity correlated with reduced health index scores and pronounced histopathological changes such as increases in the total lesion grade, melanized nodules, hemocyte reaction, and multifocal adipose body degeneration. Larval death was independent of the expression of pilus or Opa protein or LOS sialylation within a single gonococcal species studied, but the model could demonstrate relative toxicity of different isolates. N. meningitidis, N. lacatamica and gonococci all killed larvae equally, but were significantly less toxic (P > 0.05) than Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Larvae primed with nontoxic doses of gonococci were more susceptible to subsequent challenge with homologous and heterologous bacteria, and larval survival was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in infected larvae after depletion of their hemocytes with clodronate-liposomes. The model was used to test the anti-gonococcal properties of antibiotics and novel antimicrobials. Ceftriaxone (P < 0.05) protected larvae from infection with different gonococcal isolates, but not azithromycin or monocaprin or ligand-coated silver nanoclusters (P > 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiste Dijokaite
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Academic School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Maria Victoria Humbert
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Academic School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Emma Borkowski
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Roberto M La Ragione
- Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- Neisseria Research Group, Molecular Microbiology, Academic School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
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24
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Kwon H, Hall DR, Smith RC. Prostaglandin E2 Signaling Mediates Oenocytoid Immune Cell Function and Lysis, Limiting Bacteria and Plasmodium Oocyst Survival in Anopheles gambiae. Front Immunol 2021; 12:680020. [PMID: 34484178 PMCID: PMC8415482 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.680020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipid-derived signaling molecules known as eicosanoids have integral roles in mediating immune and inflammatory processes across metazoans. This includes the function of prostaglandins and their cognate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to employ their immunological actions. In insects, prostaglandins have been implicated in the regulation of both cellular and humoral immune responses, yet in arthropods of medical importance, studies have been limited. Here, we describe a prostaglandin E2 receptor (AgPGE2R) in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae and demonstrate that its expression is most abundant in oenocytoid immune cell populations. Through the administration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and AgPGE2R-silencing, we demonstrate that prostaglandin E2 signaling regulates a subset of prophenoloxidases (PPOs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are strongly expressed in populations of oenocytoids. We demonstrate that PGE2 signaling via the AgPGE2R significantly limits both bacterial replication and Plasmodium oocyst survival. Additional experiments establish that PGE2 treatment increases phenoloxidase (PO) activity through the increased expression of PPO1 and PPO3, genes essential to anti-Plasmodium immune responses that promote oocyst killing. We also provide evidence that the mechanisms of PGE2 signaling are concentration-dependent, where high concentrations of PGE2 promote oenocytoid lysis, negating the protective effects of lower concentrations of PGE2 on anti-Plasmodium immunity. Taken together, our results provide new insights into the role of PGE2 signaling on immune cell function and its contributions to mosquito innate immunity that promote pathogen killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeogsun Kwon
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - David R Hall
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ryan C Smith
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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25
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Cerenius L, Söderhäll K. Immune properties of invertebrate phenoloxidases. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 122:104098. [PMID: 33857469 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Melanin production from different types of phenoloxidases (POs) confers immunity from a variety of pathogens ranging from viruses and microorganisms to parasites. The arthropod proPO expresses a variety of activities including cytokine, opsonin and microbiocidal activities independent of and even without melanin production. Proteolytic processing of proPO and its activating enzyme gives rise to several peptide fragments with a variety of separate activities in a process reminiscent of vertebrate complement system activation although proPO bears no sequence similarity to vertebrate complement factors. Pathogens influence proPO activation and thereby what types of immune effects that will be produced. An increasing number of specialised pathogens - from parasites to viruses - have been identified who can synthesise compounds specifically aimed at the proPO-system. In invertebrates outside the arthropods phylogenetically unrelated POs are participating in melanization reactions obviously aimed at intruders and/or aberrant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lage Cerenius
- Department of Organismal Biology,Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Kenneth Söderhäll
- Department of Organismal Biology,Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
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26
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Kwon H, Mohammed M, Franzén O, Ankarklev J, Smith RC. Single-cell analysis of mosquito hemocytes identifies signatures of immune cell subtypes and cell differentiation. eLife 2021; 10:66192. [PMID: 34318744 PMCID: PMC8376254 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito immune cells, known as hemocytes, are integral to cellular and humoral responses that limit pathogen survival and mediate immune priming. However, without reliable cell markers and genetic tools, studies of mosquito immune cells have been limited to morphological observations, leaving several aspects of their biology uncharacterized. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to characterize mosquito immune cells, demonstrating an increased complexity to previously defined prohemocyte, oenocytoid, and granulocyte subtypes. Through functional assays relying on phagocytosis, phagocyte depletion, and RNA-FISH experiments, we define markers to accurately distinguish immune cell subtypes and provide evidence for immune cell maturation and differentiation. In addition, gene-silencing experiments demonstrate the importance of lozenge in defining the mosquito oenocytoid cell fate. Together, our scRNA-seq analysis provides an important foundation for future studies of mosquito immune cell biology and a valuable resource for comparative invertebrate immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeogsun Kwon
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Mubasher Mohammed
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oscar Franzén
- Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Johan Ankarklev
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Microbial Single Cell Genomics facility, SciLifeLab, Biomedical Center (BMC) Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ryan C Smith
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
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27
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Yang Z, Shi Y, Cui H, Yang S, Gao H, Yuan J. A malaria parasite phospholipid flippase safeguards midgut traversal of ookinetes for mosquito transmission. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/30/eabf6015. [PMID: 34301597 PMCID: PMC8302136 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf6015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito midgut epithelium traversal is essential for malaria parasite transmission. Phospholipid flippases are eukaryotic type 4 P-type adenosine triphosphatases (P4-ATPases), which, in association with CDC50, translocate phospholipids across the membrane lipid bilayers. In this study, we investigated the function of a putative P4-ATPase, ATP7, from the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii Disruption of ATP7 blocks the parasite infection of mosquitoes. ATP7 is localized on the ookinete plasma membrane. While ATP7-depleted ookinetes are capable of invading the midgut, they are eliminated within the epithelial cells by a process independent from the mosquito complement-like immunity. ATP7 colocalizes and interacts with the flippase cofactor CDC50C. Depletion of CDC50C phenocopies ATP7 deficiency. ATP7-depleted ookinetes fail to uptake phosphatidylcholine across the plasma membrane. Ookinete microinjection into the mosquito hemocoel reverses the ATP7 deficiency phenotype. Our study identifies Plasmodium flippase as a mechanism of parasite survival in the midgut epithelium that is required for mosquito transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenke Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Huiting Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Shuzhen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Han Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signal Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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28
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Leite THJF, Ferreira ÁGA, Imler JL, Marques JT. Distinct Roles of Hemocytes at Different Stages of Infection by Dengue and Zika Viruses in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes. Front Immunol 2021; 12:660873. [PMID: 34093550 PMCID: PMC8169962 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are vectors for arboviruses of medical importance such as dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses. Different innate immune pathways contribute to the control of arboviruses in the mosquito vector including RNA interference, Toll and Jak-STAT pathways. However, the role of cellular responses mediated by circulating macrophage-like cells known as hemocytes remains unclear. Here we show that hemocytes are recruited to the midgut of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes in response to DENV or ZIKV. Blockade of the phagocytic function of hemocytes using latex beads induced increased accumulation of hemocytes in the midgut and a reduction in virus infection levels in this organ. In contrast, inhibition of phagocytosis by hemocytes led to increased systemic dissemination and replication of DENV and ZIKV. Hence, our work reveals a dual role for hemocytes in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, whereby phagocytosis is not required to control viral infection in the midgut but is essential to restrict systemic dissemination. Further understanding of the mechanism behind this duality could help the design of vector-based strategies to prevent transmission of arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago H J F Leite
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Álvaro G A Ferreira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou - Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jean-Luc Imler
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Inserm U1257, Strasbourg, France
| | - João T Marques
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, Inserm U1257, Strasbourg, France
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29
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Additional Feeding Reveals Differences in Immune Recognition and Growth of Plasmodium Parasites in the Mosquito Host. mSphere 2021; 6:6/2/e00136-21. [PMID: 33789941 PMCID: PMC8546690 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00136-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes may feed multiple times during their life span in addition to those times needed to acquire and transmit malaria. To determine the impact of subsequent blood feeding on parasite development in Anopheles gambiae, we examined Plasmodium parasite infection with or without an additional noninfected blood meal. We found that an additional blood meal significantly reduced Plasmodium berghei immature oocyst numbers, yet had no effect on the human parasite Plasmodium falciparum. These observations were reproduced when mosquitoes were fed an artificial protein meal, suggesting that parasite losses are independent of blood ingestion. We found that feeding with either a blood or protein meal compromises midgut basal lamina integrity as a result of the physical distention of the midgut, enabling the recognition and lysis of immature P. berghei oocysts by mosquito complement. Moreover, we demonstrate that additional feeding promotes P. falciparum oocyst growth, suggesting that human malaria parasites exploit host resources provided with blood feeding to accelerate their growth. This is in contrast to experiments with P. berghei, where the size of surviving oocysts is independent of an additional blood meal. Together, these data demonstrate distinct differences in Plasmodium species in evading immune detection and utilizing host resources at the oocyst stage, representing an additional, yet unexplored component of vectorial capacity that has important implications for the transmission of malaria. IMPORTANCE Mosquitoes must blood feed multiple times to acquire and transmit malaria. However, the impact of an additional mosquito blood meal following malaria parasite infection has not been closely examined. Here, we demonstrate that additional feeding affects mosquito vector competence; namely, additional feeding significantly limits Plasmodium berghei infection, yet has no effect on infection of the human parasite P. falciparum. Our experiments support that these killing responses are mediated by the physical distension of the midgut and by temporary damage to the midgut basal lamina that exposes immature P. berghei oocysts to mosquito complement, while human malaria parasites are able to evade these killing mechanisms. In addition, we provide evidence that additional feeding promotes P. falciparum oocyst growth. This is in contrast to P. berghei, where oocyst size is independent of an additional blood meal. This suggests that human malaria parasites are able to exploit host resources provided by an additional feeding to accelerate their growth. In summary, our data highlight distinct differences in malaria parasite species in evading immune recognition and adapting to mosquito blood feeding. These observations have important, yet previously unexplored, implications for the impact of multiple blood meals on the transmission of malaria.
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30
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Ramesh Kumar J, Smith JP, Kwon H, Smith RC. Use of Clodronate Liposomes to Deplete Phagocytic Immune Cells in Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:627976. [PMID: 33604338 PMCID: PMC7884637 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.627976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system is the primary defense response to limit invading pathogens for all invertebrate species. In insects, immune cells are central to both cellular and humoral immune responses, however few genetic resources exist beyond Drosophila to study immune cell function. Therefore, the development of innovative tools that can be widely applied to a variety of insect systems is of importance to advance the study of insect immunity. Here, we have adapted the use of clodronate liposomes (CLD) to deplete phagocytic immune cells in the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster, and the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Through microscopy and molecular techniques, we validate the depletion of phagocytic cell populations in both insect species and demonstrate the integral role of phagocytes in combating bacterial pathogens. Together, these data demonstrate the wide utility of CLD in insect systems to advance the study of phagocyte function in insect innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyothsna Ramesh Kumar
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Immunobiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States.,Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jessica P Smith
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Hyeogsun Kwon
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ryan C Smith
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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31
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Reynolds RA, Kwon H, Alves E Silva TL, Olivas J, Vega-Rodriguez J, Smith RC. The 20-hydroxyecdysone agonist, halofenozide, promotes anti-Plasmodium immunity in Anopheles gambiae via the ecdysone receptor. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21084. [PMID: 33273588 PMCID: PMC7713430 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito physiology and immunity are integral determinants of malaria vector competence. This includes the principal role of hormonal signaling in Anopheles gambiae initiated shortly after blood-feeding, which stimulates immune induction and promotes vitellogenesis through the function of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Previous studies demonstrated that manipulating 20E signaling through the direct injection of 20E or the application of a 20E agonist can significantly impact Plasmodium infection outcomes, reducing oocyst numbers and the potential for malaria transmission. In support of these findings, we demonstrate that a 20E agonist, halofenozide, is able to induce anti-Plasmodium immune responses that limit Plasmodium ookinetes. We demonstrate that halofenozide requires the function of ultraspiracle (USP), a component of the canonical heterodimeric ecdysone receptor, to induce malaria parasite killing responses. Additional experiments suggest that the effects of halofenozide treatment are temporal, such that its application only limits malaria parasites when applied prior to infection. Unlike 20E, halofenozide does not influence cellular immune function or AMP production. Together, our results further demonstrate the potential of targeting 20E signaling pathways to reduce malaria parasite infection in the mosquito vector and provide new insight into the mechanisms of halofenozide-mediated immune activation that differ from 20E.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyeogsun Kwon
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Thiago Luiz Alves E Silva
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Janet Olivas
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Joel Vega-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Ryan C Smith
- Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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32
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Male and female genotype and a genotype-by-genotype interaction mediate the effects of mating on cellular but not humoral immunity in female decorated crickets. Heredity (Edinb) 2020; 126:477-490. [PMID: 33219366 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-00384-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually antagonistic coevolution is predicted to lead to the divergence of male and female genotypes related to the effects of substances transferred by males at mating on female physiology. The outcome of mating should thus depend on the specific combination of mating genotypes. Although mating has been shown to influence female immunity in diverse insect taxa, a male-female genotype-by-genotype effect on female immunity post mating remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigate the effects of mating on female decorated cricket baseline immunity and the potential for a male-genotype-by-female-genotype interaction affecting this response. Females from three distinct genotypic backgrounds were left unmated or singly mated in a fully reciprocal design to males from the same three genotypic backgrounds. Hemocytes and hemocyte microaggregations were quantified for female cellular immunity, and phenoloxidase, involved in melanization, and antibacterial activity for humoral immunity. In this system, female cellular immunity was more reactive to mating, and mating effects were genotype-dependent. Specifically, for hemocytes, a genotype-by-mating status interaction mediated the effect of mating per se, and a significant male-female genotype-by-genotype interaction determined hemocyte depletion post mating. Microaggregations were influenced by the female's genotype or that of her mate. Female humoral immune measures were unaffected, indicating that the propensity for post-mating effects on females is dependent on the component of baseline immunity. The genotype-by-genotype effect on hemocytes supports a role of sexual conflict in post-mating immune suppression, suggesting divergence of male genotypes with respect to modification of female post-mating immunity, and divergence of female genotypes in resistance to these effects.
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Su XZ, Zhang C, Joy DA. Host-Malaria Parasite Interactions and Impacts on Mutual Evolution. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:587933. [PMID: 33194831 PMCID: PMC7652737 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.587933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is the most deadly parasitic disease, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Malaria parasites have been associated with their hosts for millions of years. During the long history of host-parasite co-evolution, both parasites and hosts have applied pressure on each other through complex host-parasite molecular interactions. Whereas the hosts activate various immune mechanisms to remove parasites during an infection, the parasites attempt to evade host immunity by diversifying their genome and switching expression of targets of the host immune system. Human intervention to control the disease such as antimalarial drugs and vaccination can greatly alter parasite population dynamics and evolution, particularly the massive applications of antimalarial drugs in recent human history. Vaccination is likely the best method to prevent the disease; however, a partially protective vaccine may have unwanted consequences that require further investigation. Studies of host-parasite interactions and co-evolution will provide important information for designing safe and effective vaccines and for preventing drug resistance. In this essay, we will discuss some interesting molecules involved in host-parasite interactions, including important parasite antigens. We also discuss subjects relevant to drug and vaccine development and some approaches for studying host-parasite interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Zhuan Su
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Cui Zhang
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Deirdre A Joy
- Parasitology and International Programs Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Sousa GL, Bishnoi R, Baxter RHG, Povelones M. The CLIP-domain serine protease CLIPC9 regulates melanization downstream of SPCLIP1, CLIPA8, and CLIPA28 in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008985. [PMID: 33045027 PMCID: PMC7580898 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The arthropod melanization immune response is activated by extracellular protease cascades predominantly comprised of CLIP-domain serine proteases (CLIP-SPs) and serine protease homologs (CLIP-SPHs). In the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, the CLIP-SPHs SPCLIP1, CLIPA8, and CLIPA28 form the core of a hierarchical cascade downstream of mosquito complement that is required for microbial melanization. However, our understanding of the regulatory relationship of the CLIP-SPH cascade with the catalytic CLIP-SPs driving melanization is incomplete. Here, we report on the development of a novel screen to identify melanization pathway components based on the quantitation of melanotic mosquito excreta, eliminating the need for microdissections or hemolymph enzymatic assays. Using this screen, we identified CLIPC9 and subsequent functional analyses established that this protease is essential for the melanization of both Escherichia coli and the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei. Mechanistically, septic infection with E. coli promotes CLIPC9 cleavage and both full-length and cleaved CLIPC9 localize to this bacterium in a CLIPA8-dependent manner. The steady state level of CLIPC9 in the hemolymph is regulated by thioester-containing protein 1 (TEP1), suggesting it functions downstream of mosquito complement. In support, CLIPC9 cleavage is inhibited following SPCLIP1, CLIPA8, and CLIPA28 knockdown positioning it downstream of the CLIP-SPH cascade. Moreover, like CLIPA8 and CLIPA28, CLIPC9 processing is negatively regulated by serine protease inhibitor 2 (SRPN2). This report demonstrates how our novel excretion-based approach can be utilized to dissect the complex protease networks regulating mosquito melanization. Collectively, our findings establish that CLIPC9 is required for microbial melanization in An. gambiae and shed light on how the CLIP-SPH cascade regulates this potent immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L. Sousa
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ritika Bishnoi
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Richard H. G. Baxter
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael Povelones
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Qasim M, Xiao H, He K, Omar MAA, Liu F, Ahmed S, Li F. Genetic engineering and bacterial pathogenesis against the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes. Microb Pathog 2020; 147:104391. [PMID: 32679245 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the main vector of multiple diseases worldwide and transmit viral (malaria, chikungunya, encephalitis, yellow fever, as well as dengue fever), as well as bacterial diseases (tularemia). To manage the outbreak of mosquito populations, various management programs include the application of chemicals, followed by biological and genetic control. Here we aimed to focus on the role of bacterial pathogenesis and molecular tactics for the management of mosquitoes and their vectorial capacity. Bacterial pathogenesis and molecular manipulations have a substantial impact on the biology of mosquitoes, and both strategies change the gene expression and regulation of disease vectors. The strategy for genetic modification is also proved to be excellent for the management of mosquitoes, which halt the development of population via incompatibility of different sex. Therefore, the purpose of the present discussion is to illustrate the impact of both approaches against the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes. Moreover, it could be helpful to understand the relationship of insect-pathogen and to manage various insect vectors as well as diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Qasim
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Huamei Xiao
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; College of Life Sciences and Resource Environment, Key Laboratory of Crop Growth and Development Regulation of Jiangxi Province, Yichun University, Yichun, 336000, China
| | - Kang He
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Mohamed A A Omar
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Feiling Liu
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Sohail Ahmed
- Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Fei Li
- Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Pondeville E, Puchot N, Parvy JP, Carissimo G, Poidevin M, Waterhouse RM, Marois E, Bourgouin C. Hemocyte-targeted gene expression in the female malaria mosquito using the hemolectin promoter from Drosophila. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 120:103339. [PMID: 32105779 PMCID: PMC7181189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hemocytes, the immune cells in mosquitoes, participate in immune defenses against pathogens including malaria parasites. Mosquito hemocytes can also be infected by arthropod-borne viruses but the pro- or anti-viral nature of this interaction is unknown. Although there has been progress on hemocyte characterization during pathogen infection in mosquitoes, the specific contribution of hemocytes to immune responses and the hemocyte-specific functions of immune genes and pathways remain unresolved due to the lack of genetic tools to manipulate gene expression in these cells specifically. Here, we used the Gal4-UAS system to characterize the activity of the Drosophila hemocyte-specific hemolectin promoter in the adults of Anopheles gambiae, the malaria mosquito. We established an hml-Gal4 driver line that we further crossed to a fluorescent UAS responder line, and examined the expression pattern in the adult progeny driven by the hml promoter. We show that the hml regulatory region drives hemocyte-specific transgene expression in a subset of hemocytes, and that transgene expression is triggered after a blood meal. The hml promoter drives transgene expression in differentiating prohemocytes as well as in differentiated granulocytes. Analysis of different immune markers in hemocytes in which the hml promoter drives transgene expression revealed that this regulatory region could be used to study phagocytosis as well as melanization. Finally, the hml promoter drives transgene expression in hemocytes in which o'nyong-nyong virus replicates. Altogether, the Drosophila hml promoter constitutes a good tool to drive transgene expression in hemocyte only and to analyze the function of these cells and the genes they express during pathogen infection in Anopheles gambiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Pondeville
- CNRS Unit of Evolutionary Genomics, Modeling, and Health (UMR2000), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
| | - Nicolas Puchot
- CNRS Unit of Evolutionary Genomics, Modeling, and Health (UMR2000), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Guillaume Carissimo
- CNRS Unit of Evolutionary Genomics, Modeling, and Health (UMR2000), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mickael Poidevin
- Centre de Génétique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 2167, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Robert M Waterhouse
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Marois
- CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Bourgouin
- CNRS Unit of Evolutionary Genomics, Modeling, and Health (UMR2000), Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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20-Hydroxyecdysone Primes Innate Immune Responses That Limit Bacterial and Malarial Parasite Survival in Anopheles gambiae. mSphere 2020; 5:5/2/e00983-19. [PMID: 32295874 PMCID: PMC7160685 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00983-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood feeding is an integral behavior of mosquitoes to acquire nutritional resources needed for reproduction. This requirement also enables mosquitoes to serve as efficient vectors to acquire and potentially transmit a multitude of mosquito-borne diseases, most notably malaria. Recent studies suggest that mosquito immunity is stimulated following a blood meal, independent of infection status. Since blood feeding promotes production of the hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), we hypothesized that 20E plays an important role in priming the immune response for pathogen challenge. Here, we examine the immunological effects of priming Anopheles gambiae with 20E prior to pathogen infection, demonstrating a significant reduction in bacteria and Plasmodium berghei survival in the mosquito host. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis following 20E treatment identifies several known 20E-regulated genes, as well as several immune genes with previously reported function in antipathogen defense. Together, these data demonstrate that 20E influences cellular immune function and antipathogen immunity following mosquito blood feeding, arguing the importance of hormones in the regulation of mosquito innate immune function.IMPORTANCE Blood feeding is required to provide nutrients for mosquito egg production and serves as a mechanism to acquire and transmit pathogens. Shortly after a blood meal is taken, there is a peak in the production of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), a mosquito hormone that initiates physiological changes, including yolk protein production and mating refractoriness. Here, we examine additional roles of 20E in the regulation of mosquito immunity, demonstrating that priming the immune system with 20E increases mosquito resistance to pathogens. We identify differentially expressed genes in response to 20E treatment, including several involved in innate immune function as well as lipid metabolism and transport. Together, these data argue that 20E stimulates mosquito cellular immune function and innate immunity shortly after blood feeding.
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Inhibitors of Eicosanoid Biosynthesis Reveal that Multiple Lipid Signaling Pathways Influence Malaria Parasite Survival in Anopheles gambiae. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10100307. [PMID: 31547026 PMCID: PMC6835628 DOI: 10.3390/insects10100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Eicosanoids are bioactive signaling lipids derived from the oxidation of fatty acids that act as important regulators of immune homeostasis and inflammation. As a result, effective anti-inflammatory drugs have been widely used to reduce pain and inflammation which target key eicosanoid biosynthesis enzymes. Conserved from vertebrates to insects, the use of these eicosanoid pathway inhibitors offer opportunities to evaluate the roles of eicosanoids in less-characterized insect systems. In this study, we examine the potential roles of eicosanoids on malaria parasite survival in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Using Plasmodium oocyst numbers to evaluate parasite infection, general or specific inhibitors of eicosanoid biosynthesis pathways were evaluated. Following the administration of dexamethasone and indomethacin, respective inhibitors of phospholipid A2 (PLA2) and cyclooxygenase (COX), oocyst numbers were unaffected. However, inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) activity through the use of esculetin significantly increased oocyst survival. In contrast, 12-[[(tricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]dec-1-ylamino)carbonyl]amino]-dodecanoic acid (AUDA), an inhibitor of epoxide hydroxylase (EH), decreased oocyst numbers. These experiments were further validated through RNAi experiments to silence candidate genes homologous to EH in An. gambiae to confirm their contributions to Plasmodium development. Similar to the results of AUDA treatment, the silencing of EH significantly reduced oocyst numbers. These results imply that specific eicosanoids in An. gambiae can have either agonist or antagonistic roles on malaria parasite survival in the mosquito host.
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