1
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Zheng XN, Li TT, Elsheikha HM, Wang M, Sun LX, Wu XJ, Fu BQ, Zhu XQ, Wang JL. GRA47 is important for the morphology and permeability of the parasitophorous vacuole in Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Parasitol 2024:S0020-7519(24)00135-8. [PMID: 38936501 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Establishing an intact intracellular parasitophorous vacuole (PV) that enables efficient nutrient uptake and protein trafficking is essential for the survival and proliferation of Toxoplasma gondii. Although the PV membrane (PVM)-localized dense granule protein 17 (GRA17) and GRA23 mediate the permeability of the PVM to small molecules, including nutrient uptake and excretion of metabolic by-products, the molecular mechanism by which T. gondii acquires nutrients remains unclear. In this study, we showed that the secreted protein GRA47 contributed to normal PV morphology, PVM permeability to small molecules, growth, and virulence in T. gondii. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated potential interaction of GRA47 with GRA72, and the loss of GRA72 affected PV morphology, parasite growth and infectivity. To investigate the biological relationship among GRA47, GRA72, GRA17 and GRA23, attempts were made to construct strains with double gene deletion and overexpressing strains. Only Δgra23Δgra72 was successfully constructed. This strain exhibited a significant increase in the proportion of aberrant PVs compared with the Δgra23 strain. Overexpressing one of the three related GRAs partially rescued PVs with aberrant morphology in Δgra47, Δgra72 and Δgra17, while the expression of the Plasmodium falciparum PVM protein PfExp2, an ortholog of GRA17 and GRA23, fully rescued the PV morphological defect in all three Δgra strains. These results suggest that these GRA proteins may not be functionally redundant but rather work in different ways to regulate nutrient acquisition. These findings highlight the versatility of the nutrient uptake mechanisms in T. gondii, which may contribute to the parasite's remarkable ability to grow in different cellular niches in a very broad range of hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Nan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Xiu Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Quan Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610213, People's Republic of China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province 030801, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jin-Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province 730046, People's Republic of China; Institute of Urban Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610213, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Gupta P, Hiller A, Chowdhury J, Lim D, Lim DY, Saeij JPJ, Babaian A, Rodriguez F, Pereira L, Morales-Tapia A. A parasite odyssey: An RNA virus concealed in Toxoplasma gondii. Virus Evol 2024; 10:veae040. [PMID: 38817668 PMCID: PMC11137675 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veae040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
We are entering a 'Platinum Age of Virus Discovery', an era marked by exponential growth in the discovery of virus biodiversity, and driven by advances in metagenomics and computational analysis. In the ecosystem of a human (or any animal) there are more species of viruses than simply those directly infecting the animal cells. Viruses can infect all organisms constituting the microbiome, including bacteria, fungi, and unicellular parasites. Thus the complexity of possible interactions between host, microbe, and viruses is unfathomable. To understand this interaction network we must employ computationally assisted virology as a means of analyzing and interpreting the millions of available samples to make inferences about the ways in which viruses may intersect human health. From a computational viral screen of human neuronal datasets, we identified a novel narnavirus Apocryptovirus odysseus (Ao) which likely infects the neurotropic parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Previously, several parasitic protozoan viruses (PPVs) have been mechanistically established as triggers of host innate responses, and here we present in silico evidence that Ao is a plausible pro-inflammatory factor in human and mouse cells infected by T. gondii. T. gondii infects billions of people worldwide, yet the prognosis of toxoplasmosis disease is highly variable, and PPVs like Ao could function as a hitherto undescribed hypervirulence factor. In a broader screen of over 7.6 million samples, we explored phylogenetically proximal viruses to Ao and discovered nineteen Apocryptovirus species, all found in libraries annotated as vertebrate transcriptome or metatranscriptomes. While samples containing this genus of narnaviruses are derived from sheep, goat, bat, rabbit, chicken, and pigeon samples, the presence of virus is strongly predictive of parasitic Apicomplexa nucleic acid co-occurrence, supporting the fact that Apocryptovirus is a genus of parasite-infecting viruses. This is a computational proof-of-concept study in which we rapidly analyze millions of datasets from which we distilled a mechanistically, ecologically, and phylogenetically refined hypothesis. We predict that this highly diverged Ao RNA virus is biologically a T. gondii infection, and that Ao, and other viruses like it, will modulate this disease which afflicts billions worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purav Gupta
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd,Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular + Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
| | - Aiden Hiller
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular + Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
| | - Jawad Chowdhury
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular + Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
| | - Declan Lim
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular + Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
| | - Dillon Yee Lim
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sherrington Building, Sherrington Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Jeroen P J Saeij
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Artem Babaian
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular + Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
| | - Felipe Rodriguez
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Luke Pereira
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular + Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
| | - Alejandro Morales-Tapia
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- The Donnelly Centre for Cellular + Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College St, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
- The Woodlands Secondary School, 3225 Erindale Station Rd, Mississauga, ON L5C 1Y5, Canada
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3
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Liu Z, Wang H, Zhang Z, Ma Y, Jing Q, Zhang S, Han J, Chen J, Xiang Y, Kou Y, Wei Y, Wang L, Wang Y. Fam96a is essential for the host control of Toxoplasma gondii infection by fine-tuning macrophage polarization via an iron-dependent mechanism. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012163. [PMID: 38713713 PMCID: PMC11101080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012163] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasmosis affects a quarter of the world's population. Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is an intracellular parasitic protozoa. Macrophages are necessary for proliferation and spread of T.gondii by regulating immunity and metabolism. Family with sequence similarity 96A (Fam96a; formally named Ciao2a) is an evolutionarily conserved protein that is highly expressed in macrophages, but whether it play a role in control of T. gondii infection is unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we utilized myeloid cell-specific knockout mice to test its role in anti-T. gondii immunity. The results showed that myeloid cell-specific deletion of Fam96a led to exacerbate both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis after exposure to T. gondii. This was related to a defectively reprogrammed polarization in Fam96a-deficient macrophages inhibited the induction of immune effector molecules, including iNOS, by suppressing interferon/STAT1 signaling. Fam96a regulated macrophage polarization process was in part dependent on its ability to fine-tuning intracellular iron (Fe) homeostasis in response to inflammatory stimuli. In addition, Fam96a regulated the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation or related events that involved in control of T. gondii. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE All these findings suggest that Fam96a ablation in macrophages disrupts iron homeostasis and inhibits immune effector molecules, which may aggravate both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. It highlights that Fam96a may autonomously act as a critical gatekeeper of T. gondii control in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuanzhuan Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hanying Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yulu Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiyue Jing
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shenghai Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jinzhi Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Junru Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yaoyao Xiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanbo Kou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanxia Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Beijing, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yugang Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
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4
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Lüder CGK. IFNs in host defence and parasite immune evasion during Toxoplasma gondii infections. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356216. [PMID: 38384452 PMCID: PMC10879624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines with diverse functions in host resistance to pathogens and in immune regulation. Type II IFN, i.e. IFN-γ, is widely recognized as a major mediator of resistance to intracellular pathogens, including the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. More recently, IFN-α/β, i.e. type I IFNs, and IFN-λ (type III IFN) have been identified to also play important roles during T. gondii infections. This parasite is a widespread pathogen of humans and animals, and it is a model organism to study cell-mediated immune responses to intracellular infection. Its success depends, among other factors, on the ability to counteract the IFN system, both at the level of IFN-mediated gene expression and at the level of IFN-regulated effector molecules. Here, I review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying IFN-mediated host resistance and immune regulation during T. gondii infections. I also discuss those mechanisms that T. gondii has evolved to efficiently evade IFN-mediated immunity. Knowledge of these fascinating host-parasite interactions and their underlying signalling machineries is crucial for a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of toxoplasmosis, and it might also identify potential targets of parasite-directed or host-directed supportive therapies to combat the parasite more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten G. K. Lüder
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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5
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Matta SK, Kohio HP, Chandra P, Brown A, Doench JG, Philips JA, Ding S, Sibley LD. Genome-wide and targeted CRISPR screens identify RNF213 as a mediator of interferon gamma-dependent pathogen restriction in human cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315865120. [PMID: 38147552 PMCID: PMC10769850 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315865120] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
To define cellular immunity to the intracellular pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR loss-of-function screen to identify genes important for (interferon gamma) IFN-γ-dependent growth restriction. We revealed a role for the tumor suppressor NF2/Merlin for maximum induction of Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISG), which are positively regulated by the transcription factor IRF-1. We then performed an ISG-targeted CRISPR screen that identified the host E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF213 as necessary for IFN-γ-mediated control of T. gondii in multiple human cell types. RNF213 was also important for control of bacterial (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and viral (Vesicular Stomatitis Virus) pathogens in human cells. RNF213-mediated ubiquitination of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM) led to growth restriction of T. gondii in response to IFN-γ. Moreover, overexpression of RNF213 in naive cells also impaired growth of T. gondii. Surprisingly, growth inhibition did not require the autophagy protein ATG5, indicating that RNF213 initiates restriction independent of a previously described noncanonical autophagy pathway. Mutational analysis revealed that the ATPase domain of RNF213 was required for its recruitment to the PVM, while loss of a critical histidine in the RZ finger domain resulted in partial reduction of recruitment to the PVM and complete loss of ubiquitination. Both RNF213 mutants lost the ability to restrict growth of T. gondii, indicating that both recruitment and ubiquitination are required. Collectively, our findings establish RNF213 as a critical component of cell-autonomous immunity that is both necessary and sufficient for control of intracellular pathogens in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit K. Matta
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO63130
| | - Hinissan P. Kohio
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO63130
| | - Pallavi Chandra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO63130
| | - Adam Brown
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02142
| | - John G. Doench
- Broad Institute of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02142
| | - Jennifer A. Philips
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO63130
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO63130
| | - Siyuan Ding
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO63130
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St Louis, MO63130
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6
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Lian L, Sun Q, Huang X, Li W, Cui Y, Pan Y, Yang X, Wang P. Inhibition of Cell Apoptosis by Apicomplexan Protozoa-Host Interaction in the Early Stage of Infection. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3817. [PMID: 38136854 PMCID: PMC10740567 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Apicomplexan protozoa, which are a group of specialized intracellular parasitic protozoa, infect humans and other animals and cause a variety of diseases. The lack of research on the interaction mechanism between Apicomplexan protozoa and their hosts is a key factor restricting the development of new drugs and vaccines. In the early stages of infection, cell apoptosis is inhibited by Apicomplexan protozoa through their interaction with the host cells; thereby, the survival and reproduction of Apicomplexan protozoa in host cells is promoted. In this review, the key virulence proteins and pathways are introduced regarding the inhibition of cell apoptosis by the interaction between the protozoa and their host during the early stage of Apicomplexan protozoa infection. It provides a theoretical basis for the development of drugs or vaccines for protozoal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyin Lian
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Qian Sun
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xinyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Wanjing Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Yanjun Cui
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Yuebo Pan
- Gansu Polytechnic College of Animal Husbandry and Engineering, Wuwei 733006, China
| | - Xianyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
| | - Pu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Provincial Engineering Research Center for Animal Health Diagnostics & Advanced Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A & F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (L.L.); (Q.S.); (X.H.); (W.L.); (Y.C.); (X.Y.)
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7
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Rai P, Sharpe M, Ganta CK, Baker PJ, Mayer-Barber KD, Fee BE, Taylor GA, Fessler MB. IRGM1 supports host defense against intracellular bacteria through suppression of type I interferon in mice. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e171982. [PMID: 37698925 PMCID: PMC10617763 DOI: 10.1172/jci171982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Rai
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease Laboratory and
| | | | - Charan K. Ganta
- Comparative & Molecular Pathogenesis Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Paul J. Baker
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Katrin D. Mayer-Barber
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian E. Fee
- Department of Medicine and Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
| | - Gregory A. Taylor
- Department of Medicine and Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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8
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Butterworth S, Kordova K, Chandrasekaran S, Thomas KK, Torelli F, Lockyer EJ, Edwards A, Goldstone R, Koshy AA, Treeck M. High-throughput identification of Toxoplasma gondii effector proteins that target host cell transcription. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1748-1762.e8. [PMID: 37827122 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular pathogens and other endosymbionts reprogram host cell transcription to suppress immune responses and recalibrate biosynthetic pathways. This reprogramming is critical in determining the outcome of infection or colonization. We combine pooled CRISPR knockout screening with dual host-microbe single-cell RNA sequencing, a method we term dual perturb-seq, to identify the molecular mediators of these transcriptional interactions. Applying dual perturb-seq to the intracellular pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, we are able to identify previously uncharacterized effector proteins and directly infer their function from the transcriptomic data. We show that TgGRA59 contributes to the export of other effector proteins from the parasite into the host cell and identify an effector, TgSOS1, that is necessary for sustained host STAT6 signaling and thereby contributes to parasite immune evasion and persistence. Together, this work demonstrates a tool that can be broadly adapted to interrogate host-microbe transcriptional interactions and reveal mechanisms of infection and immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Butterworth
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Kristina Kordova
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | | | | | - Francesca Torelli
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Eloise J Lockyer
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Amelia Edwards
- Advanced Sequencing Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Robert Goldstone
- Advanced Sequencing Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Anita A Koshy
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Moritz Treeck
- Signalling in Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; Cell Biology of Host-Pathogen Interaction Laboratory, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal.
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9
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Orchanian SB, Lodoen MB. Monocytes as primary defenders against Toxoplasma gondii infection. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:837-849. [PMID: 37633758 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Monocytes are recruited from the bone marrow to sites of infection where they release cytokines and chemokines, function in antimicrobial immunity, and differentiate into macrophages and dendritic cells to control infection. Although many studies have focused on monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells, recent work has examined the unique roles of monocytes during infection to promote immune defense. We focus on the effector functions of monocytes during infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, and discuss the signals that mobilize monocytes to sites of infection, their production of inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial mediators, their ability to shape the adaptive immune response, and their immunoregulatory functions. Insights from other infections, including Plasmodium and Listeria are also included for comparison and context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B Orchanian
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Melissa B Lodoen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.
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10
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Fernández-Álvarez M, Horcajo P, Jiménez-Meléndez A, Diezma-Díaz C, Ferre I, Pastor-Fernández I, Miguel Ortega-Mora L, Álvarez-García G. Transcriptional changes associated with apoptosis and Type I IFN underlie the early interaction between Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites and monocyte-derived macrophages. Int J Parasitol 2023:S0020-7519(23)00094-2. [PMID: 37207972 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Besnoitia besnoiti-infected bulls may develop severe systemic clinical signs and orchitis that may ultimately cause sterility during the acute infection. Macrophages might play a relevant role in pathogenesis of the disease and the immune response raised against B. besnoiti infection. This study aimed to dissect the early interaction between B. besnoiti tachyzoites and primary bovine monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro. First, the B. besnoiti tachyzoite lytic cycle was characterized. Next, dual transcriptomic profiling of B. besnoiti tachyzoites and macrophages was conducted at early infection (4 h and 8 h p.i. by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Macrophages inoculated with heat-killed tachyzoites (MO-hkBb) and non-infected macrophages (MO) were used as controls. Besnoitia besnoiti was able to invade and proliferate in macrophages. Upon infection, macrophage activation was demonstrated by morphological and transcriptomic changes. Infected macrophages were smaller, round and lacked filopodial structures, which might be associated with a migratory phenotype demonstrated in other apicomplexan parasites. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) increased substantially during infection. In B. besnoiti-infected macrophages (MO-Bb), apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were regulated at 4 h p.i., and apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL assay. The Herpes simplex virus 1 infection pathway was the only significantly enriched pathway in MO-Bb at 8 h p.i. Relevant DEGs of the Herpes simplex virus 1 infection (IFNα) and the apoptosis pathways (CHOP-2) were also significantly regulated in the testicular parenchyma of naturally infected bulls. Furthermore, the parasite transcriptomic analysis revealed DEGs mainly related to host cell invasion and metabolism. These results provide a deep overview of the earliest macrophage modulation by B. besnoiti that may favour parasite survival and proliferation in a specialized phagocytic immune cell. Putative parasite effectors were also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Fernández-Álvarez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Horcajo
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Jiménez-Meléndez
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Diezma-Díaz
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Ferre
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Iván Pastor-Fernández
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Álvarez-García
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Murillo-León M, Bastidas-Quintero AM, Endres NS, Schnepf D, Delgado-Betancourt E, Ohnemus A, Taylor GA, Schwemmle M, Staeheli P, Steinfeldt T. IFN-λ is protective against lethal oral Toxoplasma gondii infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.24.529861. [PMID: 36865100 PMCID: PMC9980175 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.24.529861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Interferons are essential for innate and adaptive immune responses against a wide variety of pathogens. Interferon lambda (IFN-λ) protects mucosal barriers during pathogen exposure. The intestinal epithelium is the first contact site for Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) with its hosts and the first defense line that limits parasite infection. Knowledge of very early T. gondii infection events in the gut tissue is limited and a possible contribution of IFN-λ has not been investigated so far. Here, we demonstrate with systemic interferon lambda receptor (IFNLR1) and conditional (Villin-Cre) knockout mouse models and bone marrow chimeras of oral T. gondii infection and mouse intestinal organoids a significant impact of IFN-λ signaling in intestinal epithelial cells and neutrophils to T. gondii control in the gastrointestinal tract. Our results expand the repertoire of interferons that contribute to the control of T. gondii and may lead to novel therapeutic approaches against this world-wide zoonotic pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateo Murillo-León
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Aura M. Bastidas-Quintero
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Niklas S. Endres
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Current address:Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Schnepf
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Current address: Immunoregulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Annette Ohnemus
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gregory A. Taylor
- Departments of Medicine; Molecular Genetics and Microbiology; and Immunology; and Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, NC 27710 Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, NC 27705 Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Martin Schwemmle
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Staeheli
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Steinfeldt
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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12
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A. PORTES JULIANA, C. VOMMARO ROSSIANE, AYRES CALDAS LUCIO, S. MARTINS-DUARTE ERICA. Intracellular life of protozoan Toxoplasma gondii: Parasitophorous vacuole establishment and survival strategies. BIOCELL 2023. [DOI: 10.32604/biocell.2023.026629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
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13
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Abstract
Innate immunity acts as the first line of defense against pathogen invasion. During Toxoplasma gondii infection, multiple innate immune sensors are activated by invading microbes or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). However, how inflammasome is activated and its regulatory mechanisms during T. gondii infection remain elusive. Here, we showed that the infection of PRU, a lethal type II T. gondii strain, activates inflammasome at the early stage of infection. PRU tachyzoites, RNA and soluble tachyzoite antigen (STAg) mainly triggered the NLRP3 inflammasome, while PRU genomic DNA (gDNA) specially activated the AIM2 inflammasome. Furthermore, mice deficient in AIM2, NLRP3, or caspase-1/11 were more susceptible to T. gondii PRU infection, and the ablation of inflammasome signaling impaired antitoxoplasmosis immune responses by enhancing type I interferon (IFN-I) production. Blockage of IFN-I receptor fulfilled inflammasome-deficient mice competent immune responses as WT mice. Moreover, we have identified that the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) is a key negative regulator induced by inflammasome-activated IL-1β signaling and inhibits IFN-I production by targeting interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). In general, our study defines a novel protective role of inflammasome activation during toxoplasmosis and identifies a critical regulatory mechanism of the cross talk between inflammasome and IFN-I signaling for understanding infectious diseases. IMPORTANCE As a key component of innate immunity, inflammasome is critical for host antitoxoplasmosis immunity, but the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. In this study, we found that inflammasome signaling was activated by PAMPs of T. gondii, which generated a protective immunity against T. gondii invasion by suppressing type I interferon (IFN-I) production. Mechanically, inflammasome-coupled IL-1β signaling triggered the expression of negative regulator SOCS1, which bound to IRF3 to inhibit IFN-I production. The role of IFN-I in anti-T. gondii immunity is little studied and controversial, and here we also found IFN-I is harmful to host antitoxoplasmosis immunity by using knockout mice and recombinant proteins. In general, our study identifies a protective role of inflammasomes to the host during T. gondii infection and a novel mechanism by which inflammasome suppresses IFN-I signaling in antitoxoplasmosis immunity, which will likely provide new insights into therapeutic targets for toxoplasmosis and highlight the cross talk between innate immune signaling in infectious diseases prevention.
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14
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Butterworth S, Torelli F, Lockyer EJ, Wagener J, Song OR, Broncel M, Russell MRG, Moreira-Souza ACA, Young JC, Treeck M. Toxoplasma gondii virulence factor ROP1 reduces parasite susceptibility to murine and human innate immune restriction. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1011021. [PMID: 36476844 PMCID: PMC9762571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that can infect many host species and is a cause of significant human morbidity worldwide. T. gondii secretes a diverse array of effector proteins into the host cell which are critical for infection. The vast majority of these secreted proteins have no predicted functional domains and remain uncharacterised. Here, we carried out a pooled CRISPR knockout screen in the T. gondii Prugniaud strain in vivo to identify secreted proteins that contribute to parasite immune evasion in the host. We demonstrate that ROP1, the first-identified rhoptry protein of T. gondii, is essential for virulence and has a previously unrecognised role in parasite resistance to interferon gamma-mediated innate immune restriction. This function is conserved in the highly virulent RH strain of T. gondii and contributes to parasite growth in both murine and human macrophages. While ROP1 affects the morphology of rhoptries, from where the protein is secreted, it does not affect rhoptry secretion. Finally, we show that ROP1 co-immunoprecipitates with the host cell protein C1QBP, an emerging regulator of innate immune signaling. In summary, we identify putative in vivo virulence factors in the T. gondii Prugniaud strain and show that ROP1 is an important and previously overlooked effector protein that counteracts both murine and human innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Butterworth
- Signalling In Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Torelli
- Signalling In Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eloise J. Lockyer
- Signalling In Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jeanette Wagener
- Signalling In Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ok-Ryul Song
- High-Throughput Screening Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Malgorzata Broncel
- Signalling In Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Proteomics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matt R. G. Russell
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Joanna C. Young
- Signalling In Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Moritz Treeck
- Signalling In Apicomplexan Parasites Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Pan M, Ge CC, Fan YM, Jin QW, Shen B, Huang SY. The determinants regulating Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoite development. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1027073. [PMID: 36439853 PMCID: PMC9691885 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1027073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular zoonotic pathogen capable of infecting almost all cells of warm-blooded vertebrates. In intermediate hosts, this parasite reproduces asexually in two forms, the tachyzoite form during acute infection that proliferates rapidly and the bradyzoite form during chronic infection that grows slowly. Depending on the growth condition, the two forms can interconvert. The conversion of tachyzoites to bradyzoites is critical for T. gondii transmission, and the reactivation of persistent bradyzoites in intermediate hosts may lead to symptomatic toxoplasmosis. However, the mechanisms that control bradyzoite differentiation have not been well studied. Here, we review recent advances in the study of bradyzoite biology and stage conversion, aiming to highlight the determinants associated with bradyzoite development and provide insights to design better strategies for controlling toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Pan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ceng-Ceng Ge
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Min Fan
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Wang Jin
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Si-Yang Huang
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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16
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Cowan MN, Kovacs MA, Sethi I, Babcock IW, Still K, Batista SJ, O’Brien CA, Thompson JA, Sibley LA, Labuzan SA, Harris TH. Microglial STAT1-sufficiency is required for resistance to toxoplasmic encephalitis. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010637. [PMID: 36067217 PMCID: PMC9481170 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous intracellular protozoan parasite that establishes a life-long chronic infection largely restricted to the central nervous system (CNS). Constant immune pressure, notably IFN-γ-STAT1 signaling, is required for preventing fatal pathology during T. gondii infection. Here, we report that abrogation of STAT1 signaling in microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, is sufficient to induce a loss of parasite control in the CNS and susceptibility to toxoplasmic encephalitis during the early stages of chronic infection. Using a microglia-specific genetic labeling and targeting system that discriminates microglia from blood-derived myeloid cells that infiltrate the brain during infection, we find that, contrary to previous in vitro reports, microglia do not express inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) during T. gondii infection in vivo. Instead, transcriptomic analyses of microglia reveal that STAT1 regulates both (i) a transcriptional shift from homeostatic to “disease-associated microglia” (DAM) phenotype conserved across several neuroinflammatory models, including T. gondii infection, and (ii) the expression of anti-parasitic cytosolic molecules that are required for eliminating T. gondii in a cell-intrinsic manner. Further, genetic deletion of Stat1 from microglia during T. gondii challenge leads to fatal pathology despite largely equivalent or enhanced immune effector functions displayed by brain-infiltrating immune populations. Finally, we show that microglial STAT1-deficiency results in the overrepresentation of the highly replicative, lytic tachyzoite form of T. gondii, relative to its quiescent, semi-dormant bradyzoite form typical of chronic CNS infection. Our data suggest an overall protective role of CNS-resident microglia against T. gondii infection, illuminating (i) general mechanisms of CNS-specific immunity to infection (ii) and a clear role for IFN-STAT1 signaling in regulating a microglial activation phenotype observed across diverse neuroinflammatory disease states. The brain, an immune-privileged organ, can be invaded and colonized by pathogens such as the opportunistic parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. How microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, provide resistance to infection is an active area of investigation. In this study, we used a genetic approach to generate and study mice with microglia that lack STAT1, a critical transcription factor that confers protection against intracellular pathogens in both humans and mice. We find that despite robust activation and recruitment of immune cells from the blood to the brain during infection, STAT1 deficiency in microglia leads to increased brain parasite burden and uniform lethality in mice when challenged with T. gondii. Our bioinformatic analyses also indicate that STAT1 in microglia regulates (i) the expression of large families of genes associated with parasite killing and (ii) a microglial activation state that has been classically seen in neurodegeneration. Our findings identify mechanisms by which microglia contribute to parasite control and contribute to a greater understanding of their cellular physiology during neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen N. Cowan
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Kovacs
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ish Sethi
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Isaac W. Babcock
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Katherine Still
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Samantha J. Batista
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Carleigh A. O’Brien
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jeremy A. Thompson
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Lydia A. Sibley
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Sydney A. Labuzan
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Tajie H. Harris
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Denis J, Gommenginger C, Strechie T, Filisetti D, Beal L, Pfaff AW, Villard O. Dynamic immune profile in French toxoplasmosis patients. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:1834-1841. [PMID: 35978487 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection is usually benign in Europe due to the strong predominance of type II strains. Few studies have been conducted to examine the immunological course of infection in humans and have yielded conflicting results, maybe influenced by heterogeneous parasite strains. METHODS We measured 23 immune mediators in 39, 40, and 29 sera of French non-infected, acutely infected, and chronically infected immunocompetent pregnant women, respectively. RESULTS Four different cytokine patterns were identified regarding their dynamics through infection phases. For eleven of the cytokines, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, CXCL9, CCL2 and CSF2, the serum levels were significantly elevated during acute infection. The inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-18, TNF-α and CSF3 remained unchanged during acute infection, while they were significantly lower in chronically infected compared to non-infected patients. As for the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β and CCL5, their levels remained significantly elevated during chronic infection. We also observed a significant negative correlation of several cytokine concentrations with IgG levels, indicating a rapid decline of serum concentrations during the acute phase. DISCUSSION These results indicate an anti-inflammatory pattern in chronically infected patients in a type II dominated setting and demonstrate the highly dynamic immune situation during acute infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Denis
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Chloé Gommenginger
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Teodora Strechie
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Denis Filisetti
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laetitia Beal
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Odile Villard
- Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Les Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Centre National de Référence Toxoplasmose-Pôle sérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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18
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Huang Z, Liu H, Nix J, Xu R, Knoverek CR, Bowman GR, Amarasinghe GK, Sibley LD. The intrinsically disordered protein TgIST from Toxoplasma gondii inhibits STAT1 signaling by blocking cofactor recruitment. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4047. [PMID: 35831295 PMCID: PMC9279507 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31720-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins communicate from cell-surface receptors to drive transcription of immune response genes. The parasite Toxoplasma gondii blocks STAT1-mediated gene expression by secreting the intrinsically disordered protein TgIST that traffics to the host nucleus, binds phosphorylated STAT1 dimers, and occupies nascent transcription sites that unexpectedly remain silenced. Here we define a core region within internal repeats of TgIST that is necessary and sufficient to block STAT1-mediated gene expression. Cellular, biochemical, mutational, and structural data demonstrate that the repeat region of TgIST adopts a helical conformation upon binding to STAT1 dimers. The binding interface is defined by a groove formed from two loops in the STAT1 SH2 domains that reorient during dimerization. TgIST binding to this newly exposed site at the STAT1 dimer interface alters its conformation and prevents the recruitment of co-transcriptional activators, thus defining the mechanism of blocked transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Huang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Hejun Liu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jay Nix
- Molecular Biology Consortium, Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Catherine R Knoverek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Gregory R Bowman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Gaya K Amarasinghe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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19
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Hakimi MA. Epigenetic Reprogramming in Host-Parasite Coevolution: The Toxoplasma Paradigm. Annu Rev Microbiol 2022; 76:135-155. [PMID: 35587934 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-041320-011520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Like many intracellular pathogens, the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii has evolved sophisticated mechanisms to promote its transmission and persistence in a variety of hosts by injecting effector proteins that manipulate many processes in the cells it invades. Specifically, the parasite diverts host epigenetic modulators and modifiers from their native functions to rewire host gene expression to counteract the innate immune response and to limit its strength. The arms race between the parasite and its hosts has led to accelerated adaptive evolution of effector proteins and the unconventional secretion routes they use. This review provides an up-to-date overview of how T. gondii effectors, through the evolution of intrinsically disordered domains, the formation of supramolecular complexes, and the use of molecular mimicry, target host transcription factors that act as coordinating nodes, as well as chromatin-modifying enzymes, to control the fate of infected cells and ultimately the outcome of infection. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 76 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed-Ali Hakimi
- Host-Pathogen Interactions and Immunity to Infection, Institute for Advanced Biosciences (IAB), INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France;
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20
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Skariah S, Sultan AA, Mordue DG. IFN-induced cell-autonomous immune mechanisms in the control of intracellular protozoa. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1559-1571. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07514-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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21
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Sugi T, Tomita T, Kidaka T, Kawai N, Hayashida K, Weiss LM, Yamagishi J. Single Cell Transcriptomes of In Vitro Bradyzoite Infected Cells Reveals Toxoplasma gondii Stage Dependent Host Cell Alterations. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:848693. [PMID: 35372115 PMCID: PMC8964302 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.848693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites establish chronic infections within their host cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that several parasite effector proteins are translocated to host cells during the bradyzoite stage of chronic infection. To understand the interaction between host cells and bradyzoites at the transcriptomic landscape level, we utilized single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-Seq) to characterize the bradyzoite-induced host cell response. Distinct gene expression profiles were observed in infected host, cells with low parasite mapped reads, and mock (non-exposed) control cells. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that c-Myc and NF-κB signaling and energy metabolic pathways were upregulated by infection. Type I and II interferon response pathways were upregulated in cells with low parasite mapped reads compared to the non-exposed host control cells, and this upregulation effect was reversed in infected cells. Differences were observed in the host cells depending on the differentiation status of the parasites, as determined by BAG1 and SAG1 expression. NF-κB, inflammatory response pathways, and IFN-γ response pathways were downregulated in host cells containing T. gondiiBAG1+/SAG1-, whereas this downregulation effect was reversed in case of T. gondiiBAG1-/SAG1+. We also identified two distinct host cell subsets that contained T. gondiiBAG1+/SAG1-, one of which displayed distinct transcriptomes with upregulated c-Myc expression. Overall, these data clearly demonstrate that host cell transcriptional alteration by bradyzoite infection is different from that of tachyzoite infection, indicating fine-tuning of the host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuki Sugi
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tadakimi Tomita
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Taishi Kidaka
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naoko Kawai
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hayashida
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Junya Yamagishi
- Division of Collaboration and Education, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, International Institute for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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22
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Rosenberg A, Sibley LD. Epigenetic Modifiers Alter Host Cell Transcription to Promote Toxoplasma Infection. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:411-413. [PMID: 35201740 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Given the importance of epigenetic modification, pathogens have found a variety of ways to alter chromatin and affect host gene expression. The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii expresses two nuclear targeted secreted effectors TgIST and TgNSM that target the activity of host histone deacetylase regulating corepressor complexes NuRD and NCoR/SMRT, respectively. TgIST and TgNSM are crucial for blocking the host interferon response protecting both the acute and latent stages of the infection. T. gondii represents a unique model organism to study the significance of epigenetic modifications in the regulation of interferon responses and other transcriptional responses at the interface of host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Rosenberg
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
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23
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Christiansen C, Maus D, Hoppenz E, Murillo-León M, Hoffmann T, Scholz J, Melerowicz F, Steinfeldt T, Seeber F, Blume M. In vitro maturation of Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites in human myotubes and their metabolomic characterization. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1168. [PMID: 35246532 PMCID: PMC8897399 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28730-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii forms bradyzoite-containing tissue cysts that cause chronic and drug-tolerant infections. However, current in vitro models do not allow long-term culture of these cysts to maturity. Here, we developed a human myotube-based in vitro culture model of functionally mature tissue cysts that are orally infectious to mice and tolerate exposure to a range of antibiotics and temperature stresses. Metabolomic characterization of purified cysts reveals global changes that comprise increased levels of amino acids and decreased abundance of nucleobase- and tricarboxylic acid cycle-associated metabolites. In contrast to fast replicating tachyzoite forms of T. gondii these tissue cysts tolerate exposure to the aconitase inhibitor sodium fluoroacetate. Direct access to persistent stages of T. gondii under defined cell culture conditions will be essential for the dissection of functionally important host-parasite interactions and drug evasion mechanisms. It will also facilitate the identification of new strategies for therapeutic intervention. Bradyzoites are a quiescent form of Toxoplasma gondii enclosed in cysts during chronic infections. Here, Christiansen et al. develop a human myotube-based in vitro culture model of cysts that are infectious to mice and characterize their metabolism in comparison to fast replicating tachyzoites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Christiansen
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Deborah Maus
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ellen Hoppenz
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mateo Murillo-León
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Hoffmann
- ZBS 4: Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens 4, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Scholz
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Melerowicz
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Steinfeldt
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frank Seeber
- FG 16: Mycotic and Parasitic Agents and Mycobacteria, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Blume
- NG2: Metabolism of Microbial Pathogens, Robert Koch-Institute, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
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24
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Coccaro EF, Irwin M, Arevalo JMG, Dizon T, Cole S. Gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in impulsive aggression: Intermittent explosive disorder compared with non-aggressive healthy and psychiatric controls. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 136:105453. [PMID: 34864503 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Evidence of chronic, systemic, low levels of inflammation is present in several stress-related psychiatric conditions including schizophrenia, depression, and intermittent explosive disorder (IED). We analyzed leukocyte gene expression (mRNA) to quantify the activity of pro and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways. Work performed in non-aggressive populations has uncovered a Conserved Transcriptional Response to Adversity (CTRA) characterized by an upregulation of pro-inflammatory gene transcription in chronically stressed individuals. We used pathway-based bioinformatic analyses of genome-wide transcriptional profiles of peripheral blood leukocyte samples from IED study participants (N = 45) and controls [healthy (n = 45) and psychiatric (n = 34)], with analyses focusing on the pro-inflammatory transcription control pathway mediated by the NF-kB family of transcription factors (typically upregulated in CTRA) and the antiviral transcription control pathway mediated by anti-viral response (IRF) family transcription factors (typically downregulated in CTRA). Compared with both healthy and psychiatric controls, individuals with IED had upregulated transcriptional activity of the antiviral response (IRF), but no evidence of pro-inflammatory NF-kB activation. Analyses implicated CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, and B lymphocytes in IED-related transcriptional alterations, but showed no significant indication of monocyte involvement. This suggests that the inflammatory profile of IED differs substantially from that observed previously in other stress-related disorders, and may involve a pathogen-driven adaptive immune etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil F Coccaro
- Clinical Neuroscience & Psychotherapeutics Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Healthy, Wexner College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
| | - Michael Irwin
- Departments of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, Norman Cousins Center, and Semel Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jesusa M G Arevalo
- Departments of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, Norman Cousins Center, and Semel Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thomas Dizon
- Departments of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, Norman Cousins Center, and Semel Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Steven Cole
- Departments of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, Norman Cousins Center, and Semel Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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25
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Chen M, Yao L, Zhou L, Yang P, Zou W, Xu L, Li S, Peng H. Toxoplasma gondii
ROP18
I
inhibits host innate immunity through cGAS‐STING signaling. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22171. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101347r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health Southern Medical University Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Lijie Yao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health Southern Medical University Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Lijuan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health Southern Medical University Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Pei Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health Southern Medical University Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Weihao Zou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health Southern Medical University Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Liqing Xu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health Southern Medical University Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Shengmin Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health Southern Medical University Guangzhou P. R. China
| | - Hongjuan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health Southern Medical University Guangzhou P. R. China
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26
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Meek S, Watson T, Eory L, McFarlane G, Wynne FJ, McCleary S, Dunn LEM, Charlton EM, Craig C, Shih B, Regan T, Taylor R, Sutherland L, Gossner A, Chintoan-Uta C, Fletcher S, Beard PM, Hassan MA, Grey F, Hope JC, Stevens MP, Nowak-Imialek M, Niemann H, Ross PJ, Tait-Burkard C, Brown SM, Lefevre L, Thomson G, McColl BW, Lawrence AB, Archibald AL, Steinbach F, Crooke HR, Gao X, Liu P, Burdon T. Stem cell-derived porcine macrophages as a new platform for studying host-pathogen interactions. BMC Biol 2022; 20:14. [PMID: 35027054 PMCID: PMC8759257 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01217-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious diseases of farmed and wild animals pose a recurrent threat to food security and human health. The macrophage, a key component of the innate immune system, is the first line of defence against many infectious agents and plays a major role in shaping the adaptive immune response. However, this phagocyte is a target and host for many pathogens. Understanding the molecular basis of interactions between macrophages and pathogens is therefore crucial for the development of effective strategies to combat important infectious diseases. RESULTS We explored how porcine pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can provide a limitless in vitro supply of genetically and experimentally tractable macrophages. Porcine PSC-derived macrophages (PSCdMs) exhibited molecular and functional characteristics of ex vivo primary macrophages and were productively infected by pig pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and African swine fever virus (ASFV), two of the most economically important and devastating viruses in pig farming. Moreover, porcine PSCdMs were readily amenable to genetic modification by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing applied either in parental stem cells or directly in the macrophages by lentiviral vector transduction. CONCLUSIONS We show that porcine PSCdMs exhibit key macrophage characteristics, including infection by a range of commercially relevant pig pathogens. In addition, genetic engineering of PSCs and PSCdMs affords new opportunities for functional analysis of macrophage biology in an important livestock species. PSCs and differentiated derivatives should therefore represent a useful and ethical experimental platform to investigate the genetic and molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions in pigs, and also have wider applications in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Meek
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Tom Watson
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Lel Eory
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Gus McFarlane
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Felicity J Wynne
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Stephen McCleary
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | | | - Emily M Charlton
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Chloe Craig
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Barbara Shih
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Tim Regan
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Ryan Taylor
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Linda Sutherland
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Anton Gossner
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Cosmin Chintoan-Uta
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Sarah Fletcher
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Philippa M Beard
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
- The Pirbright Institute, Pirbright, Surrey, UK
| | - Musa A Hassan
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Finn Grey
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Jayne C Hope
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Mark P Stevens
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Monika Nowak-Imialek
- First Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar - Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Heiner Niemann
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Department, Hannover Medical School, Carl Neuberg Str 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, 450 Bioletti Way, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Christine Tait-Burkard
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Sarah M Brown
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Lucas Lefevre
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, The Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Gerard Thomson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Barry W McColl
- UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Medical School, The Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Alistair B Lawrence
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3RG, UK
| | - Alan L Archibald
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Falko Steinbach
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Helen R Crooke
- Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, KT15 3NB, UK
| | - Xuefei Gao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Pentao Liu
- The Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Science Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tom Burdon
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
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27
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Seizova S, Ruparel U, Garnham AL, Bader SM, Uboldi AD, Coffey MJ, Whitehead LW, Rogers KL, Tonkin CJ. Transcriptional modification of host cells harboring Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoites prevents IFN gamma-mediated cell death. Cell Host Microbe 2021; 30:232-247.e6. [PMID: 34921775 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii develops a latent infection in the muscle and central nervous system that acts as a reservoir for acute-stage reactivation in vulnerable patients. Little is understood about how parasites manipulate host cells during latent infection and the impact this has on survival. We show that bradyzoites impart a unique transcriptional signature on infected host cells. Many of these transcriptional changes rely on protein export and result in the suppression of type I interferon (IFN) and IFNγ signaling more so than in acute stages. Loss of the protein export component, MYR1, abrogates transcriptional remodeling and prevents suppression of IFN signaling. Among the exported proteins, the inhibitor of STAT1 transcription (IST) plays a key role in limiting IFNγ signaling in bradyzoites. Furthermore, bradyzoite protein export protects host cells from IFNγ-mediated cell death, even when export is restricted to latent stages. These findings highlight the functional importance of host manipulation in Toxoplasma's bradyzoite stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Seizova
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Wellcome Center for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Ushma Ruparel
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alexandra L Garnham
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stefanie M Bader
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alessandro D Uboldi
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael J Coffey
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Poseida Therapeutics, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lachlan W Whitehead
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelly L Rogers
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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28
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Li T, Liu H, Jiang N, Wang Y, Wang Y, Zhang J, Shen Y, Cao J. Comparative proteomics reveals Cryptosporidium parvum manipulation of the host cell molecular expression and immune response. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009949. [PMID: 34818332 PMCID: PMC8612570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidium is a life-threating protozoan parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, which mainly causes gastroenteritis in a variety of vertebrate hosts. Currently, there is a re-emergence of Cryptosporidium infection; however, no fully effective drug or vaccine is available to treat Cryptosporidiosis. In the present study, to better understand the detailed interaction between the host and Cryptosporidium parvum, a large-scale label-free proteomics study was conducted to characterize the changes to the proteome induced by C. parvum infection. Among 4406 proteins identified, 121 proteins were identified as differentially abundant (> 1.5-fold cutoff, P < 0.05) in C. parvum infected HCT-8 cells compared with uninfected cells. Among them, 67 proteins were upregulated, and 54 proteins were downregulated at 36 h post infection. Analysis of the differentially abundant proteins revealed an interferon-centered immune response of the host cells against C. parvum infection and extensive inhibition of metabolism-related enzymes in the host cells caused by infection. Several proteins were further verified using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. This systematic analysis of the proteomics of C. parvum-infected HCT-8 cells identified a wide range of functional proteins that participate in host anti-parasite immunity or act as potential targets during infection, providing new insights into the molecular mechanism of C. parvum infection. Cryptosporidium parvum is an emerging zoonotic pathogen transmitted via the fecal–oral route, and is considered a leading cause of moderate-to-severe diarrheal disease in young children in resource limited areas. After infection, C. parvum parasitizes intestinal epithelial cells and evokes an inflammatory immune response, leading to severe damage of the intestinal mucosa. The infection can be lethal to immunosuppressed individuals. However, no fully effective drug or vaccine is available for cryptosporidiosis, and the pathogenesis and immune mechanisms during C. parvum infection are obscure. Thus, an in-depth understanding of host-parasite interaction is needed. Hence, we established a C. parvum-infected HCT-8 cell model and performed comparative quantitative proteomic analyses to profile global host-parasite interactions and determine the molecular mechanisms that are activated during infection, aiming to offer new insights into the treatment of Cryptosporidium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of People’s Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- The School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Liu
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of People’s Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Jiang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of People’s Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiluo Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of People’s Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of People’s Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of People’s Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujuan Shen
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of People’s Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- The School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (YS); (JC)
| | - Jianping Cao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research); Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Health Commission of People’s Republic of China; WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, China
- The School of Global Health, Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (YS); (JC)
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29
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Frickel EM, Hunter CA. Lessons from Toxoplasma: Host responses that mediate parasite control and the microbial effectors that subvert them. J Exp Med 2021; 218:212714. [PMID: 34670268 PMCID: PMC8532566 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii has long provided a tractable experimental system to investigate how the immune system deals with intracellular infections. This review highlights the advances in defining how this organism was first detected and the studies with T. gondii that contribute to our understanding of how the cytokine IFN-γ promotes control of vacuolar pathogens. In addition, the genetic tractability of this eukaryote organism has provided the foundation for studies into the diverse strategies that pathogens use to evade antimicrobial responses and now provides the opportunity to study the basis for latency. Thus, T. gondii remains a clinically relevant organism whose evolving interactions with the host immune system continue to teach lessons broadly relevant to host–pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Frickel
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Christopher A Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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30
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Tomita T, Guevara RB, Shah LM, Afrifa AY, Weiss LM. Secreted Effectors Modulating Immune Responses to Toxoplasma gondii. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:988. [PMID: 34575137 PMCID: PMC8467511 DOI: 10.3390/life11090988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that chronically infects a third of humans. It can cause life-threatening encephalitis in immune-compromised individuals. Congenital infection also results in blindness and intellectual disabilities. In the intracellular milieu, parasites encounter various immunological effectors that have been shaped to limit parasite infection. Parasites not only have to suppress these anti-parasitic inflammatory responses but also ensure the host organism's survival until their subsequent transmission. Recent advancements in T. gondii research have revealed a plethora of parasite-secreted proteins that suppress as well as activate immune responses. This mini-review will comprehensively examine each secreted immunomodulatory effector based on the location of their actions. The first section is focused on secreted effectors that localize to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane, the interface between the parasites and the host cytoplasm. Murine hosts are equipped with potent IFNγ-induced immune-related GTPases, and various parasite effectors subvert these to prevent parasite elimination. The second section examines several cytoplasmic and ER effectors, including a recently described function for matrix antigen 1 (MAG1) as a secreted effector. The third section covers the repertoire of nuclear effectors that hijack transcription factors and epigenetic repressors that alter gene expression. The last section focuses on the translocation of dense-granule effectors and effectors in the setting of T. gondii tissue cysts (the bradyzoite parasitophorous vacuole).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadakimi Tomita
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (T.T.); (R.B.G.)
| | - Rebekah B. Guevara
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (T.T.); (R.B.G.)
| | - Lamisha M. Shah
- Department of Biological Science, Lehman College of the City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10468, USA; (L.M.S.); (A.Y.A.)
| | - Andrews Y. Afrifa
- Department of Biological Science, Lehman College of the City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10468, USA; (L.M.S.); (A.Y.A.)
| | - Louis M. Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (T.T.); (R.B.G.)
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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31
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Rosenberg A, Sibley LD. Toxoplasma gondii secreted effectors co-opt host repressor complexes to inhibit necroptosis. Cell Host Microbe 2021; 29:1186-1198.e8. [PMID: 34043960 PMCID: PMC8711274 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii translocates effector proteins into its host cell to subvert various host pathways. T. gondii effector TgIST blocks the transcription of interferon-stimulated genes to reduce immune defense. Interferons upregulate numerous genes, including protein kinase R (PKR), which induce necrosome formation to activate mixed-lineage-kinase-domain-like (MLKL) pseudokinase and induce necroptosis. Whether these interferon functions are targeted by Toxoplasma is unknown. Here, we examine secreted effectors that localize to the host cell nucleus and find that the chronic bradyzoite stage secretes effector TgNSM that targets the NCoR/SMRT complex, a repressor for various transcription factors, to inhibit interferon-regulated genes involved in cell death. TgNSM acts with TgIST to block IFN-driven expression of PKR and MLKL, thus preventing host cell necroptotic death and protecting the parasite's intracellular niche. The mechanism of action of TgNSM uncovers a role of NCoR/SMRT in necroptosis, assuring survival of intracellular cysts and chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Rosenberg
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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32
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Matta SK, Rinkenberger N, Dunay IR, Sibley LD. Toxoplasma gondii infection and its implications within the central nervous system. Nat Rev Microbiol 2021; 19:467-480. [PMID: 33627834 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-021-00518-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that infects a wide range of animals and causes zoonotic infections in humans. Although it normally only results in mild illness in healthy individuals, toxoplasmosis is a common opportunistic infection with high mortality in individuals who are immunocompromised, most commonly due to reactivation of infection in the central nervous system. In the acute phase of infection, interferon-dependent immune responses control rapid parasite expansion and mitigate acute disease symptoms. However, after dissemination the parasite differentiates into semi-dormant cysts that form within muscle cells and neurons, where they persist for life in the infected host. Control of infection in the central nervous system, a compartment of immune privilege, relies on modified immune responses that aim to balance infection control while limiting potential damage due to inflammation. In response to the activation of interferon-mediated pathways, the parasite deploys an array of effector proteins to escape immune clearance and ensure latent survival. Although these pathways are best studied in the laboratory mouse, emerging evidence points to unique mechanisms of control in human toxoplasmosis. In this Review, we explore some of these recent findings that extend our understanding for proliferation, establishment and control of toxoplasmosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit K Matta
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nicholas Rinkenberger
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ildiko R Dunay
- Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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33
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Role of chromatin modulation in the establishment of protozoan parasite infection for developing targeted chemotherapeutics. THE NUCLEUS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13237-021-00356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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34
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Seo HH, Han HW, Lee SE, Hong SH, Cho SH, Kim SC, Koo SK, Kim JH. Modelling Toxoplasma gondii infection in human cerebral organoids. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 9:1943-1954. [PMID: 32820712 PMCID: PMC7534270 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1812435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell-derived cerebral organoids have the potential to recapitulate the pathophysiology of in vivo human brain tissue, constituting a valuable resource for modelling brain disorders, including infectious diseases. Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan parasite, infects most warm-blooded animals, including humans, causing toxoplasmosis. In immunodeficient patients and pregnant women, infection often results in severe central nervous system disease and fetal miscarriage. However, understanding the molecular pathophysiology of the disease has been challenging due to limited in vitro model systems. Here, we developed a new in vitro model system of T. gondii infection using human brain organoids. We observed that tachyzoites can infect human cerebral organoids and are transformed to bradyzoites and replicate in parasitophorous vacuoles to form cysts, indicating that the T. gondii asexual life cycle is efficiently simulated in the brain organoids. Transcriptomic analysis of T. gondii-infected organoids revealed the activation of the type I interferon immune response against infection. In addition, in brain organoids, T. gondii exhibited a changed transcriptome related to protozoan invasion and replication. This study shows cerebral organoids as physiologically relevant in vitro model systems useful for advancing the understanding of T. gondii infections and host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyang-Hee Seo
- Division of Intractable Diseases, Center for Biomedical Sciences, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.,National Stem Cell Bank of Korea, Korea Institute of Health, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Won Han
- Division of Intractable Diseases, Center for Biomedical Sciences, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.,National Stem Cell Bank of Korea, Korea Institute of Health, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hee Hong
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Hyeong Cho
- Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Cheol Kim
- Division of Bio-Medical Informatics, Center for Genome Science, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Kyung Koo
- Division of Intractable Diseases, Center for Biomedical Sciences, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.,National Stem Cell Bank of Korea, Korea Institute of Health, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Kim
- Division of Intractable Diseases, Center for Biomedical Sciences, Korea National Institute of Health, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.,National Stem Cell Bank of Korea, Korea Institute of Health, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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35
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Elsheikha HM, Marra CM, Zhu XQ. Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Cerebral Toxoplasmosis. Clin Microbiol Rev 2021; 34:e00115-19. [PMID: 33239310 PMCID: PMC7690944 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00115-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is known to infect a considerable number of mammalian and avian species and a substantial proportion of the world's human population. The parasite has an impressive ability to disseminate within the host's body and employs various tactics to overcome the highly regulatory blood-brain barrier and reside in the brain. In healthy individuals, T. gondii infection is largely tolerated without any obvious ill effects. However, primary infection in immunosuppressed patients can result in acute cerebral or systemic disease, and reactivation of latent tissue cysts can lead to a deadly outcome. It is imperative that treatment of life-threatening toxoplasmic encephalitis is timely and effective. Several therapeutic and prophylactic regimens have been used in clinical practice. Current approaches can control infection caused by the invasive and highly proliferative tachyzoites but cannot eliminate the dormant tissue cysts. Adverse events and other limitations are associated with the standard pyrimethamine-based therapy, and effective vaccines are unavailable. In this review, the epidemiology, economic impact, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of cerebral toxoplasmosis are discussed, and critical areas for future research are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Christina M Marra
- Departments of Neurology and Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China
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36
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Panas MW, Boothroyd JC. Seizing control: How dense granule effector proteins enable Toxoplasma to take charge. Mol Microbiol 2021; 115:466-477. [PMID: 33400323 PMCID: PMC8344355 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Control of the host cell is crucial to the Apicomplexan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, while it grows intracellularly. To achieve this goal, these single-celled eukaryotes export a series of effector proteins from organelles known as "dense granules" that interfere with normal cellular processes and responses to invasion. While some effectors are found attached to the outer surface of the parasitophorous vacuole (PV) in which Toxoplasma tachyzoites reside, others are found in the host cell's cytoplasm and yet others make their way into the host nucleus, where they alter host transcription. Among the processes that are severely altered are innate immune responses, host cell cycle, and association with host organelles. The ways in which these crucial processes are altered through the coordinated action of a large collection of effectors is as elegant as it is complex, and is the central focus of the following review; we also discuss the recent advances in our understanding of how dense granule effector proteins are trafficked out of the PV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Panas
- Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305
| | - John C. Boothroyd
- Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford CA 94305
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37
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Abstract
The recent Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic has once again reminded us the importance of understanding infectious diseases. One important but understudied area in infectious disease research is the role of nuclear architecture or the physical arrangement of the genome in the nucleus in controlling gene regulation and pathogenicity. Recent advances in research methods, such as Genome-wide chromosome conformation capture using high-throughput sequencing (Hi-C), have allowed for easier analysis of nuclear architecture and chromosomal reorganization in both the infectious disease agents themselves as well as in their host cells. This review will discuss broadly on what is known about nuclear architecture in infectious disease, with an emphasis on chromosomal reorganization, and briefly discuss what steps are required next in the field. In this review, we examine the current state of nuclear architecture in infectious diseases with an emphasis on chromosomal reorganization. Nuclear architecture plays an important role in regulation of transcription for several pathogens, as well as inflammatory responses in their host. Recent advances in technologies such as Hi-C have allowed in-depth studies of chromosomal reorganization during infectious disease development and provided insights into transcription mechanisms and pathogenicity. In addition, it has been demonstrated that pathogens can also affect/utilize the hosts nuclear architecture. These areas are heavily understudied in pathogens, and we hope this review will provide a comprehensive review on the current state of nuclear architecture in infectious diseases and provide an additional avenue for eradication efforts.
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38
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Billatos E, Ash SY, Duan F, Xu K, Romanoff J, Marques H, Moses E, Han MK, Regan EA, Bowler RP, Mason SE, Doyle TJ, San José Estépar R, Rosas IO, Ross JC, Xiao X, Liu H, Liu G, Sukumar G, Wilkerson M, Dalgard C, Stevenson C, Whitney D, Aberle D, Spira A, San José Estépar R, Lenburg ME, Washko GR. Distinguishing Smoking-Related Lung Disease Phenotypes Via Imaging and Molecular Features. Chest 2021; 159:549-563. [PMID: 32946850 PMCID: PMC8039011 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.08.2115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic tobacco smoke exposure results in a broad range of lung pathologies including emphysema, airway disease and parenchymal fibrosis as well as a multitude of extra-pulmonary comorbidities. Prior work using CT imaging has identified several clinically relevant subgroups of smoking related lung disease, but these investigations have generally lacked organ specific molecular correlates. RESEARCH QUESTION Can CT imaging be used to identify clinical phenotypes of smoking related lung disease that have specific bronchial epithelial gene expression patterns to better understand disease pathogenesis? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Using K-means clustering, we clustered participants from the COPDGene study (n = 5,273) based on CT imaging characteristics and then evaluated their clinical phenotypes. These clusters were replicated in the Detection of Early Lung Cancer Among Military Personnel (DECAMP) cohort (n = 360), and were further characterized using bronchial epithelial gene expression. RESULTS Three clusters (preserved, interstitial predominant and emphysema predominant) were identified. Compared to the preserved cluster, the interstitial and emphysema clusters had worse lung function, exercise capacity and quality of life. In longitudinal follow-up, individuals from the emphysema group had greater declines in exercise capacity and lung function, more emphysema, more exacerbations, and higher mortality. Similarly, genes involved in inflammatory pathways (tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-β) are more highly expressed in bronchial epithelial cells from individuals in the emphysema cluster, while genes associated with T-cell related biology are decreased in these samples. Samples from individuals in the interstitial cluster generally had intermediate levels of expression of these genes. INTERPRETATION Using quantitative CT imaging, we identified three groups of individuals in older ever-smokers that replicate in two cohorts. Airway gene expression differences between the three groups suggests increased levels of inflammation in the most severe clinical phenotype, possibly mediated by the tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-β pathways. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION COPDGene (NCT00608764), DECAMP-1 (NCT01785342), DECAMP-2 (NCT02504697).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Billatos
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA; Department of Medicine, Section of Computational Biomedicine, Boston University, Boston, MA.
| | - Samuel Y Ash
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Fenghai Duan
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Computational Biomedicine, Boston University, Boston, MA; Bioinformatics Program, Boston University College of Engineering, Boston, MA
| | - Justin Romanoff
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Helga Marques
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Elizabeth Moses
- Department of Medicine, Section of Computational Biomedicine, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - MeiLan K Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Elizabeth A Regan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
| | - Russell P Bowler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO
| | - Stefanie E Mason
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Tracy J Doyle
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Rubén San José Estépar
- Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Ivan O Rosas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - James C Ross
- Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Xiaohui Xiao
- Department of Medicine, Section of Computational Biomedicine, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Hanqiao Liu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Computational Biomedicine, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Computational Biomedicine, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Gauthaman Sukumar
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, The American Genome Center, Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD
| | - Matthew Wilkerson
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, The American Genome Center, Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD
| | - Clifton Dalgard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Genetics, The American Genome Center, Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Duncan Whitney
- Lung Cancer Initiative at Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Denise Aberle
- Department of Radiology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Avrum Spira
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA; Department of Medicine, Section of Computational Biomedicine, Boston University, Boston, MA; Lung Cancer Initiative at Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Raúl San José Estépar
- Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Marc E Lenburg
- Department of Medicine, Section of Computational Biomedicine, Boston University, Boston, MA; Bioinformatics Program, Boston University College of Engineering, Boston, MA
| | - George R Washko
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA; Applied Chest Imaging Laboratory, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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Ren B, Schmid M, Scheiner M, Mollenkopf HJ, Lucius R, Heitlinger E, Gupta N. Toxoplasma and Eimeria co-opt the host cFos expression for intracellular development in mammalian cells. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:719-731. [PMID: 33510872 PMCID: PMC7817532 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression profiles differ significantly between Toxoplasma and Eimeria-infected host cells. Several distinct and shared host-signaling cascades are regulated by coccidian parasites. cFos is one of the few host transcripts mutually regulated during infection by both pathogens. Host cFos is required for optimal in vitro development of E. falciformis and T. gondii. Transcriptomics of parasitized wild-type and cFos-/- host cells reveals a perturbation of cFos network.
Successful asexual reproduction of intracellular pathogens depends on their potential to exploit host resources and subvert antimicrobial defense. In this work, we deployed two prevalent apicomplexan parasites of mammalian cells, namely Toxoplasma gondii and Eimeria falciformis, to identify potential host determinants of infection. Expression analyses of the young adult mouse colonic (YAMC) epithelial cells upon infection by either parasite showed regulation of several distinct transcripts, indicating that these two pathogens program their intracellular niches in a tailored manner. Conversely, parasitized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) displayed a divergent transcriptome compared to corresponding YAMC epithelial cells, suggesting that individual host cells mount a fairly discrete response when encountering a particular pathogen. Among several host transcripts similarly altered by T. gondii and E. falciformis, we identified cFos, a master transcription factor, that was consistently induced throughout the infection. Indeed, asexual growth of both parasites was strongly impaired in MEF host cells lacking cFos expression. Last but not the least, our differential transcriptomics of the infected MEFs (parental and cFos-/- mutant) and YAMC epithelial cells disclosed a cFos-centered network, underlying signal cascades, as well as a repertoire of nucleotides- and ion-binding proteins, which presumably act in consort to acclimatize the mammalian cell and thereby facilitate the parasite development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjian Ren
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuela Schmid
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mattea Scheiner
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Mollenkopf
- Microarray and Genomics Core Facility, Max-Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Lucius
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Emanuel Heitlinger
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.,Research Group Ecology and Evolution of Parasite Host Interactions, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nishith Gupta
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani (BITS-P), Hyderabad, India
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40
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Greigert V, Bittich-Fahmi F, Pfaff AW. Pathophysiology of ocular toxoplasmosis: Facts and open questions. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008905. [PMID: 33382688 PMCID: PMC7774838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii are frequent, but one of its main consequences, ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), remains poorly understood. While its clinical description has recently attracted more attention and publications, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are only sparsely elucidated, which is partly due to the inherent difficulties to establish relevant animal models. Furthermore, the particularities of the ocular environment explain why the abundant knowledge on systemic toxoplasmosis cannot be just transferred to the ocular situation. However, studies undertaken in mouse models have revealed a central role of interferon gamma (IFNγ) and, more surprisingly, interleukin 17 (IL17), in ocular pathology and parasite control. These studies also show the importance of the genetic background of the infective Toxoplasma strain. Indeed, infections due to exotic strains show a completely different pathophysiology, which translates in a different clinical outcome. These elements should lead to more individualized therapy. Furthermore, the recent advance in understanding the immune response during OT paved the way to new research leads, involving immune pathways poorly studied in this particular setting, such as type I and type III interferons. In any case, deeper knowledge of the mechanisms of this pathology is needed to establish new, more targeted treatment schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Greigert
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Faiza Bittich-Fahmi
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexander W. Pfaff
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR 7292, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie Médicale, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- * E-mail:
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Fox LE, Locke MC, Lenschow DJ. Context Is Key: Delineating the Unique Functions of IFNα and IFNβ in Disease. Front Immunol 2020; 11:606874. [PMID: 33408718 PMCID: PMC7779635 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) are critical effector cytokines of the immune system and were originally known for their important role in protecting against viral infections; however, they have more recently been shown to play protective or detrimental roles in many disease states. Type I IFNs consist of IFNα, IFNβ, IFNϵ, IFNκ, IFNω, and a few others, and they all signal through a shared receptor to exert a wide range of biological activities, including antiviral, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and immunomodulatory effects. Though the individual type I IFN subtypes possess overlapping functions, there is growing appreciation that they also have unique properties. In this review, we summarize some of the mechanisms underlying differential expression of and signaling by type I IFNs, and we discuss examples of differential functions of IFNα and IFNβ in models of infectious disease, cancer, and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey E Fox
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Marissa C Locke
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Deborah J Lenschow
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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Wang Y, Zhu J, Cao Y, Shen J, Yu L. Insight Into Inflammasome Signaling: Implications for Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Front Immunol 2020; 11:583193. [PMID: 33391259 PMCID: PMC7772217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.583193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes are multimeric protein complexes regulating the innate immune response to invading pathogens or stress stimuli. Recent studies have reported that nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat-containing (NLRs) proteins and DNA sensor absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) serve as inflammasome sentinels, whose stimulation leads to the proteolytic activation of caspase-1, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and pyroptotic cell death. Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite of phylum Apicomplexans, is reportedly involved in NLRP1, NLRP3 and AIM2 inflammasomes activation; however, mechanistic evidence regarding the activation of these complexes is preliminary. This review describes the current understanding of inflammasome signaling in rodent and human models of T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jinjin Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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43
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Mévélec MN, Lakhrif Z, Dimier-Poisson I. Key Limitations and New Insights Into the Toxoplasma gondii Parasite Stage Switching for Future Vaccine Development in Human, Livestock, and Cats. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:607198. [PMID: 33324583 PMCID: PMC7724089 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.607198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease affecting human, livestock and cat. Prophylactic strategies would be ideal to prevent infection. In a One Health vaccination approach, the objectives would be the prevention of congenital disease in both women and livestock, prevention/reduction of T. gondii tissue cysts in food-producing animals; and oocyst shedding in cats. Over the last few years, an explosion of strategies for vaccine development, especially due to the development of genetic-engineering technologies has emerged. The field of vaccinology has been exploring safer vaccines by the generation of recombinant immunogenic proteins, naked DNA vaccines, and viral/bacterial recombinants vectors. These strategies based on single- or few antigens, are less efficacious than recombinant live-attenuated, mostly tachyzoite T. gondii vaccine candidates. Reflections on the development of an anti-Toxoplasma vaccine must focus not only on the appropriate route of administration, capable of inducing efficient immune response, but also on the choice of the antigen (s) of interest and the associated delivery systems. To answer these questions, the choice of the animal model is essential. If mice helped in understanding the protection mechanisms, the data obtained cannot be directly transposed to humans, livestock and cats. Moreover, effectiveness vaccines should elicit strong and protective humoral and cellular immune responses at both local and systemic levels against the different stages of the parasite. Finally, challenge protocols should use the oral route, major natural route of infection, either by feeding tissue cysts or oocysts from different T. gondii strains. Effective Toxoplasma vaccines depend on our understanding of the (1) protective host immune response during T. gondii invasion and infection in the different hosts, (2) manipulation and modulation of host immune response to ensure survival of the parasites able to evade and subvert host immunity, (3) molecular mechanisms that define specific stage development. This review presents an overview of the key limitations for the development of an effective vaccine and highlights the contributions made by recent studies on the mechanisms behind stage switching to offer interesting perspectives for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zineb Lakhrif
- Team BioMAP, Université de Tours, INRAE, ISP, Tours, France
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Augusto L, Wek RC, Sullivan WJ. Host sensing and signal transduction during Toxoplasma stage conversion. Mol Microbiol 2020; 115:839-848. [PMID: 33118234 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects nucleated cells in virtually all warm-blooded vertebrates, including one-third of the human population. While immunocompetent hosts do not typically show symptoms of acute infection, parasites are retained in latent tissue cysts that can be reactivated upon immune suppression, potentially damaging key organ systems. Toxoplasma has a multistage life cycle that is intimately linked to environmental stresses and host signals. As this protozoan pathogen is transmitted between multiple hosts and tissues, it evaluates these external signals to appropriately differentiate into distinct life cycle stages, such as the transition from its replicative stage (tachyzoite) to the latent stage (bradyzoite) that persists as tissue cysts. Additionally, in the gut of its definitive host, felines, Toxoplasma converts into gametocytes that produce infectious oocysts (sporozoites) that are expelled into the environment. In this review, we highlight recent advances that have illuminated the interfaces between Toxoplasma and host and how these interactions control parasite stage conversion. Mechanisms underlying these stage transitions are important targets for therapeutic intervention aimed at thwarting parasite transmission and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Augusto
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ronald C Wek
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - William J Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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45
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Metabolite salvage and restriction during infection - a tug of war between Toxoplasma gondii and its host. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 68:104-114. [PMID: 33202353 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The apicomplexans, including the coccidian pathogen Toxoplasma gondii, are obligate intracellular parasites whose growth and development are intricately linked to the metabolism of their host. T. gondii depends on its host for the salvage of energy sources, building blocks, vitamins and cofactors to survive and replicate. Additionally, host metabolites directly impact on the parasite life cycle development by triggering or halting differentiation. Although T. gondii infects a wide range of host cells, it has evolved to modulate and maximally exploit its host's metabolism. In return the host has developed strategies to restrict parasite access to metabolites. Here we discuss recent findings which have shed light on the battle over metabolites between T. gondii and its host.
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46
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Abstract
The intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is capable of infecting most nucleated cells, where it survives in a specially modified compartment called the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is the major cytokine involved in activating cell-autonomous immune responses to inhibit parasite growth within this intracellular niche. In HeLa cells, IFN-γ treatment leads to ubiquitination of susceptible parasite strains, recruitment of the adaptors p62 and NDP52, and engulfment in microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-positive membranes that restrict parasite growth. IFN-γ-mediated growth restriction depends on core members of the autophagy (ATG) pathway but not the initiation or degradative steps in the process. To explore the connection between these different pathways, we used permissive biotin ligation to identify proteins that interact with ATG5 in an IFN-γ-dependent fashion. Network analysis of the ATG5 interactome identified interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), which is highly upregulated by IFN treatment, as a hub connecting the ATG complex with other IFN-γ-induced genes, suggesting that it forms a functional link between the pathways. Deletion of ISG15 resulted in impaired recruitment of p62, NDP52, and LC3 to the PV and loss of IFN-γ-restricted parasite growth. The function of ISG15 required conjugation, and a number of ISGylated targets overlapped with the IFN-γ-dependent ATG5 interactome, including the adapter p62. Collectively, our findings establish a role for ISG15 in connecting the ATG pathway with IFN-γ-dependent restriction of T. gondii in human cells.IMPORTANCE Interferon(s) provide the primary defense against intracellular pathogens, a property ascribed to their ability to upregulate interferon-stimulated genes. Due to the sequestered niche occupied by Toxoplasma gondii, the host has elaborated intricate ways to target the parasite within its vacuole. One such mechanism is the recognition by a noncanonical autophagy pathway that envelops the parasite-containing vacuole and stunts growth in human cells. Remarkably, autophagy-dependent growth restriction requires interferon-γ, yet none of the classical components of autophagy are induced by interferon. Our studies draw a connection between these pathways by demonstrating that the antiviral protein ISG15, which is normally upregulated by interferons, links the autophagy-mediated control to ubiquitination of the vacuole. These findings suggest a similar link between interferon-γ signaling and autophagy that may underlie defense against other intracellular pathogens.
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47
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Wong ZS, Borrelli SLS, Coyne CC, Boyle JP. Cell type- and species-specific host responses to Toxoplasma gondii and its near relatives. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:423-431. [PMID: 32407716 PMCID: PMC8281328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is remarkably unique in its ability to successfully infect vertebrate hosts from multiple phyla and can successfully infect most cells within these organisms. The infection outcome in each of these species is determined by the complex interaction between parasite and host genotype. As techniques to quantify global changes in cell function become more readily available and precise, new data are coming to light about how (i) different host cell types respond to parasitic infection and (ii) different parasite species impact the host. Here we focus on recent studies comparing the response to intracellular parasitism by different cell types and insights into understanding host-parasite interactions from comparative studies on T. gondii and its close extant relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhee S Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sarah L Sokol Borrelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Carolyn C Coyne
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jon P Boyle
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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48
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Park J, Hunter CA. The role of macrophages in protective and pathological responses to Toxoplasma gondii. Parasite Immunol 2020; 42:e12712. [PMID: 32187690 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability of Toxoplasma gondii to cause clinical disease in immune-competent and immune-deficient hosts coupled with its ease of use in vitro and availability of murine models has led to its use as a model organism to study how the immune system controls an intracellular infection. This article reviews the studies that established the role of the cytokine IFN-γ in the activation of macrophages to control T gondii and the events that lead to the mobilization and expansion of macrophage populations and their ability to limit parasite replication. Macrophages also have pro-inflammatory functions that promote protective NK and T-cell activities as well as regulatory properties that facilitate the resolution of inflammation. Nevertheless, while macrophages are important in determining the outcome of infection, T gondii has evolved mechanisms to subvert macrophage activation and can utilize their migratory activities to promote dissemination and these two properties underlie the ability of this parasite to persist and cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongho Park
- University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Kangwon National University College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Chuncheon, Korea
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