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Stevens L, Martínez-Ugalde I, King E, Wagah M, Absolon D, Bancroft R, Gonzalez de la Rosa P, Hall JL, Kieninger M, Kloch A, Pelan S, Robertson E, Pedersen AB, Abreu-Goodger C, Buck AH, Blaxter M. Ancient diversity in host-parasite interaction genes in a model parasitic nematode. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7776. [PMID: 38012132 PMCID: PMC10682056 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43556-w] [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: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-parasite interactions exert strong selection pressures on the genomes of both host and parasite. These interactions can lead to negative frequency-dependent selection, a form of balancing selection that is hypothesised to explain the high levels of polymorphism seen in many host immune and parasite antigen loci. Here, we sequence the genomes of several individuals of Heligmosomoides bakeri, a model parasite of house mice, and Heligmosomoides polygyrus, a closely related parasite of wood mice. Although H. bakeri is commonly referred to as H. polygyrus in the literature, their genomes show levels of divergence that are consistent with at least a million years of independent evolution. The genomes of both species contain hyper-divergent haplotypes that are enriched for proteins that interact with the host immune response. Many of these haplotypes originated prior to the divergence between H. bakeri and H. polygyrus, suggesting that they have been maintained by long-term balancing selection. Together, our results suggest that the selection pressures exerted by the host immune response have played a key role in shaping patterns of genetic diversity in the genomes of parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis Stevens
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.
| | - Isaac Martínez-Ugalde
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Erna King
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Martin Wagah
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | | | - Rowan Bancroft
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Jessica L Hall
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Sarah Pelan
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Elaine Robertson
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amy B Pedersen
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Cei Abreu-Goodger
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amy H Buck
- Institute of Immunology & Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark Blaxter
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.
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2
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Wu F, Wu J, Chen X, Zhou J, Du Z, Tong D, Zhang H, Huang Y, Yang Y, Du A, Ma G. A secreted BPTI/Kunitz inhibitor domain-containing protein of barber's pole worm interacts with host NLRP3 inflammasome activation-associated G protein subunit to inhibit IL-1β and IL-18 maturation in vitro. Vet Parasitol 2023; 323:110052. [PMID: 37865081 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.110052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Protease inhibitors are major components of excretory/secretory products released by parasitic nematodes and have been proposed to play roles in host-parasite interactions. Haemonchus contortus (the barber's pole worm) encodes for several serine protease inhibitors, and in a previous study we identified a trypsin inhibitor-like serine protease inhibitor of this blood-feeding nematode, SPI-I8, as necessary for anticoagulation. Here, we demonstrated that a bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor/Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (BPTI/Kunitz) domain-containing protein highly expressed in parasitic stages, HCON_00133150, is involved in suppressing proinflammatory cytokine production in mammalian cells. Fluorescent labelling of HCON_00133150 revealed a punctate localisation at the inner hypodermal membrane of H. contortus, an organ closely related to the excretory column. Yeast two-hybrid screening and immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry identified that the recombinant HCON_00133150 physically interacted with a range of host proteins including the G protein subunit beta 1 of sheep (Ovis aries; OaGNB1), a negative regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Interestingly, heterologous expression of HCON_00133150 enhanced the inhibitory effect of OaGNB1 on NLRP3 inflammasome and the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 in transfected cells. 1-to-1 orthologues (n = 33) of BPTI/Kunitz inhibitor domain-containing proteins were predicted in clades III, IV and V (but not clade I) parasitic nematodes. Structural (tandem BPTI/Kunitz inhibitor domains inverted into the globular reticulation) and functional (a GNB1 enhancer) characterisation of HCON_00133150 and its orthologues elucidated that these molecules might contribute to immune suppression by parasitic nematodes in animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jie Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jingru Zhou
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain and Brain-machine integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zhendong Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Danni Tong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yan Huang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Guangxu Ma
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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3
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Omar M, Abdelal H. NETosis in Parasitic Infections: A Puzzle That Remains Unsolved. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108975. [PMID: 37240321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are the key players in the innate immune system, being weaponized with numerous strategies to eliminate pathogens. The production of extracellular traps is one of the effector mechanisms operated by neutrophils in a process called NETosis. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are complex webs of extracellular DNA studded with histones and cytoplasmic granular proteins. Since their first description in 2004, NETs have been widely investigated in different infectious processes. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi have been shown to induce the generation of NETs. Knowledge is only beginning to emerge about the participation of DNA webs in the host's battle against parasitic infections. Referring to helminthic infections, we ought to look beyond the scope of confining the roles of NETs solely to parasitic ensnarement or immobilization. Hence, this review provides detailed insights into the less-explored activities of NETs against invading helminths. In addition, most of the studies that have addressed the implications of NETs in protozoan infections have chiefly focused on their protective side, either through trapping or killing. Challenging this belief, we propose several limitations regarding protozoan-NETs interaction. One of many is the duality in the functional responses of NETs, in which both the positive and pathological aspects seem to be closely intertwined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Omar
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Heba Abdelal
- LIS: Cross-National Data Center, Maison des Sciences Humaines, Esch-Belval, L-4366 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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Wen TY, Wu XQ, Ye JR, Qiu YJ, Rui L, Zhang Y. Two Novel Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Kunitz Effector Proteins Using Different Infection and Survival Strategies to Suppress Immunity in Pine. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2023; 113:539-548. [PMID: 36976314 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-04-22-0127-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Pine wilt disease, caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, results in tremendous economic loss in conifer production every year. To disturb the host immune responses, plant pathogens secrete a mass of effector proteins that facilitate the infection process. Although several effectors of B. xylophilus have been identified, detailed mechanisms of their functions remain largely unexplored. Here, we reveal two novel B. xylophilus Kunitz effectors, named BxKU1 and BxKU2, using different infection strategies to suppress immunity in Pinus thunbergii. We found that both BxKU1 and BxKU2 could suppress PsXEG1-triggered cell death and were present in the nucleus and cytoplasm in Nicotiana benthamiana. However, they had different three-dimensional structures and various expression patterns in B. xylophilus infection. In situ hybridization experiments showed that BxKU2 was expressed in the esophageal glands and ovaries, whereas BxKU1 was only expressed in the esophageal glands of females. We further confirmed that the morbidity was significantly decreased in P. thunbergii infected with B. xylophilus when BxKU1 and BxKU2 were silenced. The silenced BxKU2I, but not BxKU1, affected the reproduction and feeding rate of B. xylophilus. Moreover, BxKU1 and BxKU2 targeted to different proteins in P. thunbergii, but they all interacted with thaumatin-like protein 4 (TLP4) according to yeast two-hybrid screening. Collectively, our study showed that B. xylophilus could incorporate two Kunitz effectors in a multilayer strategy to counter immune response in P. thunbergii, which could help us better understand the interaction between plant and B. xylophilus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Yue Wen
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive Species, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Wu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive Species, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Jian-Ren Ye
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive Species, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Yi-Jun Qiu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive Species, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Lin Rui
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive Species, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Prevention and Management of Invasive Species, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China
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Joshi P, Mishra PKK. Functional Diversity of the Excretory/Secretory Proteins of Nematode Parasites. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:619-627. [PMID: 35113339 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00523-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parasites release a wide array of protein as excretory and secretory products (ESPs). Irrespective of their mode of propagation, ESPs are found to be secreted or excreted by both naturally occurring and laboratory-cultivated parasites. Mass spectrometry-based approaches have been extensively used to identify and characterize the ESP constituents. ESPs are involved in various cellular activities such as immune modulation, proteolysis, inhibition of proteases and protection of cells against oxidants. Specifically, their role in host immune evasion by down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines attracts scientific attention. A thorough investigation of functional diversity of ESPs may be helpful in planning control strategies against many parasites. METHODS This review focuses on diversity of ES proteins, various approaches to identify them and discusses about the biochemical and functional aspects of such proteins. RESULTS The diverse array of proteins secreted or excreted (a, GST-1, acetylcholinesterase, GAPDH) by the parasites are also described emphasizing their role in cellular physiology. CONCLUSION Finally, it concludes by citing some of these proteins as potential therapeutic agents against helminth challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paritosh Joshi
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, U.P., 243122, India.
- Panchvati, Bijroli, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Prasanta Kumar K Mishra
- Division of Biochemistry, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, U.P., 243122, India.
- Unit of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Mirzapur, U.P., India.
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Doolan R, Bouchery T. Hookworm infections: Reappraising the evidence for a role of Neutrophils in light of NETosis. Parasite Immunol 2022; 44:e12911. [PMID: 35124825 PMCID: PMC9285577 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In Hookworm infection, neutrophils have long had the image of the villain, being recruited to the site of larval migration because of damage but participating themselves in tissue injury. With recent developments in neutrophil biology, there is an increasing body of evidence for the role of neutrophils as effector cells in hookworm immunity. In particular, their ability to release extracellular traps, or neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), confer neutrophils a larvicidal activity. Here, we review recent evidence in this nascent field and discuss the avenue for future research on NETs/hookworm interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Doolan
- Hookworm Immunobiology Laboratory Department of Medical Parasitology & Infection Biology Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Socinstrasse 57 4051 CH Basel Switzerland
| | - Tiffany Bouchery
- Hookworm Immunobiology Laboratory Department of Medical Parasitology & Infection Biology Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute Socinstrasse 57 4051 CH Basel Switzerland
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7
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Zhang H, Tian M, Qi W, Wu J, Zheng H, Guo G, Zhang L, Ranasinghe SL, McManus DP, Li J, Zhang W. Bioinformatic comparison of Kunitz protease inhibitors in Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto and E. multilocularis and the genes expressed in different developmental stages of E. granulosus s.s. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:907. [PMID: 34922456 PMCID: PMC8684439 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08219-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis caused by the tapeworms Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) and E. multilocularis, respectively, are important zoonotic diseases. Protease inhibitors are crucial for the survival of both Echinococcus spp. Kunitz-type inhibitors play a regulatory role in the control of protease activity. In this study,we identified Kunitz-type domain protease inhibitors(KDPIs) present in the genomes of these two tapeworms and analyzed the gene sequences using computational, structural bioinformatics and phylogenetic approaches to evaluate the evolutionary relationships of these genes. Hi-seq transcriptome analysis showed that E. granulosuss.s. KDPIs were differentially expressed in the different developmental stages. We validated some of the genes expressed in adult worm, protoscolex and cyst germinal membrane of E. granulosuss.s. and E. multilocularis by quantitative PCR. Results A total of 19 genes from E. multilocularis and 23 genes from E. granulosuss.s. were predicted to be KDPIs with the most containing a single Kunitz-domain. A maximum likelihood method phylogenetic tree indicated that the E. granulosuss.s. and E. multilocularis Kunitz domain peptides were divided into three branches containing 9 clusters. The ratio of positively charged residues and neutral residues are different between E. multilocularis and E. granulosuss.s. KDPIs. We also found that E. multilocularis had higher percentage of sequences containing signal peptides (17/19, 89.47%) than that of E. granulosuss.s. (14/23, 60.87%). Transcript analysis showed all the E. granulosuss.s. KDPI genes were expressed differentially in four developmental stages of the worm. Transcription analysis showed that 9 KDPIs (including EG_07244,EGR_08716 and EGR_10096) were highly upregulated in adult worm, and 2 KDPIs (EG_09268 and EG_09490) were highly expressed in the cyst germinal membrane. Quantitative gene expression analysis(qPCR) of four genes confirmed the expression of these genes. EGR_08716 and its homologous gene (EmuJ_001137000) were highly and specifically expressed in adult worms of the two worms. Conclusions A total 19 and 23 KDPIs were identified in the genomes of E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.s. , respectively. The differential expression of these KDPIs in different stages may indicate their different roles in the different hosts. The difference in characterization of KDPIs may be associated with the different pathology of metacestode stage of these two parasites. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08219-4.
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8
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Xu N, Bai X, Liu Y, Yang Y, Tang B, Shi HN, Vallee I, Boireau P, Liu X, Liu M. The Anti-Inflammatory Immune Response in Early Trichinella spiralis Intestinal Infection Depends on Serine Protease Inhibitor-Mediated Alternative Activation of Macrophages. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:963-977. [PMID: 33495238 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Trichinella spiralis is recognized for its ability to regulate host immune responses via excretory/secretory (ES) products. Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) play an important role in ES product-mediated immunoregulatory effects during T. spiralis infection. In this study, the immunoregulatory properties of a serpin derived from T. spiralis (Ts-serpin) were explored in BALB/c mice. The results showed that naturally occurring Ts-serpin was detected in the stichosomes of muscle larvae and adult worms. Moreover, enhancing (by injection of a soluble-expressed recombinant Ts-serpin [rTs-serpin]) or blocking (by passive immunization with anti-rTs-serpin serum) the effects of Ts-serpin changed the levels of cytokines related to inflammation induced by T. spiralis infection in the serum, mesenteric lymph nodes, and peritoneal cavity, which then led to a change in the adult worm burden in early T. spiralis infection. Moreover, the phenotypic changes in peritoneal macrophages were found to be related to Ts-serpin-mediated immunoregulation. Furthermore, a STAT6 activation mechanism independent of IL-4Rα has been found to regulate protein-mediated alternative activation of bone marrow-derived macrophages and mimic the immunoregulatory role of Ts-serpin in T. spiralis infection. Finally, the anti-inflammatory properties of rTs-serpin and bone marrow-derived macrophage alternative activation by rTs-serpin were demonstrated using a trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced inflammatory bowel disease model. In summary, a protein-triggered anti-inflammatory mechanism was found to favor the survival of T. spiralis in the early stage of infection and help to elucidate the immunoregulatory effects of T. spiralis on the host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Xu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yaming Yang
- Yunnan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Pu'er City, Yunnan 665000, China
| | - Bin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Hai Ning Shi
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129; and
| | - Isabelle Vallee
- UMR de Biologie Moléculaire et d'Immunologie Parasitaires, Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascal Boireau
- UMR de Biologie Moléculaire et d'Immunologie Parasitaires, Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail, École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement, Université Paris-Est, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94706 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China;
| | - Mingyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China;
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An atypical and functionally diverse family of Kunitz-type cysteine/serine proteinase inhibitors secreted by the helminth parasite Fasciola hepatica. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20657. [PMID: 33244035 PMCID: PMC7692546 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77687-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciola hepatica is a global parasite of humans and their livestock. Regulation of parasite-secreted cathepsin L-like cysteine proteases associated with virulence is important to fine-tune parasite-host interaction. We uncovered a family of seven Kunitz-type (FhKT) inhibitors dispersed into five phylogenetic groups. The most highly expressed FhKT genes (group FhKT1) are secreted by the newly excysted juveniles (NEJs), the stage responsible for host infection. The FhKT1 inhibitors do not inhibit serine proteases but are potent inhibitors of parasite cathepsins L and host lysosomal cathepsin L, S and K cysteine proteases (inhibition constants < 10 nM). Their unusual inhibitory properties are due to (a) Leu15 in the reactive site loop P1 position that sits at the water-exposed interface of the S1 and S1' subsites of the cathepsin protease, and (b) Arg19 which forms cation-π interactions with Trp291 of the S1' subsite and electrostatic interactions with Asp125 of the S2' subsite. FhKT1.3 is exceptional, however, as it also inhibits the serine protease trypsin due to replacement of the P1 Leu15 in the reactive loop with Arg15. The atypical Kunitz-type inhibitor family likely regulate parasite cathepsin L proteases and/or impairs host immune cell activation by blocking lysosomal cathepsin proteases involved in antigen processing and presentation.
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10
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Abuzeid AMI, Zhou X, Huang Y, Li G. Twenty-five-year research progress in hookworm excretory/secretory products. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:136. [PMID: 32171305 PMCID: PMC7071665 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hookworm infection is a major public health problem that threatens about 500 million people throughout tropical areas of the world. Adult hookworms survive for many years in the host intestine, where they suck blood, causing iron deficiency anemia and malnutrition. Numerous molecules, named excretory/secretory (ES) products, are secreted by hookworm adults and/or larvae to aid in parasite survival and pathobiology. Although the molecular cloning and characterization of hookworm ES products began 25 years ago, the biological role and molecular nature of many of them are still unclear. Hookworm ES products, with distinct structures and functions, have been linked to many essential events in the disease pathogenesis. These events include host invasion and tissue migration, parasite nourishment and reproduction, and immune modulation. Several of these products represent promising vaccine targets for controlling hookworm disease and therapeutic targets for many inflammatory diseases. This review aims to summarize our present knowledge about hookworm ES products, including their role in parasite biology, host-parasite interactions, and as vaccine and pharmaceutical targets and to identify research gaps and future research directions in this field.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa M I Abuzeid
- Guangdong Provincial Zoonosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Zoonosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Zoonosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Guoqing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Zoonosis Prevention and Control Key Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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11
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Stevens L, Rooke S, Falzon LC, Machuka EM, Momanyi K, Murungi MK, Njoroge SM, Odinga CO, Ogendo A, Ogola J, Fèvre EM, Blaxter M. The Genome of Caenorhabditis bovis. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1023-1031.e4. [PMID: 32109387 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a key laboratory model for metazoan biology. C. elegans has also become a model for parasitic nematodes despite being only distantly related to most parasitic species. All of the ∼65 Caenorhabditis species currently in culture are free-living, with most having been isolated from decaying plant or fungal matter. Caenorhabditis bovis is a particularly unusual species that has been isolated several times from the inflamed ears of Zebu cattle in Eastern Africa, where it is associated with the disease bovine parasitic otitis. C. bovis is therefore of particular interest to researchers interested in the evolution of nematode parasitism. However, as C. bovis is not in laboratory culture, it remains little studied. Here, by sampling livestock markets and slaughterhouses in Western Kenya, we successfully reisolated C. bovis from the ear of adult female Zebu. We sequenced the genome of C. bovis using the Oxford Nanopore MinION platform in a nearby field laboratory and used the data to generate a chromosome-scale draft genome sequence. We exploited this draft genome sequence to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of C. bovis to other Caenorhabditis species and reveal the changes in genome size and content that have occurred during its evolution. We also identified expansions in several gene families that have been implicated in parasitism in other nematode species. The high-quality draft genome and our analyses thereof represent a significant advancement in our understanding of this unusual Caenorhabditis species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis Stevens
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK.
| | - Stefan Rooke
- Usher Institute, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
| | - Laura C Falzon
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, 8 West Derby Street, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK; International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eunice M Machuka
- Biosciences, Eastern and Central Africa, International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kelvin Momanyi
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maurice K Murungi
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samuel M Njoroge
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709 00100, Nairobi, Kenya; Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, KNH Grounds, PO Box 54840 00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Christian O Odinga
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Allan Ogendo
- Veterinary Department, Busia County Government, PO Box Private Bag 50400, Busia, Kenya
| | - Joseph Ogola
- Veterinary Department, Bungoma County Government, PO Box 2489 50200, Bungoma, Kenya
| | - Eric M Fèvre
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, 8 West Derby Street, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK; International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709 00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mark Blaxter
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
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12
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Shen D, Tang Z, Wang C, Wang J, Dong Y, Chen Y, Wei Y, Cheng B, Zhang M, Grenville-Briggs LJ, Tyler BM, Dou D, Xia A. Infection mechanisms and putative effector repertoire of the mosquito pathogenic oomycete Pythium guiyangense uncovered by genomic analysis. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008116. [PMID: 31017897 PMCID: PMC6502433 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pythium guiyangense, an oomycete from a genus of mostly plant pathogens, is an effective biological control agent that has wide potential to manage diverse mosquitoes. However, its mosquito-killing mechanisms are almost unknown. In this study, we observed that P. guiyangense could utilize cuticle penetration and ingestion of mycelia into the digestive system to infect mosquito larvae. To explore pathogenic mechanisms, a high-quality genome sequence with 239 contigs and an N50 contig length of 1,009 kb was generated. The genome assembly is approximately 110 Mb, which is almost twice the size of other sequenced Pythium genomes. Further genome analysis suggests that P. guiyangense may arise from a hybridization of two related but distinct parental species. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that P. guiyangense likely evolved from common ancestors shared with plant pathogens. Comparative genome analysis coupled with transcriptome sequencing data suggested that P. guiyangense may employ multiple virulence mechanisms to infect mosquitoes, including secreted proteases and kazal-type protease inhibitors. It also shares intracellular Crinkler (CRN) effectors used by plant pathogenic oomycetes to facilitate the colonization of plant hosts. Our experimental evidence demonstrates that CRN effectors of P. guiyangense can be toxic to insect cells. The infection mechanisms and putative virulence effectors of P. guiyangense uncovered by this study provide the basis to develop improved mosquito control strategies. These data also provide useful knowledge on host adaptation and evolution of the entomopathogenic lifestyle within the oomycete lineage. A deeper understanding of the biology of P. guiyangense effectors might also be useful for management of other important agricultural pests. Utilization of biocontrol agents has emerged as a promising mosquito control strategy, and Pythium guiyangense has wide potential to manage diverse mosquitoes with high efficiency. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying pathological processes remain almost unknown. We observed that P. guiyangense invades mosquito larvae through cuticle penetration and through ingestion of mycelia via the digestive system, jointly accelerating mosquito larvae mortality. We also present a high-quality genome assembly of P. guiyangense that contains two distinct genome complements, which likely resulted from a hybridization of two parental species. Our analyses revealed expansions of kinases, proteases, kazal-type protease inhibitors, and elicitins that may be important for adaptation of P. guiyangense to a mosquito-pathogenic lifestyle. Moreover, our experimental evidence demonstrated that some Crinkler effectors of P. guiyangense can be toxic to insect cells. Our findings suggest new insights into oomycete evolution and host adaptation by animal pathogenic oomycetes. Our new genome resource will enable better understanding of infection mechanisms, with the potential to improve the biological control of mosquitoes and other agriculturally important pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyu Shen
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaoyang Tang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cong Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yumei Dong
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Wei
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Biao Cheng
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meiqian Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Brett M. Tyler
- Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Daolong Dou
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ai Xia
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail:
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13
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A novel Kunitz protein with proposed dual function from Eudiplozoon nipponicum (Monogenea) impairs haemostasis and action of complement in vitro. Int J Parasitol 2019; 49:337-346. [PMID: 30796952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Serine peptidases are involved in many physiological processes including digestion, haemostasis and complement cascade. Parasites regulate activities of host serine peptidases to their own benefit, employing various inhibitors, many of which belong to the Kunitz-type protein family. In this study, we confirmed the presence of potential anticoagulants in protein extracts of the haematophagous monogenean Eudiplozoon nipponicum which parasitizes the common carp. We then focused on a Kunitz protein (EnKT1) discovered in the E. nipponicum transcriptome, which structurally resembles textilinin-1, an antihemorrhagic snake venom factor from Pseudonaja textilis. The protein was recombinantly expressed, purified and biochemically characterised. The recombinant EnKT1 did inhibit in vitro activity of Factor Xa of the coagulation cascade, but exhibited a higher activity against plasmin and plasma kallikrein, which participate in fibrinolysis, production of kinins, and complement activation. Anti-coagulation properties of EnKT1 based on the inhibition of Factor Xa were confirmed by thromboelastography, but no effect on fibrinolysis was observed. Moreover, we discovered that EnKT1 significantly impairs the function of fish complement, possibly by inhibiting plasmin or Factor Xa which can act as a C3 and C5 convertase. We localised Enkt1 transcripts and protein within haematin digestive cells of the parasite by RNA in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Based on these results, we suggest that the secretory Kunitz protein of E. nipponicum has a dual function. In particular, it impairs both haemostasis and complement activation in vitro, and thus might facilitate digestion of a host's blood and protect a parasite's gastrodermis from damage by the complement. This study presents, to our knowledge, the first characterisation of a Kunitz protein from monogeneans and the first example of a parasite Kunitz inhibitor that impairs the function of the complement.
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14
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Serine protease inhibitors containing a Kunitz domain: their role in modulation of host inflammatory responses and parasite survival. Microbes Infect 2018; 20:606-609. [PMID: 29355617 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Proteins containing a Kunitz domain have the typical serine protease inhibition function ranging from sea anemone to man. Protease inhibitors play major roles in infection, inflammation disorders and cancer. This review discusses the role of serine proteases containing a Kunitz domain in immunomodulation induced by helminth parasites. Helminth parasites are associated with protection from inflammatory conditions. Therefore, interest has raised whether worm parasites or their products hold potential as drugs for treatment of immunological disorders. Finally, we also propose the use of recombinant SmKI-1 from Schistosoma mansoni as a potential therapeutic molecule to treat inflammatory diseases.
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15
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Xu J, Bai X, Wang LB, Shi HN, van der Giessen JWB, Boireau P, Liu MY, Liu XL. Influence of adjuvant formulation on inducing immune response in mice immunized with a recombinant serpin from Trichinella spiralis. Parasite Immunol 2017; 39. [PMID: 28445612 DOI: 10.1111/pim.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nematodes of the genus Trichinella are one of the most widespread zoonotic pathogens on the world, and they can still cause major public health problems in many parts of the world. Vaccination against the helminth nematode Trichinella could be a good strategy to reduce the risk of human and animal infection. It was our aim to evaluate three adjuvants, which could be used as an efficient vaccine for animals in combination with rTs-Serpin antigen. In this study, BALB/c mice were vaccinated by an intramuscular route with rTs-Serpin antigen from the parasite Trichinella spiralis in combination with three different adjuvant formulations: Montanide ISA201, Montanide IMS 1313 N PR VG and Freund's complete adjuvant/Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FCA/FIA). The dynamics of IgG, IgM, IgE and cytokine production from spleen cells and worm reduction rate of the vaccinated mice were analysed. The results showed that rTs-serpin can induce partial protection against Trichinella larvae challenge in mice, when compared to the FCA-/FIA-formulated vaccination, the IMS1313 plus rTs-serpin mixture showed higher humoral immunity and similar levels of cellular immunity and worm reduction rate. The study suggested that Montanide IMS nanoparticles 1313 are as effective as FCA but less toxic; thus, Montanide IMS nanoparticles 1313 can be used as a good candidate of adjuvant for developing vaccine against Trichinella spiralis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Xu
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, Changchun, PR, China
| | - X Bai
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, Changchun, PR, China
| | - L B Wang
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, Changchun, PR, China
| | - H N Shi
- Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital East, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J W B van der Giessen
- Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Boireau
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, Changchun, PR, China.,Laboratory for Animal Health, Maisons Alfort, ANSES, INRA, ENVA, Universite Paris Est, Paris, France
| | - M Y Liu
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, Changchun, PR, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, PR, China
| | - X L Liu
- Key Lab for Zoonoses Research, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonoses, Jilin University, Changchun, PR, China
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16
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Porter LM, Radulović ŽM, Mulenga A. A repertoire of protease inhibitor families in Amblyomma americanum and other tick species: inter-species comparative analyses. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:152. [PMID: 28330502 PMCID: PMC5361777 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protease inhibitors (PIs) are important regulators of physiology and represent anti-parasitic druggable and vaccine targets. We conducted bioinformatic analyses of genome and transcriptome data to determine the protease inhibitor (PI) repertoire in Amblyomma americanum and in 25 other ixodid tick species. For A. americanum, we compared the PI repertoires in fed and unfed, male and female A. americanum ticks. We also analyzed PI repertoires of female 48, 96 and 120 h-fed midgut (MG) and salivary gland (SG) tissues. RESULTS We found 1,595 putative non-redundant PI sequences across 26 ixodid tick species. Ticks express PIs from at least 18 different families: I1, I2, I4, I8, I21, I25, I29, I31, I32, I35, I39, I43, I51, I53, I63, I68, I72 and I74 (MEROPS). The largest PI families were I2, I4 and I8 and lowest in I21, I31, I32, I35 and I68. The majority (75%) of tick PIs putatively inhibit serine proteases, with ~11 and 9% putatively regulating cysteine or metalloprotease-mediated pathways, respectively, and ~4% putatively regulating multiple/mixed protease types. In A. americanum, we found 370 PIs in female and 354 in male ticks. In A. americanum we found 231 and 442 in unfed and fed ticks, respectively. In females, we found 206 and 164 PIs in SG and MG, respectively. The majority of highly cross-tick species conserved PIs were in families I1, I2, I8, I21, I25, I29, I39 and I43. CONCLUSIONS Ticks appear to express large and diverse repertoires of PIs that primarily target serine protease-mediated pathways. We speculate that PI families with the highest repertoires may contain functionally redundant members while those with the lowest repertoires are functionally non-redundant PIs. We found some highly conserved PIs in the latter category, which we propose as potential candidates for broad-spectrum anti-tick vaccine candidates or druggable targets in tick control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Porter
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 4647 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Željko M Radulović
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 4647 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 4647 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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17
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Park Y, Kang S, Sadekuzzaman M, Kim H, Jung JK, Kim Y. Identification and bacterial characteristics of Xenorhabdus hominickii ANU101 from an entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema monticolum. J Invertebr Pathol 2017; 144:74-87. [PMID: 28193447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
An entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema monticolum, was collected in Korea. Its identity was confirmed by morphological and molecular characters. Its symbiotic bacterium, Xenorhabdus hominickii ANU101, was isolated and assessed in terms of bacterial characteristics. Sixty-eight different carbon sources were utilized by X. hominickii ANU101 out of 95 different sources from a Biolog assay. Compared to other Xenorhabdus species, X. hominickii ANU101 was relatively susceptible to high temperatures and did not grow above 34°C. Furthermore, its growth rate was much slower than other Xenorhabdus species. X. hominickii exhibited insecticidal activities against coleopteran, dipteran, and lepidopteran insect pests. The bacterial virulence was not correlated with its host nematode virulence with respect to relative insecticidal activity against target insects. X. hominickii ANU101 exhibited antibiotics tolerance. The bacterium possesses four different plasmids (Xh-P1 (104,132bp), Xh-P2 (95,975bp), Xh-P3 (88,536bp), and Xh-P4 (11,403bp)) and encodes 332 open reading frames. Subsequent predicted genes include toxin/antitoxins comprising a multidrug export ATP-binding/permease. This study reports bacterial characters of X. hominickii and its entomopathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjin Park
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangjin Kang
- Bongwha County, 1111 Bonghwa-ro, Bonghwa 36239, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Sadekuzzaman
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonghwan Kim
- Horticultural & Herbal Crop Environment Division, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, RDA, Wanju 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Kyo Jung
- Division of Crop Cultivation and Environment Research, Department of Central Area Crop Science, National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon 16429, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Lu D, Baiocchi T, Dillman AR. Genomics of Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Implications for Pest Control. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:588-598. [PMID: 27142565 PMCID: PMC4969101 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have been used in biological control but improvement is needed to realize their full potential for broader application in agriculture. Some improvements have been gained through selective breeding and the isolation of additional species and populations. Having genomic sequences for at least six EPNs opens the possibility of genetic improvement, either by facilitating the selection of candidate genes for hypothesis-driven studies of gene-trait relations or by genomics-assisted breeding for desirable traits. However, the genomic data will be of limited use without a more mechanistic understanding of the genes underlying traits that are important for biological control. Additionally, molecular tools are required to fully translate the genomic resources into further functional studies and better biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dihong Lu
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Tiffany Baiocchi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Adler R Dillman
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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19
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Smith D, Tikhonova IG, Jewhurst HL, Drysdale OC, Dvořák J, Robinson MW, Cwiklinski K, Dalton JP. Unexpected Activity of a Novel Kunitz-type Inhibitor: INHIBITION OF CYSTEINE PROTEASES BUT NOT SERINE PROTEASES. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:19220-34. [PMID: 27422822 PMCID: PMC5016662 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.724344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Kunitz-type (KT) protease inhibitors are low molecular weight proteins classically defined as serine protease inhibitors. We identified a novel secreted KT inhibitor associated with the gut and parenchymal tissues of the infective juvenile stage of Fasciola hepatica, a helminth parasite of medical and veterinary importance. Unexpectedly, recombinant KT inhibitor (rFhKT1) exhibited no inhibitory activity toward serine proteases but was a potent inhibitor of the major secreted cathepsin L cysteine proteases of F. hepatica, FhCL1 and FhCL2, and of human cathepsins L and K (Ki = 0.4-27 nm). FhKT1 prevented the auto-catalytic activation of FhCL1 and FhCL2 and formed stable complexes with the mature enzymes. Pulldown experiments from adult parasite culture medium showed that rFhKT1 interacts specifically with native secreted FhCL1, FhCL2, and FhCL5. Substitution of the unusual P1 Leu15 within the exposed reactive loop of FhKT1 for the more commonly found Arg (FhKT1Leu15/Arg15) had modest adverse effects on the cysteine protease inhibition but conferred potent activity against the serine protease trypsin (Ki = 1.5 nm). Computational docking and sequence analysis provided hypotheses for the exclusive binding of FhKT1 to cysteine proteases, the importance of the Leu15 in anchoring the inhibitor into the S2 active site pocket, and the inhibitor's selectivity toward FhCL1, FhCL2, and human cathepsins L and K. FhKT1 represents a novel evolutionary adaptation of KT protease inhibitors by F. hepatica, with its prime purpose likely in the regulation of the major parasite-secreted proteases and/or cathepsin L-like proteases of its host.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irina G Tikhonova
- School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jan Dvořák
- From the School of Biological Sciences and
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20
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Zhang Z, Mao Y, Li D, Zhang Y, Li W, Jia H, Zheng J, Li L, Lu Y. High-level expression and characterization of two serine protease inhibitors from Trichinella spiralis. Vet Parasitol 2016; 219:34-9. [PMID: 26921036 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (SPIs) play important roles in tissue homeostasis, cell survival, development, and host defense. So far, SPIs have been identified from various organisms, such as animals, plants, bacteria, poxviruses, and parasites. In this study, two SPIs (Tsp03044 and TspAd5) were identified from the genome of Trichinella spiralis and expressed in Escherichia coli. Sequence analysis revealed that these two SPIs contained essential structural motifs, which were well conserved within the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and serpin superfamily. Based on protease inhibition assays, the recombinant Tsp03044 showed inhibitory effects on trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, and pepsin, while the recombinant TspAd5 could effectively inhibit the activities of α-chymotrypsin and pepsin. Both these inhibitors showed activity between 28 and 48 °C. The expression levels of the two SPIs were also determined at different developmental stages of the parasite with real-time PCR. Our results indicate that Tsp03044 and TspAd5 are functional serine protease inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Common Disease Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yixian Mao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Common Disease Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Da Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Common Disease Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yvhan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Common Disease Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Common Disease Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Honglin Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology-Michigan State University Joint Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Maduan Street 427, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Jun Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology-Michigan State University Joint Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Maduan Street 427, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Common Disease Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yixin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Common Disease Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 59 Mucai Street, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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21
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Dillman AR, Macchietto M, Porter CF, Rogers A, Williams B, Antoshechkin I, Lee MM, Goodwin Z, Lu X, Lewis EE, Goodrich-Blair H, Stock SP, Adams BJ, Sternberg PW, Mortazavi A. Comparative genomics of Steinernema reveals deeply conserved gene regulatory networks. Genome Biol 2015; 16:200. [PMID: 26392177 PMCID: PMC4578762 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-015-0746-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parasitism is a major ecological niche for a variety of nematodes. Multiple nematode lineages have specialized as pathogens, including deadly parasites of insects that are used in biological control. We have sequenced and analyzed the draft genomes and transcriptomes of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and four congeners (S. scapterisci, S. monticolum, S. feltiae, and S. glaseri). RESULTS We used these genomes to establish phylogenetic relationships, explore gene conservation across species, and identify genes uniquely expanded in insect parasites. Protein domain analysis in Steinernema revealed a striking expansion of numerous putative parasitism genes, including certain protease and protease inhibitor families, as well as fatty acid- and retinol-binding proteins. Stage-specific gene expression of some of these expanded families further supports the notion that they are involved in insect parasitism by Steinernema. We show that sets of novel conserved non-coding regulatory motifs are associated with orthologous genes in Steinernema and Caenorhabditis. CONCLUSIONS We have identified a set of expanded gene families that are likely to be involved in parasitism. We have also identified a set of non-coding motifs associated with groups of orthologous genes in Steinernema and Caenorhabditis involved in neurogenesis and embryonic development that are likely part of conserved protein-DNA relationships shared between these two genera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adler R Dillman
- Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
| | - Marissa Macchietto
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| | - Camille F Porter
- Department of Biology and Evolutionary Ecology Laboratories, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
| | - Alicia Rogers
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
| | - Brian Williams
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
| | - Igor Antoshechkin
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
| | - Ming-Min Lee
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Zane Goodwin
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University, St Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Xiaojun Lu
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Edwin E Lewis
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Heidi Goodrich-Blair
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - S Patricia Stock
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Byron J Adams
- Department of Biology and Evolutionary Ecology Laboratories, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
| | - Paul W Sternberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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22
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Cantacessi C, Hofmann A, Campbell BE, Gasser RB. Impact of next-generation technologies on exploring socioeconomically important parasites and developing new interventions. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1247:437-474. [PMID: 25399114 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2004-4_31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput molecular and computer technologies have become instrumental for systems biological explorations of pathogens, including parasites. For instance, investigations of the transcriptomes of different developmental stages of parasitic nematodes give insights into gene expression, regulation and function in a parasite, which is a significant step to understanding their biology, as well as interactions with their host(s) and disease. This chapter (1) gives a background on some key parasitic nematodes of socioeconomic importance, (2) describes sequencing and bioinformatic technologies for large-scale studies of the transcriptomes and genomes of these parasites, (3) provides some recent examples of applications and (4) emphasizes the prospects of fundamental biological explorations of parasites using these technologies for the development of new interventions to combat parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Cantacessi
- Department of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
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23
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Fairfax KC, Harrison LM, Cappello M. Molecular cloning and characterization of a nematode polyprotein antigen/allergen from the human and animal hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2014; 198:37-44. [PMID: 25481749 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nematodes are unable to synthesize fatty acids de novo and must acquire them from the environment or host. It is hypothesized that two unique classes of fatty acid and retinol binding proteins that nematodes produce (fatty acid and retinol binding (FAR) and nematode polyprotein antigen/allergen (NPA)) are used to meet this need. A partial cDNA has been cloned corresponding to four subunits of a putative Ancylostoma ceylanicum NPA (AceNPA). The translated amino acid sequence of AceNPA shares sequence identity with similar proteins from Dictyocaulus viviparus, Ascaris suum, and Ostertagia ostertagi. Immunoblot experiments using a polyclonal anti-AceNPA IgG revealed proteins corresponding to the expected sizes of single, as well as two or three un-cleaved NPA subunits in adult excretory/secretory proteins and soluble adult worm extracts. Immunohistochemistry experiments localize AceNPA to the cuticle, pseudocoelomic space and testes suggesting a role in hookworm biology that is distinct from what has previously been defined for other hookworm lipid binding proteins. A single recombinant subunit of AceNPA (rAceNPAb) demonstrated binding in vitro to fluorescent fatty acids DAUDA, cis-parinaric acid, as well as retinol, at equilibrium dissociation constants in the low micromolar range. Further, in vitro data reveal that rAceNPAb binds fatty acids with chain lengths of C12-C22, with the greatest affinities for arachidonic, linoleic (C18), and eicosapentaenoic (C20) acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keke C Fairfax
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Lisa M Harrison
- Infectious Diseases Section and Program in International Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Cappello
- Infectious Diseases Section and Program in International Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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24
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Toubarro D, Avila MM, Montiel R, Simões N. A pathogenic nematode targets recognition proteins to avoid insect defenses. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75691. [PMID: 24098715 PMCID: PMC3787073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Steinernemacarpocapsae is a nematode pathogenic in a wide variety of insect species. The great pathogenicity of this nematode has been ascribed to its ability to overcome the host immune response; however, little is known about the mechanisms involved in this process. The analysis of an expressed sequence tags (EST) library in the nematode during the infective phase was performed and a highly abundant contig homologous to serine protease inhibitors was identified. In this work, we show that this contig is part of a 641-bp cDNA that encodes a BPTI-Kunitz family inhibitor (Sc-KU-4), which is up-regulated in the parasite during invasion and installation. Recombinant Sc-KU-4 protein was produced in Escherichia coli and shown to inhibit chymotrypsin and elastase activities in a dose-dependent manner by a competitive mechanism with Ki values of 1.8 nM and 2.6 nM, respectively. Sc-KU-4 also inhibited trypsin and thrombin activities to a lesser extent. Studies of the mode of action of Sc-KU-4 and its effects on insect defenses suggest that although Sc-KU-4 did not inhibit the activation of hemocytes or the formation of clotting fibers, it did inhibit hemocyte aggregation and the entrapment of foreign particles by fibers. Moreover, Sc-KU-4 avoided encapsulation and the deposition of clotting materials, which usually occurs in response to foreign particles. We show by protein-protein interaction that Sc-KU-4 targets recognition proteins of insect immune system such as masquerade-like and serine protease-like homologs. The interaction of Sc-KU-4 with these proteins explains the ability of the nematode to overcome host reactions and its large pathogenic spectrum, once these immune proteins are well conserved in insects. The discovery of this inhibitor targeting insect recognition proteins opens new avenues for the development of S. carpocapsae as a biological control agent and provides a new tool to study host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duarte Toubarro
- IBB/CBA and CIRN/Departamento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Mónica Martinez Avila
- IBB/CBA and CIRN/Departamento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
| | - Rafael Montiel
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Nelson Simões
- IBB/CBA and CIRN/Departamento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, Ponta Delgada, Portugal
- * E-mail:
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25
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Hewitson JP, Ivens AC, Harcus Y, Filbey KJ, McSorley HJ, Murray J, Bridgett S, Ashford D, Dowle AA, Maizels RM. Secretion of protective antigens by tissue-stage nematode larvae revealed by proteomic analysis and vaccination-induced sterile immunity. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003492. [PMID: 23966853 PMCID: PMC3744408 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematode parasites infect over 1 billion humans, with little evidence for generation of sterilising immunity. These helminths are highly adapted to their mammalian host, following a developmental program through successive niches, while effectively down-modulating host immune responsiveness. Larvae of Heligmosomoides polygyrus, for example, encyst in the intestinal submucosa, before emerging as adult worms into the duodenal lumen. Adults release immunomodulatory excretory-secretory (ES) products, but mice immunised with adult H. polygyrus ES become fully immune to challenge infection. ES products of the intestinal wall 4th stage (L4) larvae are similarly important in host-parasite interactions, as they readily generate sterile immunity against infection, while released material from the egg stage is ineffective. Proteomic analyses of L4 ES identifies protective antigen targets as well as potential tissue-phase immunomodulatory molecules, using as comparators the adult ES proteome and a profile of H. polygyrus egg-released material. While 135 proteins are shared between L4 and adult ES, 72 are L4 ES-specific; L4-specific proteins correspond to those whose transcription is restricted to larval stages, while shared proteins are generally transcribed by all life cycle forms. Two protein families are more heavily represented in the L4 secretome, the Sushi domain, associated with complement regulation, and the ShK/SXC domain related to a toxin interfering with T cell signalling. Both adult and L4 ES contain extensive but distinct arrays of Venom allergen/Ancylostoma secreted protein-Like (VAL) members, with acetylcholinesterases (ACEs) and apyrase APY-3 particularly abundant in L4 ES. Serum antibodies from mice vaccinated with L4 and adult ES react strongly to the VAL-1 protein and to ACE-1, indicating that these two antigens represent major vaccine targets for this intestinal nematode. We have thus defined an extensive and novel repertoire of H. polygyrus proteins closely implicated in immune modulation and protective immunity. Intestinal helminth parasites are highly prevalent in humans and animals, and survive for long periods by deviating the host immune system. No vaccines are currently available to control these infections. Many helminths invade through barrier surfaces (such as the skin or the digestive tract) and develop through tissue larval stages before reaching their final niche such as the intestinal lumen. We studied the tissue larval stage of a mouse parasite, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, to test whether proteins released by this stage could elicit protective immunity, and found that they indeed constitute very effective vaccine antigens. Proteomic analysis to identify the individual proteins released by the larvae demonstrated that while many products are shared between tissue-dwelling larvae and adults occupying the intestinal lumen, larvae express higher levels of two gene families linked to immunomodulation, namely the Sushi protein family and the ShK toxin family. Antibody analysis of serum from vaccinated mice identified two major antigens recognised by the protective immune response as VAL-1 and ACE-1, which are respectively members of the venom allergen and acetylcholinesterase families. This work establishes that tissue larvae are the source of protective antigens for future vaccines, and highlights their production of two potentially immunomodulatory gene families.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Helminth/analysis
- Antibodies, Helminth/immunology
- Antigens, Helminth/immunology
- Antigens, Helminth/metabolism
- Blotting, Western
- Chromatography, Liquid
- Computational Biology
- Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Helminth Proteins/immunology
- Helminth Proteins/metabolism
- Host-Parasite Interactions
- Immunization
- Immunoprecipitation
- Larva/immunology
- Larva/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Nematode Infections/immunology
- Nematode Infections/parasitology
- Nematospiroides dubius/growth & development
- Nematospiroides dubius/immunology
- Proteomics
- Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
- Vaccination
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Affiliation(s)
- James P. Hewitson
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Al C. Ivens
- Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne Harcus
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kara J. Filbey
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Henry J. McSorley
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Janice Murray
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Bridgett
- Gene Pool, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David Ashford
- Technology Facility, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Adam A. Dowle
- Technology Facility, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Rick M. Maizels
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, Ashworth Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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26
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Pearson MS, Tribolet L, Cantacessi C, Periago MV, Valero MA, Valerio MA, Jariwala AR, Hotez P, Diemert D, Loukas A, Bethony J. Molecular mechanisms of hookworm disease: stealth, virulence, and vaccines. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 130:13-21. [PMID: 22742835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2012.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 05/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hookworms produce a vast repertoire of structurally and functionally diverse molecules that mediate their long-term survival and pathogenesis within a human host. Many of these molecules are secreted by the parasite, after which they interact with critical components of host biology, including processes that are key to host survival. The most important of these interactions is the hookworm's interruption of nutrient acquisition by the host through its ingestion and digestion of host blood. This results in iron deficiency and eventually the microcytic hypochromic anemia or iron deficiency anemia that is the clinical hallmark of hookworm infection. Other molecular mechanisms of hookworm infection cause a systematic suppression of the host immune response to both the parasite and to bystander antigens (eg, vaccines or allergens). This is achieved by a series of molecules that assist the parasite in the stealthy evasion of the host immune response. This review will summarize the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms used by hookworms to survive for extended periods in the human host (up to 7 years or longer) and examine the pivotal contributions of these molecular mechanisms to chronic hookworm parasitism and host clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Pearson
- Center for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia.
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27
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Cantacessi C, Campbell BE, Gasser RB. Key strongylid nematodes of animals — Impact of next-generation transcriptomics on systems biology and biotechnology. Biotechnol Adv 2012; 30:469-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2011.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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28
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CANTACESSI C, CAMPBELL BE, JEX AR, YOUNG ND, HALL RS, RANGANATHAN S, GASSER RB. Bioinformatics meets parasitology. Parasite Immunol 2012; 34:265-75. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2011.01304.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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29
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Alonso-del-Rivero M, Trejo SA, Reytor ML, Rodriguez-de-la-Vega M, Delfin J, Diaz J, González-González Y, Canals F, Chavez MA, Aviles FX. Tri-domain bifunctional inhibitor of metallocarboxypeptidases A and serine proteases isolated from marine annelid Sabellastarte magnifica. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:15427-38. [PMID: 22411994 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.337261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study describes a novel bifunctional metallocarboxypeptidase and serine protease inhibitor (SmCI) isolated from the tentacle crown of the annelid Sabellastarte magnifica. SmCI is a 165-residue glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 19.69 kDa (mass spectrometry) and 18 cysteine residues forming nine disulfide bonds. Its cDNA was cloned and sequenced by RT-PCR and nested PCR using degenerated oligonucleotides. Employing this information along with data derived from automatic Edman degradation of peptide fragments, the SmCI sequence was fully characterized, indicating the presence of three bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor/Kunitz domains and its high homology with other Kunitz serine protease inhibitors. Enzyme kinetics and structural analyses revealed SmCI to be an inhibitor of human and bovine pancreatic metallocarboxypeptidases of the A-type (but not B-type), with nanomolar K(i) values. SmCI is also capable of inhibiting bovine pancreatic trypsin, chymotrypsin, and porcine pancreatic elastase in varying measures. When the inhibitor and its nonglycosylated form (SmCI N23A mutant) were overproduced recombinantly in a Pichia pastoris system, they displayed the dual inhibitory properties of the natural form. Similarly, two bi-domain forms of the inhibitor (recombinant rSmCI D1-D2 and rSmCI D2-D3) as well as its C-terminal domain (rSmCI-D3) were also overproduced. Of these fragments, only the rSmCI D1-D2 bi-domain retained inhibition of metallocarboxypeptidase A but only partially, indicating that the whole tri-domain structure is required for such capability in full. SmCI is the first proteinaceous inhibitor of metallocarboxypeptidases able to act as well on another mechanistic class of proteases (serine-type) and is the first of this kind identified in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maday Alonso-del-Rivero
- Centro de Estudio de Proteínas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de la Habana, 10400 La Habana, Cuba
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30
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Twenty-first century progress toward the global control of human hookworm infection. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2011; 13:210-7. [PMID: 21462001 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-011-0182-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hookworms are bloodsucking nematodes that afflict up to 740 million persons in tropical and subtropical regions, with Asia and sub-Saharan Africa exhibiting particularly high infection rates. Prevalence, intensity, and pathology often vary considerably at both the regional and local level, and may be influenced by coinfection with other parasitic infections such as malaria. Immunoepidemiological studies suggest that hookworms manipulate the host immune response and may provide some protection from allergy and asthma. There has been substantial progress in elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of hookworm disease, with anticoagulants, protease inhibitors, digestive proteases, and novel excretory/secretory proteins being of particular interest. Mass chemotherapy remains a mainstay of hookworm control strategies, although continued use of drugs may lead to reduced efficacy and treatment failures have been observed. Consequently, a need exists for innovative approaches, such as vaccination; recent studies have identified and/or evaluated candidate vaccine antigens in human and animal models.
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31
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Hewitson JP, Harcus Y, Murray J, van Agtmaal M, Filbey KJ, Grainger JR, Bridgett S, Blaxter ML, Ashton PD, Ashford DA, Curwen RS, Wilson RA, Dowle AA, Maizels RM. Proteomic analysis of secretory products from the model gastrointestinal nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus reveals dominance of venom allergen-like (VAL) proteins. J Proteomics 2011; 74:1573-94. [PMID: 21722761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2011] [Revised: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal helminth parasite, Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri offers a tractable experimental model for human hookworm infections such as Ancylostoma duodenale and veterinary parasites such as Haemonchus contortus. Parasite excretory-secretory (ES) products represent the major focus for immunological and biochemical analyses, and contain immunomodulatory molecules responsible for nematode immune evasion. In a proteomic analysis of adult H. polygyrus secretions (termed HES) matched to an extensive transcriptomic dataset, we identified 374 HES proteins by LC-MS/MS, which were distinct from those in somatic extract HEx, comprising 446 identified proteins, confirming selective export of ES proteins. The predominant secreted protein families were proteases (astacins and other metalloproteases, aspartic, cysteine and serine-type proteases), lysozymes, apyrases and acetylcholinesterases. The most abundant products were members of the highly divergent venom allergen-like (VAL) family, related to Ancylostoma secreted protein (ASP); 25 homologues were identified, with VAL-1 and -2 also shown to be associated with the parasite surface. The dominance of VAL proteins is similar to profiles reported for Ancylostoma and Haemonchus ES products. Overall, this study shows that the secretions of H. polygyrus closely parallel those of clinically important GI nematodes, confirming the value of this parasite as a model of helminth infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Hewitson
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JT, UK
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32
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Kucera K, Harrison LM, Cappello M, Modis Y. Ancylostoma ceylanicum excretory-secretory protein 2 adopts a netrin-like fold and defines a novel family of nematode proteins. J Mol Biol 2011; 408:9-17. [PMID: 21352830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2011] [Revised: 02/12/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hookworms are human parasites that have devastating effects on global health, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Ancylostoma ceylanicum infects humans and animals, making it a useful model organism to study disease pathogenesis. A. ceylanicum excretory-secretory protein 2 (AceES-2), a highly immunoreactive molecule secreted by adult worms at the site of intestinal attachment, is partially protective when administered as a mucosal vaccine against hookworm anemia. The crystal structure of AceES-2 determined at 1.75 Å resolution shows that it adopts a netrin-like fold similar to that found in tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases (TIMPs) and in complement factors C3 and C5. However, recombinant AceES-2 does not significantly inhibit the 10 most abundant human matrix metalloproteases or complement-mediated cell lysis. The presence of a highly acidic surface on AceES-2 suggests that it may function as a cytokine decoy receptor. Several small nematode proteins that have been annotated as TIMPs or netrin-domain-containing proteins display sequence homology in structurally important regions of AceES-2's netrin-like fold. Together, our results suggest that AceES-2 defines a novel family of nematode netrin-like proteins, which may function to modulate the host immune response to hookworm and other parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaury Kucera
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 266 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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33
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Identification and characterization of a serine protease inhibitor with two trypsin inhibitor-like domains from the human hookworm Ancylostoma duodenale. Parasitol Res 2010; 108:287-95. [PMID: 20852886 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-010-2055-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Protease inhibitors play important roles in the parasitic nematodes' survival within their host, in the development and reproduction of the parasites. The present study described the isolation, identification, and characterization of a novel member of the Ascaris family of serine protease inhibitors, designated AduTIL-1, from the human hookworm Ancylostoma duodenale. AduTIL-1 is composed of a signal sequence and two trypsin inhibitor-like (TIL) domains, which showed the highest similarity with OdmCRP, a putative serine protease inhibitor with two TIL domains in Oesophagostomum dentatum. Each TIL domain of the AduTIL-1 was expressed in Escherichia coli, and their inhibitory activities against serine proteases from animals and human were characterized, respectively. Both of the two TIL domains inhibited human neutrophil elastase and pancreatic trypsin, but different in effectiveness. Although the first TIL domain of AduTIL-1 inhibited bovine pancreatic chymotrypsin (Ki=18.0 nM), both of the two domains showed no inhibitory activity against the human pancreatic chymotrypsin. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that AduTIL-1 was localized in esophagus, intestine, and cuticular surface of the adult worms. These results suggested that AduTIL-1 may be involved in the survival of A. duodenale in host by targeting related digestive enzymes and neutrophil elastase.
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34
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Massively parallel sequencing and analysis of the Necator americanus transcriptome. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2010; 4:e684. [PMID: 20485481 PMCID: PMC2867931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The blood-feeding hookworm Necator americanus infects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. In order to elucidate fundamental molecular biological aspects of this hookworm, the transcriptome of the adult stage of Necator americanus was explored using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. Methodology/Principal Findings A total of 19,997 contigs were assembled from the sequence data; 6,771 of these contigs had known orthologues in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and most of them encoded proteins with WD40 repeats (10.6%), proteinase inhibitors (7.8%) or calcium-binding EF-hand proteins (6.7%). Bioinformatic analyses inferred that the C. elegans homologues are involved mainly in biological pathways linked to ribosome biogenesis (70%), oxidative phosphorylation (63%) and/or proteases (60%); most of these molecules were predicted to be involved in more than one biological pathway. Comparative analyses of the transcriptomes of N. americanus and the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, revealed qualitative and quantitative differences. For instance, proteinase inhibitors were inferred to be highly represented in the former species, whereas SCP/Tpx-1/Ag5/PR-1/Sc7 proteins ( = SCP/TAPS or Ancylostoma-secreted proteins) were predominant in the latter. In N. americanus, essential molecules were predicted using a combination of orthology mapping and functional data available for C. elegans. Further analyses allowed the prioritization of 18 predicted drug targets which did not have homologues in the human host. These candidate targets were inferred to be linked to mitochondrial (e.g., processing proteins) or amino acid metabolism (e.g., asparagine t-RNA synthetase). Conclusions This study has provided detailed insights into the transcriptome of the adult stage of N. americanus and examines similarities and differences between this species and A. caninum. Future efforts should focus on comparative transcriptomic and proteomic investigations of the other predominant human hookworm, A. duodenale, for both fundamental and applied purposes, including the prevalidation of anti-hookworm drug targets. The blood-feeding hookworm Necator americanus infects hundreds of millions of people. To elucidate fundamental molecular biological aspects of this hookworm, the transcriptome of adult Necator americanus was studied using next-generation sequencing and in silico analyses. Contigs (n = 19,997) were assembled from the sequence data; 6,771 of them had known orthologues in the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and most encoded proteins with WD40 repeats (10.6%), proteinase inhibitors (7.8%) or calcium-binding EF-hand proteins (6.7%). Bioinformatic analyses inferred that C. elegans homologues are involved mainly in biological pathways linked to ribosome biogenesis (70%), oxidative phosphorylation (63%) and/or proteases (60%). Comparative analyses of the transcriptomes of N. americanus and the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, revealed qualitative and quantitative differences. Essential molecules were predicted using a combination of orthology mapping and functional data available for C. elegans. Further analyses allowed the prioritization of 18 predicted drug targets which did not have human homologues. These candidate targets were inferred to be linked to mitochondrial metabolism or amino acid synthesis. This investigation provides detailed insights into the transcriptome of the adult stage of N. americanus.
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Stepek G, McCormack G, Page AP. The kunitz domain protein BLI-5 plays a functionally conserved role in cuticle formation in a diverse range of nematodes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2010; 169:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2009.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Revised: 08/19/2009] [Accepted: 08/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Tomar S, Patil DN, Datta M, Tapas S, Preeti, Chaudhary A, Sharma AK, Tomar S, Kumar P. Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the complex of Kunitz-type tamarind trypsin inhibitor and porcine pancreatic trypsin. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2009; 65:1179-81. [PMID: 19923745 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309109041694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2009] [Accepted: 10/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The complex of Tamarindus indica Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor and porcine trypsin has been crystallized by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method using ammonium acetate as precipitant and sodium acetate as buffer. The homogeneity of complex formation was checked by size-exclusion chromatography and further confirmed by reducing SDS-PAGE. The crystals diffracted to 2.0 angstrom resolution and belonged to the tetragonal space group P4(1), with unit-cell parameters a = b = 57.1, c = 120.1 angstrom. Preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the presence of one unit of inhibitor-trypsin complex per asymmetric unit, with a solvent content of 45%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Tomar
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India
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A family of diverse Kunitz inhibitors from Echinococcus granulosus potentially involved in host-parasite cross-talk. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7009. [PMID: 19759914 PMCID: PMC2740865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cestode Echinococcus granulosus, the agent of hydatidosis/echinococcosis, is remarkably well adapted to its definitive host. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the successful establishment of larval worms (protoscoleces) in the dog duodenum are unknown. With the aim of identifying molecules participating in the E. granulosus-dog cross-talk, we surveyed the transcriptomes of protoscoleces and protoscoleces treated with pepsin at pH 2. This analysis identified a multigene family of secreted monodomain Kunitz proteins associated mostly with pepsin/H(+)-treated worms, suggesting that they play a role at the onset of infection. We present the relevant molecular features of eight members of the E. granulosus Kunitz family (EgKU-1 - EgKU-8). Although diverse, the family includes three pairs of close paralogs (EgKU-1/EgKU-4; EgKU-3/EgKU-8; EgKU-6/EgKU-7), which would be the products of recent gene duplications. In addition, we describe the purification of EgKU-1 and EgKU-8 from larval worms, and provide data indicating that some members of the family (notably, EgKU-3 and EgKU-8) are secreted by protoscoleces. Detailed kinetic studies with native EgKU-1 and EgKU-8 highlighted their functional diversity. Like most monodomain Kunitz proteins, EgKU-8 behaved as a slow, tight-binding inhibitor of serine proteases, with global inhibition constants (K(I) (*)) versus trypsins in the picomolar range. In sharp contrast, EgKU-1 did not inhibit any of the assayed peptidases. Interestingly, molecular modeling revealed structural elements associated with activity in Kunitz cation-channel blockers. We propose that this family of inhibitors has the potential to act at the E. granulosus-dog interface and interfere with host physiological processes at the initial stages of infection.
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Costa AFDV, Gasser RB, Dias SRC, Rabelo EML. Male-enriched transcription of genes encoding ASPs and Kunitz-type protease inhibitors in Ancylostoma species. Mol Cell Probes 2009; 23:298-303. [PMID: 19646525 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2009.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2009] [Revised: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Various transcripts coding for proteins considered to be central to parasite-host interactions were identified previously as male-enriched in the hookworm Ancylostoma braziliense. Among these genes were an ASP-5-like homologue and a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor. The present study extends this previous work to investigate similar molecules in other hookworms (Ancylostomatidae). Specifically, partial cDNA sequences encoding three different ASP molecules and two different Kunitz-type protease inhibitors were isolated, and the differential transcription between adult male and female worms was compared by conventional and quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR for three species, A. braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma ceylanicum. In accordance with previous findings, male-enriched transcription was observed for all molecules explored. Based on this information, it is hypothesized that adult males are responsible for producing proteins essential to the survival of hookworms inside the host and for supporting developmental and reproductive processes in female worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Flávia D V Costa
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos 6627, Campus Pampulha, CEP 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Fairfax KC, Vermeire JJ, Harrison LM, Bungiro RD, Grant W, Husain SZ, Cappello M. Characterisation of a fatty acid and retinol binding protein orthologue from the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Int J Parasitol 2009; 39:1561-71. [PMID: 19591834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2009.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2009] [Revised: 06/04/2009] [Accepted: 06/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hookworms, bloodfeeding intestinal nematodes, infect nearly one billion people in resource limited countries and are a leading cause of anaemia and malnutrition. Like other nematodes, hookworms lack the capacity to synthesise essential fatty acids de novo and therefore must acquire those from exogenous sources. The cDNA corresponding to a putative Ancylostoma ceylanicum fatty acid and retinol binding protein-1 (AceFAR-1) was amplified from adult hookworm mRNA. Studies using quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time PCR demonstrate that AceFAR-1 transcripts are most abundant in the earliest developmental stages of the parasite, and greater in females than males. Using in vitro assays, the recombinant AceFAR-1 (rAceFAR-1) was shown to bind individual fatty acids with equilibrium dissociation constants in the low micromolar range. The pattern of fatty acid uptake by live adult worms cultured ex vivo was similar to the in vitro binding profile of rAceFAR-1, raising the possibility that the native protein may be involved in acquisition of fatty acids by A. ceylanicum. Animals vaccinated orally with rAceFAR-1 and the mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin exhibited a statistically significant (40-47%) reduction in intestinal worm burden compared with controls immunized with antigen or adjuvant alone. Together, these data suggest a potential role for AceFAR-1 in hookworm biology, making it a potentially valuable target for drug and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keke C Fairfax
- Infectious Diseases Section and Program in International Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Improved insights into the transcriptomes of the human hookworm Necator americanus--fundamental and biotechnological implications. Biotechnol Adv 2008; 27:122-32. [PMID: 18977428 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2008.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2008] [Revised: 10/04/2008] [Accepted: 10/06/2008] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hookworms of humans are blood-feeding parasitic nematodes of major socio-economic significance in a wide range of countries. They cause a neglected tropical disease (NTD) called "hookworm disease" (=necatoriasis and/or ancylostomiasis). Necator americanus is the most widely distributed hookworm of humans and is a leading cause of iron deficiency anaemia, which can cause physical and mental retardation and deaths in children as well as adverse maternal-foetal outcomes. Currently, there is a significant focus on the development of new approaches for the prevention and control of hookworms in humans. Technological advances are underpinning the discovery of drug and vaccine targets through insights into the molecular biology and genomics of these parasites and their relationship with the human host. In spite of the widespread socio-economic impacts of human necatoriasis, molecular datasets for N. americanus are scant, limiting progress in molecular research. The present article explores all currently available EST datasets for adult and larval stages of N. americanus using a semi-automated bioinformatic pipeline. In the current repertoire of molecules now available, some have been or are being considered as candidate vaccines against N. americanus. Among others, the most abundant sets of molecules relate to the pathogenesis-related protein (PRP) superfamily, comprising various members, such as the Ancylostoma-secreted or activation-associated proteins (ASPs) and the kunitz-type proteins, both of which are inferred to play key roles in the interplay between N. americanus and the human host. Understanding the molecular biology of these and other novel molecules discovered could have important implications for finding new ways of disrupting the pathways that they are involved in, and should facilitate the identification of new drug and vaccine targets. Also, the bioinformatic prediction of the essentiality of genes and gene products as well as molecular network connectivity of nematode-specific genes, together with sequencing by 454 technology, are likely to assist in the genomic discovery efforts in the very near future, to also underpin fundamental, molecular research of hookworms.
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Costa AFD, Gomes-Ruiz AC, Rabelo ÉM. Identification of gender-regulated genes in Ancylostoma braziliense by real-time RT-PCR. Vet Parasitol 2008; 153:277-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2008.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2007] [Revised: 02/07/2008] [Accepted: 02/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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BUNGIRO RD, SUN T, HARRISON LM, SHOEMAKER CB, CAPPELLO M. Mucosal antibody responses in experimental hookworm infection. Parasite Immunol 2008; 30:293-303. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3024.2008.01023.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Cho Y, Jones BF, Vermeire JJ, Leng L, DiFedele L, Harrison LM, Xiong H, Kwong YKA, Chen Y, Bucala R, Lolis E, Cappello M. Structural and functional characterization of a secreted hookworm Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) that interacts with the human MIF receptor CD74. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:23447-56. [PMID: 17567581 PMCID: PMC3707627 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m702950200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hookworms, parasitic nematodes that infect nearly one billion people worldwide, are a major cause of anemia and malnutrition. We hypothesize that hookworms actively manipulate the host immune response through the production of specific molecules designed to facilitate infection by larval stages and adult worm survival within the intestine. A full-length cDNA encoding a secreted orthologue of the human cytokine, Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) has been cloned from the hookworm Ancylostoma ceylanicum. Elucidation of the three-dimensional crystal structure of recombinant AceMIF (rAceMIF) revealed an overall structural homology with significant differences in the tautomerase sites of the human and hookworm proteins. The relative bioactivities of human and hookworm MIF proteins were compared using in vitro assays of tautomerase activity, macrophage migration, and binding to MIF receptor CD74. The activity of rAceMIF was not inhibited by the ligand ISO-1, which was previously determined to be an inhibitor of the catalytic site of human MIF. These data define unique immunological, structural, and functional characteristics of AceMIF, thereby establishing the potential for selectively inhibiting the hookworm cytokine as a means of reducing parasite survival and disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonsang Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Brian F. Jones
- Program in International Child Health and Department of Pediatrics , Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Jon J. Vermeire
- Program in International Child Health and Department of Pediatrics , Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Lin Leng
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Lisa DiFedele
- Program in International Child Health and Department of Pediatrics , Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Lisa M. Harrison
- Program in International Child Health and Department of Pediatrics , Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology, Immunobiology Center, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029
| | - Yuen-Kwan Amy Kwong
- Department of Pharmacology, Immunobiology Center, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029
| | - Yibang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Immunobiology Center, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029
| | - Richard Bucala
- Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
| | - Elias Lolis
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
- To whom correspondence may be addressed: Dept. of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520.
| | - Michael Cappello
- Program in International Child Health and Department of Pediatrics , Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
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González Y, Pons T, Gil J, Besada V, Alonso-del-Rivero M, Tanaka AS, Araujo MS, Chávez MA. Characterization and comparative 3D modeling of CmPI-II, a novel ‘non-classical’ Kazal-type inhibitor from the marine snail Cenchritis muricatus (Mollusca). Biol Chem 2007; 388:1183-94. [DOI: 10.1515/bc.2007.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Brown AC, Harrison LM, Kapulkin W, Jones BF, Sinha A, Savage A, Villalon N, Cappello M. Molecular cloning and characterization of a C-type lectin from Ancylostoma ceylanicum: evidence for a role in hookworm reproductive physiology. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 151:141-7. [PMID: 17129620 PMCID: PMC1831819 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2006.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2006] [Revised: 10/25/2006] [Accepted: 10/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Lectins comprise a family of related proteins that mediate essential cell functions through binding to carbohydrates. Within this protein family, C-type lectins are defined by the requirement of calcium for optimal biologic activity. Using reverse transcription PCR, a cDNA corresponding to a putative C-type lectin has been amplified from the hookworm parasite Ancylostoma ceylanicum. The 550 nucleotide open reading frame of the A. ceylanicum C-type Lectin-1 (AceCTL-1) cDNA corresponds to a 167 amino acid mature protein (18,706 Da) preceded by a 17 amino acid secretory signal sequence. The recombinant protein (rAceCTL-1) was expressed in Drosophila S2 cells and purified using a combination of affinity chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. Using in vitro carbohydrate binding studies, it was determined that rAceCTL-1 binds N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, a common component of eukaryotic egg cell membranes. Using a polyclonal IgG raised against the recombinant protein, the native AceCTL-1 was identified in sperm and soluble protein extracts of adult male A. ceylanicum by immunoblot. Probing of adult hookworm sections with the polyclonal IgG demonstrated localization to the testes in males, as well as the spermatheca and developing embryos in females, consistent with its role as a sperm protein. Together, these data strongly suggest that AceCTL-1 is a male gender-specific C-type lectin with a function in hookworm reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael Cappello
- Corresponding author: Mail: Yale Child Health Research Center, 464 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520, , Tel: 203-737-432, Fax: 203-737-5972
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Page AP, McCormack G, Birnie AJ. Biosynthesis and enzymology of the Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle: identification and characterization of a novel serine protease inhibitor. Int J Parasitol 2006; 36:681-9. [PMID: 16500660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2006.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Revised: 01/06/2006] [Accepted: 01/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans represents an excellent model in which to dissect the biosynthesis and assembly of the nematode cuticle. A sequenced genome, straightforward transgenesis, available mutants and practical genome-wide RNAi approaches provide an invaluable toolkit in the characterization of cuticle components. We have performed a targeted RNAi screen in an attempt to identify components of the cuticle collagen biosynthetic pathway. Collagen biosynthesis and cuticle assembly are multi-step processes that involve numerous key enzymes involved in post-translational modification, trimer folding, procollagen processing and subsequent cross-linking stages. For many of these steps, the modifications and the enzymes are unique to nematodes and may represent attractive targets for the control of parasitic nematodes. A novel serine protease inhibitor was uncovered during our targeted screen, which is involved in collagen maturation, proper cuticle assembly and the moulting process. We have confirmed a link between this inhibitor and the previously uncharacterised bli-5 locus in C. elegans. The mutant phenotype, spatial expression pattern and the over-expression phenotype of the BLI-5 protease inhibitor and their relevance to collagen biosynthesis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony P Page
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
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Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes are incredibly successful parasites. Choosing to live in an exposed extracellular niche, in confrontation with a potentially hostile environment, their persistent, chronic lifestyle is persuasive evidence in itself for their profound ability to modulate their hosts' immune response. Modulation is essential to avoid their own destruction but also subtly balanced to avoid compromising host survival. This review describes the early circumstantial evidence that gave clues to the immunomodulatory capabilities of the GI nematodes, the roles that T regulatory cells and alternatively activated macrophages play in this immunomodulation and provides examples of the types of specific parasite-derived factors that are known to modulate host immunity, potentiating parasite survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Else
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
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Torto-Alalibo T, Tian M, Gajendran K, Waugh ME, van West P, Kamoun S. Expressed sequence tags from the oomycete fish pathogen Saprolegnia parasitica reveal putative virulence factors. BMC Microbiol 2005; 5:46. [PMID: 16076392 PMCID: PMC1192801 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-5-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2005] [Accepted: 08/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica is one of the most economically important fish pathogens. There is a dramatic recrudescence of Saprolegnia infections in aquaculture since the use of the toxic organic dye malachite green was banned in 2002. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenicity in S. parasitica and other animal pathogenic oomycetes. In this study we used a genomics approach to gain a first insight into the transcriptome of S. parasitica. Results We generated 1510 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a mycelial cDNA library of S. parasitica. A total of 1279 consensus sequences corresponding to 525944 base pairs were assembled. About half of the unigenes showed similarities to known protein sequences or motifs. The S. parasitica sequences tended to be relatively divergent from Phytophthora sequences. Based on the sequence alignments of 18 conserved proteins, the average amino acid identity between S. parasitica and three Phytophthora species was 77% compared to 93% within Phytophthora. Several S. parasitica cDNAs, such as those with similarity to fungal type I cellulose binding domain proteins, PAN/Apple module proteins, glycosyl hydrolases, proteases, as well as serine and cysteine protease inhibitors, were predicted to encode secreted proteins that could function in virulence. Some of these cDNAs were more similar to fungal proteins than to other eukaryotic proteins confirming that oomycetes and fungi share some virulence components despite their evolutionary distance Conclusion We provide a first glimpse into the gene content of S. parasitica, a reemerging oomycete fish pathogen. These resources will greatly accelerate research on this important pathogen. The data is available online through the Oomycete Genomics Database [1].
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Affiliation(s)
- Trudy Torto-Alalibo
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Miaoying Tian
- Department of Plant Pathology, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio, USA
| | - Kamal Gajendran
- National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
| | - Mark E Waugh
- National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
| | - Pieter van West
- Aberdeen Oomycete Group, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Sophien Kamoun
- National Center for Genome Resources, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hookworm infection remains a major health burden in developing countries. Successful control will likely be achieved through continued advances in our understanding of the epidemiology, molecular biology and immunopathogenesis of hookworm infection. This review summarizes recent advances in each of these fields, and discusses ongoing efforts to develop vaccines against hookworm anemia and growth delay. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS Revised estimates indicate that hookworms afflict over 700 million persons in tropical and subtropical regions. Prevalence and intensity often vary considerably at both the regional and local levels, and may be influenced by climate, soil composition, education, and socioeconomic status. Immunoepidemiological studies suggest that hookworm infection likely induces a complex mixture of host-protective and pathological immune responses. There has been substantial progress in elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of hookworm disease, primarily through the identification of a number of parasite virulence factors. Mass chemotherapy remains a mainstay of hookworm control strategies although continued use of benzimidazole anthelminthics is perhaps contributing to the development of anthelminthic resistance. Consequently, there remains a need for innovative approaches, including the development of vaccines and new chemotherapeutic agents, in order to provide effective global control of hookworm disease. SUMMARY Hookworm infection and disease is a significant threat to global health. Recent advances, particularly those at the molecular level, have provided a wealth of opportunities to better understand pathogenesis. This will likely allow for the development of novel measures such as vaccines to complement existing control methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bungiro
- Program in International Child Health, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8081, USA
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